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Top 6 Best Router Tables, buyers guide and reviews
Last Updated on May 15, 2020 by John
Woodwork and routers are synonymous with router tables. Router tables provide a stable environment for routers to make accurate incisions in wood. If you have a powerful router then working with a router table with adequate features is a recipe for success. In the marketplace, you will find various types of router tables. Some come with their in-built routers and some are designed to adapt to any kind of router in use. Regardless, the point is to purchase the best router table that your money can buy.
Below is a list of router tables that we found to be reliable from the many router tables available in the market. It is not that these are the only dependable router tables in the market but these are ones that can be vouched for by many customer reviews. Feel free to read through the product reviews and select a model that befits your use.
Need our take? You can pick the Lumberjack RT1500 model which is our best pick or the Trend CRT/MK3 router table which is the runner up. You can also check out our best routers review to find a model you can use if this is your first time shopping for both. Shall we begin?
BEST PICK
The varied speed settings permit the user to get good results even when working with different materials. Additionally, you will find an adjustable fence and a mitre guide to improve the accuracy of the cuts. Durable and made of premium quality materials, this 1500W router table would be perfect for both professionals and amateurs which is why we decided to name this model our best pick. Look for a router table without the router, check our runner-up model.
Runner-up
Top 6 recommended Router Tables to buy
- Lumberjack RT1500 Bench Top Router Table with Integrated Router
- Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table
- Trend WRT Workshop Router Table
- SKIL RAS900 Router Table
- FERM PRA1011 Router Table
- Charnwood W012 Bench Top Router Table
Router Table Buyer Guide
So what do you look for in a good router table? Do you understand what the different features are required to do? If you do then good for you as this will just be a refresher. If you know that you do not know much about router tables, we suggest that you go over this guide. It never hurts to have a little bit of insight.
First, let us look at some of the benefits that router tables provide for the woodworker.
Some projects are too large or too small to be handled manually. The router table provides a safe environment where the router cannot slip or impact unwanted areas. The better the routers position the safer the user feels
- Router tables are perfect when you need both hands concentrating on a project. The router can continue processing different cuts depending on the bits and your guiding.
- The router table was created to offer stability and an even surface for precision cutting. Uneven surfaces give wood surfaces an erroneous finish that lacks aesthetic.
- Some projects are too large or too small to be handled manually. The router table provides a safe environment where the router cannot slip or impact unwanted areas. The better the routers position the safer the user feels.
Flat and firm table
The pressure is something we rely on woodwork to make the right impressions for different purposes. Whether it is joint work or pattern work, stability is essential. You do not want to work with a table whose legs are wobbly. If you apply too much pressure on an unstable unit you are likely to make irreversible mistakes.
Also, be sure to check out if the table is fitted with rubber feet. These rubber fittings prevent the table from sliding across the surface when pressure is applied and help to absorb vibrations when using the rooter.
What material is used to construct the table?
If all router tables were constructed from one material, there is a high chance we would get bored. Different materials offer different benefits depending on the function intended. The following are the most likely in the market.
- MDF tables happen to the more popular type. Standing for Medium-density fibreboard, these kinds of router tables are affordable and very accessible. The material is able to take an impact without making deep adulteration. Considering that they have different types of finishes, the MDF tables happen to offer different aesthetic feels. Mostly you find that high-pressure laminate or melamine is used to finish off the MDF material.
- Cast Iron tables are another favourable kind. Known for their rigidity and stability, they tend to be used in commercial applications. Cast iron is known to have properties that are more appreciative than regular iron. They won’t rust easily and you can trust that the vibrations won’t overwhelm the table. If you can afford one it will last for many years to come.
- Resin-based router tables are another option if the two above don’t appeal to you. The benefits of having these kinds of tables is the durability, stability and resistant to damage. You can find them in a wide range of colours and designs.
Best Lightweight Router Table
What of the base plate?
This is basically the unit that holds the router. Depending on the weight and the size of the router, you will notice that the thickness differs. It is very important to have a level and a durable base plate. Materials that can keep up with this kind of pressure include aluminium or phenolic resin materials.
