Router Table Reviews: 6 of the Best Router Tables (for 2020)

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Macro shot of router table

If you are excited about woodworking and looking for ways to support your workpiece when using a router, the best router table is precisely what you need. They are designed to hold your router and allow for precise work. You can work on long, narrow or small workpieces. You can do edge trimming, stopped cuts and for lots of other jobs with a router table. You can even use it as a jointer.

There are lots of router tables on the market and it can be tricky to decide which of them is the best one for your needs. In this router table comparison, we will be looking at 6 of the best router tables, combos and systems that are available on the market.

Read on to find the right router table for your needs and within your budget.

Best Router Table Comparison

Overview: Router Tables in this Comparison

Skill RAS 900Craftsman Router Table CombinationBosch RA1171Bosch RA1181Kreg PRS1045Jessem Mast-R-Lift Excel II
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Skil RAS900 Router Table

  • Gauge for bit height to improve accuracy
  • ​Starter guard and pin to assist with routing curved edges
  • ​Quick clamp system
  • ​Storage container for accessories
  • Featherboards to guide work item

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Providing an all-inclusive solution for your routing needs, the SKIL RAS900 is a well-designed table that comes with a good convenience and ease of use. It will arrive as a pre-assembled piece, so you just need to unfold it and you are ready to go. Similarly, this makes storing this table really convenient, as you can simply fold it up again before you put it away.

This router table comes with an accessory storage bag, which keeps everything you need close by. It is constructed with a laminated MDF top which makes it strong and resilient enough for typical DIY uses. The dual featherboards are great in providing guidance for your workpiece when you move it along the router. Its starter pin and guard make it easy to work with curved pieces. The bit height gauge is a good aide facilitating both the setup process as well as a high precision of cuts.

Skil have made sure that most routers of a 6-inch size can be fitted to this table. The process of connecting the router and the table is simple thanks to the quick release router mount. It also comes with the quick clamp system that allows you to smoothly get your work started without spending a lot of time preparing everything.

As an entry-level table, this one will likely satisfy most DIYers’ and hobby woodworkers’ requirements.

For (semi-)professionals and those with more advanced needs, this model may be a bit too basic, though. According to customer reviews on Amazon, it is clear that the more experienced users have found some elements of the table, such as its limitation to only 6” routers, as frustrating. However, those with a router tool of that size who have bought this table for their workshop at home are generally happy with their purchase.

If you have a 6” router (or intend to buy one) and you are looking for a stable work surface for precision work, this table will be a good choice for you – especially if you don’t want to spend too much or if you are new to router tables.


Craftsman Router and Router Table Combo

  • Includes a 27,000 RPM router
  • ​334 square inch tabletop
  • ​Dust extraction feature
  • ​Built with a sturdy aluminum base
  • Includes a variety of accessories

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If you are new to routers and router tables, this router table combo could be an ideal option for you. The combo bulk already contains a fitting router, and you will get all this at a comparatively low price. However, advanced users would notice that quality of this Craftsman router table might not be entirely up to the standard of the others on this list.

The router itself has a 1-3/4 HP motor that runs at 27,000 RPM. This is a decent amount of power that allows you to process workpieces made of stronger and harder types of wood with relative ease. Besides the router, this table combo comes with a variety of other accessories. This includes a collet, a wrench, a fence, a dust guard, two featherboards, a miter gauge, and insert rings. Therefore, this set contains basically everything you need to get started with routing.

With the miter gauge being adjustable for up to 60 degrees in either direction, above-table cutting height being easily changeable, and three insert rings with varying opening diameters, this table/router combo features most of the options you would ever need.

Customer reviews of this product are rather mixed. This is because of the quality of the table itself which is not as good as that of professional router tables. But this may also be a matter of expectations. Given the comparatively low price for this router table combo, it is definitely a better choice for a beginner rather than a semi-professional woodworker.

For woodworking newbies and those with a tight budget, this entry-level router table can be a good and affordable option though.


Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table

  • Aluminum fence and MDF face plates support tall workpieces
  • ​Can be used for jointing
  • ​Aluminum router mounting plate fits most routers
  • ​2 dust collection ports to keep a tidy work surface
  • Dual outlets

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This router table made by the German tool and machinery manufacturer BOSCH is compatible with the vast majority of the popular router models. It is built with a smooth laminated top so it is durable and allows you to work with precision on the 25×15.5 inch work surface. The aluminum fence on this table is taller than the ones on other tables. This allows you to work with taller workpieces, and you also get fully adjustable MDF face plates to support the item which ensures smooth operation.

The featherboards are also easily adjustable. This enables you to work with workpieces of different shapes and sizes. In addition, there is a built-in accessory slot. It can be used to add more featherboards to the table as well as other accessories such as a miter gauge.

This router table comes with a starter pin and guard as well as an adjustable clear guard. These are useful for you to always see the point where the bit touches the wood. Thus, you will be able to better control the workpiece and achieve the precise cuts and molds you are looking for.

An amazing feature of this table is the way it helps reduce the mess and the noise that is often caused by routers. Bosch did a good job by designing a sturdy cabinet that keeps operating noise down. They built in two dust ports to make sure that the debris is removed as soon as it is produced.

These features are not only convenient for the operator. Keeping the workspace clear of debris will also increase your efficiency when working on your project.

Customers usually appreciate the effectiveness of the dust ports, as well as the solid, sturdy construction of the table. Some find the assembly of the router table tricky, however, once it is set up, the Bosch table meets most DIYers’ expectations.

