A Complete Wood Router Buying Guide (Choose the Best One)

A wood router buying guide helps you choose the right router for your woodworking needs based on factors like power, type, and features.

When it comes to purchasing a router, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure that you are getting the best tool for your specific needs. This guide will cover the different speed options, router classifications, and base styles, as well as the key features to look for when shopping for a router.

A wood router is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of woodworking tasks such as routing grooves, shaping edges, and creating decorative designs.

This wood router buying guide will help you understand the different types of wood routers available, the key features to look for, and a checklist of things to consider when making your purchase. With the right information, you can make an informed decision and choose a wood router that will meet your needs and help you take your woodworking projects to the next level.

Wood Router Classifications:

Router classification refers to the different types and sizes of routers available on the market. The three main classifications of wood routers are palm routers, mid-size routers, and full-size routers.

Palm Routers

Palm routers are small, lightweight routers that are easy to handle and perfect for small projects and tight spaces. They typically have a power range of 1-1.5 horsepower and a speed range of 15,000-30,000 RPM. They are also known as trim routers and are great for intricate details work and small projects.

Mid-size Routers

Mid-size routers are larger than palm routers but still relatively lightweight and easy to handle. They are suitable for a wide range of projects and typically have a power range of 1.5-2.5 horsepower and a speed range of 8,000-25,000 RPM. They are great for both professional and DIY use.

Full-size Routers

Full-size routers are the largest routers and are designed for heavy-duty use. They have a powerful motor and can handle large projects and tough materials. They typically have a power range of 2.5-3.5 horsepower and a speed range of 8,000-25,000 RPM. They are suitable for professional use, and for large projects and heavy-duty work.

When choosing a router, it’s important to consider your needs and the types of projects you will be working on. If you’re a professional woodworker or planning on taking on large projects, a full-size router might be the best option for you. If you’re a DIYer or only plan on taking on small projects, a palm router or mid-size router might be a better choice.

Wood Router Base Styles:

When it comes to routers, there are three main types of base styles: fixed base, plunge base, and D-handle base.

Fixed Base Router

A fixed base router is a type of router that has a base that is fixed in place and does not move up and down. This type of router is perfect for routing grooves, shaping edges, and making precise cuts. It is also a good option for beginners as it is easy to use and control.

Plunge Base Router

A plunge base router, on the other hand, has a base that allows for up and down movement. This feature makes it ideal for creating decorative designs, making precise cuts, and working on projects that require a lot of adjustments. Plunge base routers are more versatile than fixed base routers and are great for professionals and advanced woodworkers.

D-handle Base Router

The D-handle base router is similar to the plunge base router, but it has a D-shaped handle that makes it easy to control the router and make precise cuts. This type of router is perfect for both professional and advanced users, allowing them more control and precision, especially on complex cuts.

When choosing a router, it’s important to consider the types of projects you will be working on and your level of experience. A fixed base router is a good option for beginners or for projects that require simple cuts. Plunge base routers are more versatile and are great for professionals and advanced woodworkers. D-handle routers are perfect for those who are looking for more control and precision.

What To Look For In a Router

When looking to buy a router, there are a number of key features to consider in order to ensure you get the right tool for your needs.

• Power: The power of a router is measured in horsepower (HP) and the higher the power, the more versatile and capable the router will be. Generally, routers with more power are able to handle tougher materials and larger projects.
• Motor speed: The motor speed of a router is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). A higher RPM will allow the router to cut faster and more efficiently. Some routers come with variable speed control, which allows the user to adjust the speed to match the task and material.
• Switch: Look for a switch that is easy to use and that you can control the router with. A switch that is well-positioned and easy to access will make it easier to use the router.
• Base Aperture: This is the size of the hole in the router base. A larger aperture will allow you to use larger bits and make bigger cuts.
• Collet: This is the part of the router that holds the bit in place. A larger collet will allow you to use larger bits. Consider also the type of collet, some routers use a single wrench collet, which is easy to use and change bits.
• Plunge Depth: This is the maximum depth that a plunge router can move up and down. A deeper plunge depth will allow you to make deeper cuts.
• Plunge Lock Mechanism: This is the mechanism that locks the plunge base in place. Look for a mechanism that is easy to use and that will hold the base securely.
• Handles: Look for a router that has comfortable handles that will make it easy to control the tool. Some routers come with soft-grip handles that are more comfortable to hold and reduce hand fatigue.
• Side Fence: A side fence will help guide the router and make it easier to make precise cuts. A side fence that is adjustable and easy to use will make it easier to use the router.
• Guide Bushes: These are guides that help to steady the router and make it easier to make precise cuts. A router that comes with a variety of guide bushes will be more versatile and easier to use.
• Dust Extraction: Look for a router that has a dust extraction system that will help to keep your work area clean. Dust extraction can be achieved through a dust collection hood or a vacuum hose attachment.
• Ease of Use in a Router Table: Look for a router that is easy to use in a router table and that will work well with the table’s accessories. Some routers have a quick-release system that makes it easy to change between table and handheld use.
• Accessories: Look for a router that comes with a variety of accessories that will make it easier to use and that will increase its versatility. Some routers come with a range of accessories like an edge guide, a circle-cutting jig, and a dust collection hood.

