My first router table was a Skil, it was crap, but I used it for something like 3 years that way - made me respect the tool in a whole new way because I had to take a deep breath and focus on what I was doing the whole time otherwise bad stuff would happen. Saved up my money for those 3 years selling my projects and spent the most money I have ever spent on a tool and got the Rockler cast iron table with the Pro lift. I'm telling you people, after dealing with the Skil for years, upgrading to the Rockler table was amazing - worst case scenario, it makes you appreciate your upgrade so much more.
I have this same router table combo and actually like it a lot. For the price it can't be beat. I work in one side of a two car garage and put my car in every night, so efficient use of space is very important to me. I mounted the router table between the two extension arms on the right side of my Delta 36-725T2 Table Saw. The space saved is tremendous and having the extra work surface helps as well. I am by no means a master woodworker but do manage to produce many beautiful projects, many using this router table. I agree the fence sucks, but I was able to make it usable by removing the ridiculous red plastic sliding adjustment piece on the left of the fence. I then removed the left sliding part of the fence itself, and using a straight-edge I was able to shim the fence with washers behind the fence to make it Co-planar with the right side of the fence. It now works great for precise work such as making dadoes. It cannot be used as a jointer with this simple modification, but with all the play on the left side of the fence it was useless as a jointer anyway. I also have used the router tabIe to shape chair legs using a template, and it works very well for that. I would highly recommend this router table combo, just understand it is not heavy duty and will not stand a lot of abuse. However, when I purchased it, it was about half the cost of the Bosch router table combo. I am not a professional, so my philosophy is to buy inexpensive tools that will still get the job done. I have a mixture of Wen, Ryobi, Delta, and Dewalt tools in my shop-and they all do just fine for me. I enjoy and appreciate your videos, they are some of the most detailed and entertaining on RUclips. Your review of the Delta 36-725T2 Table Saw is actually what convinced me to buy it as an upgrade to my jobsite saw. I had been considering spending much more but I have had the Delta for close to a year now and it is awesome.
I bought one 20 years ago virtually the same router table. It was made by “Global Machinery Company” in Australia. Bosch sells on too. Virtually the same. Mine has legs and came with the router motor in it. Lowes practically gave it to me. I think I paid a hundy for it. They didn’t want to assemble it. Still works fine to this day.
I bought it all for $179 tonight on Amazon and over at Lowe's I bought the SKIL 30-Piece Carbide-Tipped Router Bit Set for $103 so $300 bucks. It will do what I want it to do I'm sure
Nice review. I didn't get the impression that you expected too much, personally. I got the impression that you were expecting certain basics, and for what you say is an entry level tool we now know what to expect. For what I may be doing, basic moldings, and rounding over pieces it sounds like it would get the job done. Thanks!
Thanks for the review - a few months ago I bought this table and it has worked pretty well. I'm new to woodworking and felt this was a good starting point since I don't have the skill (yet) to build my own and not am ready to spend $500+ for a really nice table. If you think about it, you're getting a pretty decent router for $100.00 and a functional table for $100.00. The out-feed fence on my table does not have the wiggle yours seems to have nor do the inserts spin. However, I agree and would not use it for jointing. I have also made a secondary fence that I clamp sideways on the table for larger pieces of wood and that works really well too. Also my old Ridgid vac connects into the larger dust collection port (think it's about 2 1/4") and does a decent job although dust does get into the side storage areas - not great! Overall, I'm happy with it and feel it will work well until the time comes to upgrade to a more professional table. Best, Larry
5:13 - lining up the plate "I assume it's this one". I got this router and table today on Amazon. No instructions and missing parts. I swear I spent 30 minutes trying every set of holes to get this lined up. So frustrating! 🤦😢
Thanks Lora! It’s been a while since we did a router table so hopefully we’ll get a couple to review this summer. Building from scratch is a great option too if you want something specific. There’s no end to plans and ideas online. Good luck and thanks for watching!
I used this to build 4 cabinet doors and the measurement lines were already worn out. It has good features but the quality of the table is garbage MDF and plastic. I took it back.
$129 really is dirt cheap. It’s hard to argue with that. Besides breaking on camera my biggest gripe with the Kobalt was the fixed router speed. It really limits the bits you can use in it. Thanks for watching!
Mike, good job, though this is what I've come to expect from you. Are you kidding me, they have a power lift in a $200 combo router/table? Even though you are not going to use that feature it's nice that it's there. It took me buying a table and router combo that cost in excess of eight bills (though it is a professional grade vs. homeowner table and router). I also love your tongue-in-cheek comments (the door should open outwards) because you don't make it seem like you are being a wise guy. Last thing, that cat, idk.
Thanks Meat! This one was a mix of good and bad. The routers pretty nice for its price but the table had some goofy stuff going on and was a little more plastic than I would have liked. Still for $200 hard to expect more. IDK about that cat either but he keeps the funny pics coming. Always a pleasure to chat with you. Thanks for watching!
I’ve been dealing with an old 80s craftsman router table for years now. The router crapped its guts out and now I’m on the market. Anything is gonna be an upgrade, and this is tempting.
Another great video. Thanks for the honesty. Need a router and table. as a newbie this may do me as a first one. By the way, i chuckle every time you mention the cat as i too have an orange cat i cant trust.
We fostered cats for years and ended up with four keepers. The orange one has more personality than the other 3 combined. He’s a never ending source of funny pics and videos. Thanks for watching Caper Guy!
HONEST OPINION from a experenced craftsman.... Appreciate the video and the fact your not bought and pad for by the products manufacture like a lot of these youtube review are..
Had he paid for it, I’m thinking g his finally word would be: NOT. But he did give it the benefit of the doubt and didn’t leave out glaring flaws. Seems to be a legit review, with a reasonable incentive, a free tool that will last as long as it does. The last day of use, before it’s tossed is not a grievance aside from still needing perhaps to get another one.
Great video. Anyone know how this table compares to the Ryobi Universal? Ideally would like an inexpensive table that can also be used for some light jointing. Not sure if the Ryobi table has the same issues with 'flex' in the outfeed fence?