Offered at a fair price, this cabinet-style table is definitely a good choice. It is fully adjustable to fit for a wide range of routers and workpieces. If you are looking for a sturdy and reliable product, then this one is definitely worth your consideration.


Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table

  • Compatible with many routers
  • ​27×18 inch work surface
  • ​Tall aluminum fencing
  • ​Dual outlet switch
  • Rigid mounting plate

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The second Bosch router table in this comparison comes with a benchtop design. The sturdy aluminum mounting plate is compatible with virtually all routers, and it offers a large work surface of 27×18 inches. The aluminum fence is relatively high, too, which makes this table well suited to dealing with tall stock.

Adjustable featherboards with flexible MDF face plates allow you to work with a variety of shapes and sizes while providing the support you need to smoothly control the workpiece as it is moved across the table. A starter pin and guard are also included and there is a built-in cord-wrap for storing and transportation.

Among the practical features of this table are the 15 Amp dual outlet switch with overload protection, the 6-inch cord and a lockout key to prevent unauthorized use. You will appreciate the latter if children have access to your workshop at home. A standard-sized dust port is built into the fence that can be attached to a vacuum and keeps your work surface tidy and clean.

This product is a great all-round router table. It can be exactly what you need if you are a DIYer or a woodwork semi-professional. The sturdy design and the adjustable features enable you to perform a variety of tasks with this router table. At the time of writing, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year service protection plan, and a one year warranty – just in case you would need it.

The Bosch RA1181 is a popular router table on Amazon, and it is selling well in its category. Customer reviews are broadly positive, highlighting both the high quality and the affordable price.

If you are an experienced woodworking DIYer and you are looking for an all-rounder with a benchtop design, you will probably want to consider this Bosch model.


Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System

  • Multi-purpose router table system
  • Made of 12- and 16-gauge steel
  • Height between 29 to 35 Inches
  • Fence adjustable and removable
  • Various accessories available

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If you are looking for a (semi)professional router table and you are willing to accept the higher price, the KREG PRS1045 could be a good consideration. The router table comes with insert plates to mount any type of router. It is also easy to assemble.

Its surface is covered by laminate and the tabletop is made of MDF which is supposed to reduce vibrations. One of the numerous features is an aluminum miter channel for mounting different kinds of tabletop accessories offered by Kreg. The steel stand is a clear reflection of the manufacturer’s commitment to durability and quality. It allows for a working height between 29 and 35 Inches.

The high quality and advanced features come at a comparatively high price though. While it may not be the right choice for beginners, lots of customer reviews suggest that it is well worth the investment if you are looking for a precise and durable professional router table system.

A great choice for (semi)professional woodworkers.


JESSEM Mast-R-Lift Excel II Complete Router Table Combo System

  • Size 32″ x 24″ table
  • Aluminum miter track and T-track
  • Aluminum router table fence
  • Durable steel stand
  • Various accessories available

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If you are serious about woodworking, you might want to consider this Jessem router table system. While it masters all the fundamental requirements for router tables, it offers a broad range of accessories, including a digital readout attachment. Mounted on a heavy-duty steel stand, this table is probably the benchmark in terms of quality, durability and precision.

Focusing on a professional clientele, rather than DIYers, this router table system has a solution for all kinds of furniture-making and cabinetry requirements.

Customers – many of them are professionals – are generally excited about the Jessem product despite being the most expensive one in this comparison. While both the quality and the manufacturer’s customer service are widely recognized, a minor downside is the set-up: It can be tricky and parts of the instructions cannot keep up with the great overall impression of this table. But this is just a minor issue thanks to other users who are helping you out with online video tutorials if necessary.

A top-notch router table system for (semi)professional use that requires a certain investment.


The Verdict

Our overall choice for the best allrounder router table for DIYers is the Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table. It offers a great selection of features at a competitive price, is fully adjustable, works with tall workpieces, and fits most models of router.


Professionals who are looking for an advanced router table system should take a look at the Jessem router table. Quality, durability and versatility are second to none but come with a corresponding price tag.


Things To Consider Before Buying a Router Table

Router tables are a necessity if you are a serious about woodworking, cabinetry and some types of joinery. This is because it offers a more stable surface and support to work on your pieces and get more precise results.

There is a wide range of router tables on the market and it is worth considering exactly what you want to get from your purchase before you decide on which is the best one for you (source). If you already have a router it is important to ensure the table you buy will fit the particular model you have. If you don’t have one yet, you will probably be interested in a router and router table combo bundle.

Besides features, performance, quality and price, you should pay attention to the size of a router table. Ask yourself: What kind of workpieces will you typically be working on? Which size and which structure does it have? These answers will help you select a table that will meet your needs.

Conclusion

There are lots of different router tables available, each of which has slightly different features. They also come in a wide range of prices, starting from a few hundred to more than a thousand bucks (and even more for industrial CNC router tables).

It comes down to exactly what you need your router table for. If it’s for professional use then you will need to buy a sturdier product, probably with fully adjustable gates and a mounting plate to fit a wide range of routers. If you are getting it for home use, these factors may not matter so much to you, and the dust ports and compactness might be more important to focus on.

If you are a DIYer who needs a good allrounder at a fair price, check out the Bosch Benchtop Router Table. In case you are a professional user, make sure you consider the Jessem Router Table System.

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