tasks and are compatible and designed to be used with one of their dust extraction vacuums as well as the proprietary guide rails. There is a slight discount if a router is purchased along with a dust extractor as a set. The routers are outlined below:

• MFK 700 Modular Router: This router is designed for trimming and edge profiling operations. It features both a horizontal and verticle base that may be

  quickly interchanged without wrenches. When used with a dust extractor, routing is virtually dust free-a particular advantage for jobsite use.

• OF 1010 EQ Plunge Router: With a wide array of optional accessories available, the OF 1010 is a handy all-purpose router. Small enough for trim routing and

  edge profiling, and powerfull enough for rabbets and dados, this would be my first choice if I was only purchasing one router. Precision depth adjustments, a

  detachable 13′ cord, and efficient dust control are a few of the OF 1010 notable features.

• OF 1400 EQ Plunge Router: If looking to purchhase just one Festool router, for me the choice would come down to the OF 1010 or the OF 1400. One of the obvious differences would be the power. If you are looking to perform plunging operations such as stopped dados and dovetails, and utilizing the gude rail along I would choose the OF 1400. It also excells in operations that require significant material removal such as mortising. The OF 1400 comes with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch collets.
• OF 2200 Plunge Router: The router of choise for those who require the ultimate in power. The OF 2200 features a few unique features not found in the others: triple bearing design, magnetic brake, and spindle lock with micro adjust (acts as a fixed base).

A circle cutting jig is probably one of the first router jigs many woodowrkers acquire. While it is not too difficult to fabricate a jig on an as needed basis for projects requiring a circular hole or a round disk, purchasing a pre-made circle jig is a time-saver as it will provide the ability accurately cut a wide range of sizes without fuss. The Jasper circle cutting jig shown at right will cut 2-1/4″ to 18-3/16″ in diameter in 1/16″ increments. It retails for under $40.

Dovetail Jig

Router Dado Jig

Router Accessories

The Bench Dog Benchtop Router Table is our highest rated portable table. Priced about $30 more than other popular benchtop tables (currently about $255), the design addresses all the short-comings of the the others. Some of the features that illustrate the general the quality of this unit, especially considering are the price are:

• One piece router fence:The one piece fence provided is machined straight and true, an absolute necessity for accurate work; warped and out of parallel fences plague many fences that come with router tables in this price range.
• Baltic birch plywood base:Instead of MDF, the table base is constructed with high quality baltic birch, known for its strength and consistency. This bodes well for the table’s durability, especially if transporting to and from a jobsite is anticipated.
• High Density Laminate Top:Instead of a melamine top, longer wearing laminate is provided. Two steel rails support the top and assure long-term stability and resistance to flexing.

More Information on the Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table

Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension

Replacing your table saw side extension with this table saw router table is a very space efficient solution to adding functionality of a full-featured router table to your shop. According to the specifications, this cast iron extension will seamlessly attach to the right side of your table, provided your table’s depth is 27 inches. The specifications suggests that the table is compatible with all contractors saws and right-tilt cabinet saws. The setup requires a pro-plate that is ordered separately for about $50, so this should be factored into the overall cost structure. Dual slots allow the ProFence (included) to be reversed so that the large expanse of the table saw surface can be utilized to support larger pieces. There are 4 versions of the pre-drilled plate, each tapped to be compatible with a different group of routers.

More About the Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension

The Bosch RA1200, currently priced at about $450 is a viable alternative to the Kreg router table which is $50 more. While the Kreg has a stand that is unmatched in rigidity, the Bosch Has folding legs making it more suitable for job-site use. Among the 3 Bosch Router tables featured here, the RA1200 has the largest table (24″ x 42″), but the included fence does not extend to full width of the top. The insert is pre-drilled for several models of Bosch routers. If you are considering incorporating a router lift in the future, it has been reported that the Rousseau 3000LS Lift fits the recessed insert area without modification. Some have reported flatness issues with the default plate.

BOSCH RA1181 Benchtop Router Table

The RA1181 is a portable router table priced at just under $210. Considering the price many have found this setup to offer a good value. The construction is aluminum making it somewhat unique. There have been a couple of reports of warped top surfaces, and there appears to be some confusion about which models and brands of routers are compatible with the pre-drilled holes in the included plate. Some have had difficulty finding blank areas to drill in order to fit their particular router due to the numerous holes already present. Apparently blank plates are not available.

Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table

Priced just a few dollars more than the Bosch portable router table above, and sharing the same fence, and similar top dimensions, it really comes down to personal preference. My thought is the the RA1171 might be better suited for a shop based table, with a more enclosed based and presumably better dust collection and lowered noise levels. The RA1181 on the other hand might stand up to the rigors of being transported to job sites, with an aluminum instead of a MDF top. The aluminum RA1181 is also 6 pounds lighter.

