Router tables are definitely very useful, as they hold a router in place to make your life easier. They are often used for cabinetry and basic wood working, and for intricate designs on occasion as well. That said, finding the right one for you can be hard. Let’s get to it and help you find the best router table right now!
Comparison Table
| Product | Name | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. KREG Precision Router Table System |
| CHECK PRICE |
RUNNER UP | 2. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 3. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 4. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 5. Skil RAS900 Router Table |
| CHECK PRICE |
Related Reading: Best Plunge Router Review
Best Router Table: Reviews
1. KREG Precision Router Table System
If you are on the hunt for a high quality router table that is really versatile, the KREG Precision Router Table System is a good option to keep in mind. It’s highly compatible with most routers, is very easy to use, and has some other good features too. Keep in mind that this thing does cost a pretty penny, but in our opinion, it is well worth the investment.
Product Highlights
For one, the KREG Precision Router Table System is fairly easy to assemble. Yes, it does need to assembled, and you might want a helping hand, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a huge job to complete. Another big feature of this router table is that it is quite durable. It is made out of 100% steel, which is always nice because steel is super tough. Furthermore, the legs on this thing are designed to be very stable for the ultimate in safety. What’s also cool about the table is that you can adjust it in height from 31 to 39 inches, which adds a bit of convenience to the mix as well.
The KREG Precision Router Table System features a table top area of 24 by 32 inches, which should be more than large enough for most basic needs.
Now, it isn’t huge, but it should do fine for basic routing of all kinds, just not super large jobs. What you might also like about this particular router is that it comes with a router insert plate with three molded Level-Loc reducing rings. In other words, this thing is compatible with pretty much any router out there right now, another bonus no doubt.
This is a T-square style router table which comes with T-Square router fence, one that features a micro adjust wheel for very precise setups. What is also cool is that this thing comes with a T-slot miter channel that works with a lot of accessories for mitering and other jobs. Keep in mind that the table top here is made of MDF and covered in an easy slide coating. At the end of the day, this has to be one of the best router tables out there.
The Good
For one, we like the KREG Precision Router Table System because it is very durable and well build. It has solid legs and a really high quality table top. There is also the fact that it is compatible with many different routers, plus it comes with a couple of nice features that help to increase precision and accuracy.
The Bad
It seems that when the KREG Precision Router Table System is delivered, it tends to have missing parts, which is of course a big drawback for anybody who wants to set it up and get going. On a side note, the fence here is somewhat difficult to move.
Pros
- Quite accurate
- High level of durability
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Fence is a bit hard to move
- Might be missing parts for assembly
2. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
So, whereas the previous product was a full router table in itself, this is actually a bench top router table. This means that it does not have much height or is that large, and it needs to be put on a table or work bench for use. It’s a good option for smaller jobs and even for being on the go, not to mention that it costs about a third of the price of the previous product we looked at.
Product Highlights
A big feature of the Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table is that it can be attached to any work bench out there, or most work benches anyway. All you need to do is use the screws to attach it to a work bench and you are good to go, as long as the work bench is large enough. Now, this is a bench top model, but beware that it is not the smallest or lightest option around, as it does come in at 6 feet long. Now, we would not consider it to be highly portable, but it is on the other hand more portable than a full router table.
You might like how the Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table comes with a large aluminum work surface that is 27 inches wide and 18 inches deep. It’s not the largest work surface, but should be fine for smaller and medium size jobs. Keep in mind that this thing has a maximum throat and fence opening of 2 – 5/8 inches, which is alright, but also not too big. Moreover, the Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table accepts router bits up to 3.5 inches in diameter. You might also like the rigid aluminum router mounting plate that is designed to fit a variety of routers.
The tall aluminum fence is 25-1/8 inches long and 4-7/8 inches in length, and it does an ok job at handling tall stock. The adjustable MDF face plates definitely help with smoothness and support. The included dual feather boards here are adjustable and designed to support work pieces, a number of different sizes. This thing also comes with a dust port, a power switch, and dual outlets for plugging in your router and another power tool too.
The Good
There are various good aspects of the Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table. For one, we do like how it is a bench top model that easily secures to most work benches. Moreover, it can handle a variety of routers and router bit, plus it comes with some good features to help with accuracy too.
