What is the best type of wood router? There are a few different types of wood routers out there such as:
- Fixed base wood routers
- Plunge base routers
- Multi plunge and fixed router kits
- And, D handle wood routers
There are also corded and cordless options. The best wood router depends on the wood density and depth of cutting you will generally be doing. You want to get a wood router that is easy to handle when accuracy is important or have enough power for doing deep checkouts in hardwoods if that’s what you will be doing.
Best Plunge Wood Router
#1 BEST OVERALL PLUNGE WOOD ROUTER
Makita RP0900K 1¼ HP Plunge Router
- Long tool life due to big ball bearing
- Good size and is easy to use for small jobs
- Easy to change out bits due to the flat-top design
- Easy to cut into material due to 1 ⅜” plunge depth capacity
- Precision cutting made possible by plunge depth adjustment control
- Uses ¼” shank router bits
- Comes with guide
- Not variable speed
- For small to medium-sized jobs only
#2 BEST WOOD ROUTER FOR DEEP CUTS
Makita RP2301FC 3¼ HP Variable-Speed Plunge Router
- The powerful motor ensures smooth and consistent results with big jobs
- Linear ball bearings help improve performance and plunge action
- Easy to cut into hardwood due to 2 ¾” plunge depth capacity
- Quick-plunge depth adjustment control ensures precise routing
- Variable speed
- Uses ¼” and ½” shank router bits
- No edge guide is provided
- Doesn’t come with mounting accessories
- Heavy compared to the smaller model
#3 BEST BOSCH PLUNGE WOOD ROUTER
Bosch MRP23EVS 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Comfortable handles for good control
- Easy to read depth gauge
- Has an always-on led light to help with visibility
- Plastic dust collection fitting can break easily
#4 BEST WOOD ROUTER FOR JOINERS
Festool 574689 OF 2200 Imperial Router
- Top of the range for serious joiners and cab-nit makers
- Powerful yet easy to use
- Variable speed control
- Controls are clearly marked and easy to understand
- Excellent Depth Adjustment
- The collet can be prone to breakage
#5 DEWALT WOOD ROUTER
DEWALT DW625 3 HP Variable-Speed Electronic Plunge Router
- Powerful motor cuts through most materials with ease
- Variable speed control for a wide variety of routing jobs
- Precision work is possible with the micro-fine bit depth adjustment
- Precision work is possible with the micro-fine bit depth adjustment
- The switch can be prone to issues
- Shiny hard plastic handles are a bit slippery
#1 BEST FIXED-BASE D HANDLE WOOD ROUTER
Makita RD1101 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed D-Handle Router
- Easy to control D handle
- Quiet and low vibration in use
- Variable speed control
- D handle can tempt you to push the router to hard and burn the motor out
- Not a plunge router, but fixed base
Best Fixed Base And Plunge Based Router Kits
#1 BOSCH PLUNGE AND FIXED BASE ROUTER
Bosch 1617EVS 12 Amp 2¼ HP Variable-Speed Router
- Comes with both a fixed, and plunge base for different routering jobs
- Has a powerful 12-Amp motor is enough for small but demanding jobs
- Consistent performance due to advanced speed-control technology
- Variable speed dial ensures flexibility for a wide variety of tasks
- Durable aluminum motor and base
- Sealed power switch enhances durability
- Uses ¼” shank router bits
- The switch is prone to failure
- Base height can be difficult to adjust
#2 BEST FIXED AND PLUNGE BASE KIT
Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit
- Comes with both options of a fixed base and a plunge wood router base
- Small and easy to use
- Affordable kit
- Variable speed 11 amp motor
- Comes with a box
- Some find the speed dial to become loose and move unintentionally
- The DeWalt variable-speed multi-base kit has a bit more power
#3 BEST PLUNGE AND FIXED BASE KIT
DEWALT DW618PKB Fixed Base And Plunge Router Combo Kit
- Comes with both a fixed and plunge changeable base
- Option to get D handle version
- 12 amp variable speed motor
- Comes with a bag rather than a box
- More expensive than the Hitachi for basically the same thing
#4 PALM ROUTER ALSO WITH A PLUNGE BASE
Bosch PR20EVSPK 5.6-Amp Plunge Base Router Combo Kit
- Comfortable plunge base
- Variable-Speed
- Good for small tasks
- Less power than the rest at 5.6-Amps
Best Palm Router
#1 BEST MAKITA PALM ROUTER
Makita RT0701C 1¼ HP Compact Router 6.5 Amps
- Consistent speed due to electronic speed control
- Variable speed control between 10,000 and 30,000 RMP
- Consistent speed due to electronic speed control
- Starts up smoothly due to soft-start feature
- The high-visibility base design makes it easy to see the work area
- Depth scales are easy to read
- Uses ¼” shank router bits
- Opening of the fixed base is a bit too small
#2 BEST DEWALT PALM ROUTER
DEWALT DWP611 1.25 HP Variable Speed Compact Router
- Soft starting motor
- Variable speed
- Led lights to help visibility
- Ridged design
#3 BEST BOSCH PALM ROUTER
Bosch GKF125CEN Colt Variable-Speed Palm Router
- 7 Amp Motor
- Clean design
- Variable speed
#4 DIY PALM ROUTER
Bosch Colt PR20EVS 5.6 Amp 1HP Variable-Speed Palm Router
- Powerful enough for small routing jobs
- Soft start motor and the quick-lock system makes it easy to use
- Light-weight and easy to manage
- Uses ¼” shank router bits
- Knurled thumb-wheel tends to get tight and difficult to turn
- The solid aluminum base can make it difficult to see the work area
#5 DIY PALM ROUTER
Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router
- Variable speed
- Has led light
- DIY Brand
- Motor gets too hot
- Can be hard to change bits
Best Cordless Palm Router
#1 BEST MAKITA CORDLESS PALM ROUTER
Makita XTR01T8J 18V Cordless Compact Router
- Fast and powerful motor
- Runs longer than other models on a single charge
- Long tool life
- Charges fully in about 45 minutes
#2 BEST BOSCH CORDLESS PALM ROUTER
Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V Brushless Palm Router
- Easier to hold than other palm routers giving more stability and accuracy in use
- Only good for very small routing jobs
- The 12v battery is small compared to the Makita’s 18v cordless router
#3 DIY RYOBI PALM ROUTER
Ryobi P601 18V Cordless Fixed Base Router
- Runs on 18v battery
- Relatively well made for a DIY model, but not perfect
- DIY brand, not a pro brand
- Does not come with a battery
- The depth adjustment knob can become loose
Introduction
Routers are power tools that are commonly used in woodworking. They are generally used to cut out sections off a piece of wood. There are numerous applications for such tools, from decorative work on the edges or surfaces of timber to for cutting “chases” or depressions to conceal wires, cables, or pipes.
The earliest uses of wood routers were for decorative woodworking, where they proved especially useful for making intricate and elaborate cuts in wood. Over time, these tools were employed for many other uses, and they are now essential for most types of building, decorating, repair, and restoration work.
Wood routers are some of the most versatile wood machining tools to have in your workshop. They can be used for cutting, shaping, and grooving, and they are especially useful for creating precise joins between two pieces of wood. Whether you are making a cabinet, building a staircase, or making skirting boards, you will get a lot of use out of a good wood router.
Router speeds range from 800 RPM to 30,000 RPM. The best routers come with variable speed controls that allow you to adjust the speed according to the demands of the job.
Routers also tend to vary with regard to the plunge depth or the blade’s cutting depth. With plunge routers in particular, it is important to ensure that each single pass cuts at a fairly shallow depth. This reduces stress on the motor and prevents it from burning out. The best plunge routers actually come with a depth lock that maintains precisely the same depth at each pass for this very reason.
It is a good idea to get a wood router that has two handles, one on each side. This provides you a handle for gripping, and one for control. Combined with a smooth base plate, this ensures stable and consistent operation.
