A router table can be a great addition to your toolbox if you enjoy working with wood and want to increase your precision with larger projects. It allows you to use your router more like a table saw, with fences that help you make more accurate cuts than you could otherwise manage by hand.
They come in all shapes and sizes, as do their accessories, but these seven models have proven to be among the best available today. They’re all solid and reliable machines that won’t let you down even under heavy use. If you’re looking to get your hands on the best router table money can buy, one of these will definitely help you reach that goal.
- Best Overall: Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181
- Best Budget Option: SKIL RAS900
- Best Versatile Option: Ryobi Universal Router Table
- Best Portable Option: Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table RA1141
- Best for Beginners: Bosch RA1181 Router Table
- Best for Home Use: Leegol Electric Benchtop Router Table
- Best Router Table with Stand: Skil RAS900 Router Table
Best Overall Router Table: Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181
- Benchtop router table design
- Features a large aluminum top for extended work area, durability, and precision
- Rigid aluminum mounting plate
- Pre-drilled for compatibility with a variety of routers and for above-table height adjustment
- Extra tall aluminum fence
- Has adjustable faceplates and feather boards to maximize precision and versatility
- Dedicated standard dust-collection port
- Fits standard 2-1/2 inch vacuum hoses for debris-free operation to help keep your work area clean
- Easy-to-use adjustable feather boards
- Attach to fence and table, providing additional guidance and kickback protection
- 27 in. x 18 in.
- Aluminum top
- 2-1/2 in. vacuum hose port
The Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 is the best overall option because of its incredible flexibility, durability, and ease of use. It’s also aesthetically pleasing and has a clean design that allows for easy storage.
It has a strong mounting router table plate suitable for various routers, and its benchtop table design includes an aluminum top. The Bosch Benchtop is an excellent choice for your router table needs.
The table features a clamping system that allows you to adjust the height of your workpiece, so you don’t have to worry about bumping it into the fence, or the fence itself. The integrated dust collection port makes use of easy-to-clean dust bags and filters, which means less time cleaning up your workspace and more time creating.
Check out Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: SKIL RAS900
- Accessory storage containers protect and store accessories with router table
- RAS900 comes with 2 containers and includes quick clamp system
- 2 feather-boards help guide work-piece for more accurate routing
- Bit height gauge helps simplify set-up and improves accuracy of cuts
- Starter pin and guard help support work-piece when routing curved edges
The SKIL RAS900 is the best option for those with a limited budget who cannot afford to spend much on a router table. The SKIL RAS900 is a great choice if you’re looking to start woodworking or just need a basic tool that will allow you to make some simple cuts.
It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has a built-in dust collection system. It also comes with an adjustable depth stop, allowing you to adjust the table’s height without moving the router plate itself. This feature is especially useful if you are using long boards or large pieces of wood, as it prevents you from moving the board or piece of wood off the table while working on it.
Check out SKIL RAS900 on Amazon.
Please Note: As of July 18, 2023, the SKIL RAS900 Router Table is currently unavailable on Amazon. If you are unable to locate this product elsewhere, please check back later.
Best Versatile Router Table: Ryobi Universal Router Table
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with...
The Ryobi Universal Router Table is an affordable table that works with any router. The height of the table can be set to accommodate various workpiece heights, and it has a universal mounting system for easy attachment to many different routers.
It also has lots of space for accessories and storage underneath the table, which makes it a great option for those with limited space. The base comes equipped with an adjustable height and depth setting, allowing you to get the perfect angle for making your cut.
It also comes with a built-in dust collector that collects sawdust and debris from your cutting projects — keeping your workspace clean and tidy. You can also customize the height of the table itself, allowing you to adjust it for different router sizes.
Check out Ryobi Universal Router Table on Amazon.
Best Portable Router Table: Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table RA1141
- Ultra-portable design – Features folding legs for fast setup and easy storage
- Easy click router mounting system – Provides easy bit changes and no leveling
- Laminated MDF top – Helps users make smooth and precise cuts
- Onboard storage – Ideal for holding router bits and spare parts
- No assembly required – Comes preassembled
Bosch is a name you can trust. Their products are known for their durability and incredible performance. The Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table RA1141 is one of their best routers, and it’s perfect for any shop or workspace.
