10 Best Wood Routers in 2021

A router is a hand power tool used to hollow (rout) out a specific place and a hard material such as plastic or wood. Routers are most popular in woodworking, most especially in cabinetry. They are usually handheld or joined to a router table with the cutting end facing up. You can use a router to add intricate edges and other designs to your work; they can also be used to create dadoes and rabbets. The primary use of a wood router is to trim and smooth the rough edges on a piece of wood.

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Wood routers have many different functions, and depending on which bit is used; you can use them in place of other tools. They cur around edges and also cut to depth; since we know how important wood routers are now, there are things you need to understand before purchasing a wood router.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WOOD ROUTER – BUYING GUIDE

TYPE OF ROUTER BASE

Wood routers have two basic types of bases, the fixed base router, the plunge base, and others.

Fixed base routers are set at a position, but a plunge base router can be moved about manually. With a fixed base router, you can get more power and precision. They are easier to control and are ideal for first timers. Fixed base routers are suitable for edge work; you can use them when making cabinets, shelves, and frames.

A plunge base wood router is joined to a designed base that allows the router to go down when the user applies force on it; after the pressure is removed, the cutting bit returns to its normal position. This router allows you to make adjustments to the depth manually and provide you with more control when cutting vertically. They are also great for carving, engraving, surface milling, and making grooves in the middle of your wood piece. You have to be careful and precise when using a plunge base router; they are not as forgiving as their counterpart; that’s why they are best suited for professionals, and they are also more expensive.

An interchangeable base has the ability to switch from a fixed router to a plunge router; all you have to do is swap the motor to meet the adjustment required by the job at hand.

A laminate trimmer is a specialized router that is made to cut the edge of countertop materials, these routers are small and lightweight and even come in the cordless models, and they are not as expensive as the large wood routers.

POWER

A wood router should have the ability to rip the right bit through any material; it may handle other materials such as laminates and other soft metals. Power tools are measured by amps, horsepower, or even both. The higher their rating, the more power(torque) the wood router will possess.

WOODWORKING ROUTER SIZE

Wood routers come in different sizes, and the smallest of them is the palm routers. They are compact, portable, and suitable for small projects. If you plan on using the router for medium-duty tasks, then there are routers that are compact but have high power and strength. They are the mid-sized routers.

If you are looking for a heavy-duty router, then go for the full-sized routers. They are large and heavy and have a lot of power and can easily take on the heaviest tasks. They are suitable for professional woodworkers and builders. Also, if you are a hobbyist who has regular jobs and needs a tool that will last a long time, then you can again go for the full-sized routers.

MOTOR AND SPEED

The motor of a wood router is an important feature to look out for. There are two types of motors. The single-speed motor has only a single speed setting, and this does not allow you to control the power output, but they are great for people who need intense power over every other feature.

Good routers usually come with variable speed settings so that the user can adjust the speed to meet their needs. Large motors tend to overheat and cause more vibrations; the user will have to shut it off and let it cool. You should also consider if you will be able to withstand a loud machine. A more powerful motor will make a lot of noise and if you prefer working with a more quiet tool, then get a wood router with a small motor. If you can ignore the loud sound or use hearing protection, then you wouldn’t have any issues with a large motor.

SOFT START

It is best to get a wood router with a soft start; a router without a soft start will shoot to its maximum speed the instant you push the switch. The loud noise from the router and the sudden movement can startle a lot of users. Also, the sudden increase in power can damage your router’s motor in the long run. Wood routers that have a soft start motor will pause for a moment then gradually begin to accelerate to the required speed.

FEATURES

Routers come with different features, but it is important to go for one that has useful and comfortable features. Some routers come with in-built lights to help illuminate your workspace and improve your field of vision. This helps a lot, especially when making detailed cuts. Another nice feature is dust collection; if the router has a system to collect dust, the tool is less likely to heat up, and you won’t have to worry about it breaking down due to intense heat. If your budget can allow it, these features make your job easier and more enjoyable.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

If the wood router is designed poorly, it will be challenging to handle the full-sized and compact routers. Choose a router with a sizable and textured handle to prevent it from slipping out from your hand and causing damage to your workpiece or causing injury. Remember to rest your hands frequently to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome or muscle tension.

DURABILITY

Wood routers work with tough woods; they rotate at a speed that is measured in tens of thousands, which can put stress on the motor. They also get pushed, bumped, and dragged through some tough conditions, so it is essential to get a durable one. You won’t want a wood router that will break down after a year. The motor housing and base materials should be strong and capable of withstanding harsh conditions. When choosing a wood router, durability is one of the most important things to look for; it will ensure that your wood routing experience is affordable over time. You won’t have to pay for frequent repairs or buy a replacement when the router breaks down.

SAFETY

You should ensure there are safety guards around the bits and ensure the bit is secure when the wood router is running. You should also know which part of the router gets hot to prevent you from burning your hands.

PRICE

Most people make the mistake of thinking that the higher the price the tag, the higher the quality of the product. That is not necessarily true, an expensive product might be low in quality, and this may be a result of brands trying to make a profit while offering subpar products.

With many varying products available for purchase, it might be hard choosing the right wood router. But with this buyer’s guide and product review, you will be able to choose one in no time.

Let’s dive into the list.

We have done our research and compiled a list of the best wood routers available in the market. We have highlighted their features and specifications to provide you with in-depth knowledge of wood routers.