Whether you are a professional woodworker or someone who does various DIY projects, you may have to either shape or hollow certain woodblocks.
Routers are the best tool to use when it comes to hollowing and making shapes on various woodblocks.
With hundreds of these routers all available for purchase in the market at the moment, it has become increasingly difficult for most woodworkers to pick the best one to buy.
Is this a challenge? You’ve come to the right place. This piece will discuss some of the best woodworking routers you can get your hands on.
Best Woodworking Routers for Various Projects
1. Triton TRA001 Dual Mode Precision Router
One of the common problems most woodworkers face when using routers is the time spent in setting it up. The manufacturer of this company seeks to correct this notion by modifying the Triton to be quite easy to setup.
Its 3-stage turret helps offer you more precise and well-calculated cuts that are unlike anything you’ve seen. In addition to this, there’s a direct reading which makes it easier for anyone to read.
Like most of the others designed by the Tritan brand, this product has been built to offer high precision cuts which have become synonymous with this global brand.
If you’re searching for an ideal deluxe plunge router, then this product is ideal for you. Although having the same design as a regular plunge router, the Tritan TRA001 has been built to be easier to set up and make use of, thus, making it ideal for planning out your projects.
With a larger and firm handle, the TRA001 affords you that rare opportunity to operate singlehandedly. You can decide to install a shaft lock to prevent accidents.
In all, this product has been built to be both powerful and easy to make use of. This is something you don’t get to see every day in a woodworking router.
Specification
- Brand; Tritan
- Model; TRA001
- Weight; 19.5 pounds
- Horsepower; 3¼ inch
- Dust extraction; yes
- Voltage; 110 – 120 Volts
- Material; metal
Pros
- It is an all-in-one router.
- It is currently one of the most powerful routers out there.
- It offers increased precision.
Cons
- A couple of vital parts are made from plastic.
- Dust tends to build up easily when using this powerful machine.
2. Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge Wood Router
With its 2.25 Horsepower, this product from the Bosch brand is currently one of the largest handheld wood routers out there right now. While there are a ton of these table models larger than this, this plunge wood router happens to have the same Horsepower.
Speed is an important factor to take into consideration when choosing a wood router. This router does not lack in that regard. Its motor is capable of producing an RPM of about 8000 to 21000.
This router is very fast, and it also has this consistent speed setting that ensures you’re able to create hollow or shapes in woodblocks.
One of the core features of this product is that it stands out is its Constant Response Circuitry (CRC). This software helps to monitor the router as you work with it. Impressive right? Here’s more.
Aside from monitoring your entire working process, thus feature also helps to keep your speed setting constant throughout your project.
This product gives you total control, something that you wouldn’t see in most of the routers available today.
Specification
- Brand Bosch
- Model; 1617EVSPK
- Weight; 18.2 pounds
- Voltage; 120 Volts
- Horsepower; 2.25
- Material; plastic, metal
- Speed; 8000 – 25000
Pros
- It is one of the most powerful woodworking routers.
- It offers a higher speed level.
- It offers users a constant speed usage.
- It comes with a CRC feature that automatically monitors your work.
Cons
- It lacks some of the popular templates that others have.
- It doesn’t come with a lock to prevent accidents.
3. DEWALT DW618PKB Plunge Wood Router
First, this is an easy to use router that has been designed specifically for amateurs and professionals alike. Experts using this product for making shapes on woodblocks would definitely attest to the fact that their projects now look as professional as possible.
If you’re one of those who always want to produce perfect and high-quality wooden projects, this router has been designed.
With a 2.25 Horsepower, the DW618PKB has been built with an adjustable free-tool feature. This helps you conveniently change base as well as set measurement depths as easily as possible.
While there are dozens of features, one that really stands out for me is the “soft start technology.” Unlike anything you’ve seen in any router before, this technology helps to minimize torque on the motor.
With the help of various AC electric motors, the soft start technology temporarily minimizes the load on the power train, in the process ensuring the motor is not stressed during start-up.
Its variable speed setting is another feature to look out for. With an RPM of 8000 to over 24000, this router has cemented its place as one of the leading and most powerful routers out there.
Depending on the bits and cutters you are making use of, you can either set the speed setting at 8000 – 14000 RPM or 18000 – 24000.
Specification
- Brand; DEWALT
- Model; DW618PKB
- Weight; 16.2 pounds
- Voltage; 120 Volts
- Horsepower; 2.25
- Dust collector; yes
Pros
- It is a powerful machine capable of handling every wood type.
- It is incredibly easy to make use of.
