Router tables are great for the woodworker or DIYer who is constantly fixing, constructing, or building their own projects at home. Remember, to use a router in a hand-held mode is virtually useless; you need a table to be able to use a router.
For anyone used to using a table saw or band saw for making long cuts, you can appreciate the ease of use and accuracy that a router table can provide. With the right router and table, the router table is an invaluable addition to your tools that allows you to accomplish tasks that might otherwise be too difficult or take too long to accomplish by hand.
For those who have used a router table in the past, you know that, like any woodworking tool, there is a price to pay if you want to use it properly and have a good experience.
They’re not like tables saws that are built for people who don’t know what they’re doing — and therein lies the rub.
For many woodworkers, the purchase of a router table is an expensive plunge into unfamiliar territory.
You’ll need to make some careful considerations to decide what table saw and router will work the best for your projects and budget.
Here are the 10 best router tables for your money.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| KREG Precision Router Table System | Best Overall |  |
| Dremel 231 Portable Rotary Tool Shaper and Router Table | Budget Pick |  |
| Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. KREG Precision Router Table System
Pros:
- Sturdy and solid MDF table top
- Precision milled slots with guide crests and a fence
- Versatile and affordable
- Smooth table adjuster for quick table height adjustments
- Extension wings can be folded in for free standing operation
- Includes a dust collection port
- Height of the table can be adjusted for our precise cuts
- Can be assembled by one person
Kreg produced this solid router table that is quite affordable. You don’t need to set aside a large budget for your router table set up. The PRS1045KP is packed with features, and I found it to be easy to use for both vertical and horizontal cuts.
The Incra Lift is a pretty cool router lift and you’re able to use the PRS1045 with a router lift up to 10 inches. I’ve used it with my Craftsman Router, and it worked well.
One of the main advantages of using a one-piece top is that you’re more likely to produce accurate, consistently flat and smooth cuts every time. You don’t need to worry about the top warping over time.
2. Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181
Pros:
- Long lasting wooden fence
- Durable
- Easy to assemble
- Ability to change router bits quickly
Cons:
- Poor instructions
- Surface is not very durable
What makes the Bosch Router Table ideal for woodworking beginners is its simplicity. You can adjust the table to fit the work piece securely and would not have to worry about making any large adjustments.
The table itself is sturdy and strong despite its lightweight which is great in case you need to move in from place to place.
It has got a big table surface measuring 17.1 x 11.8 inches and with the range of features that it comes with, you can be sure that it is a solid piece of equipment. It comes with a strong dust collection chute and a fixed fence.
3. Dremel 231 Portable Rotary Tool Shaper and Router Table
Pros:
- Compatible with Dremel rotary tool, exclusively made by Dremel
- Easily portable to any workbench or job site
- Strong, non-slip surface with extra-strong aluminum alloy material
- Includes a work guide
- Ergonomic for easier operation
- Assembly kit included
- Solid build
- Stable even on an uneven surface
- Easy to clean
- Dust collection port
This work table attachment was made exclusively by Dremel and it’s designed to be used with their rotary tools.
This attachment can be transported easily and can be used on the go, since it’s compatible with their corded or cordless rotary tools.
The table is made from aluminum and has a strong, non slip surface, so it’s very stable and flexible.
4. Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
Pros:
- Made of durable and high-quality materials that ensure performance and durability
- Plenty of features that make routing easier
- Comes with a dust port for portability
- Easy to use and well-designed
The Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table is a great dual- and single-router solution for general woodworking applications. It easily fits in any workbench and provides a lot of workspace thanks to its open sides. It also comes with a dust port for portability.
The top surface of the PRS2100 features a cast aluminum flat plate that is hardened for maximum strength. This router table cover comes with a special mounting system that allows you to mount it to the bench through a clamp. No tools are required for this. It also has a wide inlet for easy and safe bit insertion.
The PRS2100 comes with a T-square style fence that allows for pin joint and notched cuts. It is also easily adjustable by simply loosening up the knobs.
5. Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171
Pros:
- Great for those who produce big workpieces at home
- Comes with pre-installed dust port
- Good ergonomics
- Comes with adjustable fence
- Comes with steel extensions
- Maximum bit capacity is 3/4"
- Powerful 240V motor
Cons:
- May not be stable depending on the bench
- Not height-adjustable
- Lacks dual fence
- Dust port cannot be turned off
- Extremely expensive
If you're a professional or just someone who enjoys making big pieces of wood or furniture, the Bosch RA1171 is a terrific option. This cabinet-style router table allows you to make large and wide pieces of wood without the need of placing it on an additional surface. It has a dust port that can be connected to an external vacuum hose, thereby, reducing the dust. Its fence can also be adjusted to two different types of bases. It comes with three metal extensions that boost its hinging capabilities, as well as a motor that is powered by 240V. It is not, however, height-adjustable like the majority of the inexpensive router tables. Additionally, it only supports bits up to 3/4". It's also very expensive.
6. Skil RAS900 Router Table
Pros:
- Solid base frame
- Provides ample storage for all the accessories
- Space efficient design
Cons:
- The set-up instructions aren’t intuitive.
