Best Wood Router Review Guide Of 2022-2023

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Best Wood Router Review Guide Of 2022-2023 – The Wood Routers featured below have made their way onto our list based on their power, transportability, affordability, speed, and overall value.We’ve also made sure that there is something on the list for everyone. Whether you need to get something low-priced, or you’re a buyer looking for a tool that can deliver craftsperson-quality work, you will find a great wood router in this Best Wood Router Review Guide Of 2022-2023.

Buyer’s Guide:

Below you will find some considerations that will help you make sense of your options. Read on for a guide that will hopefully simplify your ultimate buying decision!

Size:

Routers come in all different shapes and sizes. There are palm routers, sized (you guessed it) to fit within the palm of your hand. These tools are optimized for smaller tasks. They’re easy to transport and store, but of course, they don’t do much good for big jobs.

Compact routers may feature power levels comparable to that of the full-sized variety, but in an easier- to-transport package. Full-sized routers are most likely going to spend the majority of their time in your shop, but they are reliable equipment that will be great for volume work. The type of tool you decide on will depend both on the needs of your job and your storage limitations.

Ergonomics:

Ergonomic tools are specifically made for the human hand. Not only are they designed to be comfortable, but they’re also specifically optimized to help prevent long-term injury. Poorly designed tools can cause muscle tension that results in inflammation, and eventually in chronic, painful conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. You don’t want that. An ergonomic design concept will help ensure that this doesn’t happen.

Dust Collection Port:

Power tools naturally kick up lots of dust. When they do, the refuse settles primarily in two places: your workshop, and your lungs. In the workshop setting, the problem is obvious. After a work session, there is almost always a big, tedious mess to clean up.

The damage that sawdust does to your lungs is subtler and far more sinister. In fact, sawdust is a notorious carcinogen that can have fatal consequences when left unchecked.

The solution is simple: a dust collection system. Make sure the tool you invest in features a port where you can connect a dust collection system such as a shop vac.

Brushless Motor:

Most modern tools from big-brand companies run on brushless motors. Brushless motors usually run quietly, and they also usually last a lot longer. It’s well worth it to make sure the router you buy has this feature.

Maintenance:

Some routers feature tool-free chuck changes. These tools are nice because they can be easily maintained and altered in a matter of seconds.

If the router you decide on doesn’t have this feature, it’s at least worthwhile to find out how the bits are changed. Some routers require special wrenches, while others can be maintained with tools that you’re likely to already have on hand.

Precise Adjustment Dials:

The more adjustable your router is, the more precisely you’ll be able to do your work. Routers that feature dials with many depth stops are usually pricier, but they’re also able to handle a wider range of jobs.

Corded or Cordless:

You can find both corded and cordless wood routers. Both have their own sets of strengths and weaknesses. Corded units can run as long as you’re near an outlet. However, they are also less portable than cordless options.

Battery-powered routers can be taken anywhere, but are only able to run for a limited amount of time. They’re also generally heavier than corded units because of the cumbersome battery pack. If you take your equipment on the go a lot, the battery-powered router is probably going to be the tool for you. However, if this tool’s destined to spend most of its time in your workshop, a corded router will treat you just fine.

Variable Speed:

Some routers have a variable speed component. With these routers, you’ll be able to take a more customized approach to each job. A variable speed element is especially handy if you’re working with remarkably hard or softwoods.

Built-in LED Lights:

Users have mixed feelings about the industry movement towards attaching LED lights to every tool you can think of. The benefits are obvious. If you’re working in tight, poorly lit environments, lights will help you improve the quality of your work.

On the other hand, most of the time, they aren’t really necessary. Most people are using routers from the comfort of a shop where lighting is (at least hopefully) not a problem.

You can decide for yourself how you feel about LED lights on a wood router, but consider that they can be useful, and they never really get in the way of anything.

Slow Start:

It’s always handy to buy tools with a slow start component. This just means that the full force of the tool isn’t activated the moment you flip the switch on. It’s a safety feature that helps you slowly orient yourself to the power
of the tool.

