Kreg Just Dropped 4 New Routers and a Router Table (September 2026 First Look)
Kreg Just Dropped 4 New Routers and a Router Table (September 2026 First Look)
If you've been waiting for someone to finally fill the massive gap in the woodworking router market, you're going to want to sit down for this one. I recently made the trip up to Kreg headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa for a behind the scenes first look at what's launching this September, and it's easily one of the most exciting product drops the woodworking world has seen in years.
We're talking about four brand new routers, a compact router table aimed at small shops, a new plunge base, and a new pre drilled router plate that's going to make life a whole lot easier if you own a Kreg router table. Kreg is stepping into territory that's been ignored for far too long, and after spending a full day with these tools, I can tell you they didn't just show up. They came ready.
In this post, I'll walk you through everything I saw, including pricing, features, launch dates, and honest first impressions. If you scanned the QR code from the video, all the links you need are right here at the top for easy access.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support! Prices are valid at the time of posting but are subject to change at any time.
Quick Links to Every Tool in This Post
Kreg 1.25 HP Corded Trim Router (coming September 2026)
Kreg 2.25 HP Cordless Plunge Router (coming September 2026)
Kreg 2.25 HP Corded Plunge Router (coming September 2026)
Kreg 3.5 HP Router (coming September 2026)
Kreg Small Router Table / Dock and Go (coming September 2026)
Kreg Medium Router Table (coming September 2026)
Why This Kreg Router Launch Actually Matters
Here's some context before we dive in. Ever since the Porter Cable 7518 got discontinued about 6 years ago, there's been a real gap in the router world. A lot of shops relied on that 3+ HP workhorse to power their router tables, and while a few brands tried to fill the void, nothing really stuck.
Kreg noticed. And instead of just pushing out one router to check a box, they built an entire router ecosystemdesigned to work together. Trim router. Plunge router. Big 3.5 HP table router. Two brand new compact router tables. A plunge base that fits both the current cordless trim router and the new corded one. It's a complete system, top to bottom.
That kind of thoughtful engineering is what makes this launch a big deal for beginner and pro woodworkers alike.
The New Kreg Plunge Base for Trim Routers
First up is the new plunge base, and this one's a smart move. It works with both:
The current Kreg 20V cordless trim router you can grab today
The new corded 1.25 HP trim router launching this fall
The plunge base opens up a lot of new capabilities for trim router owners, especially for sign making, template routing, and circle cutting. It includes a template guide adapter, a three position turret so you can dial in your plunge depths without stopping mid pass, and it fits directly onto the Kreg circle cutting jig.
Key details:
Cuts up to 15 inch circles on its own
Adds an extension bar for circles up to 52 inches
Comfortable ergonomic grip (grabbed it, and yes, it feels good in the hand)
Depth gauge for easy plunge depth setting
Works with the current cordless trim router AND the new corded one
If you already own the Kreg cordless trim router, this base is a legit upgrade path.
The New Kreg 1.25 HP Corded Trim Router (September 2026)
There's a small but noticeable shift happening in the trim router world. Most trim routers on the market are 1 HP. Kreg is coming in at 1.25 HP corded, giving you a little more muscle for heavier passes without stepping up to a full size router.
What we know so far:
1.25 HP corded motor
8 ft power cord
Ships with a fixed base
Optional plunge base compatibility
Same accessory footprint as the current cordless version
Launches September 2026
If you like the cordless workflow but want a corded backup for router table duty or long sessions, this is the one to keep an eye on.
Kreg Dock and Go Trim Router Table (September 2026)
This might be my favorite thing they showed me. The Kreg Dock and Go Trim Router Table is a compact, well thought out router table built specifically for small shops, garage woodworkers, and beginners who don't have room for a full size router table.
The Dock and Go name is exactly what it sounds like. You can snap your trim router into the table for small parts routing, then pop it right back out for freehand or circle cutting work. Same base plate. No fussing.
Standout features:
Compact footprint for tight spaces (perfect for corner of the garage setups)
Chamfered edges for safety and comfort
Nice laminate top for smooth part movement
Flip up bit guard so you don't lose it or fight with it during bit changes
Injection molded fence plates for a flush, clean fence surface
Built in dust collection with an angled port for wall mounting flexibility
Onboard tool holder for the router centering cone, circle jig pin locator, and hex wrench
Four levelers under the plate for a dead flat setup
Available with legs OR just the top, plate, and fence
Mounting options:
Freestanding with legs
Screw down to a bench using the countersunk holes
Clamp to a 2x4 or work surface
Wall mount using rear mounting holes
Pricing
Full table with legs: $149
Top, fence, and plate only: $99
Honestly, for what you're getting, $149 for a full trim router table is a strong price point. It's a great fit for beginners buying their first router setup and for seasoned woodworkers who want a dedicated station for small parts.
You can grab the current Kreg workbenches here if you want to plan out your shop layout before September hits.
Kreg 2.25 HP Plunge Routers, Corded and Cordless (September 2026)
Now we're stepping up in horsepower. Kreg is releasing both a corded and cordless 2.25 HP plunge router on the same day. This is huge for anyone who wants one router that can do freehand work AND live in the router table without switching tools.
