Best Overall
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router
Best Bang for the Buck
Kobalt Corded Router and Router Table
Best Cordless
Metabo HTP 36V Cordless Variable Speed Plunge Router
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Our Favorite Wood Routers On Sale Now!
Our Best Bang plectron , theKobalt Corded Router and Router Table , is on sale for just $ 149 ( Save $ 30 ) at Lowe ’s . This versatile kit even includes a router table for stationary role and its power 12 - A motor cold shoulder through all kinds of wood .
If you ’re look cordless contrivance , check out our Best Cordless option , theMetabo HPT 36V Cordless Variable Speed Plunge Router , for $ 271.48 ( Save $ 147.52 ) at Amazon . Not only does it have a powerful motor , but the Metabo comes with dual ergonomic hold and features a index button right on the top of one handle , making it simple to start and stop .
Hurry ! These deals wo n’t last long !
Seasoned DIYers and hobbyists know the difference a Natalie Wood router can make on the quality of a woodworking projection . From childlike round - overs to fancy cyma reversa ( S - shaped ) edges , the undecomposed wood router add fetch up trace that give the project a professional spirit . Routers are straightforwardtoolsthat apply a spinning morsel to shape the boundary of boards or make cutout for wood joints or decorative elements .
office pecker producer have made several betterment in their routers in recent year , bring variable - speed dials , ergonomic handgrip , and dip capability , so we wanted to test the top models to see how they performed . We also reach out to a professional woodworker to get expert penetration into what to look for in a router . We selected from today ’s intimately - sell alternative and tried them out in our woodworking shop to determine where they excel — and what they could do better . We quiz every occasion and scored the routers based on their functioning .
Our favorite is theDeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Routerfor its power and precision , as well as helpful additional lineament like soft - start engineering science and two-fold light-emitting diode lights . But there are plenty more cracking alternative here . onward , find out what to look for when selecting the adept wood router for your undertaking needs , and receive out how the following models earned a patch in our lineup .
Our Top Picks
The following routers performed well in our hands - on tests and realise their place in this batting order . We try out routers for a range of need , including basic models for universal edge formation , plunge - cut picks for geld in the centre of the wood , and even a duet that come with tables for more stability . Whether shopper are looking for a corded shop model or a electric battery - mesh portable router , they ’re sure to observe a estimable performer here .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carry our trade name ’s highest point of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the menage and DIY products that instill us most in our real - humans examination and that illustrate core values of the Bob Vila steel , admit workmanship , innovation , and note value for the dollar . success of this identification come recommended by our professional review team and are in person approve by Bob Vila .
We did n’t place out to choose a stocky mannikin for our Best Overall pick , but the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router is only little when it make out to size — it ’s flop up there with full - size models when it comes to power and precision .
We ’re familiar with DeWalt ’s pro - select power tools , so we were n’t surprised by the top - snick performance of this cordless route . It come up with a 20V MAX 3 amp hour ( Ah ) lithium - ion battery that power the motor to speeds up to 25,500 rpm . A telephone dial at the top of the motor adjusts the focal ratio , and we found it simple to reach with a pollex without shifting our grip on the puppet itself . The DeWalt can be held with two hand , but it ’s compendious enough to operate using just one — for those situations where a board must be braced with the other hand while routing .
We liked its flabby - starting engineering that commence the bit spinning smoothly without flick the tool . It also apply unremitting answer to supervise the morsel ’s speed and adjust it to beseem the tightness of the wood . We root the edge of both pine boards and hardwood ( oak ) boards and got smooth edge profiles on both . We also tested the DeWalt in the center of our material ; this required tip the tool , but its clear base gave us added visibility , so the issue were good .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The DeWalt router come with the power to make micro adjustment to the bit ’s astuteness , which is vital for preciseness designs . This fine - tuning ability separates an fair router from a great one . The tool also features a manoeuvre light that was bright enough to crystalise clearly the material we were spread-eagle . The only downside — and it ’s just a personal choice — is not having a ½-inch collet chuck . The collet on this DeWalt router is only ¼ in , so it ’s well suitable to route curves and point on pocket-size projects rather than commercial-grade usance .
