7+ [BEST] Wood Routers 2018/2019 Reviews [For PROs & DIY] 

The tool set of any woodworker is not complete without a wood router. The best wood router will enable you to create intricate designs, shape the edges of the wood, create joints, and hollow out grooves distinctly.

It is essential that the router you are working with along with your set of bits be of the very best quality. However, if you’re here and reading our wood router reviews, then you can rest assured–after reading this, you’ll know exactly what to pick.

In this article we review the best wood routers found on the market in 2017, but we’ll also empower you to make an educated decision by offering you a buying guide.

1 – Jump to Comparison Table
2 – Jump to Wood Routers Reviews
3 – Jump to Wood Routers Buyer’s Guide **HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**

Best Wood Router Reviews – Comparison Table

If you want a more details about the aforementioned routers, please check the following reviews. The wood routers buying guide can be found at the end of the article.

Best Fixed Base Router

DEWALT DW616 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed Base Router **OUR TOP PICK**

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If you are looking for the best wood router for both soft and hardwood work pieces, then the DEWALT fixed base router makes a great choice.

Smoothing has never been made easier with this 1-3/4-Horsepowered fixed base router. In addition, it comes with a micro-fine depth adjustment ring which adjusts up in 1/64-inch increments for that accurate and desirable finish.

Features

• 1-3/4 horsepower
• 11.0 Amp steel motor
• Quick-release motor latches for easy motor pack removal during bit and base changes
• Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock

Bosch PR20EVSK Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router

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You can’t talk about custom carpentry, mortising hinges, dovetailing, trimming laminate flooring and more without thinking about the versatility and workability of the Bosch router PR20EVSK Colt Variable Speed Router with Edge Guide. Despite its small size, this unit is loaded with massive power and comfort while working and guaranteed accuracy.
Features

• Adjustable speeds
• Comes with a palm-grip router kit
• Integrated soft start and quick-lock system
• 5.6AMP motor with 15,000 – 35,000rpm

PORTER-CABLE 690LR 11-Amp Fixed-Base Router

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An ergonomically designed router with a high rotating speed of 27,500RPM along with 1- ¾ horsepower is superiority at its best. The Porter-Cable 69-LR base router offers these advantages and much more.

If you are looking at safety and are still expecting precision from a base router, then this one makes a suitable choice.

Features

• 11-amp single-speed motor producing 1-3/4 peak horsepower at 27,500 RPM
• Aluminum motor housing and base
• Cam-lock lever for simple coarse height adjustments and motor release

Best Plunge Wood Router Reviews

Bosch 1617EVSPK  Fixed Base Variable Speed Router

The 1617EVSPK is perhaps the best Plunge wood router since it handles a broad range of routing applications. It is versatile and comes with a powerful motor with alongside top-class speed control technology.

It also comes with a precision base plus several other added advantages for utmost convenience while working and precision on your work pieces.

Features

• Electronic variable speed plunge and fixed base router kit
• Soft start, micro-fine depth adjustments
• 2-1/4-horsepower router combination kit; variables speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm
• Aluminum construction
• Comes with both fixed and plunge bases
• Wooden handles on the fixed base and soft-grip handle on the plunge base
• Comes with collet chucks, wrenches, chip shields, carrying case
• 6.2 x 19.5 x 14.5 inches
• 19-1/2 pounds weight

DEWALT DWP611PK Variable Speed Compact Router

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The DEWALTDWP611PK compact router Combo Kit is an all time tool that comes with double LED for those dark days when work still has to be done.

On the overall, it is a great lightweight performer with 1.25hp motor at power speeds ranging between 16,000 and 27,000RPMS. What’s even better is that it comes with speed control technology to adjust speeds to different applications.

• 1.35hp motor that delivers super power
• Variable speed control technology and a No Load speed range of 16,000 -27,000RPM

Features

Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit

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The RT0701CX3 router by Makita comes packed with every imaginable feature you can attach to exceptional performance.

A variable control speed dial over a wide speed range, depth adjustments, four bases, and two wrenches are features that together contribute to the utmost versatility of this router.

