What’s the best router to equip a woodworking router table with? There are plenty of options, depending on how you want it mounted.
I bought a router lift plate, and so I went with a Porter Cable 7518, which has a heavy duty motor and 4.2″ mounting size.
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Generally, many 2-2.5HP routers have 3.5″ diameters, and 3+ HP routers have 4.2″ diameters. You can often mix and match popular brands’ routers in the same mount. The router motors come out of their bases to do this.
Sometimes you can buy router motors separately, without any base, but I find it’s good to have a base. I bought my 7518 router with fixed base for little more than it would cost to get just the router motor. That way, I could use it handheld if I needed or wanted to, such as for working on something big, like a tabletop.
I went with the Porter Cable 7518 because it’s a heavier duty motor. It might be a bit more powerful than I would want in a handheld tool, but it should work nicely in a rigidly mounted router table lift. It’s better to have a little extra horsepower and not need it, than be wanting for it later on.
I also do have several other routers – a Porter Cable review sample that I really should talk more about soon, a Festool review sample that works perfectly with their guide rail system, and a Bosch-made Craftsman combo set that I bought a decade ago. I love my Craftsman Pro router, but am annoyed that it doesn’t work with Bosch’s accessories (at least according to numerous forum posts).
With both sets of pads for my router lift, one of these days I’ll try to do a comparison to see if the Porter Cable 7518 provides any real advantage over smaller routers. That’s part of why I went with the 7518 – for the added experience potential.
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Dewalt’s routers seem to be quite popular, and might have been my second choice.
You don’t need to go with a lift plate to mount a router to a router table. A lot of storebought and homemade options involve bolting a router’s base to a router table plate or to the underside of the table.
Some brands make router table bases that offer above-table height adjustments, extra bit height, or other features that you might not get with an ordinary router base.
My first router table was a Ryobi table that sold for $99. They still offer it, but in modern green color scheme instead of blue. I really liked my Ryobi benchtop router table, although it wasn’t ideal for standard accessories, such as aftermarket miter gauge.
With that Ryobi router table, and others like it, there will be several sets of hole patterns to fit different brands’ standards. So if going down that path, you might be limited based on which brands are said to be compatible with the router table.
Lastly, there are some routers that have built-in bases with enhanced features, such as by Triton. Those models offer easier adjustments and blade changes, at the least.
Router Lift Motor Options
I went with the Porter Cable 7518. My second choice would have been the Dewalt DW618. My third choice – either the Bosch-made Craftsman motor I already have, or Porter Cable 892 sample.
There is also a Portamate variable speed motor-only option, but it doesn’t have very good user reviews. MLCS seems to have the same router under their branding, and it too has mixed reviews that made me hesitate.
Porter Cable is a reputable name when it comes to routers and woodworking tools, and so I put my faith in the brand.
Buy Now(Porter Cable 7518 via Amazon)
Buy Now(Porter Cable 7518 via Acme Tools) – I waited for a percent-off sale
The 7518 model comes with a fixed base, and the 75182 is just the router motor. The 7518 is a 5-speed motor. It only comes with a 1/2″ collet, 1/4″ collets are available separately.
Base-Mounted Router Options
While I think the Dewalt DW618 might be a good choice, other models might enjoy wider compatibility, or at least greater certainty of compatibility.
The newest version of the Ryobi router table I mentioned, for example, has a list of compatible routers. Not a single Dewalt router model is listed. Does that mean it’s not compatible, or that it was simply left out of the table?
The Bosch 1617EVS, 1617EVSPK if you want both fixed and plunge bases, is a fantastic and well-regarded model. Bosch came out with a new model nearly 7 years ago, but I haven’t heard much about it since its launch.
My pick might be for the Bosch 1617EVSPK, which is an excellent router combo. This one kit, to me, would offer the best balance between a good handheld router and a good router table motor. The 1617 is very well supported, and so you can find a lot of accessories for it.
Porter Cable’s 892 seems to be a popular option and a good router table fit. Their 690 series routers are also popular, but they’re lower powered. The 892, a 2-1/4 HP router with fixed base is what I’d go with, if not the Bosch.