What our quizzer says:“I set up the DeWalt compact router open of creating edge aim and profiles as smooth and accurate as larger routers . Not only is this router comfortable to utilize , but at less than 4 pounds , I found I could expend it continuously for more than an hour — without suffer from bridge player or wrist fatigue . ” — Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews examiner and author
Read our full reappraisal : DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router
Get the DeWalt wood router atThe Home Depot(battery and courser included),Amazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
This Kobalt router can tackle a range of job without cost a fortune . It has a 12 - amp motor and birl up to 25,000 rpm , depending on wood density , although the speed is not adjustable . The set up - base router housing features two ergonomic handles that gave us a high degree of stableness while we worked freehand . Still , we liked the ability to get in touch it to the router tabular array ( included ) , which gave us added control .
When attached to the mesa , the office is controlled via a declamatory red / yellow clitoris on the front — no reaching under the table and fumbling for a switch on the router itself . This is a nice feature article , and the instructions for place it up do with the table assembly manual . We assembled the table in about 10 minutes .
Photo: The Home Depot
We gouge the edges on both mild pine and hard oak tree , and the corded Kobalt performed cleanly both when we used it freehand and attach to the router table . We had trouble starting cuts in the shopping center of our material , in the main because the router base blocked the visibility of the snatch when we tipped the router in piazza . ( Tipping is call for when start a fixed - base router in the heart of the textile . )
For some , the lack of adjustable speed may be a tenuous downside , but with exercise and a light touch , we rule we could adjust the pressing of the bit against the wood and still maintain a high level of ascendancy .
Get the Kobalt wood router atLowe ’s .
Photo: Lowe’s
Here get the top executive role player ! The 36 - volt motor on the Metabo plunge router is powerful enough to generate up to 25,000 revolutions per minute of spinning - bit speed — as much as many full - size corded model . It also features a speed adjustment that rent us reduce the speed as desire during testing .
This is a dip router , so we used it to start spread-eagle in the centers of our board . The heart-to-heart nerve center base plate aim allowed us to see and align the bit precisely before we begin routing . The Metabo comes with twofold ergonomic handles and boast a power button right on the top of one grip , throw it wide-eyed to start up and stop . It add up with act depth adjustment and runs on a rechargeable Li - ion barrage ( included ) .
The plunge activity is smooth , and we found it comfortable to frown the spinning bit into the forest and then write out detailed designs . We also tested the Metabo ’s performance make outside edge cuts : While we were able to create several uniform edge profiles , we had the better results with dip routing .
Photo: Lowe’s
The Metabo cut smoothly on both true pine and oak tree circuit board . If we could convert one thing , we ’d opt for a brighter LED guide visible radiation , since clearly take care the material while rout is one of the keys to professional - look designs .
Get the Metabo Natalie Wood router atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Best Kit
Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router Kit
The Bosch Router Power Tools kit has almost endless possibleness . This router lay out comes with a dip base , a fixed base , and a benchtop table , all compatible with the include router . The router itself boast a 12 - amp motor with speed adjustments up to 25,000 rev .
Swapping from the fixed - basis case to the plunge casing was square , taking about 3 minutes per variety , and both foundation issue forth with precision bit profoundness adjustments . We used the dip base to test cuts in the field and found it comfortable to align the bit and let down the router effortlessly for exact cuts .
With the sterilise - base shell on , we tested the Bosch router for freehand gash and table cuts . It worked flawlessly on both — the rootle designs were quiet and accurate . The table is sturdy and stable , but it did take about 30 minutes to put together . Once assembled , however , it learn only a few moment to attach the router to the underside of the table . The unvarying - hurrying feature film directed more mogul to the bit when we switched from pine to oak . We could get a line the motor increment in H.P. to keep the bit spinning at our pick out speed .
Photo: Amazon
This kit is on the costly side , but it ’s a top option for woodworkers who work on various projects and need both a dip router and a determine - basis router .
Get the Bosch 1617EVSPK wood router atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Palm Router
Makita RT0701C 1-1¼ HP Compact Router
We ’re fans of the high - caliber Makita power tools , and this compact router did n’t disappoint . We tested this router with a fixed base , but buyers can pick out a kit with an interchangeable plunge base if desired .
Some lightweight palm routers incline to jump on scratch - up since they ’re not heavy enough to declare oneself much stability . This was n’t an military issue for the Makita router , which weigh 3.9 pounds thanks to its slow - outset technology for secure and easy controlled start - ups . ( These lineament also make it a greatwood router for beginner . ) The base slides off the motor easy for bit changes — an essential feature of speech for palm routers with small bases to make it easier to change bits .
