Routers are the essential power tool for any woodworking project. Additionally, router tables are also crucial for better workings as it supports a router and increase its usability. Combining the better router with a table makes woodworking or carpentry a more enjoyable experience ensuring efficient performance. This best router and table combo review article will aid the woodworker in comparing and making better decisions about purchasing the tool.
The better tool always results in better work output that makes you an efficient woodworker. However, choosing the right tool can be tricky as many brands offer various attractive packages. Also, compatibility of router and table is essential, and user usability is also in consideration. Overall the whole process can disrupt your woodworking enthusiasm. Therefore we bring to you this review where we highlight some of the best combo offers for router and router tables so that the user can have precise knowledge of the products.
Contents
- 0.1 Things To Consider Before Choosing A Router
- 0.2 Things To Consider Before Choosing A Router Table
- 1 Best Router And Router Table Combo Reviews For Woodworkers
Things To Consider Before Choosing A Router
Construction
First of all, we will focus on the selection criteria for better router selection. While choosing a woodworking router, there are certain constraints you should check. For example, the user should check the construction design and material of the device, as it will dictate its durability and portability. Construction also decides the usability of the device.
Engine or Motor
Another vital part while choosing a router is its motor, as it is the heart of the product. The engine should be powerful with enough amperage and horsepower. Also, it should be compatible with your voltage settings. In addition, motor speed must offer a wide range, and controlling the speed feature is necessary for better output.
Versatility
After examining the motor and construction, the user should test its versatility, precision, and control. For example, users should consider whether the router allows fixed base and plunge base options. Additionally, depth settings, clear visibility, and management features available with the device or not, users should consider before making a decision.
Things To Consider Before Choosing A Router Table
Compatibility
Like the router, the router table has some specific criteria to judge the product better. First of all, the user should check the compatibility of the table with your router and other routers. Then, focus on the construction of the table and the materials used for that structure. If the user finds the construction sturdy, then it’s a yes.
Stability
Working with wood and wooden materials needs a specious area, and the next thing to consider while choosing a router table is its surface area. If the size suits your working needs, then the table gets positive feedback. Furthermore, woodworking needs precision and accuracy, which is possible with stable tables. So, users should check table stands and the stability of the unit while working.
Others
There are some other important aspects the user should check before concluding. For example, dust management is a critical feature for choosing a table. Because most table mountable routers do not have any dust collection system, they depend on the table’s dust management system. Furthermore, the fence construction, adjustments, table height, bit changes, router mounting process, feather boards, and storage system are crucial, and users must consider these features before choosing the table.
Best Router And Router Table Combo Reviews For Woodworkers
We recommend traversing through the whole piece to browse among better options. Let’s check the list-
Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25HP Combo with Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Table
The Bosch Tool Corporation is a global leader in manufacturing power tools and accessories. Their woodworking router and router table are the first and most impressive entries in this router table combo review. The router 1617EVSPK and the table RA1181 are incredible individually, so their combo package must be the best. Therefore, first, let us have a brief overview of the two power tools by the same manufacturer.
The Bosch 1617EVSPK Combination Router
This router offers both fixed base and plunge base routing facilities like a combination Dewalt dwp611pk router. The router comes with a package that includes a 2.25hp EVS motor, fixed base, plunge base, and collet chucks with both ½ inch and ¼ inch sizes. It also has different wrenches, like 16mm shaft wrench, collet nut wrench, and T-handle hex height adjustment wrench. Lastly, it comes with table mounting screws and a carrying case.
The aluminum construction router has a dimension of 6 x 11.5 x 11.6 inches with a weight of around 8 pounds, and it has a base diameter of 6 inches. The device has a wooden grip for the fixed base and a soft-grip handle for the plunge base offering more flexibility and better maneuverability. In addition, The power switch is thoroughly dust-sealed, increasing durability. Also, the bases have a quick clamp system and the fixed base have threaded holes for router table mounting.
