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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| 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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It features an aluminum mounting plate that is quite rigid and stays completely flat and precise so that accuracy is granted. The Bosch RA1171 has an accessory slot that accepts feather boards and 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 a 6-foot power cord, and the clever lock helps prevent unauthorized use. Here are the accessories that you receive with the purchase: mounting hardware, starter pin, 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. When it comes to backing, the manufacturer covers it on defects in material and workmanship during the first year after you acquire it.
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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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- Fence adjustment issues
- Separate adapter plate must be acquired if your router does not fit
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| VERDICT
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The Bosch RA1171 is ideal for woodworkers of all skill levels due to its design. 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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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. The Craftsman Combo 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 proper bit clearance, with the infeed and outfeed extending up to 2 inches, and the miter gauge can be adjusted up to 60 degrees in both directions as well. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a dust extraction port that keeps the work area clean, and 3 insert rings that have opening diameters of 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 1-3/4″. If you are interested in it, you 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.
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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 permanently 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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The SKIL RAS900 has an efficient folding design, which means that the legs fold for easy storage. Furthermore, it comes pre-assembled, which means that minimal setup is required on your part. The starter pin and guard help support your workpiece when routing curved edges, and the bit height gauge helps simplify set-up and improve the accuracy of your cuts.
Thanks to the 2 feather boards it has, you are able to guide the workpiece more accurately so that your woodworking projects end up successful every time. No leveling is required, and it ensures easy bit changes.
One of its best features is the quick-release router mount that saves you time and effort as it attaches and detaches in seconds. Of course, we cannot overlook the 1-year warranty provided by the manufacturing company as it has you covered in case of defects in materials or workmanship, the costs for repair being supported by the company.
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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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No matter if you are in the woodworking business or you a simple DIYer looking to upgrade the quality of your projects, the SKIL RAS900 is exactly what you need. It comes pre-assembled and it has accessory storage containers that protect and store all your accessories.
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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 won’t be an issue. It is made for your convenience and comfort, featuring a vibration and noise resistant MDF construction. Furthermore, the skin of the table is made of high-pressure laminate, thus allowing an easy slide of the work pieces across it.
The full-featured fence it comes with has quick-turn locking levers that allow you to make quick adjustments whenever needed. Additionally, it features a dust collection port that allows you to keep your workspace clean and clutter-free. But what makes it a tempting option the most is the perfect 16-inch by 24-inch surface of the table that allows 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
- Some customers found the materials used to not be qualitative
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| VERDICT
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If you need a quiet working space, the Kreg PRS2100 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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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. Furthermore, 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
- Vacuum port comes off too easy
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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 cost. 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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The precision-crafted Rebel W2000 delivers accuracy and ease of use like none other. It measures 24 inches in width, 17 inches in height, and 18 inches in depth, so it doesn’t take up too much space in the workshop, while the 64-pound weight makes it easy for you to relocate it if necessary. This precision-guard cast iron table features a safety guard system that is composed of a clear plastic guard and arm, and it even features a height adjustment bar.
For safety, the guard is designed to fit over the router bit when you are woodworking, and you can even connect it to a 3-inch flex hose to get rid of the dust that settles on the table as you work. It features 3 built-in adjustable stops, two of which are at 45 degrees, while the third is at 90 degrees, and you engage them by pushing in the stop pin. The two-part split fence it features allows offset or straight-line shaping – these independently adjustable fences measure 3 inches by 12 inches.
With it, you can joint, cove, miter, mold, bead, slot, flute, and perform other fine quality woodworking tasks, which makes it quite a versatile addition to your workshop. Furthermore, a 1-year warranty is provided by the manufacturer, which means that it is covered against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use during this period of time.
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CONS
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- Features 3 adjustable stops – two at 45° and one at 90°
- You can adjust a 3-inch flex-hose to the guard to collect dust
- The two-part split fence allows straight-line of offset shaping
- It is made with cast iron to ensure durability
- Backed by a standard 1-year warranty
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- Some found it difficult to set and adjust the split fence
- Not the cheapest pick you could go for
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| VERDICT
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The Rebel W2000 precision-ground cast iron table that ensures your woodworking projects will be a success due to its versatility, with it, among other things, being able to joint, cove, mold, bead, miters, slot, and flute.
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Goplus New Electric Aluminum Benchtop
8. 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 – the main table measures 450mm × 335mm or 13.1″ x 17.7″, and the extension table measures about 200mm x 335mm or 7.8″ x 17.7″.
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 routing 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-inch diameter base plate, it is one of the most versatile picks you could go for.
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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 that 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 that 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
- Some customers find it to be too lightweight
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| VERDICT
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A more reasonably priced option to go for, the XtremepowerUS X5051 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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Jessem Mast-R-Lift Excel II
10. Jessem Mast-R-Lift Excel II
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We start off with its single actual flaw, 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
- Some customers are displeased with the customer support service
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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 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” in width, 18” in depth, and 24” in height. In addition to this, it weighs 30 pounds. 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 an 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
- Flimsy design as opposed to other models
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| VERDICT
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The reason why we recommend it is because the company has developed this model to provide you with consistent good work. In addition, it comes with lifetime guarantee against defects in material or unit.