The Bosch has a slight benefit, in that they offer an under-table router base for their 1617-series router. That provides a good option for those wanting to move to a DIY router table setup. It doesn’t cost very much either – it’s currently $54 at Amazon.
Porter Cable does offer a height adjuster for their 890-series routers, model 75301.
Buy Now(Bosch 1617 Router Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bosch Fixed Base router via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Bosch Under-Table Mount via Amazon)
Buy Now(Porter Cable 892 via Amazon)
Fancy Base Options
The Triton TRA001 dual-mode 3-1/4 HP router is a sort of all-in-one tool. I don’t know much about it, other than it seems to be well regarded by users.
Buy Now(Triton Router via Amazon)
Which router table and motor options did you go with, or plan to go with? Which would you recommend against?
When it comes to recommending against a combination, I think I’d sooner find a way to make a trim router work on a small table, such as Rockler’s, rather than to pair a low-HP full-size router. A lower powered full-sized router might struggle with some of the 1/2″-collet bits I’d use in a router table, or it could limit the depth or height of a cut.
Smaller full-size routers might be good for handheld use, where their size or lower power might contribute to better control (a theory I have yet to put to the test), but they might be underpowered for a router table.
Hilton
Yep, I have that beast of a Triton router and it’s pretty good to say the least. I bought lighter routers for hand held use but this one doesn’t stop for anything.
The advantage of the Triton is that you can take it off the table and use it hand held if you only have one router. Extremely versatile to say the least.
Bolt
I think I’d go for that Triton if I had to downsize. Seems like a good all in one package.
tim Rowledge
I had one for a couple of years; it was a nice design with some neat features but it had too much slop in the height adjustment system.
ktash
Forgot this: the other reason I got the Triton is that it is reported to have excellent dust collection. Both under table with a hose for the base and above table if you use a fence with dust collection. After some research I found the following hose from McMaster Carr:
53145K19 Blo-R-Vac Flexible Duct Hose for Dust, Black Rubber, 1-1/4″ ID, 1-1/2″ OD It fits easily (I think it’s left-threaded).
ktash
I’m setting up a router table right now. I made my own top, using a Benchdog plate and am putting a Triton router in it. Mainly because it has the adjustment feature so I don’t have to buy or make a router lift. It got excellent reviews on the router forum, a good resource.
ktash
above post about the DC is not a response to tim’s post. It was supposed to go here.
Allen
Some time ago you reviewed a Makita router that came with two bases, one plunge and one not.
I ordered that one and it is great. I keep the regular base on the router table and switch the motor. Adjustment is easy on the Makita solid base.
fred
There was a discussion about the Bosch here:
https://toolguyd.com/bosch-router-kit-1617evspk-deal-112017/
It’s what I have in my router table – on a lift and using an external switch.
The on-off switch on the Bosch is reported by some to give problems when it is under-table-mounted. Dust might be the culprit – but with an external switch you tend to leave the router switch in the on-position
fred
There was also this discussion on the Forum site:
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/routers-for-a-table/223
David
I have the Bosch in my Kreg router table, and I’m strongly considering a lift. I’d really love to see a review that looks at a variety of lifts and directly compares their pros and cons – most of the articles I’ve found are getting a bit long the tooth, and don’t compare units like the Triton and Bosch under table mounts to traditional router lifts.
I’m really tempted by the Incra Mastr-Lift-II as it seems like it could be the best from a featureset and performance perspective, but at $350, it’s really expensive, so justifying it is difficult when the Rockler Router Lift drops to $150 every so often. The General/Excalibur 40-125 also looks really interesting, but is harder to find good comparison test reviews of, let alone somewhere I can buy it!
Stuart
That’s something I’ll keep in mind.
I’ve looked at different options numerous times, but ultimately waited and waited and saved and saved and went with Woodpeckers.
Rockler’s looks like it could be a nice mid-priced option.
There’s also the Jessem Rout-R-Lift II, for $180 at Acme Tool, compatible with 3.5″ router motors.
