Skil Router Table and Fixed Base Router Kit

First impressions and setup

I set up the Skil router table kit over a weekend and was routing test cuts the same afternoon. The table arrives as a benchtop unit with a laminated MDF surface and a 24-inch fence, plus all the small parts you actually need: three insert rings, two featherboards, a basic miter gauge, a starter pin and guard, and the clamp that secures the router to the underside of the plate. The fixed-base router drops right in, and the above-the-table height adjustment is accessed through the insert—no need to contort yourself under the table for routine height tweaks.

Assembly is straightforward. The machining on the plate and fence rails was true on my sample, and after squaring the fence to the miter slot and checking the bit-to-fence parallelism, I had it cutting clean and consistent profiles. The table is compact (26 x 16 inches), which suits a small shop. I put it on a rolling cart and clamp it down when I’m working on longer stock.

Table design and build

Skil sensibly went with a laminated MDF top. It’s flat, slick, and easy to maintain with a coat of paste wax. MDF isn’t indestructible—don’t store heavy items on it or soak it—but for woodworking tasks it’s stable and quiet. The miter slot is aluminum, which is better than plastic in this price class. The fence combines aluminum and plastic with MDF face plates that are adjustable and replaceable. I like that the faces can be brought tight to the bit for small dado work and closed up for edge profiling to maximize support.

Dual-sided bit storage built into the table is a nice touch. It’s not a full-on organizer, but being able to keep a handful of commonly used 1/4- and 1/2-inch shank bits at arm’s reach speeds up workflow. The starter pin and guard earn their keep when you’re pattern-routing curved pieces.

Skil also includes two featherboards that lock into the miter slot and fence, and they provide real safety and quality-of-cut benefits. Set them up to apply consistent pressure and you’ll get cleaner edges and less chatter.

Router performance and control

The fixed-base router is a 10-amp, 1-3/4 HP class motor with soft start and a six-position speed control (10,000–25,000 RPM). In handheld mode, the die-cast motor housing and ergonomic handles feel planted, and the soft start eliminates that jump when the bit spins up. Under the table, it has enough power to handle most general woodworking tasks: roundovers, chamfers, rabbets, straight grooves, and smaller panel bits. For big diameter profiles, you’ll want to take multiple passes, especially in dense hardwoods. That’s standard advice for any 1-3/4 HP router and it applies here.

Speed changes are predictable, and the live tool indicator (a small status light) is a welcome safety feature that reminds you the router is energized. The router accepts both 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets. I default to 1/2-inch shanks for stiffness whenever possible, and the motor has no trouble keeping those moving.

Above-the-table height adjustment is the headline convenience. It’s not a precision lift with micrometer dials—think solid, practical adjustments with good repeatability. For fine-tuning, I’ll still sneak up on final heights with test cuts, but I never had to pull the router to make a change, which is the time-saver most people want.

Accuracy, fence, and miter work

Out of the box, the fence faces were parallel, and the fence locked square to the table. The aluminum backbone is rigid; the plastic hardware is the compromise that keeps the kit affordable. Used properly, it holds alignment. I ran a series of 3/8-inch dados and half-laps in maple, and the cuts were consistent along the length with minimal burning once I dialed in the speed.

The included miter gauge is serviceable for light duty—picture frame splines, small tenons, and similar tasks. Like most benchtop gauges, it benefited from a wrap or two of tape on the bar to reduce play in the slot. If you rely on sled-style operations at the router table, you’ll outgrow the stock gauge, but the slot itself is true and ready for an upgrade.

Dust collection and chip control

The kit includes a vacuum port that connects to a shop vac. Fence-based collection is decent for edge profiles and straight grooves—chips are pulled away efficiently when the faces are closed near the bit. When plunging into the middle of a panel or running large, open profiles, expect more chips to escape under the table. That’s not unusual for benchtop tables. I added a simple under-table shroud to improve capture around the bit opening, which made a noticeable difference.

One quirk worth noting: the router’s orientation under the table puts the cord and speed dial in a spot that can make a rigid dust hose awkward. A lightweight, flexible hose (with a swivel cuff if you have one) keeps the area clear and avoids interference with the height wrench.

Safety and visibility

Skil’s three-LED array around the base is excellent in handheld use, and while LEDs don’t matter much under the table, I appreciated them whenever I popped the router out for edge work on a big panel. The soft start, the live tool indicator, the starter pin for freehand curves, and the two featherboards add up to a safer user experience than many entry-level setups. Use the guard, set the featherboards properly, and this kit encourages good habits.

Usability details that stood out

• Mounting and unmounting the router is quick. The included clamp and plate design make it a 60-second job to go from table to handheld work.
• The height adjuster from above the table is reliable. There’s minor backlash as you reverse direction, but once you learn its feel you can hit repeatable heights.
• The table’s compact footprint is a double-edged sword: great in a small shop, but you’ll want outfeed support for long boards. I keep a roller stand nearby.
• LED work lights and the live tool indicator are small quality-of-life improvements you come to miss on other routers.

What I’d improve

• Dust collection under the table. Fence suction is fine; a dedicated under-table shroud would make this a cleaner system out of the box.
• Fence shims for offset jointing. The MDF faces adjust nicely, but including a set of shims for outfeed offset would make edge-jointing on the table more straightforward. I used playing cards, which worked, but a supplied kit would be better.
• Switch and clearance. The safety switch housing on the table is accessible and positive, but it encroaches a bit on the router area underneath. Shifting it down and away would give more breathing room for the motor and hose.
• Miter gauge. It’s functional for basic tasks. If you do precision coping or angled work, budget for an upgrade.

Finally, a general buying tip: like most tool brands, Skil’s warranty coverage hinges on purchasing from an authorized retailer and registering your tool. It’s worth confirming both before you buy so you’re covered if something goes sideways.

Who it’s for

This kit suits hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers who want a capable, compact router table solution without piecing together a separate table, plate, and router. If you mostly run edge profiles, dados, and pattern work in cabinet-grade plywoods and hardwoods, it hits the sweet spot. If your work relies on massive raised-panel bits or production-level cope-and-stick runs, step up to a heavier table and a beefier motor, or dedicate a lift and 3+ HP router.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil router table kit for woodworkers who want a well-rounded, space-efficient setup with smart conveniences at a fair price. The router’s soft-start, variable speed, and dual-collet versatility cover a wide range of operations. The table’s flat laminated surface, adjustable MDF fence faces, and included safety accessories make it genuinely usable out of the box. Above-the-table height adjustment and quick mount/unmount push it over the line from “good enough” to “pleasant to use.”

It’s not a premium rig—MDF and plastic parts, a basic miter gauge, and under-table chip control leave room for improvement—but the fundamentals are solid. With a few inexpensive tweaks (wax the top, shim the fence faces, add a flexible hose and, if needed, an under-table shroud), it delivers accurate, repeatable results and a safe working experience. Verify authorized purchase for warranty coverage, and this kit is an easy yes for most DIY and hobby shops.