The 12 amp motor is a powerful unit with 2.25 horsepower and a standard 120V outlet compatibility. It has a speed range of 8000-25000RPM with variable speed control having a dial of six different settings. In addition, The built-in constant response circuitry assists reducing startup torque and maintains the predefined constant speed throughout the cut, ensuring precise work.
The Bosch 1617EVSPK is capable of excellent bit plunging, edge profiling, slot cutting, dovetail cutting, and laminate trimming. Furthermore, the device ensures accurate outputs in your woodworking projects with microfine adjustments (up to 1/64 inches) and precision centering features. Overall this sturdy unit will allow its users’ appreciable control over their woodworking routes resulting in precise output.
Benefits Of 1617EVSPK
- Combination router with fixed and plunge base
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Variable speed control
- Built-in constant response circuitry
- Microfine depth adjustments and precision centering
- It comes with a carrying case
Lacks
- Dust management can be better
- Bit changes could’ve been better
Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Table
The convenient Bosch RA1181 router table has a dimension of 22.75 x 27 x 14.5 inches, and it weighs 30 pounds. It has a 120V outlet and a 15 amp circuit breaker to keep your router electronics safe. In addition, the router has a storage pocket for router accessories and cord wrap storage to store a 6-feet power cord. However, this table’s most impressive construction feature is its surface area of 27 x 18 inches, allowing working with more extensive stock with better accessibility and comfort.
Bosch RA1181 benchtop table package includes a Ra1181 router table, starter pin, starter pin guard, adjustable clear guards, adjustable feather boards, outfeed fence shims, mounting, mounting plate insert rings, and instruction manual. The mounting plate is rigid aluminum made and predrilled or table mounting. Moreover, the table has above height adjustments, and the dismounting router is a quick and straightforward process.
The router table has an extra tall aluminum fence with adjustable faceplates, allowing better workability with different materials. In addition, it has easily flexible feather boards assisting the router with guiding and kickback protection while routing process. The accessory slot accepts feather boards and optional accessories such as ¾ inches miter gauges.
The dedicated standard dust collection port comes with the table, and it fits 2 ½ inch vacuum hoses. It ensures debris-free operation and helps you keep your working area clean. Furthermore, the table has safety lock features to prevent unauthorized use. Overall, the router table is incredible and allows increased precision for routes.
Benefits Of Bosch RA1181
- Large surface area and above height adjustments ensure better workability
- The extra-tall fence allows working with versatile stocks
- Easily adjustable feather boards
- The pre-drilled mounting plate is compatible with most of the router
- Dismounting router is quick and straightforward
- Safety lock prevents unauthorized access
- Dust collection port make sure debris-free routing with clean working area
Drawbacks
- The time-consuming table setup process
- The aluminum tabletop loses smoothness and flatness after extensive use
From the above description, we can agree that these two Bosch products are incredible individually. However, they can be the most popular and favorite user bosch router and table combo package for a woodworking power tool when combined. Lastly, the combo package reduces the price from individual purchases, and it offers a warranty, increasing reliability.
The Craftsman Router & Router Table Combo
The second entry of this combo router and router table review is the Craftsman Router and Table combination. The Craftsman manufacturer is comparatively new in manufacturing power tools. However, in their short period of business, they produce some quality products that earn user appreciation.
Combo Package Includes
- Craftsman die-cast aluminum table
- Fixed base router
- ¼ inch collet
- Wrenches
- Fences
- Dust guards
- Two feather boards
- Miter gauge
- Three insert rings
- Hardware
- Manual
Craftsman Router Review
The router has a 9.5 amp 1.75 horsepower motor. It offers a motor speed of 27000RPM that enables the users to complete versatile projects. In addition, the router comes as a permanently lubricated unit, and the ball bearings are sealed, increasing motor longevity. Furthermore, the construction of the router is sturdy with cast aluminum, and the device is portable. Moreover, it has microfine depth adjustment for precise routes.
