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Help picking a router table (craftsman industrial/professional?)

16K views 21 replies 11 participants last post by  woodnthings 
#1 ·
I have been looking locally for a decent router table for home use. I have not owned one before, so I'm not sure which features are really going to come in handy. I have found a couple different older USA made models new in box at decent prices.

1. Craftsman Industrial 25490 ~$60


2. Craftsman Professional 25483 ~$100


Or I could just go buy the new in store model which is more at ~$130.
http://www.sears.com/die-cast-aluminum-router-table/p-00937596000P

Any thoughts or recommendations on these/other products?
 
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#2 · (Edited)
you can get a router also...

Amazon has a table and a router for $131.00.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00HJJ4QEQ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new


Or $153.00 with free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Rou...8&qid=1437483765&sr=1-5&keywords=router+table

about as simple as it gets:


I'm not a big fan of the small router tables, you can also make your own. There are plans online:

http://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-006&ei=utf-8&fr=ytff1-gl-gen1&p=simple%20router%20table%20plan&type=
 
#4 ·
I would just mount your router under a sheet of plywood or MDF, support it on legs or a couple sawhorses, and use it that way for a while. Any straight edge will work for a fence, the bit is not directional like a saw blade so you can just pivot the fence from one end to adjust it.

That will give you a feel for the size and features you want, then build your "ultimate" table, there is a multitude of plans and ideas out there for reference.

No doubt you will end up eventually with more than one table and several routers.
 
#6 ·
The $60 piece will probably be fine for light work. Plan on clamping it down to a table because otherwise, it will tip. Adjustments and bit changes are a tremendous pain on these small tables. It doesn't look like it has a split fence, so you may need make something if you're working on any small parts. The built in dust collection will be nice if you have a shop vac. The small table doesn't support larger pieces well, so you'll need some roller stands or other infreed/outfeed support.

If you get into this hobby, you'll eventually upgrade it or build your own. You should be able to get most of your money out of it if you resell it.
 
#7 ·
Sorry if this comes off as harsh but...

Those little router tables are just junk. They will fight you every step of the way. Better to get a decent router table top such as this. and mount the router on an insert plate. Put it on saw horses at first and then later build a cabinet for it. Use a piece of wood and clamps as a fence to begin,

Frankly, the best bet is to buy a piece of 3/4" baltic birch plywood and make your own top (and later cabinet). It's not hard and you will be a better craftsman for it.

This is the second router table I built. I pretty much started from where you are now.
 

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#9 ·
Sorry if this comes off as harsh but...

Those little router tables are just junk. They will fight you every step of the way. Better to get a decent router table top such as this. and mount the router on an insert plate. Put it on saw horses at first and then later build a cabinet for it. Use a piece of wood and clamps as a fence to begin,

Frankly, the best bet is to buy a piece of 3/4" baltic birch plywood and make your own top (and later cabinet). It's not hard and you will be a better craftsman for it.

This is the second router table I built. I pretty much started from where you are now.
Totally disagree. Yes, they are not as good as the one your picture. However, for most of us they do get the job done.

I had a small Craftsman table for many, many years. Now have a somewhat larger (but still portable one) that I got from Rockler. It does all that I want it to do.

George
 
#10 ·
You asked which one to choose, correct?
If i were in your position I think I'd lean towards the pro model for $100.
It's going to have a couple more user friendly features that you'll enjoy.

Perhaps in time you'll end up upgrading to a new table with different features but for now that will suffice.
 
#11 ·
Any idea what is different between Professional / Industrial? I'm not sure what year these came out but, there seems to be differing opinions on which is considered better. Both are USA made. Aside from the table extensions, I'm just seeing the dual track on the gate and the rulers. Not sure how much of a difference that would really make. Would be nice to know original MSRP on each then I could place the product line better, unless one is much older than the other.
 
#17 ·
I apprecaite the alternatives. At this point I may not go with either craftsman, just can't decide. I also need something that will fit in my two car garage that already has two cars and a bunch of other stuff, so some of these giant table ideas don't work either. The second review on amazon for that T10432 is a bit concerning, what are some other similar products with a bit more consistency in quality manufacturing?
 
#18 ·
Reading all the posts related to your "router table" choices, your last post may help you decide what SIZE table would fit into your work space. IMO, many woodworkers have a very limited space to store tools and such, and even less space to do projects. A very simple table (top) could be your answer, for now. As stated before, try to get the best table for your $. Learn/practice safe router techniques, and note what features you use/need for a table. It is YOUR choice to find what fits your needs and $ budget. Be safe.
 
#21 ·
I hate the Craftsman tools that have the ribbed tops.
I would rather have a piece of plywood with the router bolted to it.

An aluminum router plate to set into a shop made table is nice.
There a lot of woodworkers here who have posted pics of great tables.
A table can be as a=simple as a piece of ply with the router mounted in it.
I once made due with a router clamped in a padded vise, with a "fence" clamped to the router base.

But a cheapo table and you will most likely be replacing it before you know it.

Google, "home made router pictures" and will see hundreds from simple to extreme ones.
 
#22 · (Edited)
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