It’s lightweight and won’t weigh down your workstation or table, but it’s also built to last. It has plenty of storage space so you can keep all your tools organized and easily accessible at all times. The MDF laminated top helps users make smooth and precise cuts.
The RA1141 also has an integrated dust collection system that keeps track of how much dust is in the air, so you don’t have to worry about overworking your vacuum system or blowing dust everywhere when you’re routing!
Check out Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table RA1141 on Amazon.
Best Router Table for Beginners: Bosch RA1181 Router Table
- Benchtop router table design
- Features a large aluminum top for extended work area, durability, and precision
- Rigid aluminum mounting plate
- Pre-drilled for compatibility with a variety of routers and for above-table height adjustment
- Extra tall aluminum fence
- Has adjustable faceplates and feather boards to maximize precision and versatility
- Dedicated standard dust-collection port
- Fits standard 2-1/2 inch vacuum hoses for debris-free operation to help keep your work area clean
- Easy-to-use adjustable feather boards
- Attach to fence and table, providing additional guidance and kickback protection
- 27 in. x 18 in.
- Aluminum top
- 2-1/2 in. vacuum hose port
Getting started in woodworking doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Bosch’s Bosch RA1181 Router Table is a good option for beginners, offering a solid foundation for those just getting started. It features an adjustable fence that helps you get precise cuts every time, feather boards, dust collection, and onboard storage for bits and accessories.
This table is very simple to use — just attach your router and clamp it down, and that’s all there is to it. It is designed with a wide top surface that’s great for sanding, routing, and routing on curved surfaces. The RA1181 has a built-in fence, so you can ensure your workpiece is where you want it to be.
It also has a depth gauge that helps you track how deep into your cutting material is. Finally, this table has a large work surface, making it easy to cut large pieces of wood at once.
The table is both sturdy and portable thanks to its sizable aluminum top. This table also has a powerful motor with a variable speed control knob to ensure that your cuts are done quickly and efficiently.
Check out Bosch RA1181 Router Table on Amazon.
Best Router Table for Home Use: Leegol Electric Benchtop Router Table
- 【Extra Large Extension Table to the Main Table】Besides the main table, this router table features extension tables at both ends. Each extension table comes with an extra-large size of 8" × 18" and an easy-slide surface, helping you complete routing projects better.
- 【Retractable Guard and Suits Most Router Bits】There is a transparent guard inserted into the fence with no binding to keep wood chips from flying around. This router table is designed for routers with up to a 6-inch (155mm) diameter base plate. Router bits with base plates within this size all works.
- 【Multifunctional Fence and Exact Miter Gauge】The fence is able to provide work piece support around the bit and with the combination of jointing fence to make the table be used as a vertical jointer. On the tabletop, it includes a precise miter gauge for aiding in straight and predictable cuts. It can be used to help measure angles.
- 【Selected Material and Rugged Durable Frame】Consists of aluminum alloy do of the main table and steel do of the extension table and structure, this router table is rugged durable. The aluminum table is rustproof and lighter for easy moving, and the wide stance heavy-duty steel stands increase the stability.
- 【Quick Installation and Easy Care and Cleaning】Coming with detailed instruction manual, you can easily complete the assembly by referring to it. The grooved surface keeps dust and chips away from work place, making cleaning easier. It’s easy to maintain this router in a dry and cool place.
For people who want to continue making their projects look professional, the Leegol Electric Benchtop Router Table is the best option for home use. Its smooth surface makes it easy to finish and sand your project before you assemble it.
The table will also hold your router securely in place so that you don’t have to worry about it falling off while you work on it. The table is lightweight and easy to move around, so you can use it anywhere in your house without worrying about its weight or size.
The Leegol Electric Benchtop Router Table comes with a full-size fence and a sliding base plate for extra stability. Its large surface area allows users to create intricate designs without worrying about the size or shape of their workpieces.
It features an aluminum casting that creates a stable base without taking up too much space in your workshop or garage. The top surface is also made from durable material so that it won’t get damaged easily if you accidentally drop something on it while using it.
