A router table is a woodworking machine that has space for a woodworking router to fit within it. The spindle of that router protrudes through the table and allows you to use the work surface on top to make precise cuts. Most often, this machine has a vertical fence to guide the cuts, and either a table or cabinet underneath.
The variety of router tables on the market is wide, which means it can take some time to find one that suits your needs. Keep reading to learn about some of the best router tables for sale, and how to pick one for your workshop.
Even though this router table from Bosch isn’t perfect, it still has plenty of features that will make you consider it as your next workshop purchase. First of all, it’s from the reputable brand Bosch. This point matters a lot to some people.
You also get to choose whether you prefer a benchtop or cabinet table, both of which are ideal for a range of people. Enjoy peace of mind that the fence, mounting plate, and top, features high-quality aluminum. This table also has adjustable faceplates and featherboards, not to mention a dust collection port.
Even your storage needs are met with this table, thanks to the accessory slot, storage pocket, and cord wrap storage.
However, it’s worth knowing a couple of things before you buy it. The fence adjustment isn’t always smooth, and you can’t adjust the table height. It can also be quite tricky to level the mounting plate. Otherwise, though, this table means business.
Product Features
- Benchtop and cabinet style options
- Aluminum top
- Aluminum mounting plate
- Aluminum fence
- Adjustable faceplates and featherboards
- Dust collection port
- Accessory slot
- Storage pocket
- Cord wrap storage
Pros
- It features high-quality materials
- It has areas for storage
- It fits a standard vacuum hose
- You get to pick from a benchtop or cabinet style
- Generous work surface
- Competitive price tag
- Reputable brand
Cons
- The fence adjustment isn’t smooth
- You can’t adjust the table height
- It’s hard to level the mounting plate
If you’re ready to buy a high-quality router table, finally, then Kreg Store might have the answer. This 24 x 32-inch tabletop with all the bells and whistles is an ideal option for several people.
It comes with a router insert plate, three molded Level-Loc reducing rings, and a T-square-style table fence. People also find the outfeed anchor convenient, along with the multi-purpose steel stand.
Unlike most router tables for sale, you can adjust the height of this one. Therefore, you can enjoy more comfort while you work. It’s also effortless to assemble, but also quite time-consuming. It’s clear to see this table from Kreg Store stands out from the crowd, but it’s also worth knowing that fence adjustments can be a little challenging. Understand its minor quirks, and you may just find it’s right for you.
Product Features
- 24 x 32-inch tabletop
- Router insert plate
- Three molded Level-Loc reducing rings
- T-square-style table fence
- Outfeed anchor
- Multi-purpose steel stand
- Adjustable stand height
Pros
- High-quality finish
- You can buy it with or without a stand and tabletop
- You can adjust the stand
- It comes with an insert plate and table fence
- It has a micro-adjust wheel for a more precise setup
- It’s easy to assemble
- It’s sturdy
Cons
- Making fence adjustments can be challenging
- It takes a long time to assemble
Woodworkers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new router table may like to look at what Skill has to offer. While this table can make it quite challenging to install a router, it’s an ideal option once you’ve got it in place.
It comes with accessory containers, two featherboards to guide your workpiece, and a convenient quick clamp system. The starter pin and guard, not to mention the bit height gauge, are desirable features that people enjoy.
It’s easy to make bit changes, and this table is not all that challenging to install. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s an affordable and useful table for your woodworking requirements.
Product Features
- Accessory containers
- Quick clamp system
- Two featherboards
- Bit height gauge
- Starter pin and guard
Pros
- Plenty of storage space
- Competitive price tag
- Easy to use
- It’s easy to make bit changes
- It has featherboards to guide your workpiece
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Challenging to install a router
Even though you may need to invest in new hardware for this router table before you put it together, it’s only a minor problem in the scheme of things. Most other features of this table will have you deciding that it’s the best one for you.
The competitive price tag is the first thing you notice about this Goplus product. It’s far more affordable than several others for sale. It also features durable aluminum with a steel stand, retractable guard, and multi-functional fence.
Even though the main surface of this table is large enough, Goplus takes it one step further by including table extensions. You can also make use of the easy-slide surface and miter guard. This table means business.
Product Features
- Aluminum construction
- Table extensions
- Multi-functional fence
- Miter gauge
- Retractable guard
- Easy-slide surface
- Steel stand included
Pros
- It has extensions to extend your working area
- The guard stops wood chips from flying around
- Competitive price tag
- It features a lot of durable aluminum alloy
- The stand is heavy-duty
- Assembly is straightforward
Cons
- The assembly hardware isn’t the best quality
If affordability is a massive part of the decision-making process for buying a router table, then it might pay to look at the offerings from Grizzly Industrial. This table looks a little different than others, but it’s bound to suit many people’s woodworking tasks.
