Height for Router Table

[dfndr]

I am looking at the Ryobi router and Ryobi routing table for my first venture into routing. However, the Ryobi universal router table is approximately 18 inches tall. Obviously I would have to put it on a workbench or some other type of table. My question is what height should I have the surface of the router table for comfortable and efficient work?

 

[turbowoodworker]

Not sure of inches but I prefer a router table to be high enough for good sighting, like chest level. Much higher than any other stationary power tool.

 

[fasteddie]

My router table is 2X2 old solid core birch cabinet door, It gets screwed to two horses when it comes out which is not often. Height is just about waist or a little above. I wouldn't want it too close to my face.

 

[rossddvm]

If you have a tablesaw I would make the router table the same height so each can work as a support for the other if working on large pieces

 

[56Mark]

I replaced the right wing of my table saw and made it my router table. I made a router fence that I bar clamp to my table saw fence. Works great, is out of the way without taking more floor space. I think my table saw is about 36" tall which is a good working height for me (5'-11").

 

[RKA]

32-36" is about right depending on your height, but rossddvm is right, you want it at the same height as something else around the shop so you can feed longer pieces using the other table or machine as outfeed. I would disagree with turbowoodworker on setting it at chest height. The only machines I set the table that high are the drill press and small bandsaw (for the sighting reason he mentioned). For the router, the fence, featherboard, etc. usually guide the workpiece and I'm just manually feeding. The exception is using a bearing guided bit for template routing, but I only need to sight the piece onto the bearing, after that I'm just feeding. So the height range I mentioned above works fine for that.

 

[McFarmer]

Mine is built into the table saw, uses same fence. I like that height.

 

[rsanter]

Routing smaller items, chest level.
Larger items, waist level

 

[MFolks]

Where your belt line is a good heigth...

 

[jcbrew]

I replaced the right wing of my table saw and made it my router table. I made a router fence that I bar clamp to my table saw fence. Works great, is out of the way without taking more floor space. I think my table saw is about 36" tall which is a good working height for me (5'-11").

Mine is built into the table saw, uses same fence. I like that height.

Mine is also built into the table of my saw, i can use the fence for either tool

 

[TailGunner3000]

I would follow those who recommend the same height for all tables-benches-work surfaces in the shop. The benefits will soon become clear. Standard height is 36 inches, but it's been said the ideal ergonomic height for a work surface is wrist level while standing straight with arms hanging free.

I see no benefit to having a higher router table height. Even with featherboards, work pieces will need to be held against the table and the fence, as well as fed through. All this is accomplished easier from a standard height.

 

[bugnut]

I appreciate and use a slightly higher work surface. As mentioned matching heights is a great idea, mine are at 39" and I'm about 6 ft tall. This is because workbench is biggest heaviest, tablesaw, router and others are set to match.

this was studied and reported here, take a look at how they define the correct height:
https://toolcrib.com/blog/2009/01/7-formulas-to-find-your-optimum-power-tool-height-zones/

I made cabinets for under the router and drill press setup to establish a similar work height.

 

[lilredex]

My router table clamps on to a table saw. Shown is a simple set up for my HF trim router. A similar one was made for the PC version. Just add a foot switch, and you are ready to go quickly.