View All Bosch Router Tables

The Kreg PRS1040 has received exceptional reviews at Amazon, primarily for its rugged, heavy duty construction. The (rather heavy) steel tube stand is rigid and resists racking problems that plague many lesser designs. The fence is true, accurate and straight-forward in operation. Several reviewers mentioned how useful the optional fence micro-adjuster is to dialing in exact settings; though this is a $15 odd-on. The fence incorporates two sub-fences allowing the outfeed to be adjusted forward of the infeed and thus serving as a small parts jointer. The 3/8-Inch thick phenolic insert plate is leveled with a series of 8 adjustment screws to assure flushness with the topp. All and all, a robust and well executed design.

Purchase or Build?

Many consider the construction of a router table a sort of writ a of passage into the realm of serious woodworking. While it is true that designing router table offers a good opportunity to practice many of the skills necessary for more serious furniture-making projects, some prefer purchasing a full-featured table so they will be able to complete projects they consider more satisfying. The decision to build your own router table should be considered in relationship to our available time and priorities.

Types of Router Tables

If like most of us your shop space is limited, you may want to consider options other than a free-standing table that will permanently reside (and consume valuable real estate) in your shop.

• Benchtop Router Table:A bench top or portable router table that can be stowed away and only set up when needed is a viable option for those with limited space. Another advantage is that they can easily be transported to a jobsite for use. I have yet to come across a situation where a benchtop router table could not perform as well as a dedicated table.
• Table Saw Router Table:A second space-saving option is a table saw mounted router table. Not only is this efficient from a space planning perspective, but oftentimes the table saw fence can serve as the fence when utilizing the router table, saving the expense of purchasing a dedicated fence as well as not having to store yet another accessory when not in use.

Listed below are related articles:

• Bosch Router Tables
• Kreg Router Tables
• Bench Dog Router Tables

This set is currently priced at just under $40. Doing the math that works out to under $3 per bit. While the quality is quite decent, it is unreasonable to expect them to hold up as well as a similar Amana or Whiteside; bear in mind however these premium bits are usually a minimum of $20 for a single bit! A good strategy is to purchase this set as a starter set, keeping in mind that in the future you can replace some of the heavier used profiles with longer lasting (albeit more expensive) bits. The set contains an assortment of commonly used bits including among others:straight, round-over, rabbeting, dovetail, V-groove and panel pilot. The bits are all 1/2″shank.

Freud 91-100 13-Piece Super Router Bit Set

This premium router bit set contains many of the same bit profiles as the more affordable MLCS set featured above. What you are getting with this set is a more substantial cutting edge that will last much longer and produce a cleaner more precise profile. Priced at just under $200, the Freud set has received excellent reviews by customers. Although substantially more than the budget set listed above, purchasing these bits together still yields substantial savings over purchasing individually. And the well made storage case is a bonus.

CMT 2-Piece Tongue and Groove Router Bit Set

A tongue and groove bit set can be used for a variety of woodworking projects from milling T & G flooring to building cabinet doors and general cabinetmaking and furniture joinery. This is a non-adjustable set which means the tongue and groove dimension cannot be adjusted. This would only be a concern if for example the groove is to house a plywood panel of a undersized dimension, such is usually the case when building plywood panel shaker doors. In this case, an adjustable tongue and groove router bit set would be a better choice. These cutters are designed to be used on 3/4 inch stock.
View More Router Bit Sets

For those involved in router woodworking for any length of time will probably have a porter cable router in their router arsenal. The current PC690 model is easily recognized and remains relatively unchanged in physical appearance from their flagship model manufactured under the Rockwell brand from 30 years ago. This is not to say the current variants are outdated; but rather the design has been refined over the years and offers both the beginner and professional woodworker a reliable tool, though some would say basic in features.

Porter Cable 7518 Router

For those looking for the ultimate in power, this 3 1/4 Hp 5 speed router will not disappoint. Most who purchase this router are employing it to work permanently in a router table, often with a router lift. The Porter Cable 7518 is identical to the 7519, except it is single speed. It is recommended that for bits in excess of 2 1/2″ in diameter, a reduced speed is necessary, thus necessitating the need for the 5 speed feature. Since a mid-powered 2 Hp router can handle bits up to 2 1/2 inches, it is unclear why one would opt for the 7518 single speed motor.

Porter-Cable 310 Production Laminate Trimmer

The Porter Cable 310 has developed a cult-like following among professional woodworkers, particularly those that work in a production setting. Very similar in design to the PC690, but much smaller and half the weight, The 310 is known for its precision, build quality and durability. The much cheaper Porter Cable 7310 laminate trimmer sells for a fraction of the cost of the 310, and is actually well-reviewed for the primary purpose for which it was designed: laminate trimming. The 310 on the other hand excels in fine woodworking tasks that require precision that is not possible with the less expensive PC310.

Porter-Cable 7310 Laminate Trim Router

Currently priced at under $65, the Porter Cable 7310 is an affordable option for those needing a basic laminate trimmer without alternative bases and accessories. Known for durability in production and commercial uses, the Porter Cable PC7310 is a well executed tool specifically optimized for laminate trimming.

View All Porter Cable Routers

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