A router is a woodworking machine used to cut various designs, patterns, and grooves onto a piece of wood. It enables you to work the router upside down and sideways. It offers greater flexibility, allowing you to achieve impossible cuts.
Router tables make it convenient to use a router, letting you guide your material against the router rather than moving it manually. A router table gives you more control. It also comes with a router lift that allows you to adjust the height for the perfect cut.
Buying router tables need some serious research. So today, we’re covering the best router tables available in uk to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
- Best Router Table Reviews Uk
- 1. BOSCH Benchtop Router Table – Best Overall
- 2. Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table
- 3. ToolTronix Bench Mounted Router Table – Budget Friendly
- 4. Silverline 460793 DIY Router Table
- 5. Lumberjack Bench Top Router Table
- Things to Consider Before Buying a Router Table
- Size
- The Build
- Router Compatibility
- Keep it Flat
- The Fence
- The Mounting Plate
- Using a Miter
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Best Router Table Reviews Uk
1. BOSCH Benchtop Router Table – Best Overall
Featuring a large work surface and a durable aluminium top, the Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table is both versatile and durable. An essential part of any woodworking shop, this router table fits a range of routers and is a multipurpose piece of equipment.
Its rigid aluminium mounting plate for routers is compatible with various routers and enables above-table height adjustment for most common routers. Its 2-1/2 inch trash collection port provides superior trash collection for a cleaner work environment.
See Also: Best table saw uk
In addition to the mounting hardware, this benchtop router table includes a tall fence made of aluminium with an adjustable MDF faceplate, a mounting plate for the aluminium router, and two outfeed shims. In addition to the guard for routing arched workpieces and starter pins, the machine is built with a cord wrap for convenient storage and portability.
- Built with machined aluminium in various important parts.
- The table is quite easy to assemble
- Transport, and move easily.
- It is compatible with most kinds of routers
- It is an affordable product
- Its surface is warped and rough.
- The router plate is a little bit difficult to use
2. Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table
Craft Pro’s Router Table is ideal for artisans and woodworkers. It has a laminated MDF tabletop, which is 610mm x 405mm x 26mm in thickness. And it comes with an adjustable 6.35mm insert plate which is made up of aluminium. It has a 98mm hole to accept sizeable panel raisers. There is a plate levelling service using magnets and seven screwable adjusters. The plate is attached to the tabletop for additional protection.
This router table comes with a mitred fence. The fence is equipped with a spelch block facility and zeroing features to make your work easier. Additionally, the table features a quick raiser that is useful when working with a T11 router.
57mm dust ports are provided on the router table to collect the wood shavings. The 13.6kg router table has insert rings, lead-on pin, side pressure, top pressure, mitre fence, safety guard, push stick, and a no-release switch.
The Trend CRT/MK3 Router Table is perfect if you are looking for an affordable router table. It has all the features needed to make your woodwork projects possible. It is best advised to place this model onto a raised platform.
- Features a mitred fence with a spelch block facility for accuracy.
- Made of MDF material for durability.
- Able to work with different router models.
- Features adjustable guard assembly.
- Easy to assemble.
- Cannot handle heavy-duty professional work.
- The table is very low.
3. ToolTronix Bench Mounted Router Table – Budget Friendly
The Tooltronix Router Table accommodates all styles of routers that are equipped with 1800W and upto base width of 157mm. A set of four locks firmly secures the router to the table base.
A 460mm x 335mm aluminium table with two steel pressed extension tables extends the total table size to 870mm. Angle routing is made easier with the table’s machined grooves. It is supplied with a Safety No Volt Release (NVR) Switch to ensure that in case of an energy outage, the router will not start right away when the power comes back.
Three feather boards are provided to guarantee that the workpiece is pressed tightly against the fence and table, creating a controlled, smooth movement. Installed on four steel legs, this router table is attached to the work surface. It comes with a 100mm high fence beside dust station.
- Value for the money.
- Supplied with built-in dust port
- NVR switch and mitre gauge included
- Comes with three feather boards, and extension tables.
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Provides an adapter for all types of plunge router
- Adjusting the height or changing the bit is tricky.
- The measure on the top might peel off.
- Does not fit larger routers.
4. Silverline 460793 DIY Router Table
It is a table with a mounted bench that fuses with a typical router to set up a full-featured router table. Adequate for planing, shaping, rebating, moulding, trenching, grooving, and jointing. It can easily configure and measure angles and lengths without any tools.
Includes non-fastening switch box, protractor, router trigger lock, changeable output rail, main fence, safety guard, 2 vertical feather boards, horizontal feather board, table, 2 table extensions, cast aluminium and dust removal port.
