Most Precise Router Table for the Dollar 2018
Speed and precision are a must in any woodworker’s job. If you’re a DIY artist, a dedicated worker or a weekend warrior wanting to pull off some wood projects for everyone in the family to make the most of, you want your results as smooth as possible. That’s the reason why the best router table should be a requirement for you.
Just imagine traffic without those traffic lights. It would be a mess. Worse, it’s a formula for disaster. When the parts don’t work out in accordance to one another, there won’t be harmony.
And your wood project needs all the harmony it can get.
It’s the reason why you seek out ¼” bits instead of ¾” ones. You want it all to work in harmony.
Even better, you want to finish a job, even the most complex ones, in record speed. And that can’t simply be done by a handheld router. There are just too many variables for it to work well.
But as benchtop router table reviews will tell you, the best router table will get you there faster – and more beautiful. So you don’t sweat it that much. You get it done in record time.
Modification isn’t much of a problem with a router table. When you want to create all those beautiful jaw-dropping designs on wood, you would be severely limited if you rely on handheld units to rout your wood. It would be a drag.
Of course, there’s a price, a heftier one, attached to a router table.
That’s why if you’re mulling over, sitting on the fence, the prospects of getting one, read on. We have worked the field for you. Here, we’re giving you the best router tables money can buy.
What’s more we’re showing you what each model’s claim to fame is. So you get to arrive at a more intelligent decision. And get the most bang for your buck in the process. Read on.
Kreg Router Precision Table PRS1045
You’ll love the precision system installed on this Kreg router. When you want it fast and want it to be as precise as possible, getting this model may be your best bet. No kidding. Of course, you will have to deal with the price. As you may by now, this one comes at a rather hefty price tag.
What makes this stand out? For starters, you have factory warranty here. Meaning: You’re pretty much covered. So you need not worry about the support. But what you may want to hear is that this is a true hi-performance stuff that gives you the designs you want with its precision system. Yes, it’s insert plate style. And if you’re looking at a pile of work, fret not. This model is heavy duty so it should get you all the muscle you need to get going.
Kreg Router Precision Table PRS1040
Now, if you like the first product offering on our list but wants a bigger model, then you got this. It’s built on the same solid principles of speed and precision. So you need not worry about getting all those wood designs built. It’s going to be. Note however, that you’re looking at an even heftier price tag here. So you should be ready to shed some for true quality.
And indeed. You got a bigger table here. Complete with needed dust collection and all the precision you require from a power tool. So you’d have those wood concepts etched forever in quality.
Bench Dog Benchtop Router Table Protop
This Bench ProTop should be a great alternative if you want to save on the dollar. You may be jumping for joy looking at the price. As it is, this is half the price of the first options on the list. Truly a great find. But this packs a punch. And should give you all the precision and speed you need in a wood router.
Know that you have a plastic laminate used as top. The 16 x 22 – inch table should be ample to get you going. You can make the most of the clear insert made of acrylic to get all those router designs factored with ease. And the best part’s you have a handy guide to ease the burden of starting right.
Kreg Benchtop PRS2100 Router Table
Oh, we spoke too soon. Kreg has its own within-the-budget counterpart. This model can give you all the precision that the brand has been associated with – minus the hefty price tag. The 16 inch x 24 inch table top is spacious enough to cater to your router needs. Add that easy-slide surface and the Level-Loc rings and you know this may just be the model you were waiting for.
Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181
And here’s one from the world-renowned power tool manufacturer Bosch. Indeed, indeed. This one is turning heads. At a starting price that may be the lowest in the whole list, you could be looking at a treasure find here. And why not? This is Bosch by the way. A leading brand.
The 27x18-inch work surface should get you going. It should provide all the space you need to get those wood designs factored in. The good news is the router table can be attached to just about any and all workbench. Telling you this one is quality product from a quality manufacturer. No wonder it’s a crowd pleaser.
