It is a well known woodworking fact that there are times that it is best to bring the tool to the work and there are times that it is best to bring the work to the tool.
The latter is the principle behind the use of a router table. It is much easier to cut through stock, especially larger ones on a stationary router table rather than trying to do it with a hand held router.
With a good router table, wood works that are normally hard do will be a lot easier than ever. Click here to see our #1 pick on Amazon.com
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Best Router Tables on The Market
- What exactly is a Router Table?
- How can you have the best router table for your workshop?
- Types of Router Table
- Advantages of Router Table
- Top 5 Best Router Table Reviews
- 1. Bosch RA1181 Bench Top Router Table
- 2. Kreg PRS1040 Precision Router Table System
- 3. Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table
- 4. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
- 5. Skil RAS900 Router Table
- Tips on Choosing the Best Router Tables
- How to use a router table
- Conclusion
Top 3 Best Router Tables on The Market
What exactly is a Router Table?
A router table is an indispensable tool to add in your woodworking shop. It is a versatile platform that will bring your woodworking task to greater heights.
It is where you can mount your router and other accessories. This provides a fix or stable base for you to cut precisely and even do intricate design projects perfectly.
It holds unfinished objects in place until the process is completed. Not only will a router table provide you, a workable area for your projects, but it will also furnish more efficiency and accuracy on all your workpieces.
So if you are serious about getting your projects done with precision and visually aesthetic, you have to get the best router table available.
How can you have the best router table for your workshop?
A router table is either made or well purchased. If you have the necessary skills to build one, then go ahead construct your own router table.
But if I were you, I will make my life simpler by purchasing the best router table in the market instead. Below is a table comparing the different best selling products based on router table reviews.
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Types of Router Table
According to CNC, There are different types of router tables and they are classified according to their table tops.
- MDF Table Top
Most of the good router tables are of this type. It offers more convenience to woodworkers. It allows workpieces to smoothly glide through to the cutter. This router table is perfect for frequent use where chances of scratching the table are high.
- Vacuum Table Top
This type of router table can be used to hold almost all kinds of materials in position in a contact-less manner. The vacuum force sucks up the workpiece in place, freeing both of your hands to do more work. But the downside of this table router is that you will need an additional plumbing with a filter and relief valve.
- T-Slot Table Top
This router table is made of either aluminum or steel table top depending on the worker’s requirements. According to router table reviews, this type is sturdy and durable that it can handle large and heavy amounts of workloads. Router tables made of steel are heavier than aluminum ones and are pricy compared to the other router tables.
- Perforated Table top
This type of table top is affordable compared to the T-Slot. It is made of inexpensive materials but is sturdy enough to handle workloads.
Router tables are available in different sizes. The full size is the best option, but if you don’t have a big space to place it you can purchase a router table with a smaller tabletop size. Read router table reviews and you will be convinced how this table can make your life a lot easier.
Advantages of Router Table
- Increased Efficiency and Precision
Whether you are a hobbyist working in your garage or a professional manufacturer of the woodworks, a router table is a necessity to hold your router and other equipment. This results in more precise and beautiful finished products, which can translate to fewer rejections and increased in revenues.
- Safety
The risks of accidents are considerably decreased because it allows maximum workpiece control during cutting. It provides a work area where you can securely mount wood router and other accessories. Moreover, a good router table ensures to carry on the whole operation in a seamless manner, even as the table silently does the job.
- Woodworking Made Easier
If you are in the manufacturing business and you have tons of workloads to do, a router table comes in handy. You will be able to use the table – taking the workpieces to the router table rather than hand holding the router to work on each one. It makes woodworking easier that you can accommodate bigger projects for more income.
- Functionality
With a router table, you will be able to do all kinds of projects. From precise edge cutting to intricate design woodworks, you will be pleased to produce all kinds of woodworks you can think of. A router and a router table are the best combo any woodworker should have.
- Ergonomics
The best router table is designed with ergonomics in mind. Workers and hobbyist will be able to enjoy comfort, convenience and relaxation- all while working at the same time. The more comfortable a worker is in his workplace the better projects will be done in no time.
- Maintains a Clean Woodshop
Most router tables have a dust collection system. It helps control wood dusts and other debris during the operation. This makes your workshop cleaner and more conducive area to work in.
- Quiets the Router
Most often than a not, the sound of a router is very irritating to the ears. It is hazardous and can damage the eardrums. A router securely mounted in a router table reduces vibration and quiets it.
- Decreases Stress Level
If you have the right equipment and the best router table, stress levels will dramatically decrease. It makes any job done without having to exert much effort. Bear in mind that stress is a silent killer. If you are able to reduce stress significantly, then it is certainly good news.
With all the advantages and benefits of a router table, you have to purchase one for your shop as soon as possible. To further help you with your choices, here are brief reviews of the best selling router tables available in the market today.