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Routing Table Particularities
Router tables are everpresent in the workshops of professional woodworkers and casual DIYers due to the usefulness they provide. Due to the fact that
the router is mounted securely onto the table, you are able to do things that you cannot safely do with a handheld model like routing narrow stock, for example. Available in a wide range of sizes, boasting variate designs, and coming with different features that add to ease of use as well as accuracy, one thing is for sure – you are bound to find the right model for you as there are plenty of products to pick between. When you search for a workbench of your own, you should opt for one that provides precision and comes with workflow improving features.
Among the important features it is recommended for the table to come with are included a large working surface that provides you with comfort in use and makes working on large projects easier, 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. Of course, its ability to reduce noise and vibration is important as it makes the work habitat better, while the dust collection port is another desirable feature as it helps keep the area clean.
How It Helps with Your Woodworking Projects
If woodworking is your passion and you dream of creating as many projects as possible, yet you want to spend money only on the necessary equipment, you are probably wondering whether a routing table makes a considerable difference or not.
- High Accuracy
It offers high precision, especially when it comes to small pieces. Due to the fact that the router is mounted well, you are able to use both your hands, which allows you to obtain only perfect results. This high accuracy is absolutely necessary for all woodworkers in order to create projects that actually sell.
- Easy to Use
When it comes to DIY projects, you want to get the job done with ease and in a short time, and with the woodworking table it becomes possible. The work surface is very easy to use, and you will quickly learn how to maneuver it. Furthermore, it is extremely safe to use, and therefore, you won’t need to worry about any sort of injuries.
- 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.
- Speed
Since the router is 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 result in a substantially improved output of the woodworker.
- 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 allows the users to maneuver the wood to their liking, without adjusting the router in any way. Therefore, complex cuts stop presenting a problem and it will be less of a hassle to perform them.
Routing Worktop Buying Guide
Are you planning to purchase a routing table 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 do is take into consideration the following details when you shop to make sure your pick will cater to your needs and expectations.
- Go for a flat, solid top
The table surface must be solid, rigid, and as close as possible to perfectly flat so that you can obtain very precise cuts. Opt for a top made of MDF, which is a very popular material as 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, that 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, and your best guess is to choose one with a rigid, flat base plate. Furthermore, it needs to be solid and substantial, 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 involved in getting it mounted.
- The fence must be accurate and easy to position
A quality workbench comes equipped with an accurate and easy-to-position fence. In most operations, you will need to control the cut by keeping the 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, and both types make for equally good selections
- A sturdy, stable base is essential
For crisp, clean cuts, the user must keep the workpiece in consistent contact with the cutter. While doing this, the user must advance it at a smooth, fluid rate. This is very hard to obtain if the table is shifting and wobbling as working on an unstable base is quite difficult and it will not help you achieve your goals. Therefore, keep in mind that base sturdiness is one of the important elements to look into.
Brands Worth Checking Out
When it comes to manufacturing routing tables,
Bosch, Craftman, and Skil are renowned for delivering the best quality products on the market. All three companies have quite a generous background, their experience being visible in the tables they release.
- Bosch
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 so that customer satisfaction is ensured.
- Skil
Skil has a large range of products on the market today, that come in different dimensions and with different equipment. Depending on what you actually need, you are bound to find a woodworking table that will meet all your needs if you research what Skil has manufactured. Furthermore, you Skil commodities are not as expensive as others are, which makes their products accessible to a wider range of customers.
- Craftsman
Craftsman products are without a doubt high quality, and they are much 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 won’t regret your acquisition as you will make an investment in quality and durability.
Testing Parameters We Used
Wondering what made us choose these specific products and rank them the way we did? Then stick with us to find out what were the elements that weighed most when we put together our top, this way better understanding the value of each routing table we have previously reviewed.
- The features
We looked at the features of several tables that are available on the market, and we found the CRAFTSMAN Combo comes equipped with several features that help you obtain the desired results. The Combo has a table, a 1/4″ collet, a 5/8″ thick tabletop with a laminate surface that ensures 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.
- 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 durability, and we found the Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style to be the best option as it is features a MDF work top and metal base that ensure a long lifespan.
- The warranty
The warranty plays an important role as it shows for how long the company is willing to back its product. The Bosch RA1181 Bench Top comes with a 30-day money back warranty, 1-year limited warranty, 1-year service protection plan so that customers are ensured any existing issues will be solved free of charge by the manufacturer.
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, and each is designed to cater to the user’s exact 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 it shouldn’t be too much hustle.
?What can I do if I cannot locate the user manual?
Look on the manufacturer’s website as you are likely to 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.
