Wood routers have become an essential power tool for woodworkers, and it is no surprise that workshops are now equipped with multiple routers due to their versatility and usefulness. Routers are ideal for a range of woodworking applications, including trims, edge clean-ups, and intricate surface designs. A wood router is designed for "routing" grooves and cuts in wood and other materials like plastic and composites.
When selecting a wood router, two primary considerations should be kept in mind: the job at hand and the budget. The woodworking router market has a plethora of brands and models to choose from, so it's important to select the right router for the job. For that, you can check out consumer reports wood routers, and a detailed buying guide.
Review Of 5 Best Wood Routers
1. DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless, Brushless Wood Router DCW600B
When it comes to woodworking and crafting, having the right tools is essential to achieve quality results. A router is a powerful and versatile tool used for shaping and cutting various materials, and the DEWALT DWP611PK router kit is a prime example of a top-of-the-line router that offers many features to help users achieve their desired outcome.
One standout feature of the DEWALT DWP611PK router kit is its dual LED lights that help illuminate the work surface. This feature is especially helpful when working in low-light conditions or when routing intricate designs. Another standout feature is the depth adjustment ring, which allows for fast and easy height adjustments. This feature is particularly useful when working on projects that require multiple depth adjustments, such as cutting a groove into a piece of wood.
The unit features an electronic brake, which slows the motor down faster after the unit is shut off, ensuring that the user has full control over the router's movements. The router also features a variable speed dial that allows you to control the speed range of the unit from 16,000 to 25,500 RPM to ensure a clean and precise cut every time. Finally, the DEWALT DWP611PK router kit also features a soft start motor with full-time electronic feedback. This helps maintain the speed during cuts and helps reduce the amount of torque when applied while starting the router.
2. BOSCH 1617EVSPK Wood Router
The Bosch 1617EVSPK wood router kit is a versatile and durable tool designed for a broad range of woodworking applications. It is one of the most widely used routers for woodworking due to its ability to perform precise slot cutting, edge forming, bit plunging, dovetail cutting, and laminate trimming, making it ideal for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts. The aluminum construction of the Bosch 1617EVSPK wood router kit ensures that it is one of the most durable wood routers available. It features wooden handles on a fixed base and a soft grip handle on a plunge base, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
The rounded hardwood handles of this wood router kit provide maximum user control, while the microfine bit-depth adjustment ensures precision and accuracy. A powerful motor along with an adjustable speed dial of this wood router kit provides the user with the ability to set the right speed ranging from 8,000 and 25,000 RPM depending upon the kind of work you are doing. The wood router kit includes a plunge base, fixed base, ¼-inch and ½- inch collet chucks, chip shields, collet nut wrench, shaft wrench, and a carrying case, making it a convenient and portable option for woodworking on the go.
3. DEWALT Fixed Base Wood Router 1-3/4-HP DW616
Check out this wood router, which is a powerful tool designed for woodworking professionals and DIY enthusiasts. With an 11-amp motor, it provides the power necessary to route smoothly through even the toughest hardwoods, making it a versatile tool for a variety of woodworking applications. The micro-fine depth adjustment ring of this router offers accurate depth adjustments in 1/64-inch increments, courtesy of a special micro-fine depth adjustment ring. This feature allows users to achieve the desired depth for their projects with maximum accuracy, ensuring consistent results every time. The adjustable steel motor cam lock of this router allows you to easily change the base and adjust the depth adjustment and base changes quickly and solid-locking.
This feature ensures that the router remains securely in place during use, preventing any unnecessary movement that could compromise the accuracy of the cuts. The wood router features quick-release motor latches, which allow for a quick bit and base changes. The unit comes with a sub-base concentricity gauge that ensures bit concentricity for best-in-class accuracy. Overall, this wood router offers highly efficient performance without compromising on reliability.
4. SKIL 14 Amp Plunge And Fixed Base Router Combo — RT1322-00
Check out this wood router, which is designed to handle a wide range of woodworking tasks. With a 14 Amp, 2.5 HP motor that includes both fixed and plunge bases, this router provides the flexibility and versatility needed for any job. One of the key features of this plunge router is the Speed Control LCD Display. This feature lets you select the bit type and material for suggested speed settings based on the task at hand.
