8 Best Router Tables of 2024

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The Best Router Tables

The Best Router Tables
  1. Best all-round router table for DIYers - Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table

  2. Best for large routers - Trend WRT Workshop Router Table

  3. Best all-in-one router table - Lumberjack Tools RT1500 Bench Top Router Table

  4. Best benchtop router table with aluminium worktop - Excel Router Table with 35 Piece ½” Shank Router Bit Set

  5. Best benchtop router table - Kreg PRS2100 Router Table

  6. Best budget table router - Silverline 460793 DIY Router Table

  7. Best portable table router - FERM Router Table

  8. Best budget free-standing router table - Pro Router Table Bench

Router Table Reviews

Editors Choice

1. Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table

Best all-round router table for DIYers

best router tables Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table
  • Using a coated MDF table is perfect for this type of woodworking tool. It’s heavy enough reduce vibrations down to a minimum and isn’t affected by changes in humidity or temperature.
  • The no-voltage release switch is an essential safety accessory for a tool like this. If the power goes off for some reason, you need to reset a switch before it will operate again.
  • I like the measurements that Trend have included on the sides of the table. It means you can slide the fence backwards and forwards without reaching for the tape measure every time.

  • Compared with the Trend WRT router table, you don’t get anywhere as much space to work with. Running long pieces of timber through this table can get tricky.
  • If you’re not that confident drilling through the mounting plate, you’re limited to the type of router you can use with this table. With a few modifications, it’ll accept most though.
  • Don’t expect to comfortably use this router table on the floor. Unless you like kneeling down a lot, you need to attach it to a workbench. Bolt it on directly to avoid excess wobble.
Type
Benchtop
Integrated Router
No
Worktop Material
MDF
Table Size
610x405x26mm
Table Height
410mm
Insert Diameter
80mm
Insert Rings
2
No Volt Release
Yes
Feather Boards
2
Weight
13.6kg
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
4

US tool brand Trend have been making router tables and the like since 1955. Their CRT/MK3 pro router table is a stripped-down, solid bit of kit that should make light work of all table routing tasks.

The kit comes ready to assemble, with a rigid frame that bolts together and a sturdy laminated MDF tabletop. The rubber feet are adjustable for uneven surfaces, and you can lock them down with foot brackets for an incredibly stable base. They’ve included a separate power switch for added safety as well.

The plate that receives the router itself is made from thick aluminium, and it’s perforated with different holes to fit various router types. But if it doesn’t fit yours, you can drill it yourself quite easily. Trend have a handy compatibility list on their website if you want to check.

The fence is solid and has two MDF “cheeks” that slide to fit different size workpieces. They’ve included a side pressure plate and push stick as well for added safety. It’s one of the best table routers around, I just wish the tabletop were a little larger.

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Runner Up

2. Trend WRT Workshop Router Table

Best for large routers

best router tables Trend WRT Workshop Router Table
  • You get an unrivalled amount of table space for working on large objects. The large aluminium table is rigid, flat, easy to work on, and can accommodate most objects.
  • Standing at 890 mm high, this table router is at a comfortable working height without needing to attach it to a bench. It’s ideal for setting up a dedicated routing station.
  • The extruded aluminium fence is really sturdy. It’s easy to adjust the clearance cheeks, the fixings have large handles, and it’s reliably set to 90°.

  • Be prepared for a rather lengthy setup operation. Although the components are of a good quality, the instructions aren’t great and there are lots of steps to follow before you can get to work.
  • It’s great that you can adjust the router bit height from the surface of the table, but with the supplied handle it’s hard work. I’d swap out the handle for another one with more leverage.
  • Like so many power tools with sliding fences, the channel is too wide for a reliable fit. There’s a bit of slop that will put the adjustable fence out of alignment, which is rather annoying.
Type
Floor
Integrated Router
No
Worktop Material
MDF
Table Size
804x604x35mm
Table Height
890mm
Insert Diameter
86mm
Insert Rings
2
No Volt Release
Yes
Feather Boards
2
Weight
27.5kg
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Value for Money
4

Another entry from the router experts at Trend is the bigger brother to the excellent CRT/MK3. The Trend WRT workshop router table is a big machine. It’s capable of working with the biggest bits of timber that you have, and it stands up on its own four feet as well.

With all their experience, Trend know what makes the best router table for professionals as well as keen DIYers. The WRT is a free-standing table that comes as a flat pack when delivered, but once it’s up it’s really solid. The adjustable feet are a bonus if you’ve got an uneven or sloping floor.

