Ratings & Reviews for Kobalt 1/4-in and 1/2-in 12 -Amp Fixed Router

Resold Tool

This router and table are suitable for an occasional user, but not for heavy use. The router and tabletop seem well made, but the legs are plastic and flex during set up and use. The owner's manual covers some things well, but is skimpy in other areas. My complaint related to this item is that the unit I was sold was used. There was no indication on the packaging that it was a used tool and it was sold at full price. All the parts were present, but the plastic pieces were scratched, the par...

Used for doors

I have a small cabinet remodeling business and use this to make shaker panel cabinet doors rather than buying them somewhere else.

Great beginner router table.

For the price it would be hard to beat. There a a few features it would have been nice for them to add. Like in too storage for the misc parts but you get what you pay for. Table top had to be sanded and waxed because the machined surface was rough and the wood followed the surface grooves. But it’s an easy fix.

Variable speed

Bought this table combo and works fine except for one big problem. The router. It is 25k fixed speed. Most of the bits I need require slower speeds, like 16k. Not sure what to do. I wanted to use a Bosch but Bosch router mounting holes do not align with the table. I did relocate the off switch to the left which made a huge difference. But, at this point I feel it was a waste of money.

Find room to store it.

So far I have been very pleased with the product. The assembly was a little challenging, but nothing an average DIYer couldn't handle. Love the soft start feature. Much nicer than the normal 0-100 in 1 second of most routers.

Small work area

Not wide enough should be 3.5 not 2.5 it’s a nice little router I would have liked a bigger work surface

Easy to assemble

I haven’t actually used it yet, but it seems like a good investment for the money. I am a little disappointed that it didn’t come with some kind of built in storage.

i recommend NOT TO BUY

same issues as all the other reviews,would not buy again,if your looking at this router table to buy try and buy a better quality than this machine.to many issues.

Meh it's okay

I purchased this new. I loved it at first since I didn't have a routing table. After a solid Saturday of use I realized the height adjustment is a piece of crap. The adjuster feels like it wants to strip out if any wood shavings are stuck in it which is guaranteed since it's directly below the non vac side of deck. Also the placement of the outlet box and power switch is terrible. The height adjustment release is directly behind the outlet box and if you have both plugs in use it is hard to open...

basically it is a good product.

only problem was mounting the router. instrux should be clearer.

Having owned several routers and router tables I have found this one to be a little better than any of the ones I have had in the past. Not sure how this would hold up if used every day, but for someone that uses a router occasionally this is the one to buy.

A few design shortcomings

Should have been designed so you can use the router dust collector when on the table, since you can't always use the fence. The locking pin was stuck. I had to lube it and giggle it. There should be caddies on the table to store the tools (wrench, hight adjustment tool, etc)

Recommended, BUT

Overall, cast aluminum table is as square as a marble. Throat plate diameters are too small and plates are too thin and do not lie flat nor parallel to tabletop. Hazardous as material can inadvertently drop into cutout.

Router issues

The router adjustment knob sticks. Often feels like it is breaking. Also the on/off switch, being mounted in the front, its inthe way of a vacuum hose to beinstalled ontothe front of the router.

Poorly located power switch

The power switch on the table is in a very dangerous position - when adjusting the router height it is easy for someone to hit the switch and turn on the router.