A router table is vital if most of your projects will entail routing wood a lot as it is what will hold the workpiece that you will be working on. With the best router table, it will become easy to maneuver the workpiece for excellent outcomes.
Also, router tables will ensure more precision as they will free up your hands so that you can hold the router firmly and make the cuts just how you would want them.
To get the best service from a router table, you need to match it perfectly to the router that you have.
Also, the router table should be well-built and with a nice surface and fence. Below we look at some top-rated router tables and also show you how to choose the right one.
Router Table Buying Guide
1. Different Types of Router Tables
Router tables come in different types meant for different uses. From the smaller benchtop types to the larger floor standing router tables, there is something for every project, and you only need to know what defines each of these different types and what each is meant for.
– Benchtop
Benchtop routers are the most popular of the three types as they tend to be more versatile as they can be adapted to work with different kinds of routers.
These routers are designed to be lightweight and portable and are meant for use from a workbench. Benchtop routers like Kreg PRS2100 will come with mounting brackets for attaching them to the table surface.
But, despite being lightweight and more portable, these router tables will provide relatively smaller workspace and will hence be ideal for handling relatively smaller workpieces.
– Floor Standing
Floor standing router tables are designed to be used as standalone units, and so you will not need a separate workbench to use them. These are larger router tables that will provide more workspace to accommodate larger materials.
However, floor-standing routers tend to be heavier and harder to move around, and they will take up more space in the workshop. Also, these are the priciest router tables.
– Extension
For those looking to expand their working space but do not have a lot of room to spare, the extension router tables like the Rockler Trim Router Table are the best bet.
What makes these some of the best router tables is that they provide much-needed working space without having to buy a larger benchtop or floor standing router tables. And they are relatively more affordable when compared to the other two types.
But, the greatest drawback with these router tables is that they are a bit lacking when it comes to the features, and they will not provide a lot of space.
2. Router Table Surface
Router tables will have surfaces made from different materials.
The right surface material for your router will depend on your projects, and so it is important to always much the surface to your typical workpieces.
Aluminum, phenolic, and MDF are the most common surface materials.
– Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight and highly durable router table surface.
Hence, if you are looking for a router table that you can easily pack and carry an aluminum one will be a perfect pick.
However, aluminum surfaces are more prone to scratches, and so your router table will not look pristine for long.
– Phenolic
Phenolic, which is a hard plastic sheet is another popular router table surface material and will provide a long service life as it is a naturally tough and rigid material.
Also, phenolic surfaces will offer high impact resistance, is impervious to moisture, and will retain the original flatness and dimension for their lifetime.
– MDF
MDF router table surfaces are also quite common because of the low cost and fairly stable nature. These surfaces are popular for both commercial and DIY router tables.
If the MDF router table is thick enough, it can provide many years of light and medium usage, but it is still not as durable as aluminum or phenolic.
3. Dust Collector
Any job that will involve the use of a router will produce a lot of wood dust. Hence, a good router table should always come with an effective dust management system.
A model that includes a standard size dust collection port or even a couple of them will be the best. With a dust collection port, you can easily connect the router table to the dust management system on your workshop or even just connect a shop vac or a dust collection bag.
Another important feature of a router table that can help with dust management is the inclusion of deep grooves on the surface to help collect debris.
4. Fence
As you choose a router table, it is important to make sure that the model you settle on comes with a good and durable fence. A fence will be very useful for keeping the workpiece in place as you work on it.
The router table fence is made from different materials, but a durable and lightweight aluminum one like what you get on the Bosch RA1181 will be a fantastic choice.
Budget models will come with plastic fences, but it is important to make sure that it is heavy gauge enough. Also, accessories like clamps and shims will be nice additions.
8 Best Router Tables Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Bosch RA1171 (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Dremel 231 (Best for the Money) |
|
 | 3. Bosch RA1181 (Best Benchtop) |
|
 | 4. Rockler Trim Router Table (Best Extension Router Table) |
|
 | 5. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 (Top-Rated) |
|
 | 6. Kreg PRS2100 (Portable) |
|
 | 7. Skil RAS900 (Self-Contained) |
|
 | 8. Craftsman 37595 (Complete Package) |
|
1. Bosch RA1171 – Best Overall
Photo: Bosch
- Dimensions: 15.88 x 25.5 x 18 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
With the extra tall fence that is up to 4-7/8 inches, adjustable feather boards, and rigid mounting plate, the Bosch RA1171 has everything you want in a router table, and it is hence our best overall model.
The taller aluminum fence will handle taller workpieces with ease, and it includes adjustable MDF face plates to ensure a smoother operation. With the easy-to-use and adjustable feather boards, you will get extra protection from kickback and extra guidance.