Let's Compare the Most Precise Router Table
Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Price | Product Dimensions | Total Reviews | Product Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kreg Router Precision Table PRS1045 | 40 x 30 x 7 inches | 70 pounds | ||
Kreg Router Precision Table PRS1040 | 38 x 26.5 x 9 inches | 93 pounds | ||
Bench Dog Benchtop Router Table Protop | 26.8 x 22.8 x 5.1 inches | 43.2 pounds | ||
Kreg Benchtop PRS2100 Router Table | 19.2 x 30 x 4.8 inches | 28.4 pounds | ||
Porter-Cable Benchtop 698 Router Table | 20 x 30.5 x 10 inches | 37 pounds | ||
Bosch Benchtop RA1181 Router Table | 27 x 18 x 14.5 inches | 33.5 pounds | ||
Bosch Router Table Cabinet-Style | 4.8 x 27 x 24.2 inches | 45.1 pounds | ||
Skil Router Table RAS900 Benchtop | 27.7 x 19 x 9.5 inches | 32 pounds | ||
Craftsman Combo Benchtop Router Table | 26 x 15.9 x 14.7 inches | 25.4 pounds | ||
XtremepowerUS Benchtop Deluxe Router Table | 13.13 x 34 x 11 inches | 4 pounds |
Kreg Router Precision Table PRS1045
Short review
If Kreg could be described in a single word, that would be accurate. It is sleek and has simple built design made this guy one of your best bet to be your new router table.
Setting it up is easy but it will take you about 3 to 4 hours to fully assemble it and squaring the fence. The package comes in with three boxes. These are the stand, table and fence. Thanks to this, assembling it is straight forward and simple.
Also, the quality control is fantastic on its all pieces. Every holes, bolts screws and nuts are made in good material and shape. There are no sharp edges. The router itself is mounted effortlessly with a hole in place at the insert access designed for the lift feature.
However, it is worth to note a couple of faults. This router table is fairly expensive. Also, the table top tends to sags at the middle.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Kreg Router Precision Table PRS1040
Short review
Having top reviews for a benchtop router table, Kreg PRS1040 got aluminum fence to provide stellar precision. It is fully enclosed and having a dust collection is a sweet frosting on top.
The table is completely solid and stable. The adjustments are very fine and can be easily manipulate. Like the one that you have read above, this also comes with three boxes: stand, table top and fence. Assembling it is easy and intuitive that it will take you to around an hour to put it all together. However, assembling the fence can be tedious since you it has lots of parts for it be put all together. The top can absorb the vibration and noise.
The fence does have a locking lever at its one end but engaging the lever somehow couldn’t lock the fence at the side of its table perpendicular.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Bench Dog Benchtop Router Table Protop
Short review
The Bench Dog Benchtop seems a great choice for a router table since its reviews and quality are good. The finishing on both its wood and metal components is very well made and solid. You will get an easy adjust fence and flat top.
The top is sturdy to the touch and easy to level. But it the leveling screws are easy to fall out and you need to tighten it often which could be tedious and a hassle in the long run. It is easy to assemble and move and packed perfectly. Under the router, it has a good storage area. The dust collection works fine if you could connect it with Fein Turbo Duct Extractor. The package comes with two rods that could be installed behind the split fence. The miter gauge slot is a sweet bonus.
One more thing that we complain about is that it has no external switch. For this, opening the door will require you to turn off the router. With its price, the company could have included the paddle style switch that is placed outside of the table. This is crucial for the safety of the user and for that you have to buy it separately and additionally.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Kreg Benchtop PRS2100 Router Table
Short review
With good reviews and ratings, Kreg Benchtop PRS2100 has a feature that is unlike to any router table, it has vacuum system. The fence has adjustable faces and dust collection. It also has vertical jointing and cam clamps.
The router insert plate is full-size with the precision plate levelers and level-loc reducing rings; it will give you better performance and comfort of use. It only requires a bit of your time and patience to drill the hole when you mount this. Its legs tend to splay out so it eats up a lot of space when in store but the overall build is sturdy and solid. The fence locking handles are easy and quick to adjust.
Overtime, you will notice that the plate leveling screws tend to come loose in constant routing. Due to this, you have to use thread lock to prevent it from happening. The cam lever design is made out from plastic.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Porter-Cable Benchtop 698 Router Table
Short review
The Porter-Cable Benchtop has a table top that is very well furnished. The legs are sturdy and didn’t budge when it is bolted down to the table top. It comes with a dual guide.
Assembling it won’t take you long. It is easy and the parts are made out of quality materials. The design is straight-forward and even the appearance is pleasing. One thing that may strange is that it has an extension handle. It enables motor lock and release, and height adjustment to the table. And the weird thing about it is that it doesn’t have two holes on the table top that is necessary for the adjustments. In the end, you need to drill out the holes yourself.