It’s especially handy if small children are living in your house. Obviously, it’s best to keep them away from your tools whenever possible. However, if they do somehow come to interact with equipment in your shop, slow start features may be enough to prevent injury.

Electric Brakes:

Electric brakes allow you to stop your router on a dime. It’s a good feature to have if you want to maximize efficiency. This way, the tool is only in motion when you activate it.

It’s also a great safety feature for that same reason. If you need to stop the tool immediately to avoid an accident, you’ll be able to do so.

Avid Power Fixed-Base Wood-Router

One of the most affordable options on our list is the Avid Power 11-Amp 2 HP Fixed-Base Wood Router. Features a durable aluminum housing to protect the motor as you go about your work and it generates plenty of power.

The rubber-coated handles are designed with comfort in mind, and it even comes with a soft carrying case that will make it easy and comfortable to transport.

We aren’t so crazy about the bit chuck. Bits become loose very easily, so you’ll frequently need to stop working to tighten them. It produces excessive vibration and the tool is also very noisy.

Product Details:

• Powerful & Efficient: 11-Amp motor produces 2 peak horsepower to handle a range of woodworking applications; This router also features a 25, 000 RPM for the fastest and cleanest cuts. Easily tackles the tough hardwoods.
• Precise Depth Adjustment: Micro-fine depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64-inch increments. This router can be used for a broad range of applications, including precise bit plunging, edge forming, slot cutting, laminate trimming and dovetail cutting.
• Durable & Comfortable: The motor housing and bases are made of aluminum, and the power switch is completely dust-sealed for added durability; Rubber molded handles provide you with superior comfort, balance, and control, even during extended jobs
• Great Compatibility & Edge Guide: Accepts all 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch router bits; The included edge guide lets users route perfectly straight lines, helping to create grooves along the workpiece.(The router itself is equipped with a 1/2′ collet chuck, extra 3/8” & 1/4” collets are packed in the carrying bag.)
• Package Included: 2HP fixed base router; 1/2″, 3/8″ & 1/4” Collet Chucks; Edge Guide; two Carbon Brushes; two Wrenches; a tool bag; user manual; and US based customer service.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Durable aluminum casing
• Soft carrying case included

Cons:

• Bits come loose very easily
• Very noisy
• Lots of vibration

Ridgid R2401 Trim Wood Router

The Ridgid R2401 is an affordable router that operates via a power cord. It’s compact and features a refined adjustment dial that allows you to customize the depth of your cuts. The quick release lever allows you to remove bits from the tool
easily.

The build does leave something to be desired. The bit housing is solid—a lightweight aluminum that is tough and durable. However, the rest of the tool is made of cheap plastic that feels as though it will break very easily.

The body of the tool also lets in lots of dust, so if you aren’t careful, you may wind up damaging the sensitive electric elements.

Product Details:

• Round and Square Bases – for added versatility and convenience
• Easy Access Micro Adjust Dial – for precise depth control
• Flat Top – router sits upside down for easier bit changes
• No Mar Top – Overmold on top of router prevents marring of work surface
• Quick Release Lever – allows for easy removal of motor from base

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Quick release lever

Cons:

• Plastic components feel very cheap
• Body of tool lets in lots of dust

PORTER-CABLE 690LR Wood Router

The PORTER-CABLE 690LR is a powerful full-sized router that will be great for handling bigger jobs. It’s a great budget option that’s an affordable way to get a powerful tool. The 11-amp motor is able to produce up to 27,500 revolutions per minute, so you can work well even with harder materials.It’s also dust-sealed, so its electrical components should be fine even when it’s used regularly. It’s not as nuanced as some of the other options on our list. It produces a ton of vibration, and it’s also fairly noisy to operate. These factors aren’t a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, but they can become unpleasant over time.

Product Details:

• 11-amp motor producing 1-3/4 peak horsepower
• 27,500 revolutions-per-minute single-speed motor
• Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base
• Cam-lock lever enables simple coarse height adjustments and motor release
• Micrometer depth adjuster accurate to 1/128-inch
• 11-amp motor producing 1-3/4 peak horsepower
• 27,500 revolutions-per-minute single-speed motor

Pros:

• Affordable
• Powerful
• 27,500 revolutions per minute

Cons:

• Noisy
• Vibrates a lot

Makita RT0701CX7 Wood Router

The Makita RT0701CX7 is a slim, ergonomic tool that is as effective as it is affordable. You’ll want to pay special attention to this one, if you’re a buyer on a budget. The Makita has a slow start component that allows you to ease into the full power of the tool. The speed is also monitored electrically to be as consistent and reliable as possible.

