All professionals will admit the edge they have when working with a router with a table as compared to when using a freehand router.
Using a table gives you a lot more space to use a powerful motor with extra stability. You can be assured that your final product will always have the right cuts and angles.
There are multiple options that can aid your process of production such as featherboards and miter gauges.
However there are so many choices when it comes to buying the router for a router table and that’s why we have compiled a guide to help you choose a product that fits your requirement.
A table mounted router helps you in many ways like it makes doing changes to the final product hassle free.
There are also many routers these days which have the feature to adjust bit heights without even removing the router (PS: For such routers, you need to dig in an extra hole to insert plate).
Table of Contents
Routers for Table Mounting
1. Dewalt DWP611PK: Router for Table Mounting
Dewalt makes some of the routers for woodworking operations. The Dewalt DW611PK is a new and innovative table mount router that takes precision working to a whole new level.
Its precision comes from the immense capability of the motor this router is loaded with. The motor can produce up to 1.25 HP torque very easily and that makes way for smooth cutting and designing options.
It is not mandatory that you have to run this router at such high speeds only. You can maintain the speed to your liking and need of the hour in this skill full router option.
The accuracy comes not only from the high quality blades but also from the LED lights this router is loaded with.
The lights ensure that your work piece and work are always at direct view such that there is no room for mistakes.
The router works on quietly without making too much sound irrespective of the load it is introduced to.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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2. Dewalt DW618PK : Alternative to Dewalt DWP611PK
If you are looking for a table mount router tool that can be used by a novice or a professional, go for the Dewalt DW618PK.
Woodworking is a delightful art form and thus requires the woodworking tools available for the effects.
The DW618PK is loaded with great features and features a very easy to use interface making it the ideal tool for beginners also.
The tool is loaded with two collet sizes of ½” and ¼” along with a LEXAN sub-base. The table mount tool is also equipped with both a plunge base and a fixed base.
The Dewalt DW618Pk is designed to go for high ebd works as it is loaded with a very powerful motor. The motor can reach up to 2.25HP torque for the most hardcore wirs.
You can increase the rotation of the spindle using the speed control system between 8000 and 24000 rpm.
Woodworking leads to a lot of dust but even that is not a problem with this amazing router option.
It is loaded with a dust collector that can get rid of up to 95% of the dust.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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3. Bosch 1617EVSPK : Fixed and Plunge Base Router
Bosch is a trusted name when it comes to electrical goods and they have maintained their good name with the 1617EVSPK table mounted router.
The router is not only easy-to-use but also displays some impressive results. It does not matter whether you are the beginning or advanced stages of woodworking- if you have a knack for it you will be able to use this router.
The motor loaded in this router generates an appreciable 2.25HP torque.
The motor draws 12 amp of electric current to function at its highest potential. It can be set to run between 8000 and 25,000 rpm to match your many requirements.
The router is so manufactured that it can act as both a fixed as well as a plunge base router. The bits in the Bosch 1617EVSPK are interchangeable and are not at all a big deal. Whatever your project be, you will be able to effectively complete it with the amazing Bosch 1617EVSPK.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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4. Makita RT0701C : Budget Pick
The Makita RTC is the router that you can hope for if you are going for small woodworking projects.
This router is, however, not at all a suitable option if you are going for a high intensity workshop level big projects.
The router caps in a power rating of 1.25HP torque. The tool is supposed to be used for light weight purposes and thus it features a lightweight and easy to handle body.
This table mounted router weighs only 3.9 pounds and features a small and appreciable dimension of 10” x 8” x 6”.
The finishing that you get from this router is guaranteed to be superb. The router cuts through wood effectively and you also get to control the speed at which the bit is running.
The router is also compatible with a plunge based system.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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5. Porter Cable 895PK : Premium Pick
The Porter cable 895K is loaded with soft start functions which makes it highly adaptable to all kinds of bits available in the market.
You will also find that this router is equipped with variable speed modes allowing you the perfect cut every time.
You will find that the bits always produce the smoothest cuts on all kinds of wooden surface.
The tool is also very easy to start and shutdown unlike some of the other routers available out there.
The router is designed in a great manner such that it works well both with a fixed base and a plunge base.
The motor requires an electrical supply of 12 amp to give the results. When you are using the router you can also preset the depth to which your bit is to penetrate into the wood.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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6. Black & Decker RP250 : Comes with Full 2 Year Warranty
The Black & Decker RP250 is a very user friendly device and will be the companion to many wood enthusiasts.
You will be able to perform high quality woodworking operations if you are using the Black & Decker RP250 Router tool.
The motor that drives the bits in this router can attain a speed range of 8000 and 27,000 rpm. The immense speed is because of the powerful 2.25HP motor that this router is loaded with.
The router is constructed mainly for fixed base routing options and thus is an astounding option as a table mounted router tool.
The router is constructed from tough and robust materials such that it stays with you for a long time. The 2 year backing from the house of Black & Decker makes this router even more appreciable.
The lightweight body is complemented by the compact design ensuring that you do not require a lot of space to store this router either.
