Top 10 Wood Routers For woodworking
Here are the best wood routers for beginners and professionals from your favorite craft blog!
Woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike know that a high-quality wood router is an indispensable tool for creating precise cuts and intricate designs in wood.
With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best wood router for your needs. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top wood routers of the year.
These routers have been carefully selected based on their performance, versatility, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this list will help you find the best wood router for your next project.
Best wood routers for beginners & professionals
1. Lotos ER001 Plunge Wood Router
The Lotos Electric Variable Speed Compact Wood Router has a motor that delivers a powerful torque of 16,000-30,000 revolutions per minute with complete accuracy and precision.
It contains a feature to regulate speed fluctuations and maintain current levels throughout the job which is helpful for different materials.
And thanks to its dust collection port, you can work quickly, accurately and safely on your router projects. This router has an ergonomic design for handling that’s comfortable for all day use.
With this router in hand, creating flush cuts, trimming edges and creating shapes for your woodworking business like never before will become your new norm.
2. Thinkwork Compact Router Set
The Thinkwork compact router is a powerful, durable and easy-to-operate trimming tool that can be used for a wide range of applications.
It has a 6.5 amp motor with 1.25 max horsepower, which provides plenty of power and durability for cutting in various materials.
The variable speed control dial enables the user to match the speed to the application for greater versatility. The clear plastic fixed base provides a better line of sight while trimming and the smooth rack-and-pinion depth adjustment ensures easy and precise operation.
With an ergonomic design that features a rubber-covered handle and small body this will help with increased comfort and control, while the efficient cooling system improves durability.
3. Dobetter 6.5 Amp Wood Router
The Dobetter 6.5-Amp compact trim router is a great choice for routing and trimming applications for beginners. It has a powerful motor with max horsepower of 1.25, delivering abundant power for a variety of tasks.
The soft-starting and constant power prevent the router from jumping around in your hand, giving you greater control.
Additionally, it comes with a router tool, 12 wood router bits, an edge guide, a roller guide, a dust hood, a wrench and carbon brushes – making your job easier. Always double check the listing to see what is currently included in the box.
It also has a smooth rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system for more precision cutting. The graduated in both clear inch and mm depth scales make it easy-to-read.
Additionally, the 6 variable speed (10,000 to 32,000 RPM) allows you to use it with different materials.
Finally, the quick release can lock system makes depth adjustments and base removal/installation easy.
4. Bosch Router Tool
Here’s a great router for beginners. The Bosch PR20EVS Colt Palm Router is a versatile tool that features a 1.0 Horse Power 5.6 amp variable speed motor with speeds from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM.
This router is precise for trimming edges and is also equipped with an angled cord exit to keep the cord out of the way when working.
The fixed base of the router is durable, solid and precise; and features unique finger support pockets for additional stability, especially when trimming edges.
The depth adjustment system is fast and precise and allows both macro and micro adjustment. The quick clamp system allows the motor to be easily adjusted or moved from base to base.
This router provides enhanced bit capacity with a fixed base that accepts bits up to 1-5/16 inch in diameter.
5. Bosch Wood Router Combo Set
For professionals, the Bosch 1617EVSPK plunge and fixed-base kit is a versatile wood router that can be used for a broad range of applications, including precise bit plunging, edge forming, slot cutting, laminate trimming and dovetail cutting.
It is made of durable aluminum construction with wooden handles on a fixed base and a soft grip handle on a plunge base.
The rounded hardwood handles maximize user control, while the microfine bit-depth adjustment ensures precise results. The built-in constant response circuitry maintains a constant speed throughout the cut, so you get cleaner, more accurate results.
The 12 AMP motor and adjustable speed dial let the user set the optimal speed (8,000-25,000 RPM) for more or less power. The kit includes a plunge base and fixed base.
6. 6. DeWalt DW616 Router
The Dewalt Woodworking Router is a powerful tool that can rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods.
With its 1-3/4-hp, 11-amp motor, this router is capable of handling even the most demanding projects. The micro-fine depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64-inch increments, so you can be sure that your work is always accurate.
The adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock makes depth adjustment and base changes quick and easy, while the quick-release motor latches make bit and base changes fast and simple.
The sub-base concentricity gauge ensures that your bit is always accurately centered, for superior results.
7. Makita Compact Router Set
The Makita Woodworking Router is a powerful tool that enables the user to match the speed of the application to the perfect result.
A great router for beginners, it features a Variable speed control dial (10,000 – 30,000 RPM) for more precise settings, and a smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system.
The body of the router is slim and ergonomically designed for increased comfort and control, with a quick release cam lock system for easy depth adjustments and base removal/installation.
This router also has an electronic speed control that maintains constant speed under load, for improved performance.