Thank you Mike for the review. One year later and I am stuck with the same dilemma Kobalt vs Skil. 😂 I like Skil router and Kobalt aluminum top. I guess you can't just have both under $200. 😂
Ummm...retired woodworker here. 30+ yrs. My thoughts? In my experience...in what I do in a wood shop...routers tables are the second most important stationary tool behind the table saw. Yes...I call a router table a stationary tool because it needs to be large enough to support full-size cabinet doors and stable enough to be firm and solid throughout the routing process. The router connected to the table has to be able to run for an hour or better between rest times. Needs to 1 1/2hp+, variable speed. The fence (when in use) needs to rock solid, absolutely square and infinitely adjustable. I still go out...about 5-8 days a month. Can't seem to get sawdust outta my system. The table we use on the jobsite comes from Rockler. Standard 24x36inch tabletop with t-track/miter channel. Extruded aluminum fence mounts similar to the Skil. Split melamine MDF faces. Aluminum router mounting plate. Modular square steel tube table. Pre-covid price for that set-up was about $400, as the store offered several options for most parts, and you "built" yourself a custom table assembly. Still need a router...we use the DeWalt 618. Boss likes yellow and black. All that said...could I see using that Skil setup in a weekend warrior type environment? Router...maybe. Table...no. If you want a router table, find a set of plans here on DaTube and build one. Buy the mounting plate first! Fences can be homemade if you are confident of square, or adequate models start at about $100. I've built a few myself...not afraid to build another ... for me, in my shop. Router...there are good choices for routers starting at about $150 today. Look for 1 1/2hp...or 10amps...plus. Look for variable speed and soft start. You might look at the DeWalt 618, the Bosch 1617, the Harbor Freight Hercules (don't start laughing until you put one in your hands!) or the Skil shown here. Porter-Cable quit making routers a couple years ago or I would have recommended the 890series. A good router table can also double as a flat spot...lightweight workbench, a place to store parts for assembly, etc. Build a quick-n-dirty plywood cover for that tabletop to keep it glue and smudge free! It will also become a memory machine..."I made this/that here." so do it right the first time. I heard "Buy once, cry once" the other day...and it certainly applies to router tables.
Thanks. I need a router table for my shop and have been looking at the Rockler table and lift. That runs over $1,000. I think it'll be money well spent.
Don't know why but all stock miter gauges are garbage. Such a simple thing an they always are junk...huge turn off for me is that fence movement, so I'm out on this...get what you pay for ....
Yup. No go for me too. Edge jointing on the router table is a major requirement for many small and hobby shops. They don't have space and $$$ for a dedicated jointer. That fence movement makes it impractical for edge jointing.
I agree! It’s a shame about the jointing on this one. I was personally hoping to keep and use this table for jointing. I may just make a thicker fence halve for that side but I’m sure we’ll get another for testing soon. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews forsure ...that's one reason I want a router table for jointing myself..it is a shame...why make a table an then make the fence junk ya know lol..be good to see ya do another review on one..
If you agree, why did you say: "It's fine" in your review? It is NOT fine. Not fine at all. Is that just becouse you got that stuff for free?@@ProjectsForAllReviews
Typical junk sadly. Greedy Skill. Last about a month if you use it a lot. 5 years if you never use it. They always say but its only $200. Yea $200 for $5 worth of plastic fantastic.
Thank you so much for this insightful video! I am trying to objectively seek a "budget friendly" router/table for my meager needs and the details you've pointed out here have stricken this one from my list.
"attention to detail" ... that is what my late father drilled into me as child (or at least he tried to). Skil seems to have missed that lesson. Regards the dust collection port: perhaps use the router to to put a bit of a relief in the table top ?
They were once a contender. Now strictly DIY level, which IS still a good idea. Before I took my skills to the next step and started my business,(electrician mostly) I was only able to justify what I could justifiably afford.
if a fence only has a mechanical fastener at each end then it has to at least be metal reinforced from end to end to keep from flexing in the center but in reality like with a table saw, a fence made completely out of metal is far superior then plastic for accuracy as you demonstrated...
For sure and I agree but if think the fence itself is rigid enough to be serviceable. The problem is when the outfeed fence is extended. I wonder if I couldn’t mod it with additional hardware and some angle iron. One of these days I may do a vid fixing the problems we’ve been finding in the reviews. Thanks for watching!
Your router didnt come with wrenches and allen keys and the one for adjustment? Or were you just explaining what sizes they were? Good video thought. Surprisingly its on par with many tables twice the price. As you go up from thwre things get better but the table alone cost is cheap for what you get for double the price from another company
Routers and table saws are the ones that you should not cheap out on. You can find an legit craftsman 10 flex drive for so cheap. I got mine for free. But there's tons of old saws that just need some love. My papa gave me his dewalt since he's retiring and I'm getting started
Would have been nice if they made a 90 degree for the router bottom for clips that fall in the router if vacuum not on, because the opening in the router aims at the receptacle!
There are other router tables out that are comparable to skil. I bought the Vermont American brand years ago. All metal construction. Still works great.
200 bucks for all this? A steal! even for those who have expensive kit to play with having a second inexpensive router table around may make sense. It does for me. Hats off for Skill to add a mitre gauge: yes it is toy like but I assume that if you dont want to spend more than 200 bucks you are not gonna spend another 200 bucks say on an Incra mitre gauge...therefore at least these people will have a mitre gauge at hand that otherwise they wouldn't
I can't answer your question without going into definitely non-budget territory, but if you can make your own fence, this will work fine for jointing. You can reuse most of the hardware from the existing fence. I have a fixed fence for jointing that I swap onto my router table. If you have a table saw, some decent plywood and a couple hours it shouldn't be an issue.
Not sure I can give a better answer than jsmxwll. This is my only router table at the moment and if I was going to use it for joining I would make a new plywood fence a little thicker than factory and swap it in for that function. We should be doing the Ryobi combo soon and there’s an interesting model made by Grizzly with a metal tube frame I’d like to test. Thanks for watching!
Another good video, I do like that you call it as you see it. As a general comment, although I can understand that people who expect to do a lot of work on their router table may have different needs from those who only intend to use it occasionally, this is only really to do with longevity ie how well will the item deal with prolonged usage. However, where accuracy is concerned, such as the flexible fence issue, then this is surely a concern to everyone regardless of usage level, who wants their work compromised by poor build quality?
I agree. A small MDF and plastic table probably isn’t the best choice for jointing anyways. If I wanted to use this for that I would make a slightly thinker left fence out of mdf and sway it out instead of trying to adjust the oem one. Thanks for watching!
I got one of these lightly used for $75 and used it to make ~1500' of moulding. It wasn't in great shape at the end, but it did get me there. I had to build a new fence about 1/4 of the way though though. I wasn't being particularly gentle with the plastic fence and damaged it. I made a new fence out of some scrap plywood that wan't adjustable in about 30m. That lasted to the end of the job. I was using reclaimed wood and budget was the concern rather than time. I think it is a good value for what you get, especially if you don't have the ability to make your own table yet. It's a good place to start.
