Router Table Reviews

Bosch Palm Router vs Full Size Table

Dipping your toes in the waters of DIY allows you to be exposed to the different aspects of tools and construction, mostly in the woodcraft department. Whether you’re a professional or a beginning enthusiast, it’s common knowledge that a wood router is one of the most useful tools in the field; however, routing tables also play a vital role alongside it.

There are so many reasons why one needs a good routing table that’s excellently compatible with their wood router, but one of the main purposes of having one is to ensure the consistency of project quality in larger and complicated queries. In this article, we’re going to discuss what factors you should consider when buying a new routing table for your workshop. We also have a section wherein we compare and review two reputable brands in the woodworking industry which manufactures wood router lifts and tables.

 

Factors to Consider when Buying a Router Table

As they say, the perfect wood router and proficient skills amount to nothing if you don’t use a complementing router table. Without a proper one, it would make your job so much harder because you have to constantly check the situation from underneath the table just to ensure that your router is on the right path. Additionally, you’d also have to maintain and do manual router adjustments for the finest cuts. The problem here, though, is how you can choose the right router table for you. There are hundreds of units available currently, and each one is advertised to be your next big thing. Well, we’re here to guide you and provide you the details you need!

  • Sturdy Base

To maintain neat and polished cuts on your material, the table needs to have a base that’s strong enough to withstand router movements. Using a router table with a shaky and unstable base wouldn’t help you finish your project quickly.

 

  • Flat Table Top

As important as a stable base is, the top surface of the table should also be well-built and reliable. The high-quality top surface would help you ensure that you make clean cuts along your wood material for best project results.

 

  • Adequate Base Plate

The previous factors and the base plate have such a significant role in helping you work with ease and security that you’ll be able to work conveniently and make accurate cuts on your pieces.

 

  • Miter and T-Slots

You have to make sure that your router table has these ports. While you additional accessories aren’t required to use on this table, these slots may come in handy in future project purposes.

 

  • Proper Fencing

When it comes to the table’s fencing, there’s a different sets of factors, designs, and categories that you need to choose from. You have to choose the table with the fencing that’s applicable to the router operation you’ll use it for.

 

  • Compatibility

Lastly, compatibility between your wood router and router table is the key for successful crafting results. To achieve smooth working operation, make sure that your router excellently works with the table. This factor also allows you to do the project faster and more polished.

 

Product Review

In this section, we’re going to have a discussion about our featured products: the Woodpecker VS Incra router table. Below, we’ll explain the difference between each product in terms of its features and prices. Read on to learn more about these two!

Woodpeckers Precision Woodworking Tools PRL-V2-420 Precision Router Lift

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The first model we’re going to discuss is the PRL-V2-414 brought by Woodpeckers. It comes with many features, but Woodpeckers ensured that the unit is good at what it’s meant to do: providing you a quick and easy-to –handle lifting mechanism. The lift has an excellent thumb wheel micro-adjustment that reduces the need for you to constantly turn the crank whenever you need to adjust the height or change bits. The height adjustment thumb that this product boasts allows you to work on high precision cuts because of its 0.001-inch accuracy. It also comes with an easy-to-read scale to make adjustments more convenient on your end.

Overall, the unit is easy to install and it provides you with an easy way to attach your wood router on it. Lastly, along with its features that combines convenience and general ease of use, the PRL-V2-414 also has three self-leveling twist-lock rings to support the user with additional security.

Compatibility

The Woodpeckers PRL-V2-414 has a set of motor pads that can cater to motors with 4.14-inch diamteter like the Milwaukee 5625.

Price and Warranty

The PRL-V2-414 provides a reasonable price for its features at $397.99. The convenience and accuracy it provides in working complex wood projects make its market price worth it. When it comes to its warranty, the Woodpeckers provide a 1-year limited warranty for this model.

 

 

Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Designed for Rockler Tables

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The second product we have is the Incra Mast-R-Lift-II. The router lift is the first model to introduce the MagnaLOCK System feature, which uses magnets to keep the plates in place as you work. This feature also allows you to make precise and accurate cuts because the magnetic field brought by the system is so strong that it locks the lift in its position. The unit also comes with five steel rings for incredible router fitting to reduce the vibrations as you work. Aside from that, the Mast-R-Lift-II features five sealed ball bearing system to provide you with enhanced control over your machine for more accurate cutting and positive project results. Lastly, this Incra model has a thread tensioning system to let you make height adjustments much easier than other lifts.

Compatibility

One of the known perks of having this router lift is you can use it with a whole variety of wood routers. Here’s the list of the following units you can use the Mast-R-Lift-II with:

  • Porter Cable (7518, 690-699 Series, 890-899 Series)
  • Bosch (1617EVS, 1618)
  • DeWalt (DW610, DW618)
  • Milwaukee (5625, 5616, 5619)
  • Craftsman (17543, 17540, 28190)
  • Rigid (R29302)
  • Makita (RF1101, RD1101)
  • Hitachi (M12VC, KM12VC)

Price and Warranty

The Incra Mast-R-Lift-II is more expensive than the Woodpeckers PRL-V2-414 lift at $425.63; however, the features that it offers are impressive enough for you to look past its price tag. It also comes with excellent compatibility with a wide range of routers.

