Top Overall Pick
Bosch RA1181
Premium Choice
KREG PRS1045
Best Value
Dremel 231
If you want to perfect your dadoes and rabbets and if you also want to achieve perfect precision edges, then the only thing you need for achieving that is having a best router table. There are of course a series of features you need to consider when you want to buy a router table and below we are going to take a closer look at some of them.
Contents
- Our Favorite Router Tables on the Market
- The 10 Best Router Tables - Reviews
- 1. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table - Best Overall Pick
- 2. Dremel 231 Shaper/Router Table - Best for Money
- 3. Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table - Premium Choice
- 4. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
- 5. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Router Table
- 6. Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
- 7. Rockler Trim Router Table
- 8. SKIL RAS900 Router Table
- 9. Goplus FM31495 Benchtop
- 10. Porter-Cable 698 Benchtop Router Table
- Final Verdict: Our Winner
- Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Routar Table
Our Favorite Router Tables on the Market
The 10 Best Router Tables - Reviews
Here are the best router tables that we recommend.
1. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table - Best Overall Pick
Key Features
If there is one thing that you’ll completely love about the RA1181 bench top, that is the fact that it has a wonderful mechanism below it, making it our top choice for the best router table. The mechanism allows making simple adjustments to the router’s height, including fine tuning. Also, keep in mind that when you want to fine tune the table, you’re going to use a key from the top which is much simpler compared to the majority of other router tables on the market.
Construction wise, the Bosch bench top router table is made from die-cast aluminum making it very sturdy. In terms of compatibility, this model is compatible with a lot of routers and it’s a very good choice for people who want to get a study table that they don’t need to break the bank for.
Some of the ones that decided to buy this table have reported that the top bows like an upside down bowl. In order to put it in line with any of the sides the center plate can be adjusted, but holding flat on this kind of surface is rather problematic.
Pros
Cons
2. Dremel 231 Shaper/Router Table - Best for Money
Key Features
Our pick for the Best router table for the Money is the Dremel 231, which is compatible with a range of routers from the company, including 100 and 8200 models. Designed for easy attachment to a workbench or table, it comes with a six-inch by eight-inch worktable and an adjustable fence.
This router table works with corded and cordless routers. It allows you to trim edges and sand wood as well as create slots and grooves.
Pros
Cons
3. Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table - Premium Choice
Key Features
High caliber results, clean cuts and detailed accuracy are something that you will never have to pay top dollar for, since the Kreg PRS1045 router table system is one of those few router tables on the market that offers you all of these for a great price, which makes it our best router table for premium choice. The table top is a microdot MDF type which is much different than what you could find in other tables on the market. What makes the PRS1045 router table special though is the fact that it not only reduces vibration and sound, but it also makes the movement very fluid.
Getting down to the fence system which is T-square designed, it requires little of any adjustments at all and it stays true to your router bit. On top of that, if you were used to using a tape in the past when working on your router table, then forget about that, since the PRS1045 features a Precision Lens Cursor to help you get accurate measurements.
In terms of construction, this is made from aircraft grade anodized aluminum and it features rubber footings on its legs. However, some people may want to upgrade them for more durability. Keep in mind that this model weighs around sixty pounds and its WxHxD is 25.5 by 37.5 by 36.5 inches respectively.
There are no bad things to say about the functionality of this router table, but be warned that you’re the one who is expected to assemble it.
Pros
Cons
4. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
Key Features
If you want to use the RA1171 as a jointer for fall pieces, then that’s very much possible thanks to the plastic shims it comes with. For use with general projects, you need to know that the Bosch RA1171 router table was designed so that it can be used as a flat table and in this regard, it seems to serve its purpose very well.
One point that you need to know is that if you’re one of those people who doesn’t like dust and want to use a dust vacuum with the RA1171, you’re going to be a bit disappointed. You should actually start looking for a more efficient collector to get the job done. As for when you want to move the table, it’s best to keep a close eye on the fence adjustment, since it can be affected by it.
The RA1171 router table uses bearing bits which means that getting used to using this model is going to be very fast.
For the price, this is a great choice, but don’t expect it to offer you the quality that models a few times its price can offer.
There is a chance that you may have trouble with this model, like some people who got it had. For instance, one of the things to turn you off about the RA1171 is the fact that the router plate may not be level with the top.
Pros
Cons
5. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Router Table
Key Features
If you’re a contractor who is always working in a different place, then you’ll absolutely love the portability of the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax router table. One concern you’ll find that this model doesn’t have is an extra power switch, but have no worries since this doesn’t influence its functionality.
For more solidity, the router is supported by dual steel rails while the laminate top minimizes friction and creates a very smooth surface on which you can easily work on. As a result, if you have a lot of projects to consider that involve fragile materials, you won’t be disappointed when using this model, since it’s going to take your work to a whole new level.
In terms of WxHxD, the Bench Dog 40-102 router table measures 18 inches by 29 inches by 4 inches. Though this table might be heavy because it weights sixty pounds, it has a wheel on the feet for easy transport.
There are many good things to say about the Bench Dog tools, but some people discovered that not everything is pink with this model. For instance, the fence on it seems to be quite a pain and if you’re someone who needs precision when working with it, then you’re going to have a hard time getting it.
Pros
Cons
6. Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
Key Features
With the rugged tabletop and rubber feet on the bottom, this router table from Kreg is compatible with routers from different companies and reduces the vibrations that those tools create. The Kreg PRS2100 also uses MDF to cut down on noise and has a micro-dot skin that helps wood slide across the surface. When using the aluminum fence, you can turn and lock the levers on the top.
