The 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.
Wood routers: An overview
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.
Where to use them?
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 joints 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.
Who made the first handheld routers?
The first handheld routers were invented around 1915 by Mr. Onsrud [1]. His last name derives partly from the name “router”.
Additionally, as a wood routers blade sits and cuts below the base plate, this started the tools the nickname as the “The old woman’s tooth ”
What to expect?
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.
Features to consider first
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.
Before choosing the best woodworking router
1. Pick the right 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.
2.What is the power to weight ratio?
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.
3. When to go cordless or electric.
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 [2] 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.
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.
Its increased plunge capacity also makes it suitable for a wide variety of tasks, from cabinetry to window work, fine woodworking, and more.
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.
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.
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 planer can. Both tools can be used for different timber buzzing and shaping jobs interchangeably.
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.
3. 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, too wide for a portable thickness planer.
4. 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, in glazed windows, and on baseboards.
Tips for using a wood router
1. Always wear safety goggles.
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. 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. You should feed your router left to right.
Because router blades turn in a clockwise motion, This will ensure that the blade comes into contact with the wood properly.
This adds a layer of protection from flying wood chips 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 within a shaded area or with your 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.
It 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.
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 Inches 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 isn’t too 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.
Best Wood Router Makita RP0900k review
Makita RP0900K review
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.
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