Top 5 Best Router Table Reviews
1. Bosch RA1181 Bench Top Router Table
Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table has the basic features and it also includes two flexible featherboards, one grime collection port, double channel switch and a six foot power cord. It is a versatile router table that can give you both stability and efficiency. It is manufactured with a metal table top, thus it is not affected by the sun when working outdoors compared to other plastic counterparts. In addition it doesn’t deflect nearly as much like the plastic table tops. With pre-drilled insert plate, it can be inserted all kinds of router into it. However, it doesn’t have a router lift capabilities and you have to adjust underneath to lift the router. Nevertheless, this is one of the best router table and proves to be a great buy.
2. Kreg PRS1040 Precision Router Table System
The Kreg PRS1040 Precision Router Table System not only has the basic features of a router table but innovative ones as well. It has a large table top to accommodate long and large workpieces. It also includes an adjustable T-sqaure fence that comes with a cam lock that keeps it parallel and stable during the woodworking process. Its dust extraction efficiency makes the work area clean. However, the problem with this router is that it cannot lodge all routers and are only exclusive to some. Overall, with its innovative features and large table top, this router table is a good addition to your workshop for easier woodworking.3. Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table
The Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table has all the features a woodworker needs. It offers much usable work area as most full size router tables. With sufficiently large surface: 16 inches x 27 inches (l x w). Its portable design makes it more convenient to use. It has a one piece aluminum frame that is fully machined to ensure its flat true square. In addition, it has twin steel rails to assist the router and rubber feet to decrease vibration to a minimum and keep it in place. The downside of this table is that it doesn’t have router lift capabilities and it is relatively heavy at 40lbs. However, according to router table reviews, the versatility and durability of this table offers a long lasting addition to your workshop.
4. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
The Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table is one of the most in demand router table in available today. The main features include a tall aluminum face with an adjustable MDF face that makes working with long and tall stocks smoother and trouble-free. Its sturdy tabletop can handle large and heavy workloads. It has 2 dust collection ports that double the cleaning action. Moreover, it has sturdy plates, accessory slot, dual outlet switch and a lot more. However, this router table cannot accommodate all brands of the routes. The laminated top easily gets damaged and the plastic borders stick up after quite some time. But compared to all the great features of this table, you are assured that you get more value for your money.
5. Skil RAS900 Router Table
Another top sought router table according to router table reviews is the Skil RAS900 Router Table. This has awesome features which include a starter pin and gauge which effectively cuts curves accurately. It has an MDF laminate surface finish that lets work pieces glides smoothly into the router allowing a clean cut with minimal effort. With 2 feather boards that guide you with the routing process and adjustable fence to keep work pieces in place. This router table has a lot more to offer and what’s most unique with this table is its foldable design which makes it more convenient for storage. With an affordable price and features like the high end models, the Skil RAS Table Router is definitely a good deal.
Tips on Choosing the Best Router Tables
In choosing a router table, the first thing you should consider are the basic components. You also have to take into consideration certain things about the components that will assist you with wood routing. The basic components of a router table are as follows:
Table Tops
The most important part of a router table is its top. It should be flat as possible, smooth and free from any obstructions. It also has to be stable and sturdy enough to handle heavy and large amounts of the woodworks. The table should handle the pressure – a router table that flexes even the slightest will distort the workpiece. Choose a clean table top – no miter channel. This usually weakens the top and just collects dust and wood debris. You rarely need them anyways.
Another factor you should also consider about table tops is the surface finishing. Mostly, table tops are made of MDF, Cast Iron and Phenolic. Each finishing has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice is really up to you. Read on router table reviews to know more about this. It is crucial to choose the top rated router table with a superb table top, the quality of the woodworks depends on it.
Mounting Plate
Common sense wise, the table you should choose is the one that fits your router. Remember not all tables can fit all brands, but the best router table does. The quality and the layout of the mounting plate are essential. It should be large enough to mount large routers, and it should also have a reducer available for smaller ones. In addition, the plate should be sturdy enough to support the weight of your router. A little caveat, beware of router tables who claims to fit all routers and contains sheer number of screw holes pre-drilled in it, This kind of router tables is less strong and offers more opportunity for dust and other objects to accumulate. Honest router table reviews will tell you this information.
Fence Router
The router fence makes sure that you’ll be able to cut accurately and precisely. You have to make sure that the fence is rigid and straight. The best router table has a fence that easily clamps to the table and allows you to adjust to a range of different positions.
There are two types of router fences: a one-piece fence and a split fence. The one –piece router fence is much preferred by professional woodworkers because it’s much easier to use and there is no need to align. This fence covers the infeed and the outfeed sides of the table and it is more convenient to use. These factors are essential if you want to achieve high quality woodworks.
Base
Make sure that the router table base is sturdy enough. You don’t want the table to be wobbling while you’re routing, right? A steady base will help you achieve clean, precise cuts with ease. Furthermore, an unsteady base is very hazardous and detrimental. Not only can it destroy a workpiece but it can also cause accidents. The best router table has a stable and sturdy base.