The large insert plate comes ready drilled to receive most Trend routers, but if you’re confident enough you can drill holes to receive any router you like. The included feather boards help to keep the stock pressed up against the fence, and you get a push stick to help keep your fingers out of the way.

This is an ideal router table if you’ve got a little bit more space in your workshop and you need to accommodate larger pieces of timber. The micro height adjustment feature is probably one of my favourites on any table, and the separate ON/OFF switch is an essential bit of safety gear. It’s a fantastic and solid piece of routing gear that will help you unlock the potential of your plunge router.

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Also Good
  • The initial spend on this router table really isn’t much when you take the integrated router into account. You don’t need to modify an existing router to make it fit, it’s built to work together.
  • Compared with any of the router tables on my list, this one has the best system for raising and lowering the cutting height. The large wheel is easy to use and keeps things accurate.
  • I’m a fan of using feather boards in table routers. They help to keep the stock up tight to the fence, which improves the finish and helps to keep you safe during use.

  • More than a few users have complained about the fence. It’s not rigid enough to be completely accurate and should have been made from heavier gauge aluminium.
  • The overall build quality of this table router is quite variable. It’s absolutely fine for light DIY work but don’t expect it to keep up with a professional, and more expensive, piece of kit.
  • The table suffers from a less than perfect tee slot. The channel that receives the mitre attachment is a bit rough and allows for a bit of slop.
Type
Benchtop
Integrated Router
Yes
Worktop Material
MDF
Table Size
597x457mm
Table Height
355mm
Insert Diameter
75mm
Insert Rings
2
No Volt Release
Yes
Feather Boards
3
Weight
19.6kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
5

West-Midlands based Lumberjack Tools specialise in woodworking equipment and have made one of the best benchtop routers that I’ve tried out. Rather than making a simple stand to attach your own router to, this is a full kit that includes a powerful 1500 Watt router already set up and ready to work.

The first thing you’ll notice about the RT1500 is the size of the box – this isn’t a flatpack set you have to put together as most of the assembly has been done for you. You get a beefy pressed steel work table and chunky ABS plastic legs that feel like they’ll last forever. The fence is steel as well, which adds extra strength and rigidity where you need it the most.

What makes this one of the best table routers in my eyes is the depth adjustment wheel – it’s accurate and easy to raise and lower the router bit – an operation that can be a pain with a regular router turned upside down on another router table.

There are three feather boards, two collets, a handy clear plastic dust extractor cover and even a handy mitre gauge that slides in its own trench for accurate angle work. They’ve even built in a series of holes in the body of the table to store ¼” and ½” bits.

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4. Excel Router Table with 35 Piece ½” Shank Router Bit Set

Best benchtop router table with aluminium worktop

best router tables Excel Router Table with 35 Piece ½” Shank Router Bit Set
  • Getting a rather comprehensive set of different ½” router bits with this table is fantastic. They come in a decent case and will allow you to create a huge range of products.
  • Even though this is a compact router table, you still get the benefit of a full-size wheel to change the height of the router bit. You could even do some clever plunge cutting.
  • Anyone who’s done a lot of router work will understand why effective dust collection is essential. The fine particles are a nightmare, so this shroud is a good thing to see.

  • Compared with the Silverline router table, this one commands a lot more permanent bench space. There’s not much to take apart, so you’ll need to find this tool its own home.
  • It’s a shame that the fence doesn’t include a ruler on it, to help you gauge the router bit height. It’s a fiddly process at the best of times, so a bit of extra help would be welcome.
  • In comparison with the excellent Trend CRT/MK3, the maximum cutting diameter is smaller at 75 mm. If you have router bits that are larger than this, you’re in trouble.
Type
Benchtop
Integrated Router
No
Worktop Material
Aluminium
Table Size
597x457
Table Height
355mm
Insert Diameter
75mm
Insert Rings
unknown
No Volt Release
Yes
Feather Boards
3
Weight
20.0kg
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
4

With a huge range of tools and gardening kit in their arsenal, Excel are a brand to watch out for. If you’re looking for a table with everything included, then their router table with 35-piece bit set is brilliant. You can raise and lower the cutting head with a big wheel, and the dust collection is effective. For a hobbyist, or even for light commercial work, this is a solid choice of table.

Unlike some of the budget router tables on my list, this one comes with a 1,500 Watt router already installed. Controlled by a safety switch and speed selector wheel on the front, there’s even a big stop button in case of emergency. The motor can spin bits up to an impressive 28,000 rpm.

A plus point of this router table is the cast aluminium bed. It’s nicely flat and combined with the featherboards on the table and rear fence, should hold the workpiece down securely. The overall dimensions of 597 x 457 x 355 mm are modest, which makes it the ideal addition to a small workshop.

