In the market for the best table to help you maximize the use and function of your CNC router? We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to use your router for projects big furniture projects, tiny carvings, or any of the amazing tasks that these machines are capable of, you’re going to need a sturdy surface and work area for optimum output.
This article will walk you through a number of workbench options that have consistently positive feedback from users. And we’re not just looking at pre-manufactured options: We’ve also included some work tables that you can make yourself in the comfort of your own home. Maybe you’ll use your CNC router to create part of your CNC router table!
If one of your priorities is storage space, you’ll find out how much storage space some of these options offer you, or if you’re concerned about how easy it to is to move the table around your workspace, we’ve got you covered there, too.
But before we dive into the list, let’s look at how we’ve selected the options below.
Considerations
What should you be thinking about when narrowing down your options for your new worktable? Here are the points we used to help focus our search:
- Well-loved by users: All of the below selections have positive reviews, either directly on the product site and the sites of other sellers, or on discussion forums in which the items were mentioned specifically by regular router users.
- Space and storage: We’ve included tables of a range of different sizes, some with storage built-in. There’s everything from small and compact cabinets for an efficient solution in a limited workspace, to large, sturdy workbenches for more of an industrial function.
- Make and build: What sort of materials was this table or bench made from (or in the case of DIY pieces, what sorts of materials does it utilize), and how sturdy is it? If it’s a ready-made piece, we looked for items that were built to last with a good warranty.
So, now that we know what we’re looking for, let’s lay our cards on the (CNC router) table and get to the list!
To Buy
If you prefer to buy a ready-made item, we’ve got some diverse suggestions for you. Note that every item will require some assembly regardless, and a few do require a bit more work than others if they include accessories such as cabinets and drawers.
Rockler
There aren’t too many worktables out there built specifically for CNC router usage, but this one is crafted precisely with that use in mind. The Rockler CNC table has been constructed to accommodate the majority of CNC routers – specifically CNC Shark machines, but it can work for pretty much any commercial router out there.
Cost-wise, it’s somewhere between budget and mid-range, and has good storage capability options: You can opt to add in your own cabinets and drawers and customize it as you please, or simply utilize the space below the table for additional storage.
Users find the table, made of steel and melamine, very sturdy, and appreciate the bracket beneath the table for easy controller containment.
- Workspace: Mid-sized to large
- Cost: ~$270
- Special features: Leveling feet, customizable height, possibility to add woodworking vice or case
Seville Classics Wood Top
Looking for a rock-solid build and ample storage space? This wood-topped workbench from Seville Classics might be your dream CNC router workbench. It includes two draws with adjustable dividers and a choice of mounting points, allowing for all your storage dreams to be fulfilled, and the stainless steel drawers are made with a fingerprint-resistant finish so it always looks brand new.
Wheel-mounted for easy transport around your workspace if needed, it does require a bit more assembly than many other finished pieces but garners high marks from highly satisfied customers. A wooden worktop surface with plenty of space for your router and other accessories rounds off a solid workbench that should last you for years.
- Workspace: Compact and mid-sized workspaces
- Cost: ~$200
- Special features: Adjustable drawers, wheels for easy mobility
Gladiator Adjustable Height
This solidly built wood-topped workbench is a great choice for CNC router users who like to be flexible in their workspace. It comes in 4′, 6′, and 8′ lengths, so there’s a good choice no matter how much room you have. It’s especially practical for router users in a wheelchair or assisted seating; additional casters can be attached to make the workbench portable as well.
Aesthetically pleasing and designed to last, Gladiator workbenches are available around the world and undergo strenuous testing including temperature testing. So, if you’re a CNC router user in a country with extreme heat or cold, you can rest assured that this workbench will withstand many seasons.
- Workspace: Compact, mid-sized, and large
- Cost: ~$350
- Special features: Lifetime warranty on the bench legs, can adjust for ADA height requirements
Festool MFT/3 & MFT/3-Mini
A German company with over 90 years of renown for its high-quality power tools and accessories, Festool is a great choice for those with a more flexible budget looking for a top worktable investment. Designed for routers, these two multifunctional table models are ideal for home or workplace usage.
Though lightweight, these tables can hold up to 120 kg in total. They’re truly multifunctional as they can be used for tasks like sanding as well, and they can be collapsed for floor use (or just to clear space) in addition to standing at their full height.
