Best Router For Router Table Mounting On 2023 – Upgrade Your Woodworking Tools

A router is an indispensable tool for woodworking projects, whether you’re a hobbyist or a seasoned professional. It plays a pivotal role in a woodworker’s arsenal, allowing you to achieve a wide range of tasks, especially when used in conjunction with a router table. These tasks include creating dado profiles, crafting decorative wooden flutings, shaping curved cut profiles, rounding table corners, and much more.

The key to unlocking the full potential of your woodworking endeavors lies in selecting the best router for your router table. Having the right router for the job is crucial, as it enables you to tackle woodworking tasks that would be otherwise challenging or impossible with alternative tools. Therefore, it is essential to choose the router that perfectly suits your needs and the tasks you wish to accomplish on your router table.

Best Router For Router Table Mounting Reviews

The market for routers designed for router tables has experienced significant growth, leading to an abundance of models and brands. Selecting the ideal router from this extensive range can be a challenging task. To simplify your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of high-quality routers, each accompanied by its unique features and benefits. This guide will assist you in choosing the router that best suits your specific needs and requirements.

1. Triton TRA001 router for table mounting

The Triton Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router boasts a robust 3.25 HP motor capable of tackling even the most challenging workpieces. With a motor running at speeds between 8000 and 21000 RPMs, it offers both power and versatility. The soft start feature ensures effortless motor initiation, and variable speeds, coupled with fine depth adjustment, provide precise control over your routing tasks.

What sets this router apart is its rack and pinion height adjustment system, which simplifies the transition between plunge and fixed-base router configurations, offering enhanced customization options. The inclusion of side air vents minimizes dust intake into the motor casings, contributing to its long-term durability.

For added safety and control during handheld use and circle cutting, the router features a multi-function fence and fully enclosed guarding. Additionally, the removable plunge spring simplifies bit adjustments, particularly when the router is installed in a router table. This feature-rich router delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank, making it a strong contender for the title of the best budget plunge router.

Key Features:

• Powerful 3.25 HP motor with speeds ranging from 8000 to 21000 RPMs for handling tough workpieces.
• Soft start feature for easy motor initiation and variable speeds with depth adjustment for precise results.
• Rack and pinion height adjustment system facilitates a quick switch between plunge and fixed-base router modes, allowing for increased customization.
• Side air vents minimize dust intake into the motor casings, ensuring enhanced durability.
• Multi-function fence for excellent control during handheld use and circle cutting.
• Fully enclosed guarding for added safety.
• Removable plunge spring eases bit adjustments, especially when the router is installed in a router table.

2. BOSCH 1617EVSPK Wood 12 Amp Router

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit is a versatile and powerful toolset designed to cater to your woodworking needs. With a robust 2.25 HP/12 Amp motor, it offers a wide speed range, adjustable from 8,000 to 25,000 RPM. The variable speed dial allows you to precisely set the desired speed, enhancing customization for different routing tasks and materials.

What sets this combo kit apart is its built-in Constant Response circuitry, ensuring a consistent speed throughout your cut. This feature contributes to cleaner and more accurate results, making it an excellent choice for fine woodworking and precise routing. Additionally, the integrated soft-start function reduces torque upon start-up, leading to easier handling and smoother transitions during operation.

The router also features a microfine bit depth adjustment system, providing the means for more accurate and quicker bit depth adjustments. This feature proves invaluable for achieving precise cuts and fine-tuning your woodworking projects. To ensure maximum durability, the power switch is dust-sealed, guarding against dust and debris that could otherwise compromise performance.

For convenience and protection, the kit includes a rugged carrying case designed to hold and safeguard all the components. With its comprehensive feature set and dependable performance, the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit is a top contender for the title of the best router combo kit.

Key Features:

• Powerful 2.25 HP/12 Amp motor with adjustable speed ranging from 8,000 to 25,000 RPM.
• Variable speed dial for precise speed customization, accommodating various routing tasks and materials.
• Constant Response circuitry ensures a consistent speed for cleaner and more accurate results.
• Integrated soft-start function reduces torque during start-up for improved handling.
• Microfine bit depth adjustment system enables precise and rapid bit depth adjustments.
• Dust-sealed power switch enhances durability.
• Rugged carrying case for convenient storage and protection of all components.

3. DEWALT DW616 Router for table mounting

The DEWALT Router stands as a reliable addition to DEWALT’s extensive lineup of power tools, offering both power and precision for a variety of woodworking tasks. With a robust 1-3/4-hp, 11-amp motor, it provides the necessary power for smooth and efficient operation, even when tackling the toughest workpieces.

