10 Best Wood Router Reviews (Plus Guide!)
What's in this article...
- 10 Best Wood Router Reviews (Plus Guide!)
- Top 10 Wood Routers
- Choosing the best wood router Guide
- Wood Router Reviews
- 1. DEWALT DW611PK 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router
- 2. Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router
- 3. PORTER-CABLE 690LR 11-Amp Fixed-Based Router
- 4. Black & Decker RP250 Variable Speed Plunge Router
- 5. DEWALT DW618PK Plunge and Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router
- 6. Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Pam Grip Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide
- 7. DEWALT DW616 Fixed Base Router
- 8. DEWALT DW618B3 Plunge and Fixed Base Router.
- 9. Bosch MRC23EVSK Combination Plunge and Fixed-Base Variable Speed Router.
- 10. Makita RTO701C Compact Router
Having the best router in your wood shop can be a serious help if you plan on doing things like building furniture, making picture frames, and a host of other DIY wood projects. And whether your a professional, or just starting out, a wood router is a great addition to any shop.
And most of us normally don’t know the process that the wood undergoes to yield that final product that you adore so much. The wood router is one essential tool that is used in this process.
If you are a carpenter or your work revolves around wood works, then the wood router is a tool that you cannot do without. When you want to make different designs, grooves and shapes on your woodwork, then the wood router will come to your aid.
The router is powered and therefore produces enough horsepower to enable you to work on both hard and soft woods.
Listed below are some of the best wood routers that will solve all your woodwork needs.
Top 10 Wood Routers
Product Name | Power (HP) | Price |
---|---|---|
DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router Combo Kit with LED’s | 1 | $$ |
Bosch 12 Amp 2-1/4 Combination Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit 1617EVSPK with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets | 37,988 | $$ |
PORTER-CABLE 690LR 11-Amp Fixed-Base Router | 38,047 | $$ |
Black & Decker RP250 10-Amp 2-1/4-Inch Variable Speed Plunge Router | 2 | $$ |
DEWALT DW618PK 12-AMP 2-1/4 HP Plunge and Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router Kit | 37,988 | $$ |
Bosch Colt Palm Grip PR20EVSK 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide | 1 | $$ |
DEWALT DW616 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed Base Router | 38,047 | $$ |
DEWALT DW618B3 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base and Fixed Base | 37,988 | $$$ |
Bosch MRC23EVSK 2.3 HP Combination Plunge & Fixed-Base Variable Speed Router Pack | 2 | $$$ |
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router | 37,987 | $ |
Our Top Pick
3. PORTER-CABLE 690LR 11-Amp Fixed-Based Router
The Porter-Cable 690LR Router has an 11-amp motor that is capable of producing 1-3/4 peak horsepower. The motor is single-speed and is capable of making 27,500 revolutions per minute.
To allow for the motor release and simple coarse height adjustments, the router has a cam-lock lever. This machine is of very high precision and will get your job properly done. The aluminum motor housing makes it durable to give you value for your money. Its micrometer depth adjuster has an accuracy of up to 1/128”.
To make routing easy and comfortable, the router has two ergonomic handles that are strategically placed. It also includes collets that accept ½” and ¼” shank bits. Its rugged and ball-bearing construction and dust-sealed components make it durable and efficient. The auto-release collet system for removing the bit easily makes it user-friendly.
Pros
- Fast bit removal
- Ergonomic design makes it stable.
- Comfortable to use during operations.
Cons
- Not portable.
- Lacks variable speed feature.
4. Black & Decker RP250 Variable Speed Plunge Router
The Black & Decker RP250 Router has a gradual start feature that allows for greater control and hence more precise results. It draws currents of up to 10 amperes that makes it powerful and capable of making 8,000 to 27,000 revolutions per minute. Its plunge action makes it suitable for use over a wide range of tasks.
It has three easy to set turrets that minimize the set-up time for repetitive depth cuts. To improve control and visibility, the sight line base has been introduced. The spindle lock makes it convenient to change the bits, therefore, making the depth-setting scale easy and accurate. The router comes with an adjustable parallel edge guide.
Safety and high comfort levels of the user are guaranteed by its contoured chip shield and its trigger switch with a lock-on feature. It comes with a ¼” collet and wrench.
Pros
- Good dust collector.
- Variable speed for different operations.
- Very accurate.
- Easy and quick bit changes.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Limited depth-stop range
- No ½” collet.
5. DEWALT DW618PK Plunge and Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router
The DEWALT DW618PK Router has a 12-amp electronic variable speed motor that produces an output power of 2-1/4 HP that routes smoothly through the toughest hardwoods. However, it does not come with a centering tool. It has a very integral through-the-column dust collection system that is capable of collecting up to 95% of the dust thereby providing top-notch bit visibility. For base and bit changes, there are quick release motor latches for easy and fast removal of motor pack.
Precise depth adjustments in 1/64” increments are realized from the micro-fine depth adjustment ring that is also capable of making vertical adjustments for a constant switch location.
The full feedback control maintains a speed of between 8,000 to 24,000 revolutions per minute under load. For enhanced router control, the motor has a soft start to minimize on the start-up torque. The tool-free steel motor cam lock ensures a solid locking.
This wood router comes with collets of ¼” and ½” which makes it versatile and a good product for bit retention. The adjustability of the motor cam lock is very necessary for quickening the process of base changing.
Pros
- Integrated dust control.
- Ensures comfortability during operation.
- Secure base.
- Variable speed control.
- Improved cut line
- Tool-free base changes and depth adjustments.
Cons
- Does not come with a centering tool.
6. Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Pam Grip Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide
The Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Pam Grip Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide is a highly versatile tool that is used for mortising hinges, dovetailing, custom carpentry, trimming deck planks and laminate flooring, edge forming, slot cutting, decorative inlays and window cut out operations.
It is fitted with a motor that draws a current of 5.6 amperes that yields an output power of 1 horsepower. This is enough to produce a speed of 15,000 to 35,000 revolutions per minute. The motor is a soft-start one with quick-lock systems.
Its aluminum construction makes it durable. This router also comes with a collet, fixed-base, palm router, straight-edge guide, case and drop-forged collet and shaft wrenches. The palm-grip is designed in such a way that it is soft to improve on its comfort ability. Overload protection and consistent performance are realized through its constant response circuitry that monitors and maintains speed under load.
The quick clamp system makes moving the motor from base to base easy to enable you to work on other projects. A cleverly designed front spindle lock on the motor has been designed for easy one-wrench bit changes. The cord has been angled to help keep it out of the way.
Pros
- Constant response circuitry for stable motor speed.
- Comfortable to use.
- Precise results due to depth adjustments.
- Powerful motor with variable speed.
Cons
- Only 3 preset depth stops.
7. DEWALT DW616 Fixed Base Router
With its 11-amp motor that outputs power of 1-3/4 horsepower, the DEWALT DW616 Fixed Base Router routes smoothly through the toughest hardwoods. Its precise depth adjustments in 1/64” increments are as a result of the micro-fine depth adjustment ring.
To ensure stable locking and quick base changes, the Adjustable tool-free steel motor cam lock makes the depth adjustments. This will enhance the safety of the user while at the same time posting some great results.
This router has incorporated a sub-base concentricity gauge to ensure bit concentricity for proper accuracy during operations. The quick-release motor latches are for fast and easy motor pack removal for base and bit changes.
Pros
- Visibility of the cutline.
Cons
- Requires additional base for trimming.
8. DEWALT DW618B3 Plunge and Fixed Base Router.
The DEWALT DW618B3 Router features three bases that can tackle a wide variety of tasks which makes it versatile and a professional grade quality. The three bases are a plunge base, a fixed base and a D-handle base for advanced precision during handling. A 12-amp, 2-1/4 horsepower motor provides enough power for a smooth routing through the toughest of hardwoods.
The router has an electronic variable-speed trigger that allows you to select a suitable speed between 8,000 and 24,000 revolutions per minute that suit your applications. It maintains a constant speed under load due to its electronic feedback. The motor’s soft start ensures optimum control of the router by the user due to the reduced start-up torque.
A micro-fine depth adjustment ring leads to precise bit adjustments in 1/64-inch increments. This ring turns to adjust bit depth, and therefore a constant switch location is maintained when using the router on a table. This helps in keeping the consistency of the operation as well as minimizing difficulty in turning the unit on and off.
Making of repeated plunge cuts has been made easier using this router since the plunge base has an adjustable five-position turret stop that is called into action when such kind of projects are being done.
The turret stop offers a micro-fine depth adjustment of 5/128-inch per turn for maximum precision routing in inlays and veneer. Control of the machine is kept at the fingertips due to the easy-to-reach plunge-release lever.
The D-handle also offers a 1/64-inch micro-fine depth adjustment. It is however complemented with a two-position, over-molded rubber handle. The D-handle provides excellent control and balance as well as the needed comfort during operation due to its low center of gravity.
Pros
- Optimum bit visibility.
- Easy bit and base changes.
- Comfortable operation.
- Integrated dust control.
- Easy and fast motor-pack removal.
Cons
- Not efficient design for long-time use.
9. Bosch MRC23EVSK Combination Plunge and Fixed-Base Variable Speed Router.
The Bosch MRC23EVSK Router is a 2.3 horsepower electronic modular system with an advanced set-up that provides both the fixed and plunge bases. This router has its power switch in both the plunge base and the fixed base, therefore, giving the user an outstanding control over the machine.
Each of its bases uses a micro-fine bit-depth system that produces exacting cuts every time. It comes with a 15-amp motor with adjustable speed settings, soft-start feature as well as a constant response circuitry for maintaining a constant speed throughout the cut. To maneuver along dovetail fixtures and templates, a precision-centering system and base openings in both bases have been included in the machine. The motor is capable of making speeds of between 10,000 to 25,000 revolutions per minute.
The accuracy of this machine depends on its smooth plunge action and spring-lock plunge lever. The precision-centering design allows for the centering of the bit with the sub-base or the optimal template guides. The continuous depth range is 1-5/8-inch. You can move along the intended cut-line using templates, dovetail fixtures, jigs or any other guidance devices.
Pros
- Hold their depth quite well
- Precise
- Maintains constant speed throughout the cut.
- Versatile
- Always-on LED lighting for visibility of the cut line.
Cons
- Low center of gravity hinders plunging into woods.
10. Makita RTO701C Compact Router
The 1-1/4 horsepower Makita RTO701C Compact Router has a variable speed dial that can change its speed from 10,000 to 30,000 revolutions per minute to speed up the application. The quick-release cam lock system makes depth adjustments, base removal and installation easy. Its ergonomic and slim design makes it more comfortable and easy to control.
The electronic speed control feedback helps maintain a constant speed under load. This machine has a soft start feature, and its base can accept industry standard template guides for any DIY project. The more precise settings are as a result of a smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system. The collet is ¼” with a straight guide and a 13mm wrench. It is an ideal tool for door hinges and dovetailing.
Pros
- Easy-to-read depth scales.
- High visibility base design.
- Double insulated.
- Easy and quick bit changes.
Cons
- Works only with the ¼” bits.
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