The Best Router for Router Table Mounting

The best router for mounting in a table is, first and foremost, one that will fit your router lift. Once you’ve made a much, features like ease of bit change, electronic speed control, and horsepower are the primary decision factors.

Key features to look for include:

• Overall horsepower for large panel bits
• Ease of bit change
• Fit a router lift
• Electronic speed control
• Speed adjustment
• Removable for use in a fixed, plunge, or d-handle base
• And, of course, brand reputation

Lastly, and surprising to some, with various manufacturers supporting router tables, almost any router can be put in a table – including a plunge router lift using a JessEm lift.

Editor’s Note: After decades with a Rockler table, I recently upgraded to a JessEm Ultimate Excel router table package (an $1800 investment) but kept the Bosch 1617 as it’s performed well and with an angled and straight wrench is a breeze to make bit changes on top of the table.