A router table is a woodworking tool that attaches to a router, and allows the user to use the router as a stationary tool. Router tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all of them serve the same basic purpose: to provide a stable surface for routing operations.
Router tables are popular among woodworkers because they allow for greater control and precision when routing. By using a router table, the user can avoid having to hold the router in their hands, which can often be difficult and dangerous.
There are a number of different router tables on the market, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the best for you. In this article, Best Smarttool will introduce you to the best router tables under 200 dollars. These tables are affordable and easy to use, and they will allow you to achieve great results when routing.
1. Dremel 231 Portable Rotary Tool Shaper and Router Table- Woodworking Attachment Perfect for Sanding, Shaping, and Trimming Edges
One of the most versatile tools in a woodworker’s arsenal is the Dremel rotary tool. With a vast array of attachments, it can be used for a wide range of tasks, from sanding to routing. But what if you want to use your Dremel to do more precision work, like shaping or trimming edges? That’s where the Dremel 231 Portable Rotary Tool Shaper and Router Table Woodworking Attachment comes in.
The 231 attachment converts your Dremel corded or cordless rotary tool into a light-duty bench-mounted precision wood shaper. The compact router table makes it easy to slot edge groove and/or sand items in both conventional and irregular shapes. The attachment easily mounts to any tabletop workspace, and it’s compact and easy to store when not in use. It also features an adjustable fence and a large 8×6 inch worktable to support light-duty projects and precision work.
The 231 attachment is compatible with the Dremel 8220 cordless rotary tool, as well as corded models 100, 200, 3000, 4000, 4200, and 4300. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Convert your corded rotary tool into a light-duty, bench-mounted precision wood shaper with the Dremel 231 Shaper/Router Table; making it easy to slot, edge, groove and/or sand items in both conventional and irregular shapes.
- Easily mounts to any tabletop workspace and is compact and easy-to-store when not in use.
- Features simple-to-grip plastic knobs that include a screwdriver slot for easier rotary tool assembly and a depth adjustment screw enabling you to adjust to the desired depth of cut
- The 3-way adjustable fence allows for accurate detail and finish while the compact & smooth 8 In. x 6 In. worktable is ideal for light-duty detail projects
- Compatible with Dremel tool models: 100, 200, 3000, 4000, 8220, 8240, 8250 and 8260
2. Bosch RA1171 Benchtop Laminated Router Table 25-1/2 in. x 15-7/8 in. MDF Top Cabinet Style with 2 Dust Collection Ports
The Bosch RA1171 Benchtop Laminated Router Table is a great addition to any workshop. This router table is made of high-quality materials and is designed for precision and easy use. Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS:
-The tall aluminum fence measuring 4-3/4 inches by 25-1/8 inches can handle tall stock with ease.
-The fence is complete with adjustable MDF face plates for smoother operation with taller work pieces.
-Precision: The Bosch RA1171 features a rigid aluminum router mounting plate that stays flat and precise for accuracy.
-For added versatility, its pre-drilled to fit a variety of routers.
CONS:
-Two easy to use feather boards attach to fence and router table providing additional guidance and protection against kickback. They’re fully adjustable to fit a variety of work pieces.
-Accessory slot accepts additional feather boards and 3/4 inch optional accessories such as miter gauge.
-With a cabinet style design, the RA1171 is able to feature two dust collection ports for removing any job site dust and debris. The dust collections ports fit standard 2-1/2 inch vacuum hoses.
-Featuring a dual outlet switch with 6 feet power cord.
Overall, the Bosch RA1171 Benchtop Laminated Router Table is a great product. It is precision-made and designed for easy use, making it a great choice for any workshop.
