As a beginner in the woodworking field, you do need to take out time and sit down to determine which is the wood router and the important factors to consider. One of the very significant pieces of equipment you need for the woodworking task is going to be the router.
Since you are looking to work on wooden materials, the routers are going to be those which are very convenient to use and are equipped with a strong motor capable of generating 8,000 revolutions per minute or more.
When it comes to the requirements of the beginner woodworkers, then it is very well known you don’t have to necessarily take a lot of functions and parameters in mind. We have researched and also had words with lots of our fellow woodworkers who work on wooden materials and have compiled a guide that’s going to help you choose the wood routers as a beginner.
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Wood Router for Beginners
1. Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25HP : Wood Router for Beginners Overall
This wood router is very flexible to use due to the way it is designed. It weighs around 18.2 pounds and has a motor with a power of 2.25 HP. Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25HP Fixed-Base & Plunge base Router has a fixed base and collet chucks of ¼ inch and ½ inch. There is also a T-handle hex height adjustment wrench in-built in the wood router.
You will find a lot of features to love about this Bosch wood-router set such as an inexpensive price, robust construction, and flexible usability. It is very simple to use, offers maximized user power, and can manage to perform with great ease even if there is a wide range of woodworking tasks. This is what makes it the option for beginners in the woodworking field.
The model has a motor plunge router that has the power of 2.25 HP which provides it with the required power for getting the job done. Along, with this, it also has six types of speed setting levels for getting maximum adaptability while working.
Bosch 1617EVSPK is designed to last for a long time, other than its power and ease of access. The robust aluminum construction protects the engine properly, allowing you to get loads of work with its help. Not only this, but this one also comes along with a plunge and fixed base which can be swapped easily.
The Bosch 1617EVSPK tends to leave little or nothing to be expected due to its convenient one-button functioning and top-tier strength. It is well suited for novice, skilled, and amateur users as well. This can easily become your new favorite machine in the garage or workshop, no matter how much your experience in woodworking is. Also, this wood router comes with a warranty of one year.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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2. Triton TRA001 3.25HP : Alternative to Bosch 1617EVSPK
Unless you are not against investing a little more money on a good-quality wood router, make sure that you add the Triton TRA001 on your purchase list. This topmost wood router is instilled with a two-in-one base and hence, this will make it possible for you to use both a fixed and plunge base.
This one works with a current of 15 amp and weighs around 13 pounds. It has a motor with a power of 3.25 HP and can produce revolutions around 8,000 to 22,000 rpm. Other than this, the router has electronic speed control with a neon light power switch.
Furthermore, while using the plunge router base, this Triton set comes fitted with a convenient micro-winder for the adjustment of depth. The smooth-start motor often makes a quick and clear switch on the router. It also has a handle in it and hence whenever you use it on a hot summer day, you would not at all have to be worried about the slipping of your hands.
The Triton TRA001 is designed to last for a long time and the plastic sheets that are wrapped all-around motor and exhaust vent help to sustain it for a longer time. Ultimately, we feel that its slightly higher price is worth it. The user-friendly design, strength, and flexibility helped it manage to be the star of the competition. Also, it comes with a 3-year warranty period.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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3. Makita RT0701CX7 : Value for the Money
It has always been said that the things come in small packages and this becomes true when you will see the Makita RT0701CX7 1.25 HP wood router. It is a portable router with a slim design that also offers comfort and ease to the user. However, its 1.25 HP is surely not enough for handling the heavy-duty woodworking tasks. Still it is a very simple and convenient tool that can be used for performing various woodworking projects. This one weighs only 3.9 pounds and has the rpm speed of 10,000 to 30,000. It also is fitted with a dial for variable speed control and comes along with a warranty of one year.
This lightweight device has a 10,000 to 30,000 rpm and the adjustment interface for rack-and-pinion enables you to customize the speed for excellently accurate performance. What is even more interesting is that it begins softly and peacefully so that you can be in full charge from beginning to end.
Also, the Makita RT0701CX7 has rapid-release buttons for simple and fast depth alteration. It can also save your time by making the base removal and installation task easier. This router is being considered due to its precision, comfort, and control. It’s a great option for projects of small and medium scale enterprises that require outstanding precision.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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4. DEWALT DW616 1.75 HP Wood Router : Budget Pick
DEWALT DW616 1.75 HP Wood Router has a microfine depth adjustment ring that allows getting the precise depth changes in increments of 1/64-inch. The steel motor cam lock is very adjustable and it allows the adjustment of depths. With this, you can alter the bases very easily and fastly.
For prolonged and better switch life, a debris-sealed switch safeguards against dust accumulation, and the motor casing is plated with nickel for seamless and long-lasting depth adjustments.
