Are you in a hurry and simply want to know what is the best router table? KREG PRS1045 is your best choice. Read on to learn why.
There are times when a power tool’s versatility can be greatly improved with accessories. A router table is one such example. With some projects, you will want to use a router table instead of working with your router held in hand. These devices help create great results, no matter what your skill level might be.
Let’s learn more about these accessories and look at some of the best router tables you might want to add to your shop.
Top-Rated Router Tables Compared:
1. Best Router Table For The Money: KREG PRS1045
- 24" x 32" router table top includes a router insert plate with three molded Level-Loc reducing rings
- 36" T-square style router table fence features a micro-adjust wheel for precise setups
- Outfeed anchor has been redesigned for more usable table space and easier removal
OVERVIEW
The 24 by 32-inch tabletop on this model will be an upgrade in size. This full-size router table will provide you with more support area for many projects that beginner and intermediate woodworkers might be working on.
PROS
- This router table is easy to assemble from the box. That is a nice feature, as some products are difficult to put together properly the first time.
- I found that the table height adjustment was a pleasant surprise and something that I wish I had on my current router table.
- You will find that you can make micro-adjustments on this router table fence with ease. That is an important step that will save you time during the setup. Easy micro-adjustments also provide you the ability to sneak up on your final cuts.
CONS
- This product is shown with casters on all four legs. It does not come with these casters, however, which seems a little misleading.
- This router table comes with a higher price point. This is due partly to the larger size of this router table and the Kreg brand name.
2. Runner-Up Router Table: 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
OVERVIEW
If you need to store your table when it is not in use, this model is worth considering. It also comes with two storage containers, something I could have used with my first router table for storing bits and other accessories.
PROS
- This router table will allow you to get a good entry-level router table to work from without busting the bank. There are cheaper router tables on this list, though.
- It comes with a bit of height gauge. This can be handy as it helps speed up bit installation and measure heights accurately.
- There is a starter pin and guard that help you support your workpiece as you move it onto the router bit.
CONS
- The lower price point might be noticed in terms of material quality during operation. There will be a bit more vibration transfer than you would expect on this table.
- You might also notice that the insert plate is not universal. This could be a challenge when trying to mount some routers to it.
3. Best Benchtop Router Table: Bosch 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
OVERVIEW
This compact table will fit on most workbench designs while providing you with a solid platform to work from. The smaller size also generates a low price point, a feature that could prove important for those looking at their first router table.
PROS
- One thing that stood out right away was the addition of an electrical switch. The two sockets will allow you to plug in your router and another power tool, like a shop vac.
- This table features a 2.5-inch dust collection port at the bit. That will collect everything, but Dado cut debris with ease.
- The total height of the fence is nice when you add the height of the feather boards to that of the fence itself. Each feather board is easy to add or remove as needed.
CONS
- The compact design means that the table surface is smaller than some models. This may limit the size of projects that you would work on.
- It has a stiff fence that can stick as you try to move it. That could make micro-adjustments difficult to make as you set up.
4. Best Budget Router Table: Ryobi A25RT03
- 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...
OVERVIEW
Ryobi’s one-inch thick MDF tabletop is coated and offers a 16-inch L x 32-inch W support surface. It weighs only 28 pounds, making it lightweight for the table length.
You get five insert rings with these router tables, helping to keep a minimum gap with several sizes of bits. Compatible products include the Ryobi (160 – 165, 175, 180), Bosch (1617), Craftsman (17504 – 17511, 17515, 17517, 17533, 24833, 27500, 26921), Hitachi (MK12V), Makita (RF1101), Milwaukee (5615-20, 5616-20), Porter-Cable (693, 694, 892, 893, 7529, 8529), Rigid (R2930, R22002), and Skil (1810, 1825).
PROS
- A tabletop length of 32 inches offers more material support on the infeed and outfeed sides of the router bit, allowing for better contact on the workpiece.
- The manufacturer places the button controls and safety switch on the outfeed side of the router bit, allowing you to shut down quickly while controlling the workpiece from the side you feed it.
- A clearly marked measuring rule is placed on the tabletop near the operator, making it easy to quickly mark distances as you work
CONS
- It comes with a miter gauge that may feel loose in the track, giving a slight play that can transfer to the contact between wood and bit
- The one-inch MDF table will transfer vibration as you work, partly due to the lack of structure below the table surface that could act as a dampener
5. Best Portable Router Table: Bosch 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
OVERVIEW
The second entry from Bosch on this list is the Ra1141, which measures about 16.5 inches L x 26.0 inches W x 14.5 inches H. The router table weighs 33 pounds when shipped. It provides a few extra square inches on the tabletop at the expense of the enclosed cabinet on the Bosch RA1171.
