Have you looked for something used?
Recommendation on Basic Entry Level Router and Portable Table
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I suggest you consider the Bosch 1617 EVSPK kit, which includes the 2.25hp router, with both a fixed and plunge base. It is more expensive, but it is a superb tool. You can check CPO for a refurbished unit. Their units are good as new and I think even include the service guarantee (check me on that).
This pix is of the EVSPK kit with both bases. For $199 on Amazon, and most places price match. This is a real favorite among USA woodworkers.
![399063]()
Another option is to buy the 1617 motor only just for table use, plus their RA 1165 base that allows you to adjust the router height from above the table. You make coarse height adjustments by pushing up or pulling down the router, then use the key to get the height exactly right. I don't even think you need a mounting plate to use this, although a plate is better in the long run.
![399062]()
As to a table, I suggest you make your own. It is quite easy to do, and requires a really flat piece of ply. There are many strings on this forum on how to do it, and when you check them out, you'll discover it's really easy to do. If you make it with two layers, 3/4 on the underside, half inch on top, you can very easily cut out an opening on top to fit a mounting plate, then cut a half inch smaller hole to leave a half inch lip the plate can rest on. Here's a picture of a fancy shop built table. Nice and big and simple to ma. Notice
![399067]()
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Notice the clamps used to hold it down. Hint: leave the fence attached on one end, but able to pivot. Then move the other end to set the amount of bit you're using. You don't make a full cut in one pass, you take of about an eighth per pass. If you're doing multiple pieces, put a mark on the table where the fence stops so you can make all pieces identical. Kreg makes some little plate levelers (pix) that allow you to level the plate even with the top surface.
![399059]()
Kreg also makes plates pre-drilled for the Bosch 1617.
Make your table at least 36 inches long, 24 inches wide, and place the opening a little closer to the back, not dead center. Notice that the little red inserts in this example plate are twist lock. Older models have three tiny screws that hold them in place, and that usually go missing the first time you change the insert.
![399060]()
There are all kinds of plans and instructions for making a table top on the Forum, just search for shop made router table. You will probably use this table for several years. To use it, you can mount it across a couple of saw horses, or find a used chest of drawers and replace the top with your shop made table, or find a table at a used furniture or goodwill store. The double layer, glued together, will help keep it flat. The top can be stored upright to save space.
For a fence, you can use a straight board clamped in place, or get fancy and make one that has sawdust collection. Here is a fence you can make with a table saw, or with a couple of very flat, straight boards that you choose very carefully at you big box store. Notice the sawdust collection port on the back side, behind the opening you leave for the bit to fit in.
![399064]()
This is kind of fancy because it has a sliding front fence, but you don't have to do that for your first fence. To simplify it even more, you could just buy a commercial dust collection gadget like this one. You'll find them at a woodworking store online.
![399065]()
Routers produce massive amounts of sawdust so something to collect it at the source is a really good idea. Home depot has 5 gallon buckets and a $20 top that you can use with a shop vac to collect the sawdust. If you use that combination, your shop vac won't have clogged filters nearly so fast. Here's a picture of the setup. AND WEAR A MASK!!! Superfine sawdust is really bad for your lungs.
![399066]()
If you don't mind spending another sawbuck, you can use this Dust Deputy, which gets rave reviews. I have a larger version in my shop. The shop vac should be as large as you can manage because you will probably be using on future machines, like table saw and band saw. This setup will do you for years.
![399068]()
I hope all this information doesn't put you off. Making your own table will teach you a lot of very basic techniques, and it's easier to do than describe. Ask for help on anything, we love to help others over the same early humps everyone encounters. As you improve and learn more and more, I hope you'll enjoy your new hobby as much as we all did.
This pix is of the EVSPK kit with both bases. For $199 on Amazon, and most places price match. This is a real favorite among USA woodworkers.
Another option is to buy the 1617 motor only just for table use, plus their RA 1165 base that allows you to adjust the router height from above the table. You make coarse height adjustments by pushing up or pulling down the router, then use the key to get the height exactly right. I don't even think you need a mounting plate to use this, although a plate is better in the long run.
As to a table, I suggest you make your own. It is quite easy to do, and requires a really flat piece of ply. There are many strings on this forum on how to do it, and when you check them out, you'll discover it's really easy to do. If you make it with two layers, 3/4 on the underside, half inch on top, you can very easily cut out an opening on top to fit a mounting plate, then cut a half inch smaller hole to leave a half inch lip the plate can rest on. Here's a picture of a fancy shop built table. Nice and big and simple to ma. Notice
Notice the clamps used to hold it down. Hint: leave the fence attached on one end, but able to pivot. Then move the other end to set the amount of bit you're using. You don't make a full cut in one pass, you take of about an eighth per pass. If you're doing multiple pieces, put a mark on the table where the fence stops so you can make all pieces identical. Kreg makes some little plate levelers (pix) that allow you to level the plate even with the top surface.
Kreg also makes plates pre-drilled for the Bosch 1617.
Make your table at least 36 inches long, 24 inches wide, and place the opening a little closer to the back, not dead center. Notice that the little red inserts in this example plate are twist lock. Older models have three tiny screws that hold them in place, and that usually go missing the first time you change the insert.
There are all kinds of plans and instructions for making a table top on the Forum, just search for shop made router table. You will probably use this table for several years. To use it, you can mount it across a couple of saw horses, or find a used chest of drawers and replace the top with your shop made table, or find a table at a used furniture or goodwill store. The double layer, glued together, will help keep it flat. The top can be stored upright to save space.
For a fence, you can use a straight board clamped in place, or get fancy and make one that has sawdust collection. Here is a fence you can make with a table saw, or with a couple of very flat, straight boards that you choose very carefully at you big box store. Notice the sawdust collection port on the back side, behind the opening you leave for the bit to fit in.
This is kind of fancy because it has a sliding front fence, but you don't have to do that for your first fence. To simplify it even more, you could just buy a commercial dust collection gadget like this one. You'll find them at a woodworking store online.
Routers produce massive amounts of sawdust so something to collect it at the source is a really good idea. Home depot has 5 gallon buckets and a $20 top that you can use with a shop vac to collect the sawdust. If you use that combination, your shop vac won't have clogged filters nearly so fast. Here's a picture of the setup. AND WEAR A MASK!!! Superfine sawdust is really bad for your lungs.
If you don't mind spending another sawbuck, you can use this Dust Deputy, which gets rave reviews. I have a larger version in my shop. The shop vac should be as large as you can manage because you will probably be using on future machines, like table saw and band saw. This setup will do you for years.
I hope all this information doesn't put you off. Making your own table will teach you a lot of very basic techniques, and it's easier to do than describe. Ask for help on anything, we love to help others over the same early humps everyone encounters. As you improve and learn more and more, I hope you'll enjoy your new hobby as much as we all did.
Hi @jankdc welcome to the forum..
Your table can be as simple as this Oak Park table on a collapsible work mate...
![399069]()
Your table can be as simple as this Oak Park table on a collapsible work mate...
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