Best Wood Router | Reviews of Powerful and Precise Models

Routers are useful tools that can aid in shaping the wood you are working on, and they are indispensable when it comes to detailing and different kinds of woodwork.

They also cut grooves, dadoes, rabbets and curves, and they can copy a shape from a template.

OUR TOP PICK

Our best pick is the DEWALT DWP611PK. This compact router has a 1-1/4 HP motor with variable speed, a fixed and a plunge base, and dual LED lights for better bit visibility.

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The Best Wood Routers Are:

Product	Details
1. DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router	1. DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router Top Pick	- Speed: 16,000-27,000 RPM - Motor: 7 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 6.2 pounds	Check Current Price
2. Bosch PR20EVS Variable Speed Palm Router	2. Bosch PR20EVS Variable Speed Palm Router	- Speed: 16,000-35,000 RPM - Motor: 5.6 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 3.3 pounds	Check Current Price
3. Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit	3. Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit	- Speed: 10,000-30,000 RPM - Motor: 6.5 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 3.9 pounds	Check Current Price
4. Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit	4. Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit	- Speed: 8,000-24,000 RPM - Motor: 11 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 9.9 pounds	Check Current Price
5. Bosch 1617EVSPK Variable Speed Wood Router	5. Bosch 1617EVSPK Variable Speed Wood Router	- Speed: 8,000-25,000 RPM - Motor: 12 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: about 18 pounds as a kit with both bases and case	Check Current Price
6. Porter-Cable 690LR Fixed Base Wood Router	6. Porter-Cable 690LR Fixed Base Wood Router	- Speed: 27,500 RPM - Motor: 11 Amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 9.4 pounds	Check Current Price

1. DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router : Best Woodworking Router

This compact router has a 1-1/4 HP, 7-amp motor with variable speed from 16,000 to 27,000 RPM. That covers edge profiles, hinge mortises, small dadoes and trimming laminate.

The motor soft-starts instead of jumping straight to full speed. Full-time electronic feedback holds the speed steady through the cut.

The kit includes a fixed base and a plunge base, and the motor pops out quickly to switch between them.

On the fixed base, an adjustment ring sets bit depth in 1/64-inch steps. The plunge base has its own fine-tune rod, and dual LEDs plus a clear sub-base help you see the bit.

Specs

• 16,000-27,000 RPM
• 7 Amps
• Electric-Powered
• 6.2 pounds
• Fixed base/plunge router combo kit

Pros

• Powerful motor
• Soft start feature
• Variable speed dial for more control
• Dual LED lights for more visibility
• Durable

Cons

• It is on the higher end of the price spectrum
• Some users said it gets hot quickly

Verdict

Ergonomic and Lightweight: A comfortable compact router that handles most household and furniture routing jobs.

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2. Bosch PR20EVS Variable Speed Palm Router

The Bosch PR20EVS is a budget-friendly palm router with a fixed base. Its 5.6-amp motor runs from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM.

At about 3.3 pounds it is the lightest router on our list, so it suits one-handed edge work like roundovers and laminate trimming. An angled cord exit keeps the cord out of the way, and the base is aluminum.

It comes with a brilliantly designed quick clamp system that allows you to adjust the motor easily or move it from base to base. You can also do a micro and macro adjustment with this tool, thanks to its precise and fast depth adjustment system.

Bit changes use a spindle lock and a wrench. It takes 1/4-inch shank bits only.

Specs

• 16,000-35,000 RPM
• 5.6 Amps
• Electric-Powered
• 3.3 pounds
• Fixed base

Pros

• One of the most affordable wood routers on the market
• Easy and precise depth adjustment
• Compact, lightweight, and very easy to use
• Comes with finger guards, which enhances grip
• Reliable and durable

Cons

• Some users said they did not like the height adjustment feature

Verdict

Inexpensive Choice: For those who do not want to break the bank, this tool from Bosch is a perfect choice. While it is more affordable than others are, it still has many great features that can give more expensive brands a run for their money.

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3. Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit

This Makita router comes with a variable speed control dial to help you find the best setting suitable for your specific project. It has a rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system that will allow you to get the most precise results.