Craftsman Router Table Overview
The Craftsman table has a surface area of 334 square inches with 1 1/16 inch thickness giving enough space and durability for comfortable routes. In addition, the above table height adjustment allows the user to set it according to their needs. The long adjustable fence of this router table comes with faceplates and feather boards to handle versatile workpieces. The table-fence conducts proper bit clearance. Also, the feather boards provide added guide and kickback protection for efficient use.
The Craftsman router table allows infeed and outfeed extend up to 2 inches and joining fence up to 9/16 inches. Additionally, the miter gauge enables the user to maneuver up to a 60-degree angle in both directions. The router table also features a double outlet power strip with a safety lock. Furthermore, for diverse routes, the package comes with three insert rings with an opening diameter of 1-½ inch, 1-¼ inch, and 1-¾ inches. Lastly, to ensure a clean working area, the table features a dust extraction port.
Advantages Of Craftsman Combo Packages
- The price is reasonable
- 9.5 amp motor allows 1.75 hp enabling robust routes
- Permanently lubricated motor with sealed ball bearings
- Sturdy construction
- Microfine depth adjustment
- Spacious table surface
- Adjustable fence and feather boards
- Above height adjustment
- Three insert rings, double outlet power strip, and safety lock features
- Router mounting is easy
- Dust extraction port
Limitations
- No plunge base option
- Variable speed and soft start motor features not available
- LED lights are not available
- Tables durability could’ve been better
This combo package is for those on a budget and searching for a portable unit to accomplish mainly fixed base routing projects. The powerful motor with increased durability can perform accurately with microfine adjustment and other precision accessories. Overall if the user operates this router for purpose-based routes, they will not be disappointed.
Kobalt Fixed Corded Affordable Best Router and Router Table Combo
This entry in the router and combo review is an impressive one. If you are looking for a combo package that will accompany you for all of your fixed-base routes, then the Kobalt is a brilliant choice. The package comes with a 5-year warranty, and its design and construction will keep you motivated to woodworking. We will discuss this router in detail, but first, let us look at the combo package and what comes with the box.
Kobalt Combo Package includes
- Fixed-base router
- Cast-Aluminum tabletop
- Sturdy plastic legs
- Power supply with two plugs
- On/Off toggle
- Two Feather boards
- Miter gauge
- Spacers
- Three-bit sizes
- Edge guide
- Collet ¼ inch
- Starter pin
- Dust collection mount
- Wrench
- Instruction manual
Package weight is 29.9 pounds, and it has a dimension of 27.2 x 16.7 x 10.6 inches.
Overview Of The Combo
The perfectly compatible combo Kobalt router and the table are an incredible design, stability, and durability package. At first, take a look at the table construction. It has sturdy plastic legs that will surprisingly provide enough strength to complete routes accurately. In addition, the tabletop has a surface area of 15 x 26 inches giving the users enough space, and it is nice and smooth with cast aluminum coating. Furthermore, the table has an adjustable fence, two feather boards, starter pins, and an edge guide to make a better route experience with accuracy and precision. Lastly, the table mounting plate comes predrilled for diverse use, increasing its versatility.
The construction of the router itself is outstanding. The 12 amp motor provides ample power with a motor speed of 25000RPM. In addition, the cast aluminum base construction and motor housing enhance the durability of the router. This device has collets of ¼ inches and ½ inches, and shanks are compatible with it. Moreover, the user can set the depth adjustment to 1.7inches, and the rough and microfine adjustment increases work precision.
This Kobalt router setup is straightforward, and beginner users can handle this unit without any complications. The side handle assists the woodworker for better maneuverability, and as a result, cuts are always up to the mark. The power cord of this router stays fixed with the device, and therefore, there is no issue operating it effectively. Furthermore, a dust collection port with a hood comes with the unit to keep your working area clean and dust-free.
