If you’re running a compact workshop or building out your first serious garage setup, space is always a trade-off. But what if you didn’t have to give up performance to gain room? That’s the idea behind a saw-router combo table. It takes two of the most critical woodworking tools—a table saw and a router table—and combines them into one cohesive station.
This isn’t just about economy of space. It’s about getting more done with less hassle. Imagine finishing a rip cut and immediately routing a profile on the same work surface, without having to reset your layout or walk across the shop. That’s the beauty of a well-designed combination table: speed, accuracy, and a cleaner workflow.
Now, not every combo is worth your time. Some are poorly integrated, with thin tops or wobbly router plates. A good combo feels like it was designed from the ground up to do both jobs well. It should offer a cast iron or steel top for rigidity, a universal insert plate that supports router lifts, and a smooth, accurate fence that works for both cutting and shaping. Let’s look at the best of the best.
Top Pick: SawStop PCS with Router Table Attachment
Price: ~$4,500+ depending on configuration
Buy it on Amazon here
The SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw is often the first recommendation for serious woodworkers—and for good reason. It delivers shop-grade power and accuracy while including a safety system that can stop the blade in milliseconds if skin contact is detected. But when you pair it with their Router Table Attachment, it becomes a true all-in-one workhorse.
The router table itself replaces one of the extension wings on the table saw. It’s built from thick cast iron for excellent stability and comes pre-drilled for most router lifts and motors. You can choose to install it on either the left or right side of the saw, depending on your shop layout and handedness. The router table includes its own fence, or you can use the table saw’s fence across both sections with a bit of tweaking.
One of the best parts of this setup is how tightly integrated it is. The surface is flush, the steel rails connect perfectly, and the router insert is dead flat. You can go from ripping plywood to cutting dovetails without skipping a beat. Add a top-tier router lift like the Incra Mast-R-Lift and something like the Porter-Cable 7518, and you’ve got a router table that rivals standalone units in performance.
This combo isn’t cheap, but it’s designed for professionals or serious hobbyists who care about quality and safety. It’s also upgradeable, so you can expand with outfeed tables, mobile bases, or overhead dust collection over time.
Runner Up: Grizzly G1023RLWX Cabinet Saw + Router Table Wing
Price: ~$2,900
Buy it on Amazon here
The Grizzly G1023RLWX is a great alternative if you want a serious saw-router combo without the higher cost of SawStop. This 5HP cabinet saw includes a cast iron router table extension wing right out of the box. It’s not an add-on—it’s part of the design. That means better weight distribution, better integration, and fewer headaches during setup.
The cast iron top offers great stability for both sawing and routing. It comes with a universal insert plate, so you can mount almost any router or lift. The dust collection is handled through dual ports: one for the saw cabinet, and one for the router table side. That’s a real plus if you’re trying to keep a clean shop or running a dust collector full time.
While the included fence is usable for both applications, it’s worth noting that some users prefer to add a dedicated router fence for fine-tuning. Grizzly makes a few solid options, but you can also adapt third-party units if you prefer. The saw itself is powerful enough to handle thick hardwoods without bogging down, and the digital angle readout adds a level of precision often missing in saws at this price point.
Grizzly tools are made for value and performance. They may not have the polish of premium brands, but when it comes to functionality, the G1023RLWX punches above its weight.
Best Jobsite Option: Bosch 4100XC-10 with Router Table Add-On
Price: ~$700 for saw, ~$200+ for router extension
Buy the saw on Amazon here
Sometimes you need portability more than power. That’s where the Bosch 4100XC-10 shines. It’s a lightweight, portable table saw with a powerful 15A motor and a reliable gravity-rise stand. Paired with a compact router table attachment—like those from Bench Dog or Kreg—you can create a modular combo station that’s perfect for jobsite work or cramped garages.
This setup obviously can’t match the precision or weight of a cabinet saw, but it does offer incredible flexibility. You can roll it out, do your work, and pack it away in minutes. The router table usually mounts to the side or rear of the saw stand, depending on your configuration. It’s ideal for edge routing, light joinery, or trimming operations.
If you’re doing trim carpentry, cabinet installs, or any kind of mobile work, this combo can save a ton of time and space. Just don’t expect it to handle thick hardwoods or heavy panel glue-ups the way a full shop machine would.
What to Look for in a Saw-Router Combo
- Table Flatness: A flat top is non-negotiable. Warped or bowed tables throw off accuracy for both sawing and routing.
- Router Plate Quality: Look for thick aluminum or phenolic plates that won’t flex. Bonus if they accept lifts like the JessEm or Incra models.
- Fence Design: You want something that locks tight and moves smoothly. Some fences are adaptable for both saw and router sides; others require a separate setup.
- Dust Ports: Look for independent dust ports for both the saw and the router table. Routing creates fine particles that clog filters fast.
- Weight and Stability: Heavier tables reduce vibration. If you plan to route large panels or thick hardwood, a cabinet saw base is a better choice than a portable.
- Router Access: Consider whether the router can be adjusted from above the table and whether it has easy access for bit changes.
Accessories That Improve Performance
If you want to get the most from your combo, here are some upgrades worth considering:
- Router Lift: Something like the Incra Mast-R-Lift II allows for precise height adjustment from above the table.
- Dust Collection: A dedicated cyclone separator or shop vacuum with HEPA filter will keep fine router dust at bay.
- Featherboards: Useful for keeping stock tight against the fence during long rips or profiles.
- Aftermarket Fences: The Incra LS Positioner is pricey, but makes routing ultra-precise.
Final Thoughts
The best saw-router combo setups aren’t about compromise. They’re about using space intelligently and combining tools that naturally complement each other. Whether you’re a weekend woodworker or a full-time pro, the ability to cut and shape wood in one compact station changes how you work.
If you’re building a long-term setup, the SawStop combo is unbeatable for safety and precision. If budget matters more, the Grizzly gives you heavy-duty power without going overboard. And if you’re mobile, the Bosch setup will keep you nimble and productive on the go.
Whichever path you choose, investing in a well-built saw-router combo is like giving your shop a major upgrade without expanding the walls. And once you’ve built your first cabinet or routed your first clean dado without moving stations, you’ll see just how smart that investment really is.