Best Folding Router Table Stand for Small Workshops
POWERTEC on Sep 18th 2025
Folding Router Table Stand: Why the POWERTEC UT1013 Works Where Space Is Tight
Why Do Woodworkers Need a Folding Router Table Stand?
Workshop space is always at a premium. If you’re working out of a one-car garage, basement shop, or mobile trailer, a full-size router table stand can take up more room than you can spare. Traditional stands often stay fixed in place, limiting your flexibility.
A folding router table stand solves this challenge. By collapsing flat or mounting neatly on a wall, it frees up floor space while still giving you a stable, ergonomic platform. For woodworkers balancing multiple projects in compact areas, this adaptability is a real upgrade.
If you are comparing a standard router table stand to a folding option, the POWERTEC UT1006 Premium Router Table Stand is a good non-folding choice for a permanent workstation.
What Features Make the POWERTEC UT1013 Folding Router Stand Different?
Is It Compatible with Trim Router Tables?
Yes. The POWERTEC UT1013 Convertible Folding Steel Stand is purpose-built for trim router tables with an 11-1/2″ × 15-1/2″ footprint — including the POWERTEC 71392 Trim Router Table. It includes a drill guide for quick, accurate alignment during installation and will also fit other tops with the same footprint.
How Does the Dual-Height System Improve Ergonomics?
Unlike fixed-height stands, the UT1013 offers two working heights: 8-7/8″ and 13-1/16″ (without tabletop). This lets you route while seated for delicate tasks or standing for longer projects — reducing fatigue and improving precision.
Can It Be Wall-Mounted and Folded Flat?
Yes. The UT1013 can be mounted directly to your wall. When folded, it stays flat and tucked away until needed. This makes it ideal for small workshops, garage setups, and mobile work trailers where every inch matters.
Is the Frame Strong Enough for Real Woodworking?
Absolutely. Built from durable steel tubing, the UT1013 is engineered for stability. Its folding legs feature D-latches and locking pins, ensuring the stand stays secure while routing and folds down quickly when you’re done.
How Does the UT1013 Compare to Other Folding Router Stands?
Many stands on the market make trade-offs between portability and strength. Here’s how the UT1013 balances it:
- Lightweight stands: easier to carry but often unstable under load.
- Heavy-duty stands: stable but bulky and hard to store in tight spaces.
- POWERTEC UT1013: combines a heavy-duty steel frame with a fold-flat, wall-mount design and dual ergonomic heights, making it both stable and compact.
As Fine Woodworking's "Router Table Basics" explains, stability and ergonomics are essential—two areas where the UT1013 stands out.
How Do You Set Up and Use the UT1013 Folding Router Stand?
- 1. Mount the frame: Secure it into studs or use heavy-duty anchors if wall-mounting.
- 2. Align your tabletop: Use the included drill guide for accurate positioning.
- 3. Choose your height: Select 8-7/8″ or 13-1/16″ and lock securely.
- 4. Deploy the folding legs: Secure with D-latches and locking pins.
- 5. Level the stand: Check stability on your shop floor.
- 6. Store flat: Fold it down and keep it out of the way when not in use.
Who Should Use the UT1013 Folding Router Stand?
- DIY woodworkers creating compact garage or basement shops.
- Contractors who need a portable, sturdy stand for job sites.
- Hobbyists who value adjustable working heights and efficient storage.
- Mobile makers working from trailers or shared spaces where flexibility is key.
FAQs About Folding Router Table Stands
Q: What routers does the UT1013 setup support?
A: The POWERTEC UT1013 Convertible Folding Steel Stand is the base; router compatibility depends on the tabletop you mount. When paired with an 11½″ × 15½″ trim router tabletop, such as the POWERTEC 71392 Trim Router Table, the setup supports trim/palm routers only. It is not intended for full size or plunge routers, which require larger plates and stands.
Q: Can I use a non-POWERTEC tabletop with the UT1013?
A: Yes, as long as the tabletop has the 11½″ × 15½″ footprint and compatible mounting points. Confirm plate size, hole pattern, and weight before installing.
Q: How easy is it to mount on the wall?
A: Basic install. Locate studs, use a drill, level, and appropriate anchors or lag screws for your wall type. Once mounted, the stand folds flat to save floor space.
Q: Why do the two working heights matter?
A: They offer ergonomic flexibility: a lower setting for seated or detail work and a higher setting for longer or heavier passes, which helps reduce fatigue and improve control.
Q: Is the UT1013 portable for job sites?
A: Yes. The quick-fold legs and compact footprint make it easy to transport and set up in trailers, garages, or mobile shops.
Q: How is a folding stand different from a standard router table stand?
A: A folding stand saves space and stores flat or on a wall for mobile or compact shops. A standard router table stand (for example, the POWERTEC UT1006 Premium Router Table Stand) is non folding and better suited for a permanent, full-time workstation.
Conclusion — A Folding Stand That Adapts to You
The POWERTEC UT1013 Folding Router Table Stand is more than just a tool base — it’s a space-saving solution for your workshop. Strong enough for serious woodworking, flexible enough for tight spaces, and portable enough for job sites, it adapts to the way you work.