You can make sure that the material doesn’t move by getting models that offer fixture. If you need a simple table, look for the ones with very heavy base plates. The heavier they are the fewer vibrations are able to rattle it out-of-place.
Fencing options
In the world of router tables, the fence acts as your guide. There are some applications that need you to produce precise work. There are two types of fences that you can access. These are the split and the one-piece fence.
- Split fences offer a better option when working with angled projects. You have to be careful while using this kind of fence. A little problem in alignment will cost you the precision that you are looking for. High-quality models taking the next step offer adjustable split fences. This help when working with smaller pieces of wood that need finesse.
- One-piece fencing is simple to use. They can be found in basic models where intricacy is not needed. These types of fences are common and none the less effective. The good thing about these kinds of fences is that you will have no problem aligning your pieces of wood.
Additional features
Not all the routing tables will come with these features. Some tables will have the bare minimum while others will have all these features. Walkthrough this list of these features and acquaint yourself with them. Even though you may not need them now, the information might help someone else.
- Feather boards – these are here to support you on your quest for stability. What they do is clamp down on the piece of wood preventing it from moving against the fence. Whether you want to make a joint or engage in moulding processes, these feather boards are essential. They come in different sizes so you can select accordingly.
- Dust Collection – this feature is a lifesaver. You can imagine having to clean up the floor at the end of a long day. It can be utterly frustrating. Select a table that has a dust port fitted. According to the workshop vacuum you have, a suitable adapter to make cleaning possible. If you are not sure which size to get, you can grab the universal adapter. It will do just fine for most models.
- Adjustable features – in some cases you find that models come with adjustable height. This allows the user to find the right working posture. Another feature that is found in some models is micro-adjustment. This allows the operator to make tiny but remarkable changes when engaging in detailed work.
- Mitre gauge – this feature cannot be found in every model. A mitre gauge comes in handy when you want to undertake bevelling or dadoing or mitre applications. Depending on the design some come with stabilised bases to avoid erratic movements.
- Drawers – this is not essential but it is convenient. You can store away various tools that you need nearby. Some drawers are lockable to avoid any theft or misplacement.
- Lockable fences – these are just additional support features. There are models that have these secured clamps. They won’t cost you a fortune but they will ensure to avoid unnecessary slips.
Top 5 Router Table Reviews
1. Lumberjack RT1500 1500W Bench Top Router Table with Integrated Router
BEST PICK
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Lumberjack RT1500 Bench Top Router Table with it’s Integrated Router which is powered by a 1500 watt motor and features adjustable speeds with varying speeds of between 8,000-26,000 rotations per minute for precise work.
To hold the bits into place, this router table features 1/2 and 1/4 inch collets. Accompanying the collets, are 3 featherboards that you can use to keep your work material in place. You also get access to an adjustable fence and a mitre fence. All these can be used when working with different wood applications and make this model one of the most versatile router tables.
At around 19kg, its fairly substantial yet light enough to move around but heavy enough to be stable and robust, the multicoloured unit offers a table size of 59.7cm by 45.7cm. The height of the table 35.5 cm. For cutting applications, the vertical travel can be set between 0-4 cm using a small wheel which ensures accurate step fewer adjustments to achieve that finer level of precision and accuracy you expect from the best routers. The table insert has a measuring a diameter of 7.5cm.
They have also made provisions for dust collection. With a dust collect tube having a diameter of 7cm, you can attach it to your dust vacuum. Find a suitable adaptor depending on the dust vacuum model. You also get 2 compartments that you can use to store tools for use.
This unit is supplied with a build-in 1500w router, collets, a guide assembly, mitre guide, featherboards, storage compartments and an adjustable fence ensuring excellent value for money and is nearly ready to use out the box. Simply fix the rear rail and finger guides and you’re ready to go.
Pros
- Powerful 1500w router which means you do not need a separate router.
- Offers side compartments so you can store your collets safety away neat and tidy.