The sub-base concentricity gauge improves precision by letting you retain bit concentricity, and self-releasing eight-slot collets provide outstanding bit retention for reliability. A steel cam lock and quick-release motor locks allow making adjustments. You can very easily switch the bases and there is a detachable cord set which helps in keeping the tools that are needed often. It has a rubber handle which makes the grip comfortable and has a very well-balanced body to work upon.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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5. Festool OF 2200 Wood Router : Premium Pick
Festool OF 2200 Wood Router is one of the most robust ones which supports a motor of 220 W for accomplishing the toughest jobs. Be it making the cuts in hardwood, trimming the laminates, or adding up an elegant touch to a surface of a material, this OF 2200 can always give the best. The handles are a win-win in this one since they are very easy to grip and help in maintaining superior control while using it. Further for strengthening your experience with the Festool router, you can buy a dust control device and a guide board.
The dust control device helps in reducing the dust and debris while preserving visibility and preventing the blade from being worn down unexpectedly. It has a precision 4-position depth stop turret which helps to make small changes for even the deeper cuts. The final fourth stage includes a 2mm offset which allows you to complete your finishing pass at full speed.
Festool OF 2200 is one of the most expensive models due to the advantages which it provides. Many users have said that if you are very serious about woodworking then, Festool has always been the brand. Even though, OF 2200 has become one of the larger routers.
When you have a big shop space and need a router that keeps up with your demand, then the Festool brings strength and precision to you as one of the most powerful routers in the market.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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Other Great Picks
6. DEWALT DW618B3
This DEWALT DW618B3 2.25HP wood router is very powerful and has a motor with 12-amp current and horsepower of 2¼ HP. It surely can handle increased workload which might overpower other routers. When cutting, the sub-base concentricity gage lets you focus the sub-base, which makes this router achieve maximum performance. It produces 8,000 to 24,000 rpm.
In addition to its fantastic performance, the DeWalt can also adjust the depth in increments of 1/64″ which helps in making accurate and fine cuts. Pick your favorite from three different kinds of bases for full versatility and that are fixed, D-handle, and plunge.
While using a strong wood router and slicing into heavy workloads, dust control is very important. Thankfully, the DeWalt DW618B3 incorporates a proprietary method for trapping dust through the frame, which allows for a vacuum fit. Now, you can devote considerable time doing the job and less in cleaning up your office.
Most wood-router reviews from customers have only great things to say about the DeWalt. All in all, we are also very pleased with it, and wholeheartedly suggest it to woodworkers who require an efficient and reliable wood router.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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7. DEWALT DWP611PK
DeWalt has become a very common name amongst peoples due to its power tools which are of very high-quality and more shelf life. This DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25 HP supports a speed control sensor, which can be changed for unbeatable performance. The range of no-load speeds is between 17,000 to 27,000 rpm. The power of the router is 1.25 HP and it weighs 8 pounds. It comes with a warranty period of 3-years.
The curved grip on the DeWalt helps the user to maintain stability throughout the completion of the process and the expanded sub-base guarantees great working-surface contact which can be retained when you are using it. Extra features are the accurate alteration of the depth and the fast removal of the motor pack for the base and little changes.
This model is provided with a spindle-lock button for convenience which means that one can very easily make the adjustments with a single wrench. Two LED lights help in providing maximum visibility.
By combining all the mentioned features of DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25 HP we can say that it produces the cutting results which are needed. Also, the soft-start motor of this toll assures an outstanding experience to the user as soon as the switch is flipped ‘ON’. It does not end here, as you will love its compact nature which enables you to use it for a longer time.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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8. Bosch PR20EVSNK 1HP Wood Router
Bosch PR20EVS 1HP Wood Router is one of the models that we’ve found yet for beginners. Owing to its 5.6A of motor and variable speed architecture, it can still be used at various rates. Because it generates up to 35,000 rpm at a lower setting, you can use it and deliver only 15,000 RPMs. There is a fixed base made up of rugged aluminum.
Since, it has an edging tool in it, and hence this makes it the favorite one of the people working on cutting off the molding pieces and certain other projects. This equipment is made of aluminum and can help you do adjustments to get the depth that you want. You can easily position the edging tool against both the edge of the board and then start with the cutting. There is no need for you to think about any serrated or rough spots being left behind after the task is done.
We also see that Bosch provides you with a thick plastic cover that houses both router and the edging tool. It also has a wrench included in it which helps to make the adjustments to the tool. Since the PR20EVS weighs just less than 12 pounds, it significantly reduces exhaustion in your hands and enables you to cut as much as you will need to.
This below $100 router is one of the most affordable CNC machine that can be used with a single hand and helps the user in holding it in a comfortable position while cutting. One can achieve the depth adjustment features and everything else, while simultaneously keeping their hand on the router. There is a soft-start system that stops the wood router from jumping off when it is turned off. Either shopping for yourself or another novice in the woodworking setting, the Bosch PR20EVS is the wood router available on the market. It also comes with a warranty period of 1 year.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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9. Porter-Cable 690LR 1.75HP Wood-Router
The fixed-base router is the Porter-Cable 690LR 1.75HP Wood-Router, which is evidence that you do not have to pay much to buy a great wood router. It is very robust, powerful, and flexible for its comparatively cheap cost. Even though it may not last for a long time as some other routers, it is still worthy of its price.