8. Makita Plunge Router
The Makita Woodworking Router is the upgrade from the compact router above. With its powerful 15 AMP motor, it delivers 22,000 RPM for smooth routing.
You’ll appreciate the 0″ – 2-3/4″ plunge depth capacity for easy penetration into your work piece, and the linear ball bearings for smooth plunge action and superior performance.
The quick release plunge depth adjustment with micro control also allows for added precision, while the oversized ball bearing construction ensures longer tool life.
9. Avid Power Compact Router
The Avid Power woodworking router is a high-powered tool that can be used for a variety of routing and trimming applications.
It has a 6.5-Amp motor with max horsepower of 1.25, which provides ample power for most projects.
With the variable speed control dial (10000-32000 RPM), it allows users to choose the appropriate speed for different materials, while the dual bright LED lights help illuminate dark working areas.
The rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system ensures precise operation, and the quick locking system makes depth adjustments and base changes easy and convenient.
Featuring a durable aluminum body and base that provides long-term durability, while the dust hood removes dust from the work space to keep it clean.
11. DeWalt Router Professional Kit
The DEWALT woodworking router is a powerful 2-1/4 HP tool that can handle even the most difficult hardwoods.
With 12.0 amps of power, it can rout smoothly through even the toughest materials. The DEWALT plunge router also features electronic variable speed with full feedback control, so you can maintain a constant speed under load regardless of the application.
The adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock also makes depth adjustment and base changes quick and easy.
The integral through-the-column dust collection system collects 95% of the dust and provides superior bit visibility. And for fast and easy motor pack removal, the router features quick-release latches.
Tips For Buying A Router
1. Motor Power:
The motor power of a router determines how quickly and efficiently it can cut through wood. Generally, routers with higher horsepower are better for heavy-duty tasks, while those with lower horsepower are more suitable for lighter tasks.
2. Variable Speed Control:
A router with variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed of the router bit, giving you more control over the cutting depth and improving the quality of your cuts. This feature is especially important when working with different types of wood or when creating intricate designs.
3. Ergonomic Design:
A router with an ergonomic design will be more comfortable to use for extended periods, reducing fatigue and increasing accuracy. Look for routers with comfortable grips and adjustable handles that allow you to position the router in different ways.
4. Compatibility with Accessories:
Routers are often used with accessories such as edge guides, jigs, and templates, which can improve the precision and versatility of the tool. Make sure the router you choose is compatible with the accessories you need for your specific projects.
5. Dust Collection:
Routers create a lot of sawdust and debris, which can be a nuisance and a health hazard if not properly collected. Look for routers with dust collection ports or built-in systems that can help keep your workspace clean and safe.
What You Can Use A Wood Router For
1. Decorative Edge Profiles for Furniture
Use a wood router to create intricate and decorative edge profiles on tables, cabinets, and other furniture pieces. The router can add elegant details like beading, ogee, or cove profiles, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your woodworking projects.
2. Dovetail Joinery for Drawers
Craft precise dovetail joints with a wood router for sturdy and visually appealing drawer construction. Dovetails are a classic choice for adding both strength and a traditional touch to your cabinetry and storage solutions.
3. Intricate Inlays and Mortises
Routers are perfect for creating inlays or mortises in wood. You can use them to embed intricate designs, logos, or even hidden compartments into tabletops or other wooden surfaces, adding a touch of uniqueness to your projects.
4. Raised Panel Cabinet Doors
Achieve the classic, raised panel look for cabinet doors using a wood router. These doors exude sophistication and depth, making them a popular choice in kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.
5. Sign Making and Lettering
Wood routers are fantastic tools for carving out letters and designs on wooden signs. In fact, custom signs are one of the things that you can make and sell. Whether you’re creating custom signs for your business or as gifts, the router allows you to add a professional touch to your projects.
In Conclusion:
Choosing the right wood router can make all the difference in the quality of your woodworking projects.
By considering factors such as motor power, variable speed control, ergonomic design, and compatibility with accessories, you can narrow down your options and select the perfect router for your needs.
We hope that our list of the best wood routers for this year has provided you with valuable insights and helped you make an informed decision.
With the right router in your arsenal, you can take your woodworking skills to the next level and achieve impressive results.
If you love working with wood and want some cool designs, then check out our article about the best wood burning kits. And if you are totally new to woodworking, our article about essential woodworking tools for beginners will help get you started.
Remember, always wear a respirator when doing woodworking projects
Over time, regular exposure to wood dust could lead to an allergic reaction that could cause sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes. Using a respirator helps prevent the inhalation of these particles, thus minimizing the risk of developing allergies or sensitivities.
Wearing a respirator that also includes eye protection is an effective way to ensure that both the respiratory and visual systems are protected.