For the collet wrench and miter gauge to keep it in place, you may need to buy or build a tool rack. Also, if you want the stand of the router table to stand alone, you may need to order for it additionally since they didn’t have it in this package.
The locking strap, however, is placed at the back. This made it harder to change out and to forget to the lock the router. In short, this may pose a hassle for you. The guide fence is difficult to use.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181
Short review
Bosch’s table is worthy to mention. It is made out of heavy cast aluminum. Assembling it is a breeze and effortlessly done since the parts are intuitive to put together.
The base is made out of robust plastic and with the aluminum table on top, this would make a great combination. On use, it runs quietly and didn’t emit vibrations that much. On the fence, it has dust collection hood that works and do its job quiet well. The power cord is 6 feet long.
Leveling the insert plate at the first time may take you some of the learning edge. Re-adjusting it may take you some time but you will gradually get the hang of it. The only thing that is real issue is that the front edge of the table is sharp. Putting a masking tape over the front edge is enough to do the trick. Overall, this router table does its intended job decently.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Bosch Router Table Cabinet-Style
Short review
Bosch made again a heavy duty router table that is worthy for the good reviews and ratings. The overall construction is top-notch and assembling it will take for about 30 to 45 minutes. The instruction manual made easier for you to assemble it and get it on to work.
The table top has the perfect size and the furnishing is very smooth. It has a built-in rail for accessories. The adjustable fence locks it easy and tight to make sure to stay it put and secure. Without the tool on place, the fence could be removed that allows you to move it 360 degrees.
The power switch that is placed at the front of the right part of the router table has a safety lock-out key. This is a good feature to make sure that it won’t turn on without you manually allowing that. The table top can be easily adjusts with a screwdriver to get the plane right.
There are wonky spacers that were used on the feather boards. It was too big that the screw head could fit when you put off the feather board.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Skil Router Table RAS900 Benchtop
Short review
Skil comes with a good set of accessories such as the dual feather boards, miter gauge and height tool measurement. It also comes with storage containers and a feature of quick clamp system.
Installing it wouldn’t take you a while. The starter pin and support guard are useful when routing your difficult and curved work pieces. Skil also packed it with height gauge to have it an easier bit setup and for cutting accuracy. This router table has a quick-release mount on the router that effortlessly attaching and detaching in a flick of your hand.
The folding design allows you to set this up in minimal effort and time. You can fold the legs to store it. This Skil Benchtop’s review highlight is the stability and convenience that you can get from a router table. However, the instruction that came along with it is not clear.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Craftsman Combo Benchtop Router Table
Short review
Craftsman Benchtop Router Table is made to be user-friendly and powerful at the same time. With the horsepower of 1 ¾ motor, it will be enough to get the woodworking fellas on work.
The table is 334 square inches that for a smooth working surface that has a cast of aluminum base. You are free to adjust the cutting depths. Also, its fences are adjustable. The power switch is conveniently placed on the table.
The routers are quite loud so we advised you to use ear muffs or plugs. If you are looking for a light duty tool, Craftsman will do the work well enough.
This router table doesn’t have a soft start feature and variable speed control but with its nice and cheap price tag, this guy can be difficult to pass up.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
XtremepowerUS Benchtop Deluxe Router Table
Short review
The XtremepowerUS Benchtop is the lightest router table out of this list but it earns it spot for a few reasons. This is a powerful stationary tool that comes with a 450 square inches of aluminum work sturdy table.
The power switch allows you to control the wet and dry vacuum. It is lightweight but strong that can withstand and lasts with you for years. Thanks to the grooved surface, it keeps the dusts and chips away. The efficient dust collection is a nice touch. The table got a built-in scale for a quick and precise indexing.
However, the overall construction looks like it was done in hurried manner. There are a few parts that didn’t fit smoothly enough and some of it is missing. Regardless, XtremepowerUS router table is still a good pick that is made out from best material from your money spent.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
ADVANTAGES
Here's Why a Router Table Trumps a Handheld Router every Time
Even in a wooodworker's world, the advance in technology has truly been a huge lift. What used to be a simple and straightforward cutting has transformed into a complex machine that can churn jaw-dropping designs that will make you wonder. So if you're a serious artist wanting to create better designs at faster speed, you got to give technology a salute.
