Recommended Free Tools
The WOOD Store Benchtop Router Table Woodworking Plan describes a compact table with a locking, adjustable fence, insert-plate levelers and dust collection. Its page lists an approximately 26-by-22-inch top and a weight of 36 pounds without a router. Before building, select the router or lift and its insert plate: the plate’s exact template determines the opening and support details.
What the WOOD Store plan includes
The plan page describes a benchtop design whose fence locks into T-slotted mini-tracks. A second mini-track on the fence can accept accessories such as featherboards and a bit guard. Adjusters level the insert plate with the tabletop, and a dust port provides a connection point for extraction. The plan was featured in WOOD Issue 138 (December 2001); the page was updated January 16, 2024. WOOD Store plan details.
WOOD Store’s page says the project can be assembled in a weekend for less than $100 plus the cost of the wood. That is the publisher’s estimate, not a guaranteed schedule or independently verified build budget; actual cost and time depend on materials, hardware, tools and experience.
Compare footprint and plan scope
A plan’s stated size does not tell you everything about what you will build. Check whether it includes a cabinet, how its fence adjusts, what insert plate it accommodates, and how it provides for guarding and dust extraction.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- BENCHTOP ROUTER TABLE DESIGN: This table router features a large aluminum top for extended work area, durability and precision
- RIGID ALUMINUM MOUNTING PLATE: Pre-Drilled router plate for compatibility with a variety of routers and for above-table height adjustment
- EXTRA TALL ALUMINUM FENCE: This portable router table fence has adjustable faceplates and featherboards to maximize precision and versatility
- DEDICATED STANDARD DUST-COLLECTION PORT: Wood router fits standard 2-1/2 in. vacuum hoses for debris-free operation to help keep your work area clean
- EASY-TO-USE ADJUSTABLE FEATHERBOARDS: For a router table with router, attach to fence and table, providing additional guidance and kickback protection
| Plan | Published top dimensions | Included scope | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOOD Store benchtop plan | Approximately 26 by 22 inches | Compact benchtop table; the page describes the fence, mini-tracks, plate levelers and dust port. | WOOD Store |
| DIY Montreal router table and fence | 36 by 24 inches | 13-page plan with dimensions, cutting diagrams, materials lists and instructions for the top and fence; it does not cover the cabinet. | DIY Montreal |
The larger footprint may suit a different workspace or workpiece, but it does not mean the plan includes a complete cabinet. Compare the full scope and footprint against the space and support you have available before choosing.
Choose the router, lift and plate before cutting
Do not cut the plate opening from a generic router-table dimension. The opening, support ledge, corner radii and leveling points must match the exact insert plate or lift you intend to install. Check its template and instructions, then confirm that the complete router or lift assembly projects below the top without hitting the base, cabinet, bracing or fasteners.
Rank #2
- Cabinet-style router-table design features a smooth laminated top and is ideal for stability, storage, and dust management
- Rigid aluminum mounting plate predrilled for compatibility with variety of routers and for above-table router height adjustment
- Extra tall aluminum fence has adjustable MDF faceplates and featherboards to maximize precision and versatility
- Two dedicated dust-collection ports with one port at the fence and one at the cabinet for maximum dust management
- Easy-to-use adjustable featherboards attach to fence and table, providing additional guidance and kickback protection
- Select the hardware: Choose the router or lift and the compatible insert plate before laying out the tabletop.
- Transfer the correct template: Use the selected manufacturer’s template to mark the opening, ledge, corner shape and leveling-point locations.
- Check clearance and attachment: Verify the assembly’s below-table projection, available clearance, fasteners and mounting pattern against the design.
- Test the fit before final assembly: Confirm the plate seats securely and can be adjusted level with the tabletop before relying on the finished setup.
Kreg’s Precision Benchtop Router Table illustrates why dimensions must be hardware-specific: its manufacturer page lists a 16-by-24-inch top and a 3/8-by-9 1/4-by-11 3/4-inch insert plate, alongside plate levelers, a fence, bit guard and dust-collection port. Those are specifications for that product, not a template for another table. Kreg Precision Benchtop Router Table specifications.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Build guarding and dust extraction into the setup
A router table does not remove the hazards of a rotating cutter. OSHA identifies inadvertent cutter contact, flying chips or dust, and kickback as router hazards. Its guidance recommends an adjustable guard, proper attachment of the tool, quality stock, and avoiding abrupt or incorrect feeding. A fence or featherboard can help guide or hold work in particular setups; neither makes every cut safe. Choose guarding appropriate to the operation and follow the router and accessory instructions. OSHA router safety guidance.
Rank #3
- Ultra-portable design – Features folding legs for fast setup and easy storage
- Easy click router mounting system – Provides easy bit changes and no leveling
- Laminated MDF top – Helps users make smooth and precise cuts
- Onboard storage – Ideal for holding router bits and spare parts
- No assembly required – Comes preassembled
Plan extraction as a system, not just a hole in the table. OSHA’s wood-dust guidance describes an open-faced or slot hood at the rear of a router table and hoods behind router heads connected to exhaust ductwork. Match the port, hood arrangement and connections to the shop’s extraction equipment. OSHA woodworking wood-dust guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Durable and Sturdy Materials: Built with a strong metal base, this benchtop router table provides solid and robust support. The MDF surface is smooth, flat, and deformation-resistant, ensuring stable and smooth operation
- Multi-Layered Fence: The fence allows flexible movement in all directions, enabling quick adjustments to accommodate different wood sizes and project requirements. This router table ensures precise positioning to improve processing accuracy
- Keep Your Workspace Clean: Equipped with a transparent guard, this bench top router table effectively blocks flying debris. The dust collection port, when connected to a hose, efficiently captures debris and dust during operation without hassle
- One Table, Multiple Uses: Compatible with various routers, this router table supports different drill bits to handle cutting, trimming, drilling, shaping, dovetailing, etc. Whether for precision work or complex tasks, it got you covered
- Ideal for Multiple Scenarios: This routing table provides stable and efficient support for fine craftsmanship in home workshops and small woodworking shops. It significantly boosts work efficiency and meets your diverse woodworking needs
Rank #4
- Extra Large Extension Table: Besides the main table, this router table features extension tables at both ends. Each extension table comes with an extra-large size of 8" × 18" and an easy-slide surface.
- Retractable Guard: There is a transparent guard inserted into the fence with no binding to keep wood chips from flying around. This router table is designed for routers with up to a 6-inch (152.4mm) diameter base plate. Router bits with base plates within this size all works.
- Multifunctional Fence and Exact Miter Gauge: The fence is able to provide work piece support around the bit and with the combination of jointing fence to make the table be used as a vertical jointer. On the tabletop, it includes a precise miter gauge for aiding in straight and predictable cuts. It can be used to help measure angles.
- Material and Frame: Consists of aluminum alloy do of the main table and steel do of the extension table and structure, this router table is rugged durable. The aluminum table is rustproof and lighter for easy moving, and the wide stance heavy-duty steel stands increase the stability.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: With a manufacturer warranty you can be sure you will get a quality gift.If you get a poor one,contact with us,we will supply a new one.
What to verify before starting
- Measure the space available for the tabletop and its support; do not assume a benchtop design includes a cabinet.
- Confirm the chosen router or lift, plate template, fasteners and below-table clearance before cutting.
- Check how the fence locks and whether its tracks accept the accessories you plan to use.
- Provide for an appropriate cutter guard and a dust-extraction arrangement compatible with your equipment.
- Budget and schedule for the wood and hardware you will actually use; the WOOD Store time and cost figures are estimates, not promises.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