Lenny
I’ve had the Rockler for many years and have been very happy with it. Paid $150 on sale so I figured it couldn’t go wrong. My only complaint is changing out the lift plate insert requires you to remove three small screws. A twist lock style like I’ve seen on the more expensive lifts would have been nice.
fred
I have a Jessem lift that is fine for my needs – and was a few bucks cheaper (a bit fewer features?) than the INCRA. They both seem to call themselves by the same name (Mast-R-Lift II) and the Incra might be made by Jessem .
ktash
The Woodpecker lift is a thing of beauty! Once reason to pay more for it is that the insert rings are easy to remove. Also the Jessem and Incra lifts are on par with the WP. The Rockler (benchdog) aluminum plate with the Triton router was my choice, because that router plate was super $22.50 on closeout and the same plate as the Rockler aluminum plate.
Whiskey and Wood
I have the rockler lift and love it, but I find their table top lacking, I do love the stand however, I’m considering moving to a jessem/woodpeckers setup or a benchdog cast iron top and keeping the rockler lift. The lift is super accurate and clamps well very quickly (Bosch 1617) and adjustable from above with a insert crank. The table however swells and shrinks and am constantly having to adjust the level of the lift plate so as not to catch as the piece passes over or no dip as a piece passes over it, it’s super annoying and time consuming to do it so frequently, not sure if the laminate isn’t adhered well or what, since it’s some form of particle board/mdf (kind of like an in between mix)
ktash
I have been using that setup (in someone else’s shop) and agree with those points. I forget if it’s a Bosch or PC router, though. The lift seems pretty good, but keeping things from catching is a problem and a lot of adjustment. I think there is instability in the top, but also the ring inserts seem to warp or something. Fixable, but not ideal.
Robert
I replaced my “built-in Bosch lift with the INCRA lift in my Kreg table. Added INCRA’s clean sweep to it and a set of clean sweep magnaLock rings. For the kreg table you just need the adapter that INCRA makes. I remove the Kreg under table braces and after installing the adapter re-set the braces an inch or two out. Easy-Peasy
I fought with the Bosch above table list for months. Never accurate, spring clip washer always coming off. The INCRA lift was well worth the money. They do make two different kinds need to make sure it’s for your Kreg table. You’ll be GLAD you did it.
Robert
ALSO the rockler router lift will NOT fit in the Kreg tables. They only carry lifts for rockler and benchdog tables. At least that’s the info I got when I called three different rockler stores.
K6-III
I rather like my Hitachi motor in my router table. So much quieter than the Porter Cable I had before!
pete
I am intrigued as i don’t have my own router yet. I have two at work but don’t have my own… i guess i don’t really need one yet. I imagine i will once i get into trim work on my house.
Andrew Q
I have the DW-618 in a Bosch RA1171 router table. I use the Kreg router table set-up bars to tune in the height of my bits and the height-adjustment on the fixed router-base suits my needs easily enough. I transfer the motor router to the plunge base when I’m not using the table. I don’t feel like I need a lift right now, but I would prefer a bigger, custom-made table with a lift eventually.
David Funk
Hands down JessEm takes the win. The speed controls and turn on mounted remotely. With digital speed read out it’s the winner in my book.
Joe
I went with the Bosch. 1617 combo kit, and woodpecker v2 350….works great for my projects but I’m not a full time shop guy…..so maybe more heavy duty is needed for some guys….
ktash
Something else to look at is the Musclechuck. There are similar items, but this is reportedly much better. Here’s a post at the router forums.
http://www.routerforums.com/general-routing/50074-muscle-chuck-experience.html
I got one for the Triton I’m setting up. It should solve problems with above-the-table bit changes. Made only for 1/2″ routers, though. (There is an adapter to use 1/4″ bits).
I hope to get my table up and running within a week. I made my own top and am using a Benchdog (Rockler) stand. The top was relatively easy to make.
Derek
The Bosch 1617 kit comes with that under table adjustable mount now. Might be a good in-between router since it works great handheld but has the adjustments needed to work with a router plate until a router lift/bigger router is needed.
Marty
Definitely steer clear of the 890 series Porter Cable. I bought the 895 for use in my router table since it comes with a dial for raising and lowering . The motor will burn up. It burned up on me and according to some other forums it performs fine in hand, but something about mounting it in a table will kill it. Stick with the older 690 model, those are bulletproof.