It’s worth mentioning that this tool vibrates excessively. The extra vibration can be irritating in short bursts, and even painful over an extended period of time. For smaller jobs, though, it may not be a huge problem. However, all in all, this is still one of the best wood routers for the money, and one of the best wood router choices for the beginner.

Product Details:

• Variable speed control dial (10,000 to 30,000 RPM) enables user to match the speed to the application
• Smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise settings
• Slim and ergonomically designed body for increased comfort and control
• Quick release cam lock system for easy depth adjustments and base removal/installation
• Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load
• Soft start feature for smooth start ups
• Fixed base accepts industry standard template guides for convenience

Pros:

• Affordable
• Slow start
• Electrically monitored speed

Cons:

• Vibrates excessively

Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router

The Bosch 1617EVSPK is a moderately sized router with an impressive 12-amp motor capable of bringing tons of power to whatever job you throw at it.

The versatile tool can do plunge cuts, edge forming, slot cutting, and even laminate trimming. In other words, it will be more than capable of handling almost any routing task.

We really like how user-friendly the machine is. The controls allow you to run it at a constant speed, so you can focus on the job at hand instead of on holding down an activation trigger.

It’s also incredibly well-built. The base is made with a high-quality aluminum that ensures it will be relatively lightweight, while also being able to withstand the wear and tear of the job site.

Product Details:

• Versatile: This versatile kit can be used for a broad range of applications, including precise bit plunging, edge forming, slot cutting, laminate trimming and dovetail cutting; Making it one of the most widely used routers for woodworking
• Durability: Aluminum construction makes this one of our most durable wood routers yet with wooden handles on a fixed base and a soft grip handle on a plunge base
• Ease of use: Rounded hardwood handles maximize user control
• Convenient: With the built in constant response circuitry, our 1617EVSPK wood router will maintain a constant speed throughout the cut, so you get cleaner, more accurate results
• Kit contents: Includes a plunge base, fixed base, 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collet chucks, shaft wrench, collet nut wrench, chip shields and carrying case

Pros:

• Aluminum build
• Very versatile
• Compact
• Powerful

Cons:

• None

Triton 3-1/4 HP Wood Router

User-friendliness is one of the best features of the Triton TRA001. It only has three buttons, which makes it easy enough that even tool novices won’t have any trouble using it. It’s also easy to maintain and can be adjusted using a single wrench that you probably already have on hand.

The cleverly placed vents keep the tool from overheating while also ensuring that dust won’t have access to sensitive electrical components.

For a compact router, this is a fairly pricey tool. There also seem to be some concerns with the electrical components of the Triton. Some users report that the controls stopped working after several months of use. Of course, it’s difficult to say how common this glitch is.

Product Details:

• Single button switches from conventional plunge to fixed-base router with rack and pinion mode
• Through base, single wrench bit change is achieved with automatic spindle lock
• Micro winder enables continuous fine depth adjustment through the full plunge mode
• Soft start and variable speed provides the perfect speed for all cutter types
• Side air vents reduces intake of dust into the motor casings

Pros:

• Compact
• Easy to use
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Some users report problems with electric components

Conclusion:

Best Wood Router Review Guide Of 2022-2023 has proven at least one thing: there are plenty of outstanding tools on the market. If your focus is on getting a professional quality option regardless of cost, our top choice, the Bosch 1617EVSPK Woodworking Router Combo Kit, is going to be right for you.

Even budget buyers can find something awesome. If you’re trying to save money while still getting a reliable tool, you’ll like our best for the money pick, the Makita RT0701CX7. Then again, this list is supersaturated with awesome choices, so there really isn’t any going wrong! Thanks for taking the time to read our Best Wood Router Review Guide Of 2022-2023.