The compact Makita ’s 6.5 - amp motor adjusts for speeding up to 30,000 rev via a telephone dial on top of the tool . At the top end , that ’s among the fastest rotation fastness of the routers we tested , but keep in mind that this router is design mainly for workshop - type exercise — it ’s not made for overweight - responsibility routing of a commercial-grade nature . We tried it on both pine and oak , but we noticed a slender deceleration of the turn on the oak tree . There ’s a simple solution for this , however : Just ease up on the pressure and design to make an additional two or three base on balls when routing hardwoods . We were able-bodied to get elaborate conception using that methodological analysis .
Photo: Amazon
The only famed downside was using the Makita to start cut of meat in the field . The base dental plate is not designed for easy regard the wood , but that ’s why Makita offers a plunge nucleotide that can be purchased separately . This little router comes with a ¼-inch collet .
Get the Makita woodwind router atAmazonorRockler(plunge base include ) .
Best Plunge Router
Bosch MRP23EVS 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge-Base Router
The first thing we notice when unboxing the Bosch 2.3 HP ( hp ) dip router was how heavy it was . That 12.6 pounds indicated that it would have gamy stability during operation . We also found the superfluous weight to reduce vibration .
The router has a 15 - A motor with an adjustable pep pill range of up to 25,000 rpm , and it feature constant answer , so the motor sound off in more major power when we switched to slow hardwood . The velocity telephone dial is settle on the top of the router , which is a piddling unhandy because we had to release one of the handgrip to aline it . It would have been nice having it closer to the handles where it could be adjusted via a thumb without releasing our clench on the tool .
The power trigger is on the handle , which makes it easy to start and block off the bit while keeping a firm clasp . Also , this plunge - home router sport soft - start applied science , and we appreciated being able to get going the bit without the router jerk , which is an progeny with some router .
Photo: Amazon
One of our favorite features on this plunge router was the precision snatch depth accommodation that allow microfine depth tuning and an well-heeled - to - see deepness gauge . In plus to routing exactly in the center of the arena , we test the Bosch on border routing , and the open - al-Qaeda intention , plus the bright guidebook sparkle , made it potential to control the tool and achieve smooth , uniform result .
Get the Bosch MRP23EVS wood router atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best Trim Router
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Router
Compact and cordless , the Milwaukee trimming router can be used anywhere — in the woodshop or on the labor site because there ’s no indigence to secure it in . buyer should be cognisant , however , that the router comes with a rechargeable M18 lithium - ion battery but no battery courser . This wo n’t be an issue for those with other Milwaukee M18 tools because the assault and battery can be charged in one of those chargers , but anyone who does n’t have a charger will need to buy one severally .
We essay this fixed - base router on both the edges of the boards and in the field . Like all fix - base model , we had to slant it to startle cuts in the field , but the see - through acrylic ring at the base ’s outer boundary and the capable - theme design leave a bill of supernumerary visibility , and we get good results . Plus , it derive with a solid LED guide light .
The depth adjustment is exact and easy to modify , but we found the dust collection port to be more trouble than it was deserving . bind it required disassembling the base and reassemble it with the port in place . We thieve it to our wet / dry - type vacuum , but we did n’t notice that it reduce the dust rout out from the router . It still blow out most of the junk out of the bottom of the tool .
Photo: The Home Depot
This compact Milwaukee offers up to 31,000 rpm and total with a speed - adaption dial . The in high spirits rpm makes for smooth edge that postulate minimum sanding . Still , this router is advantageously suit to light - tariff work , such as routing the edges of trim board , because it come with only a ¼-inch collet for small fleck .
Get the Milwaukee wood router atThe Home Depot , Milwaukee(tool only ) , orWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Wood Routers
For this usher , we sought the advice of Richard Louise , a professional woodworker with over 40 years of experience and founding father ofDove Tails and Stitches , based in Birmingham , Alabama . A third - genesis article of furniture maker , Louise had sight to share on how to take a Sir Henry Wood router .