I don't think I'd pay $25 for that table. The router itself seems pretty good though. Great review. Manufacturers beware!!! Don't send your stuff to this guy if your stuff is junk. Honestly after seeing the portable table saw review I expected much better from Skil on this.
Honestly this thing looks like a waste of their efforts/talents... I'd rather see a cordless edge router, but to fully commit to this platform I need to see a 20v nailer, or something like a stapler at least
I agree John, a platform is only worth considering if it has every tool you need and all are good. We've done a ton of skil cordless here lately and we need to fill in the gaps. Thanks for watching!
I have this exact set up. The sniping issues and damage you have to the fence is not an issue for me. My only issue is for larger pieces such as a shelf, cutting dados is near impossible.
Glad to hear yours is good Sailor! I agree, these smaller tables work best for me with smaller or thinner pieces that allow use of the feather boards. Thanks for watching!
I have the previous model. It doesn’t have the jointer fence concept and is more stable. The tool storage is just flip top bins that are the lower part of the legs. They fill up with saw dust. The scales on the table top have not worn away. One of the throat plates broke off a couple of holding tabs and Skil or Bosch told me they were discontinued. This one looks like they resurrected the old throat plates. Will order one and see if it fits. I have used good quality bits and have been quite happy with the results. Dust collection is ok, but it will still make a mess. Just know its limitations. Like the man said, a good beginner table.
I gotten 14amp router & it is the plunge base & fixed base model with a break button....I need to figure out how to mount it o the table...idk if I remove the plastic cut ring then mount with the fixed base??
Most people pick one family of tools for the battery, but you know all the Skil Table Saw people are going to grab this and move that featherboard between the router table and the table saw.
The Kobalt is cheaper but has a single speed router, fake miter slot with tabs and the base lift mechanism broke on camera while making the vid. Makes it tough sell. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews something I would like to see is a comparison between the Bosch and Kreg table top units. They're not a lot more expensive than the Skil, but appear to be much better quality.
A buddy offered his Ryobi so I think that’s next then onto the Bosch and maybe the Kreg. I seem to be working my way up from the bottom with these. At least as far as price goes.
Lol!!! It’s a shame. Skils been an a tear of awesomeness on the channel lately and I’ve come to expect a lot from them. Still for basic routing the tables ok and the router itself I think was very good. Thanks for watching!
Good, HONEST review. I guess you would have to make your own fence and call that your 1st project. Doing so would correct the dust collection issue. I'm spending my next few days demoing a tile on cement on wire mess shower. Ryobi Multi-tool and diamond blade works pretty well with little dust.
Thank you. Last time I used a multi tool was to remove the mortar under cracked kitchen tiles off of hardibacker board. Had about 24 sq ft to do. Scraper blade in the Sawzall worked to but only up to a point. Bought a cheap multi tool from HF. By the end the little motor was screaming so loud I got the ear muffs but it worked. Thanks for watching!
A router table my grandfather had was all plastic....over time the router's weight made the table no longer flat, ended up trashing that thing....router is fine, table was garbage...so the Skil table is a bit of an upgrade from a plastic table....and you probably could build some sides or legs and mount that table to rather than that plastic nonsense....even for $200 they could have done better. I need to find a router to put in the router table I picked up at a garage sale a few years ago, its all aluminum, but I don't think the old router will fit in it but I haven't tried yet as I have no clue where the router ended up :(.
To much plastic for $200. I prefer an expenssive one made from aluminium instead of plastic. These tools are an investment..for a shop owner. Quality of tools for me is the priority then comes the cost of them.
Ive reviewed quite bit of Skil tools lately and this is a rare miss for them. At least compared to the cordless tools put out last year. Thanks for watching!
It's like the tool equivalent of an Easy-Bake Oven..... I can't afford the best of everything, but I'd rather have fewer tools, but good quality ones. I see so many people using Skill and Ryobi, etc. and they're always making excuses for them; their work is hobbled; the tools end up broken before long, and they just get no joy from them. Spend 40-50% more and get stuff that'll really help you work and give you joy when using...and in the long run, it really doesn't cost more because the tools last much longer. Screw plasticky junk and MDF!
Hello Bobby! Ive been a loyal Milwaukee customer for over 25 years and for the most part I feel they deserve the success they've had over that time. That said I've also had good luck buying cheaper tools that I want to own but know will get less use. I've gone mostly Ryobi for those and honestly I find them to be worth the small amount I paid. $45 for the 18v trim router comes to mind, I love that thing and use it more than I expected. The new cordless tools from Skil both 12v and 20v have been excellent and imo every bit as good or better than my Ryobi stuff. My point is budget tools have really improved in quality over my working career and they allow us to do more for less.. Thanks for the comments and for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews Depends what you're doing with the tools, too. I built my 22x25 garage with ancient Crapsman cordless tools- Got it done...but man, it would've been SO much faster, easier and more pleasant had I then had the DeWalt tools I have now. Main problem with cheap routers (and most otr cutting tools) is that while they may work _-K locked in the 'straight' position/90* etc. once you start angling/adjusting them, they get really sloppy, have lots of play, etc. If you're doing anything that requires any precision...good luck.
I bought this router table kit and really like it so far. Beginner woodworker so it's fine for my needs and BUDGET! What brand & model calipers were you using in the video?
I think it’s perfectly suited for a beginner on a budget. That’s a Mitutoyo 99MAD030M2 caliper. I’m pretty impressed with it so far. This channel is finally supporting itself so I’m upgrading the test gear. Expect more like it in future vids. Thanks for watching!
I wouldn't say that stuff like this is a good starter piece. Beginners using junky flimsy tools will either get frustrated and quit the hobby, or just have to go out 2 months later and buy a decent quality tools- so why not just skip wasting the money on the junk and get something that's at least half-way functional from the git-go? This might only be $200, but really, I'm sure every one tha6t has been purchased has ended up in the garbage or stored in an attic long before a year was up. It's sad that they manufacture so much crap these days that just ends up in the garbage.
This one was my first choice, before I finally bought the Cobalt instead. I live in Gulf Coast Texas, and my shop is not air conditioned,... so MDF will not last more than a couple of years before it starts swelling up around the raw edges and the seams of the formica. The Cobalt has it's issues but is still holding up so far.