It only weighs 9.9 pounds giving you a range of applications for this router.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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Other Great Picks
7. Dewalt DW616
Dewalt is such an excellent brand to be manufacturing routers that this is the third product to make this list.
The DW616 is a router that can take on any kind of work very easily. Like all other table mounted routers crafted by Dewalt, this router also features quite a sturdy casing that ensures longevity.
The router is designed for smart actions and smoothly cuts through many wooden surfaces. The router is very easy to set up and does not require the use of particular tools to adjust the base.
A promising feature about this excellent router is that it comes equipped with rubber handles.
Rubber handles are always better for wood working tools as they are comfortable to the hands and make way for excellent gripping.
The tool is very less likely to slip away from your hands as you are working through a piece. The motor can generate a torque of up to 1.75HP and requires a supply of 120 volts to run efficiently.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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8. Porter-Cable 690LR
The Porter-Cable 690LR is a very durable option for a router tool to bring to your workshop.
The durability of this tool comes from a fully metallic aluminum motor and base. It gives this tool much stability and also improves its longevity.
The motor can generate a powerful torque up to 1.75HP. It can also run smoothly and efficiently at high speeds up to 27,000 rpm.
The speed can be controlled to suit the work piece. The router is also backed by a 3-year warranty by Porter-Cable.
The router is built to be able to accept both the ½” and ¼” bits to ensure a versatile use. The auto-release collect system becomes in handy when you need to remove the wooden bits that were collected.
It also makes way for a less messier environment while you are working with wood. The molded grips have an ergonomic design that ensures that you will never lose your grip as you are working with this tool.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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9. Bosch PR20EVS
Bosch is a trusted maker when it comes to table mounted routers and this product is no different.
The PR20EVSK is loaded with a body that is high on functionality and convenience while maintaining an equally good score with performance and durability.
The whole body of this router is constructed from aluminum. This is a metal that makes things very durable while itself it is very lightweight.
This aspect also enhances the portability of this router.
The router is designed for expert work and can be freely used by professionals. It can also be used by intermediate woodworkers to get proficiency and for a long time.
This router delivers a speed ranging between 15,000 and 35,000 HP. This router draws an electrical current of 5.6 amp.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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10. Triton TRA001
The Triton TRA001 is one of the most recommended table mounted routers that you will come across. The feature of this router is very simple- it is very efficient when working with wood.
This router can easily cut through different wood surfaces and make a great job of doing so. You can rely on the 3.25 HP torque that this router generates to effectively give you a smooth cut at all times.
Though the TRA001 is a bit towards the heavier side and wears down the user after long use, it features a versatile aspect with changeable bits.
The router can easily accept both ½” and ¼” bits. The shift from a plunge base to a fixed base can also be conducted by the click of a button on this router.
This makes it somewhat a really good router that can be mounted on the table.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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Benefits of using a router for table mounting
- You are able to use a more powerful motor since you get a stand that can withstand everything
- You have an extra support to do your operations which negates most human errors
- Your final product comes out with more accuracy and precision
Things To Consider To Pick The Router For A Router Table
Whether you are a newbie or a professional, it all boils down to the needs and requirements of your project since that’s what will help you pick up a router based on parameters you need to consider when choosing the router for a router table. Let’s have a look at some of the important things to consider:
Power
The most important thing to look for in a router is the power its motor produces to be measured in terms of RPM. Also when choosing a router, be aware of the material that is going to work on since 15,000 RPM may be sufficient to work on pine wood but may not be good enough to work on hard plastic. If you are unsure then consider a router that has two horsepower options.
Voltage Rating
Some routers are built for their local place such as a lot of the chinese manufactured CNC routers and so when buying you need to notice the voltage rating of the router and see if its compatible to where you live.
Variable Speed
When working on wood, variable speed can make a huge difference in the final product. Getting to know the right speed such that you don’t burn off the wood and also maintain the router bits is more about experience and so do take advice from a professional or you can even ask Bill Baum for the recommendation. When choosing a router, you should look at the variable speed options available since it will help you dive into making multiple different types of projects.
Height & Depth Adjustment
All the routers that we have reviewed above come with different height and depth adjustments. Depth adjustment means the way you move the router up and down from the table and this allows for a better shallow and deep cut. based on the nature of your project, it is important for you to adjust the height and depth.
FAQs
Can you mount any router to a table?
Yes, you can actually mount any hand held router to a table. However most of the time you will have to make certain changes to the setup for the router to fit in a desired way.
How do you mount a triton router to a table?
To know it the best, you can have a look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSjU-1I4zTI
Can you mount a plunge router to a table?
Yes you can mount a plunge router to a table but there will be some tweaks you will have to do and in such a case, you can instead use a fixed base router.
What is a router table used for?
There are multiple reasons to use a router table, some of them are:
- Better control over the setup
- Ease of access and better usability
- More convenience when working on wood based project
- Ability to use powerful motors and multiple sized bits
Conclusion
Now you are totally equipped with everything you want to know about the routers for table mounting. Look at these routers as more like an extra edge since you will surely notice a difference in the final product when you compare your product before using a table mounted router.
Do make sure, you have gone through our guide before choosing the router. Also we are always looking out for better options to include in the list and so do keep coming back.