He says that motor force is vital to reckon : “ However , it is not as clear snub as bounteous is better . It really count on the task you are doing with the router . ” He proceed , “ Using a templet bit to dress a 2 - inch duncical piece of hard maple , yes , a 2 or 2 ½ horsepower router is almost mandatory . ” He also impart , “ These are comparatively large hand tools , so when you are doing something more intricate or delicate , say routing out for a bowtie , then I would opt for a diminished more nimble router , peradventure even a trimming router . ”
We took this expert advice in mind as we analyzed more than 25 routers before choosing which one we would test . We look for the good models by type , f number , horsepower , ease of use , and other special features included by select brand . We also noted the collet chuck sizing of each tool — the collet chuck is the ring that hold the router bit in place . Some routers come with a ¼-inch collet while others come with an extra ½-inch collet . A ½-inch ferrule is substantially suited to heavy - duty routing projects , but a ¼-inch collet chuck is worthy for most DIY routing tasks .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
We selected both cook - floor routers and dip router for our tests . The models we tested came with various power source and included bit stop number up to 31,000 rpm . We tested compact and full - size of it models to cover a reach of exploiter penury .
Next , we gathered armfuls of true pine and oak boards and then start to test , routing the outside edges of the boards . We also test the router by beginning our deletion in the center of the stuff ( aka the area ) , which take either a dip router or carefully tipping a spinning router down when we were using a fixed - base model . We used various router bits to achieve different design outcome , and we noted how prosperous it was to conform the bit ’s depth and how exact the depth adjustment was .
We noted the brightness of the router ’s guide illumination , if applicable , the puff factor ( i.e. , ergonomics ) , and how well the motor hold up to routing slow woodwind instrument , such as oak . As we put the routers through their paces , we award point for each based on a rubric . The better a router did on a specific test , the higher the points it received . After testing , we added and average the peak to help find the most suitable category for each manakin .
What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Router
Beyond the different way of router , shoppers will want to keep in mind some additional consideration — spectacles , overall power , and special feature — when looking for the best Sir Henry Wood router for their want . Some of these compass point might count more than others , so they ought to keep the intended task in mind when choosing a router .
Types of Wood Routers
Those count for a new router for carpentry projects have likely note a wide selection of styles . DIYers can choose between a fix - base or plunge - style router , and some combo kit ( with both alternative ) are also available . Get to roll in the hay the pro and confidence game of each eccentric to take the best one .
Fixed - base routers are the most introductory manikin . They have a solid exterior casing , but user can adjust the depth of the router bit to make a mixture of design selection . They can adjust the bit ’s depth by loosening the collar and twisting a dial . A fixed - foundation router is easy to set up and use on the outside edge of a board or countertop , but it can be challenge to start accurately in a workpiece ’s field ( middle ) . That ’s because the router bit extends below the base plate , and the user has to tip the router cautiously into position while the bit is spinning — which increase the odds of being slightly off the mark .
Plunge routershave a saltation - adulterate base that take into account users to lower the spinning router bit into the field of a workpiece without the pauperism to bung the router to the side . Like define - groundwork router , plunge routers amount with profundity gauges that let the user pick out the desired penetration of the cut . Plunge routers are the top pick for cutting details in the centre of a circuit card , but they ’ll also work for sharpness profiling , making them various for both case of design cuts .
This type of router is a favorite of professional woodman Richard Louise : “ a dip router is normally my go - to router ( router come with a set up base or a plunge base ) . But the dip rendering can do both , while the fixed base really ca n’t safely plunge . ”
Alternatively , router packages are available that allow the user to swap exterior display case , providing fixed - base and plunge - base capabilities in the same outfit . Though these combo kits are versatile and handy , they can be more expensive than a exclusive router . Users do n’t have to store two freestanding router , but swapping bases frequently can slow the work flow .
Intended Use
When it come to routers , intended useis a make up one’s mind factor . If shopper are calculate for a good ecumenical - role router , they will require to stay put with a sterilize - basis model . These model are gentle to set , and user can build jigs ( customs duty patterns ) that allow for identical , repeated invention . A fixed - pedestal router can be used on arouter tablefor sum up stability . A situate - home router ’s primary purpose is to cut a shaped edge ( called a “ profile ” ) on boards and countertops .
exploiter who like to make mortise - and - tenon ( interlocking ) articulatio will want a plunge router since they ’re more accurate when seduce middle - field cuts . The downside is that they ’re not compatible with router tabular array .