There is more than enough storage space for your accessories on this router table thanks to the cabinet-style design. This design allows it to have two dust ports for more efficient dust collection. Mounting this router table will also be easier as there are pre-drilled holes.
While the mounting plates might not be as smooth as what some woodworkers might like, the good news is that they should still be smooth enough to allow the workpiece to slide across smoothly.
Pros:
- Extra tall fence
- Easy to use and adjustable feather boards
- Cabinet design for extra storage
- Pre-drilled holes for easy mounting
- Highly efficient dust management
Cons:
- Mounting plate is a little rough
2. Dremel 231 – Best Router Table for the Money
Photo: Dremel
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 inches
- Weight: 2.15 pounds
With the smaller price tag and the fact that this is still a feature-rich router table with a lot to offer, the Dremel 231 is the best router table for the money on our list.
This budget router table is designed to allow woodworkers and DIYers to easily convert their Dremel router into precise bench-mounted tools for shaping wood. It will work with a wide variety of Dremel and other rotary tools.
At just 2.15 pounds, it is the lightest option on our router table review. This and the fact that it comes in a more compact design means that this will be a more portable router table you can easily carry to different job sites.
You can easily mount this router table on any workbench, and it comes with an adjustable fence for increased versatility as it can hold a wide variety of workpiece sizes and shapes.
If you will be handling larger workpieces, the smaller capacity of this router table might not work for you. However, the 8 by 6 inches top is still quite decent for many typical routing jobs.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- More portable design
- Takes up less space
- Easy to mount on any workbench
- Versatile adjustable fence
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
3. Bosch RA1181 – Best Benchtop Router Table
Photo: Bosch
- Dimensions: 22.75 x 27 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
Bosch RA1181 has been designed to attach to any workbench out there, which is what makes it our best benchtop router table as this means it will work well in almost any workshop.
This router table is designed to work with a wide variety of router types, and it will have the aluminum plate pre-drilled to accommodate different routers and make the above table height adjustment possible.
Also, the aluminum surface provides a large work area and is flat enough to ensure maximum precision. There is an extra tall and equally durable aluminum fence that will include adjustable feather boards and face plates for increased precision.
The storage pocket is a great addition as it will make it easy to store your routing accessories, and the standard 2-1/2-inch dust port will ensure more efficient dust management when routing.
The accessories that will come with the router table are mostly plastic, but the good news is that the plastic is a quite heavy gauge, and so they are still highly durable. Also leveling the plate seems to take a little more effort and time, but you should still be able to hack it.
Pros:
- Compatible with many router types
- Can be attached to any workbench
- Efficient standard dust port
- Extra tall and versatile aluminum fence
- Handy storage pocket
Cons:
- Plastic accessories
- Leveling plates can be problematic
4. Rockler Trim Router Table – Best Extension
Photo: Rockler
- Dimensions: 0.75 x 11.5 x 15.5 inches
- Weight: 6.72 pounds
If you use trim routers a lot and are looking for a router table that will make it easy to use and ensure more routing precision, the Rockler Trim Router Table is a fantastic choice. With this router table, you will be able to do way much more with your router.
This extension router table can be easily mounted on a bench, table, or even a piece of plywood as it has some nice pre-drilled holes that will allow you to attach it quickly for extra workspace.
For smaller applications like routing chamfers, dadoes, and round overs, this will be a highly useful router table. And to make it an even better pick, it will include a 1/4-inch thick acrylic base that will allow you to use your router as a free stand router.
There is an adjustable fence that will allow this router table to accommodate different workpiece sizes. Overall, this is a more affordable router table as it is the second cheapest on our router table review.
This router table does not seem to fit full-size routers well, but this should not be a deal-breaker as it is meant for trim routers, which it will fit and work with perfectly.
Pros:
- Easy to mount and use
- Adjustable fence design
- Thick and durable top
- Relatively more affordable
Cons:
- Does not fit full-size routers well
5. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 – Top-Rated
Photo: Bench Dog Tools
- Dimensions: 18 x 29 x 4 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
Bench Dog Tools 40-102 is a top-rated router table that will include a one-piece aluminum frame that will ensure you get a flat, true, and square surface for maximum precision.
This router table will include a 1/4-inch T-slot that will make it possible to add more accessories to your table such as a feather board for increased versatility.
With the dual fence configuration, it will be possible to rotate the fence to work from the other side when you need more space for larger workpieces.
The MDF sub-fences that will not require any tools for adjustment are an excellent addition as they will be very useful for a zero-clearance setup. This router table includes a 2-1/2-inch dust port that will make dust management more efficient.