- Support: The tall aluminum fence measuring 4 7/8 inch x 25 1/8 inch can handle tall stock with ease; The fence is complete with adjustable MDF face plates for smoother operation with taller work pieces and out feed can be offset for jointing
- Precision: The Bosch RA1171 features a rigid aluminum router mounting plate that stays flat and precise for accuracy; For added versatility, it’s pre drilled to fit a variety of routers
- Easy to use: Two easy to use feather boards attach to fence and router table, providing additional guidance and protection against kickback; They’re fully adjustable to fit a variety of work pieces; Accessory slot accepts additional feather boards and 3/4 inch optional accessories such as miter gauge
- Cleanup: With a cabinet style design, the RA1171 is able to feature two dust collection ports for removing any job site dust and debris; The dust collections ports fit standard 2 1/2 inch vacuum hoses
- Convenience: Featuring a dual outlet switch with 6 feet power cord; Includes bench top router table, aluminum router mounting plate, 3x mounting plate rings, mounting hardware, 2x adjustable feather boards, adjustable clear guard, starter pin and guard, and 2x out feed fence shims
3. Bosch RA1141 Portable Jobsite Router Table 26 in. x 16.5 in. Laminated MDF Top with 2-1/2 in. Vacuum Hose Port
The Bosch RA1141 Portable Jobsite Router Table is a great addition to any workshop. It is ultraportable, with folding legs for fast setup and easy storage. The easy click router mounting system provides easy bit changes and no leveling. The laminated MDF top helps users make smooth and precise cuts. The onboard storage is ideal for holding router bits and spare parts. The tall fence with two adjustable feather boards helps to provide extra control and guide work. The starter pin and guard allows easier control for routing curved work pieces. The bistroheight gauge provides easier bit setup and enhanced cut precision.
- Ultra-portable design – Features folding legs for fast setup and easy storage
- Easy click router mounting system – Provides easy bit changes and no leveling
- Laminated MDF top – Helps users make smooth and precise cuts
- Onboard storage – Ideal for holding router bits and spare parts
- No assembly required – Comes preassembled
4. SKIL RT1323-01 Router Table and 10Amp Fixed Base Router Kit
The SKIL RT132301 Router Table and 10Amp Fixed Base Router Kit is a great combo for precision routing. The router table is equipped with an adjustable bit storage, an aluminum mite gauge slot, and a starter pin. The table also has a router clamp and two featherboards to keep your workpiece in place while routing. The fixed base router has a powerful 10 amp motor and soft start speed control to give you smooth and accurate routing from start to finish. The tall fence with adjustable featherboards can handle tall stock with ease.
- ROUTER TOOL COMBO KIT - Includes SKIL Router Table (SRT1039) and SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router (RT1323-00)
- SKIL ROUTER TABLE - Equipped with Above the Table Adjustment, Integrated Bit Storage, Aluminum Mite Gauge Slot, Router Clamp, Starter Pin, and Two Featherboards for precise routing
- SKIL 10 AMP FIXED BASE ROUTER - Powerful 10 Amp, 2.0 HP motor provides smooth and accurate routing from start to finish; equipped with soft start, speed control, and a live tool indicator
- TALL FENCE WITH ADJUSTABLE FEATHERBOARDS - Tall 16-inch aluminum fence measures 24 inches wide and handles tall stock with ease, complimented by two featherboards, adjustable MDF face plates, and starter pin and guard
- PRECISION ROUTING - Use the Router Table for the heavy routing and the Fixed Base Router to complete the task
5. SKIL SRT1039 Benchtop Portable Router Table
There are a lot of things to like about the SKIL SRT1039 Benchtop Portable Router Table. It is a fairly lightweight table, which makes it easy to move around, and it has a lot of features that make it easy to use. The integrated bit storage is a nice touch, as is the router clamp.
However, there are a few drawbacks. First, the table is not very big, so it may not be suitable for larger projects. Second, the fence is not very sturdy, which can be a problem when working with larger pieces of wood. Finally, the table does not come with a dust collection system, so it can be difficult to keep the table clean.
Overall, the SKIL SRT1039 Benchtop Portable Router Table is a good table for smaller projects. It is easy to use and has a lot of features that make it convenient to use. However, it may not be suitable for larger projects, and it does not come with a dust collection system.