Features

• Variable speed control dial for a speed range of between 10,000 and 30,000 RPM
• Smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system
• Slim and ergonomically designed body
• Quick release cam- lock system for depth adjustments and base removal/installation
• Accepts industry standard template guides
• Electronic speed control for constant speed under load
• Soft start feature for smooth start ups
• High visibility base design
• Comes with ¼-inch collet
• Fixed, plunge, tilt, and offset bases
• Trimmer guide
• Dust nozzles on the fixed and plunge bases
• Its package includes 13 and 22-inch wrenches
• Additions include a straight guide and a tool bag

Best Variable Speed Wood Router

PORTER-CABLE 892 2-1/4-Horsepower Router

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Porter-Cable 892 Horsepower router presents convenience at its best with its ability to adjust depths for cut changes from above the router table. Simply unlock the base, make your adjustments, and then lock it again.
Features

• 2-1/4-horsepower soft-starting 12AMP motor with full time electronic feedback
• Variable speed control for speeds ranging between 10,000 and 23,000RPM
• Dual-position switch for disconnecting power while maintaining router control
• Over molded grips
• Single lock for single wrench bit changes
• Comes with 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets and a collet wrench

Conclusion

All the beautifully patterned wood pieces you see around you are as a result of the quality work of a wood router. This tool is indispensable for the serious professional, the DIY wood worker, anyone just trying their hand in wood work or someone who is trying to improve their garden.

The best wood router will deliver power, precision, speed, and most importantly convenience while working.

As always, our review isn’t complete without a top pick.

The DEWALT DW616 is our best fixed base router because of the extra bit concentricity offering it gives compared to others in the same category.

If you are considering having a plunge base router, then consider Bosch 1617EVSPK your best wood router based on its ergonomic design and convenient offerings.

Woodworking Routers Buying Guide

Knowing that routers come in different varieties and as well knowing their differences is important so that you are in a position to select the best one for the work at hand.After all, the quality of your work will depend on the router you choose at the time.

Sometimes, depending on your work, you may need to have several different routers to get the task completed to your desired finish.There are certain factors that you will need to take into consideration in order to figure out which router to work with.

These factors include the size of bits you require to get the job done and whether or not you will need mount your selected router on a table. It is also important to know if you will be doing any plunge cutting and if portability is feature that will be vital to your work.

Once you have figured this out, selecting the best wood router or routers for your routing and smoothing tasks will be much easier.

That said, a router is an indispensable tool right at the center of the woodworker’s chores. I believe that if you have ever tried working without a router, you will attest to its utmost importance.

A bit of history…

The history of the wood router is not complete without the mention of its inventor, Onsrud. In 1915, when Onsrud together with his son experienced some challenges making a groove on the bottom plane of a chair, the router plane he had joined with an endmill, which they had named Onsruter, was not as effective because it operated at 3000 RPM rather than the needed 30,000RPM.

Onsruter derives from ‘onsrud’ the inventor and ‘router’ the power tool. This first innovation was what saw to the invention of the plunge router, developed by ELU, now a part of DeWalt.

What does a Wood Router Do

Wood routers have been known to be some of the most versatile tools which any serious professional woodworker must consider having have.

Nevertheless, since we understand that some maybe new to this very interesting DIY art, let’s go through some of the specific tasks a wood router tackles. Bear in mind that there are two different types therefore some tasks will be better handled by a specific router type.

It is important to know that the plunge base router has many more tasks compared to the fixed base router. In general, fixed base routers are perfect on edges, grooves and rabbet joints while the plunge base can work right at the middle as well as on the edge of a woodworker’s platform.

Ø  Making mortises – a plunge base router is especially ideal for this function. Together with a spiral cut bit, you may not need a hollow-chisel mortiser.

Routing patterns in the interior of work pieces – it takes the right bit to route patterns in the interior of your work piece. If you realize that your bit is not deep enough, a collet extension helps you achieve the routing depth you need as it fits into your router collet.

Ø  Creating dadoes for cabinets, book cases and more: While a dado set can be quite handy for this task, the wood router with the right bit and jig does equally well, only a little patience will apply. Be sure to use a guide bushing for precision.

Ø  Creating circular work pieces – this is perhaps one of the major functions of a wood router. It does really well creating round over corners on your work pieces. This eliminates the use of a saw, especially when you really don’t have one.

Ø  Creating signs – have you ever wondered just how letterings on signs are created? Well, thanks to the router and the plunge base router works this out perfectly because it allows for micro-depth adjustments.  

Ø  Cutting out inlay recesses – these are some of the most difficult to root out however, with steadiness you will achieve precise cuts. Recesses can be decorative or be used to patch up holes or cracks in wood.

Ø  Rout Key Holes – this is one of the most common uses of a router. The market is flooded with specific router bits for key holes so this shouldn’t be a difficult task.

Ø  Route templates – templates display the skill of any wood worker and can be used over and over by different people. Wood routers are good for creating routing templates.

