Do you consider yourself a master craftsman? Or even a woodworking hobbyist? If so, it’s likely that you’re on the lookout for a router table that can serve all your needs.
Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a beginner in the field, the options available in the market must be overwhelming to you. In 2021, there are some great new router tables being introduced to the market. And we’re not going lie to you, they’re all pretty great. However, router tables are highly specialized equipment and you should get one that is ideally suited for you.
To that end, we’ve used and reviewed over 25 different router tables in the market. Having done so, we’ve compiled all our findings into this article listing out the 8 best router tables of 2021. These router table reviews take into consideration people with different skill sets, different budget needs, etc, so as to offer an option for everyone.
If you need some help figuring out what exactly a router table is, or how it works, or what are the factors to look into when buying it, you can scroll down to the latter half of this article to have your questions answered.
The 8 BEST Router Table Reviews: The Best Brands of 2021
The world of router tables is not an ever-changing industry. For the most part, many of the components have been proven to work quite well, and there are only small adjustments made to increase precision, ease of use, and durability of parts. Though some new systems do arise here and there, the biggest improvements end up being attachments since router tables are supposed to last for years.
With that being said, there are a few brands that locked in the best of the best parts and features found in router tables. Brands like Kreg, Bosch, DeWalt, Grizzly, Bench Dog, Rebel, and even Woodhaven all make the list as reputable router table brands. Here are some of the most well-known router tables. These great tables, some still holding strong even in 2021, will help you discover what works for you and what is the best router table for your needs.
| Picture | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System | |
  | Grizzly T28048 Router Table | |
  | Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table | |
  | Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension | |
  | Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table | |
  | Rebel W2000 Router Table | |
  | Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table | |
  | Woodhaven 6000 Horizontal Router Table |
1. Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System
Are you a professional woodworker looking for a full-fledged router table set? If so, then the Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System is the ideal option for you. It comes with a heavy and durable metal table compatible with various wood routers. However, the real special aspect of this router table is the fact that it comes with additional features like fence pieces and casters.
The metal casters also help turn this router table into a portable option. They can be attached to the bottom of the table legs and as such they can easily be rolled across the room. If you need mobility with your work station, this is the one for you. However, don’t let the additional features fool you into thinking it is difficult to assemble. The Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System can be easily assembled within a matter of minutes if you simply follow the instructions.
It’s extremely stable and can accommodate large and small routers. Furthermore, it already comes with a fence micro-adjuster, which you’d usually have to buy separately. This also makes it cost effective.
Check out this page for more on the best router tables from Kreg.
Features:
- Weight of 70 pounds
- It doesn’t require batteries
- Comes with three additional pins and a starter pin
- The fence comes with a micro-adjuster
- It has a power switch
Drawbacks:
- This is widely held to be the best router table for professional woodworkers. As such, it doesn’t have any drawbacks.
Verdict: If you’re a professional woodworker who cares about stability, durability, and mobility, this is the ideal router table for you.
- Easy assembly process
- No batteries required
- None
Comes with additional features such as a starter pin, casters, and fence micro-adjusters.
Check Price on Amazon
2. Grizzly T28048 Router Table
Are you a keen woodworking hobbyist? Are you on the lookout for a solid router table to advance your wordwooking? If so, then your search comes to a halt with the Grizzly T28048 Router Table.
With a surface area of 23 5/8” x 15 3/4” this router table can accommodate most projects. It will accept just about any brand of portable router as well. This cast iron table is designed to work with routers from 3/4 HP to 2 1/2 HP.
Furthermore, the router table comes with some features that are very convenient. For example, the table features tool-free adjustable fence faces that also include shimmering bars that are built-in. This is particularly useful for jointing. A large canvas collection bag sits under the table to collect dust and debris with it’s own 2 1/4″ dust port. We also like the full support afforded on both sides of the worktable, along with the easy adjust split fence.
Features:
- 23 5/8” x 15 3/4” main table surface
- 3 3/4″ plate opening size
- Accepts just about any brand of portable router from 3/4 HP to 2 1/2 HP.
- Router guard is made of clear polycarbonate
- Hand adjustable fence assembly and fence boards
- Extruded aluminum fence frame is anodized finish for durability
- Included dust collection bag
- Canvas side pockets with handy tool pouches
- Adjustable feet
Drawbacks:
- The cost is a bit high for simple hobbyists and beginners
- Main table surface is a smaller than other similarly priced router tables
Verdict: If you’re serious about pursuing woodworking as a hobby, then this is the ideal router table to get started with.