Advantages Of Kobalt table and router Combo
- Sturdy construction for both router and table
- The combo package includes everything regarding fixed base routes
- Easy setup and beginner-friendly usability
- Powerful 12 amp motor with 25000RPM
- Predrilled mounting plate
- Side handle increase usability
- Dust collection port with clean hood
- It comes with a 5-year warranty
Limitation Of Kobalt Combo
- No plunge base routes
- Variable speed feature is not available
- There is no lighting option
To sum it up, the Kobalt router and table are a compulsory purchase for woodworkers who want ample power and better usability at an affordable price. Therefore, if you are a woodworking enthusiast and need a routing unit for the particular fixed-base route, then the Kobalt fixed corded router with a table combo package is an excellent choice for you.
Benchtop Router Table with 1.75 HP Router By Chicago Electric Power Tools
The last entry in this router table with router combo review is the benchtop router table by Chicago Electric Power Tools. This renowned and reliable manufacturer provided many power tools over the years, which earned users appreciation for their excellent construction and usability. Additionally, this manufacturer produces midrange products so users on a budget can benefit from them.
The 1.75HP router comes with a benchtop table. The table has a sturdy 19 gauge steel stand, ensuring stability. In addition, the tabletop smooth surface construction is of composite MDF that dampens vibration while routing. Finally, the custom mounting table has mounting holes at the base for ground anchoring and better balance.
The router package dimension is 28.5 x 14 x 13 inches, and it includes a router motor, 19 gauge steel stand, composite MDF surface, on/off switch, fence, and two hardware boxes. The hardware boxes contain wrenches, miter gauge, lock-unlock lever, inserts, and bushing adapters of ½ inches and ¼ inches. Furthermore, the unit is dust collection ready, and for easier viewing, it has clear plastic guards. Finally, the table has a depth scale for precise bit settings.
The 11amp motor offers 20000 RPM motor speed with an ample power of 1 ¾ horsepower. It also features 0-60 miter gauge adjustments. In addition, the overall setup process of this complete unit is quick, and novice users of power tools can operate it with flexibility. As a result, the user gets an incredible fixed-base routing experience with the unit.
PROS
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Steel stand
- Composite MDF table surface
- Stable
- Depth scale for precise settings
- Quick stop electric brake
- Portable
- Better usability with quick setup
CONS
- Plunge base not available
- Variable speed feature not integrated
Overall, this compact unit is suitable for purpose-based small-scale fixed base routing. This combo package can be an excellent addition to your power tool collection with an affordable price tag.
Our Recommendation
After careful consideration and comparison, we selected these products for the best router and combo packages. As we know, power tools such as routers are essential for woodworking, and the selection of the right product can become time-consuming. So, we hope that the woodworker community will find this best router and table combo review insightful for choosing their specific product.
From the above products, the Bosch 1617EVS router with the Bosch RA1181 router table is the overall best for completing every type of route. Also, if you are on a budget and only need a specific router for fixed-base projects, we recommend the Kobalt router with a table package. However, no matter which one you choose, you will get one of the best woodworking power tool combos of router table and router.
If you are a woodworking enthusiast, professional, or beginner, you can use any of the mentioned products and attend slot cutting, edge profiling, dovetailing, and grooving with efficiency. These are fantastic tools for all your carpentry or woodworking projects.
If you want to browse through more routers, you can check out our best wood router review. There you will find plenty more options to choose from selected products.
FAQ
Which are the best router and table combo that allows both fixed and plunge base routes?
The Bosch 1617EVS with Bosch RA1181 is our recommended package as it is versatile and capable of both plunge and fixed base routers.
What Determines precision and accuracy while routing?
More than one fact influences the accuracy and precision of woodworking, and all the facts are equally important. For example, a stable table with ample surface area, visibility while working, and better adjustability are crucial. Also, router motor speed, control, bit settings, depth adjustments, and maneuverability are critical factors to ensure efficient performance.
What is the difference between fixed base and plunge base routers?
The router position is constant with a fixed base router, and the user guides the workpiece for cutting. On the other hand, the user can move the device for more intricate routes in the plunge base.