Importance of a Wood Router

• Versatility – With a router, you are able to cut many different shapes that a carpenter often needs to cut easily and quickly. These include mortise slices, circles and more. They also enable you to copy patterns and wood tracings.
• Diversity – A router will without limit enable you to work on different types of furniture such as desks, shelves, furnishings and more.
• Efficiency – Not only do you get the job faster with a router, your work is also more accurate and consistent. Precision is a wood working quality that very few professionals are willing to gamble with.
• Quality – Routers allow for straight, smooth, and admirable shapes that you cannot achieve any other way.
• Strength – If you are looking to create furniture with strong joints, then a router is a must have. It is integral to ensuring this and also gives your wood excellent finish making them more durable.
• Professionalism – Because you need training to use the bits efficiently, you must gain professionals skills in order to use a router. You must learn which bit does what. Gaining this knowledge and skills improves your level of professionalism.

Types of Wood Routers

Routers fall into two main categories: fixed base routers and plunge routers. How the router is designed informs how it should be used and the type of work it can perform.  Here are the different types of routers.

• Fixed base routers – These routers tend to be more compact and are generally easy to maneuver, compared to others. They are great for general routing, shaping edges and for use with router tables.
• Interchangeable bases – Interchangeable bases can be moved around with ease and are economical too. If you want to have different bases then this is the tool for you. Upgrading shouldn’t be a problem with the interchangeable bases.
• Trim Router – If your tasks require less power and capacity, this is the router for you. It works exceptionally well when it comes to beveling and trimming laminates. If you are keen on detail, you will love working with this router.
• Plunge base router – Woodworkers who often make stopped dadoes, mortises, through cuts, engraving, pattern or template work, and deep groves will appreciate this router.
• Rotary tool – Hobbyists, crafters, and those who create work with fine detail will find this type of router ideal. It makes a fantastic choice for small tasks because it is versatile, easy to maneuver and compact.
• Variable Speed Routers – for those that value speed control during operation, the variable speed router comes in handy. These come with built in speed controls and are designed to rout with a range of speed most commonly between 12000 RPM and 18000 RPM.
• CNC Wood Routers – An emerging type of wood router that embraces technology. CNC meaning computer Numerical Control in essence refers to the operation of this unit. It is controlled from a computer and can perform a number of varying tasks including production of door carvings, interior and exterior decorations, sign boards to name but a few.

Essential Accessories in a Wood Router

Router table – Provides a working surface on which to set your router and other router accessories. If you need a reliable router table, we also did a best router table reviews article.

Bits – Router bits are arguably the most important accessories so that without them you can’t possibly use your router. There are varieties of bits for different uses.

For instance, the 1/8” round over bit is useful for smoothing sharp corners, ½” down cut spiral bit for jointing, while the ¼” straight bit is handy for mortises and grooves.

Router Jig – When cutting hinge recesses, box joiners, dado and dovetail joints, the router jig helps with holding your work piece firmly.

Switch – The power switch that comes with your router is not exactly permanent. It goes through the usual wear and tear and its replacement is inevitable.

Router fence – For that non-shifting piece, guide to slide your wood along, and desired accuracy during cuts, the route fence is a must have.

Clamps – Clamps play the same role as jigs only that their role is a bit more general. Again, they can help hold the jigs in place while you are at work.

Speed Control – A speed control, sometimes known as a footswitch, helps you adjust the router speed for different applications particularly when your hands are engaged and you don’t want to keep switching the router on and off.

What to Look at When Selecting a Wood Router

It is not enough to go through wood router reviews, knowing the important factors to consider when selecting a router will go a long way into helping you make an informed choice.

These 6 factors are the most important to consider when selecting a router for your woodwork:

• Horsepower – The best wood router will have a 2 HP motor rating. For larger bits, you may want to consider more power.
• Variable speed – Your router should have the ability to adjust its speed to different levels for versatility. Otherwise, single speed routers can be a bit limiting.
• Collet diameter – Since router bits come in ¼ and ½ inch diameter, you should get a router that can work with both sizes.
• Comfortable grip – This is especially important if you work frequently or for long hours. A comfortable grip that is soft on your palms goes a long way to make you work easy and convenient.
• Dust control – Since routing and smoothing work pieces involves a lot of wood dust waste, finding one with an in built dust control system will save you clean up time.
• Power Switch – It is important that this switch be accessible enough for your thumb to reach it easily for a quick on and off turn.