- Very sturdy metal stand
- Large dust collection bag
- Adjustable feet
- Table top is a bit smaller than others in the category
- Price might be a little steep for simple beginners
3. Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table
Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table is another great standard router table from a company that has made a name for creating quality router tables. At 16” x 24”, this particular model is a bit smaller than the previous one in surface area, however it’s ideal for small workstations.
This router table comes with an aluminum fence on top which can be adjusted to fit different sized boards. Extensions can also be added easily to accommodate larger boards. The MDF top and the sturdy steel stands makes it extremely stable in design, and as such it can withstand any activities and pressure.
Assembly and use is also fairly simple. You can add an insert plate on the top to mount the router in the center. Following that, the Level-Loc rings can be used to fasten the router and prevent any accidents.
Features:
- 16″ x 24” MDF table top
- Weighs just 28.4 pounds
- Comes with features like adjustable faces, vertical jointing, and cam clamps
- Comes with 3 Level-Loc reducing rings, plate levelers, heavy-duty steel stand, full-size insert plate, etc
- Use of vibration-dampening rubber feet
- Vacuum shroud is used to maintain a clean workplace
Drawbacks:
- It’s not ideal for large boards and it doesn’t come with t-slots for easy extension
Verdict: If you’re looking for a cost-effective, minimalist router table that is incredibly stable then this is the one for you
- Ideal for small workstations
- Extremely stable and durable
- Not ideal for large boards
- Doesn’t come with T-slots
Comes with various additional features and equipments for convenience.
Check Price on Amazon
4. Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension
If you want a full-fledged router table set on a budget, then the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension is the ideal option for you. It comes with a lot of great features, it’s very stable, and it’s one of the cheapest router table sets available.
The Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension can be used from two sides because of the dual slot fence feature. The T-slot can also be used for storing additional equipment and accessories. As such, the design has been made with a focus on conserving space and offering convenience. The table is also very sturdy and doesn’t allow much vibration during work. It also comes with an effective dust collection system.
Features:
- Easily dislodged 28” ProFence which can be hanged on j-hooks
- It comes with a router top, a fence, and a mounting hardware
- Weighs 60 pounds
Drawbacks:
- It can make quite a bit of noise while working
- The assembly process is a bit complicated
Verdict: The ideal option for professional woodworkers on a budget who want to conserve space in small workshops.
- Removable 28” ProFence
- Cheapest full-fledged router table set available
- Noisy
- Complicated assembly
Ideal for small workshops.
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5. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
The Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table is a standard stationary router table that’s compatible with all the best routers in the industry. It comes with all the essential hardware for mounting the router on the table.
The table top comes with two feather boards which helps you make adjustments based on the size, shape, and thickness of the board you’re working with. The router table needs to be plugged into a socket, however it comes with a 6 foot long cord, and as such you can plug it in anywhere.
The mounting plate is made from aluminum, the fencing is also aluminum, and the table top has a wide surface area of 18″ x 27”. It’s also pre-drilled for easy mounting of routers, and it’s extremely precise.
Check out this page for more of the best router tables from Bosch.
Features:
- 18″ x 27” table top surface area
- It weights just 34.4 pounds
- Comes with 2 adjustable feather boards
- Comes with a starter guard, adjustable clear guard, and a pin
- Comes with 3 mounting plate inserts
- The power cord is 6 feet long
Drawbacks:
- It’s stationary
- It needs to be plugged into a socket
Verdict: This is the ideal router table for professionals with a lot of space in their workshop and those who require a stationary table at a very low cost.
- Extremely reasonable
- Large surface area
- Comes with various additional features
- It can’t be moved
- It needs to be plugged in
- The work surface is a little uneven
6. Rebel W2000 Router Table
The Rebel W2000 Router Table is another great full-fledged router table set meant for professionals who don’t want to make any compromises. If features, performance, stability, and aesthetic appeal are all equally important to you, and if budget isn’t much of a concern, then you can go with this router table.
TheRebel W2000 Router Table is a somewhat lightweight unit coming in at just 64 pounds. The precision-ground cast iron table top is extremely stable and sturdy. The table is designed to handle jobs both large and small, with a focus on larger production runs or precision shaping jobs that require accuracy. The surface area is also wide, though not as much as Kreg PRS1045.
The table includes some nice extras such as a miter gauge and safety guard. Overall this is a very easy to use router table with quick setup.
Features:
- Ideal for large production runs
- Precision-ground cast iron table top
- Miter gauge with 3 adjustable built-in stops
- Included safety guard
Drawbacks:
- Safety on/off switch purchased separately
Verdict: Ideal router table set for professionals who don’t have any budget constraints.
