Kreg router table review

This post is our review of the Kreg Benchtop Router Table and discusses the Kreg Precision Router Table System, which use the same functionality. Learn more about these options!

One of our favorite tools is the Kreg Benchtop Router Table. It's not our most used tool, but when we need it, it majorly comes in handy.

Kreg Tool makes two router tables- the Benchtop Router Table and the Precision Router Table System. Both tables perform the same functions, but mostly differ in size.

We have the Kreg Benchtop Router Table because it's smaller in size and works better for our workshop, but the way it works is the same as the Precision Router Table.

Router tables are great for adding finishing work to edges of boards or for adding joinery to build your woodworking project. It all depends on what router bit you put into the table.

We'll talk about the Kreg router tables and what is good about them so you can make a decision on if you need one for your shop!

Kreg router table review

For this review, we specifically own the Kreg Benchtop Router Table, but it functions the same as the Precision Router Table, so for the purposes of this review, we'll mostly refer to them interchangeably.

Overall, we really like how the Kreg router table helps add an extra element to our woodworking process and makes things just a little bit easy.

Let's get into our full review, talking about the specifics and pros and cons of a Kreg router table and why you may need one.

While you're at it, take a look at which Kreg jig might be best for you!

Kreg Benchtop Router Table review

We have the Kreg Benchtop Router Table and it works really well in our garage workshop. We have a fairly decent space for a garage, but we still try to keep things small and/or mobile.

Currently, we store our router table on a shelf and get it down when we want to use it on our mobile workbench we built from plywood.

The Kreg Benchtop Router Table takes up a few feet of space, but overall it is compact, but still sturdy. That's a key point. You don't want something too small that will move when you're using it.

The work surface on the Benchtop Router Table is 16" x 24", so it has plenty of space for all size materials to go through it.

I really like that it comes with a large smooth surface that heavy materials can slide through easily. The large space means that it's not tipping over and the wood moves through smoothly.

The fence is easily adjustable with two knobs that quickly come loose for adjustment. I do wish however that the knobs could more easily be squared up as I feel like it's kind of a guess for if I've got them perfectly even.

There's a dust port off the back of the router table that you can hook up a shop vac to, but it hasn't worked well for me. I've even used my Mullet M5 Dust Cyclone (full review here) with their ThirdHand Boom Arm attachment (full review of that here) right up against the output and I still can't catch much of the sawdust. I've kind of just quick caring and do the cleanup after.

Set up of the Kreg Benchtop Router Table was pretty simple following the instructions, but you do need to make sure you have a compatible router and choose the right adapter to hook up to the table. Once you have that, the table itself sets up in just a few minutes.

Swapping out router bits is fairly easy on the Kreg router table without removing your router. You have to use the wrenches at a slight angle, but it's perfectly fine to loosen the chuck to swap the bits.

One other thing is that I got an external router table switch to make it easier to turn the router on and off. The table itself doesn't have any power, but you do have to flip on the router. Reaching underneath the table to flip the router switch blind is difficult so the external switch is clutch.

Overall, I really like our Kreg Benchtop Router Table and think it is a really useful tool to have. For us, we use it several times through the year and it helps make our projects a little nicer and easier. If you have the space, I recommend it.

Here's a few projects we've done where we featured the Benchtop Router Table heavily.

• How to make fence post caps
• DIY four poster canopy bed
• DIY skeleton cheese board
• How to make a balance beam for toddlers

Kreg Precision Router Table System review

As mention before, we don't have the Kreg Precision Router Table System, but the functionality is the exact same as the Benchtop Router Table.

The benefits of the precision router table system are that it has a bigger work surface (24" x 32") and it has an adjustable stand that you can put on casters. This makes it a mobile tool as long as you have the floor space for it.

Otherwise, the functionality is the same and it works really well as a router table.

Kreg Benchtop Router Table versus Precision Router Table System compared

The main difference between the Kreg Benchtop Router Table and the Kreg Precision Router Table System is the fact that one sits on a workbench and the other is an individual system.

The benchtop router table has to be stored and then moved to a table to use, compared to the Precision router table being its own unit. Choosing one is really about where you have the space- on a shelf or on the ground.

The work surface is the other physical difference, with about 33 percent larger area on the Precision Router Table, however I don't really see what you'd need that space for. I have had no issues with the amount of space on the Benchtop Router Table surface.

The price is the other main difference, with the Precision Router Table System clocking in at more than double the price of the Benchtop Router Table. At the time of this post, the difference is $599 compared to $249.

That's a huge difference in price. Now, I've never used the Precision table, but I have gotten everything I need from the Benchtop, so I'm not sure what type of person I would recommend the higher price tag to. I think the Benchtop Router Table is a great deal for the price.

Is it worth buying a router table?

It's worth buying a router table if you want a better way to route joints, grooves or finishes onto your woodworking projects. A router table makes it a lot easier to get precise cuts wherever you need them, especially if you do that a lot.

If you don't do a lot of woodworking, a router table might not be necessary. You could probably just get by with a handheld router for the few times you need it.

What are the best uses for a router table?

The best uses for a router table are to get precise routing done on woodworking projects. You can use any type of router bit on a router table as you connect the actual router to the table itself.

So you can use a router table for edge finishing, joinery, or notching grooves. Anything you can use a router for, you can use a router table for and get better results.

What to look for when buying a router table

When looking to buy a router table, here are a few key points to focus on:

• a work surface that is big enough for the types of work you typically do
• portability or mobility
• solid base that won't move when you push through large material

Is a Kreg router table worth the money?

I believe that a Kreg router table is worth the money for the ease it will give you in your woodworking projects. In my opinion, the Kreg Benchtop Router Table is the best bang for your buck and is all you really need, but use some of the points in this article to determine if you need to upgrade to the bigger Precision Router Table System!

Before you go...

Make sure you check out some of our other reviews of Kreg tools.

• Kreg 720 Pocket Hole Jig Review
• Kreg Portable Cross Cut Review

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