Since it’s important that the plate sits flush to the router table, a good router table will have a plate-leveling system that consists of four or more leveling screws. It should have mounting holes that align with the holes on the router. The mounting plate must also be compatible with the router. Since they must support the weight of the router while remaining perfectly flat, it’s crucial that these plates be constructed of a solid, sturdy material, such as aluminum or phenolic resin. There isn’t a router table material that’s flatter, more stable, and more durable than cast iron.Ī router table has a mounting, or base, plate that attaches to the router and fits into a hole in the tabletop. Pro shop router tables, which are the premium tables on the market, have a cast iron work surface. Cast aluminum provides a sturdy, durable work top that will maintain its shape. Another high-end option is a metal router table, with designs in cast aluminum and cast iron.Phenolic resin router tables are among the most expensive models you can buy. This material is thinner than MDF, won’t be damaged by water, and should maintain its shape for the lifetime of the table. An even higher-grade material than MDF is phenolic resin.A router table with HPL on both sides is a great choice for most users because it is more likely to stay flatter longer. Some MDF tables have a high-pressure laminate (HPL) surface, which layers protective resins with a melamine work surface for additional strength.MDF tops with melamine coatings are preferred because a melamine coating will protect the wood. Exposed MDF will soak up water like a sponge and puff up, ruining the work surface. An MDF top should be at least 1 inch thick so it’s sturdy enough to serve as a work surface. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is rigid and strong, is the most popular material for router tabletops. Router tables can be made of various materials, which impact the tables’ cost and durability. The number of holes in these plates can compromise their structural integrity-and create places for dust to accumulate. It’s best to avoid router tables that have universal-design base plates. Quality router tables will include multiple base plates that complement different router hole patterns, making them compatible with routers from most major tool brands. Likewise, a wider table will provide better support for wider boards. A table that is 22 inches to 36 inches long can support boards between 6 and 8 feet long. A router table’s work surface ranges in size from about 22 inches long by 16 inches wide, up to 36 inches long by 24 inches wide. The size of a router table directly correlates with how large a workpiece it can handle. The upsides to benchtop routers are that they’re more compact and weigh less, and are thus more portable than freestanding models. As their name implies, benchtop router tables also require a workbench for support and are not as stable as single-unit freestanding models. Since benchtop router tables are typically smaller-they measure approximately 16 inches wide and 24 inches long-they can’t accommodate the same size boards that larger freestanding router tables can. The downside of freestanding router tables is that they’re heavy, which makes them difficult to transport to work sites. Most freestanding router tables measure approximately 32 inches long and 24 inches wide. Freestanding tables typically have sturdy bases and large work tops, which can accommodate longer and wider boards. Many users prefer freestanding router tables over benchtop router tables, and with good reason. Read on to learn about these and other considerations. Some factors you may want to consider include the table’s size, portability, material, base plate style, and compatibility with your router. When shopping for a router table, consider both the size of your workshop and your brand of router. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Router Table BEST LIFT: Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift.BEST BENCHTOP: Kreg PRS2100 Bench Top Router Table.BEST CABINET: Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171.BEST UNIVERSAL: RYOBI Universal Router Table.BEST BUDGET: Dremel 231 Portable Rotary Tool Shaper and Router Table.BEST OVERALL: Bosch RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table. ![]() Keep reading to find the best router table for your woodworking projects out of the top picks below. With the router securely mounted to a table, however, it’s easier to take smaller objects and manually move them around the router.Ī router table allows DIYers and professionals to tackle various carpentry tasks like molding, planing straight edges of boards, and routing precise cuts freehand into small pieces of wood. Routers are heavy and often require two hands to operate, which limits their use to larger stationary objects. While a handheld router allows you to do many things without other tools, it does have limitations.
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