Bench Dog Router Table
Welcome to Router Table Reviews. I created this blog and wrote this review to help you decide which Bench Dog Router Table is the best choice for you.
I will cover the extension table, the floor model and the portable table.
There are quite a number of things that determine which router table you should purchase.
For instance, your skill level, how much space you have, how often you will use it, do you want it to be portable or stationary, how precise of a fence do you need, overall ease of use and of course, how much does it cost and where is the best place to buy.
I will discuss these more below.
However, if you already know which table you are interested in, I have found the best prices are at Amazon and in almost all cases, include free shipping.
<= =Click here to see the best deals on a Bench Dog Router Table = =>
Bench Dog Router Table Reviews
Bench Dog makes three different styles of router tables. Let’s learn about each and decide if one is right for you.
Bench Dog Background
Bench Dog is a company that makes products for a user who wants quality. Yes, there are also other companies that make quality products. But, unlike companies that make every tool in the world, they focus primarily on router tables and accessories. To me, what sets Bench Dog apart is that they make their products to fit the use of mid to upper level woodworkers.
Bench Dog 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Extension
The Bench Dog Router Table that is most unique is their extension table. If your shop is tight on space, this router table was designed for you.
The wing attaches to either the right or left of your table saw and eliminates the need for additional space dedicated to only a router table.
I think a big question is does it fit my saw? Yes. It fits almost all contractor saws. To determine if it will fit you table saw, measure the distance of the platform from front to back. The measurement for the extension is 27 inches deep, as are most table saws. If you get 27 inches on your saw, you’re good.
Most users have a relatively easy installation. But realize you may need to drill a couple of holes or make very minor adjustments for a perfect fit. It just depends on your saw.
It doesn’t matter whether which side of the table saw you use to mount. Either side will work
Yes, you can leave the router plate with the router in the table (without the bit) to use the table saw or you can remove it. When using the table saw, remove the router fence and place on the two hooks conveniently located at end of the table.
OK, you’ve saved a bunch of space, you’ve gotten a cast iron router table for less than the price of a MDF freestanding router table. The next important question is how well does it rout?
The benefit of cast iron is that it won’t warp. So for the entire life of the table you will enjoy routing on a perfectly flat surface. The heavy weight of the iron also helps prevent vibration, creating smoother cuts.
The insert has multiple adjustments so you can fine tune the insert plate for a flat surface with no high or low points.
The fence is a heavy duty aluminum that insures a tough surface and a fence that will stay 90 degrees to the table over time. It does come with a dust port to attach to a shop vac and a bit guard for safety. You’ll be able to rout anything you want with this fence and be really happy with it.
Negatives
Realize that this table does not come with an insert plate. The plate is about $55. The opening dimensions are also unique to bench dog, so the bench dog plate is recommended. You can certainly use whatever plate you like, just make sure the plate you use will fit the opening.
The plate from Bench Dog fits routers in categories from A to D and comes with predrilled holes for most routers. Just make sure you are ordering the correct plate for your brand and model of router.
Cast iron is also heavy. It can be a little tough to manage the weight to install, but some saw horses, a roller stand or a good friend can easily remedy this.
Conclusion
The bench dog extension table saves a ton of space. Its cast iron surface provides professional quality, low vibration routing. Its price allows you to own a cast iron table for less than the price of an MDF floor table. If space is tough and you want professional features, you can’t do any better than this table.
<= =Click here to see the best deals on a Bench Dog Router Table = =>
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Bench Dog 40-300 Promax RT Complete
The first thing that comes to mind is Mac Daddy of Router Tables! If you’re a serious woodworker and you have the floor space in your shop, this table was designed for you. The only thing that would be better than this table would be maybe some type of industrial router table that was designed for factory use.
The cast iron table and solid aluminum fence are the same table and fence that are I describe above.
Heavy duty steel framing and birch plywood make up the base. The design includes an extra large dust port that allows dust collection from behind and below the router. This makes clean up a breeze.
The sliding door makes for easy access to the router table. It comes with a pull out tray to hold your router bits.
You can add either doors or slide out shelves for the bottom compartments. Bench dog sells these or you can build your own.
If you need to move around the shop, heavy duty casters are also available. Realize the weight of the table will require heavy duty casters.
Negatives
Price can be a deterrent for this router table. But you really can’t compare this to a low end, low price table that you might find at Home Depot. However, if you are the type of user for which this table is intended, you’ll realize that this table is an investment and what you receive will far outweigh the initial purchase price.
Like the extension table above, an insert plate is not included. Plates are about $55 and realize that bench dog plate sizes are unique to bench dog tops.
Conclusion
So if you’re looking for a top of the line, can do anything router table that you can use for a lifetime and pass along to your kids and grandkids, this is your choice!
<= =Click here to see the best deals on a Bench Dog Router Table = =>
Bench Dog 40-001 Pro Top Contractor Benchtop Router Table
OK, maybe the extension or the floor models are not for you. Maybe you would like to have a nice router table in your shop and also be able take your router to different locations. Then you should consider the Bench Dog Benchtop Router Table.
This table is only 40 pounds. Light enough to move around, but heavy enough to be stable when clamped to a table. This table is also tall enough to have room for the router but not too tall to use comfortably if mounted on something like a workmate.
Most portable routers only have an open base. I like the fact that the base is enclosed with wood. This prevents vibration and helps reduce noise. Router noise is fine if you’re only routing for a few minutes, but if you’re routing for any amount of time you’ll appreciate this feature.
The plate is acrylic. You can drill holes to fit any router. I used acrylic for years in my first router table and never had problems. However, some people say that acrylic can bend over time. If you want phenolic or aluminum you can always upgrade.
This router has a lightweight, but sturdy MDF with hard laminate table top. Yes, I do think cast iron is better, but for a portable router table, cast iron is too heavy to carry around. MDF/laminate tops work fine for this application.
Same sturdy and well built fence as above. A lot of people who will be interested in this router probably don’t have a separate jointer. Two shims are included so you can adjust the second fence and use the table as a vertical jointer. This is really nice. Big cost savings, too.
Negatives
Once thing that I would change on this table is that the on/off switch is inside the cabinet. It’s a little tough to access. However, you can purchase an aftermakert external switch for about $20. You can always add this later, but be aware before you purchase.
One other thing is that the opening in the acrylic plate is a litter bigger than I would like. You’ll probably never have any problems, but I’ve used insert rings and really like them I don’t want to go back. You can solve this buy getting more acrylic plates (only about $12 each) and cutting different size holes or just buying a phenolic plate with inserts. (about $25-40)
Neither of these are major, but just something to be aware.
Conclusion
For a portable router table this is an excellent choice. For a router table that you will primarily use as a stationary table and occasionally use as a portable table, its still an excellent choice. I’m just a fan of bench dog products. I appreciate the quality.
Best Place to Purchase
Whichever model best suits your needs I have found that Amazon has the best prices. For any of us who have ever ordered from Amazon, we know they have really good customer service as well.