On-board storage is available on the legs, which allows you to keep your bits together as you travel with the router table.
PROS
- It is intended to be a portable router table with folding legs that are set up in seconds and allow a smaller footprint for storage.
- An easy-click router mounting system allows you to install your router quickly, and its design eliminates the need for leveling.
- The RA1141 comes pre-assembled so that you can start right from the box while eliminating a tedious assembly process.
CONS
- It uses two plastic screw knobs to secure each feather board, which are bound to strip with repeated use in the woodshop
- The hinges on the legs are a weak point in the structure and could give out sooner than other components on the router table
6. Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
- Premium Carpentry Tools: The 16-inch tall routing table and standard insert plate support most routers
- Bench Top Router Fence: Router table fence has sliding faces, locking levers, and jointing capability
- Quiet Woodworking Tools: Edge-banded and low-friction MDF board top with micro-dot skin lessens vibration
OVERVIEW
Kreg’s second entry on this is more compact than their previous entry. It will fit nicely on medium-sized benches and provides you with a 16 by 24-inch tabletop for greater project support than found on some benchtop models.
PROS
- The fence makes use of cam clamps. These are able to apply gentle pressure, a feature that you will appreciate when working with delicate projects like molding.
- This product uses three lock rings for added leveling. These will help to keep the insert plate level when it is placed on the router table.
- You will note the wide stance that the frame legs provide. The wider stance will add to the stability of the table, a feature needed with larger pieces.
CONS
- An issue that you will notice right away is the lack of bolt support on the feet. It lacks holes that you can use to bolt the table to your bench, something that could increase vibration as you work.
- Its frame support is made from thin steel sheeting. That will provide rigidity but may transfer vibration and noise to the workbench and your body.
7. Grizzly Industrial G0528 – Router Table
- Accepts any brand of portable router from 3/4 HP to 5 HP
- Cast iron table can be tilted 45° for convenient router installation
- Extruded aluminum sliding table and fence
OVERVIEW
Grizzly is a trusted woodworking power tool brand known for solid craftsmanship, and this router table showcases that in the build. This product incorporates a lot of features, making it ideal for serious woodworkers or those who use their router often during the build.
PROS
- A 30.75 by 12.25 table offers movement as well as stability. That movement is provided by design to aid with control and safety when making cuts.
- This router table includes a split fence. That will allow you to create a “zero clearance” fence and provide space for shimming.
- There is a storage shelf located below the tabletop. I like this feature as I find these shelves very handy for storage on my other table surfaces.
CONS
- This router table has a larger footprint than other models reviewed here. That can be an issue in many work areas where space is at a premium.
- Some of the features found on this router table may prove unnecessary for beginners and intermediate woodworkers. This could prove a waste of money if you don’t use all of the tables.
8. Bosch RA1171 Router Table
- Support: The tall aluminum fence measuring 4 7/8 inch x 25 1/8 inch can handle tall stock with ease; The fence is complete with adjustable MDF face plates for smoother operation with taller work...
- Precision: The Bosch RA1171 features a rigid aluminum router mounting plate that stays flat and precise for accuracy; For added versatility, it’s pre drilled to fit a variety of routers
- Easy to use: Two easy to use feather boards attach to fence and router table, providing additional guidance and protection against kickback; They’re fully adjustable to fit a variety of work pieces;...
OVERVIEW
The RA1171 from Bosch measures approximately 15.88 inches L x 25.5 inches W x 18.0 inches H. It ships at about 35 pounds. Bosch offers a compact router table usable in areas with minimal space, which is ideal for woodworkers or DIYers working in a shared garage or spare room.
The router table includes a mounting plate guide for several routers from Bosch (1613, 1617, 1619), DeWalt (DW616, DW618), Hitachi M12VC, Makita (RF1100, RF1101), Milwaukee (5615, 5616), and Porter-Cable (690, 7529, 892 – 895). You will need to assemble the router table, but it includes easy-to-follow instructions.
PROS
- An enclosed cabinet offers two ports for dust collecting, keeping your work area clean using a 2.50-inch dust hose or adaptor.
- Two feather boards are located on the fence at the infeed and outfeed sides of the router bit, providing safer and cleaner material removal.
- You get two outlets on an internal plate, providing more convenient power connections on the table itself.
CONS
- Overall, the tabletop size is the biggest drawback and complaint of the RA1171, which can make it a bit tricky to use for long strips or wide panel edges.