- Comes with all additional features and items necessary
- Extremely stable
- None
7. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
One of the great features of the Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table is that it comes with a slot that can hold the miter gauge and other necessary accessories. It’s a stationary router table, which can be both a good and a bad thing. It’s good because you also get cabinet space wherein to keep accessories and items, thus conserving space. However it’s bad because it’s very difficult to move around.
A mounting plate on top of the router table is pre-drilled with holes to make the mounting of different routers easy and convenient. The mounting takes a matter of minutes and you don’t need to worry about the router dislodging in the middle of work.
In addition to these features, the Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table also comes with two dust ports where the dust can collect, keeping the work station clean. The power cord and the aluminum fencing come with MDF face plates.
Features:
- Aluminum fence comes with adjustable MDF face plates
- The pre-drilled aluminum plate makes mounting of routers easy
- An accessory slot for the miter gauge
- 2 dust ports
- 6 foot long power cord
Drawbacks:
- Assembly of the complete router table can be difficult and time consuming
Verdict: If you’re looking for a compact stationary router table that is extremely stable and keeps your workstation neat and organized, then this is the one for you.
- Extremely cheap
- Pre-drilled for various routers
- Difficult assembly
Comes with an accessory slot.
Check Price on Amazon
8. Woodhaven 6000 Horizontal Router Table
The Woodhaven 6000 Horizontal Router Table, as the name suggests, is a horizontal router table. This is the ideal and safest option for long moulding bits, vertical panel bits, etc. This is a multi-purpose router table with some great accessories and features.
The solid phenolic top works on the dimensions of 3/4″ x 15-5/8″ x 23-3/4”, along with a 3/8″ x 3/4″ miter slot. The phenolic sides also provide the router table with great strength and stability. It comes with under-table dust channels, which helps direct the dust to a particular holding from which it can be disposed of.
Features:
- Weighs just 30 pounds
- Its dimensions are 23 3/4” x 18” x 24”
- Wide surface area
- Under-table dust channels available
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Drawbacks:
- No mobility
- Hard to assemble
Verdict: If you need a stable and stationary router table with a large surface area, this is the one.
- Large surface area
- Dust collecting channels
- Extremely light weight
- Completely stationary
- Difficult to assemble and set up
Best Portable Router Table from This List
Of the Router Tables listed, we have selected the Best Portable Router Tables. These are ones known for being easier to move and adjust, being generally smaller, and more lightweight.
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Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
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Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
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Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System
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The Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table Holds position number one as the Best Portable Router table because it is the upgraded version of the RA1171. Both of these tables are easy to make adjustments on and are made to be lightweight, yet sturdy. The RA1181 is better suited for portability, since the RA1171 has the cabinet compartment. Like many great tables, they are both designed to have parts replaced as needed without being too labor intensive in the process.
The Kreg PRS1045 Precision Router Table System is made to move, without compromising any stability or accuracy. As This table is the Entire Router Table System, it is much bigger than the Bosch Bench Top design, making portability a little less immediately accessible. That is why we have to place it in third rather than higher up. Alongside being bigger, it is more expensive.
All three are great Tables and are made to suit different styles and preferences. Take a look and see which will be best for you!
THE ULTIMATE BUYER’S GUIDE TO ROUTER TABLES
What is a router table?
A router table, as the name suggests, is a special kind of table that can hold the woodworking router in place, while also offering a woodworking space. A router table needs to be flexible and accommodating enough to meet differences in individuals and various routing dimensions. The main purpose of a router table is to offer stability and free up your hands so you can work on the boards with better precision.
A router table should comprise five vital parts: a table top, a base plate, Miter and T-Slots, a fence, and a base.
What are the types of Router Tables out there?
There are various subsets of router tables, however they all fall into one of three primary categories:
- Compact Router Tables: These are easy to use router tables. They’re portable, sometimes foldable, and ideal for people with small workstations.
- Standard Router Tables: These are standard stationary router tables.
- Full Router Table Systems: These are advanced router tables meant for professionals. They are more expensive and come with additional accessories and features that can take care of all your advanced woodworking needs.
How to Choose the best Router Table?
Selecting a router table can be quite difficult even after you’ve read router table reviews in detail. You need to know exactly what you’re looking for, and as such you should have a checklist of factors that you’ll take into consideration. The following are some of the factors that can help you make a decision:
- Router Compatibility: If you’re getting a router table, it’s likely that you already have a router. If this is the case it’s of utmost importance that you get a router table that’s either meant for your router, or is at least compatible with it. If you don’t have a router yet, you should get that first and then look for a compatible router table.
