Best Router Table for the Money 2017

 According to CNC, There are different types of router tables and they are classified according to their table tops.

1.  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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

•  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. 

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:

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:

1. Material: Thin softwood/plywood sheet
2. Weight/Quality: Featherboard
3. Bit size: 1/2” (with negligible bearing obstruction)
4. Cut position: Edge of the board
5. 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:

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: