Wood router reveiws | Best plunge router vs. Makita palm router

Pick the right wood router Brand

A few brands specialize in wood routers that are intended for the DIY market. Among these are Robi, Black and Decker, Wen, Porta Cable, Triton, and Tacklife.

Unfortunately, DIY models tend to be inaccurate, and many are prone to breakage. Even if you only plan on using your wood router occasionally, you would be better off with a professional model instead of settling for a DIY model. Even the most basic pro models will give you better value for your money than the most fully-featured DIY models.

Investing in a pro-quality model will pay off in many ways in the long run. Brands such as Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Metabo, AEG, Hitachi, and Festool offer a wide range of quality wood routers that score high in wood router reviews. These models are more durable and are made of higher quality materials and components. They will provide better performance and be easier to use, than a DIY model.

A bad tool can put DIYers of woodworking by getting bad results. A conman problem with DIY routers is the plunge depth won’t hold correctly and slips while in use. It is important that the depth control allows for a consistent result, and to not ruin your work.

Router Power vs. Weight

You will, of course, want a router that provides sufficient power for demanding jobs. Keep in mind though that power often comes with size and weight. The most powerful routers tend to be quite heavy and difficult to manage, so you might want to go for a slightly less powerful model that is easier to handle.

It would be helpful to figure out what type of work you plan to do with your router and base your decision from there.

Powerful routers can be started by just pushing the plunge down into the wood surface, but this can be better done using some irwin drill bits in your best drill to bore out an area to start your tool off more smoothly.

Corded vs. Cordless wood routers

Cordless wood routers offer the advantages of portability and convenience. Some battery-operated models actually provide sufficient power and performance for small jobs, but maybe underpowered when it comes to more demanding work.

Again you have to decide whether convenience and portability are more important than power or vice versa.

Another good thing about a cordless wood router, even with plenty of power it will easily fit inside your portable tool storage. Both a rolling tool tote for when you are on-the-go doing maintenance work. Or a  backpack tool bag can hold this tool easily inside without weighing you down.

Understand the two wood router shank sizes

Many routers have interchangeable collets that can accommodate ¼” and ½” shank router bits.  Keep in mind however that some models only accommodate ¼” shank router bits. In general, ½” shank bits provide more stable operation with less vibration. They also tend to produce smoother cuts and last longer.

Choosing a woodworking router to buy

#1 Best wood router for control

The Makita RP0900K 1¼ HP Plunge Router is the best woodworking router to buy if you want to do small to medium-sized jobs. It delivers speed, power, and precision in a handy and easy-to-use package.

The powerful 8-amp motor rotates at a top speed of 27,000 RPM, making it possible to perform smooth routing work. The flat-top design makes it easy to change out bits when needed, and the contoured handles ensure comfy handling and better control.

#1 Best wood router for power and value

If power is higher on your list of priorities, the Makita RP2301FC is a perfect choice. The 3 ¼ HP motor running at 15 amps gives you the power to spare for even the most demanding tasks, and quick-release plunge depth control gives it added precision and versatility.

Equipped with a 3 ¼ HP motor that makes it one of the most powerful routers around. Pumping out 15 amps of power, it remains easy to use due to its smooth plunge action. It’s increased plunge capacity also makes it suitable for a wide variety of tasks, from cabinetry to window work, fine woodworking, and more.

#1  Festool wood router for joiners

On the other hand the Festool OF 2200 has a 2,200-watt motor that can cut through the hardest materials with ease. Even with its impressive power, it is remarkably easy to maneuver and can be controlled easily for precision woodwork.

The OF 2200’s MMC electronics combined with the well-balanced motor results in reduced vibration. This ensures smooth and consistent results even when routing through tough wood. The micro-adjustable dial can be set to 1/256th of an inch, so you can cut as precisely as you need for delicate tasks.

Other features such as the swiveling chip deflector and integrated dust extraction ports effectively clear out debris from corners, making you work more efficiently.

#1 Best cordless wood router

The Makita XTR01T8J combines the power and performance of a corded router with the convenience and portability of a battery-operated unit.