One of its standout features is the sub-base concentricity gauge, which ensures precise bit concentricity, enhancing the overall accuracy of your routing tasks. Additionally, the tool boasts an adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock, facilitating quick depth adjustments. For even more fine-tuned control, the micro-fine depth adjustment ring allows for precise depth adjustments, resulting in exceptional woodworking precision. This combination of power and precision makes it a strong contender for the title of the best value wood router.

The router’s thoughtful design includes a clear LEXAN sub-base, offering improved bit visibility and enhancing base durability. Moreover, a dust-sealed switch safeguards your tool from dust ingestion, extending its lifespan, while the die-cast aluminum base contributes to a longer switch life.

Furthermore, the DEWALT Router features a low center of gravity design, ensuring stability during use, while rubber over-molded handles provide both comfort and enhanced control. All these features come at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the best budget router for woodworking.

Key Features:

• Robust 1-3/4-hp, 11-amp motor for smooth and efficient operation.
• Sub-base concentricity gauge ensures precise bit concentricity for exceptional accuracy.
• Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock allows for quick depth adjustments.
• Micro-fine depth adjustment ring enables precise depth adjustments.
• Clear LEXAN sub-base offers improved bit visibility and enhanced base durability.
• Dust-sealed switch protects the tool from dust ingestion, extending its lifespan.
• Die-cast aluminum base contributes to a longer switch life.

4. Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

The Makita Compact Router is designed to meet all your routing needs when working with a router table. Equipped with a 1-1/4 HP motor capable of generating 10,000-30,000 RPM power, it is well-prepared for demanding woodworking tasks. The variable speed control dial allows you to precisely match the speed to different applications, ensuring versatile performance.

The router also features electronic speed control to maintain a consistent speed even under load, and its soft start function guarantees smooth and controlled startups. The high-visibility base design contributes to optimal performance and ease of handling, while also allowing for the quick installation of other bases, enhancing its versatility and making it one of the best variable speed routers available.

Durability is a key feature of this compact wood router, evident in its heavy-duty aluminum motor housing. Changing bits is a breeze with the convenient shaft lock, and the durable flat-top design ensures easy and efficient bit changes. To protect your workpieces, the router incorporates a non-marring base, further enhancing its value as the best router for a router table.

Key Features:

• 1-1/4 HP motor capable of generating 10,000-30,000 RPM power for tackling tough wood.
• Variable speed control dial for precise speed matching to various applications.
• Electronic speed control maintains a consistent speed under load.
• Soft start function ensures smooth and controlled startups.
• High-visibility base design for optimal performance and handling.
• Quick installation of other bases for versatile applications.
• Heavy-duty aluminum motor housing for enhanced durability.
• Shaft lock for easy bit changes.
• Durable flat-top design for efficient bit changes.
• Non-marring base offers additional protection for workpieces.

5. DEWALT DW618PK Router for table mounting

DEWALT is a renowned name in the world of woodworking, known for delivering quality tools for various projects. This particular model stood out to us due to its exceptional performance and budget-friendly price point, making it an attractive choice. In fact, it surpassed our expectations and outperformed even some well-known brands like Festool.

One of the standout features of this router is its plunge base, which incorporates a robust toggle switch and offers convenient height adjustability, greatly enhancing the overall ease of use. We initially sought a cost-effective router for a project involving the reconstruction of a dog house, which needed to be completed within a weekend, spanning just three days. This router proved to be a lifesaver, thanks to its powerful motor operating at an impressive 12-amp rating. The detachable power cord and cable added to its flexibility, enabling us to work efficiently.

However, it’s worth noting that, given its budget nature, the router may not perform at its peak when pushed to its limits. Additionally, the router includes a compact shroud designed for dust collection, which greatly reduces the time spent on cleaning. This is particularly useful because woodworking tools like collets tend to produce dust while moving the bits. Moreover, the inclusion of a sturdy carrying case, capable of accommodating various-sized bits, adds to the overall convenience of this router.

In summary, DEWALT offers a powerful router equipped with table height adjustment, making it suitable for a wide range of DIY projects, whether large or small. The compact motor enhances work efficiency, making it a valuable addition to any woodworking shop. The durable power cord, in conjunction with a porter cable, further boosts efficiency when handling continuous bit sizing tasks. With an efficient rotation speed of up to 24,000 RPM, this router ensures seamless framing and passes without interruptions. Featuring user-friendly accessories and sturdy build quality, it is designed to serve you effectively over an extended period, whether you’re working on smaller or larger tables.