- Workspace: Mid-sized to large
- Cost: ~$500 (MFT/3-Mini), ~$750 (MFT/3)
- Special features: Side channels for clamp attachments, angle stop, angle units
Craftsman with Drawers
Built to last in a USA factory by the popular brand Craftsman – renowned for its well-made products – this stylish, quality workbench sports a wealth of storage space with its built-in tool cabinet drawers and a butcher’s block worktop for your router and its parts. The tubular side handle and casters make it easy for users to maneuver the workbench around their workspace as desired.
The workbench’s drawers have a great weight-holding capacity, and it also features an outlet strip/USB port for easy plug-in access. Users report that the assembly required is minimal, and you can customize it as needed. Bonus: the top can come off and has sealant to make clean-up simplified.
- Workspace: Compact to mid-size
- Cost: ~$400
- Special features: Wheel mount for easy mobility, keyed lock system
- Where to find it: Lowe’s
Stainless Steel BenchPro
With a 25-year warranty, this extremely sturdy workbench is ideal for all basic CNC router needs and then some, as it’s also very easy to customize with additional shelves, uprights, lights, and even casters, if you like to move around your workspace.
Ideal for home usage, this workbench is manufactured with high-quality standards in California, and can hold an impressive load, making it optimal for router users who might be looking to store additional parts. The stainless steel benchtop helps prevent possible liquid damage and users report easy home assembly and high satisfaction with this bench.
- Workspace: Mid-sized to large
- Cost: ~$280
- Special features: Manufacturer can cut legs to custom height for free, water-resistant materials
- Where to find it: Production Automation Corporation
To DIY
Whether it’s to save money or because you love to put together your own furniture – or perhaps a bit of both – there are several great DIY options for your CNC router workbench or table out there for you to explore.
Mobile MDF
With build plans created by a highly experienced crafter and CNC router user, this DIY mega-compact workbench is absolutely optimal for router users on a budget who don’t want to spend hours putting something together.
Ben, the designer of these build plans, initially built this workbench for his Carbide 3D Shapeoko XXL, but it can be used for just about any router out there. There are step-by-step instructions on his blog as well as a helpful video for those looking to make this low-cost yet super-stable workbench.
- Workspace: Compact
- Cost: ~$100 for materials
- Special features: Mobile, short build time, requires very few tools to build
- Where to find it: Myers Woodshop
Plywood
Designed by a husband-and-wife maker team with years of experience in animation, engineering, and special effects, this easy DIY and budget-friendly worktable is another great option. Plus, it was designed specifically for CNC routers.
This table is built from birch plywood with optional masonite and maple banding and provides the perfect tabletop space for your router while being sturdy and compact. There’s also additional space underneath the tabletop for more storage or perhaps some cabinets and drawers, should you choose to add them in.
Once you’ve purchased the plans, you can also follow along with the instructions in their handy YouTube video guide.
- Workspace: Compact
- Cost: ~$5 for the plans, ~$100 for materials
- Special features: Minimal supplies required, easy to accessorize if desired
- Where to find it: Wicked Makers
Storage Cabinet
Experienced woodworker Johnny of Crafted Workshop has built a fantastic DIY table that’s specifically designed for CNC router users. The project features great tool and accessory storage space with an ample cabinet underneath the tabletop. His helpful step-by-step instructions also list the tools and hardware used for the project to make it easier to replicate; a YouTube video tutorial is included with the instructions.
This is another relatively budget-friendly project. The sturdy structure is made out of plywood (you can pick the type you’d like to work with) and is designed to last through all your router projects.
- Workspace: Medium-sized
- Cost: $100-$250 for materials
- Special features: Sturdy drawers with quick assembly, adjustable feet
- Where to find it: Crafted Workshop
Makerspace
This simply built yet designed-to-last workbench is fantastic for router users that are low on space and time. If you’re looking for a functional option that won’t break the bank, this could be it!
Designed with a back panel in case you’re thinking of adding a shelf, the measurements are easily tweaked and you’ll have a decent amount of storage space available even in a compact environment.
On the project page, you’ll find a link to the PDF with step-by-step instructions. You can easily customize this workbench with power strips, storage bins, and other accessories that meet your particular needs.
- Workspace: Compact
- Cost: ~$100
- Special features: Customizable measurements, can easily add a back panel shelf
- Where to find it: Makerspace
Lead image source: Festool website
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