By considering these features and comparing them to your specific needs and preferences, you can choose a router that is well-suited to your projects and your skill level.

Buying Checklist:

When buying a router, it’s important to have a checklist of the features and specifications that are most important to you. A buying checklist will help ensure that you don’t miss any important factors and that you end up with a router that meets your needs.

• Motor and power: Consider the power of the router and the types of projects you will be working on. A higher-power router will be able to handle tougher materials and larger projects.
• Size and weight: Consider the size and weight of the router and how comfortable it will be to use. A lightweight router will be easier to handle and maneuver, while a heavier router will be more stable and have more power.
• Collets: Consider the size of the collet and the type of collet. A larger collet will allow you to use larger bits, while a single wrench collet will be easy to use and change bits.
• Collet plunge: Consider the maximum depth that a plunge router can move up and down. A deeper plunge depth will allow you to make deeper cuts.
• Fine height adjustment: Look for a router that has a fine height adjustment feature, this will allow you to make precise cuts with great accuracy.
• Handles and switches: Look for a router that has comfortable handles that will make it easy to control the tool and a switch that is easy to use and well-positioned.
• Base: Consider the size of the base aperture, this will affect the size of bits you can use and the size of cuts you can make.
• Side fence: A side fence will help guide the router and make it easier to make precise cuts. A side fence that is adjustable and easy to use will make it easier to use the router.
• Guide bushes: Look for a router that comes with a variety of guide bushes, this will increase its versatility and make it easier to use.
• Dust extraction: Look for a router that has a dust extraction system that will help to keep your work area clean.
• Suitability for table use: Look for a router that is easy to use in a router table and that will work well with the table’s accessories. Some routers have a quick-release system that makes it easy to change between table and handheld use.
• Accessories: Consider if the router comes with a variety of accessories that will make it more versatile and easy to use.

Budget Considerations For Buying a Wood Router

Wood routers can range in price from around $100 to $1,000 or more. When setting your budget, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Type of router: Plunge routers are generally more expensive than fixed-base routers.
• Motor power: Routers with more powerful motors are generally more expensive.
• Base size: Routers with larger bases are generally more expensive.
• Features: Routers with more features, such as variable speed control, soft start, electronic brake, and LED work light, are generally more expensive.

If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider a less expensive router with fewer features. However, if you plan on using your router frequently, it may be worth investing in a more expensive router with more features.

Here are a few tips for saving money on a wood router:

• Buy a refurbished router: Refurbished routers are often available at a significant discount.
• Look for sales and discounts: Many retailers offer sales and discounts on wood routers throughout the year.
• Consider buying a used router: Used routers can be a great way to save money, but be sure to inspect the router carefully before you buy it.

By considering your needs and budget, you can choose a router that will help you to complete your woodworking projects.

Here are a few additional tips for buying a wood router on a budget:

• Start with a smaller router: Smaller routers are generally less expensive than larger routers. Once you have gained more experience with routing, you can upgrade to a larger router if needed.
• Buy a router kit: Router kits often include a variety of accessories, such as bits, bases, and guides. This can be a great way to save money on the accessories that you will need to use your router.
• Don’t be afraid to buy a generic router: Generic routers are often just as good as brand-name routers, but they are usually less expensive.

Brand and Model Recommendations for Wood Routers

There are a number of different brands and models of wood routers available on the market. Some of the most popular brands include:

• DeWalt
• Bosch
• Makita
• Triton
• Festool

Here are a few specific brand and model recommendations for wood routers:

• DeWalt DW625EK: This is a versatile plunge router that is well-suited for a variety of woodworking tasks. It has a powerful 2.5 horsepower motor and a large base for stability and control.
• Bosch 1617EVSPK: This is a popular router kit that includes both a plunge base and a fixed base. It has a powerful 2.25 horsepower motor and a variety of features, such as variable speed control, soft start, and electronic brake.
• Makita RT0701C: This is a compact and lightweight plunge router that is ideal for beginners. It has a 1.25 horsepower motor and a variety of features, such as variable speed control and soft start.
• Triton TRA001: This is a high-end plunge router that is designed for professional woodworkers. It has a powerful 2.4 horsepower motor and a variety of features, such as variable speed control, soft start, and electronic brake.
• Festool OF 1400 EBQ-Plus GB: This is another high-end plunge router that is designed for professional woodworkers. It has a powerful 1.4 horsepower motor and a variety of features, such as variable speed control, soft start, and electronic brake.

Conclusion

By following this buying checklist and considering each feature in the context of your specific needs, you can make an informed decision and choose a router that is well-suited to your projects and your skill level.

In conclusion, when buying a router, it is important to consider the power and speed options, the different types of bases, and the specific features that will best suit your needs.