Tool News: Rockler Convertible Benchtop Router Table

Tool: Convertible Benchtop Router Table
Manufacturer: Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Price: $199

Ever since I decided to commit to a one-car workshop, I’ve been extremely selective about the tools that I bring into the shop. A stand-alone router table hasn’t proven itself worthy of the square footage in my shop. But this Rockler convertible benchtop router table got my gears turning. What if I could fold up my router table and tuck it away? This router table is supported by folding legs that have two configurations, benchtop and wall-mount. In the benchtop mode, there is ample space on the feet to clamp the table to your workbench. In the wallmount mode, the table is very sturdy, but keep in mind you’ll need room on your wall for infeed and outfeed. Mounting this to the side of an assembly table in the middle of your shop might make more sense.

The router mounts to a plastic plate that has tons of configuration options for different brands of routers. The Porter Cable router I used in the table was not listed on the compatibility list, but fit perfectly on the mid-size plate (they have a different plate for compact routers). This was a router I didn’t use much, so I will probably leave the plate on, which means that I can set up this router table quickly in the future. However, the plate functions as a pretty good base and is easily removable if you’re a one router shop. If you are accustomed to a full-size router table, you’ll have to keep in mind that this fence is shorter than what you’re likely used to.

– David Lyell