Makes total sense. Chicago hits 95% humidity regularly in the summer but only for a few months and I doubt the mdf will give me any trouble. Glad to hear that Kobalt is still holding up for ya. Thanks as always for the comments!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews Just in case it helps anyone else out there,.. I think the key to keeping the Kobalt working is to never use the above table height adjustment.
Hmm, looks like a huge step up from the old Craftsman router/table combo I have...the table itself is some sort of plastic, and have a lot of flex to it. I may look into this combo for the occasional user its a great price point, and the router can be removed and used by hand if I want...doubt I'd ever try that though LOL.
The router is the best part of the combo. Seven Phillips head screws to remove the router from the table and just as easy to reinstall. For occasional use I maintain this isn't a bad way to go. Ive never seen a plastic router table but I promise you even with its flaws this will be better. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews I have a 15 year old Bosch version. I don't know what the modern version looks like? Rebuilt 2 home with the old one and it still looks new.
My recommendation is to build your own router table. Many of the features on store bought tables you will likely not use. Besides, you are a craftsman, right? Go with a Porter Cable basic 1/2" router and build yourself a table with the features you need. For $200 you can buy a lot of materials and have some fun as well! But you won't need nearly $200. There are router table build videos on youtube, that I am sure.
It's definitely not perfect and if you plan on joining with it I don't recommend it. For basic router shapes like round overs, rabbets its totally fine. My buddy has the Ryobi and I think well do that one next. Then on to Bosch. Good luck with the decision and thanks for watching!
@@davidcorliss Didn’t see anything wrong with it honestly. Variable speed is necessary if switching between small and large bits and it works just fine. The base and height adjust is nice and simple and works well. It has plenty of power. When we get more routers I’ll have to do a comparison vid.
Oh, if you think that is bad, you should try my 30+ year old Craftsman router/table combo....the whole table top is plastic...you get a nice 1/8 to 1/4 inch flex in the top, try making anything accurate with that....at least the top on the Skil is MDF making a far more stable surface...and with a bit of work you could make that fence pretty rigid by adding some backer materials to the face and base of the fence. But, what do you expect for $200...the router alone is $150, leaving them $50 to build a router table. Wood Craft you can get a basic table for around $250-300 then pay another $200-400 for the router...add the router lift system for another $400-800...and have a great setup, but I haven't ran across anyone that spends 10+ hours a day at their router in their home shop....so that $1200-2000 router table setup just wouldn't work for many hobbyist woodworkers. For that kind of money I'd just buy a shaper instead, and have an unlimited amount of cutter options.
Professional woodworkers reviewing entry level products sometimes miss that this might be great for a beginner who is likely to remain a beginner for a long time. I got this a few months ago after hours and hours of research and reviews. I needed easy access for changing bits and definitely needed bit height adjustment from above, and I had a tight budget. I love this thing. I learned from another RUclips video how to use my clamp down straight edge from front to back in place of the fence when the depth of the fence wasn’t adequate. I’ve made several Microjig Matchfit jigs with this. it’s light enough to put away on a shelf when I’m done. I appreciate the detailed review. It will help me watch out for issues and be fully informed.
My first router table was a Skil, it was crap, but I used it for something like 3 years that way - made me respect the tool in a whole new way because I had to take a deep breath and focus on what I was doing the whole time otherwise bad stuff would happen. Saved up my money for those 3 years selling my projects and spent the most money I have ever spent on a tool and got the Rockler cast iron table with the Pro lift. I'm telling you people, after dealing with the Skil for years, upgrading to the Rockler table was amazing - worst case scenario, it makes you appreciate your upgrade so much more.
I have this same router table combo and actually like it a lot. For the price it can't be beat. I work in one side of a two car garage and put my car in every night, so efficient use of space is very important to me. I mounted the router table between the two extension arms on the right side of my Delta 36-725T2 Table Saw. The space saved is tremendous and having the extra work surface helps as well. I am by no means a master woodworker but do manage to produce many beautiful projects, many using this router table. I agree the fence sucks, but I was able to make it usable by removing the ridiculous red plastic sliding adjustment piece on the left of the fence. I then removed the left sliding part of the fence itself, and using a straight-edge I was able to shim the fence with washers behind the fence to make it Co-planar with the right side of the fence. It now works great for precise work such as making dadoes. It cannot be used as a jointer with this simple modification, but with all the play on the left side of the fence it was useless as a jointer anyway. I also have used the router tabIe to shape chair legs using a template, and it works very well for that. I would highly recommend this router table combo, just understand it is not heavy duty and will not stand a lot of abuse. However, when I purchased it, it was about half the cost of the Bosch router table combo. I am not a professional, so my philosophy is to buy inexpensive tools that will still get the job done. I have a mixture of Wen, Ryobi, Delta, and Dewalt tools in my shop-and they all do just fine for me. I enjoy and appreciate your videos, they are some of the most detailed and entertaining on RUclips. Your review of the Delta 36-725T2 Table Saw is actually what convinced me to buy it as an upgrade to my jobsite saw. I had been considering spending much more but I have had the Delta for close to a year now and it is awesome.
I bought one 20 years ago virtually the same router table. It was made by “Global Machinery Company” in Australia.
Bosch sells on too. Virtually the same. Mine has legs and came with the router motor in it. Lowes practically gave it to me. I think I paid a hundy for it.
They didn’t want to assemble it. Still works fine to this day.
It’s a low end beginner Router table for $159 + tax…. It’s great 👍🏻! C’mon Man! Thank you for your video! 👍🏻
I bought it all for $179 tonight on Amazon and over at Lowe's I bought the SKIL 30-Piece Carbide-Tipped Router Bit Set for $103 so $300 bucks. It will do what I want it to do I'm sure
I’ve had that same router bit set for years and still going strong. Good luck with the new table and thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviewsGood to know that about the Bit set Thanks
I have this set up and I love it!! The table and router are perfect. I have zero complaints about it!!
Glad to hear it worked out well for ya! Thanks for watching!
Nice review. I didn't get the impression that you expected too much, personally. I got the impression that you were expecting certain basics, and for what you say is an entry level tool we now know what to expect. For what I may be doing, basic moldings, and rounding over pieces it sounds like it would get the job done. Thanks!
Thanks for watching Chris!
Thanks for the review - a few months ago I bought this table and it has worked pretty well. I'm new to woodworking and felt this was a good starting point since I don't have the skill (yet) to build my own and not am ready to spend $500+ for a really nice table. If you think about it, you're getting a pretty decent router for $100.00 and a functional table for $100.00. The out-feed fence on my table does not have the wiggle yours seems to have nor do the inserts spin. However, I agree and would not use it for jointing. I have also made a secondary fence that I clamp sideways on the table for larger pieces of wood and that works really well too. Also my old Ridgid vac connects into the larger dust collection port (think it's about 2 1/4") and does a decent job although dust does get into the side storage areas - not great!
