You can slap an “S” on your chest when you mount a router on a table.
Why?
Because a table mounted router gives you PRECISE control...
...and the option of using a more powerful router and larger bits in a safer way.
But, the tricky part is deciding which one is the best router for table.
Here's ten of the best routers that are perfect for table mounting -
Routers | Variable Speed (rpm) | HP | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
2. Porter cable 892   | 10,000-23,000 | 2-1/4 | |
3. Bosch 1617EVS (Best for the money)   | 8,000-25,000 | 2-1/4 | |
4. Triton TRA001   | 8000-21,000 | 3-1/4 | |
5. Porter Cable 895PK   | 10,000-23,000 | 2-1/4 |
Table Of Contents
The Best Routers For Table Mounting In 2021
1. Triton TRA001 Router - Best For Table Mounting
Our Thought: The Triton TRA001 is head and shoulders above its rivals as a router for table mounting. It’s my top choice because it comes with a built in lift system that makes changing and adjusting the bit a breeze. This is probably the best router with above table hieght adjustment.
For us The TRA001 is the best router for a router table. It's designed specifically for table mounting.
TRA001 Routers Specifications
- Motor power: 3-1/4 HP, 15 amp
- Voltage: 120 Volts (For US)
- Variable Speed: 8,000–21,000 rpm
At 3-1/4 HP, it will get through any stock with ease. Here you can check the best 3hp routers.
The first thing you notice with this router is the build quality. Everything feels solid in the hand, it’s sturdy and has a bit of weight to it. It doesn’t feel like it would break easily.
Here's the features that makes it ideal router for table mounting -
Stay Cool
The TRA001 has side vents on the motor. Designed to prevent overheating when it’s inverted in a table. They’re sited to avoid dust build-up and keep the motor running cool and calm.
Single-Handed
The router has a Spindle-Lock and a Safety Switch Cover. This means you only need one spanner and one hand to change the bits. This makes changing your bits fast and easy.
The spindle locks and the Safety Switch Cover engages when you raise to full depth, automatically. So there’s no messing about bending under the table and the motor can’t start. You’re changed safely and ready to work again in seconds.
Fine Times
The router also has a really nice fine adjustment control. This takes the pain out of getting your setting just right. It has a really great range of variable speed control – 8000 to 21000 rpm. You can achieve very fine, detailed work with this machine
Above Table Height Adjustment
The TRA001 router has the best above table height adjustment, it can be carried out with a really cool winding handle. Combined with the rack and pinion system, it’s probably the best router for table that provides ease of use and accuracy.
The way I see it, this is what makes this already great router for table mounting . Other table mount routers fail on this feature with awkward-to-use T Wrenches. The depth of the cutter can be wound and set from your normal working position. Just like with a router lift but without the bill.
With rival machines, you’re spending double to get this feature. Or you’re bending double to adjust the bit heights – it’s as simple as that. This feature puts this table mount router in a different class. It’s a home run.
If you are wondering what will be the best router table for Triton router it is Kreg PRS1045.
Looking to get most out of your mounted router? Here's some useful tip
2. Porter Cable 892 Router – Best To Use With A Router Lift
Our Thought: The router is good value for what it is. It features a good fixed base which is an important feature of routers for table mounting.
The dual switches are a good feature. Speed range will give you good results. It’s disappointing that you have to pay extra for Above-Table adjustment and easy bit changes.
It is a 2.25 HP router with a fixed base. It’s got a decent speed range. The 800 series Porter Cable routers aren’t for my money, as well suited to the table as the Triton in number one spot.
The design, power level and weight and feel are all more akin to a hand-held machine. However, with its fixed base, table mounting is possible. It’s a good second choice based on cost and features.
Porter Cable 892 Specifications
- Motor power: 2.25 HP, 12 amp
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Variable Speed: 10,000-23,000 rpm
Dual Power Switch
You know what the best feature on this router is?
It’s the dual power switch. These switches make this table mounted router a steady all-rounder. Switches in two different places make controlling the motor a lot easier hand-held.
The Need For Speed:
The speed range of this router is pretty good too. It goes from 10000 rpm to 23000 rpm and gives you scope for a nice finish on most timbers and with most bits.
A router with a good turn of speed is always a good thing, and this router does just fine in this department.
Power
Power comes from a decent, mid-range unit at 2.25 HP. This doesn’t reach the levels of a lot of the routers on the market.
It’s respectable and enough to do most jobs in most timbers, though. Even at this level of power, this router performs well.
Back To Base
Another notable feature of the PC 892 is that it comes supplied with a really nice, sturdy fixed base. It’s necessery for a router for table mounting.
And it’s nice to know that the point of contact between the table and router is well made.
3. Bosch 1617EVS Router - Best Router For Bosch Router Table
Our Thought: The Bosch 161EVS is a well-engineered router. It’s versatile without being too expensive.