- Electronic speed control for the best accuracy.
- Features a mitre guide, adjustable fence and guard assembly for precision cutting.
- Offers an ergonomic wheel to control the rise and fall of the cutter for better accuracy.
- Comes with compatible collets for easier bit attachment.
Cons
- Instructions are a little poor which could lead to confusion during set-up.
- Some have commented on the positioning of the featherboards tend to get caught up with the clamping knobs.
Thoughts and recommendations
The Lumberjack RT1500 1500W Bench Top Router Table is a good choice to work with and a great choice for anyone buying them first rooter table or professional woodworkers alike. We like that it comes with a powerful 1500w router build in which features electronic speed control. This is perfect for those who don’t have a router already or even if you do, this is still great. choice as its nice to have the router built-in anyway.
We love that it has an adjustable fence and mitre guide provided and comes with pretty much everything you need out the box and comes almost fully assembled. For such a sized machine, it will provide you with all the essential functions needed.
The quality of the machine is top-notch, we just wish that the instruction manual were better. Overall we decided that this was probably the best router table for most people which is why we awarded it our ‘Best Pick’ and it offers excellent value for money and is a top-notch product. We never found that perfect router table during our research but this model was as close as it could get to perfect.
2. Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table
Runner-up
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table features a 6.35mm aluminium plate which is durable and easily removable if needed. The 240V model measures 13.5×73×40.8cm giving you ample room to work on your projects. It possesses a router cutter aperture of 98mm with a maximum cutting diameter of 86mm. It is designed to suit both professional and amateur environments as it has all the basic features. The router table works with varied portable routers making it convenient for many users.
To allow for accuracy, the router table comes with a mitred fence. The fence is equipped with a spelch block facility and zeroing features to make your work easier. Additionally, the table features a quick raiser that is useful when working with a T11 router. The quick raiser permits for fine height adjustment that is common while working with the T11 router.
The router table comes with a 57mm diameter dust port to collect all the wood trimmings. If your workshop vacuum does not correspond with the size of the dust port, you can get an adapter to make matters simpler. The 13.6kg router table comes with a lead-on pin, side pressure, insert rings, mitre fence, top pressure, safety guard, no release switch and a push stick.
Pros
- Comes with a mitred fence with a spelch block facility for accuracy purposes.
- Made of MDF material for durability.
- Able to work with different router models.
- Features adjustable guard assembly.
- It is easy to assemble.
Cons
- It is smaller than it looks.
- The table is low and therefore may be troublesome for people with back problems.
Thoughts and Recommendations
The Trend CRT/MK3 Router Table is perfect if you are looking for an affordable low profile design router table. It has all the basic features needed to make your woodwork projects possible.
It is not as expensive as the other Trend model featured but it works just as well. Unless you are planning to kneel while working, it is best to place this low profile model on a raised platform. It doesn’t have all the features needed to handle heavy-duty professional work but it can handle light work well. Made more for DIY enthusiasts, this model is one to watch out for.
3. Trend WRT Workshop Router Table
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Trend WRT Workshop Router Table provides good value for your money with all the features offered. The 230V model is adaptable to the Trend ½-inch or ¼-inch routers that are popular nowadays. It is not only limited to those routers but it can work with many other models. It comes with an aluminium insert plate that possesses screws that are adjusted to provide the perfect alignment.
Additionally, the plate features a 98mm aperture for routers using cutters up to 86mm. This provides perfect settings for cutters intended for joint making and wide panel raising. If you are using smaller cutters you will find the reducing rings provided useful.
To make work run smoothly without any obstacles, both the fence and the table itself is laminated. The T-slot is designed to permit the removal of the fence which then provides easy adaptability while working. You can groove, curve, mould and joint in peace.
The 27.5kg router table also comes with scales which are intended to allow applications like rebating and grooving. Working together with the fence, the scales ensure that your cuts are accurate. This router table is ideal to work with a T11 router because it has height adjustable settings.