The Bad
One thing to note about the Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table is that the stand itself is made out of plastic and just is not that durable. Another issue is that the base plate screws and other screws tend to loosen on their own with use.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Somewhat portable
- Reliable and accurate
- Versatile
Cons
- Issue of loosening screws
- Base and legs made of cheap plastic
3. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
This is another fairly inexpensive bench top router table to go with. It is highly compatible with many routers and work benches, and is very easy to set up. It features a cabinet style construction, it has good dust collection and noise reduction capabilities. All in all, for the price which this thing comes in at, it is a good find no doubt.
Product Highlights
The Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table features a premium working surface that is quite durable, scratch resistant, and made to be very smooth to allow wood to easily glide over it for accurate and precise cuts. We do have to say that we like the overall quality, durability, and construction of this thing, as it is clearly built to last for quite some time.
Furthermore, this thing is designed to fit a large variety of routers. Furthermore, on that same note, it is also compatible with most work benches out there. Yes, you do have to mount it on a work bench, which can be a pain, but at least this is easily done.
The Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table comes with an all-aluminum fence measuring 4-7/8 x 25-1/8, which we do like because it has the ability to handle fairly tall stock. What’s also nice is that the fence features MDF face plates that provide good support and allow for fairly smooth operation. It also comes with a rigid aluminum mounting plate that stays flat for really accurate and precise cuts every single time.
What you might also like here is that the Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table comes with dual feather boards that are very easy to adjust to fit a variety of work pieces, and are useful for controlling stock and reducing feedback. The adjustable clear guard which is included here is another bonus, as it definitely helps with safety. This thing also comes with a dust port that supports 2.5 inch dust vacuums, plus it also comes with an accessories slot to hold additional accessories. The whole thing measures 25-1/2 x 14-1/2 x 15-7/8 inches and weighs just over 40 pounds. It is actually quite portable.
The Good
The Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table is a good option to go with because the cabinet provides for a secure base, it allows for a good vacuum system, and it reduces noise and vibration too. Not being too big or heavy, being able to work with a variety of routers, and being able to mount on pretty much any work bench are all big benefits too.
The Bad
What we don’t like about the Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table is that the power switch seems to have electrical issues at times and won’t turn on right. Furthermore, there have been instances where the router plate is not very flat.
Pros
- Durable
- Fairly portable
- Adjustable guard
Cons
- Power switch issue
- Plate is not always flat
- Not ideal for large jobs
4. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension
Ok, so while this is technically a router table per say, realistically, it is actually an extension wing for a table saw, one that happens to be a router table extension. It’s a pretty neat item we do have to say, and it does come with a number of cool features, but it will also cost you a pretty penny, as it is not the most cost effective product around.
Product Highlights
The Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension is designed to fit contractor-grade table saws and all right-tilt cabinet-grade table saws that have 27-Inch deep by 1-1/2-Inch thick cast iron tables. So, do keep in mind that it is quite specific in terms of size and needs the above stats to work. It is not going to work with just any table saw.
What is pretty neat here is that the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension comes with a fence with J-hooks, so you can actually detach the fence and let it hang on the side as you use the table saw. It’s a good feature because it means that this router table won’t get in the way of using the table saw it is attached to. The fence itself is not the best in the world, but then again, it is easy to adjust and provides accurate cuts, but it’s just not the most durable item in the world.
The Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension has a plate opening of 8-1/4 by 11-3/4 inches, so it should be able to work with most basic routers. The plate itself is 3/8 inches thick, which is quite nice. What we do like here is the dual fence configuration that allows you to rotate the fence and use the table from either side. This thing also comes with a nice miter slot for mitering and other such purposes.
The Good
The good part about the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension is that it makes for a good addition to any table saw without the need for a full new table. Moreover, mounting it is done fairly easy, and the router extension itself is here is quite accurate, not to mention fairly compatible with most routers.
The Bad
One thing which we do not like here is that of course, you need to have a table saw to use the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension. Moreover, it cannot be attached to the left extension side of a cabinet saw, which can be an issue. On occasion, it can be hard to line up with a table saw when installing it.