The unit itself handles well is compact and ergonomically designed. You can operate this router without suffering from hand fatigue. It even has a quick release cam lock system for a more effective adjustment of bit depth. You can also release and change the base with ease.

This wood router comes with a 6.5-amp, 1-1/4 HP motor that runs from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.

It is also versatile, as it accepts industrial standard template guides. It comes with a soft-start feature that makes the motor start up smoothly. With this feature, your router will not start at full power as soon as you switch it on.

The electronic speed control feature is also there to ensure the motor keeps steady under load. You can also remove the base quickly and easily to install other bases.

Changing bits is easy with the shaft lock. The plunge base gives up to 1-3/8 inches of plunge depth, and the kit also includes a tilt base (-30 to 45 degrees) and an offset base for routing as close as 3/4 inch to a wall. Like the Bosch, it takes 1/4-inch shank bits.

Specs

• 10,000-30,000 RPM
• 6.5 amps
• Electric-Powered
• 3.9 pounds
• With quick release lock system

Pros

• Motor is housed in an aluminum casing for the best durability
• Quick bit changes
• Fine depth adjustment system
• Keeps constant speed
• Ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue
• Kit includes plunge, tilt and offset bases plus dust nozzles

Cons

• More expensive than other models

Verdict

Get Precise Cuts All the Time: This is a complete kit that should get you started with your woodwork right away. It is beginner-friendly with its soft start, high visibility, easy bit changes, and a quick-release lock system.

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4. Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Combo Kit

Hitachi's power tool line is now sold under the Metabo HPT name, and this router is still listed there as the KM12VC.

Its 11-amp motor is rated at 2-1/4 peak HP. Electronic speed control helps hold speed when the load changes, and a two-stage motor release clamp makes depth changes easier.

Speed runs from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM. It comes with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, so it takes both common bit shank sizes, including large 1/2-inch shank bits that need the lower speeds.

The kit lets you switch the motor between the fixed and plunge base. The plunge base adds a fine-depth adjustment knob.

The main gap is dust collection, which is not built in.

Specs

• 8,000-24,000 RPM
• 11 Amps, 2 1/4 HP
• Electric-Powered
• 9.9 pounds
• Plunge/Fixed base

Pros

• A lot of power for more difficult woodwork
• Has a fine depth adjustment knob
• More control over its speed for consistent results
• Takes both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch shank bits

Cons

• Some said it required underside protection so that sawdust will not go flying everywhere.

Verdict

Great Adjustment Depth: You can control your cuts more with this unit, which has a precise depth adjustment function.

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5. Bosch 1617EVSPK Variable Speed Wood Router

The Bosch 1617EVSPK is a long-running mid-size combo kit with a 12-amp, 2-1/4 HP motor. It handles plunge cuts, edge forming, dadoes and slot cutting, and it has the power for 1/2-inch shank bits.

It comes with both fixed and plunge bases. The plunge base has soft-grip, ergonomically designed handles while the fixed base has wooden handles. These help to maximize user control, and they also make the tool very easy and comfortable to hold.

Bosch's constant response circuitry is meant to hold the set speed under load, so the bit does not bog down in hardwood.

The kit includes 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet chucks, wrenches, chip shields and a carrying case. Speed runs from 8,000 to 25,000 RPM.

Specs

• 8,000-25,000 RPM
• 12 Amps
• Electric-Powered
• Kit with both bases and case: about 18 pounds
• Plunge/fixed base
• Precise depth adjustment system for both bases

Pros

• Ideal for professional and heavy-duty jobs
• Very durable construction
• 12-amp motor handles 1/2-inch shank bits
• Versatile

Cons

• Expensive
• A bit heavy
• No dust collection feature

Verdict

Versatility: This is a versatile mid-size router with enough power for most furniture and cabinet routing.

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6. Porter-Cable 690LR Fixed Base Wood Router

The Porter-Cable 690LR is a classic single-speed fixed-base router. One fixed speed works for most small and medium bits, but it is too fast for large-diameter bits such as panel raisers.

It comes with a precision-machined aluminum base and motor housing that helps to increase the durability of the tool. The 11-amp, 1-3/4 HP motor runs at a single speed of 27,500 RPM. It also comes with a cam-lock lever that allows for easy motor release and height adjustment.

