When it comes to woodworking, it is highly recommended to use a tool like this. By choosing one of the models available on the market today, you will definitely be provided with a great accuracy that will certainly help you obtain excellent results.
1. Bosch RA1181 Bench Top
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Versatile
This workbench has been built to fit most routers. It is a versatile piece of equipment that will certainly serve as an indispensable part of any woodworking shop. It comes equipped with a 2-1/2 inch dust collection port that will provide a great dust collection for a very clean work environment. The large top is made of aluminum, and therefore, it is very durable and portable as well. The Bosch RA1181 Bench Top includes a mounting hardware, an aluminum router mounting plate, a tall aluminum fence with adjustable MDF face plates, and 2 outfeed shims.
Practical
It also includes the starter pin and a guard for curved workpieces in addition to the built-in cord wrap for a great storage and portability. The manufacturer offers for it a 1-year limited warranty, a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1-year service protection plan so that customers all over the world can be completely satisfied. With it, you will definitely be able to work with a variety of materials while a great precision with every cut will be ensured.
Functional
The rigid mounting plates and the large working surface makes the router fully efficient and practical. There are 6 variation options so it makes it adaptable to any router. In addition to this, it also has adjustable MDF face plates so you will be provided with full cutting support. As well as, it’s able to hold a large stock of wood in place against the aluminum fence so you don’t have to waste a lot of energy. The dual outlet switch and the dust port means that you can remove dirt easily from the table. The greatest thing about the dust port is the fact that you can attach a hose to it. This will make the cleaning process much easier.
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CONS
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- Attaches to any workbench
- It’s made out of aluminium
- Essentials included
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- Some claim that the table isn’t flat
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| VERDICT
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One of the best models that you can purchase these days is, without a doubt, the Bosch RA1181 Bench Top. You will certainly like the fact that it has a large work surface for routing and woodworking as well so that you feel very comfortable at all times and be able to do your projects with ease.
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Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style
2. Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style
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There is also an aluminum mounting plate that is quite rigid and it will stay completely flat and precise so that you can obtain the most accurate results. The Bosch RA1171 has an accessory slot that accepts feather boards and also 3/4-inch optional accessories like the miter gauge and 2 dust collection ports for standard 2-1/2-inch vacuum hoses so that you can have the working surface clean and clear at all times.
You should also take into account the fact that it has a dual outlet switch with 6-foot power cord, and the clever lock helps prevent unauthorized use. In order to know exactly what you are buying, here is what you will find in the box: a mounting hardware, a starter pin, a guard, a set of 3 mounting plate insert rings, 2 adjustable feather boards, an adjustable clear guard, and 2 1/16-inch thick outfeed fence shims.
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CONS
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- 2 dust collection ports
- 6 foot power cord
- Lock prevents unauthorized use
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| VERDICT
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The Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style is one of those models that will help you improve your skills and obtain great results in woodworking. It comes equipped with a tall fence made of aluminium, with adjustable MDF face plates 4-7/8″ x 25-1/8″ that will easily and efficiently support taller workpieces. Furthermore, the outfeed can be offset for jointing.
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The SKIL RAS900 has an efficient folding design, which means that the legs fold for an easy storage, and as mentioned earlier, it comes pre-assembled with a minimal setup needed. The starter pin and guard help support your workpiece when routing curved edges, and the bit height gauge will help simplify set-up and also improve the accuracy of cuts.
Thanks to the 2 feather boards it has, you will be able to guide the workpiece more accurately. Very easy to use, quite versatile, and made of high-quality materials, it will definitely satisfy you 100%.
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CONS
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- It comes with a lot of accesories
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
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- Instructions may be difficult to follow
- Cord isn’t as long as the others
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| VERDICT
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If you are looking for a high-quality model that will help you with your woodworking business, then the SKIL RAS900 is exactly what you need. It comes pre-assembled and it has accessory storage containers that will protect and store all your accessories.
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It has a 1 3/4 horsepower motor that is robust enough to even work through hickory. The table provides 334 square inches of a working surface, on top of a quite sturdy cast aluminum base. This model has been built with permanently lubricated and sealed ball bearings in order to increase the durability of the motor.