The 18-volt battery can be fully charged in only 45 minutes, after which you get considerably longer run times than most other models.

The variable speed control dial lets you go from 10,000 RPM to 30,000 RPM, which is suitable for a wide range of woodworking tasks. The XTR01T8J also comes with electronic speed control that ensures consistent speeds even under heavy loads.

When portability and convenience make the most appealing wood router for you the Makita XTR01T8J 18v battery-powered wood router is surprisingly powerful. It can be used for most cabinetry and woodworking applications due to its variable speed control dial.

Who uses wood routers?

Joiners

Joiners typically require clean and precisely cut edges. Wood routers can make it much easier to create perfect edges, to a set depth, even when working with narrow pieces.

They are just as effective at making even and precise level cuts on curved edges as they are on straight edges. Even better, they make it possible to perform the same precise cuts on several different pieces of wood.

Next to your other power tool’s a good Makita wood router can trim timber down to a great level of accuracy, just like your electric makita plane can. Both tools can be used for different timber buzzing and shaping jobs interchangeably. 

DIY’ers

Using a wood router is a great way to replicate specific cuts, patterns, or designs. They are particularly useful for intricate repair or restoration work where it is essential to match individual pieces with each other perfectly.

With a good wood router, it is possible to use a single piece as a template for succeeding cuts.

Cabinet makers

Wood routers make it possible to carve out rabbets cleanly. These are the recesses or grooves cut into the wood, which are usually seen in cabinets or bookcases. The best wood routers can be used with different rabbet bits, allowing for rabbets of different widths.

When building tables or cabinet tops a wood router can be used with a simple track to perfectly flatten and level timber, to wide for a portable thickness planner.

Builders

Wood routers are especially useful for shaping moldings. By using a variety of different bits, routers make it much easier to create fairly-simple rounded moldings to more elaborate designs and patterns. These tools are especially effective for creating intricate beaded patterns that can be used indoors, windows, and baseboards.

Tips for using a wood router

1. The most important thing to keep in mind when using a wood router is to always wear safety goggles. You need to make sure that they fit tightly fit on your face to prevent wood chips from entering and hitting you in the eyes, rather than just glasses. 
2. In general, it is best to keep the plunger locked down as much as possible. After using your router, you should release the plunge lock in order to avoid damaging the routing heads. This will also prevent any marks on the cutting blade to be transferred to the next piece you will be working on.
3. Because router blades turn in a clockwise motion, you should feed your router left to right. This will ensure that the blade comes into contact with the wood properly.
4. You can use a sharp beveled wood chisel to tidy up the corners of your cut-outs, another option is to use a router hand plane, set to the right depth.
5. Pushing the router will give you better control than pulling it. You can change to a twisting motion when you get close to the line you are routing to have more control.
6. Always clean out the dust and debris from your router when you are done. This will prevent clogging and help preserve the life of your router. And if your router comes with a dust extraction hood use it!
7. You can also use a leather woodworking apron to add a layer of protection from flying woodchips and dust that can get stuck in your clothes.
8. Make sure to avoid forcing the router through the wood, this could leave burn marks due to the friction produced by the spinning blade.
9. It is best to work in a shaded area or with sunglasses on. As working with a router often requires you to keep your eyes open for long periods of time, which can cause discomfort to your eyes in bright sunlight.
10. Also having a good pair of sturdy irwin quick grip clamps can make a huge difference to your routering jobs. A stable workpiece is much easier to work with, without worrying about any accidental movement, so you can just focus on holding and guiding your tool.

Top wood router comparison

Conclusion

I have used the Makita RP0900K for 2 years, it is easy to use without a guide even though it is included. I have uses it for a few different jobs but mostly making check-outs in stair stringers .47 Inch deep with a .78-Inch bit.

It is easy to get the hang of using it as it is light-weight and easy to move around. At the same time, it inst to small like a palm router. This is a nice balance between a heavy powerful router and a small light-weight palm router that doesn’t have enough power for even the most basic tasks sometimes.