It has an A-frame design, steel stand, and an adjustable fence. Even the gab plates are adjustable. Receive peace of mind that your router will fit, courtesy of the universal router mounting plate. You also get to avoid the hassle of a mess because this table has a dust port.
From the T-slots and head sliding rails to the many adjustable components and compact size, there is plenty to love about this table from Grizzly Industrial.
Product Features
- Adjustable gab plates
- Head sliding rails
- A-frame design
- Steel stand
- Adjustable fence
- T-slots
- Universal router mounting plate
- Dust port
Pros
- Affordable to buy
- It’s sturdy
- Easy to assemble
- The fence is adjustable
- It works with nearly any router
- Many parts are adjustable
Cons
- The mounting plate is not the best quality
- The table feels cheaply made
If you are working on something small with your Dremel rotary tool and require a router table, then this one from Dremel might be the answer. It’s entirely compatible with corded and cordless Dremel rotary tools and allows you to experience more control as you work.
Set up the table with ease, then use it for sanding, edging, slotting, and grooving. It may only be a small 8 x 6-inch work surface, but those light projects will be made far more manageable.
This router table includes an adjustable fence, portable rotary tool shaper, and one-year warranty. Enjoy peace of mind that it’s likely to help you achieve your goals far easier. Sure, making height adjustments is not that straightforward, but it’s not hard to see that this table is innovative.
Product Features
- Adjustable fence
- 8 x 6-inch worktable
- One-year warranty
- Portable rotary tool shaper included
- Light-duty project compatibility
Pros
- It’s suitable for small tasks
- You can use it with corded and cordless Dremel rotary tools
- Generous warranty period
- It makes it easy to sand, slot, groove, and edge
- The fence is adjustable
Cons
- It’s challenging to make height adjustments
Have more versatility in the woodworking tasks you tackle thanks to this router table from Grizzly Industrial. From the competitive price tag and high-quality materials to the functionality and broad router compatibility, this table means business.
It works with nearly any brand of router, and it comes with a high-quality cast iron table and aluminum fence and sliding table. People also appreciate the toggle clamp that keeps your workpiece in place, not to mention the paddle switch for safety.
But perhaps one of the best features is the tilt. The table tilts 45 degrees to allow you to install your router easily. Not everyone is impressed with the complicated fence removal process or the complicated instructions. Still, it’s a standout option for many people.
Product Features
- Multi-brand compatibility
- Cast iron table
- 45-degree tilting
- Aluminum sliding table and fence
- Safety paddle switch
- Hold-down toggle clamp
Pros
- It’s easy to set up
- Compact size for small areas
- It tilts to allow for easy router installation
- Ideal for a variety of routers
- There’s a clamp to hold workpieces in place
- Competitive price tag
- Generous table surface size
Cons
- Removing the fence is a long process
- The instructions are hard to follow
This router table from Kreg isn’t the best one for sale, but it’s certainly not the worst. It’s packed full of useful features to ensure you have a memorable woodworking experience – but without the high price tag.
This table is affordable and comes with an MDF core and high-pressure laminate. The combination of these materials ensures that you can slide your wood over it quickly. It also has a combination miter gauge/T-track so that it’s compatible with miter gauges.
People also appreciate the steel reinforcing struts for stability, not to mention the keyhole slot for a quarter-turn fence lock.
Some people say the dimensions aren’t accurate, and the plate is not of the best quality, but it’s hard to deny how functional and well made this table is.
Product Features
- Combination miter gauge/T-track
- Miter gauge compatibility
- Keyhole slot for quarter-turn fence lock
- MDF core
- High-pressure laminate
- Steel reinforcing struts
Pros
- The surface is easy to slide wood on
- It’s well made
- Competitive pricing
- It’s reinforced for strength with steel
- Easy to put together
Cons
- The dimensions for it aren’t accurate
- The plate is not of the best quality
When the time comes to invest in new woodworking equipment, don’t look past this router table from Rebel. It’s 24 x 18 x 17 inches, 35 pounds, and has plenty of desirable features you’re bound to enjoy.
First of all, it has a cast iron table. The weight of this table makes it durable and solid. However, there isn’t a way to clamp it down and keep it in place when you’re moving workpieces around on it.
It also comes with a safety guard and miter gauge, along with adjustable fences. The fence takes a while to set up, but it will become easier over time. It’s also of generous dimensions and features high-quality material, so this table is well worth a closer look.
Product Features
- 24 x 18 x 17 inches
- Miter gauge included
- Safety guard included
- Adjustable fences
- 35 pounds
- Cast iron table
Pros
- It has a strong, robust, and stable table
- It comes with a miter gauge and safety guard
- Generous dimensions
- High-quality materials
- It’s of a decent weight for stability
- You can adjust the fences
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The fence takes a while to set up
- There isn’t a way to clamp the table down
Considerations for Purchasing a Router Table
Anything you purchase for your workshop is going to require a considerable amount of thought. After all, you want to make sure that your workshop is set up for it, and that all the tools you own will be compatible. Even the quality and price are worth thinking about.