If, however, you're still on the fence, mulling over, if you're to use the handheld router to cut you your heart's designs over the best router table, then we strongly recommend you read on.
Ignorance is truly no bliss. It's a curse. And nowhere is this more apparent than in your woodworking projects. To give you a bird's eye view on which tool is best for you, here's the nittygritty on the choice between a router table and a handheld router.
1. You get to work on locks and joints
The good thing about woodworking is that you get to work on different projects. And with different projects skill and creativity is required. If you are very familiar with woodworking you would know that this is something you always face.
Creativity is particularly important for getting the best out of your stock.
Especially when you are a professional you are required to deliver exceptional results. And that starts with sing drawer locks, dovetails and also finger joints.
The responsibility of a woodworker is to provide exceptional results from ideas that customers have come up with. You could literally say that a woodworker turns your imagination into a reality.
That’s definitely another beauty of a woodworker.
Well, if you are a hobby woodworker the yours might be a bit different. And the reason is because you are more particular about details and creativity. That’s how a router table comes in handy.
So unlike a handheld router a router table makes your work a lot easier. And you would be able to achieve different patterns in a breeze.
2. You get to make different cuts
Another added advantage of a router table over an handheld router is that you get to make different cuts. Well, it’s not like you get to decide what cuts you get to use before getting the project. Or even at the initial stage of the project.
The cutting style is determined in the planning stage. This is because the most important thing in a project is the final end product and the project at large.
Why it’s very easy with a router table is that it makes it easy for you to maneuver projects. And not just any project but projects like dadoes, stopped cuts, grooves, slots and many other cuts.
That’s something that you wouldn’t be able to do with a handheld router.
3. You get to work with templates
One amazing beauty of woodworking is precision. Precision is something that you would find in every wood work out there. That’s an art in itself in woodworking.
So to make this work a breeze for woodworkers a template and a router table is required. That’s one reason why most woodworkers opt for one of the best router tables in town.
With a router table it’s a whole lot easier. The reason is because with a router table it’s a lot stable. And you would be more comfortable while working. It also makes it precise while making your cuts.
That’s something that a handheld router wouldn’t be able to provide. With a handheld router it’s unstable and it wouldn’t work well with a template.
4. You get to work with different stock shapes
The truth is that most woodworkers use handsaws. For beginners using a handsaw is the easiest in cutting stocks. But the thing is that over the years the skill level of a woodworker increases. And the requirement of a woodworker would also increase.
You get to attempt bigger and also better projects when you’re a lot better.
That’s why a hand saw has become inefficient and not well equipped for the job.
This is also another reason why a router table is suitable for stocks that lack that perfect shape. Some stocks might be too narrow or too long or either too small. For this reason you need something much better than a handsaw.
The router table makes it easy for you to use that. And you wouldn’t be able to achieve this when you are using a handheld router.
6 Quick Tips to Work with Routers Minus the Risks
Wood is truly a wonderful craft to master. Thanks to a router, on a table or handheld, you're bound to create the most stunning of designs. All those breathtaking work of art, however, comes with a price. A steep price if you ask us.
That's because all the power a router harnesses has its dark side. Without proper controls, using the power tool could lead to accidents. That you certainly won't like. Because by then, you would have come up with second-grade products - not to mention you'd have to stay down for some days to recuperate wounds.
Before you shed a single drop of blood, here are quick and easy steps to take when working with the carbon-tipped bits of a router spinning at dizzying super speeds. Read on.
1. Always put on safety gear
One important thing you must always do while working with routers is to put on safety gear. It wouldn’t be such a good decision if you are to work without putting on the proper equipment. It’s just a way of protecting yourself from harm while working.
The thing about routers is that they are loud and also produce a large amount of dust. That’s why it’s important you protect your eyes, ear while you work. So a dust protection would be able to do the trick.
After wearing a dust mask you can also connect a dust port to your router. This way you would be able to accumulate dust into the dust port. And you wouldn’t have to do so much work cleaning up.
Also, you should not wear loose clothing or jewelry. You might accidentally get it stuck on the router table. Or it might even come off while working. And that wouldn’t be too good.
Similarly, if you have long hair you have to keep it up. Or you wear a hat just to cover it up.
2. Always keep your hands safe
As a woodworker your hand is your treasure. Without your hands you wouldn’t be able to make those beautiful pieces that you make. So it’s important that you keep it safe.