A depth adjustment ring allows fine height changes. The auto-release collet makes bit changes easier, and it comes with both 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collets.

Specs

• 27,500 RPM
• 11 Amps
• Electric-Powered
• 9.4 pounds
• Fixed base router

Pros

• Simple coarse height adjustment
• Easy and quick bit changing
• Comfortable handles for extended use

Cons

• Single speed: no slow setting for large-diameter bits

Verdict

Simple and Proven: A good fit if you mostly use small and medium bits and want a simple, durable fixed-base router.

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Types Of Wood Routers And Their Benefits

Here are the main router types:

Fixed Base Router

A fixed base is the easiest to learn and the usual choice for beginners. It is also the base most people mount in a router table.

It excels at edge profiles and molding work, where the bit depth stays the same for the whole cut. You set the depth before you start, and it cannot change mid-cut, so it is not suited to starting a cut in the middle of a board.

Fixed-base routers are usually lighter and cheaper than plunge models.

Check out our router table roundup here.

Plunge Router

Plunge based routers are recommended for more experienced woodworkers. If you are a professional, you should opt for this kind of router as it has a wide range of applications.

The motor rides on spring-loaded posts, so you can lower the spinning bit into the middle of a board. That makes it the right tool for stopped grooves, mortises, inlays and sign lettering, and it works well with templates.

Plunge routers are a bit heavier and take more practice. Lock the plunge depth before you move the router along the cut.

Combination Router

A combo kit gives you one motor with both a fixed and a plunge base. You move the motor between bases as needed.

Swapping takes a minute or two, but it costs less than buying two separate routers. Four of the six routers above are combo kits.

CNC Routers

These are specialist kinds of routers. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Controlled. This router is controlled using a computer, so you can get the cutting depth and the feed rate you want exactly the way you want them.

They repeat the same cut precisely, which suits signs, carving and production work. They cost far more than handheld routers and need software and a dedicated table.

Tips In Buying A Wood Router

Check The Speed Options Available

There are routers that only run using a single speed. However, if you want more control and versatility over your router, it is better to go for those with multiple speed settings.

Larger bits need slower speeds because their outer edge moves much faster. Follow the bit maker's RPM range. Too fast can scorch hardwood, and too slow can crush soft fibers instead of cutting them.

Decide On The Size Of The Motor

Routers come in different motor sizes.

Palm and compact routers usually run 1 to 1-1/4 HP and take 1/4-inch shank bits. They are best for edge profiles, trimming, hinge mortises and small decorative work.

Mid-size routers usually run 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 HP and take 1/2-inch shank bits. They are the all-round choice for dadoes, template work, circle cutting and a router table.

Full-size routers run 3 to 3-1/4 HP. They are built for large bits such as panel raisers, usually in a router table, and are heavy for handheld work.

Decide Which Base Style Is Suitable For Your Needs

Decide whether you can benefit more from fixed, plunge, combination, computerized or D-handle bases. This will also determine what router table to get and how to set it up.

Of course, you also need to consider durability, manufacturer’s warranty, and price. You can also check here to learn how to maintain your wood router.

Additional Tips

• You need to know what kind of cuts you often make and how exact you want these cuts to get. That way, you can decide on the best type of wood router to buy and narrow down your options from there.
• Note the sizes of the bits you want to work with and ensure the model you choose is compatible with those bits.
• Handle a few models if you can. Comfort and balance matter during long cuts.

Use It Safely

• Unplug the router before changing bits or bases.
• Wear eye and hearing protection, and clamp the workpiece.
• On outside edges, move the router counterclockwise around the workpiece so the bit pulls against your push instead of running away. Take several shallow passes rather than one deep one.

Final Thoughts

Our top choice for the best wood router is the DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router because it pairs a smooth, variable-speed compact motor with both a fixed and a plunge base. For heavier 1/2-inch shank work, step up to a mid-size kit like the Bosch 1617EVSPK.

Sources

• DWP611PK compact router combo kit, DeWalt
• RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit, Makita
• Router Tool Basics, Family Handyman
• Norm's Notebook: Routers, This Old House