It has a decent 2.25HP motor and nice hardwood handles on the base. It can also be used hand-held with a plunge base as standard so it’s a good budget option if you don’t want to buy two routers.
The Bosch 161EVS is another best router for table in the 2.25 HP mid-range. And again, it’ll handle most jobs in most wood types. It comes with both fixed and plunge bases. This is a big plus because its weight and power level make it ideal for using hand-held.
The fixed base means it is a good router for table mounting. So it’s a versatile option and a good one for woodworkers planning on only owning one router.
Bosch 161EVS Specifications
- Motor power: 2-1/4 HP, 12 amp
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Variable speed: 8000-25,000 rpm
Best Speed Range
The Bosch has one of the best ranges of speed control out of the ten routers we’re looking at here. And the controls and their positions add to the user experience with this router.
Collet A Day
It’s well worth noting that this comes with both ¼ inch and ½ inch collets as standard. So you’re not limited so much in terms of what bits you can buy. And also that if you already own a trimmer router, you’ll be able to use the bits for that too.
Has All The Tools
The Bosch isn’t too expensive. Though, it’s not the top router for table mounting in this list but it really does come with a lot of stuff in the box. It’s also really nicely engineered and everything feels great to handle and to use. It’s the best router for the money.
Read More
4. Milwaukee 5625-20 Router - Best Router For Kreg Router Table
Our Thought: The Milwaukee 5625-20 is no doubt a great piece of kit. It’s well made and features Above-Table adjust and an ergonomic fixed base.
It’s let down by a poor on/off switch. It also suffers from a slightly narrow speed range and it’s at the very top end of the price range for a router of this type.
This router is a very powerful 3-1/2HP and comes with a fixed base. The speed range is a respectable 10000 – 22000 rpm and it’s a rugged unit that feels good in the hands.
As with the Bosch, this router is very well made and just feels great to use and to handle. The power of 5625-20 makes a great router for table mounting for me. And lack of a plunge base further indicates that.
Milwaukee 5625-20 Specifications
- Motor power: 3-1/2 HP, 15 amp
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Variable speed: 10000-22,000 rpm
Above Table Bit Change
The Milwaukee offers Above-table bit changing, which as we know is a great plus with a table router. The system is pretty easy to use and it does make life easier than with some of the other routers in this list.
Speed Adjustment
On this router is a fairly decent 10000 – 22000 rpm. It’s a narrower range than with some of the other routers in this list, which for the price is disappointing. It’s enough to get most things done, though.
Time for T
The 5625-20 comes with an Above-table T-wrench height adjuster. This is probably the second best adjuster in this list behind the Triton router system. It isn’t too bad at all and it does the job. The cost of this router does reflect this, though. But at least it’s a standard piece of kit with the Milwaukee.
5. Porter Cable 895PK Router - The All Rounder
Our Thought: The PC 895 is a well-made router and a good option for using all over the workshop.
Both in and out of the table. Issues with its plunge base let this router down and for the price, make the 892 a better option for the table.
The Porter Cable 895 Router is the cousin of the Porter Cable 892. The 895 version is the same motor as its cousin but comes with both plunge and fixed base as standard.
Porter Cable 895PK Specifications
- Motor power: 2-1/4 HP, 12 amp
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Variable Speed: 10000-23,000 rpm
Power is the same as the 892, as is everything else – except the 895 comes with an Above-Table Height adjuster as standard. Which is a great feature to have. It isn’t the best system out of the four on show here, however.
Speed adjust is good on this router, same as with its cousin at 10000 to 23000 rpm. This router also features the same dual switches that were a hit on the 892. The motor is identical too, giving a decent 2-1/4HP.
6. Skil RT 1323-10 Router - Best For The Money
Our Thought: The Skil RT1323-10 router is a powerful router for table mounting. It allows you to adjust speed based on the materials.
The Skil RT1323-10 router provides superior grip and control with its shaped handles and die-cast motor housing. This makes it perfect for routing with both 1/2” and 1/4" shank router bits.
This router has the power to cut through woods such as oak, pine, and common boards easily. This one is promising.
Skil RT 1323-10 Specifications
- Motor power: 14 Amps
- Voltage: 120Volts
- Variable speed: 10,000-25,000 rpm
Bit Height Adjustment
The Skil RT1323-10 router is one of the best routers that come with ease in height adjustment.
Durable And Ergonomic:
The Skil RT1323-10 router is made of die-cast motor housing that makes it have a long shelf life.
Quick-Set Screws
This is one of the most important features of a Skil RT1323-10 router. It is used for fixing the edge guide.
Alternate Dust Extraction
The router has a built-in vacuum port; you can easily extract dust with this feature.
Stay Safe
The Skil RT1323-10 router also has a live tool indicator. Guess what this is used for, the indicator lights up when the router is connected to a power source. This will enable you to know how to handle the router when connected to power.