Wood Router Features
- Variable speed. It allows the router to be used effectively with a variety of bit sizes.
- Electronic feedback circuitry. It allows the router’s motor to adjust to different loads, resulting in more consistent performance.
- Soft start. Ensures a safer and more comfortable operation.
- Spindle lock. It allows for quick and easy bit changes.
- Above the table adjustment. Enables depth adjustments from above the table.
- Router table. Routers can be mounted upside down on a router table, depending on the table. You could also make your own table, the “best router for a router table” has a big base with more than 2 holes to screw through to stabilize the tool in your DIY made table. You can also buy a custom plunge base for this.
Router Details
The 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 Size And Power
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.
Cord Or Cordless
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.
Shank Size
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.
Best Woodworking Router To Buy
The Makita RP0900K is a versatile unit that provides enough power for most routing jobs. It is designed specifically for detailed and intricate work, with features such as quick bit change and clearly marked depth scales making it easy to use as well.
If power is high 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.
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?
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.
Joiners
Joiners typically require clean and precisely cut edges. Wood routers can make it much easier to create perfect edges, 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.
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.
Tips For Using A Wood Router
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.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid forcing the router through the wood. This could leave burn marks due to the friction produced by the spinning blade.
It is best to work in a shaded area. Working with a router often requires you to keep your eyes open for long periods, which can cause discomfort in bright sunlight.
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!
Make sure you have a nice set of beveled wood chisels to tidy up your corners. Also having a good pair of sturdy wood clamps can make a routering job much easier, without worrying about accidental movement.
Top Wood Router Comparison
| Makita RP0900K
 | Makita RP2301FC
| Makita XTR01T8J
| |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amps: | 8 Amps | 15 Amps | 18V 5.0Ah |
| Rpm: | 27,000 RPM | 9,000 - 22,000 RPM | 10,000 to 30,000 RPM |
| Weight: | 5.95 lbs | 13.4 lbs | 15.25 lbs |
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 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.
MAKITA RP0900K REVIEW
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.
Pros:
- Speed of 27,000 RPM
- Oversized ball bearing helps ensure the long life of the unit
- Changing bits is easy due to the flat-top design
- Cutting is much easier due to the 1 ⅜” plunge depth capacity
- Precision cutting is made possible by the plunge depth adjustment knob
Cons:
- When the plunge depth lock is not used it can get in the way
- For big checkouts, it is underpowered compared to the Makita Rp2301fc.
#1 BEST WOODWORKING ROUTER
Makita RP2301FC REVIEW
The Makita RP2301FC is 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.
Pros:
- The powerful motor makes routing smooth and easy
- The linear ball bearing design improves the plunge action and ensures better performance
- The 2 ¾” plunge depth capacity makes it easy to cut through hard material
- Quick-plunge depth adjustment control ensures more precise results
- A flexible and versatile unit
Cons:
- The unit does not include an edge guide
- Cab be too big for small to medium-sized jobs
#1 BEST WOOD ROUTER FOR POWER
FESTOOL ROUTER REVIEW
The Festool OF 2200 has a 2,200-watt motor that can cut through the hardest material 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.
Pros:
- Well-balanced motor reduces vibration
- Fast operation
- Top of the range best for serious professionals
- Controls are clearly marked for easy operation
Cons:
- Some users report durability problems with the collet
- For the Festool it is not cheap, Makita is more affordable for the same or better quality
#3 BEST ROUTER FOR JOINERS
MAKITA XTR01T83 REVIEW
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.
Pros:
- A wide range of operating speeds
- Lasts 50% longer than other battery-operated routers
- The powerful motor handles even the most challenging jobs
- A hardy and durable unit
- Only takes 45 minutes to be
#1 BEST CORDLESS WOOD ROUTER
References:
- Wood Router available cutters, retrieved from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_(woodworking)
- How a woodworking router collet works, retrieved from, https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/your-guide-to-router-collets/
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