- ABOVE THE TABLE ROUTER LIFT: Gain convenient access to router bits with the Above Table Adjustment provided by the SKIL SRT1039 all-inclusive Router Table
- INTEGRATED BIT STORAGE: Protect and store router bits with a double door, quick latch integrated bit case. This integrated bit storage saves you time and provides a central location for easy to lose bits
- PRECISION ROUTING: Router tool features a flat laying aluminum miter gauge slot, aluminum mounting plate, router clamp, and two featherboards for durable, accurate routing
- LARGE ALUMINUM FENCE: The tall 16-inch aluminum fence measures 24 inches wide and can handle tall stock with ease, while the fence is complete with adjustable MDF face plates and a starter pin and guard for smooth operation with taller work pieces
- TWO FEATHERBOARDS: Two easy to use, adjustable router edge guides attach to the fence and router table to provide additional guidance and protection against kickback
6. POWERTEC 71536 Deluxe Router Table Fence System 3-3/8” Tall 24″ Long
The POWERTEC 71536 Deluxe Router Table Fence System is a great addition to your workshop. This fence system is made of heavy duty anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance and comes with an adjustable MDF fence face. The fence system is engineered with a universal t-slot that is excellent for a variety of woodworking accessories. The fence system also includes a flip stop that slips into the top mounted t-slot, providing quick positioning for all your needs. The flip arm can quickly be moved out of the way and can be relocated from the right side to the left side of the body. This fence system is easy to assemble and is a great value for the price.
- INCLUDES: 24-Inch Router Table Fence System includes Adjustable Bit Guard, Featherboard, Reversible Flip Stop, Dust Port and a Right to Left Measure Tape which will provide you with precise measurements for maximal results
- POWERTEC ROUTER FENCE: Can be used with most models of router tables or simply make your own. This deluxe version is full featured and performs all router fence functions including vertical jointing, instructions included.
- PREMIUM FEATURES: Easy-to-assemble design, a mounting slot range from 18-1/8” to 23-3/8” (able to accommodate and work with most existing router tables), and a dust collection port that accepts 2.5” ID dust and shop vac hoses directly from the back of the fence. Includes a flip stop that slips into the top mounted t-slot, providing “quick positioning” for all your needs. The flip arm can quickly be moved out of the way and can be relocated from the right side to the left side of the body.
- QUALITY BUILD: Router fence is engineered with heavy duty anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance – aluminum extrusion possesses universal t-slots (front and top), excellent for a variety of woodworking accessories
- MDF FENCE FACES: Completely adjustable for vertical joining (in and out), and are made from smooth MDF coated with scratch and shatter resistant melamine laminate for long-term durability
FAQs
A router table is an essential piece of equipment for any woodworker. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the right fit for your needs.
In this article, we will answer five of the most common questions about router tables. We will also recommend five of the best routers tables under 200 dollars.
1. What is a router table and what does it do?
A router table is a piece of equipment that allows you to use a router to rout out or shape wood. It consists of a flat surface with a hole in the middle that is large enough to accommodate the router bit. The router is attached to the table and the wood is placed on top of the table. The router is then moved around the wood to create the desired shape or pattern.
2. What are the benefits of using a router table?
There are several benefits of using a router table. First, a router table allows you to rout out wood more accurately and with greater precision than you can with a handheld router. Second, a router table is a safer way to use a router. With a router table, you have a solid surface to hold the wood against, which reduces the risk of the wood slipping and causing the router to move in an uncontrolled manner. Third, a router table allows you to rout out thicker pieces of wood than you can with a handheld router.
3. What are the different types of router tables?
There are three main types of router tables: benchtop, standalone, and cabinet.
Benchtop router tables are the smallest and most portable type of router table. They are designed to be used with a bench or a table saw.
Standalone router tables are larger and more powerful than benchtop router tables. They can be used either with or without a table saw.
Cabinet router tables are the largest and most expensive type of router table. They are designed to be mounted in a cabinet or a stand.
4. What are the key features to look for in a router table?
When choosing a router table, there are several key features to look for. The first is the size of the table. The table should be large enough to accommodate the size of the router bit you plan to use. The second is the type of router table. Make sure the table you choose is the right type for your needs. The third is the height of the table. The table should be adjustable to allow you to work comfortably. The fourth is the type of fence the table has. The fence should be adjustable and sturdy. The fifth is the type of dust collection system the table has. The dust collection system should be effective in collecting the dust created by routing.
5. What are the best router tables under 200 dollars?
Here are five of the best router tables under 200 dollars:
1. Bosch 4100-09 Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand
2. DEWALT DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
3. POWERTEC 71015 Deluxe Router Table
4. Craftsman Evolv 3.5 Amp Table Saw
5. Shop Fox W1668 30-Inch by 16-Inch Router Table