When you purchase this table expect to find a leg stand, no-release voltage switch, mitre fence, top pressure, safety guard, side pressure, lead-on pin and a push stick. It is important to note that this model is only sold for customers within the UK.
Pros
- It is stable and made of quality material for durability.
- Features an easily adjustable fence and scales for accuracy.
- It is easy to assemble.
- Comes with height-adjustable feet for easy manoeuvrability.
- Able to work with small cutters thanks to the provision of reducing rings.
Cons
- It is a bit expensive.
- When assembling some of the parts may not fit correctly and may need adjustment.
Thoughts and Recommendations
The Trend WRT Workshop router is built to serve those in search of a premium product. It can serve both professional and DIY enthusiasts with no problem. The 19×33×72cm model is a bit expensive but once you purchase it, you don’t need to think about getting another router table. It is stable and features an adjustable fence for accuracy. With this table router, you can accomplish a lot from rebating to grooving and additionally it is safe. You can change a few bits here and there to suit the work that you want to be done. Get it for your workshop and experience a model designed for optimal woodworking.
4. SKIL RAS900 Router Table
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The SKIL RAS900 Router Table features an easy to fold design and can be stored in a small space making it a compact model. This design facilitates easy set up every time it is needed. This also affects easy storage and transportation from job to job if needed.
This unit features a 26 in. x 16.5 inches MDF table. The table is flat and smooth so that the wood moves smoothly. Together with this feature you get to experience the adjustable fence. The fence is created from MDF materials and features durable shims for jointing applications.
For more precise routing, featherboards and mitred guides are always advised. This unit features 2 featherboards which are impact resistance contributing to overall durability. Now when you need to make curves on wood you need a tool that will assist. That is why the starter pin and guard are present in this model, something our ‘Best Pick’ does not have which would be handy.
Mounting the router is not hard work and neither is bit placement. You can change in between your 1/4 and 1/2 inch bits in no time. When these bits are not in use, you need somewhere to store them. That is where the storage compartments provided come in.
You can adjust the height of the bit so as to make the right cuts. A dust port collects all the trimmings from the wood if connected to a vacuum dust extractor. The unit also features a dual outlet system that protects the unit from overloading. This unit weighs 14.5kg and measures 70.4 x 48.2 x 24.2 cm.
Pros
- Supports a foldable design that facilitates easy setup and storage.
- Includes bit height adjustment needed for different applications.
- Features a dual outlet switch that is needed for overload protection.
- Includes storage compartments to store tools.
Cons
- Works with specific routers which makes it inconvenient for people owning other models so you may need to make some minor adjustments. Customisation is needed to find the right fitting.
Thoughts and recommendations
The SKIL RAS900 Router Table is a very convenient model and in truth probably as good as our ‘Best Pick’ but it has one problem, Amazon ship this model from the USA and we are sure it does not come with a warranty for this reason. We especially enjoy the fold-able design. You can imagine how convenient it is to store this item when you are pressed for space. Simply, this model contains quaint but effective features.
The storage compartment, starter pin and mitre guide among others make this tool effective company for any DIY enthusiast. The build is stable and you can easily adjust it to your preference, ideally if you can find this model in a UK store it would be a great alternative to our ‘Best Pick’.
5. FERM PRA1011 Router
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The FERM PRA1011 Router Table is a dependable lightweight model perfect for the woodworking enthusiast looking for a table to use with a separate router. Weighing in at 5 kg its certainly one of the lightest router tables but don’t forget the router you use will add a few kgs’s on. This unit measures 48 x 35 x 12 cm giving you plenty of space for most of your projects. The 250-watt corded electric unit is made of aluminium which ensures is lightweight while still be strong which is probably why it is so light compared to the other models.
To make sure that you are working smart, a dust port is featured. The dust port using the right adaptor can be connected with ease. The routers that can comfortably fit on this table have to have a router with a plate diameter up to 16.2cm so be sure to check before purchasing or use with the FERM PRM1015 Precision Router. The dust-free feature keeps the key active and away from dust obstructions.