Speed Control
Do you know you can adjust your speed on this router? You choose the exact speed needed based on each material. This advantage makes this router stand out.
7. Metabo HPT Router - Best Heavy Duty Router
Our Thought: It's one of the best routers for a table. The Metabo HPT router is a 2-1/4 HP router with a fixed base. It has a good speed range. It is designed for accuracy and precision.
The Metabo HPT router would be a productive addition to your workshop. It’s such a great pick for woodworkers looking for high performance and exacting control.
Metabo HPT Router Specification
- Motor Power: 2-1/4 HP, 12 Amp
- Voltage: 120Volts
Appears To Suit
Its porter-cable baseplates and accessories that are available are a big plus for any woodworker.
Precise And Controlled Cut
For us, the Metabo HPT router is one of the best routers for precision and controlled cut. This is possible because of its peak horsepower and other features.
Fine Depth AdjustmentThe Metabo HPT router is one of our choices because it has a good precise depth adjustment
8. Ryobi 8.5 Amp Router
Our Thought: The Ryobi router is of good value and best for the price. It is ideal for trimming laminate and wood veneer.
It's one of our best picks because it illuminates the workpiece with its LED work light and it also has a transparent base to make workpieces visible.
Do you want to make trimming, edging, and decorating your workpiece easy tasks? Then, this might be your best option.
Ryobi Router Specifications
- Motor Power: 1.5 HP, 8.5 Amp
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Variable Speed: 25,000 RPM
The Ryobi router makes woodworking pieces visible when operations are carried out. This is possible because of its built-in work light and transparent base.
Accurate Depth Control
Can you guess one of the best features of this router? It’s the quick-release lever for controlling depth precisely.
The Need For Stability
The base of the Ryobi router is made of aluminum; this increases its accuracy, efficiency, and stability.
Comfortable
This router comes with ergonomic handles to allow ease and comfort while in use.
The Need For Speed
The speed of the router is pretty good. It is 25, 000 RPM which gives you the fastest and cleanest cuts.
Soft Start
The Ryobi router saves the torque which is wasted when the machine is switched on.
Things To Consider For Picking The Best Router For A Router Table -
Some routers are for hand-held use and some routers for table mounting. If you’re starting out, then the router can seem a little scary. So let’s take a look at the features that make a router good for table mounting.
1. Power
Release the horses!
With a mounted router you don’t need to worry about losing control of the machine.
So it’s good to have power.
You’ll be able to bite off bigger chunks and get your work done quicker. The more powerful the router, the less it will struggle with harder woods.
2. Voltage Rating
Before picking up a router for table mounting check your workshop voltage rating and make sure the router is compatible with the rating.
3. Controls
Heads up!
You’ll be fitting the router upside-down in a table.
So we need to think about position of controls.
The more you can adjust and control from above, the less bending you’ll do.
The more controls on the front of the router, the more time you’ll spend cutting.
4. Changing Router Bits Should Be Easy
No spin.
You want to be able to lock the spindle – which is the shaft that holds your bit.
And change your bits easily from above the table.
Without having to remove the router from the table every time.
One-handed bit changes above the table using one spanner are the target. This will save you hours of messing around when you use your new router.
5. Height/Depth Adjustment:
Let’s get deep.
This is a big deal when choosing a router for router tables.
Depth adjust is just moving the router up and down in the table, to give you a shallow or deep cut.
One of the number one things you need with a table router is above-table adjustment.
And you want a good method for doing this.
This is a feature that can either save you lots of time and effort, or cost you lots of time and effort. It’s that simple.
6. Speed Adjustment
Slow it down…
This isn’t complicated. Some routers spin at a fixed speed.
Others have a speed adjuster to control the rate the router bit spins. Different bits and types of wood work best at different speeds.
A variable speed router will have a simple speed control.
Often just a wheel that goes from fast to slow and everything between.
With trial and error, you’ll soon figure out how to get a great finish on all types of stock, with all types of router bits.
It's that simple really. All you need to keep in mind is
- Power.
- Controls.
- Bit changing.
- Depth adjust.
- Variable speed.
It’s all you need and it narrows the choice down. A lot.
Ignore other features when you’re looking for a good router for table mounting.
Keep it simple and just look for the features you’ll need. And you’ll soon be set up.
To Sum It All Up
I’ve told you how a router works and how versatile it is. We know it’s a simple device that performs the tasks of many tools. You’ve figured out what features you need in a router for table mounting. And we’ve looked at the best router available.
By now you’ll also have realized that a router in a table increases what you can do. And that it makes life in the shop a lot easier. It’s safer and more fun to use a fixed router. And a router table is great for repeat jobs and accurate work.
The truth is. There is no mystery to the router. It’s just a case of jumping in. Once you start, you learn quick.
So, give it a go! It’s easier than you thought. And trust me – you’ll be glad you did.