If you’re not an expert on what the best router table has, then read on. You aren’t going to want to skimp on the research process. Otherwise, you can end up with a table that’s not fit for purpose.
Price
One of the first things you’re going to want to do is set a budget. Having a budget can significantly cut down on the time it takes to choose a new table. After all, there’s no point spending hours browsing through router tables you can’t afford.
In most cases, the more expensive the table, the more advanced it is. They tend to have more time and technology put into their creation, which can often result in a durable, well-made product that suits your router and needs perfectly.
In saying that, there are some diamonds in the rough. It’s worth narrowing down your options to within your budget, then looking at both higher and lower-end models to see which have the features you prefer.
The Top
The top of the table is one of the most essential things to factor into the decision-making process. If it’s not decent, you will struggle to enjoy much else of what the table can do. The goal is to find a table that has a flat, solid top.
Having a flat table top is crucial for precision. Even a slight rise can be enough to create uneven edge profiles or skewed joints. But flatness and rigidity go hand in hand. If the table top flexes as you put pressure on it, then you may find inaccuracies in the cuts you’re making, as well.
Some of the best materials in a router table are MDF, phenolic resin, and cast iron. These are in order of affordability. The more you spend, the better the materials.
MDF
MDF is a light to medium duty material that can provide years of faithful service. However, it should be at least one-inch thick and have surfacing like melamine or high-pressure laminate. The smoother the surface, the easier your wood will glide across it.
Phenolic Resin
Phenolic resin is a step up from MDF. This material is moisture-resistant, high impact-resistant, and retains its original dimensions throughout its life. You can’t say the same about MDF that can fall victim to moisture.
Phenolic resin is also lightweight, yet durable. It can be a woodworker’s best friend when it is installed on high-quality tables, as well.
Cast Iron
If you’re looking for strength, stability, and flatness in your table’s top, then cast iron is a desirable option. It can absorb vibrations for comfort while you work, and the elements are no match for it. Essentially, if you want your router table to last almost forever, then a cast iron top is the way to go.
Base Plate
The base plate of your new table is as important as the price and top of the table. Without a high-quality base plate, you’re not likely to have a rewarding woodworking experience. The best base plate is one that stays flat and supports the weight of your router. Some of the best choices in this regard feature solid phenolic and aluminum.
The base plate must also be compatible with your router. Otherwise, the table is useless to you. You can sometimes buy pre-drilled plates to suit specific router models, but others come with blank plates that you can drill yourself.
Be wary of any base plates that promote a universal fit. Given how many drill holes will be in them, they won’t be as strong as the one you drill yourself to suit your unique router.
Fence
The fence on any table would have to be one of the most complained about features. Because they are available in many different designs, they aren’t all going to suit everyone’s needs. The role of a fence is to control your cut by keeping your piece of wood pressed against it. The higher the quality of the fence, the better the outcome of your cut.
Some fences are a piece of wood clamped to the table top, but others are a little more advanced. You can also buy precision systems that allow you to make quick and easy adjustments. Some of the complaints about fences are that they are too hard to put on and take off. It’s worth reading through user reviews to establish how people feel about the one you’re about to purchase.
Miter and T-Slots
The role of a fence is to allow you to keep your work material flush against it while you make a cut. However, sometimes, a miter gauge is going to be better suited for the job. In that instance, you’re going to need to purchase a router table that comes with miter and T-slots.
These allow you to secure a myriad of different table accessories, such as feather boards, that offer more versatility in the work you undertake.
Often, you also find that manufacturers install T-slots all around the table so that you have more versatility in where you secure things. Sometimes, they are on the front surface, but other times, they’re around the sides or elsewhere.
The Base
The base may not be something you see a lot of, but it’s one of the core parts of a table. In fact, without a sound base, it’s in your best interest not to use the table for safety reasons. The base should be stable, secure, and not wobbly at all. Remember, you’re working with a fast-spinning blade, and having stability is paramount.
Some tables come with a steel table or base, while others even come with a cabinet. You can also make your own table, as long as it doesn’t move or wobble around. There should also be vibration-dampening features to enhance that safety aspect further.
Warranty
A new, high-quality router table can cost quite a lot of money, so it’s not a decision you’re going to make lightly. However, you can undoubtedly shop with more confidence if the manufacturer from which you’re buying offers a warranty.
Generally, router tables come with a one-year warranty. However, they can also be longer or shorter, depending on the price tag of the table. If you want peace of mind that you can receive a refund or replacement in the event of a fault, always purchase a table that comes with a guarantee of its parts and workmanship.