As for the unit’s warranty, the manufacturer provides a 1-year limited warranty that allows you to bring the product for the company to maintain and repair for free.

 

Conclusion

Both the Woodpeckers PRL-V2-414 and Incra Mast-R-Lift-II are backed up with impressive features to help you work on your craft with convenience, ease, and precision on your side. However, when it comes to which is greater at which, we can suggest that you use each one based on your project applications and complexity. The Woodpecker model is for professionals who are looking for a new lift to add on their workshop. On the other hand, the compatibility of the Incra unit makes it perfect for both novices and professionals.

 

Top Router Table UK, USA, And Canada

You have your high-quality router, such as a wood router, CNC router, plunge router, trim router, or fixed-base router, as well as precise router bits and other tools, but how do you go about finding the right benchtop router table for your next woodworking project? Well, in all honesty, choosing a benchtop router table can be a lot simpler than you might think, but it can also be a lot harder too.

There are plenty of them out there designed specifically for routing and choosing one that’s high quality and also features a whole lot of options isn’t as simple as just heading to the store and picking something out. You have to take some time to really do your research. Alternatively, you have to let someone else do the research for you and choose a high-quality option from their advice.

TrendMk3 240V Craftpro Router Table – Top UK

Craftpro Router TableThe TrendMK3 Router Table is great for those who are really woodworking enthusiasts as well as those who are just getting into the project space. It’s a really unique and sleek looking table that is a little more expensive but has plenty of features to help make up for that.

It increases the versatility of the table and a whole lot more, with a quick release back fence, made of aluminum and some of the highest quality materials that you’re going to find anywhere.

The trend makes the best router cutters, jigs, and accessories that are available in the United Kingdom, and there’s definitely plenty of reasons that you’re going to want to put this table in your workshop.

With all the high quality of your router accessories that you’re going to get with this brand, why wouldn’t you want to make sure your table is just the same? No matter what type of router you’re looking to use with the system you can easily drill out the holes you need and you’ll be ready to go in no time. It’s capable of cutting out just about anything and it comes with several accessories to get you off to a good start.

Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table – Top USA

Benchtop Router TableThe Bosch RA1181 is a slightly more expensive unit that combines a lot of the features that you’re looking for. It’s the bestseller in the United States and there’s definitely plenty of reason for that.

It has everything you need to get started on your first project (except the router, of course) and it’s super easy to put together because most of it is already put together for you when it arrives.

It comes with all the mounting hardware that you’ll need for just about any router that you want to attach to it and has a work surface of 27” x 18”.

Complete with 2 adjustable feather boards, dual outlet switch, a 6-foot power cord, and dust collection port, it’s definitely going to help you keep a better workspace for both the things that you want to get done and the cleanliness that it helps with. The aluminum fence and router mounting plate, as well as the MDF face plates are designed to give you high quality and last, no matter what you’re planning to cut or score and how you’re planning on doing it.

Charnwood W012 Bench Top Router Table

Charnwood Router TableThe Charnwood Router Table is actually the best of the best when it comes to router tables in the United Kingdom. Capable of working great with any ¼” router, it actually has a table that looks a lot like a drafting table.

It’s made with melamine faced MDF and is easily adjustable to the height that you need to make it a whole lot more comfortable to use than you might think.

It also features adjustable horizontal feather board and transparent cutter guards to go along. A unique looking system, this router table is also inexpensive. This table is capable of doing anything and everything you could want your router table to do, from molding and trenching to enjoining and a whole lot more.

It’s ready to go in no time at all, with a very simple installation and assembly process and you’ll be able to easily attach the guards and dust chute to keep yourself safer and to keep your work area a whole lot cleaner as well. Just set it up with a router and a bit and you can be off and running in no time at all.

Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table

Cabinet Style RouterThe Bosch RA1171 is a slightly different style of table because it’s considered a cabinet style. This is more expensive, but it features a closed front that you can use for hiding away your router and for a little bit of storage as well, which is definitely an added bonus.

It has a taller aluminum fence and router mounting plate that are firm and steady, no matter what you plan to do with the unit. It also has MDF face plates and works great with taller pieces of wood as well as having outfeed capability when you want to work on jointing.

Everything is designed to provide you with high-quality precision at every turn. All you need to do is get it all put together and installed where you want and you’ll be ready to start on your first project faster than you might think. That’s because the unit is designed to keep you prepared and ready to go with the highest quality and the best in every way.

It has a laminated surface that’s perfectly smooth as well as a pre-drilled plate that fits many routers but is still capable of being adjusted to work with even more. You’re going to have a great warranty and everything you need to get going. No matter whether you’re looking to get started with a router as a hobbyist or as a professional, you still want a good quality table that you can put it on.