Tom
Looks like the Milwaukee 5625 is absent here. Its a 3.25 hp beast with a decent stock lift built in.
Brian
I bought a USA made Craftsman table with B&D router for $20 at a pawn shop. That router worked but I switched it with a Craftsman Professional router I bought at the same time for $10. This setup is nice but its loud and I’d really like an above table height adjustment…I’ve been leaning towards the Bosch but Ridgid seems like a solid by too.
I have a DW618 too, that’s a great router. I was thinking of mounting the fixed base and using the plunge base more often but I’m more comfortable with using the fixed base.
A W
I really like the 1617EVSPK, though I use it for handheld routing as much as with the Bosch table.
It’s a solid tool, and I haven’t run into any need for additional power.
Porter Cable is a brand that seems to have lost some reputational value with their cheap cordless tools. Their woodworking tools may still be quality tools, but I’d rather own a Bosch, or even the large Milwaukee, referenced above.
fred
Porter Cable was arguably the top small power tool manufacturer for the woodworking trade. Their corded routers, sanders and power planes had a deservedly excellent reputation. They produced the first RO sander. After being owned by Rockwell International (the Aerospace conglomerate) they were sold to Pentair and then to Black & Decker.
When PC was sold to Black&Decker, B&D had already invested tons of money into successfully turning their Dewalt (once primarily an independent RAS manufacturer) brand into a flagship tool line. B&D – Dewalt had also acquired the German ELU company – manufacturers of professional quality routers. So I think that B&D was in a bit of a pickle with the acquisition of PC – and decided to push the brand down-market.
BTW – Betterley still produces many specialty routers – based on the PC motors.
I still own and use several older PC power planes, routers and sanders that have stood up to the test of time. I still grab a 45 year old PC D-Handle router for some jobs – and use a nearly 30 year old 7539 (3.25HP) router when I need to hog out material.
A W
Thanks Fred,
Do you think that the current PC routers would match the longevity of the older tools, or do you feel that B & D has downgraded the quality to meet a lower price point?
Stuart
From what I read, quality is lower, but I still found the 7518 compelling enough to buy one. I’ll report back with any findings.
A W
Thanks Stu
fred
Hard for me to know since I have not bought a stable full of new PC Tools. I can speak from some experience in what had been my business.
We bought a PC lock mortising machine to supplement an older one we had. The newer one was made in Mexico and was not as smooth running as its 30 year old USA-made predecessor.
Some of the other PC tools that I still personally use (#126 Porta Plane, #653 Versa Plane, #9314 trim saw, #500 “locomotive” belt sander, #505 1/2 sheet sander, #121 oscillating spindle sander) are no longer made – so direct comparisons would be tough. The #360 belt sander that I have – still has a modern equivalent – but I’ve not tried it.
chad Brink
I use Milwaukee routers in my table. I have both the 3hp and 1.75hp model. They both have the built in dial a height so I can adjust the bit from the top of the table. I love them.
Brian Patterson
After fighting with Bosch’s cheesy lift gizmo on my 1617 evspk I went with the base Jessem Router Lift II. I’ll be milling the phenolic top an 1/8” on each side to drop into the RA1181 tabletop base. Should take care of getting it all working and getting some work done.
Tom
Thoughts Stuart?
https://www.woodpeck.com/spinrite-router-motor.html
Stuart
Several brands offer the same motor design but with different labels.
https://www.rockler.com/bora-portamate-pm-p254-variable-speed-3-1-4-hp-router-motor?sid=AFV58
The Woodpeckers looks to have a different collet – maybe? Woodpeckers says that they’re the exclusive North American distributor for SpinRite, but Bora, MLCS, and possibly others already offer a nearly identical design. I’ve never heard of SpinRite before – are they the OEM or just another brand offering a nearly identical motor?
Once the introductory pricing ends, Woodpeckers’ pricing will be the same as for the Bora motor at Rockler (assuming their price doesn’t change). If you’re in the market for a router motor right now, maybe it’s worth a shot.