The best router table needs a solid and flat base to minimise vibrations and allow timber to pass smoothly and accurately along it. Lastly, the Kreg Router Table allows you to keep your workspace very clean because the vacuum port is easy to use to eliminate dust.

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. Without any further ado, let’s take a look at six of the most-popular products the UK market currently has to offer: Trend CRT/MK3 Craft Pro Router Table: good value The standard dust port is also easy to use because you can attach any standard vacuum hose to it. That’s how you can keep your work area dust-free. The height under the table is 260mm. If your router is taller than this, you will need to make 2 runners to go underneath the side legs to lift the table up, to accommodate the extra height. (For Example; the Trend T4 router requires side runners of 60mm in height) The table can be used with any router which has a face plate diameter of up to 190mm. This covers all 1/4″ shank routers and even some 1/2″ shank routers can be used.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. That said, the laminated table and two fence cheeks assist a smooth workflow. You will also like the micro-adjustable height setting that you can do through the insert plate. This option is nice if you want to align jointing cutters. With that in mind, the Trend WRT Table might be the best value router table because it’s very easy to use, versatile and highly adjustable. The first thing you’ll notice is its easy setup. Just look at the assembled pieces to see how the parts fit together. If you’re new to the trade or a weekend craftsman, having a router table lined up before you start is sure to save you time and frustration. Perhaps keep an eye out for a DIY router table – one that’s stationary and easy to operate. Alternatively, if you’re a carpenter or a full-time handyman, a portable table or floor standing router table is desirable. Why choose a Router Table from Kendal Tools?

We understand that selecting a router table is no easy task. Our best advice? Take the time to assess the different options and look closely at the features, design and build quality to ensure you end up with the right one for your needs. Apart from its portability, the Kreg Router Table has other useful features. For instance, the anodized-aluminium fence is sturdy and allows you very precise cuts. That’s because it boasts independent sliding faces so that you can get better measurements and, therefore, cleaner cuts. However, you may find that the insert plate for hanging your router may not fit perfectly so that you end up with an unleveled routed grove. Add some metal strips to solve this problem. Free-standing/ floor standing router tables are usually the largest of the two and are typically used as standalone tables. These often have removable legs so they can be used as benchtop tables too.Besides, this table offers you very accurate insert plate levellers. Thanks to their innovative bottom-up insert design, these levellers allow increased precision when you’re doing your levelling work. 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.

Another useful design feature is this table’s tubular open-framed leg build. That way, you can reach the router easily to make changes on the go. You will also appreciate the adjustable feet because that way this Trend WRT benchtop can remain stable on uneven areas too. This router table allows you to stay in control of your work and make precise cuts. For instance, you can adjust the router bit height so that you can work smoothly. Besides, the three included featherboards keep your workpiece more stable so you can make better cuts. 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. Supplied with 2 removable insert rings, router mounting clamps and dust extraction outlet 70mm diameter. Supplied with tough plastic insert plate, adjustable fence with two replaceable wooden faces, horizontal feather board, two vertical clamps and sliding mitre fence. W012 Specification Table size

My Top Recommended Router Tables

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. 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 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 accessory slot is what makes the Bosch RA1181 even more versatile because you can add all sorts of optional accessories. For instance, you can add a mitre gauge to keep your workpiece at an angle while you’re cutting. Any sized router can be mounted to this table using the clamping set provided. To give easy access to the router when changing settings the whole table top is hinged and supported by gas filled struts to counteract the heavy weight of the cast iron top.

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. The aluminium top is large, meaning you’ll have a spacious work area so that you can be more precise. Another advantage is that aluminium is a strong, durable material. Charnwood W012 Bench Top Router Table is the best budget option, but you need to make some DIY improvements. 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.

You also get an included starter pin and guard. These essential parts will help you do more tasks, such as routing round workpieces. Most benchtop router tables don’t include these extras. Router tables make complex jobs much simpler. They allow you to securely fix your router upside down – keeping both of your hands free to run the wood over the router, rather than running the tool over the workpiece. Not only does this give you more control and enable you to work more efficiently, it’s also easier and safer. The table should come with a large enough opening and set of reducing rings to accommodate at least ¼” and ½” router bits. Wide dado or mouldings require a larger hole than a straight-cut bit.