And as if this wasn’t enough, Excel have included a set of 35 bits to get you started. There’s everything from straight bits and V-groove bits to dovetails and fancy Roman Ogee bits for mouldings. This router table comes with everything you could possibly need to get started.

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5. Kreg PRS2100 Router Table

Best benchtop router table

best router tables Kreg PRS2100 Router Table
  • This is a sturdy little benchtop router table. The legs are solid, the rubber feet help with grip, and the router table is thick and stable. It’s a really well-engineered piece of equipment.
  • The four levelling tabs that sit under the router table insert are simple and ingenious. The grub screws under each corner allow you to make fine adjustments easily.
  • This benchtop table is light enough to move out of the way when you need to. It’s especially useful if you’ve got a small workshop and table space is at a premium.

  • To attach your router to this table requires drilling holes in the insert plate. As it’s plastic, you don’t need special tools, but it does take a steady hand. You only get one chance!
  • Compared with the Lumberjack router table, there’s a fair bit of assembly required before you can get to work. The instructions are easy to follow, luckily.
  • Unlike Trend CRT router tables, this one doesn’t include feather boards. Kreg sell compatible ones, but they’re expensive.
Type
Benchtop
Integrated Router
No
Worktop Material
MDF
Table Size
610x406mm
Table Height
406mm
Insert Diameter
unknown
Insert Rings
3
No Volt Release
No
Feather Boards
0
Weight
12.9kg
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
4

Famous for inventing the infamous pocket hole jig, Kreg have been making innovative woodworking tools since 1989. I tried out their PRS2100 precision benchtop router table, and I rate it for its simplicity and excellent sliding fence.

The base is made from steel, and its rubber feet go a long way to reduce vibration and stop the table from sliding around during use. On top of the stand is a quality laminated MDF work table that’s designed to absorb vibration and allow workpieces to slide across the surface easily.

What makes this one of the best router tables around though is the table saw style fence. Experienced woodworkers will be familiar with the T-square style sliding aluminium fence that can be locked off with four screws, to quickly adjust on the fly. It’s a clever system that makes table routing a breeze.

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  • You don’t always need a gargantuan and feature-rich router table. For the occasional DIY job like jointing pieces of wood together, you can’t beat this machine for price.
  • It’s small, it’s light, and it’s easy to take apart and put back together. If, like me, your workspace is tight, then you’ll appreciate being able to stow tools away between uses.
  • Silverline have included five collets to reduce the size of the aperture on the table. This means you can use a range of router bit sizes without leaving big gaps.

  • Make sure your router will actually fit under the table before you purchase. With a table height of just 390 mm, you won’t get a beefy plunge router under there.
  • The aluminium used for this table is thin. You can tell it’s not a heavy duty machine because it only weighs 5.35 kg! The good thing is that you can easily adjust the table if it’s wonky.
  • Some users have complained about the size of the manual that’s provided. Seeing as it’s a tool that needs some assembly, it would be good to have some larger text.
Type
Benchtop
Integrated Router
No
Worktop Material
Aluminium
Table Size
850x335mm
Table Height
390mm
Insert Diameter
unknown
Insert Rings
5
No Volt Release
Yes
Feather Boards
3
Weight
5.35kg
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
4

One of the best-known names in DIY around the UK, Silverline have an enormous product line with over 5,000 products spanning everything from concrete breakers to welders. Their 460793 router table is a good example of a low-cost option to upgrade your plunge router to a table router. It’s not built for heavy work, but it’s a great way to convert your trim router into a table one.

Made from cast aluminium, this lightweight benchtop router table is ideal for the home workshop. It bolts together easily and can be fine-tuned to be flat without too much effort.  Something I really like about this table is the non-latching switch box. It means you can comfortably control your own router without the need to fiddle around under the table.

The table size is generous enough for most jobs without taking up too much valuable bench space. At 850 x 335 mm, it’s fine for DIY stuff, but obviously not big enough to pass through sheet materials.

Another thing that I like about this table is the featherboards. I think they’re one of the best ways to hold the workpiece down, so you can avoid putting your fingers anywhere near the business end of your router. For the hobbyist or the woodworker on a budget, this is a fine piece of kit.

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7. FERM Router Table

Best portable table router

best router tables FERM Router Table
  • This is by far the lightest and most portable router table on my list. Weighing just over 6 kg, it’s ideal for tiny workshops, folding work benches, or for putting in the back of the car.
  • Compared with the Kreg router table, I was glad to see a separate ON/OFF switch included. Having a standalone switch means you’re not hunting for a hidden one under the table.
  • The mitre guide really is a clever little clamp. It’s highly adjustable thanks to the pair of butterfly screws on top and has little wobble even though it’s made from plastic.