The fence can easily be adjusted for a proper bit clearance, with the infeed and outfeed extending up to 2 inches, and the miter gauge can also be adjusted up to 60 degrees in both directions. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a dust extraction port, and 3 insert rings that have opening diameters of 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 1-3/4″. Overall, anyone who is interested in it must know that the whole set includes a router, a fence, a 1/4″ collet, 2 feather boards, a wrench, a dust guard, a miter gauge, 3 insert rings, and a manual as well, and it does an absolutely amazing job.
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CONS
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- Double outlet power strips with a safety lock
- Dust extraction port
- The router is manufactured with permenantly lubricated balls
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- Not very precise
- Instructions difficult to follow
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| VERDICT
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Craftsman is one of the most reliable brands available on the market today. It has only high-quality woodworking tables like the CRAFTSMAN Combo. It will definitely give you everything you need to get started on quality woodworking.
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With this precision routing table all of your woodworking projects will exceed expectations in terms of final product quality. The generous insert place of the table allows you to install even the biggest router out there, so compatibility will not be an issue. It is made for your convenience and comfort, featuring a vibration and noise resistant MDF construction. Also, the skin of the table is made of high-pressure laminate, thus allowing an easy slide of the workpieces across it.
The full-featured fence it comes with has quick-turn locking levers which allow you to make quick adjustments whenever it is needed. Furthermore, it features a dust collection port which allows you to keep your workspace clean and clutter-free. But definitely what makes it a tempting option the most is the perfect 16 by 24-inch surface of the table, allowing freedom of movement when woodworking.
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CONS
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- Double outlet power strips with a safety lock
- Comes at a reasonable price
- Industrial-quality fence ensures long-term use
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- Cannot be folded for a more compact storage
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| VERDICT
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If you need a quiet working space, this Kreg routing table is the best option for you. Not only does it feature the noise and vibration reduction MDF construction, but it is accompanied by sufficient accessories, and it comes at a great, affordable price. Thus, it is an option worth taking into consideration for any woodworker.
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Jessem Mast-R-Lift Excel II
6. Jessem Mast-R-Lift Excel II
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We start off with the single actual flaw of this product, more precisely the fact that it comes at an exuberantly expensive price. It is compatible with most cylinder router motors, which is a plus as it adds to its versatility. It provides a 34-inch by 24-inch work area, and features an aluminum extruded miter track and T-track. Due to the built-in dust hook-up, you can conveniently keep the area clean while you work.
A height adjustment mechanism is present, so you can customize the table’s height to your personal needs. It features a built-in cam lock mechanism which adds to the security of the routing procedure, ensuring your safety while you are working on your projects. In addition, one of its most convenient traits is that it offers tool-less fence face adjustment.
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CONS
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- Built-in dust hook-up to keep the work area clean
- Cam lock mechanism for enhance routing security
- 32-inch by 24-inch work surface is provided
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- Comes at a really expensive price
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| VERDICT
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If you can afford the exuberant price tag, the Jessem is a purchase worth making, that’s for sure. it provides a generous 34-inch by 24-inch work surface, and comes with all the features you could ask for so that you may enjoy successful routing projects.
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This multi-purpose table is the model you need to get the job done professionally. It has been designed as a self-squaring fence system. It’s heavy-duty so you will never have to worry about it breaking down on you or catching rust. The easily-adjustable steel stand is corrosion resistant so you will be able to have this model for many years to come. In addition to this, you will find that this table is high-performance as it has a precision insert-plate system.
The 1” thick table surface will be able to absorb vibrations. The surface area measures 24” x 32” so you have enough space even for larger jobs. As well as, it weighs around 40.7 pounds so you have to be careful when you transport it. You will be thoroughly pleased to know that you will also receive accessories such as 2 joining rods.
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CONS
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- Attaches to any workbench
- It’s made out of aluminium
- Essentials included
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- Some claim that the table isn’t flat
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| VERDICT
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The reason why this is a popular choice is because all accessories are included at no extra price. This means that you will be able to work with it, even if you are a beginner or you are simply not looking to spend any more money.
