Craftsman  Router Table

The router table works as advertised. I have craftsman router model 17543 and it fits perfectly (as it should). Both the fixed and the plunge bases can be used to mount the router. Above-the-table height adjustment does not really works, but I wasn't surprised. This is not table, but rather issue with the fixed router base. I have solved the problem by adding a DIY router lift (using the plunge base from the router) without modifying the table and it works great.

For casual use novices, and you buy it on sale, you can't go wrong. I like the one main switch that controls router motor and vacuum at the same time. Yes it's small, light and cheap but again, depending on your use and needs, it fits some some people well.

This was a good purchase for the dollars spent. Very accurate and east to set up.

fence won't tighten down.bolts just spin.

This is a gift for our, "Tool Man," Hew has always been into fixing thing and building since he was little. He loves the gift and uses it as well.

I really wanted to rate this higher but can't. The nice things on this table include the power switch assembly and the ability to screw it to a bench and not just clamp it (I had another brand that was like that). I also like that the fence extends out a bit and can move forward for joining. Lastly for the good, the dust collection on this thing is a good size. My other table had a smaller collection port and was a pain, this thing is a good size thankfully. The box was in great shape but when I got everything out of the box, the table top was damaged from manufacturing/handling. The quality of the top (even though this is an economy-line model it should be somewhat high quality) was poor. The covering has chips in it and the holes for the screws look like a kangeroo drilled them. The routing job done on the bottom where the router base goes is so horribly out-of-round I ended up going over it with my own to make it flat, smooth, and round. The paint around the lip of the table is so thin it'll need another coat to prevent swelling. As far as manuals go, this one is not too bad, not too great. Some things are listed but never mentioned, and they don't give you that handy "tools needed" list. But that really isn't a big deal. The quality of the plastic pieces looks like the factory did not buff off the seams from where it was molded, leaving extremely sharp edges. I had to push a screw through with a block because the plastic was obstructing the whole. Also, the metal track for the miter gauge is starting to corrode already. I haven't tried to clean it yet, but it looks like its been outside for awhile. Overall, I understand I get what I paid for and this isn't going to be the highest quality product. But coming from Craftsman I expect just a bit more as far as quality goes. Because of the cost and what I'll be using it for, it was easier to complain and then fix the flaws myself instead of returning it, but even for a starter table, people deserve a bit better. I would suggest saving a few more dollars and upgrading to table that might have a bit more quality. You don't have to break the bank, but you get what you pay for so keep that in mind.

It took me quite a while to adapt my old 1hp Craftsman router to the table. But finally with some thought and patience I think it's going to work.

I had a 15 year old Craftsman Router and I finally decided I needed to mount it to a table. The online description said it had above the table height adjustment, but it did not say that only applied to a limited number of Craftsman routers, mine not being one of them. I was also disappointed that I had to go to the local hardware store to get new mounting bolts, because the ones that came with the table were too long for my router. I could understand the incompatibility if my router was not a Craftsman model but I would have expected a better match of Craftsman products. Anyway, it works fine.

even though it's an economical table, it should offer a possibility for placing throat plates of different diameters; the hole it has is too large when using thin bits

This table was bought for me as a gift. I own 3 routers. Porter Cable,Skill,Black&Decker. NONE of them will mount up to this table.. It was a waste of money.....