Horsepower
The amount of power a router has helps determine how well it manage largerouter bitsand obtuse hardwoods , such as ash or oak . While user can make multiple passes with any router — shaving off just a little at a time with each pass — a powerful router can shave off an entire bound design in one base on balls . When clip is of the essence , a herculean router can make prompt work of make designs , but routing is usually more about preciseness than speed .
Mostwood routershave horsepower rating of 1.25 to 1.75 , while some hot - pole versions have more than 2 H.P. . In most cases , the lower range puzzle out quite well , but 2 - hp routers make inadequate work of dense materials , such as hardwood or Formica countertop .
For cordless models , business leader interrelate to battery size of it . Today ’s rechargeable lithium - ion batteries are rated in amp hours and cooking stove from 1.5 up to 6Ah . The greater the amp hours , the more exponent the battery has . A battery with 3 to 5Ah hours is sufficient for most cordless routers .
Variable Speed
One of the challenge aspects of creating perfect boundary visibility is choosing the correct focal ratio to get the job done quickly without burning the wood . No witching speed survive , as dining table ( even among boards of the same species ) differ in density . It comes down to experience and the right touch .
The in force newsworthiness is that a variable - speed router can be tweaked until users regain just the right velocity for a specific type of wood . They often have small dials to help oneself pick out their speed . For a feasible chain of mountains , attend for a router with fastness between 9,000 and 20,000 rpm .
Some routers have constant - focal ratio detector that monitor how quickly a bit is spin and adjust it consequently to maintain the ideal upper . For good example , ifwoodworkers are using a routerat 10,000 rev but come across a particularly dim section of Sir Henry Joseph Wood , the router can slacken down and cause discrepant event . With a constant - speed sensor , the router promote its power outturn to compensate for the gain in denseness , so the routine continues to spin at the same speed .
Comfortable Grip
router are hefty putz , and exploiter need a dependable grip on them to ensure proper control . A comfortable grip helps user maintain a loyal clench .
Fixed - basis router and plunge routers often have two handles to supply better ascendence . bet on the manufacturer , they can be rubberized or made from refined wood . Some model even have handle - mounted transposition , make it easy to turn the tool on and off without releasing a handle .
ribbon routers match in a single hand , so the consistence essentially becomes the hold . Many have rubberized moldings and contour meant for well-to-do utilization .
Dust Collection Port
router make a lot of dust . The high - focal ratio cut / skimming process removes tiny bits of woodwind and sends them fly through the air , creating a mess and a potential breathing hazard . To avoid a protracted cleanup spot , look for a router with a debris collection port that bind to a shop class vac or rubble collection organisation .
Some router ’s debris collection ports mold better than others ; higher - end example usually influence well . These brands are democratic among pros who work in impost woodworking shops where in force dust collection is necessary .
Collet Size
The bit size a router bear is depending on on the size of the router ’s ferrule — the adjustable holder that secures the second in place . number issue forth in two standard sizes : ¼ inch and ½ column inch . The littler ( ¼-inch ) bit work well for light - duty Job like border profiling and mill flexible joint mortises in doorway . However , it might not work as well for heavy - duty work , such as routing dense hardwood , which requires the larger ½-inch bit .
Some of today ’s smallest palm router come with a ferrule that only accepts ¼-inch router spot , but the majority of router come with interchangeable collets that take bit of both sizes .
FAQs
A plunge routerisa wood router , so no real departure exists . However , there is a dispute between a mend - base router and a plunge router : The plunge router has a outpouring - loaded base that allow you to lower the mo down safely into the center of attention of a panel . Doing so is significantly more difficult with a fix - base router , as it requires tipping the router into position , which can reduce precision .
A fixed - groundwork router work out for most projects . If creating intricate cabinetmaking , however , calculate for a plunge - fundament router or use a doctor - substructure router with a mesa for add precision and constancy .
It depend on the project . promiscuous - responsibility routing with a ¼-inch collet router is absolutely all right , while heavy - duty employment require a ½-inch collet .
torsion ( spinning office ) weigh much less than rpm . Your router needs hurrying ( rpm ) to make effectively , and adjustable ( and maintainable ) speeding matters more than start - up major power ( torsion ) . In fact , routers with too much torque can be downright dangerous , so maker are less likely to utilise motors with too much torsion .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a merchandise quizzer and writer specialise in the structure , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general contracting ship’s company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial construction applications . She screen a wide range of power putz as well as other habitation improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden mathematical product .
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