It includes complete guidelines and a fittings bag for easy compilation. Compatible with routers rated between 900 and 1800 watts and 155mm (6inches) or lower in base diameter. It comes integrated with a 3A UK mains plug.
- It feels fairly solid
- The price is affordable
- Small size makes it easily portable
- User friendly interface
- Easy operation and maintenance
- The lead to the mains is short, so an extension might be required
- It is composed of very thin metal that could injure your fingers.
5. Lumberjack Bench Top Router Table
This benchtop router table is fitted with a powerful integral 1500-watt motor. It is coupled with electronic speed control to provide optimal performance with all timbers. (No Router required)
Any ½ inch and ¼ inch router cutter can work with the RT1500 since both ½ inch and ¼ inch collets are included with the table.
The cutter is raised and lowered by a well-placed handwheel and facilitates adjustments to achieve accuracy and precision. A changeable pressed plastic and steel fence, horizontal and vertical pressure plates coiled for improved material support, a mitre fence, and a large table bed measuring 597mm x 457mm offer simplicity of use and complete operator protection.
Furthermore, a 70mm dust extractor portion within the mounted fence allows dust and trash to be efficiently removed. It also comes with a router storage area on the side of the table for added convenience.
- A great machine for the money
- Easy to use.
- Solid and sturdy
- The built-in router is a great feature
- The motor might start sparking
Things to Consider Before Buying a Router Table
Routers can be useful tools, but they can be dangerous if they are not used properly. You need both a hands-on deck as well as your complete attention and strength. The limitations of a handheld router make it necessary to use other power tools to compensate for its limited operability. In contrast, a router table allows you to mount this tool and eliminate its disadvantages.
By installing a router on a router table, you will improve your woodworking skills, streamline your processes, speed up your work, and achieve finer results. Even though the type of projects you normally work on, and the size and setup of your workshop are unique to you, some general aspects will help you find the right router table!
Read Also: How to use a router table
There are some key elements that can make the difference between a successful and regret-prone purchase.
Size
Router tables range in size from 22 inches long by 16 inches wide to 36 inches by 24 inches. The right size for you depends on your workspace and how you plan on using it. A larger table will offer you more room to work with large boards., if you’re a beginner or work on smaller projects, you can get away with a smaller starter table.
The Build
Choosing the right material for the router table will affect how long you will use it. Most modern router tables have MDF tops. If you choose this option, make sure the top is at least one inch thick.
It’s also possible to choose a metal top, which some long-term users believe is more durable and less prone to wear and tear. However, keep in mind that a metal top might mean you’ll need to increase your budget a little.
Router Compatibility
An essential point to consider in your selection process is ensuring that your router fits your table. Even with some of the universal tables, it is not possible to cover every make and model available in the market. For that reason, it’s always best to check if your particular brand is supported.
Try to look for multi-purpose tables and support more than one base plate.
Keep it Flat
To complete your project without any issues, you’ll need a router table with a flat and sturdy working surface.
The Fence
An essential part of the decision-making process is checking out the fence. A good table has a strong, stable fence that is easy to adjust and simple to customize between uses.
There are two options available: a split fence and a single-piece fence. The single-piece option is designed for simpler projects. In comparison, a split fence will be helpful for complex tasks.
The Mounting Plate
The mounting plate or base plate will need to support the router through a hole in the table. The mounting plate must hold the weight of the router. It also needs to be stable; otherwise, the project can pose a danger to the safety of individuals.
The plate should be fixed to the table using levelling screws, and it should be easy to clip and detach.
Using a Miter
Router tables must have t-slots. It would help you utilize mitre gauges to cut wood at different angles. Most of the time, a fence is used to cut materials on a router table, but occasionally you’ll need to clasp a workpiece at a set angle, and this is where the mitre gauge comes in handy.
FAQs
1. Is Bosch router table Compatible with DeWalt router?
The Bosch router table is compatible with a couple of DeWalt routers but not all.
2. What is a router table lift?
A router table lift lets you make the necessary height adjustments for a perfect cut.
3. Do all routers fit all router tables?
There are common patterns on different types of routers and router tables. This means that a particular router base can be fixed onto multiple router tables. Still, not all routers may fit all router tables.
Conclusion
Router tables are used to increase the functionality of a handheld router. They are easier to use and a great addition to the workshop. Many furniture makers contractors use them for their convenience and precision. A strong and sturdy router table is essential for great results. The best overall router table, according to our research, is BOSCH Benchtop Router Table RA1181, 120 V.It is compatible with most routers and has great functionality and ease of use.