Key Features:

• A powerful tool with table height adjustment for smooth execution of DIY projects, regardless of their size.
• Compact motor with a wide range of working capacity to accelerate your woodworking tasks.
• A durable power cord with a porter cable, enhancing the efficiency of continuous bit sizing.
• Efficient rotation speed of up to 24,000 RPM, ensuring uninterrupted framing and passes.
• User-friendly accessories and robust construction for long-lasting performance on both smaller and larger tables.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Router For Router Table

Before purchasing a router for your router table, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure that you make an informed decision. Here are some crucial aspects to keep in mind:

1. Router Type:
   • Determine whether you need a fixed-base router, plunge router, or a combination of both (a router kit). The choice depends on your specific woodworking needs and the type of projects you plan to undertake.
2. Motor Power:
   • The router’s motor power is a critical consideration. More powerful motors (measured in HP – horsepower) are capable of handling denser and tougher wood materials. Consider the type of wood you’ll be working with and choose a router with an appropriate motor power to avoid bogging down during cuts.
3. Variable Speed Control:
   • Opt for a router with variable speed control. This feature allows you to adjust the router’s RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), which is essential for various routing tasks and different bit types. It offers better control and precision during woodworking.
4. Soft Start:
   • A soft start feature gradually increases the router’s speed upon startup, reducing the initial torque. This not only extends the motor’s lifespan but also ensures a smoother and safer start.
5. Depth Adjustment Mechanism:
   • Look for routers with a user-friendly and precise depth adjustment mechanism. It should allow you to set the bit depth accurately, ensuring clean and consistent cuts.
6. Bit Compatibility:
   • Ensure that the router is compatible with a wide range of router bits. Versatility in bit selection allows you to tackle different types of routing tasks effectively.
7. Dust Collection:
   • Dust collection capabilities can save you time on cleanup. Routers with efficient dust collection systems or provisions for attaching a dust collection system help maintain a cleaner workspace.

By carefully assessing these factors, you can select the most suitable router for your router table that aligns with your woodworking needs and preferences.

FAQ – People also ask

1. What is a router table, and why do I need a router for it?
   • A router table is a woodworking tool used to hold a router securely for various routing tasks. It provides stability, precision, and safety. To use a router table effectively, you’ll need a compatible router mounted to it.
2. What’s the difference between a plunge router and a fixed-base router for router table mounting?
   • Plunge routers are designed for tasks that require the bit to be lowered into the wood during operation. Fixed-base routers are stationary and have a more straightforward height adjustment. When mounting a router to a router table, you can use either type, depending on your specific needs.
3. How do I ensure that the router I choose fits my router table?
   • When selecting a router for a router table, check if it is compatible with standard router table plates or mounting systems. Many routers come with mounting holes that align with these systems. Additionally, confirm that the router’s dimensions match the opening in your router table.
4. Is variable speed control essential in a router for a router table?
   • Yes, variable speed control is crucial for precise and safe routing on a router table. Different woodworking tasks and bit types require varying speeds to achieve the best results. It provides flexibility and control over your cuts.
5. What safety measures should I take when using a router mounted to a table?
   • Safety is paramount. Ensure the router is securely fastened to the table. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and hearing protection. Use push blocks and guides for added control and to keep your hands away from the bit. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and read the router’s manual for specific safety instructions.

Final Word

In conclusion, choosing the best router for router table mounting can significantly enhance your woodworking projects. A router table paired with the right router offers precision, safety, and versatility. After considering various options and factors, we’ve come to the final word on the best routers for router table mounting.

Ultimately, the ideal router for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Triton Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router stands out with its powerful motor, soft start, variable speed control, and durable design. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.

For those looking for a versatile and budget-friendly option, the DEWALT Router offers great value, with a plunge base, adjustable height, and compact dust collection shroud.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit is a top-tier choice, featuring a powerful motor, constant response circuitry, and microfine bit depth adjustment. It’s perfect for those who seek precision and durability.

The Makita Compact Router impresses with its variable speed control, electronic speed control, and easy-to-use features. It’s an excellent router for those who value accuracy and control.

Lastly, the DEWALT Compact Router is another solid option, known for its performance and cost-effectiveness. It’s particularly suitable for those seeking a reliable router without breaking the bank.

When selecting the best router for your router table, consider your project requirements, budget, and the features that matter most to you. With the right router, you’ll be on your way to creating woodworking masterpieces with precision and ease.