- Surface Area and Fence: Now there are two additional factors you need to consider. On the one hand, a router table with a large surface area will give you more space to work with. The bigger the better. However, the router table also has to fit into your garage or work station without crowding it too much. As such, you need to find the right balance. You can also get a router table extension that will allow you to extend the table when needed. As for the fence, the ideal one would offer you the flexibility to work with big or small projects.
- Mounting Plate: The ideal mounting plate should have a hole large enough to accommodate the large bits. Furthermore, it should even come with reducers for the small bits. Some models even come with adjusting lock systems with which you can simply adjust the size of the holes.
- Power and Control: If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a router table, you have to of course take into consideration how precise it is and how powerful.
- Table Height: You should go for a router table with adjustable height so that it can be worked on by people of different heights, be it standing or sitting.
- Portability: It isn’t absolutely necessary to get a portable router table. However, if you feel you might need to move it often, you should look for one made for this purpose.
Why do you need a Router Table for Woodworking?
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to work with a router hands-free. Router tables are used by hobbyists and professionals alike to get a more refined end product for their labors. A router table offers you the kind of control and precision you simply do not get with a hands-free router. The following are some specific reasons regarding why you should use a router table for woodworking:
- Working on small boards with a hand-held router can be immensely dangerous.
- When using a router table, both your hands are left free, thus giving you more control over the board. More control equals more precision and finesse.
- Router tables come with additional accessories that can help you perform other functions on the board as well.
- A router table offers some much needed stability which is crucial when trying to shape a piece of board.
- Using router table not only helps you do a better job, but you can do it faster as well. This allows you to take on more projects, if you’re a professional, or free up time for other aspects of your life!
- Finally, a router table can be used effectively even by a beginner. In fact, it’s crucial for beginners to use router tables as the alternative can be dangerous.
Can You Buy a Router Separate From the Router Table?
Yes, Absolutely! There are plenty of options out there if you have a table you are fond of or see no reason to replace. Some woodworkers even choose to build their own in order to house their router. If this is the path you choose to go down for your workshop set up, you will have no troubles finding a router.
Though, if you do need some help shopping around, there are some good options out there.
The Best Router for Table Mounting Since 2017
Porter Cable #892 2 1/4 HP
- Variable Speed Control Setting from 10,000-23,000 rpm
- Multiple easy, above the table adjustments can be made
- Available with Warranty
- Since 2017, this has been our favorite, and it is still going strong in the shop!
FAQ
I need a router table that I can use with a variety of routers of different sizes. Which one should I get?
If you want to accommodate bigger routers you need a bigger router table. However, while looking for a big router table also keep the space in your workstation in mind, and also take into consideration the compatibility of your router.
Does the table top material affect the quality of the router table?
The material of the table top only matters in as much that it should offer stability. You should go for a flat and stable table top. When pressure is applied to it, the table top shouldn’t dent. You should try looking out for a router table that can withstand or prevent vibrations, as it will ensure a longer life span.
I’m on a budget of about $100. Can I also get a router table?
You can find compact router tables for well under $100, and they can be adjusted on the workbench.
I have a small workshop. What kind of a fence should I get?
If your workshop is small, you should settle for a single fence with an open end so as to accommodate the big bits.
My workshop has very limited space? How can I make my router table fit into it?
You need to find a compact router table that can fit in the work station. Furthermore, you should get a fence that can be swiveled around, and the router table itself should be foldable so as to preserve space when necessary.
How Can I Increase the Lifespan of a Router Table?
First off, you need a router table with a good table top material. It should be able to withstand vibrations and heavy pressure without getting damaged. That is why it is often advised to purchase a table rather than build one. All of these factors come together to increase the lifespan of your router table.
Router Table Safety Tips
Router tables are far safer than hand-held routers, however you should still take all necessary precautions to avoid accidents, especially if you’re a beginner. The following precautions need to be kept in mind:
- Always wear your safety glasses, dust masks, and ear muffs when working on a router. This is because wood dust can often cause irritations, allergies, etc.
- Make sure that the fence is properly attached.
- The bit should be placed correctly so that it doesn’t detach in the middle of working.
- Wood should always be fed into the router from the right to the left.
- Always turn the power off before changing the bits.
- Clamp the router to the table to increase stability.
Final Remarks
You should now have a good idea about buying a router table. If you’ve read all the router table reviews in this article you probably have some idea about which router table most suits your needs. Before you make any purchases, please take into consideration your own personal expertise and requirements. What’s ideal for someone else might not be ideal for you. For example, if you’re a beginner woodworker you should ideally start with a compact router table. However, if you’re a professional, you’re probably going to want the full router table set.