The Best Wood Routers
If you've ever spent time in a woodshop, you may be familiar with the versatile carving power of the electric wood router. This device has quickly become an essential part of the woodworker's toolkit because of its countless applications in both functional and stylistic cuts. Routers can be used to cut recesses for door hinges, accent cabinet panels, and shape a wide range of carpentry projects. What once required a wood chisel, a steady hand, and uncompromising patience can be accomplished in a fraction of the time thanks to this ingenious technological innovation. No matter if you're a newbie building your first shelves or an artisan replacing a decades-old tool, our wide variety of wood router recommendations are selected to perform accurate, smooth cuts every time.
Makita Compact Router
Laser through lumber
Routing wood can be a straightforward process if you have capable tools like Makita’s compact router. To start, this precision tool is a godsend for all sizes of carpentry projects because of its compatibility standards. No matter how you prefer to cut, Makita’s accessibility allows for both handheld and table-based cuts. On top of this, the depth adjustment lock is easy to activate from most angles, while the motor can handle bits up to an inch in diameter for large engravings. If you need an array of bases for complex woodworking projects or a handheld tool for detailing hobby creations, Makita operates with effortless efficiency when you need it the most.
Pros:
- Rubber grip for extra control
- Maximum of 30,000 revolutions per minute
- Available with plunge, tilt, and offset bases
Cons:
- The bases’ motor clamps are difficult to adjust
DeWalt Max XR Cordless Router
Brawny buzzing brilliance
If you’re a contractor often on the go, the freedom of movement provided by DeWalt’s Max XR router will be a convenient addition to your toolbox. To start, this beastly machine takes up barely any space and weighs less than three pounds. With a tacky grip and LED guides, this small machine makes sure your cuts are more consistent and professional-looking. While the motor is slightly smaller than comparable models, it is brushless, meaning fewer moving parts to worry about. Overall, the safety mechanisms and substantial battery in the Max XR make it an ideal choice for woodworkers just starting on smaller slotting, hinging, or trimming tasks.
Pros:
- Electronic brake increases durability
- Excels in tight spaces
- Accepts multiple battery sizes for larger projects
Cons:
- No battery included, but they’re universal across many DeWalt tools
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Router
Precise and powerful performance
The M18 Fuel by Milwaukee is an absolute must-have for accenting homemade furniture as well as functional cuts in doors and window frames. We love this unit because of the focus on protecting your investment for the long haul. The brushless motor is an innovation that does away with friction-causing components in favor of circuitry that guides the magnets more efficiently. What’s more, the device has auto-shutoff features for the most common overload causes. Overall, if you’re a perfectionist that relies on precise depth and speed adjustments for professional projects, the M18 will form the core of an amazing workstation.
Pros:
- Operates at up to 1.25 horsepower for cutting dense woods
- Incredible quality for the price
- Wood-facing LEDs
Cons:
- No additional accessories with the purchase
Bosch Wood Router Combo Kit
Take the complexity out of cuts
Equipping a router for more ambitious undertakings is made incredibly simple with Bosch’s router combo kit. As a highly respected brand in the power tool business, Bosch boasts a huge offering of versatile tools which integrate seamlessly. The base purchase includes a router and two bases that can work with or without the featured table. If you decide to go tableless, you can still enjoy all the stability of the Bosch base thanks to the edge guide and under-table base combos. If you’re looking to trick out your current work table for consistent joinings, or even larger-scale projects like panel or template cutting, this medium-sized router kit will set you up for success.
Pros:
- Includes tools for adjustments, chucks, and carrying case
- Ergonomic handles for deliberate, controlled cuts
- The router accepts sub-base plates for template cutting
Cons:
- Changing bits takes quite a lot of time
Makita Plunge Router
Plunge into ambitious projects
Makita’s plunge router is the big brother of all wood edging and routing tools. When time is of the essence, this device excels at quick bit changes and height adjustments because no supplemental tools are required. Furthermore, when you need to adjust height mid-cut, Makita is the best. The shaft features three preset depth stops that stagger indentations for accurate engravings. In addition to a generously sized woodchip guard, massive plunge capacity, and secure engine system, Makita prioritizes keeping you safe without sacrificing power or mobility.
Pros:
- Three and a quarter max horsepower
- Made in Japan
- The plunger lock is highly responsive and easy to operate
Cons:
- Expensive, but well worth it for the features
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I purchase a routing table to go with my new router?
While not always essential, wood routing tables go a long way in providing extra accessibility and cuts to its user. When used freehand, routers are extremely versatile but can also be somewhat dangerous. Considering many routers can spin at over 25,000 revolutions per minute if your wood is not properly secured, this tool can pose serious risks to your property and overall wellbeing. That’s where router tables come in. This piece of hardware has a channel in the center through which your router can be mounted upside down. Thanks to this innovation, wood can be fed towards the router slowly and deliberately. By adding accessories such as fences and bite guards, router tables will ensure your wood is cut at the proper angle without having to worry about deadly kickback.
How do I take care of my wood router?
Because routers operate at such high speeds and feature plenty of moving parts, damage and decay can occur over time. While most of the unit is sealed, your biggest issue will always be the accumulation of sawdust. The best course of action to fix this is regular low-pressure air cleaning after every use. In addition to dust, friction is the biggest repeat offender leading to router repair. If your unit has a brush motor, it will have to be replaced after a year or so of regular use because they slowly wear down like tire treads. Lastly, be sure to treat your wires properly. Avoid tightly wrapping the power cord around your router at all costs to prevent accidents.
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