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This horizontal table is the safest choice for mortise and tenons, long molding bits, vertical panels and much more. You can bolt or clamp the unit for a workbench. This model has a maximum 9” bit adjustment range above the table to bit center. When assembled, the product measures 23-3/4” (W), 18” (D) and 24” (H). In addition to this, it weighs 30 lbs. You will be pleased to know that the solid phenolic sides provide greater stability and strength. Therefore, you can rely on it for many years.
Furthermore, the knobs on crack brace will provide a easier and faster coarse height adjustment. The hold-in and hold-down are included for safe and consistent results when machine molding. The under-table dust channels to help direct debris to the outlet. By purchasing this model, you will be provided with reliability and convenience.
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CONS
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- Strong phenolic sides for superior stability
- Easy to assemble
- Features a dust port
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- There’s no scale for accurate indexing
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| VERDICT
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The reason why we recommend this product is because the company has developed this model to provide you with consistent good work. In addition to this, the item comes with lifetime guarantee against defects in material or unit.
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XtremepowerUS Deluxe X5051
9. XtremepowerUS Deluxe X5051
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The X5051 is the ideal routing table for those who take up small projects around the house. It is one of the more reasonably priced entries on this market, yet it provides a strong construction which ensures it is a long-lasting investment nonetheless. It measures 13-1/8” in width, and 34” in length. One of its most prominent features is the 2.5-inch dust collection port which perfectly fits the shop vacuum in order to help you keep a clean work area.
It features grooved surfaces which also help keep the working surface clean as dust and chips are kept at bay. Another interesting feature is the built-in scale it comes with, feature which allows quick and accurate indexing to ease your work. With it, you can even take up jointing applications as it comes with a useful push out pocket fence.
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CONS
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- Features a 2.5-inch dust collection port which helps keep the working area clean
- You can even do jointing tasks with it due to the push-out pocket fence it features
- Features a built-in scale for accurate indexing
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- Not the sturdiest build possible
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| VERDICT
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A more reasonably priced option to go for, this routing table is perfect for those who do small DIY projects around the house. Lightweight, yet boasting a strong construction, it comes with more than enough features to ensure ease of use and accuracy.
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Goplus New Electric Aluminum Benchtop
10. Goplus New Electric Aluminum Benchtop
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The main table is made of aluminum, while the extension table is made of steel. When purchasing the workbench, it’s important to know both dimensions. Therefore, the main table measures 450×335mm(13.1″x17.7″) and the extension table measures about 200x335mm(7.8″x17.7″).
Whether you are designing a project for your home or you are working on a project for your full-time business, this model is exactly what you are looking for. It is versatile, compact and very easy to use. Furthermore, it is an affordable purchase that will surely help you complete all your projects.
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CONS
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- Main table made out of aluminium
- All pockets friendly
- Durable
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- Some people described the extension as flimsy
- Safe guard doesn’t work well
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| VERDICT
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If you are planning to purchase a reliable and easy to use router table that can help you accomplish all your projects, have a look at the Goplus New Electric Aluminum Benchtop model. Designed for routers with up to a 6 inches diameter base plate is without a doubt one of the most versatile tables available in the consumer market.
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Particularities Worth Knowing
These items have become very popular nowadays due to the fact that they are extremely useful. Woodworkers all over the world confidently use them in order to obtain wonderful results easily and quickly as well. Since you will actually have maximum control, most of the operations will be much easier. Due to the fact that the router is mounted securely onto the table, you will also be able to do some things that you cannot safely do with a handheld model like routing narrow stock and so on.
These days, you will find on the router table market of different sizes and with different features as well. Take into account the fact that these router workbenches come equipped differently, and this is why it is essential for you to purchase a model that will meet all of your needs. In order to obtain excellent results, it is very important to choose a router workbench that will offer you precision, perfection, an incredible workflow. Also, it’s important to look for a model that comes with great features like a large working surfaces that will provide the most comfortable working condition, a heavy-duty aluminum fence with adjustable sub-fences, a dust port so that the work area is kept clean at all times, a meter gauge that can be adjusted according to your needs for a perfect fit, and an accessory t-slot for mounting feather boards or any other equipment.