  • More than a few users have complained about the poor assembly instructions included with the router table. It’s a fiddle trying to put it together properly and takes too much guesswork.
  • Although the table and legs are nice and sturdy, the router table is let down by a bit too much plastic. The plastic fence should really be made from decent gauge aluminium.
  • This router table is great for being so portable, but it has the smallest table size by far. At just 455 x 330 mm, it’s almost half the size compared with the Trend WRT.
Type
Benchtop
Integrated Router
No
Worktop Material
Aluminium
Table Size
455x330mm
Table Height
432mm
Insert Diameter
80mm
Insert Rings
0
No Volt Release
Yes
Feather Boards
2
Weight
6.26kg
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
4

Dutch power tool brand FERM have been making quality tools for DIYers and industrial use since 1985. I tried out their PRA1011 Router Table and was impressed with how solid it feels.

The aluminium table is well-made and very flat, and the chunky legs sit at a solid angle to the table with rubber feet that are ideal for keeping the router table firmly in its place.

I like the mitre guard that seems to be unique to the FERM router table – it’s easy to adjust with just two knobs. You can set it to most angles as well as use it to hold timber firmly against the fence. It’s plastic but seems sturdy enough.

The use of plastic doesn’t stop there though – the fence is made from one piece of ABS that is never going to be as rigid as steel or aluminium. It’s fine for light use, but it doesn’t feel like the most durable router fence you can get.

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8. Pro Router Table Bench

Best budget free-standing router table

best router tables Pro Router Table Bench
  • If you appreciate feather boards, you’ll love this router table. You get them on the table surface as well as the fence, meaning you can grip stock firmly and safely.
  • Having a full height router table is ideal for woodworkers with a little more space. It doesn’t have a huge footprint, and at 870 mm high it’s comfortable to work at.
  • Compared with the plastic fence on the FERM router table, this heavy gauge aluminium one is a dream. It’s rigid, sits nicely at 90°, and accepts the feather boards easily.

  • Putting this router table together is not exactly straightforward. The instructions are not very helpful, and the parts list is hard to work out. It’ll take a while to get it right.
  • Fitting your router to the table requires a bit of thinking. You don’t get any fixings included in the purchase price, so you’ll need to buy some. There are plenty of guides available though.
  • Unfortunately, the measuring scale on the table is just a sticker. It’s useful for adjusting the fence, but I doubt it’ll last for long without peeling off or getting damaged.
Type
Floor
Integrated Router
No
Worktop Material
MDF
Table Size
800x600mm
Table Height
870mm
Insert Diameter
unknown
Insert Rings
2
No Volt Release
No
Feather Boards
4
Weight
28.0kg
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
4
Value for Money
4

The Pro Router floor standing table router is a great bit of kit when you need the best router stand but don’t have a workbench. Benchtop routers are excellent but don’t waste valuable workspace if you’ve got a spare bit of floor.

With an angle steel frame and tough plastic feet, this router has a sturdy base to work from and at 77 cm high, it’s just the right height for most users. The worktop itself is made from 35 mm thick laminated MDF which is smooth and flat for passing timber across it.