After all, that table is going to mean the difference between your router doing everything that you need it to and failing, though, of course, you can still use it as a handheld. With a table, however, you’re definitely getting a whole lot more of what you really need and you’re going to love the end result, especially at the low prices of each of these router tables.

Sliding Table Saw | Router Table Essentials

There are plenty of different sliding table saw options that you can check out for your workshop or next DIY plan. As with all woodwork machinery and tools, the key is making sure you find a slide table saw that is precise and can help you with your favorite woodworking projects.

Along with a quality router and router bits, make sure it has the features that you’re looking for such as dust collection via a dust port, a jig, guide rails, fence, and a router plate and/or a router insert, miter gauge, and other table attachments. In this way, it will let you accomplish a new work piece every time you want to use it. You’ll be surprised just how many options there are for this type of slide table saw and just how many projects can be made with one.

Sketchnbuild SNB95 Sliding Table Panel Saw

SNB95 14" 7HP SLIDING TABLE PANEL SAW (3-Phase)Available in a three phase or single phase option, the Sketchnbuild Table Saw is extremely heavy duty and provides you with precision, no matter what you’re looking for. It’s definitely a heavy unit, so once you get it where you want (which you’ll need equipment for that) you’re not going to be moving it again.

This is the type of tool you get when you’re planning on really committing yourself to woodworking and you’re looking to get some of the top-of-the-line options for tools. It is a little more rugged, but it’s definitely accurate and high quality, which is why you’re going to pay a little more for this saw as well.

You will get what you pay for, however, with a tool that you can rely on to get you what you’re looking for when it comes to machining. No matter which of these two options you choose, you’ll have the same quality to look at. You also get a control panel to manage all of the switches and to make sure you and anyone else using your workshop is a whole lot safer.

Grizzly G1023RL 3 HP Cabinet Left-Tilting Table Saw

Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX - 10" 5 HP 240V Cabinet Table Saw with Built-in Router TableThe Grizzly G1023RL is a large table that features a range of different options for whatever you want to do. It has head sliding rails with fully adjustable grab plates and comes in at a much lower weight than the previous option. While still very difficult to move (and requiring equipment) it’s a bit more user-friendly.

It’s super easy to assemble as the main part of the saw is already ready for you right off the truck, and everything that needs to be level will be right out of the box. Just tighten the pieces down and you’re pretty much ready to go. Made in the United States, this is a solid unit that is as easy to operate as it is to put together (or even more so).

It’s a little lower horsepower than some other brands and takes a bit more effort to get things done, but you’re definitely going to have the power you need for most things. If it starts to overheat it cools down quite quickly and you can be off and running just that fast again. The operation is extremely smooth and simple and you get plastic guides for your fence as well.

Grizzly G0623X Sliding Table Saw 10-Inch

Grizzly Industrial G0623X3-10" 7-1/2 HP 3-Phase Extreme-Series Sliding Table SawThe Grizzly G0623X Sliding Table Saw has large panels that are entirely supported, so you don’t have to worry about anything when it comes to ripping or crosscutting. You also get a scoring blade that gets rid of the issue of tearing out all the time, so you always get a factory style edge.

Plus the main port helps you keep the dust down—always an important aspect when it comes to doing anything in a woodworking shop or with wood cutting tools of any kind.Moderate weight compared to other similar units, this one has plenty of blade options and features and is capable of creating dados of 13/16”, rips of 33”, and crosscuts of 78 ½”.

But that’s definitely not all you’re going to be able to do with this unit because it’s designed to really get you off and running for your next project. It’s great for commercial purposes and it’s capable of executing whatever you may be looking for. It’s a smaller system than some of the others, but it still has a lot of the features you’re looking for.

Shop Fox W1811 10-Inch 5 HP Sliding Table Saw

Shop Fox W1811 10-Inch 5 HP Sliding Table SawThe Shop Fox W1811 has a 5HP motor, so you’ll get a little more power than some of these others. You’re also going to get a decent size table with the extension wings you need in order to get a good quality cut for longer boards as well. You get plenty of space for crosscutting, dados and a whole lot more, which is important in a table saw.

You’re also going to get fully supported pieces that increase the quality of everything that you produce and a similar weight to the other options here.Complete with a two-year warranty, this table saw will give you a good cut for a range of different projects and makes sure that you have the power and speed to get everything done quickly and accurately.

No matter if you’re putting this in a personal workshop or if you’re putting it in a woodworking shop, you’re definitely going to have something you can rely on and something that you will enjoy using as well. There’s plenty of features and options and it doesn’t take up as much space as you’ll find with other table saws of similar capability. With plenty of safety features and more, you’re not going to find a better saw for this type of price range.

Any of these table saws are going to help you get a great cut every time that you want it. It’s also going to ensure that you have a lot of fun with your router and your other woodworking tools. There’s no reason that you should have to sacrifice the quality and the styles that you’re looking for in order to get a great tool, just keep in mind that these tools, in particular, are going to be a bit more expensive than some of the others that you might be looking at in the home improvement or tool stores.