The woodworking router is one of the most versatile tools you can have in your woodshop. It can transform even the most basic project into a quality finished product.
A router is a handheld tool that hollows out a piece of wood or other material. This tool is commonly used for cabinet and furniture manufacturing. It can also be used to create fine details on edges or panels.
Routers are just large electric motors in your hands. The type of bit you put in the router chuck will determine how it is used.
Routers can range from very large and powerful, to fitting in the palm of your hand. This buyers guide will help you choose the best woodworking router for your needs.
Top 5 Picks For The Best Woodworking Router
DeWALT DWP611 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router With Dual LEDs
This compact router is small but powerful enough at 1.25HP for most routering applications. This router, weighing about the same as a cordless drill, can be operated with one hand, if necessary. The unit itself is narrow and less than a foot tall, making for easier handling and more precise cuts.
The collet accepts router bits, and the depth can be set up to within 1/163 cm, up to 4 cm. This compact router can also mill wood and composites at light speeds of 7 amps and 27,000 rpm.
Two LED lights mounted on the unit and a clear base ensure that all cuts are visible. The base is only 10 cm in diameter, making cuts in compact spots much simpler. As well, the d-shaped sub-base gives a flat edge for use up against flat edges.
Things we love:
- The compact size of the motor gives you more control and a decent amount of power.
- Comparable to full-sized models, quiet operation
- With the clear sub-base and LED lights, you can see clearly through cuts.
Things we dont like:
- For more difficult tasks like dado cutting in hardwoods or turning particular types of metal, the power may not be sufficient.
Bosch GKF125CEN Palm Router 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router
This Bosch router is another compact option that still packs power with a 1.25 HP, 7 amp motor. This router can be operated by one hand and fits easily in the average person’s grip.
A feature of this router is the micro-adjustment feature. There are two dials near the base of the router that allows for macro and micro depth changes to precisely determine the depth of your cut. The base is topped by a depth gauge, which can be adjusted using the dials. It’s easy to see as you move the dials.
This router is capable of handling most applications at a maximum speed of 35,000 RPM. The collet is 3 cm in diameter and can accept bits up to 1 inch. However, if using large diameter bits, be careful not to overload the motor with harder materials.
Things we like:
- Micro-depth dial helps achieve precise depth on your cuts
- Compact router with powerful motor that weighs only 2 kg
- Quick shaft lock mechanism negates the need for using a wrench on the collet
Things we dont like:
- The base is not clear, and the unit has no LED light, which makes seeing your cut difficult while using the tool
PORTER-CABLE 690LR 11Amp Fixed-Base Router
A compact router won’t be able make certain cuts for larger jobs. This PORTER-CABLE does not have that problem. The motor’s power is impressive at 1 horsepower and 11 amperes. You will need to use two hands to control the motor, which is not possible with compact models.
The all-aluminum base and housing make this router rugged. As well, you can adjust the depth to 1/128 of an inch for absolute precision. The tool has collets that can accept 15 cm shafts.
Although the router isn’t lightweight, it can be carried with just two hands. The molded grips make it easy to hold and move steadily. This PORTER CABLE can be used for heavy-duty cutting, but not for precise finish cuts.
Things we love:
- The motor is powerful, can handle most wood types at 1 HP and spins at up to 27,000 RPM
- Micro-adjustment dial is easy to read, and simple to use
- Price is affordable compared to other routers on this list
Things we don’t like:
- A single-speed motor is not suitable for precision cutting or large diameter bits.
- Lack of a clear base or LED light make the visibility of cuts more difficult
DeWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router
This router is another non-compact model. It’s a large, powerful router that can handle heavy-duty tasks. If you are looking to cut through the hardest wood, like hickory or ash, then this is the router for you.
The motor is 12 amp and 2 horsepower, with a maximum speed of 24,000 rpm. As well, this router allows you to switch cord positions depending on the direction of your work.
Variable-speed options on the router are also a great feature. This allows you to use larger bits at lower speeds. The clear base allows you to easily see all cuts. However, there is no LED light to illuminate the work.
Things we like:
- Variable speed motors allow for flexible router use. You won’t need to purchase a smaller model.
- No matter the cut direction, alternative cord placement will keep the cord out of harm’s way
- The tool-free bit installation and extraction speeds up the pace of more complicated jobs
Things we dont like:
- This DeWALT router is slightly heavier than other models in this guide
- A lack of an LED light makes precise cutting difficult, even with a clear base.
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router
This compact router model is also available. It weighs less than 2kg. The motor checks in at 6.5 amps and 1 horsepower, which is standard among most compact routers. It can run at 30,000 rpm which is the highest speed for most routers.
This router has a unique rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment. To change the depth of your router, all you have to do is unlatch a hook and turn a large dial.
The router is an excellent choice for woodworkers with experience who can use it for many tasks. The variable speed setting encourages use with a broad range of bits. The base also fits standard, third-party templates, further increasing the flexibility of this router.
Things we love:
- Makita’s 1-year warranty ensures the durability and craftsmanship of this router
- The rack and pinion micro depth set feature is easy to use and works well.
- It is easy to flip the router upside down so you can swap out bits.