The fence adjusts in the same way as a table saw would, and you can attach the four included feather boards to the rear fence or front rail in any configuration. The only gripe I have with the table is the router mounting plate- I’d always choose metal over plastic for a part that’s going to be under the stresses of cutting with a power tool.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. A router table can come as either a benchtop model or freestanding.
  2. The best router table needs a solid and flat base to minimise vibrations and allow timber to pass smoothly and accurately along it.
  3. The base should ideally be made of aluminium, although this is quite expensive. Laminated MDF is a reliable flat surface though, and much cheaper.
  4. The router table should be able to provide plenty of support so your router can be firmly mounted.
  5. Fine adjustment can be achieved using an insert or mounting plate or levelling tabs.
  6. The table should come with a large enough opening and set of reducing rings to accommodate at least ÂĽ” and ½” router bits. Wide dado or mouldings require a larger hole than a straight-cut bit.
  7. A rigid aluminium fence that sits nicely at 90° and a set of feather boards should enable you to accurately secure your workpiece to the table.
  8. Router tables that come with a depth adjustment wheel, or a handle where you can adjust the router bit height from the surface of the table, are very handy.
  9. A separate on/off switch connected to the body of the router table is a very important feature that you can activate with your knee in case of an emergency.
  10. A no-voltage release switch is an essential safety accessory for a tool like this. If the power goes off for some reason, you need to reset the switch before it will operate again.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table
    best router tables Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table
    • 4.8
    • Benchtop
    • No
    • MDF
    • 610x405x26mm
    • 410mm
    • 80mm
    • 2
    • Yes
    • 2
    • 13.6kg
  • Trend WRT Workshop Router Table
    best router tables Trend WRT Workshop Router Table
    • 4.8
    • Floor
    • No
    • MDF
    • 804x604x35mm
    • 890mm
    • 86mm
    • 2
    • Yes
    • 2
    • 27.5kg
  • Lumberjack Tools RT1500 Bench Top Router Table
    best router tables Lumberjack Tools RT1500 Bench Top Router Table
    • 4.3
    • Benchtop
    • Yes
    • MDF
    • 597x457mm
    • 355mm
    • 75mm
    • 2
    • Yes
    • 3
    • 19.6kg
  • Excel Router Table with 35 Piece ½” Shank Router Bit Set
    best router tables Excel Router Table with 35 Piece ½” Shank Router Bit Set
    • 4
    • Benchtop
    • No
    • Aluminium
    • 597x457
    • 355mm
    • 75mm
    • unknown
    • Yes
    • 3
    • 20.0kg
  • Kreg PRS2100 Router Table
    best router tables Kreg PRS2100 Router Table
    • 4.5
    • Benchtop
    • No
    • MDF
    • 610x406mm
    • 406mm
    • unknown
    • 3
    • No
    • 0
    • 12.9kg
  • Silverline 460793 DIY Router Table
    best router tables Silverline 460793 DIY Router Table
    • 4
    • Benchtop
    • No
    • Aluminium
    • 850x335mm
    • 390mm
    • unknown
    • 5
    • Yes
    • 3
    • 5.35kg
  • FERM Router Table
    best router tables FERM Router Table
    • 4
    • Benchtop
    • No
    • Aluminium
    • 455x330mm
    • 432mm
    • 80mm
    • 0
    • Yes
    • 2
    • 6.26kg
  • Pro Router Table Bench
    best router tables Pro Router Table Bench
    • 4
    • Floor
    • No
    • MDF
    • 800x600mm
    • 870mm
    • unknown
    • 2
    • No
    • 4
    • 28.0kg

How to Choose The Best Router Table

If you already own a router, you don’t need me to tell you how versatile they are, but when you combine one with the best router table setup, it becomes an awesome tool that any proper woodworker should learn to use.

All About the Base

The best table-mounted router needs a solid and flat base to allow timber to pass smoothly and accurately along it. My preferred material is cast metal like aluminium: it’s hard-wearing, not too heavy and reliably flat. Don’t discount laminated MDF though, it’s a reliable flat surface that might not be as hard-wearing as metal, but it’s a lot cheaper.

On the Fence

The fence is the most important part of a router table, apart from the router that is, because it’s the thing that will keep everything running smooth and straight. Some of the best table routers have sliding “cheeks” that help to keep any width workpiece in line and ensure the dust is sucked away from the router bit.

Feather Boards

If you’re not familiar with those large, usually yellow, plastic combs on the table and fence, they’re a handy and safe feature that helps to keep the workpiece tight to the fence without you having to push it too hard.

You simply adjust the size and width of the feather boards to allow your piece of timber to sit snugly against the fence, then use your push stick to guide the piece through. It also means you can always keep your fingers away from the router bit too.

Router Table FAQs

This is a dilemma faced by anyone who wants to get into table routing – do you mount your favourite router to a standalone table, or buy into a whole table router setup? If you want to mount an existing router to a table, you need to make sure it fits – but most mounting plates can be drilled to fit almost any router.

If you use your own router, bear in mind that it’s not a five-minute job to switch between a table router and palm or plunge base – you’ll need to level the mounting plate each time, so a lot of woodworkers end up leaving the router in place once installed.

Buying into a whole router table kit like the Lumberjack Tools RT1500 is ideal if you’re planning on doing a lot of table work and you like the idea of a depth adjustment wheel. Unless you want to buy another router for freehand work, you’re a bit limited though.

You should check the manufacturer’s specifications on the router you plan to attach to your table – if it can take a ½”, you can probably use it.

The best router tables come with several reducing rings that alter the size of the hole your router sits in. If you’re using wide dado or moulding bits, you’ll need a much bigger hole than a straight-cut bit.

If you mount your own router to a router table, the chances are you’ll have some trouble getting to the power switch. By connecting your router to a switch on the body of the router table, you can safely control it without fumbling around under your table.

The best router tables feature two plugs underneath to control your dust extraction at the same time. Be aware that some routers have safety devices that must be bypassed to use a separate on/off switch.

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