Some Top Brands

Ø  DeWalt has defiantly made some strides in the development of some of the powerful and top performing wood routers. This perhaps, owes to the fact that they started perfecting their products way ahead of others.

Most DeWalt wood routers are known to manufacture versatile plunge and fixed routers. Therefore, if you are considering variable speed, speed control, and other important extras then you can’t go wrong with DeWalt routers.

You may also opt for the combo kit like the DEWALT DW618PK which apart from its remarkable power, can handle both plunge and fixed router tasks.

Ø  BOSCH is also a good brand if you are looking at power and durability. This company has a history of producing some sturdy yet durable power tools and has certainly done well with their wood routers. Bosch fixed routers come with more than 2HP power and up to 25000 RPM which is quite a remarkable speed for any power tool.

The Bosch 1619EVS Plunge router at 3.25 HP is perhaps the most powerful, and is quite ideal for heavy duty routing tasks.

Our review today is packed with rich insight about top wood routers in the market based on their performance and outstanding features.

Maintenance Tips and Tricks

You have learnt about the top brands and have decided to acquire a wood router. You’ve even gone through the entire buyer’s’ guide and have decided it’s time to get yourself one. The selection process is over and done with but you are still wondering how you’ll take care of your precious DIY tool.

Here are a few handy tips that will help you keep your unit strong and going.

• Clean your router after every use. This helps keep it from dust and dirt which with time may clog up and damage your tool.
• Router bits are often exposed to resin and pitch which if not dealt with builds up on the edge of the bit causing it to heat up during operation. This essentially is what destroys bits therefore be sure to clean your bit, a toothbrush should suffice, after use. For a piloted bit, detach the bearing and clean the two separately, the bearing in a solvent, and then put them back together.
• Don’t forget to clean the collet and the shaft of your router too.
• Bits can be expensive to keep replacing. Store them well in a roomy drawer to prevent them from damaging.
• For best performance, sharpen the cutting edges of your bits regularly.
• Always inspect the power cord of your router before use. A damaged cord can cause serious accidents.
• A router mounted on an enclosed router table needs a decent dust collector. Dust is the number one enemy of your router’s well being.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Routers

What are CNC wood routers used for?

Referring to a Computer Numerical Control Wood Router, is a router related to the handheld router which operates by computer rather than manual controls.

These wood routers cut out objects from wood that have been designed using CAD/CAM computer programs. These routers are ideal for engineering prototyping, art, product development, hobbyist design work, and production works.

My router operates with ¼-inch bits. How do I scale it to accommodate ½-inch bits?

Ideally, you need a router that works both with the ½-inch and ¼-inch bits because they accommodate both. While there is likely a way to fix the ½-inch on your ¼-inch router, its power is not designed to handle larger bits.

How often should I replace my collets, what are the indications that they are worn out?

We already know that a collet along with its shaft and nut are what hold bits on your router. Collets should be changed after 400-600hrs of use. Look out for signs of metallic damage such as burrs or bell mouths which are an indication that they are worn out.

What is the difference between a router table and a shaper?

While both have common functionalities, they are different as some woodworker would prefer one over the other.  While router tables operate using a router bit with a shank fixed to the cutter together with a router mounted underneath the table, shapers use a spindle fits a cutter head sliding along on the spindle.

Spindles will handle heavier tasks compared to a router which is designed to be more versatile. Shapers are better comparable to a router than to a router table.  

Are variable speed wood routers fixed base or plunged base?

Actually, they are both. Speed is a factor that categorizes different routers regardless of whether they are fixed or plunged base. Some will come with single speed while others, particularly those that work with larger size bits, will be designed with variable speed.

Fixed Base versus Plunge Base Wood Router

The fixed base router was the first to be developed. While it comes with a fixed base, literally, some people might find it a bit cumbersome to use especially when they need to make depth adjustments within operation, because this is not possible.

However, it presents a good option for beginners because it is much safer and easier to operate. In addition, the fixed base router gives the user better control given the base’s lower center of gravity.

Plunge base routers on the other hand are quite versatile and can handle all the tasks of a fixed base router and much more.

However, first timers had better practice with the fixed base routers first before opting for this one. The plunge base makes an ideal for experienced wood workers. These units also tend to be much heavier than their fixed counterparts. Well both are packed with power so expect some noise.

Conclusion

Whether you are a DIY person or a woodworking pro, getting the best wood router for your specific needs is imperative. We believe that this review along with the buyer’s guide has given you some insight into the best routers in the market and that you will have a good time selecting what’s best for you.