Are Router Tables Universal?

Do you ever wonder why router tables come in so many sizes and inserts? Because many router tables have been specifically made just for some specific router. Many brands specifically make tables according to router holes and bit size.

Not every router table is universal, as there are numerous types of routers available in the market. For each type of router specific tables are required to do high-quality work. Even though there are some universal tables.

Finding a perfect router table among the numerous tables on the market makes it difficult to choose the correct one. To ensure that the work is carried out professionally, it is important to do thorough research on design, material, and quality. You should always check the adjustment of the router with a table before buying.

The material of the router table is an essential thing to consider and it plays a key role in routing. As an example, a low-quality tabletop material does not fit the router base accurately, which results in vibration and makes routing more difficult. 

Similarly, the size of the table and mounting plates are other major factors to consider. Woodworkers choose their router tables based on the size of their workshop.   

The small and extra-large table could cause Always check the fitting of the router with the table and their mounting plates.

Many questions arise in the mind of the buyer when buying. What kind of size does a router table have? Which feature is to be considered? As part of our deep research on router tables and their use, we are answering the questions many beginners have asked.  

Do all routers fit all router tables?

The handheld router can be easily mounted upside down on nearly all router tables. Some routers fit very well in the table as compared to many others. These routers can also be fitted in them they just need a few holds for fitting.

The router table comes with a plate that is attached to the router and then mounted on the table. If the table is not specified for your router then you can arrange a universal plate and fit it with the router by drilling.

Mostly the router table has holes according to all higher brands of routers. If you have a low-budget router then you can arrange the plate for mounting it on the table.

Make sure to fit the router on a straight floor for professional working. loose-fitting causes vibration and affects your work. Most of the routers come with a mechanism of built and lift that can easily adjust the height of bits without removing the router from the table.

They can easily lift upward as per the requirement if fitted well on the router table. It helps to lift the router without removing it from the table and helps in professional woodcutting, wood shaping, and moulding work. 

Are all router tables universal?

Not all router tables are universal. due to the variation of size and type of routers, routers are not easily getting fit in every router table. Although by changing the router insert plate and lift you can put the router into the table if table support changes.

Have you ever wondered why router tables have different inserts and sizes? It is because they are made for some specific router. All router tables are not universal, but you can make them use universally after making some changes.

If you are purchasing a router you can fit it in your previous table by drilling a hole according to it. For this purpose universal plates are used, holes are drilled on the plate, then the router is mounted with this plate on the table.

Markets are full of universal tables but mostly the tables that come with a universal tag are not truly universal. Some routers are not compatible with them. Users always have the option to drill holes, so they can upgrade them as necessary.

The market offers a wide range of routers and tables that make it difficult to choose. However, if you want to replace your router and have an old table, first determine if there is any room for more holes to fit your new router. If yes then you can upgrade it according to the router.

Check out our review of the Best Router Table Insert Plate for our top picks.

Are the router tables compatible with any router?

Most of a router table of high quality includes multiple types of base plates that have the pattern of router holes. Which makes the router table compatible with most of the famous brands’ routers.

Universal base plate routers are not much recommended. Because the multiple plates cause space in the table, which makes the place for dust accumulation.

Different types of router tables are available on the market with different inserts and sizes for different types of routers. These sizes and holes are there to specify each brand of a router compatible with specific router tables.

Almost all costly router brands have extra holes to fit in any table, but it is possible in only a few cases. Most woodworkers make their professional table. 

Although routers can be worked handheld, the fitting gives you full control over the workpiece. The majority of router tables are compatible with drilling holes and fitting any router.

If you have a low-budget router then you can use a universal plate and drill a hole in it to mount it on the table.

Are the holes in a router table universal to fit any router?

There are router tables designed to fit most routers, but only in a few cases. It is rare for router tables to have holes that fit all routers. But the universal plates can be used on the table to drill and fit the router. 

The router tables come in a variety of sizes and inserts, which shows that routers have specific holes in the tables. You can fit tables of different brands with a universal router table. The universal holes allow multiple routers to attach to router table.

If you have a low-budget router then it is difficult to fit it on any table you need to drill an extra hole for this purpose. 

If the holes in the table do not match the router hole then it is not a big issue. The drilling in the table and universal plates is easy. So, you can drill the holes in the table and fit any router of your choice in it. In this way, the holes in a router table can work universally to fit the router. 

What is a universal router table used for?

Universal router table used for multiple woodworking tasks. This table easily performs cutting and moulding works. due to the universal features of this router table, it can handle extra tasks as compared to the simple router table.

This table is compatible with the majority of the brand’s routers and has vacuum ports, making woodworking simple and accurate. Whether you are working uniformly, moulding, or cutting any workpiece this table allows working freely with the upside-down router bit. 

On the other hand, the Fence on the router table became more adjustable with the help of an aluminum T track. The T track also has jointing capabilities. It added versatility that allows the tools to work freely and easily even on tough wood pieces.

The router can work without mounting on the table, but this can cause difficulty in achieving precision. But universal router table support router to work in a more productive way. This lets you handle the workpiece and change its direction freely.

Because of this, router tables are necessary for holding your router and obtaining precise cuts. If your router has a high adjustment mechanism, the table allows you to easily mount it and change the height of the router to do professional work. 

Benchtop vs Floorstanding

There are a few considerations about the router table you must look at before buying. There are two types of router tables: the benchtop and the floor standing table. Both tables are good for professional working but still, there are few differences between them.

If you want a perfect router table for your workshop then must read our review of Best Router Table

Benchtop Table

The benchtop tables have small work surfaces but are ideal for doing many jobs. This table is made from high-quality aluminum, plastic, and steel, which makes it more durable and rigid.

In this table, holes are present in the legs that easily fix the table to the bench. This model also comes in folding form, which makes the transport of this table easy.

Floorstanding Table

The floor-standing router table is very basic. A rubber or wheeled foot and a steel frame provide easy mobility for this chair. Apart from this, freestanding tables require a fixed workspace since they don’t fit on top of other tables like benches.  

Moreover, compared to the benchtop router table, this table’s price is high since it’s a very basic and professional router table.

do router tables come with routers?

Router tables and routers are two distinct woodworking tools that are typically sold separately. Although it is possible to buy a router table with a router as part of a bundle package, this is not always the case.

Router tables are stationary workstations that offer a safe and secure platform for a handheld router. They have a flat surface with a hole in the middle, where the router is mounted. Once the router is lowered through the hole and the bit is visible through the surface, it can be used just like a handheld router.

On the other hand, routers are portable power tools that are used to cut and shape wood. They can be mounted onto a router table or used independently.

Therefore, even though you can use a router on a router table, you usually have to buy the router and the table separately.

Final Thought

Universal router tables provide extra ease to the woodworkers. In the market, there are multiple options for router tables but not every router table universally works with any router.

Up Next: Router Table Accessories Guide