Another important feature of this plunge router is the Electronic Feedback. This feature ensures that the motor maintains RPM while the material is being routed, which helps to ensure consistent and accurate cuts. The Soft Start feature provides a safe and controlled start to routing. It won’t let the router jump or bounce, which can result in uneven cuts or damage to the material. The presence of a Live Tool Indicator helps to ensure that you stay alert and safe while using the plunge router. The indicator lights up when the plunge router is connected to power, which helps to prevent accidental starts and ensures that you are aware of when the router is on.
5. AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router Tools For Woodworking
The powerful motor and variable speed control of the 1.25 horsepower compact router make it a versatile and efficient tool for woodworking and cabinetry projects. With a 6.5-amp motor, this tool delivers abundant power for a variety of routing and trimming applications, while the variable speed control dial allows users to choose a more appropriate speed for different materials. The router features a rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system that allows accurate operation for a variety of woodworking and cabinetry applications. Dual bright LED lights illuminate dark working areas, making it easier to see what you're doing and ensuring that your work is accurate.
The router's ergonomic design and convenience features make it comfortable and easy to use. The rubber-covered handle provides a comfortable grip, while the quick locking system allows for convenient depth adjustments and base changes. The use of aluminum in the manufacturing of the router makes it a reliable and low-maintenance tool. The inclusion of a dust hood helps removes dust to leave a clean workspace. You will get plenty of other things in the package, which includes a wrench, a dust hood, a roller guide, 5 router bits, 3/8-inch and ¼-inch collets, and a tool bag. This means that you have everything you need to get started on your woodworking and cabinetry projects right away.
Benefits Of Using A Wood Router
A wood router is a versatile power tool that is essential for woodworking projects. It is a handheld tool that has a spinning bit, and it is used for cutting and shaping wood. Here are some of the benefits of using a wood router:
Precise cuts: One of the primary benefits of using a wood router is that it allows for precise cuts. With a router, you can make intricate cuts and create decorative shapes and patterns on wood. You can also make uniform cuts with a router, which can be difficult to achieve with other cutting tools.
Versatility: Wood routers are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of tasks. You can use them for cutting, shaping, and trimming wood. They can also be used to create dadoes, rabbets, and grooves in the wood.
Speed: A wood router can save you time and effort when working on a project. It can cut through wood quickly, which can save you hours of sanding or chiseling. Routers also allow you to work on multiple pieces of wood at the same time, which can speed up your production.
Consistency: A wood router can help you achieve consistent results on your woodworking projects. By using a template or jig, you can create identical cuts and shapes on multiple pieces of wood. This can be especially useful when working on furniture or cabinetry projects.
Clean Cuts: Using a wood router can result in clean and neat cuts, especially if the router bit is sharp and the tool is used properly. This can reduce the need for additional sanding or smoothing of the wood, which can save time and effort.
There is no doubt that a wood router is an essential tool for anyone working on woodworking projects. It offers precision, versatility, speed, consistency, and clean cuts, making it an ideal tool for a wide range of woodworking tasks.
Things To Consider While Buying A Wood Router
A wood router is an essential tool for woodworking projects, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to woodworking. Here are some things to consider when buying a wood router:
Power: The power of a router is determined by its motor's wattage or horsepower. A more powerful motor allows you to work with harder wood and make deeper cuts. However, more power also means more weight, so consider the balance between power and portability.
Speed control: Look for a router with variable speed control, which allows you to adjust the speed of the router according to the wood's hardness and the cut you're making. This is particularly important if you plan to work with a wide range of wood types.
Base size and depth adjustment: Consider the router's base size and depth adjustment range. The base should be stable and easy to maneuver, while the depth adjustment should be precise and easy to control.
Collet size: Look for a router with a collet that matches the bit's shank size you plan to use. The most common collet sizes are 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch, but some routers can also accommodate 3/8-inch collets.
Dust collection: A wood router can create a lot of dust, so look for a model that includes a dust collection system. This can help keep your work area clean and reduce the amount of dust you breathe in.
Comfort and ergonomics: Make sure the router you choose is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. Look for models with soft-grip handles and ergonomic designs that reduce hand and arm fatigue.
Brand and warranty: Choose a reputable brand with a good warranty. A reliable brand will offer high-quality tools that are built to last, and a good warranty will give you peace of mind that you're making a good investment.
By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the right router for your needs and get the best results on your woodworking projects.
Summing Up
All professional woodworkers use wood routers because they know how efficient this product is. If you have been carrying out the woodwork in a traditional way, then it might be taking a lot of time. So, it’s the right time to switch to a wood router, which you can easily do now that you have gone through consumer reports wood routers reviews. So, don’t waste your time and get a branded wood router today.