Controlling your cuts is all about the fence.

When it comes to price, you’ll be able to find a table that fits within your budget, depending on the accessories and type of table you need.

The steel stand on the Kreg True-Flex Router Table makes it sturdier than competing tables, which means you won’t have to worry about inaccuracy due to wobbling or slipping.

The Kreg True-Flex Router Table has a 24- by 32-inch surface area, while the Bosch Benchtop Router Table is limited to 27 inches by 18 inches.

The size of the workspace area on the tabletop is also worth considering.The table on Chicago Electric Power Tools is made from composite medium-density fiberboard, which not only promotes smoothness but also keeps vibrations to a minimum. The Skil Router Table is prone to warping over time, so make sure you regularly check the surface for irregularities. The Bosch Benchtop Router Table has a laminated top to provide that smooth surface, but the lamination means it also scratches fairly easily. It needs to be smooth to ensure that nothing gets in the way of creating accurate cuts. Most of your contact with the table will be with the surface, so it’s important to find one that creates a pleasant experience.With the Chicago Electric Power Tools, the router is included so you won’t have to worry about matching it. The Bosch Benchtop Router Table has predrilled plates that will fit a range of routers. You’ll need to check to see if the table you buy is compatible. Before you start shopping, make sure you know the type of router you have.More advanced dust collection systems hook up to a device like a shop vac to contain dust so you don’t even have to deal with it. Some router tables have collection bins, and some use a shield to protect you from flying dust while you’re working. Some fences are built to move easily across the table’s surface, making it easier for you to focus on the task at hand.Īlthough it might not be the first thing you consider, you’ll wish you had a dust collection bin after you start working. For precise cuts, you’ll need a solid fence that helps you complete the job. If you’ve worked with a router in the past, you likely already realize the importance of a good fence. If you plan to set your table up and never move it, this may not be a consideration. However, extra sturdy construction can sometimes make a piece of furniture difficult to move, so weigh your need for portability against user experience. A flimsy table may not offer the stability you’ll need. The build of the table plays an important role in how much control you’ll have over your cuts. Some tables come with plates that you can drill to fit, but don’t buy into router tables that promise to fit every router. You’ll need to pay close attention to the base plate, which usually will only work with a specific router model. Not all tables will work with all routers. If you already have a router, you’ll first want to make sure the table you buy will work with it.

But there are a few features to consider when you’re looking for a router table, including sturdiness and compatibility. Once you have a table in place, you can tackle some of the bigger projects that wouldn’t otherwise be open to you. No woodworking shop is complete without a sturdy router table.

Bosch router table ra1171 vs ra1181