Top 7 Best Router Tables of 2020 ( +1 Bonus in Last)

A router is a tool that is used by woodworkers for performing different tasks like to give shapes to a piece of wood finely. It is designed to be used for defining and cutting up hard materials such as fibreglass, graphite and many more with proper measurements. In the present time, people are using technology to get this work done like power tools and electric machines for rotating the spindle at high speed. This spindle drills into the wood, leaving a groove. The broadness of this groove depends on the measurements of the stuff or the cutting element.

A router table is a specially designed table for enhancing the functioning of the routers and providing comfort to the users with the involvement of some other tools as well.

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The best router table of 2020

Best of Best

Amazon choice

Best in budget

Most Practical

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Handy

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BONUS

How to choose a router table?

A table that is safe to use, produces accurate and desired results is considered a good router table. A good router table contains the following features:

• A Flat, Solid Top: It’s really significant that the table texture is formal and as close as possible to faultlessly flat. Rigidity is important because a router table that flexes when it encounters the downward pressure necessary in feeding wood won’t reliably produce accurate cuts…
• A Flat, Rigid Base Plate: On maximum router tables, the router is fastened to a base plate, which in turn fits into a rabbeted space in the tabletop. The integrity and configuration of the base plate can retain a vast effect on the functions of the table.
• Mitre and T-Slots: A mitre slot comes in handy for securing feather boards and other router tables accessories. A slot that attaches flip stop, hold-down clamps.
• An Accurate, Easy-to-Position Fence: There’s quite a range in the quality and functionality of fences. The ones that will make your table perfect must be straight, square, rigid and easy to position. They must also have a good adjustment range, so they won’t shift when locked down. That’s hard to accomplish if the table is wobbling or shifting. More important, working on an unsteady base is hazardous.

Some basics about router table

A Router table enables the user to function the router at the different varieties of angles, including upside down and sideways too. The table provides added flexibility for the DIY woodworker, making it possible to perform otherwise impossible cuts.

When ascended on a router table, a router functions commonly, though since the woodworker is facing the tool, the spindle will appear to turn in the opposing direction. Usually, although there are numerous ways the router is mainly positioned vertically for smooth undertaking pointing upwards. But some of the router tables are available in horizontal positions for performing the task.

Components of a router table.

Table Top: Top surface is the most important portion of a router table as it is being used the most. The most important characteristics of the tabletop are its material and its surface texture. It is important that the surface does not wrap over time and that it is even and completely flat so that the shapes of your mouldings are not compromised.

Fence: A fence is what keeps your board pressed during work so an adjustable fence is what you must be in the lookout for if you wish to work with various sizes of workpieces accurately. A fence with adjustable positioning features will provide you with a wide range of fittings to hold any kind of board thus allowing you to take on any project. But before anything, you must make sure the fence is square, straight and unbendable.

Base Plate: This is present in all router tables as the router is attached to it. This plate, known as the Base Plate is designed to be fitted into a slot on the top of the table. The flatter the base plate, the better the usage of the router will be. Base plates are usually made of machined aluminum but solid phenolic aluminum can also be a good option as both materials provide durability and substantiality. A well-fitted plate must feel rigid and levelled properly. The best model, however, is the one that allows quick and easy attachments and removals.

Mitre and T-Slots: These may not always be present on a router table but they are great for increasing productivity. A mitre slot is useful for times when you need to use a mitre gauge for your work while having T-Slots allow you to place and attach various accessories…

What can you do with a router table?

1. Router tables are generally operated to work on thin, small, or sometimes long materials, as it is sometimes not appropriate to work with when someone is using a handheld router alone.
2. One common use is creating raised panel doors. As there are unique designs and particular needs of raised panel doors, a router table helps and makes it easier for the woodworker to give a proper definition to the element in the sense of its width and depth so that it may match the other one door perfectly.
3. Router tables are also very beneficial at inducing the same allowance invariably, which can be significant while developing commercial furnishings-where excellence control is vital.
4. This tool is really very universal, but a router table gives you even more options for using your router in different ways.
5. There exist numerous uses of a router tables, and most woodworking experts will agree a router table gives you quite distinct flexibility than a hand-held router.
6. A router table, on the other hand, ensures truly high cutting precision, thanks to a fixed bit that reduces the risk of the workpiece shifting and getting off the course while passing it along the bit.
7. Unlike physical criteria mainly been resolved for cutting only straight lines or some geometric patterns, a steady fraction of a router table will give you a chance to refine jagged workpieces and cut complex patterns allowing you to manoeuvre the wood the way you like. Besides, a router table is adequate not only for cutting along the edge but also for inlay practice where most handheld models would fail due to the inadequacy of vitality and accuracy.

Other uses of a router table are:

• Trimming and template woodwork
• High quality and accurate stop cuts
• Joining two pieces of material with grooves and slots
• Dovetail and box joinery
• Cutting and shaping mouldings
• Edge trimming and pattern work

How to use a router table?

Using a router along with a router table is not such a complex job, in fact, it enhances your working style and provides you with a big area to learn to work with different facets. It is kind of vital today for the beginners to learn how to use it and strengthen their capabilities.

1. The use of a router lift can make essential height adjustments for the perfect cut; since the height of the bit is fixed relative to the surface of the table, the router will compile trenches of fit abysm.
2. A basic router table comprises a cliff plate, safety components, mitre slots, and an adjustable fence which gives added adjustability relying on your certain desires. Generally, there are two types of router tables: freestanding and benchtop. Mainly speaking, benchtop router tables are lighter in weight than freestanding router tables, and therefore they’re often much easier to stride around when required.
3. However a router table may look complicated initially, exceedingly if you’re used to the hand-held version, it’s a crucial slab of the device for severe woodworkers. Some attractive captions to look for in a router table include the size of the table (larger equal easier cutting), dividable baseplates, an easily-adjustable bit guard, and slots for mounting accessories

Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I use more than one router on my router table?

Yes but it depends on the model of your router table. If your router table can accommodate the bigger routers then they can be modified to accommodate the smaller routers too.

How is a cabinet style router table beneficial?

Router tables with fitted cabinets are excellent for organizing tools and keeping all your accessories and small items together in one place. It helps you keep your workplace tidy and also keeps your items safely stored in one place so you do not misplace them and know where to access them quickly.

How to maintain my router table?

In terms of maintenance, you can keep it clean and remove sawdust and other collected debris after each use. Your router bit may require occasional lubricating and the fence may also need regular check-ups for wear and tear.

How much should I spend to purchase a good router table?

The quality of your woodwork will be affected by the performance of your router table so if you want professional results then you must be ready to invest in the well-made models. We suggest comparing different models and then selecting the one which best suits your requirements