While working always keep your hands away from danger. And you can do this by not keeping your hands on the stock while working. When using a safe router table, the table must be fitted with a guard. And that covers that particular area immediately above the bit.
Using a guard is mandatory for smaller work pieces. This helps keep your harm away from harm’s way, even when you’re routing larger parts as well.
You could also consider using a feather board. This is because a feather board would help press the work against the fence as you rout. At the same time it gives you a better work output.
3. Always keep the stock secure
Not only do you keep your hand safe, you also have to keep the stock secure. Always ensure that the stock is securely clamped down to the bench or the work table. One exception though are work pieces that are quite heavy. Like furniture and also cabinet.
You can also place a fiction mat on the bench or table before clamping. This helps prevent the work piece from shifting while you’re working. When a routing board is too narrow and you can’t clamp it then you can go with a bench dog.
This way it’s a lot more comfortable for you to do your work. And you wouldn’t waste so much time doing your work.
4. Always unplug the router before you adjust it
You must never make the mistake of adjusting your router table while it’s still on. While adjusting your router it’s best you unplug the router. This way you can stay safe and remain free from injury.
While doing maintenance, changing bits and servicing router you have to put it off.
Also you also have to confirm that all parts are tightly fastened to the router before you turn it on. This way you would be sure that a bolt wouldn’t come off at you once you turn it on.
5. Ensure to start the cut safely and also end the cut safely
One mistake you shouldn’t make while using your router table is keeping the work in contact with the bit when you want to start working. That’s because when the wood is in contact with the bit when you start it, it can cause some damage.
It can also make you lose control of the router.
The thing with starting a router that is in contact with the wood is that the piece can be flung. It can also cause the bit’s shank to bend or in even worse cases damage the router.
Similarly, when you’re done with the cut you should also make sure that the bit isn’t in close contact with the work when you want to switch it off. Make sure that the bit stops spinning before you would set the router down.
All these are majorly for the main purpose of keeping you safe. You can be sure that you wouldn’t be injured while doing your work.
6. Never force the router
This is the last tip on our list. But you can be sure that this isn’t the least you have to pay attention to. In fact this is one of the most important tips you have to pay attention to. And the reason is because it’s detrimental to how long your router will last.
The fact is that different routers have different capacities. And forcing your router to perform more than its capacity is like sending it to an early grave.
Don’t force the router through the cut. Just in case you need extra feed pressure reset the bit to give you a lighter cut. Well, if you’re using a bigger bit then a more powerful router would suit your need.
If upon routing it scorches the wood then you would most likely have to change your bit or sharpen it because it’s dull.
Just in case you’re working and you hear an unfamiliar sound it appropriate you switch it off and then check for problem with the bit. At the same time if it vibrates more than usual then there’s probably a problem with its bit.
Just find out what the problem is and try to fix it as soon as possible.
CONCLUSION
You can choose to build the best woodworking projects but if you don’t employ the best tools, you could be just dreaming about it all. You have to be truly realistic about it. It’s for this reason that employing the best router table can be key in your desire to accomplish the jaw-dropping.
Beauty takes skill to make. Just a look at your house and all the beautiful things inside will tell you that. You simply can’t expect something good if you don’t put the best hands to make it. Or for that matter the best tools.
You can have quality work using a handheld router. It’s possible. But at what cost.
You would have spent more time and more effort achieving such. And that isn’t the wise thing to do.
If you want to get precision and speed at the same time in your wood projects, having a router table is the best way to do get it all done.
So you won’t have to worry about all the adjustments. One thing’s for certain with wood, modifications are part and parcel of everything. If it takes you a lot of time and effort to do all the modifications then you’re in a great disadvantage.
You severely limit yourself.
That’s the reason why we tip our hats to Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181. All the models in our list have been tried and tested. And you can say to a certain degree of certainty all of them are winners.
But when you want to be sure, when you want to rely on something most reliable, then we recommend you use the Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181.
Of all the products offered in the market today, there may be no product that has won more hearts than this one. And no product that has gotten so much attention – and so much positive acclaim.
All the delighted customers attest to how excellent this product is. Manufacturers can sure have wonderful things to say about their product. No doubt about that.
But when users speak, we should listen. Because they speak the truth. And in a market that’s filled with bajillions of half-truths (half-lies), it’s a treasure find.