Skil RT1323-01 Router Table and 10Amp Fixed Base Router Kit

First impressions and setup

I put the Skil router table combo into service on a small cabinet project and a few batches of edge profiles. Assembly was straightforward: the instructions are clear, labeled hardware matches up, and nothing required a second set of hands. I bolted the table to a rolling cart for mobility, but it’s compact enough to live on a bench if you have space. If you go the benchtop route, plan to clamp it down—one clamp will do in a pinch, two is better.

Build quality is what I expect at this price. The top is a melamine‑coated MDF that’s flat and smooth out of the box. Treat it like any MDF surface: avoid spills and standing moisture. The fence spans 24 inches with adjustable MDF faces, and the base switch panel includes two outlets so I can power the router and a vac off one master switch. Skil includes a pair of featherboards, a guard, and a starter pin—basic accessories, but they go a long way toward safe, consistent cuts.

The fixed‑base router itself drops into the plate with a clamp. Above‑the‑table height adjustment engages through the plate; it’s simple and works reliably once you align the router’s adjustment to the right access port during installation.

Router: power and control

The 10‑amp motor has plenty of authority for typical benchtop tasks. With 1/2‑inch shank bits, I ran flush trim, round‑over, and a panel‑raising profile in maple and oak without bogging down. The soft start is excellent—no table shudder when you hit the switch—and variable speed keeps larger cutters from chattering. There’s a live tool indicator that glows when the router is powered; it’s a small safety touch I appreciate when I’m swapping bits.

Noise is in line with other mid‑size routers, but the soft start and reasonably low vibration make it less fatiguing. Ergonomically, the router feels good in hand with shaped handles and a solid die‑cast motor housing. That said, most users will leave it in the table—it’s capable as a handheld, but this kit really shines as a compact workstation.

Collet capacity covers both 1/4‑inch and 1/2‑inch shanks, which is important if you’re moving beyond hobby bits. I’d stick to 1/2‑inch whenever the profile allows; it noticeably improves cut quality and reduces chatter.

Table: fence, surface, and accessories

The table surface is flat and slick enough to feed work smoothly with light pressure. The aluminum miter slot accepts a standard miter bar; I used my shop’s miter gauge and a small pivoting sled for cope cuts—both tracked well with no slop. The included featherboards lock into the fence and table slot, and they’re genuinely useful. Set up properly, they tame narrow stock and keep fingers well away from the bit.

Fence adjustability is basic but serviceable. The MDF faces slide for zero‑clearance around different bits, and the 24‑inch width offers decent support for cabinet parts. For taller panels, I screwed on a simple auxiliary fence to increase height, which is easy to do thanks to the flat faces. For light jointing tasks, outfeed shimming works, but the fence isn’t as stiff or micro‑adjustable as a dedicated jointing setup. If you plan to use a router table as your jointer, this isn’t the tool for that role; for a pass or two to straighten an edge before ripping, it’s fine.

The starter pin is worth calling out. For template work or freehand arcs, using the pin to pivot the stock into the bit makes the first contact much more controlled. It’s a small accessory that improves safety and results for curves.

Dust collection and power management

Dust management is better than I expected at this price. The fence port pulls most chips when edge profiling, and with a standard shop‑vac the table stays relatively clean. You’ll still get a fair amount of fines under the table (there’s no cabinet enclosure), but visibility at the cut is good when the vac is running. The dual‑outlet power switch on the front panel is handy: I plug the router into one, the vac into the other, and use that switch to control both. It’s not an auto‑start module, but functionally it achieves the same “one switch, two tools” workflow.

If your vac hose doesn’t match the fence port, expect to cobble an adapter or two. Once connected, extraction is effective for most operations; mortising or heavy hogging will still scatter chips.

Accuracy and cut quality

With the fence squared and faces aligned, the combo produces clean, accurate results. Bit height adjustments are repeatable, and above‑table dialing makes fine tweaks painless mid‑project. On long edge profiles (think door rails or countertop strips), the feed feels controlled and the surface finish is smooth, especially with 1/2‑inch shank bits at the right speed. I also ran a set of tongue‑and‑groove joints in plywood sub‑shelves; once I dialed in the offsets, the kit held settings through a run without drifting.

One nit: the fence faces can be slightly out of coplanar alignment if you rush setup. A quick check with a straightedge and a shim or two behind a face resolves it. After that, transitions across the split are seamless.

Ergonomics and workflow

This kit hits a sweet spot for a small shop. The table footprint is manageable, the switch is front and center, and the above‑table height adjustment reduces the crouch‑and‑reach that plagues budget router tables. Bit changes still require access below. Depending on your stand, you may find you need a little extra clearance to remove the motor for a collet swap; I ended up recessing the table slightly in my cart to make that process smoother.

The integrated side cubbies are a nice use of otherwise dead space. They’re not precision bit trays—toss in a few common bits, the wrench, and the starter pin and you’re organized enough for day‑to‑day work. If you like everything indexed, consider adding a printable insert or small bins.

Limitations and quirks

• Fence stiffness and micro‑adjust: Adequate for most edge work, not ideal for precision jointing or operations that benefit from fine incremental moves. An auxiliary fence improves tall work stability.
• Table material: The MDF top is flat and slick, but it demands basic care—no wet rags or spills.
• Bit changes: Above‑table height adjustment is great; above‑table bit changes are not fully supported. Plan for under‑table access.
• Portability vs. rigidity: The benchtop design is easy to move, but it needs to be clamped or bolted for best results.
• Power compatibility: It’s a 120V setup. If you’re in a 230–240V region, you’ll need proper conversion; otherwise, skip it.

None of these are deal‑breakers for the intended use, but they’re worth knowing so you can plan your setup and workflow.

Who it’s for

If you’re a hobbyist, a DIY woodworker, or a contractor who needs a capable, portable router table for on‑site trim and small cabinet jobs, this combo makes a ton of sense. It’s powerful enough to run 1/2‑inch bits responsibly, offers real conveniences like soft start, variable speed, and above‑table height adjustment, and includes the safety accessories you actually use. If you’re running production, need a lift with micro‑adjust, or want a cabinet‑style table with better dust containment and a bomb‑proof fence, you’ll outgrow this and should look higher up the food chain.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil router table combo for small shops and serious DIYers who want a compact, competent system without spending lift‑table money. It delivers the fundamentals—power, stability, and predictable adjustments—alongside thoughtful touches like the dual‑outlet switch, starter pin, and included featherboards. The fence is the weakest link for precision jointing and tall work, but it’s good enough for most routing tasks, and it’s easy to augment with a homemade auxiliary face. Keep the MDF top dry, clamp or bolt the table down, pair it with a shop‑vac at the fence, and you’ll get clean cuts and reliable results at a very fair price.