At 60 pounds, this is the heaviest router able on our list, but it is still quite manageable and easy to carry around to different job sites. Hence, the extra weight is not a deal-breaker.
Pros:
- Flat and true surface
- T-slot included for mounting accessories
- Tool-free sub-fence adjustment
- Standard dust port included
- Rotatable to provide a larger work area
Cons:
- Relatively heavy
6. Kreg PRS2100 – Portable Router Table
Photo: Kreg
- Dimensions: 19.25 x 30 x 4.75 inches
- Weight: 26.1 pounds
The Kreg PRS2100 is your best bet if you are on the lookout for a good portable router table. At just 26.1 pounds, this is a lightweight enough router table, and given its more compact profile, it will be easy to carry around.
Besides being portable, this router table is well-built with a rugged and highly stable steel stand and a hard-anodized aluminum fence. This aluminum fence is full-featured and include independent sliding faces for easy and quick adjustment.
For the top, this router table uses MDF, which is a flat enough material that is designed to be extra-large (16 by 24 inches) to accommodate larger workpieces. This MDF top absorbs noise and when combined with the rigid base and rubber feet, you will get a quieter routing experience.
The biggest shortcoming with MDF tops like the one that on this router table is that they are not impervious to moisture. However, with proper care, the top should still last long enough.
Pros:
- Highly portable router
- Extra-large top
- Rugged and stable stand
- Full-featured and heavy-duty fence
- Delivers quieter routing
Cons:
- MDF has issues with moisture
7. Skil RAS900 – Self-Contained
Photo: Skil
- Dimensions: 28 x 9.25 x 17.75 inches
- Weight: 31.4 pounds
The self-contained Skil RAS900 is a highly convenient router table that will include accessories storage containers for all your routing accessories. Also, it has an efficient folding design to ensure that you can easily fold and store it, which makes it even more convenient.
With this router table, you get a couple of feather boards that will help guide the workpiece to ensure you get more accurate routing. Set up is guaranteed to be simpler thanks to the bit heat gauge that also helps ensure more accurate routing.
Router mounting will be more effortless with this table, and it will allow for easier bit changes. Better yet, no leveling will be required with this router table.
The cord seems relatively shorter when compared to what other router tables will provide, but an extension cord is a simple but effective fix for this. Also, the wobbly legs are easy to deal with by mounting the router table securely on a workbench.
Pros:
- Handy onboard storage
- Featherboards deliver more accurate routing
- Simplified set up
- Efficient folding design
- Easy bit changes
Cons:
- Shorter extension cord
- Legs can be a little wobbly
8. Craftsman 37595 – Best Router & Router Table Combo
Photo: Craftsman
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 inches
- Weight: 25.4 pounds
Craftsman 37595 is a complete routing combo package that will include both a router and a router table. Hence, with this package, you will have everything you need to start routing immediately. Better yet, by buying the combo you get better value for money.
The routing table is made to be wider to ensure it will accommodate larger workpieces. This 334-square inch work table will be ideal for use for both professional and DIYers users, and there is an adjustable and expandable fence for even more versatility.
There are two feather boards on this work table to make it easy to guide the workpiece smoothly across the work table and helps protect against kickback. There is a dust port for efficient dust management, miter gauge, and a dust guard.
Because the surface is a particle board, it will be generally less durable when compared to other materials like aluminum. However, with proper care and use, you should still get a long enough service.
Pros:
- Good combo package for an excellent value
- Wide table surface accommodate larger materials
- Fences can be expanded and adjusted
- Easy and precise workpiece guide
- Dust port included
Cons:
- Particleboard top is less durable
Conclusion
Any DIYer or woodworker that does a lot of routing needs to have the best router table as it will make the job easier and also ensure more precision. And now finding the perfect model only requires you to choose from our list above.
From this list, the Bosch RA1171 is our best overall because, besides being a high-quality product from a top brand, it has a lot to offer from handy cabinet design to a tall fence and efficient dust collection.
For those looking to spend less cash, the Dremel 231 is perfect as it comes at a smaller price tag, but it is still well-built.
In this post:
- Router Table Buying Guide
- 8 Best Router Tables Reviewed
- 1. Bosch RA1171 – Best Overall
- 2. Dremel 231 – Best Router Table for the Money
- 3. Bosch RA1181 – Best Benchtop Router Table
- 4. Rockler Trim Router Table – Best Extension
- 5. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 – Top-Rated
- 6. Kreg PRS2100 – Portable Router Table
- 7. Skil RAS900 – Self-Contained
- 8. Craftsman 37595 – Best Router & Router Table Combo
- Conclusion