Things we don’t like:
- This router doesn’t offer tool-free colet adjustments
- Like other compacts, this router cannot handle most heavy-duty applications, such as routing hardwoods
What A Woodworking Router Does And Why You Might Need One
As Steve Ramsey says in this video, nearly every finished wood surface in your home, apartment, or office was finished, at least in part, by a router. A router can do almost everything: edges, cabinet panel features and joints, inlay, etc.
A router works in one of two ways: held in the hands or mounted under a table. This guide will focus on handheld routers, but table-top routers are equally popular.
The type of job you’re doing will determine the difference. If you want to make your baseboard molding for the entire house, youll want a tabletop router because it will accomplish the task faster. On the other hand, handheld routers are better for more complex, finishing tasks that require frequent bit changing.
A woodworking router is also great for beginners looking to get into woodworking. A compact router and a round-over bit make it easy to create simple crafts or picture frames for friends.
A woodworking router is essential. A router is a must-have for any woodworking project. Lets say you want to make a picture frame. Without a router, the best you can do is a simple square or rectangle of wood. With a router, you can achieve, without much effort, something like this.
How Woodworking Routers Work
The woodworking router is an easy machine. It is an electric motor you hold with your hands. The bottom holds a collet which can hold a router bit. The motor spins quickly when you pull the trigger.
The collet is a large nut that secures the router to its base. Then you turn a dial to adjust the depth of the bit. Each router has a maximum depth, while others have two dials that allow for precise measurement.
Cutting with a router is simple, but caution is necessary. Router bits, spinning at high rpms, will sever a finger if you arent careful.
Hold the router flush against the material to be cut. Slowly and steadily move the router along the piece to achieve an even cut. Watch Bob Vila show you how a pro routers, here.
Guides that attach to router bases are a common feature on many routers. This aids in accuracy. As well, you can buy various jigs to work with a router. A jig is required to create dovetail joints and mortises for door hinges.
Many handheld routers come with plunge attachments that are often sold separately. A plunge router is simply a handheld router that can move up and down by pushing it. Plunge routers are useful when applying designs or lettering on a panel. The plunge router is a great tool for completing jobs that require you to frequently pick up and place the router.
Things To Look For In A Woodworking Router
Depending on your woodworking needs, youll want to consider the following important factors before purchasing a router:
- Regular size vs. compact. Which type of router should you buy depends on the type of project. For projects with decorative or rounded edges, a compact router is sufficient. For deeper cuts, such as a 3 cm mortise or dado cut, a standard-sized hand-held router is required.
- Table-top vs. hand-held. Although I only reviewed hand-held routers, table-top routers are great for high volume routering. You can also use your hand-held router as a router table. Most brands will sell a router table to go along with their routers, like this one from Bosch.
- Plunge vs. fixed. While the routers in this guide are all fixed base, many have the option of having a plunge-base accessory.
When cutting in the middle of a panel, a plunge router or one attached to the accessory is useful. For projects that require consistent depths of cut like edging and dados, fixed base models are more suitable.
Also, the max rpms of your router doesnt indicate the overall power. Amps do. Shafts are not able to handle large bits at high speeds. A 8 cm diameter bit actually spins much faster at the tip of the blade than at the shaft itself, sometimes over double the rpm! Thus, limit jobs with a compact router to smaller bits and shallower depths.
Woodworking Router FAQ
Q. What bits are needed to go with my new handheld device router?
A: Most routers will not come with any bits. A few bits might come with the routers, but it could be a tiny drum bit. Therefore, youll need to pick up a basic set of bits. They are available at every home improvement store. Once you get comfortable with your new tool, then you can look at more job-specific bits, like these.
Q. Are routers safe?
A: Routers can be one of the most dangerous tools in the woodshop. Your fingers are only a few inches from the 30,000 rpm steel blades. Careful, slow use of the tool is critical. You could get your fingers sliced if you move too quickly.
Also, the huge rpms of the router means wood chips come flying out at a high rate of speed. Safety glasses are an absolute must, and a dust mask.
Q: Im new to woodworking. Q: Can I use a router?
A: Absolutely. A compact router is a great tool to start woodworkers. A compact router makes it easy to round over edges and make molding.
Beginners should acquaint themselves with routers as soon as possible. Once you are comfortable with the machine, you’ll be able to do many tasks such as installing kitchen cabinets or decorative woodwork.
Take A Bow
The DeWalt DWP611 is one of the better compact routers, especially for beginner woodworkers. Its clear base and LED lights allow you to see what you are doing, which is important for beginners who want to learn how to properly use the tool. The 1.5 HP motor is average for compacts, but the price range is affordable for all budgets.
A more professional solution is the DeWalt DW618 Variable Speed Fixed-Base Router. This non-compact handheld router is powerful enough for deep cuts and hardwoods, at 2 HP. The variable speed feature sets it apart from many other routers in the full-size category. As well, the option to switch cord placement is hard to find in any other brand. This router is a good, affordable full-sized option.
The price is a key consideration for anyone who is looking for the best woodworking router. However, it is important to know what the router will be used for. Some jobs require a compact router, while others need a full-sized router. This guide will help determine which wood router is best for your next woodworking project. Looking for a guide to plunge routers? Check out, The Best Plunge Router Complete Buying Guide & Reviews.