Overall, I'm happy with it and feel it will work well until the time comes to upgrade to a more professional table.
Best, Larry
Glad to hear its working well for you Larry! Thanks for watching!
You just my life so much easier. Thank You Sir!
Glad I helped! Thanks for watching!
5:13 - lining up the plate "I assume it's this one". I got this router and table today on Amazon. No instructions and missing parts. I swear I spent 30 minutes trying every set of holes to get this lined up. So frustrating! 🤦😢
really appreciate the thorough honest reviews. stll looking for a good router table. i have 4 routers but no table. Dont want to spend a thousand
Thanks Lora! It’s been a while since we did a router table so hopefully we’ll get a couple to review this summer. Building from scratch is a great option too if you want something specific. There’s no end to plans and ideas online. Good luck and thanks for watching!
I used this to build 4 cabinet doors and the measurement lines were already worn out. It has good features but the quality of the table is garbage MDF and plastic. I took it back.
It was worth it for $140. If all you have is a palm router, a homemade fence and a bunch of clamps, this is a way better setup.
I bought the Kobalt in December and paid $129. It was a no-brainer. Had it been a higher price this Skil would be worth comparing.
$129 really is dirt cheap. It’s hard to argue with that. Besides breaking on camera my biggest gripe with the Kobalt was the fixed router speed. It really limits the bits you can use in it. Thanks for watching!
Mike, good job, though this is what I've come to expect from you. Are you kidding me, they have a power lift in a $200 combo router/table? Even though you are not going to use that feature it's nice that it's there. It took me buying a table and router combo that cost in excess of eight bills (though it is a professional grade vs. homeowner table and router). I also love your tongue-in-cheek comments (the door should open outwards) because you don't make it seem like you are being a wise guy. Last thing, that cat, idk.
Thanks Meat! This one was a mix of good and bad. The routers pretty nice for its price but the table had some goofy stuff going on and was a little more plastic than I would have liked. Still for $200 hard to expect more. IDK about that cat either but he keeps the funny pics coming. Always a pleasure to chat with you. Thanks for watching!
It's ain't that bad consider a good router lift plate cost around $250 and still have to build the table and fence.
I agree! You could spend a small fortune on a router set up and this Skil is basic but mostly good for $200. Thanks for watching!
I’ve been dealing with an old 80s craftsman router table for years now. The router crapped its guts out and now I’m on the market. Anything is gonna be an upgrade, and this is tempting.
Another great video. Thanks for the honesty. Need a router and table. as a newbie this may do me as a first one. By the way, i chuckle every time you mention the cat as i too have an orange cat i cant trust.
We fostered cats for years and ended up with four keepers. The orange one has more personality than the other 3 combined. He’s a never ending source of funny pics and videos. Thanks for watching Caper Guy!
1st thing I would do is clear coat the painted surfaces so they and the particle board last a reasonable amount of wear/time. Take care.
Smart Highlander! Thanks for the tip!
Great review. I'm glad that I saw that flimsy fence, it's not going to serve my purpose.
Yep, it’s a real shame, this could have been a really great option if a little more thought was put into the design. Thanks for watching Jack!
HONEST OPINION from a experenced craftsman.... Appreciate the video and the fact your not bought and pad for by the products manufacture like a lot of these youtube review are..
He said Skill sent it to him to review.
Had he paid for it, I’m thinking g his finally word would be: NOT.
But he did give it the benefit of the doubt and didn’t leave out glaring flaws. Seems to be a legit review, with a reasonable incentive, a free tool that will last as long as it does. The last day of use, before it’s tossed is not a grievance aside from still needing perhaps to get another one.
Great video. Anyone know how this table compares to the Ryobi Universal? Ideally would like an inexpensive table that can also be used for some light jointing. Not sure if the Ryobi table has the same issues with 'flex' in the outfeed fence?
Thank you Mike for the review. One year later and I am stuck with the same dilemma Kobalt vs Skil. 😂 I like Skil router and Kobalt aluminum top. I guess you can't just have both under $200. 😂
Ummm...retired woodworker here. 30+ yrs. My thoughts?
In my experience...in what I do in a wood shop...routers tables are the second most important stationary tool behind the table saw. Yes...I call a router table a stationary tool because it needs to be large enough to support full-size cabinet doors and stable enough to be firm and solid throughout the routing process. The router connected to the table has to be able to run for an hour or better between rest times. Needs to 1 1/2hp+, variable speed. The fence (when in use) needs to rock solid, absolutely square and infinitely adjustable.
I still go out...about 5-8 days a month. Can't seem to get sawdust outta my system. The table we use on the jobsite comes from Rockler. Standard 24x36inch tabletop with t-track/miter channel. Extruded aluminum fence mounts similar to the Skil. Split melamine MDF faces. Aluminum router mounting plate. Modular square steel tube table. Pre-covid price for that set-up was about $400, as the store offered several options for most parts, and you "built" yourself a custom table assembly. Still need a router...we use the DeWalt 618. Boss likes yellow and black.
All that said...could I see using that Skil setup in a weekend warrior type environment? Router...maybe. Table...no. If you want a router table, find a set of plans here on DaTube and build one. Buy the mounting plate first! Fences can be homemade if you are confident of square, or adequate models start at about $100. I've built a few myself...not afraid to build another ... for me, in my shop.
Router...there are good choices for routers starting at about $150 today. Look for 1 1/2hp...or 10amps...plus. Look for variable speed and soft start. You might look at the DeWalt 618, the Bosch 1617, the Harbor Freight Hercules (don't start laughing until you put one in your hands!) or the Skil shown here. Porter-Cable quit making routers a couple years ago or I would have recommended the 890series.
A good router table can also double as a flat spot...lightweight workbench, a place to store parts for assembly, etc. Build a quick-n-dirty plywood cover for that tabletop to keep it glue and smudge free!
It will also become a memory machine..."I made this/that here." so do it right the first time. I heard "Buy once, cry once" the other day...and it certainly applies to router tables.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us Woodrow!
Thanks. I need a router table for my shop and have been looking at the Rockler table and lift. That runs over $1,000. I think it'll be money well spent.
Don't know why but all stock miter gauges are garbage. Such a simple thing an they always are junk...huge turn off for me is that fence movement, so I'm out on this...get what you pay for ....
