The author evaluated 13 router tables for the sturdiness of their tables and fences, for dust collection, and for ease of operation and setup. A good router table is flat and has a stout base and a fence able to support jigs and hold-downs.

The JessEm was his favorite. The quality is top notch. The anodized aluminum base is exceptionally sturdy and fits together with a welcome precision. The fence, one of the two best in the survey, is mounted securely with brackets at both edges of the table. Large, easy-to-reach knobs lock it to the brackets. Scales on the brackets make it a breeze to place the fence precisely. The fence also has a scale to provide accurate jig, stop, or hold-down placement. The optional Mite-R-Slide miter gauge provides for accurate crosscuts without requiring the fence to be mounted perfectly parallel to the miter slot.

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