Pros
Cons
7. Rockler Trim Router Table
Key Features
The low price tag of this router table makes it a top choice for budget shoppers. It comes with an acrylic base for those who do freehand work and has an MDF surface with a vinyl wrap that helps the wood slide across the top. While you can use clamps to secure the table to a workbench or another flat surface, the pre-drilled holes help you install and use your router.
Pros
Cons
8. SKIL RAS900 Router Table
Key Features
If you are just starting to learn woodworking, then this is one of the best choices that you can consider. What is great about this is compared to other models, it produces very little dust and on top of that, storing it is simple due to its foldable legs. Changing the machine's bits is also very simple and fast because the SKIL RAS900 features a quick release router mount. As for the price, well, SKIL router table is very affordable and you can commonly find it under $150. The table top measures twenty nine inches, and its depth and height are eighteen and fourteen inches respectively.
Some people have claimed that while they were using a router table, they would have trouble with the whole motor assembly slipping down because of the fine adjustment screw which went loose due to vibrations.
Pros
Cons
9. Goplus FM31495 Benchtop
Key Features
Compatible with all routers with a bit plate of up to six-inches, this Goplus table is also compatible with any of the bits that you use. It has an extra-large surface that grows larger with the addition of the extensions on each end. You might like the large grooves on the table too, which collect sawdust and wood debris without the use of a separate vacuum.
Pros
Cons
10. Porter-Cable 698 Benchtop Router Table
Key Features
The best portable router table for those who work in different locations is this Porter-Cable option, which you can use with a worktable or in the field. It comes with pre-drilled holes for attaching your router and can work with bits of up to 3-1/2-inch in size. You can use the starter pins in two ways and adjust the table to use the included miter gauges with or without the extensions that remain stable thanks to the built-in lip.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict: Our Winner
Bosch RA1181
I’ve been using router tables for a very long time now and I have to say that I am a bit picky when it comes to choosing one. I want a model that is both affordable and one that helps me complete my projects with great accuracy and without getting me tired like some of the models I have used in the past did. In this regard, the Bosch RA1181 is my top pick for the best router table.
Compared to other tables out there, whenever I want to fine tune the table, I no longer need to get on my knees and start adjusting it, therefore getting myself dirty and getting tired. I’m not in my 30s anymore, you know?
Another thing that I love about this is its sturdiness. I have friends that used some pretty heavy and solid materials on this bad boy and the Bosch benchtop didn’t even flinch. Being made from die cast aluminum it’s literally guaranteed that it’s going to last you for many years. Most of the times I find myself using this table for hours on end, forgetting about everything else and even being unable to hear my wife calling me for dinner: that’s how much I love the RA1181 router table.
Well then, now that you have an idea of the best router tables you can currently get, you may want to check these models out in a store and see which one works best for you. Good luck with getting one as soon as possible and don’t forget to check for discounts as well!
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Routar Table
Once you read our router table reviews, you can think about the features worth considering before buying one. Those features can vary based on whether you need one for your home workshop or one that you can use at work.
First of all, the size of the router table is very important. You don’t want to have a lot of projects to complete and a small work area to use. This will likely make it impossible to complete certain projects or greatly delay the rest. Portability is yet another factor if you’re doing field work, so give it a thought before you spend your hard earned money on the wrong table. We created this guide to help you decide which one to buy.
Did you know that there are many materials that router tables are built form? While in the past you could find them in cast iron variants, technology nowadays has advanced and you can buy them in a plethora of materials to fit your needs. Also, if you use more than one router, then make sure that you get a router table that’s compatible with the models you own.
Lastly, based on the size of the projects you consider, you need to get a router table that has versatile dust ports. Find out whether they are disabled when the fence is adjusted and see whether your specific router table model has ports that work well with high efficiency collectors or vacuums.
If you are interested, here are our top wood routers in our opinion, based on tons of research.
Features worth considering
Warranty
Checking out the warranty that comes with the table is important, especially if you need the best compact router table. A good warranty will cover both the table and the fence as well as any included accessories. You may want to look for a table with a warranty that lasts for three to five years.
Base Plate
The base plate is the portion of the table that lets you attach your router. You should look at the alignment of the plate as well as the pre-drilled holes to make sure that it is compatible with your router.
Dust Prevention
Two features that can help with dust prevention include grooves on the table and a dust collection system. With a dust collection system, you need to use the table with some type of vacuum that pulls debris away from the table. Some have deep grooves or indents on the working surface that can collect that debris too.
Fence
Whether you want the best benchtop router table or any other type, make sure that it comes with a durable fence. This allows you to keep the wood in place as you cut and helps you measure. Though most router tables come with plastic fence pieces, some feature a durable metal fencing system.
Miter Gauge
If you need to make angled cuts such as creating trim pieces, you need a router table with a miter gauge. This gauge often works with T-slots on the table that keep it stable and also prevent the wood from slipping. Many tables include a miter gauge that works with the fence.
Tabletop
As you shop for the best professional router table, look at the design and surface of the tabletop. It should be completely flat and have space for your router and bits. Some of the more popular models use aluminum alloy or steel.
Base
Don't forget about the base when you look at router tables as this is what keeps the tabletop stable. Some bases now feature rubber feet that provide more stability and also absorb the vibrations produced by the router. You can choose a router table with a smaller base that comes with clamps designed for attaching the table to another surface too.