The table is not so large but it offers a working table of 45.5 x 33 cm. You will find a mitred guide supplied for use. Together with the fence, you can be able to make precision cuts. The fence is not made of metal thus be careful not to damage it.
For those wondering about adjusting The table to fit the router, have no worries. This model uses secure clamps that wont dislodge easily. Finally the rubber feet keep the unit in position despite of the pressure being applied and also help obsorb the router vibrations.
Pros
- Compatible with most routers from brands such as Bosch, Einhell, Hitachi and Black + Decker.
- Lightweight thus simple to move and store away.
- Made from strong and durable aluminium material.
- Features rubber feet that keep the table from sliding during procedures.
- Due to the design, it is easy to attach a router and it stays in position.
Cons
- The instructions provided are poor thus complicating assembly.
- Too small to cope with any serious /heavy handed-work.
- No storage compartments offered for tool storage.
Thoughts and recommendations
The FERM PRA1011 Router Table would make a good beginner model for anyone who already has a router. Being that it cannot handle heavy applications, it can only serve DIY enthusiasts and not really made for professional extensive use.
This model is made of light material and it is only capable of supporting a certain size of router. Check to see if your router specifications will be managed by the specifications of this table. It may have a few faults but the price that you are charged for this router table is very reasonable. If it is within your budget range and you are not engaging in heavy-handed woodwork, this is a great model, if you have a Bosch router which we have also recently reviews then this table should be compatible.
6. Charnwood W012 Bench Top Router Table
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Charnwood W012 Bench Top Router Table would be perfect for a DIY/hobby enthusiast. The 8kg unit measures 40 x 43 x 45 cm, this unit is lightweight compared to large units and thus would handle light applications well.
As for the working table, it is constructed from MDF material with melamine sides. This provides a level and smooth surface to work with. The unit also features vertical clamps to hold the material in position against the fence.
For your different applications, this unit has been provided with a horizontal featherboard. You can also find a sliding mitre fence to improve on precision cuts. The adjustable fence will offer valid support thus ensuring that you get the right measurements for your different projects. Once set up its perfect for jobs such as edge moulding, trenching and tenoning
The maximum route cutter diameter prescribed is up to 35mm. Also, this unit can accept compatible 1/4 inch routers. If you happen to own one of these it should be compatible.
The working table size measures 43 cm x 40 cm. Finally it comes with 2 year warranty for full peace of mind, vertical clamps, plastic plate, featherboard, an adjustable fence, and a mitred guard. Be sure to connect an appropriate dust vacuum supported by a compatible adapter for keeping the work area clean.
Pros
- Provides strong and stable construction thanks to its steel legs and strong MDF table.
- Should be compatible with any 1/4 inch router available.
- Small and lightweight making it easy to store.
- Adjustable horizontal feather board adjustable and mitre fence for clean cuts.
- Includes 3 clamps to securely hold your workpiece to the table so you can simply feed through from left to right.
Cons
- Space between the table and surface is a little shallow. You will have to raise the legs if the height of your router is longer which some reviews on Amazon have commented on.
- No isolation switch has been supplied.
Thoughts and recommendations
The Charnwood W012 Bench Top Router Table is not a large table but is perfect for most DIY enthusiast looking for a decent table. The build of the unit is dependable but could do with some few upgrades. The addition of adjustable legs would have made this unit just perfect for some works. We like that it is adaptable to a wide range of routers and support features provided.
What we do like is that it comes with a insert plate which you drill to suit your routers fixing points which is a great design.
For light handed work, this model would perform wonderfully. Those who need something larger than this can take a peep at the Charnwood W012 Bench Top Router Table.
Our Final Conclusion
Buying a router table should not cause you to pull your hair out. It should be a relaxed experience where you select what you want. The best router table is one that is stable, easy to assemble and has all the features you require to get your woodwork completed.
Our best pick which happens to be the Lumberjack model provides everything you need to complete your projects including a router. If you already have a router then try checking for the Trend CRT/MK3 router table. With that said and done, join us next time for another brilliant review.
Last update on 2020-10-22 at 09:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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