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 may lack some features available from a commercially made table. There are many tables to choose from, everything from basic units costing about $50 to setups costing $500 or more, depending on the options. I looked at 15 tables for this article.

All router tables operate on the same basic concept. A router is mounted upside down, usually on a removable baseplate, although a few mount directly to the tabletop. For many operations, the router table is used in conjunction with a fence.

Most router tables are mounted to a stand, either a short one for benchtop use or a table-height one for freestanding units. Some router tables can be attached directly to the extension wing of a tablesaw. A benchtop model is good for its portability and small footprint. But the best of the freestanding units have larger tabletops and provide a more stable work surface.

Insert rings on the Woodstock Rebel aren’t flush with the underside of the baseplate and can interfere with mounting the router.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

3M Blue Tape

One of the most versatile accessories to have in the shop: from layout to seaming veneer. It has enough stretch to pull joints together.

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Dividers

Incredibly useful for laying out, setting equal distances, and comparing measurements, these are an essential tool for any furniture maker.

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Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

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