- Its adjustment screws and levers tend to work loose with use, and you will have to check these to make sure the table and fence stay tightly adjusted.
9. Goplus Aluminum 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"...
- 【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...
- 【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...
OVERVIEW
Goplus is a brand that some readers may not be familiar with, but their aluminum router table offers a lot of surface area, measuring 13 inches L x 34 inches W x 11.5 inches H. It weighs only 11 pounds, making it easy for any user to move around their shop.
Extension table wings on both sides of the tabletop extend it from 19 inches to 34 inches (7.5 inches each).
PROS
- It is a lightweight router table at 11 pounds, making it easy for anyone to use and store when finished.
- A steel extension table insert improves on the cast aluminum used on the remainder of the design, adding a flat surface that will not warp.
- The 34 inches of table width provide plenty of support on the infeed and outfeed sides of the router bit, supporting long molding pieces and similar materials.
CONS
- The biggest con for me is a missing list of compatible routers, as I feel uneasy with simple advertising that says compatible with six-inch bases
- The extending wings represent a weakness where the table design should offer no flexibility at all
10. Leegol Steel Router Table
- Extra Large Extension 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...
- Retractable Guard: 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 (152.4mm)...
- 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....
OVERVIEW
Similar in look and function to the Goplus I reviewed above, this router table offers folding wings and a lightweight frame. The cast aluminum table measures 13.33 inches L x 34 inches W x 15 inches H. Shipping at 17.56 pounds, it is a similar weight as the Goplus but offers taller legs and a slightly longer tabletop.
Like Goplus, this product does not include a searchable list of compatible routers. Leegol uses the same description, stating the router table is compatible with products with a six-inch base.
PROS
- You will find this to be an affordable option, making it appealing for those on a budget or just starting their power tool collection.
- Leegol has installed the switch controls in the center of the router’s front face, allowing left and right-handed users to comfortably reach.
- The design includes three feather boards, providing ample support along the top and sides of your workpiece.
CONS
- While it does include three feather boards, these feel flimsy and may not hold up to lots of use.
- A router bit cover is included, but the inadequate dust collection at the router bit means that this clogs up easily.
Things to look for in the best router tables
There are a few important considerations to make when shopping for a router table. Some of these considerations include:
Table Surface Quality
The tabletop of your router table is the most important consideration. Most router table tops are made out of these materials:
Laminated MDF: Perhaps the most common tabletop material you will find on fabricated router tables is MDF with a laminate covering.
MDF maintains shape and will not warp over time as wood panels will. Melamine coatings prevent the MDF from soaking up moisture, which would be an issue with bare sheets.
The material provides the surface strength needed to support a workpiece without flexing.
Phenolic resin/plastic: An upgrade to MDF would be phenolic resins. The tabletop consists of a single molded piece.
It should hold its shape for a lifetime of use, and water will not affect the material.
Manufacturers can mold ribs and other lattices under the surface to increase strength. The material is more expensive but thinner and more lightweight than protected MDF sheets.
Machined metals: Another option found in the market is metal tabletops. Using machined aluminum and similar materials makes this the most durable surface to get on a fabricated router table.
Busy home manufacturers and professional shops will likely spend the extra to get the durability offered by cast aluminum.
Insert Plate
The plate must support the router’s weight in addition to remaining flat. This will require phenolic plastics or aluminum materials. These non-MDF surfaces can support the router and provide consistency.
Router Compatibility
Manufacturers offer insert plates that can be matched to specific routers. Keep in mind that all-in-one plates provide less structural integrity due to the number of holes drilled into their surface.
Router Compatibility
Manufacturers offer insert plates that can be matched to specific routers. Keep in mind that all-in-one plates provide less structural integrity due to the number of holes drilled into their surface.
Table size
You want to find a table that provides support for your projects while fitting into your work area. Keep in mind a quality table gives you plenty of room for your fence as well as a miter gauge.
Dust collection
Using a router generates chips and debris. Look for a table that features a dust collection that will not clog during use. Adaptors can be used to fit either a shop vac, collection system hoses, or both!
Running The Tables With Your Router
A router table will allow you to operate the router with an incredible spin on the vertical spindle. They also provide greater stability for the power tool and the project you are working on.
Router table vs hand-held routing
I should start off by stating that most of the best wood routers are designed to be used by hand or in a stationary position (table mounted). You will discover that woodworkers have a preference for one over the other, but I feel that their use should be based on application and not opinion.
Woodworkers tend to use hand-held routers on larger projects that are difficult or impossible to work on a table. There is also the visual aspect, as a bit in the hand-held method is easier to see. You can also make small or delicate cuts into the wood easily with a router in hand.