"get what you pay for" In this case you don't even get that.
Yup. No go for me too. Edge jointing on the router table is a major requirement for many small and hobby shops. They don't have space and $$$ for a dedicated jointer. That fence movement makes it impractical for edge jointing.
I agree! It’s a shame about the jointing on this one. I was personally hoping to keep and use this table for jointing. I may just make a thicker fence halve for that side but I’m sure we’ll get another for testing soon. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews forsure ...that's one reason I want a router table for jointing myself..it is a shame...why make a table an then make the fence junk ya know lol..be good to see ya do another review on one..
If you agree, why did you say: "It's fine" in your review? It is NOT fine. Not fine at all. Is that just becouse you got that stuff for free?@@ProjectsForAllReviews
Typical junk sadly. Greedy Skill. Last about a month if you use it a lot. 5 years if you never use it. They always say but its only $200. Yea $200 for $5 worth of plastic fantastic.
Thank you so much for this insightful video! I am trying to objectively seek a "budget friendly" router/table for my meager needs and the details you've pointed out here have stricken this one from my list.
Had mine for over two years and use the shit out of it with zero problems. It's NOT a piece of garbage!!
"attention to detail" ... that is what my late father drilled into me as child (or at least he tried to). Skil seems to have missed that lesson.
Regards the dust collection port: perhaps use the router to to put a bit of a relief in the table top ?
They were once a contender. Now strictly DIY level, which IS still a good idea. Before I took my skills to the next step and started my business,(electrician mostly) I was only able to justify what I could justifiably afford.
if a fence only has a mechanical fastener at each end then it has to at least be metal reinforced from end to end to keep from flexing in the center but in reality like with a table saw, a fence made completely out of metal is far superior then plastic for accuracy as you demonstrated...
For sure and I agree but if think the fence itself is rigid enough to be serviceable. The problem is when the outfeed fence is extended. I wonder if I couldn’t mod it with additional hardware and some angle iron. One of these days I may do a vid fixing the problems we’ve been finding in the reviews. Thanks for watching!
You have hands down the best tool reviews. Anyone ever tell you, you sound a bit like Christopher Walken? 14:50 lol
I would love to see them make a $700 router table with the same quality as the table saw!
A big budget router table would def be cool! Thanks for watching!
I feel like an idiot but i cannot get the miter gauge to snap in for storing it.
Your router didnt come with wrenches and allen keys and the one for adjustment? Or were you just explaining what sizes they were?
Good video thought.
Surprisingly its on par with many tables twice the price. As you go up from thwre things get better but the table alone cost is cheap for what you get for double the price from another company
Routers and table saws are the ones that you should not cheap out on. You can find an legit craftsman 10 flex drive for so cheap. I got mine for free. But there's tons of old saws that just need some love. My papa gave me his dewalt since he's retiring and I'm getting started
Thanks for watching!
Would have been nice if they made a 90 degree for the router bottom for clips that fall in the router if vacuum not on, because the opening in the router aims at the receptacle!
You get what you pay for right.
Awesome video thanks for being objective and non-biased 💪🏽
Sure seems like a lot of play in that snap-in mounting plate at 5:56. Is there a way to just screw that down permanently?
There are other router tables out that are comparable to skil. I bought the Vermont American brand years ago. All metal construction. Still works great.
Thanks for watching!
Exactly.
200 bucks for all this? A steal! even for those who have expensive kit to play with having a second inexpensive router table around may make sense. It does for me. Hats off for Skill to add a mitre gauge: yes it is toy like but I assume that if you dont want to spend more than 200 bucks you are not gonna spend another 200 bucks say on an Incra mitre gauge...therefore at least these people will have a mitre gauge at hand that otherwise they wouldn't
I love the widely varying opinions on this one. Thanks for watching!
Great review. What unit would you recommend that can be used for joining?
I can't answer your question without going into definitely non-budget territory, but if you can make your own fence, this will work fine for jointing. You can reuse most of the hardware from the existing fence. I have a fixed fence for jointing that I swap onto my router table. If you have a table saw, some decent plywood and a couple hours it shouldn't be an issue.
Not sure I can give a better answer than jsmxwll. This is my only router table at the moment and if I was going to use it for joining I would make a new plywood fence a little thicker than factory and swap it in for that function.
We should be doing the Ryobi combo soon and there’s an interesting model made by Grizzly with a metal tube frame I’d like to test. Thanks for watching!
On this whole ‘you get what you pay for thing’. If only that were true. No, you pay for what you get.
I was able to get this for $115 and felt that was the correct price for it. certainly wont spend $200 for it.
I agree for $115 it’s well worth it. Thanks for watching!
So did I. I wouldn't have paid more for it either.
Another good video, I do like that you call it as you see it. As a general comment, although I can understand that people who expect to do a lot of work on their router table may have different needs from those who only intend to use it occasionally, this is only really to do with longevity ie how well will the item deal with prolonged usage. However, where accuracy is concerned, such as the flexible fence issue, then this is surely a concern to everyone regardless of usage level, who wants their work compromised by poor build quality?
I agree. A small MDF and plastic table probably isn’t the best choice for jointing anyways. If I wanted to use this for that I would make a slightly thinker left fence out of mdf and sway it out instead of trying to adjust the oem one. Thanks for watching!
I got one of these lightly used for $75 and used it to make ~1500' of moulding. It wasn't in great shape at the end, but it did get me there. I had to build a new fence about 1/4 of the way though though. I wasn't being particularly gentle with the plastic fence and damaged it. I made a new fence out of some scrap plywood that wan't adjustable in about 30m. That lasted to the end of the job. I was using reclaimed wood and budget was the concern rather than time. I think it is a good value for what you get, especially if you don't have the ability to make your own table yet. It's a good place to start.
I agree! It’s very good for basic uses like trim. I especially like the router, inexpensive and powerful. Thanks for watching!
I don't think I'd pay $25 for that table. The router itself seems pretty good though. Great review. Manufacturers beware!!! Don't send your stuff to this guy if your stuff is junk. Honestly after seeing the portable table saw review I expected much better from Skil on this.
LOL!! Thanks for watching!
Honestly this thing looks like a waste of their efforts/talents... I'd rather see a cordless edge router, but to fully commit to this platform I need to see a 20v nailer, or something like a stapler at least
I agree John, a platform is only worth considering if it has every tool you need and all are good. We've done a ton of skil cordless here lately and we need to fill in the gaps. Thanks for watching!
