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There are so many things one can do with a handheld router. With a handheld router, you can control the direction of the feed, as well as modify the feed rate and the tool’s direction as you work. But conventional routers have limitations, especially when working with smaller or thinner workpieces. For better results, then it’s best to flip the router up and mount it on a router table.
In the field of woodworking, having precise skills and being versatile is extremely important. Creating complex patterns and flawless finishes necessitates more than just dexterity; it also calls for the appropriate equipment.
Out of all the options available, the benchtop router table is a crucial tool that combines both creativity and technical expertise. Whether you have years of experience in woodworking or you’re just starting out as a DIY enthusiast, having a benchtop router table is incredibly valuable. It will greatly enhance your projects by providing increased precision and allowing you to explore new levels of creativity.
In this detailed review, I’ll be discussing benchtop router tables. I have carefully selected a range of options that showcase innovation, durability, and ease of use. My goal is to assist you in navigating the wide range of choices available, so that you can make a well-informed decision that best suits your woodworking goals.
Today we’re going to discuss the router’s best friend, the benchtop router table. We’re going to review some of the best router tables you can buy online, and discuss their pros and cons so you can choose which product is perfect for your needs. Check out our router table buying guide to help you get started.
- 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
- Convenient Routing Table: Portable and easy-slide routing surface uses insert plate levels for accuracy
- Premium Kreg Tools: We offer products that help woodworkers close the gap between idea and outcome
- 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 pieces and out feed can be offset for jointing
- 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; Accessory slot accepts additional feather boards and 3/4 inch optional accessories such as miter gauge
- Cleanup: With a cabinet style design, the RA1171 is able to feature two dust collection ports for removing any job site dust and debris; The dust collections ports fit standard 2 1/2 inch vacuum hoses
- Convenience: Featuring a dual outlet switch with 6 feet power cord; Includes bench top router table, aluminum router mounting plate, 3x mounting plate rings, mounting hardware, 2x adjustable feather boards, adjustable clear guard, starter pin and guard, and 2x out feed fence shims
- 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
- Bit height gauge helps simplify set-up and improves accuracy of cuts
- Starter pin and guard help support work-piece when routing curved edges
- 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
- Onboard storage – Ideal for holding router bits and spare parts
- No assembly required – Comes preassembled
- Convert your corded rotary tool into a light-duty, bench-mounted precision wood shaper with the Dremel 231 Shaper/Router Table; making it easy to slot, edge, groove and/or sand items in both conventional and irregular shapes.
- Easily mounts to any tabletop workspace and is compact and easy-to-store when not in use.
- Features simple-to-grip plastic knobs that include a screwdriver slot for easier rotary tool assembly and a depth adjustment screw enabling you to adjust to the desired depth of cut.
- 3 way adjustable fence allows for accurate detail and finish while the compact & smooth 8 In. x 6 In. worktable is ideal for light-duty detail projects.
- Compatibility: Fits Dremel tool models 100, 200, 3000, 4000, 8220, 8240, 8250 and 8260.
How To Use A Router Table
There are so many things you can do with a router mounted on a benchtop router table. You can use the tool to cut elegant decorative moldings. If you’re trimming a small workpiece, it can double as benchtop jointer (if you don’t have one) to produce a smooth, even, and clean edge. The tool can also be used to cut grooves, rabbets, dados, chamfers, and mortises.
But before you plug the router’s power cord into an electrical outlet, it’s always a good idea to wear your safety glasses and your hearing protection. Make sure that the power cord is unplugged every time you adjust anything.
When using a router mounted on a router table, you have to insert the router bit into the collet completely and then draw it out a bit (around 1/16″). Tighten the nut with your hand, and tighten it further by using a wrench. In some routers, you have to tighten the nut using two collet wrenches until it is completely snug. Adjust the height of the bit using a screwdriver, adjust the clearance on the fence, and you’re ready to get started.
Then — and only then — can you plug the power cord in an electrical outlet and turn the router on. When feeding the workpiece into the router bit, always start from left to right, and remember to feed the edge grain first. Use the clear plastic guard to protect your fingers, and use featherboards when necessary.
Table Router Buying Guide
Type of Router Table
There are two types of router tables, and these are portable and stationary. If you need a router table that you can carry from your headquarters to a jobsite and vice versa, then a portable router table is ideal for you. Portable router tables have a standard tabletop, but the legs can be folded underneath, making them easier to transport.
But if you’re going to work mainly at home or in your workshop, then a stationary router table is a sensible choice. The legs of this type of table are fixed. Plus, it can be mounted to another workbench thanks to predrilled holes on the feet.
Table Top Surface
Most benchtop router table tops are usually made of medium-density fibreboard, or MDF, while some are made of aluminum.
MDF is a popular type of engineered wood that is composed of wood fibers. The wood fibers are bound together with synthetic adhesives and compressed into panels. Router tables with MDF tops are coated with high-pressure laminate or melamine to ensure that the surface is smooth and abrasion-resistant. MDF router tables can support a lot of weight and are durable, but keep in mind that poorly made MDF tables are susceptible to swelling or warping when exposed to excessive humidity.
Aluminum is another material commonly used to make router tables. These rugged router tables can hold a lot of weight, and they are veritably moisture-proof. They are fire-proof and lightweight but make sure to check if the surface is level as it can affect the precision of your cuts.
Stability
There’s nothing worse than a table that wobbles or vibrates while you’re routing a piece of wood. Whether you’re getting a portable or stationary router table, make sure that the legs are stable enough that they do not wobble during operation. If the table you’ve purchased does wobble, you can always drill the base onto a customized workbench.
Fence
Keeping a cut straight and can even be difficult if your router table doesn’t have a fence. Router table fences are available in one piece, while others are split into two. Some come with adjustable featherboards, while others do not. If you’re going to work on larger workpieces, then make sure to get a router table with a higher fence.
Conclusion:
The best benchtop router table on the list is the Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table. It may not be the most affordable router table or the one with the most accessories, but there are a lot of features that make this particular router table the best in class.
One of the most important factors in choosing the right router table is its stability. Unlike other router tables, this Kreg model features a heavy-duty and stable steel stand with protective coating to prevent rust. It also has rubber feet to keep it from slipping from the workbench. It has a wide stance, ensuring that it is balanced and stable during operation. It cannot be drilled to a workbench, but don’t worry as this is one stable router table.
The table is made of durable MDF with a smooth and flat surface. It comes with a flat insert plate with three Level-Loc rings. The fence is made of extruded aluminum, and it comes with a transparent plastic guard. It has a miter slot, but keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a miter gauge as other router tables do. You also have to have your own featherboards or buy one as this router table doesn’t come with this accessory.
It is quite pricey, but the quality of its materials and its stability make it worth every dollar. You can always check out the other router tables should you decide that the Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table is too expensive for you.
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