Main Features

This DeWalt offers you the advantage of both a fixed and plunge base so you can take care of a comprehensive range of applications in one nifty tool. The fixed base is tailor-made for precise measurements. If you need to cut out pieces from a thicker board, the plunge comes fully to the fore. Changing out the base and bits is a cakewalk with the motor pack easily removable.

This router weighs in at a fraction under 5 pounds when you’re using the fixed base. Press the plunge base into commission and you’ll add another pound or so but the DeWalt is still lightweight without compromising build quality or durability. The rubber handles on the plunge base offer superb grip and comfort.

Many trim routers have sub-par motors but the DeWalt boasts a 1 1/4HP unit with variable speed. This is dependable and powerful while allowing you a good deal of flexibility in the applications you can tackle.

The lower speed of 16,000RPM means you’ll just about be able to work with hardwood although it’s still fairly swift for that purpose so work with care and allow time for cooling down. The upper speed of 27,000RPM is impressive.

Another bonus with this motor is its soft start. Not only will this make sure the router lasts longer, it also delivers a consistency of speed throughout the cut perfect for precision work.

The pair of LED lights means you’ll be able to work clearly even in dimmer conditions. The transparent base also helps significantly with visibility so accuracy won’t take a tumble thanks to this thoughtful design.

There are 5 depth stops and 12 spindle locks on the DeWalt. You’ll be able to make plunge strokes of 2 inches. You’ll get 1-½ inches of depth travel with the regular base and a full 2 inches with the plunge base. There’s an integrated depth scale for your convenience.

With the fixed base, an adjustment ring allows you to fine-tune the bit depth changes to a tolerance of 1/64 inch. The plunge base, by contrast, features a rod for making adjustments.

Bit changes are simplified with a large, easily accessible button, shaft lock detents and a spindle lock button.

While you can certainly get hold of cheaper trim routers, when you consider the brand heritage you’re buying into and the first-class functionality across the board, the DeWalt DWP611PKrepresents superb value for money.

If you want to invest in a dual-purpose portable router that comes in at a pocket-friendly price without stiffing you on performance or accuracy, the DeWalt DWP611PK is well worth further investigation.

This compact cordless router will take care of pretty much anything you throw its way at home or on the job site. It’s light enough to use for prolonged periods but heavy-duty enough to last for years while delivering a first-rate experience along the way.

The comprehensive 3-year DeWalt warranty allows you to buy without a headache knowing you’re covered for all reasonable faults.

Check out the DWP611PK today.It will not disappoint.

Next up with our best wood router reviews is a cost-effective and lightweight compact router from Makita, the RTO701C.

Since a router comes out to play on such a regular basis, it’s critical that you spend the time and effort to get the best tool for your needs. The RTO701C is an pretty powerful and able wood router at an affordable price that is worthy of a place in any workshop.

The Makita falls into line design-wise with most smaller laminate trim routers. The 1 1/4HP motor gives reasonable power in a unit this size. The soft start feature reduces torque on the motor and makes for very smooth running while also guaranteeing you’ll get plenty of service from this router without it letting you down.

Where the Makita really scores is in the variable speed dial. Flick from 1 through 6 and choose a speed from 10,000RPM right on up to 30,000RPM at the top end. This means you can exercise a great deal of control over your router while also getting superior results whatever the material or project. Since the speed is controlled electronically, you’ll be able to maintain a constant speed under load. As well as minimizing any twisting, it will also prevent burnout.

Like with the DeWalt, you’ll get both fixed and plunge bases if you roll with that package. We strongly recommend doing so to give you the widest choice of applications without needing 2 routers.

With the fixed base set up, there’s a locking lever and an adjustment ring to help raise and lower the router. This translates to perfectly precise cuts each and every time.

For adjustments, you’re limited to an oversized lever for depth setting. This is positioned on the front face of the Makita’s base. Fine adjustments are slightly awkward since the motor will plunge as soon as you open the lock lever. The lack of friction makes things rather fiddly and means you’ll often lose your reference position which can be frustrating in the extreme. While this shouldn’t make or break your buying decision, it’s worth being aware of.

There’s a crude scale on the motor unit for an overall sense of depth. Unfortunately, there’s no movable pointer here rendering it little other than a general and vague guide.

You’ll get a metal parallel guide with all iterations of the Makita. This is mounted to the rear with a thumb screw. Using this, you’ll be able to make cuts up to 3 ½ inches from a board’s edge.

Instability can take effect when you’re making too deep a cut, running the router too rapidly or the bit’s too large. In fairness, these are general issues that plague routers rather than a specific fault of the Makita.

Dust collection leaves something to be desired. All the dust is blown forcefully out the bottom. You’ll need to purchase a shroud in order to hook this router up to your dust collector so factor this into your budgeting. The more expensive models do include this shroud free of charge.

Overall, the many advantages of the Makita RTO701C more than compensate for the downsides. We only mention this so you can choose to buy with your eyes wide open rather than being ambushed by flaws you weren’t aware of.

The first thing to clarify before we kick off is that this Festool router is exclusively an edging router. You won’t get the same range of applications at your disposal as with the other palm routers we’ve investigated. That said, this router performs that one set of tasks exceptionally well so, if it’s edging work you’re engaged in, this is the perfect solution.
If you’re looking to rout grooves, trim up laminate or undertake some edge banding, this router is expressly designed to make things easy for you. The motor is only 1HP but it’s more than fit for purpose. Multi-material speed control stops overload while producing optimum consistency under load.

Despite its heavyweight performance, the Festool weighs just 4.2 pounds so it’s a winning mixture of portability and power.

While you can buy the router on its own, the set is the superior option. With this, you’ll get collets, a wrench and a pair of bases included for bumper value. You can seamlessly integrate this router with any other Festool kit you have in your workshop for professional results that get better with each additional tool you hook up.

Dust blights any workshop and Festool place a premium on removing this menace. There’s a neat dust port so you can connect your router up to a collection system and work away in safety with a clear line of sight on your workpiece.

Depth control, as you would expect, is top-tier. You can make adjustments down to 1/256-inch which makes this router hard to beat in this department.

The pair of bases, both vertical and horizontal, allows you to exercise absolute control over depth when you’re trimming edge banding while safeguarding the surfaces at the same time. This is a wonderful feature not matched by competing routers.

The support offered by the base takes all the sting out of projects like trimming laminate. You’ll get outstanding stability and the substantial hand knob means you can keep your router firmly in place.

We’ll wrap up with a snapshot of the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself whether this potent wood router deserves a spot in your workshop…

Most woodworkers don’t buy a single Festool product but aim for a shop containing many of their tools which all work in sync. If you’re looking to start your collection somewhere, though, this modular trim router is a fantastic place to begin.

Although you won’t get the flexibility that many cheaper routers manage to deliver, when it comes to trim work and edging, this tool stands alone.

A truly unique router with both vertical and horizontal bases, if you decide to roll with the Festool, you’re highly unlikely to find anything much to complain about.

If you’ve got the budget to spare, we stridently urge you to give this router a shot.