Furthermore, you should look for a woodworking table that is capable of reducing the dust and noise as well. All in all, these work surfaces are different as they can come equipped with these features or not. Therefore, what you need to do is to take into consideration these aspects in order to make the best choice.
How Your Woodworking Projects Will Be Boosted
If you’re a DIY type of person but you’re not too inclined to spend money on new items, then you need to read this section of the article. Here, you will find out what are the advantages that make these router workbenches a must have for any woodworker and why they’re worth your money.
- High Accuracy
It offers high precision, especially when it comes to small pieces. Due to the fact that the router is actually mounted very well, you will be able to use both your hands, allowing you to obtain only perfect results. Such a high accuracy is absolutely necessary for all woodworkers in order to be able to sell with ease their items.
- Easy to Use
When it comes to woodworking, you definitely want to obtain the desired result with ease and in a short time as well. The good news is that you can do this if you use a woodworking table. The work surface is very easy to use, and you will quickly learn how to maneuver it. Furthermore, it is extremely safe to use as well, and therefore, you will not need to worry about any sort of injuries.
- You Will Obtain Excellent Results
If you have a woodworking business, then in order to attract increasingly more clients you need to make sure that all of your products look impeccable. What can you do in order to achieve this? It is very simple, you need to use a high-quality routing tool. With a quality workbench, you can be sure that all your masterpieces will be highly appreciated.
- You Will Quickly Obtain the Desired Results
Since the router is very well mounted on the table, the user can actually move the piece of wood at a very rapid pace and still obtain a decent cut. Therefore, this will definitely highly improve the output of the woodworker substantially.
- It is Great for Complex Cuts
In case you deal with complex cuts, then a router woodworking table is absolutely perfect for your needs. Irregular pieces of wood require a fixed bit that actually allows the users to maneuver the wood to their liking, without adjusting the router in any way. Therefore, with a modern workbench, you will certainly not have to worry when making complex cuts anymore.
Guidelines to Purchase a Routing Worktop
Are you planning to purchase a routing tool like this in the near future, but you are kind of confused and you do not know what model would be best to choose? If so, then what you must actually do is to take into consideration the following details that will help you choose a high-quality woodworking table. Therefore, here is how to choose the best-rated model.
- Go for a flat, solid top
It is without a doubt very important that the table surface is solid, rigid, and as close as possible to perfectly flat so that you can obtain very precise cuts. In many operations, treating the edge of a board or cutting joinery, requires great precision, and therefore, you need to make sure the top is, as mentioned earlier, solid and flat as well. Opt for a top made of MDF, which is a very popular material these days. It is quite practical, and it will provide years of light to medium-duty service. Another excellent choice you could make would be an MDF top surfaced on both sides with HPL, which will definitely remain flat throughout its life. This is a more expensive option, but if you want a high-quality router table, then you should go for it.
- Opt for a rigid, flat base plate
The layout and the quality of the base plate will have a huge impact on the functioning of the table. Therefore, if you want to purchase one of the best-rated workbenches for routers, then you must choose one with a rigid, flat base plate. Furthermore, it needs to be solid and substantial as well, as it will have to remain flat while supporting the weight of the router. Make sure the base plate is compatible with the router, and if you want to use the router in and out of the table, then you must consider how much work is actually involved in getting the router mounted.
- The fence must be accurate and easy to position
A high-quality router workbench will definitely come equipped with an accurate and easy-to-position fence. In most operations, you will need to control the cut by keeping workpiece pressed against the fence, while you are advancing it past the bit, and for that, the fence must be up to the task. There are 2 types of fences: a 1-piece and a 2-piece fence. Both of them can be extremely useful. All in all, as long as the fence of the chosen table is accurate and easy-to-position, you will definitely obtain only wonderful results.
- A sturdy, stable base is essential
For crisp, clean cuts, the user must keep the workpiece in consistent contact with the cutter. While he does this, he must advance it at a smooth, fluid rate. This is very hard to obtain if the table is shifting and wobbling. Working on an unsteady base is quite difficult and it will not help you achieve your goals. Therefore, keep in mind that a high-quality routing tool will definitely come equipped with a sturdy, stable base.