I have this exact set up. The sniping issues and damage you have to the fence is not an issue for me. My only issue is for larger pieces such as a shelf, cutting dados is near impossible.
Glad to hear yours is good Sailor! I agree, these smaller tables work best for me with smaller or thinner pieces that allow use of the feather boards. Thanks for watching!
If you buy a cheap tool make sure you have enough money to buy a better one later.
Well stated George! Thanks for watching!
I have the previous model. It doesn’t have the jointer fence concept and is more stable. The tool storage is just flip top bins that are the lower part of the legs. They fill up with saw dust. The scales on the table top have not worn away.
One of the throat plates broke off a couple of holding tabs and Skil or Bosch told me they were discontinued. This one looks like they resurrected the old throat plates. Will order one and see if it fits.
I have used good quality bits and have been quite happy with the results.
Dust collection is ok, but it will still make a mess. Just know its limitations. Like the man said, a good beginner table.
Can get router and table combo for around $200 now
it reminds me of one of those kids kitchen sets... all plastic and not something for real use.
Lol! Thanks for watching!
Could you buy a better fence for it?
The table is on sale this Memorial Day week at Lowe's for 149.00, at Amazon for 159.00.
Thanks for your honest opinion. I bought this router and table together and have had similar problems with attempting joining.
I gotten 14amp router & it is the plunge base & fixed base model with a break button....I need to figure out how to mount it o the table...idk if I remove the plastic cut ring then mount with the fixed base??
Most people pick one family of tools for the battery, but you know all the Skil Table Saw people are going to grab this and move that featherboard between the router table and the table saw.
If you recommend this piece of junk over the kobalt, I can't even imagine how terrible the kobalt is.
The Kobalt is cheaper but has a single speed router, fake miter slot with tabs and the base lift mechanism broke on camera while making the vid. Makes it tough sell. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews something I would like to see is a comparison between the Bosch and Kreg table top units. They're not a lot more expensive than the Skil, but appear to be much better quality.
A buddy offered his Ryobi so I think that’s next then onto the Bosch and maybe the Kreg. I seem to be working my way up from the bottom with these. At least as far as price goes.
I have the kobalt and I am very disappointed with it, the base lift mechnism broke on mine as well. I guess you get what you pay for
Get out of my head!!! I was just thinking about getting this last night!
Guess this is a pass for me.
Lol!!! It’s a shame. Skils been an a tear of awesomeness on the channel lately and I’ve come to expect a lot from them. Still for basic routing the tables ok and the router itself I think was very good. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews thanks for making these vids.
I enjoyed this as well as the Kobalt review. Pretty sure I'm sold on this one. Did they not provide a wrench with the router?
For $200, probably not. But i just picked one up for $110. 🤞It worth that much.
I’ve had this for a year and like just about everything except for the fence. It’s sticky and hard to adjust
Yeah, It's not a Binford.
Is it worth 159?
lol 😂 I just bought it today for that price F it! 😂 Let’s have some fun!
Hard pass
Good, HONEST review. I guess you would have to make your own fence and call that your 1st project. Doing so would correct the dust collection issue. I'm spending my next few days demoing a tile on cement on wire mess shower. Ryobi Multi-tool and diamond blade works pretty well with little dust.
Thank you. Last time I used a multi tool was to remove the mortar under cracked kitchen tiles off of hardibacker board. Had about 24 sq ft to do. Scraper blade in the Sawzall worked to but only up to a point. Bought a cheap multi tool from HF. By the end the little motor was screaming so loud I got the ear muffs but it worked. Thanks for watching!
I'm not feeling all that plastic. I like the idea of on board storage but if those "legs"get damaged you're fooked.
A router table my grandfather had was all plastic....over time the router's weight made the table no longer flat, ended up trashing that thing....router is fine, table was garbage...so the Skil table is a bit of an upgrade from a plastic table....and you probably could build some sides or legs and mount that table to rather than that plastic nonsense....even for $200 they could have done better.
I need to find a router to put in the router table I picked up at a garage sale a few years ago, its all aluminum, but I don't think the old router will fit in it but I haven't tried yet as I have no clue where the router ended up :(.
I’d just make wooden legs for it if the legs were my only issue
You are too kind, you are the master, they listen to you, call it as it is. :)
To much plastic for $200. I prefer an expenssive one made from aluminium instead of plastic. These tools are an investment..for a shop owner. Quality of tools for me is the priority then comes the cost of them.
Not good
Honest review, even as a starter I would rather save up the extra for something better. I do like some Skil but I would not touch this one.
Ive reviewed quite bit of Skil tools lately and this is a rare miss for them. At least compared to the cordless tools put out last year. Thanks for watching!
Been looking at the Skil router with the fixed and plunge base. It looks solid for $100. Might be a good one to get started with. Any thoughts?
I haven’t tried that one yet actually. I’m sure we’ll get to it eventually. Thanks for watching!
You a grumbler period its just $200 dollars
For a very limited and tight budget, it’s a good place to start. From here you can judge what you like and don’t like.
I agree Tom. Thanks for watching!
Skil has let me down
It's like the tool equivalent of an Easy-Bake Oven..... I can't afford the best of everything, but I'd rather have fewer tools, but good quality ones. I see so many people using Skill and Ryobi, etc. and they're always making excuses for them; their work is hobbled; the tools end up broken before long, and they just get no joy from them. Spend 40-50% more and get stuff that'll really help you work and give you joy when using...and in the long run, it really doesn't cost more because the tools last much longer. Screw plasticky junk and MDF!
Hello Bobby! Ive been a loyal Milwaukee customer for over 25 years and for the most part I feel they deserve the success they've had over that time. That said I've also had good luck buying cheaper tools that I want to own but know will get less use. I've gone mostly Ryobi for those and honestly I find them to be worth the small amount I paid. $45 for the 18v trim router comes to mind, I love that thing and use it more than I expected. The new cordless tools from Skil both 12v and 20v have been excellent and imo every bit as good or better than my Ryobi stuff. My point is budget tools have really improved in quality over my working career and they allow us to do more for less.. Thanks for the comments and for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews Depends what you're doing with the tools, too. I built my 22x25 garage with ancient Crapsman cordless tools- Got it done...but man, it would've been SO much faster, easier and more pleasant had I then had the DeWalt tools I have now. Main problem with cheap routers (and most otr cutting tools) is that while they may work _-K locked in the 'straight' position/90* etc. once you start angling/adjusting them, they get really sloppy, have lots of play, etc. If you're doing anything that requires any precision...good luck.