Both models include:
Six variable speeds
Cordless: 11,000 to 23,000 RPM
Corded: 10,000 to 25,000 RPM
LED work lights
Depth gauge
Plunge lock
Rigid post design for a smooth, chatter free plunge
Three position turret for repeatable step down cuts
Chip guard and dust collection port
Collet lock for one wrench bit changes
Two included base plates (standard + adapter plate for template guides / sign making)
The Feature That Separates This From Every Other Plunge Router
Here's the trick. Most plunge routers can't be used in a router lift because they aren't shaped like a cylinder. That has always been a compromise for woodworkers with limited funds or space who need one router to do everything.
Kreg fixed that.
These plunge routers have a built in above the table adjustment system. There's a lockout that shifts the router from full plunge mode into a threaded lift mode, so you can raise and lower the bit from above the table without pulling the router out. That's a game changer for small shops.
Pricing
Cordless bare tool: $249
Cordless kit (battery + charger): $299
Corded: $249
If you're building out a full setup, the Kreg Precision Router Lift is still available now and pairs perfectly with this ecosystem.
The Kreg 3.5 HP Router (September 2026) - The Porter Cable 7518 Replacement Everyone's Been Waiting On
This is the one a lot of pros are going to lose their minds over. Kreg built a 3.5 HP router specifically designed to fill the gap left by the discontinued Porter Cable 7518. If you owned a 7518, you know that thing was the workhorse of professional router tables for years, and nothing has really replaced it since it went off the market.
Kreg didn't just clone it. They studied what worked, listened to what didn't, and improved on it.
Key features:
3.5 HP motor
Five variable speeds from 10,000 to 21,000 RPM
Real time reactive speed sensor that corrects instantly under load
Soft start so it doesn't jump on you (the Porter Cable didn't have this)
Speed and switch controls on the front side for easy access (Porter Cable put these on the back and they were a pain to reach)
Available as a full unit with D handle base OR motor only
Two wrench system for bit changes
Template guide adapter included
Depth gauge
The big story here is the real time speed control. In side by side testing against a Porter Cable 7518, you can hear and feel the difference. The Porter Cable lags on speed correction, which shows up as chatter marks, snipe on board ends, and inconsistent cuts. Kreg's speed sensor keeps the RPMs locked in when the load changes, giving you a smoother, cleaner cut end to end.
Less sanding. Less rework. More time actually finishing projects. That's the whole point.
New Kreg Pre Drilled Router Plate
If you're already running a Kreg Adaptive Cutting System Table or a Kreg router table, they're also launching a new pre drilled router plate that's already set up for the new 2.25 HP and 3.5 HP routers. No drilling. No template measuring. Drop it in and go.
That's a small thing, but it's the kind of quality of life detail that makes a huge difference when you're setting up a new router table.
Router Safety Reminders for Beginners
Since a lot of you reading this are stepping into your first router setup, a few honest safety notes:
Always route in the correct direction (against the bit rotation)
Use a push block or push stick for small parts on the router table
Never remove your bit guard permanently - the flip up guard on the Dock and Go is there for a reason
Keep hands well clear of the bit and use featherboards to keep stock pressed to the fence
Wear eye and ear protection every single time
Take light passes instead of trying to hog off material in one shot
Don't route small parts freehand when a router table will do the job safer
Router safety is one of those things nobody talks about enough until somebody gets hurt. Take it seriously from day one.
Who Should Buy What?
Here's a quick breakdown to help you figure out which of these new tools makes sense for your shop:
Beginner woodworker with limited space: Kreg Dock and Go Trim Router Table + the new corded 1.25 HP trim router
Cordless trim router owner: New plunge base + circle cutting jig
Small shop wanting one router to do everything: 2.25 HP cordless or corded plunge router with above the table adjustment
Pro shop or serious hobbyist with a router table: 3.5 HP router with the new pre drilled plate
Anyone building a full router ecosystem: All of the above, plus the Kreg Precision Router Lift
Never Miss a Tool Deal
Kreg's September launch is going to be huge, but the deals hit year round from every retailer. If you want a daily heads up on the best tool deals from Acme Tools, Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, and more, jump on The Morning Cut newsletter and get them straight to your inbox every morning.
👉 Sign up for The Morning Cut here
Turn Your Woodworking Into a Real Business
If you're building furniture, cutting boards, or shop projects and want to turn it into real income, that's exactly what we cover inside Sawdust Startups. It's a coaching community for woodworkers building product based businesses, with live group calls, real strategies, and a network of people doing the same thing you are.
Final Thoughts
Kreg's September 2026 lineup is one of the most complete router ecosystems I've seen a single brand launch in a long time. Between the new trim router base, corded trim router, Dock and Go table, dual 2.25 HP plunge routers with above the table adjustment, and the 3.5 HP Porter Cable 7518 style workhorse, they built something for every level of woodworker.
Pricing is competitive, the features are genuinely thoughtful, and the fact that everything works together as a system is the part that sets it apart. Mark September on your calendar. This is one of those launches worth watching closely.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for scanning the QR code and stopping by. Keep making sawdust, and stay safe out there.