Check out Leegol Electric Benchtop Router Table on Amazon.
Best Router Table with Stand: Skil RAS900 Router Table
- Accessory storage containers protect and store accessories with router table
- RAS900 comes with 2 containers and includes quick clamp system
- 2 feather-boards help guide work-piece for more accurate routing
- Bit height gauge helps simplify set-up and improves accuracy of cuts
- Starter pin and guard help support work-piece when routing curved edges
The Skil RAS900 Router Table has many great features. It’s made of high-quality materials and has a sturdy build. This table offers users a straightforward design with an easy-to-use fence that allows for quick and accurate cuts. The table features a built-in dust collector and adjustable height to make it easier to use.
It has a section with accessory storage containers that can be used with the router table. The clamp system is designed to be simple and quick, guaranteeing that your project is completed on time. The Skil RAS900 includes two feather boards to assist woodworkers in guiding their wooden projects. Its fence is movable and can accommodate any material you wish to work with.
Check out Skil RAS900 Router Table on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Router Table: Step by Step
If you’re looking for a way to improve your woodworking, a router table is one of the best tools you can buy. However, there are a lot of options out there, and it can be difficult to figure out which is the best one for you. When it comes to picking the right one, there are some important things to consider:
- Size
- Build
- Cost
- Fence
Now let’s explore each in more detail.
Size
The size of your router table will largely depend on the type of work you do. If you’re just starting and want to test out your skills, you may be able to get by with a smaller table. However, if you’re a professional woodworker and have a large shop, you’ll want something that can handle the size of your projects.
You should also consider how many bits or accessories you plan to add to your setup. A larger table will allow for more storage space than a smaller one.
Build
You’ll also need to consider build quality when choosing a router table. Some are made from metal, while others are made from plastic. Plastic tables tend to be lighter but more susceptible to damage from drops or mishaps with tools like drills and saws.
On the other hand, metal tables tend to be heavier but more durable against such hazards. A good material would be aluminum because it doesn’t rust and is easy to clean.
Cost
The prices of these items range from $150 to $700. Generally, a more expensive table will provide a higher level of quality, but this is not always the case. Another thing to note is that some tables can be used with different types of routers, while others are specific for one make and model of router.
If you only plan on using your table occasionally, buying something cheaper may be worth your money. Make sure that whatever model you choose has good reviews from other customers who have purchased similar products in the past.
Fence
A fence is a must-have for any router table that you use regularly. A good router table should have a fence that is easy to adjust and lock in place. The fence keeps the workpiece from sliding off the top surface of your board, which can lead to accidents and damage to your project.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Router Table
If you want to buy the best router table, you will want to consider a few things before making your purchase. First, you need to consider the size of your work area. If you have a small shop and do not have much room for a router table, it may not be worth purchasing one since they take up quite a bit of space.
However, if you have a large shop with plenty of room, then the router table would be ideal since it will allow you to save on storage space and make it easier for other employees or clients in your shop to access your products.
Next, you should consider your available money for this purchase. If money is tight, then perhaps purchasing a cheaper model would be better suited for your needs at this time. There are many different types of routers available today that could meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Once these considerations have been taken into account, it’s time to look at reviews online. Check which specific router tables are available today and what features they possess so that you make an informed decision.
Using the Best Router Table: What It’s Like
A router table is an essential tool for woodworkers. It makes it easy to cut intricate shapes with accuracy and precision — something that would be impossible otherwise. Routers come in different sizes and shapes, so they can be adjusted according to your needs and preferences.
They also come with different accessories (such as extensions), allowing you to do more complex jobs without switching out tools frequently throughout the process. When choosing a router table, you’ll want to consider what type of woodworking project you’re planning on doing — furniture or cabinetry — and how much space you have available in your workshop area (or garage).
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Benefits of Using a Router Table
There are many reasons that craftsmen of any skill level may choose to use a router table. Here are the most common motivations for purchasing a router table:
- Safety: A router table could be considered a safety device because they are a stable platform to use a router tool.
- Easiness: Router tables are extremely easy to set up and use, and make using router tools easier.
- Precision: These tables stabilize router tools and help you make precise wood cuttings.
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