- It comes with a dust collector.
Cons
- Collet but is quite difficult to reach.
- There’s no edge guide.
4. Bosch MRP23EVS Electronic Plunge Wood Router
Like most of the other products reviewed here, the MRP23EVS offers several features. One of the features that stand out is the After lock microfine. This feature lets you fine-tune any of the plunge settings you can think of.
Its 15-AMP motor, as well as its variable speed setting, ensures that users match that of the material being worked on.
Like the previous Bosch product, the MRP23EVS comes with Constant Response Circuitry. It performs the same function, which is to stabilize or make the speed setting constant to guarantee precise and faster cuts.
To prevent accidents of any kind, this powerful 15-AMP motor router has been designed with a contoured handle that ensures a firm grip.
The soft-start technology, which is a key feature of most Bosch manufactured router is also found in this device. Like the others, this technology helps to reduce torque start-up time.
Specification
- Brand; Bosch
- Model; MRP23EVS
- Weight; 12.6 pounds
- Voltage; 120 Volts
- Horsepower; 2.3
- Speed; 10000 – 25000 RPM
- Dust collector; no
Pros
- Like the other Bosch products, this is a powerful router.
- It automatically controls your projects.
- It offers a constant speed setting.
Cons
- There is no dust collector
5. DEWALT DW616 Plunge Wood Router
For various base changes, the adjustable tool-free motor affords you the opportunity to make major depth adjustments while ensuring a solid rocking platform.
One of the features of this DEWALT manufactured wood router is the detachable cord set. Unlike most of the DEWALT routers available in the market, this feature help offers cord set serviceability as well as the ability to make use of the same motor pack for various based.
To guarantee you higher accuracy, a sub-base concentricity gauge has been Incorporated.
This is one of those products that gives you the opportunity to control and make the needed adjustments capable of producing the best woodworking project.
Specification
- Brand; DEWALT
- Model; DW616
- Weight; 6.2 pounds
- Voltage; 120 Volts
- Horsepower; 1.25
- Speed; 24500 RPM
Pros
- This machine gives you ample power to carry out any woodworking project.
- With a speed RPM of 24500, this is one of the most powerful routers available.
- It is incredibly easy to make use of.
Cons
- It is lightweight which may make it incapable of holding certain woodblocks.
6. DEWALT DW618B3 Plunge Base Kit
Similar to the other DEWALT manufactured routers reviewed here, one of the features that separate it from the others is the nickel-plated motor, which helps to offer long-lasting and incredibly smooth depth adjustments.
Another interesting feature you would come to love as you make use of this product is it’s easy to reach a plunge lever. Ordinarily, most routers tend to place plunge levels a bit far off from a position users can conveniently reach. This is quite different from what this plunge router offers.
The ability to conveniently reach the various plunge boosts the convenience level of this product.
It is designed with iron-cast material to ensure durability. Being the best material for various woodworking tools, iron-cast offers additional stability, making it suitable for heavier wooden projects.
Specification
- Brand; DEWALT
- Model; DW618B3
- Weight; 28.1 pounds
- Voltage; 120 Volts
- Horsepower; 2.25
- Speed; 8000 – 24000
- Dust control; yes
Pros
- It is a powerful machine capable of providing you enough power to carry out any project at all.
- It has a couple of unique features that set it apart from the other DEWALT manufactured routers.
- It comes with dust control.
Cons
- Some have argued that it is no different from other DEWALT routers in the market.
Buying Guide
When it comes to picking the best woodworking routers for your various projects, there are tons of factors that you should take into consideration.
Size
Oftentimes overlooked, size is an important factor to take into consideration when shopping for a woodworking router.
Since most of the routers come in different sizes, you must choose one that is capable of accommodating the type of wood you’ll be working on.
Ergonomic
Basically, ergonomic tools are designed for human hands. They are designed to not only be comfortable but also ensure a firm grip, preventing long term injury.
When shopping for a router, its overall design should be one of the core factors to take into consideration. Opt for routers with ergonomic handles that offer firm and lasting grip.
Dust Collection Port
Generally, power tools like routers and CNC machines tend to collect dust. When this happens, dust collected tends to settle either in your lungs or workshop.
Dust settling in your lungs will definitely result in damage to your respiratory organ. To prevent this from happening, it is only right that you opt for a router that has a dust collection port.
Also, the router you opt for should be one that is easy to clean. You wouldn’t want to own a device that cannot be cleaned easily. Save time by thinking through these features before purchasing. Choose one that is easy to clean and use for your projects.