Router tables, on the other hand, make it easy and safe to work with smaller pieces of wood that cannot support the router. A push stick can be used to keep your fingers away from the bit on a thin stock like molding. Finally, a router table is ideal for larger bits that take away a lot of material at once.
If you are new to operating routers, a table will provide you with consistency, safety, and stability as you work.
Buying A Router Table vs Making Your Own
If you have done any research on the subject, you will have discovered that there are a variety of opinions about building or buying a router table. It is not imperative to buy one, but if your budget allows it, I suggest buying a good router table for more convenience.
Gaining woodworking experience is often cited as one of the major reasons to build your own table. This might be intimidating for someone new to woodworking, and such a project can even challenge someone with some experience.
The tools needed to build a table are also a consideration. If you are new to woodworking, it is likely that your tool kit is limited, and you might find yourself needing to purchase tools just to build the table.
Many woodworkers suggest building a router table as it is cheaper for those on a tight budget. This may not always be the case, as the price will depend on what materials you use as well as the features you put into the table. Again, having to buy tools just to finish the job will also factor into the total cost.
Customization of features and size are also cited as reasons to build a router table. While a DIY project can be built to your specific needs, it should be pointed out that there is a wide variety of router tables available with as few or as many features as you want, in multiple sizes and configurations.
All of the issues mentioned above can be avoided by purchasing a router table. Buying a table lets you take the guessing out of the building process, provides you with an adequate table surface, and lets you get to other projects you wish to build.
How do you use a router table?
Refer to your router and your router table manuals for specific instructions for the individual products. There may be a step that you need to perform that can not be covered here. Most router tables operate as follows:
- Level router table insert – Check this before making any cuts, using screws to make adjustments
- Adjust router bit height – Using a combination square or a commercial gauge makes this a quick adjustment
- Set the fence – A metal rule placed across the center of the bit can give you an accurate reading from the fence to the tip of the router bit
- Ring the gap – If available, use rings to provide support as close to the bit as possible or use a DIY table overlay
- Use proper feed direction – Feed your workpiece against the bit’s rotation to prevent it from climbing up and away from the fence
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my router fit these router tables?
Today’s router tables include mounting designs intended to accept several routers. That does not make them universal, though, even with several mounting plates included with your purchase.
Many of the best router tables will include a list of recommended routers that fit the mounting plates included in the box. Where possible, a compatibility list is included with each of the reviews here.
If you are still unsure about the compatibility of your current router and a table you are looking to buy, head down to a local store and verify the table can accept your router.
It is not uncommon for woodworkers to upgrade their router when they purchase a new router table, and it is something I have done in the past with an old router I inherited.
What material should the router tabletop be made out of?
You will find that most of the best router tables include tabletops made from one of these materials:
– Laminated MDF
– Phenolic resin/plastics
– Machined metals
MDF and plastic tables are less expensive but also not as durable. If you are looking for a top-quality router table, look for one with an aluminum tabletop.
Can a router table be used as a jointer?
Yes and no.
The table router can be used as a jointer on thin surfaces, like the edge of your lumber. Its cutting path is narrow, making it ineffective as a jointer for the faces of boards.
Think of a router table as a jointer sitting on its side when performing this task:
1. Insert a straight bit – Wider bits cut smoother
2. Clamp shim on the outfeed side of bit – No more than 1/16-inch, with a rounded edge to prevent snags
3. Adjust bit height – Make sure the bit can clear the workpiece so that it takes off the edge with one pass
4. Make enough passes to create a jointed board edge
The best router table to buy
- 24" x 32" router table top includes a router insert plate with three molded Level-Loc reducing rings
- 36" T-square style router table fence features a micro-adjust wheel for precise setups
- Outfeed anchor has been redesigned for more usable table space and easier removal
All five products will help you with your woodworking projects. However, the KREG Precision Router Table System, PRS1045, represents the best woodworking router table, in my opinion.
For starters, it offers a larger table surface than many of the benchtop models. That MDF tabletop is covered with a high-pressure laminate for extra support and workability.
It has a solid insert plate that can accept a wide variety of routers, something some of the other tables will struggle with. That plate insert also uses multiple reducing rings that help with leveling.
A micro-adjustment wheel will make small adjustments on the fence easy to do while saving you time in the process.
Finally, an adjustable table height makes up more than the lack of casters on the legs.
2 thoughts on “The 10 Best Router Tables of 2024: Review and Buying Guide”
Leegol Steel Router Table is my choice so far.
Can’t argue with that choice. That’s a lot of value for the price. Enjoy your purchase!