A Survey of Router Tables
The best tables simplify the job of mounting a router and come with accurate, solidly made fences
Synopsis: Fine Woodworking’s John White evaluates 15 router tables for their features, tabletop size, stability, prices, mounting ease, fence quality, type of baseplate, and flatness. In his findings, White notes that models with baseplates simplify router-bit changes, and those with insert rings decrease the throat opening. He also finds that some models are affected by out-of-flat tabletops, poor stability, and fences that weren’t perfectly flat and square. As with many tools, White suggests choosing a router table based on the type of work you do. He lists his favorite, and a large grid compares the tables side by side.
For the small shop, a table-mounted router can do all that a shaper can and maybe more. Raised panels, box joints, dovetails, mortises, tenons and moldings are but some of the operations possible with a router.
It’s not too difficult to cobble together a workable shopmade router table. But it…
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