My table came with a very nice allen wrench to adjust the height from the top. Maybe they added that precisely because of what you have mentioned.
Thanks for watching Mary Kay!
Well enjoyed. I like your style. Liked and Subscribed!!! Thanks!
Welcome Mark! Thank you!!
I finally found best review video for skil router table and machine set. This video helps the most compare to others.
Glad to hear it helped! Thanks for watching!
I bought this router table kit and really like it so far. Beginner woodworker so it's fine for my needs and BUDGET! What brand & model calipers were you using in the video?
I think it’s perfectly suited for a beginner on a budget. That’s a Mitutoyo 99MAD030M2 caliper. I’m pretty impressed with it so far. This channel is finally supporting itself so I’m upgrading the test gear. Expect more like it in future vids. Thanks for watching!
Much appreciated, love your work.
I wouldn't say that stuff like this is a good starter piece. Beginners using junky flimsy tools will either get frustrated and quit the hobby, or just have to go out 2 months later and buy a decent quality tools- so why not just skip wasting the money on the junk and get something that's at least half-way functional from the git-go? This might only be $200, but really, I'm sure every one tha6t has been purchased has ended up in the garbage or stored in an attic long before a year was up. It's sad that they manufacture so much crap these days that just ends up in the garbage.
Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews Thanks for the vid! You did a great job of realistically showing the good and bad.
I’d say it’s very disappointing compared to the skil table saws. Definitely a pass.
Thanks for watching Paul!
Thank you for the honest review!
I have a Mastercraft table (Canadian Tire) that looks exactly like this one.
Thanks for watching Dustin!
Or you have a orange cat you don’t trust!!! 😂 I feel your pain!!!
Lol! Thanks for watching!
This one was my first choice, before I finally bought the Cobalt instead.
I live in Gulf Coast Texas, and my shop is not air conditioned,... so MDF will not last more than a couple of years before it starts swelling up around the raw edges and the seams of the formica.
The Cobalt has it's issues but is still holding up so far.
Makes total sense. Chicago hits 95% humidity regularly in the summer but only for a few months and I doubt the mdf will give me any trouble. Glad to hear that Kobalt is still holding up for ya. Thanks as always for the comments!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews Just in case it helps anyone else out there,.. I think the key to keeping the Kobalt working is to never use the above table height adjustment.
I agree. Wouldn’t hurt to support and push the router up when raising either.
Hmm, looks like a huge step up from the old Craftsman router/table combo I have...the table itself is some sort of plastic, and have a lot of flex to it. I may look into this combo for the occasional user its a great price point, and the router can be removed and used by hand if I want...doubt I'd ever try that though LOL.
The router is the best part of the combo. Seven Phillips head screws to remove the router from the table and just as easy to reinstall. For occasional use I maintain this isn't a bad way to go. Ive never seen a plastic router table but I promise you even with its flaws this will be better. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews Wonder if there is a plunge base that would work on that router?
@@wildbill23c Yep, I have the router, they sell a kit that comes with the plunge base.
JUNK! like Ryobi, B&D and many others, it just depends on what your buying. Quality is all over the map.
Should have the Ryobi table next and then onto Bosch.
@@ProjectsForAllReviews I have a 15 year old Bosch version. I don't know what the modern version looks like? Rebuilt 2 home with the old one and it still looks new.
@@ProjectsForAllReviews You'll be reviewing both the Bosch options or just one?
what about CRT/MK3 ?
first impression, meh, it's fine. Sounds about right.
Lol! Thanks for watching Dustin
would love to see a review of the bosch RA1141 folding router table,
Ive been meaning to get to both Bosch's little router tables for a year. I'll get to them very soon I hope! Thanks for watching Jason!
Thanks for the no-Nonsense review. The flimsy fence is unacceptable for a router table, regardless the price (169 for the combo today)
Looks like a Craftsman.
Reds a popular color in the tool world. Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews Apparently so is product design. KEK 🐸
No lo compraré... gracias
My recommendation is to build your own router table. Many of the features on store bought tables you will likely not use. Besides, you are a craftsman, right? Go with a Porter Cable basic 1/2" router and build yourself a table with the features you need. For $200 you can buy a lot of materials and have some fun as well! But you won't need nearly $200. There are router table build videos on youtube, that I am sure.
I was thinking about getting this now having second thoughts
It's definitely not perfect and if you plan on joining with it I don't recommend it. For basic router shapes like round overs, rabbets its totally fine. My buddy has the Ryobi and I think well do that one next. Then on to Bosch. Good luck with the decision and thanks for watching!
@@ProjectsForAllReviews what about the router itself would it be a good choice for a better table?
@@davidcorliss Didn’t see anything wrong with it honestly. Variable speed is necessary if switching between small and large bits and it works just fine. The base and height adjust is nice and simple and works well. It has plenty of power. When we get more routers I’ll have to do a comparison vid.
Another great video Mike
Thanks as always Michael!!
other than the lift, seems pretty bad ;/
I didn’t know that they included the router with the table
You can get them separate or together. Combo runs about $200. More if you buy them separate. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this
Thanks for watching!
Yeah, too flimsy for anybody other than occasional use by a do it yourselfer.
Oh, if you think that is bad, you should try my 30+ year old Craftsman router/table combo....the whole table top is plastic...you get a nice 1/8 to 1/4 inch flex in the top, try making anything accurate with that....at least the top on the Skil is MDF making a far more stable surface...and with a bit of work you could make that fence pretty rigid by adding some backer materials to the face and base of the fence. But, what do you expect for $200...the router alone is $150, leaving them $50 to build a router table.
Wood Craft you can get a basic table for around $250-300 then pay another $200-400 for the router...add the router lift system for another $400-800...and have a great setup, but I haven't ran across anyone that spends 10+ hours a day at their router in their home shop....so that $1200-2000 router table setup just wouldn't work for many hobbyist woodworkers. For that kind of money I'd just buy a shaper instead, and have an unlimited amount of cutter options.
Professional woodworkers reviewing entry level products sometimes miss that this might be great for a beginner who is likely to remain a beginner for a long time. I got this a few months ago after hours and hours of research and reviews. I needed easy access for changing bits and definitely needed bit height adjustment from above, and I had a tight budget. I love this thing. I learned from another RUclips video how to use my clamp down straight edge from front to back in place of the fence when the depth of the fence wasn’t adequate. I’ve made several Microjig Matchfit jigs with this. it’s light enough to put away on a shelf when I’m done. I appreciate the detailed review. It will help me watch out for issues and be fully informed.