The following are some of the added features you can consider in choosing a router table:
- Dust port
- Power auxiliary and speed control switch
- Router lift capabilities
- Miter
- T-track
- Vacuum system
- Featherboards
- Clamping system
- Router bit storage
- Drawers and added compartments to keep your tools and other accessories
How to use a router table
One of the common mistakes prospective buyers make when learning how to find the best router table is to ignore the fact that learning how to use a router table is as important to getting a good cut as buying the best in the market. Thankfully, even if you have already purchased one and are at sea regarding the cutting method, you’d be glad to know that the procedure is far simpler than that of the average woodworking tool. To illustrate this, we have provided below the basic contours of the cutting procedure.
Pre-Cutting Procedures
Every cutting session begins with a series of quick but vital preparatory steps. Now these steps vary according to the location, direction and depth of the cut desired and the material being cut. For purposes of convenience we’ve assumed the following:
- Material: Thin softwood/plywood sheet
- Weight/Quality: Featherboard
- Bit size: 1/2” (with negligible bearing obstruction)
- Cut position: Edge of the board
- Cut Type: Standard
We are also assuming that the router has already been fixed to the table and that it is the standard under-the-table variant.
To prepare the router table for cutting, you must:
- Rotate the collet till it comes loose. Place the bit in it.
- Screw on a bearing of appropriate size. Most manufacturers of routers and bits will prescribe the thickness of the bearing.
- Push bit assembly into the mouth of the router till it goes in completely.
- Pull out the bit about 1/16th of an inch and then rotate the collet to fix it into position. Initially rotate with your hands and then with a wrench. One of the most important points to remember while learning how to use a router table is to avoid leaving the collet loose as this may cause the bit to come loose during operation thereby causing grievious injury.
- Lower the bit and collet apparatus to a level where the collet is completely underneath the table surface and only the bit and bearing are visible. One of the key features of the best router table is a special mechanism for adjusting this height from above the table, thereby making unpleasant under-table modifications unnecessary.
- Take the fence and position it according to the position of the cut. Since we shall be cutting along the edge, the fence needs to “isolate the bearing” ie the frontal edges of the fence should eclipse the bearing such that it does not participate in the cut itself. To do this, pull the fence to a position where it covers the bearing and only the remaining part of the bit is visible.
- Use clamps to fix the fence in place. If the fence comes with a dedicated fixing mechanism, use it instead.
- Place the piece of wood you wish to cut on the table and note whether you would be comfortable pushing the piece along the table. The wood should glide without friction between the base plate and the remainder of the table.
- Attach the power cords and run the router for a few seconds to see if the bit is working properly. Also note if the stands/feet are wobbling or are otherwise unstable. Cutting wood on an unstable table can be extremely dangerous and if needed the legs should be changed or stabilized before proceeding.
Cutting Procedure
Learning how to use a router table to get the best cut requires one to achieve good alignment. As a rule of thumb, one should always align the wood in a manner that causes it to move through the bit right to left because the bit rotates in an anticlockwise direction. Pushing the wood in the opposite direction would cause the wood to be pulled away from the user and off the table. This will not only ruin the edge but also expose the user to chances of serious injury.
To align and cut the wood:
- Place the wood along the fence in a manner that at least 75-80% of the wood surface is on the table. Further, the thickness of the wood should never be greater than the height of the fence.
- Push the wood till the edge of the wood is about an inch or so away from the bit.
- Start the motor and put on safety equipment. Safety equipment in case of router tables includes protective eyewear and earmuffs to protect the ears from the intense sound of the router.
- Start pushing the wood slowly towards the bit. As the bit makes contact with the wood, the sound of the router would get a little muted.
- Continue pushing the wood while ensuring that the wood is perfectly aligned. Doing so can be tricky at times because one also has to make sure that the hands do not come too close to the bit. If for any reason the wood is misaligned, stop the router and realign the wood at a point that is a few centimetres behind the point of misalignment. Resume the cut from this point.
- As the bit begins to exit the wood, be prepared to be greeted by a large amount of sawdust. Keep your eyes at a distance from the table to avoid any getting through the protective eyewear and into your eyes.
- Once the wood has passed the bit completely, shut down the motor and use an abrasive material to wipe away the sawdust from the cut.
- Observe the cut carefully. Maintaining proper alignment throughout the cut would have provided you with a perfect cut with no deviations. If however any signs of error or deviation are found, align the wood as before and run it through the bit once more.
- Wipe the sawdust from the table. Skipping this step would increase the steps required to maintain a router table and may cause blockages later on.
Conclusion
It is true that a router table is an indispensable part of your workshop. It gives a whole new dimension to woodworking process. You can build and customize your own or you can simply purchase one from dozens of commercially manufactured tables. Buy the best router table you can afford, but before doing that research on quality and added features. By doing this you will be able to rip off all the advantages and benefits a router table can provide.
You can browse through router table reviews to help you get more informed choices on what is the best router table available in the market. The information above is essential before purchasing a router for your workshop. Nevertheless, it is still your decision; whatever reason you have for buying such model is much respected.
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