What Are the Types of Router Tables?

Benchtop Router Tables

• Benchtop router tables are designed to sit on top of a shop table or bench. The legs of the benchtop router table are just tall enough to provide clearance for the router to be mounted in the table. The benchtop design of the router table allows the router table to be moved when not in use. Benchtop router tables should be placed on benches that are low enough to allow the operator to easily see and move the wood over the router. If the router table is positioned on a table that is too high, it will be difficult to control the wood as it moves over the router.

Stand-alone Router Tables

• Stand-alone router tables are tables that stand on the floor. These tables take up considerably more room than the benchtop router tables. The height of stand-alone router tables can be adjusted to make using the router comfortable for the operator. Stand-alone router tables have a large surface area, which can make it convenient to work with large pieces of wood.

Fixed-base Router Tables

• Fixed-base router tables can be in either a stand-alone or benchtop design. The router in the fixed-base table is set to a specific height before the router is started. The router is fixed at this height while the router is running. Once the router is turned off, it can be readjusted to a different height in the table. A fixed-base router table is difficult to use for elaborate designs because of all the time required to change the height of the router.

Plunge Router Tables

• A plunge router table makes it possible for the operator to adjust the height of the router while the router is running. The operator doesn’t need to move the wood off the router table to make the adjustment, which can help the design to continue in a smooth pattern. The plunge router table uses a stand-alone router table design.