Pros
- Durable
- Very accurate
- Useful if you have a table saw
Cons
- Won’t work on the left extension
- Can be hard to line up
5. Skil RAS900 Router Table
This final option here on our list today is another bench top model that is fairly small and portable, one that is relatively inexpensive when compared to other options here today. This thing is accurate, durable, and quite easy to use as well.
Product Highlights
One thing which you might like about the Skil RAS900 Router Table is that it comes with a really nice table. The table top here is designed to be highly durable and to be very smooth for easy gliding and easy use. However, keep in mind that it is known to scratch on occasion. What you might also like is that this thing is compatible with a wide variety of routers, all but the very largest ones. Keep in mind that while this is a useful router table, it is fairly small. It is not really designed for very large routers or to be used for very large jobs. The bit height gauge included here is quite useful no doubt.
The Skil RAS900 Router Table is a bench top model, so you will need to mount it to a work bench. It can be a bit of a pain in the neck, but once you have it mounted, you will be good to go. Now, what is pretty cool about this thing is that the legs are solid and come with lots of storage space included in them for a variety of tools and accessories.
Moreover, one of the most convenient aspects here is that the legs fold down, so the Skil RAS900 Router Table creates a compact little package when not in use. It’s not too heavy and not very large when folded down, which does help with portability and storage. Here you also get a starter pin and a guard to help support a work piece when routing curved edges, plus you also get two feather boards, which always come in quite handy.
The Good
The good part about the Skil RAS900 Router Table is that it is just a very simple and user friendly thing to have. It is highly portable and not very heavy, it is fairly easy to mount, it is compatible with many routers and work benches, and has a couple of good features for accuracy too.
The Bad
Something which we do not like about the Skil RAS900 Router Table is that the legs and base just are not all that durable. On a side note, this is not the most precise or accurate router table, so using it for really fine jobs might not be the best choice.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compatible with most routers
- Easy storage and portability
Cons
- Not the most accurate option
- Base and legs are not durable
Router Table Buyer’s Guide
Before you go out and buy a router table, there are some considerations that you should keep in mind so you get the router table that is right for you.
1. Full Table vs Bench Top – One important consideration to keep in mind here is whether you want a full table model or a bench top model. Full table models will usually be able to handle larger routers and larger jobs, but of course, are not nearly as portable or easy to use as a bench top model. It’s a tradeoff to think about.
2. The Surface – Another big consideration to look at here is the table itself, or in other words, the surface which the wood glides over. A good MDF coated table always works well because they are smooth and resistant to scratching and damage. You need something good that will last for a long time.
3. The Fence – The fence is another important feature to keep an eye out for here. You need a fence that is easily adjustable, because the fence helps with accuracy and to keep things lined up. It needs to be secure when in place, but also easy to move around when needed.
4. Dust Collection – Now, none of the router tables we looked at here have dust collectors, but they do come with ports so you can install a vacuum if required. Just make sure that the hole for the vacuum is the right size.
5. The Base – The other thing to look out for here is the base. You want the base to be very steady and stable, because a wobbly base is not going to do you any favors. This does also have to do with assembly and how well you assemble it.
FAQ
1. Do router tables come with routers?
Unless you spend a whole lot of money, no, most router tables do not come with the router or router bits included.
2. What is a router table for?
A router is used to cut out parts of wood or hollow out certain sections of a work piece, often used for things like cabinet making. Router tables hold the router in place so you don’t have to.
3. How to use a router table?
In essence, install your router in the bottom of it, choose the bit you want, adjust the fence for the right position, turn the router on, and slide your wood over the table top.
4. Should I make my own router table?
While many handymen choose to make their own basic router tables, this can easily go wrong, and it does take some time. You are probably better off buying an inexpensive one.
5. Are router tables portable?
It really depends. There are full size router tables which are not portable in the least, but there are also bench top models which can weigh around 50 pounds and are not too hard to transport.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, due to overall function, precision, and durability, we would recommend the KREG Precision Router Table System. If you happen to want a router table extension for an existing table saw you have, the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension is a cool option to keep in mind.
