Buy Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router TableBench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table Product Description:
- Ample 16-by-22-inch router table with plastic laminate top
- Clear acrylic insert accepts most routers; melamine cabinet
- Extruded aluminum fence with T-slots
- All necessary hardware and assembly instructions included
- Limited 2-year warranty
Product Description
Includes ProTop Contractor Router Table - 40-001
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
238 of 240 people found the following review helpful.
Excellent portable router table
By A Customer
Absolutely no complaints about this table. It arrived in A1 condition, carefully packed. Assembly was simple thanks to both the clear instructions and the quality of the components. I doubt that constructing the table took much more than 15-20 minutes after reading the instructions.
The fence is a solid aluminium extrusion. Being a one-piece fence simplifies setting-up when working compared to some 2-piece fences. The sub fences adjust easily making zero clearance work straightforward.
The Lexan table insert supplied with the table has to be drilled and countersunk to accept whatever router you are using, which means a bit of care is required when aligning the centre of the router baseplate with the centre of the hole in the insert. Once this is done and the plate marked, the Lexan drills easily. The Lexan plate is fairly solid and shows no flexing when the router is attached (I use an ELU OF97E - now appearing as a European version of the Dewalt 621) and it works well. This router has the on/off trigger on one of the plunge handles on the opposite side of the router from the fine depth adjuster, which means it can be a bit hard to get hold of once the router is inverted in the cabinet. This can be addressed easily by putting a switch on the outside of the cabinet, if it proves a problem.
At 35lbs this table is portable enough to move around the shop as and when you need it. If I want to use the table I stand it on a Workmate and secure it with four spring clamps. This has provided plenty of stability and a comfortable working height whilst requiring minimal set-up time.
I looked at a lot of tables before reading about this one in a magazine review. I have seen nothing that comes close in terms of solid build and quality/robustness of fence for the price.
84 of 84 people found the following review helpful.The FINEST Benchtop router table at ANY price!
By D. B. SLAGTER
I just bought the ProTop Contractor Router Table as a second table that I could set atop one of my workbenches in my woodshop at home. I figured "Hey, for a quick round over, or a second set-up in multi-step operation this would be great. I'm happy to say this has far exceeded my expectations. Allow me to brag-on for just a "bit" (no pun intended).Why a small quality table even if you're NOT a contractor?FirstThe price point of this unit is so attractive that I thought I'd be nuts to not have a second table. The only thing a serious home woodworker lacks is "multiple" machine setups like an industrial shop. I invested almost $1,700 in my first table with a sophisticated permanent lift, a sleek table with just the holes drilled for my router, and of course extremely well machined parts for accuracy with an awesome fence. All this is great, but it still needs to be setup for each and every operation, this takes time.SecondFor many of us we have multiple routers, generally sitting in their cases until used. I thought this was just the reason to put one of them to better use.ThirdA small table is more useful than I would have thought. I mean most of the time you're only routing smaller boards, rails, stiles, etc. These sizes are quite manageable on a small table, and I find myself using this little table more and more.ForthFast, easy and accurate use. Let's be honest. It's nice to have the micro-fine adjustments of the higher end tables with a great lift. But, a good router today sells with an above-the-table adjustment tool. So it's entirely possible to get 1/64th adjustments with the turn of a $20 accessory!So what impressed me the most about the ProTop unit?1. Everything, and I mean everything fit perfectly the first time2. The instructions - if followed, are accurate and well done.3. There are extra parts in case you loose one - hurray! (I must admit though, I called tech support wondering why I was left with 4 lock washers, my answer was "we threw them in with the previous version, so don't worry about it you won't need them".4. The price! Who cares if it took me a few hours to put together this little wonder, I didn't want to spend another $1,700 like I did on the last table. The most time consuming element is getting the router plate "just right".5. It looks great when assembled, and the finish is really first class for any shop.6. Even the doggone decals look great. (I normally would never put these things on)7. This is even more embarrassing, I bought two "orange" feather-locs" by Benchdog since they match so nicely! (They also work great, too)8. The "Lighted" Power Switch (option) also matches nicely and is SO practical and safe by being able to put it ON top of the fence.9. This thing is quiet.10. The table is flat.11. The engineering is an elegant use of simple concepts to achieve the fit, the flatness, and it's square, true fence.10. The fence is smooth AND SIMPLE TO USE11.It works with lots of options. I simply got a different plate, drilled it out and viola! I had my above the table micro-fine adjustment tool put to work - I HAD NEVER USED THAT THING UNTIL NOW!! I wonder if I'm the only woodworker who buys these gadgets but doesn't actually use them for months?12. The aluminum extrusions are true and flat, and really are the finishing touch for making a great table and fence at any price.This thing will do you proud. If you're a woodworker, you'll wish you had developed this thing. It's a beautiful piece to just look at, not to mention a joy to use.
134 of 138 people found the following review helpful.Bench Dog's Pro Top Portable Router Table
By Leon Berkowitz
The Pro Top arrived in excellent condition. Nothing lose, rubbing or parts missing. Assembly was easy as long as you follow directions. The individual components are of a very good quality. I tested the assembled unit using a Porter Cable model 6931 without any installation problem. I am impressed with the results and look forward to getting a lot of use from this invaluable addition to my growing workshop. Thank you folks at Bench Dog for a great design with exceptional features.
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