1¾ HP is produced by the 11 amp motor, which makes it the one for cutting a huge range of materials. This is also engineered to modify the rough height quickly and easily, so you’ll get precisely the cut you need. It weighs almost 9.4 pounds and makes 7,500 revolutions per minute.
If you’re using the Porter-Cable 690LR, you will appreciate the extra comfort of the over-molded handles, so that you don’t get tired during longer ventures.
Less shelf life is one of the main drawbacks of the cheap wood routers. But the Porter-Cable has a couple of design features in place which puts it in its class. The aluminum motor case of this appliance provides plenty of use out of this router. All the parts are sealed for protection from dust, which helps to keep it in working mode for a long time. With this one, you get a warranty of 3 years.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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10. Bosch GKF12V-25N Wood Router
The Bosch GKF12V-25N Wood Router is a brushless compact edge wood router that offers independence from the cord and a special offset design that makes this router the option. It is very convenient for lightweight edge routing and trimming of the objects. This adjustable palm edge router is compact and well designed.
It includes a unique design that offers optimum edge-forming stability when working with much of the tools and its gripping areas are placed over the workpiece. The unit provides 23 ft. of routing per battery amp hour when there is a rounding of 0.2 in of beech.
There is a very easy-to-change spindle lock, fine depth adjustment, and macro depth adjustment at 0.04 in per revolution of the dial. Not only this, but the router also features a sensor that makes the motor stop in case of a fall.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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11. Festool OF 1400
Festool 574692 Wood router has the handles which are designed for ensuring that the customer has proper grip and does not get tired easily. It can be used with a single hand. For dust collection, there are collection ports which capture the dust when it is generated for improving visibility, saving the cleaning time, and increasing the shelf life of the cutter.
The swiveling chip deflector is used for maximizing the dust collection while chipping the corners and curves.
Check out some of the best dust collectors you can choose from for your workshop.
It gets attached and removed very easily with the help of a tool-free spring clip system. It has been designed to be used with the MFS multi-routing templates, FS Guide rail system, and with many more accessories. For the précised depth adjustments, a micro-adjustability dial is used which helps in routing the accuracy.
*The above mentioned scores are out of 100
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Buyer’s Guide: Things to consider while choosing the wood router
Like we said earlier, novice woodworkers do not usually need a CNC router with high power, unlike the professionals. We will go through a list of factors to consider that are more relevant for the beginners who are planning to et the router.
Plunge vs. Fixed Base
The first characteristic you need to take a peek at is the base of the router. You will get the option of either choosing a plunge base router or the one with a fixed base router. This can be chosen by deciding your needs, since the fixed base works only around the edges or on the top surface of the wood. On the other hand, the plunge base helps in making the vertical cuts on the wood.
The Bosch model which we chose for the beginners is equipped with a fixed base that makes it useful for the less experienced people. You can quickly run the tool around the edges of the wood with a fixed base to make shallow and deep cuttings. The plunge base would need a little more research and knowledge for learning to use it.
Variable Speed
We also advise beginners to look for versions that come with a variable speed motor. You need to have more power when you’re using one of these devices. It prevents you from making errors or and also helps you in making the right cut straight through the wood.
The motors with variable speed are operated at both high and low speed. Variable speed motors are operating at both higher and lower speeds. With a quick flip of a switch or the way you hold and use the device, you can control the speed of the tool. We suggest you choose the wood router with a minimum speed of 8,000 RPMs and a maximum speed of at least 15,000 RPMs
Edging Tool
Many newbies also find it comfortable to use the routers that have an edging tool in them. This type of wood router looks like a thin and flat metal piece that is attached to the edge of the router. You can position the router right on the top surface of the wood while cutting it, and align the edging tool against the board’s edge.
It moves right along the wood as you push the tool to create an even and smooth finish. It takes some of the idle speculations out of making edges and allows you to complete the project quicker.
Ease of Use
While you are selecting a wood router, one of the most significant things to keep in mind is how conveniently you can use it. We found the Bosch model to be the most suitable for the beginners however as your skills develop, it will evolve with you. This model can be used with just one hand as well since you can reach out to all the features and switch with the same hand that you put on top of the router.
Final Verdict: Who’s The Ultimate Winner?
All important factors that should be considered when searching for the wood router to match your requirements are size, design features, weight, and strength. Keeping each of these factors into consideration, we observed that among other equivalent top-rated products, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is the top pick of the day. It was certainly placed in the top level of wood routers and for this, thanks to its flexibility, robust nature, and raw strength.
The reliable first-rate Triton TRA001 and PORTER-CABLE 690LR are other worthy mentions if you have predefined your budget range and the type of projects you are planning to achieve. We assume this review article will help you pick the top-most wood router and suit your requirements.