The Skil RAS900 has a sturdy base frame that not only provides stability, but it also offers plenty of storage for all the accessories. You can also add a dust collection system to this model by simply purchasing an adaptor kit.
For a router table, the Skil RAS900 comes with a large workable surface area. It measures 3-3/8″ x 18-1/4″.
It features a dust port and is easy to assemble. One thing that we don’t like about this model is that the set-up instructions aren’t very intuitive.
7. Trim Router Table
Pros:
- Flexible enough for both new and experienced woodworkers.
- Simple to set up and use.
- Looks great and is designed to be a multipurpose tool, and it works!
- Easy to clean.
- Has a huge table surface and cuts very precise and smooth.
- Some assembly required.
- The router plate seems a bit narrow in comparison to the table surface.
- This is another well made product from Ryobi, which is a common sight to see on our best of lists!
The router table gives you many dimensions so that you can work on many projects. The depth of the table helps you to calculate the right cut so that you do not overshoot off the end on your workpiece.
As always the Ryobi brand has great instructions with measurement measurements included! which makes for a perfect gift for yourself or someone else!
The router table is really great when it comes to cleaning up. The router fits nicely and easily inside the table.
8. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension
Pros:
- Super-Stable
- Plenty of Features, such as dust collection, easy to move, etc.
The professional grade Bench Dog Router Table Extension is an extremely versatile tool that’s designed to stretch the capabilities of your router and make it easier to accomplish the perfect router table setup. It’s a very heavy piece that’s been built extremely well. It’s also incredibly sturdy, which means that there’s very little wobble.
The Bench Dog Tools ProMax Router Table Extension comes with a step-by-step video to guide you through the process of assembly.
9. Goplus Electric Aluminum Router Table Wood Working Craftsman Tool Benchtop
Pros:
- Fits most 12-amp handheld router
- Very well finished and very easy to clean
- Includes one standard router plate (Plate R-9)
- Multi-function control panel
- Ideal for router hobbyists or small workshop
Cons:
- Cannot be folded
- Lacks storage area
- Placement of the miter gauge could be better
- The included clamp could be better
- The table inserts are a little thin
There is no doubt that electric router tables are a lot safer for home use than portable models. This would be the perfect gift for any woodworker looking to get started with a router. It would also be suitable for professional use in a fair sized workshop.
The table is very well designed with plenty of included accessories. It is quite easy to assemble as well.
The best thing about this router table is the solidity of the table itself. The upper and lower parts of the table are joined without the use of a single bolt. Unlike many other tables, you don’t need to secure the table with screws to hold it together.
10. Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo
Pros:
- “Buy once and buy right” philosophy
- One of the largest selection of router bits
- Super versatile
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best router table to buy?
Answering a question like this in isolation is nearly impossible. The best router table for any consumer depends on the individual needs and wants of that consumer.
For some, this will mean that it'll be an inexpensive bench top option from a big-box retailer. Others may wish to spend a bit more for a larger or more versatile router table.
While there are several features that will matter more (or less) to different people, there are a few in particular that I think will matter most:
A router table needs to be well-built. This is an electronic device that a user will handle, as well as store a tool that they will use quite often. All of this added to the abuse of everyday use will mean that a flimsy table isn't going to last. All of the router tables on our list will be well-built, or they wouldn't have made it here.
Will any router fit any router table?
Not necessarily. If you're buying a router table, you'll definitely want to ensure it's compatible with your preferred router to avoid serious frustration later on. Here are a few things to look for when shopping, and some questions to ask when buying a router table:
What kind of hardware will you need?
Look for tables that will accommodate your preferred router, or ask if you're not sure. Additionally, many will be able to fit a large variety of routers, but they may require additional attachments to fit yours.
How quickly and easily can it attach to your router?
You'll have various options on the market to connect your router and table, so choose one that fits you best. One of the more popular options, and my personal favorite, is the Cam Truss Fence, which works with most table saws and fences.
Is a router table worth it?
Maybe, maybe not. The reason I include this section is because some people ask me what the best way to use a router is. That question is too broad.
In my opinion, the best router in the world isn't worth much if you don't know how to use it correctly. Therefore, I've started to think of a router table as a tool, and I am including it here in this section just like I do with all the other tools in this guide.
How thick should a router table be?
The thickness of a router table is an important aspect that you will want to take into consideration while shopping for one. Oftentimes a compromise is made in this regard, but it's one that you'll likely be fine with.
The smaller the raise/cut of a router bit, the better the plate of the router table needs to be. That's because depth of cut will only get deeper if your plate is thinner. Think of it as the rigidity of the table in the same way you would think of the rigidity of a router.
Conclusion
Table saws are common pieces of power tools found in many workshops across the world. However, it can be argued that table saws have several shortcomings. For one, they require a lot of skill to use as well as a considerable amount of safety precautions. A lot of times, cuts still don’t go the way they were intended to once the blade is started thanks to the machine’s weight. On top of that, table saws could not be used for some jobs. Router tables, on the other hand, are excellent tools to have.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| KREG Precision Router Table System | Best Overall | |
| Dremel 231 Portable Rotary Tool Shaper and Router Table | Budget Pick | |
| Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension | Upgrade Pick | |