Brands Worth Checking Out
There are many units in this category on the market these days, and choosing one can be quite hard for many people, especially if they buy a woodworking bench for the first time. Therefore, in order to ease your choice, we have actually chosen the most reliable brands that you can confidently go for.
- Bosch
This is an excellent manufacturer that has on the market these days only top quality products. The Bosch tools are made of durable materials and they are extremely easy and safe to use. Most of the products in this category come equipped with hardware for mounting most Bosch routers, adjustable feather boards, and adjustable clear guard as well so that you can easily obtain the desired results.
- Skil
Skil has a large range of products on the market today, that come in different dimensions, and with different equipment as well. Depending on what you actually need, you will definitely find a router table that will meet all your needs. Furthermore, you will absolutely love the fact that Skil commodities are not as expensive as others are.
- Craftsman
Another great brand that you should confidently go for is Craftsman. Its products are without a doubt high quality, and they are very appreciated all over the world. They come with a 1-year warranty against any defects in material or workmanship. By choosing a Craftsman bench, you will definitely not regret.
Testing Parameters We Used
After we have reviewed several tables, we have decided that some of them are high-quality workbenches due to a few important aspects. If you want to purchase a router bench like this as well, but you don’t know which one is best to get, then by having a look at the following information you will certainly make the best choice. Therefore, here is what are the aspects that stood behind our routing table reviews.
- The features
When you want to buy a product, you first look at its features. This is exactly what we did as well. We looked at the features at several tables that are available on the market these days, and we found the CRAFTSMAN Combo, which is a wonderful routing work surface, which comes equipped with several features that will help you obtain the desired results. The CRAFTSMAN Combo has a table, a 1/4″ collet, a 5/8″ thick tabletop with a laminate surface that will ensure a smooth work area, a wrench, a 1-3/4 HP motor that runs at 27,000 RPMs, 3 insert rings that have opening diameters of 1-1/4″, a fence that adjusts for proper bit clearance, with the infeed and outfeed extending up to 2 inches, a dust guard, 2 feather boards, a miter gauge that adjusts up to 60 degrees in both directions, 1-1/2″, and 1-3/4, a double outlet power strip with a safety lock, a hardware and a manual as well. All these features play a very important role. They make it extremely accurate, and easy and comfortable to use.
- Durability
Once you decide to invest in a routing table, you certainly want your investment to be a long-term one. Therefore, we took into consideration this detail as well, and we found the PORTER-CABLE 698 Bench Top, which is a woodworking bench made of a lightweight machined aluminum that will increase durability and mobility as well.
- The warranty
The warranty is absolutely essential when you buy a woodworking table. Therefore, we have chosen a bench that has a great warranty. The Bosch RA1181 Bench Top is available on the market with a 30-day money back warranty, 1-year limited warranty, 1-year service protection plan so that customers all over the world can be completely satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Is there only one type of table?
No, there are actually 3 different types of tables that exist. Benchtop, Cabinet and Extention tables. They were each created to fit with your own individual needs.
?What do I do if I hear a strange noise from the motor?
Get in contact with the customer support team because you may need to replace some parts. Do not worry as there shouldn’t be too much hustle.
?What can I do if I cannot locate the user manual?
Look on the manufacturer’s website because you will be able to locate a PDF format of it.
Whether you want a routing table to take up DIY projects around the house or you are interested in the purchase for professional reasons, wanting to sell what you create, it’s obvious that you need to pay attention and make a purchase actually worthwhile, one that you will be able to rely on for years on end. Accessories and features make a huge difference in the quality of your acquisition as the workbench will cater to different woodworking needs you have, and this was a primordial aspect in our selection as you probably noticed by this point.
Coming from a reputable brand and versatile like no other model as it features a large aluminum top for enhanced durability, a router mounting plate, a tall fence, outfeed shims, and a dust collection port, the Bosch RA1181 Bench Top is the best pick you could opt for if money isn’t an issue, that’s a certainty. Almost as impressive is the SKIL RAS900 that boasts a convenient foldable design for easy storage and comes with the accessories needed to provide support for the project you are working on if you want to route curved edges.
