Despite what the word may imply to most millennials, a wood router is not a network router made of wood. These amazing machines transform the task of making your furniture from a gruelling nightmare to a favourite pastime. They allow you to make flawless cuts with fancy edges and create some superb patterns on your wood.
Wood routers can hollow out tougher workpiece areas and remove the limit your workpiece choice to softwoods. Like all awesome equipment, however, picking out the best may prove too troublesome. It is advisable that you instead pick one that can fulfil all the tasks you want without any unneeded features and regard for price.
Our review examines the best wood routers available at this time.
Best Wood Router 2023
1. DeWalt DWP611PK
Perhaps DeWalt’s most high-profile feature is the amazing warranty offered by the manufacturer. It combines tastily a 1.23HP motor with an LED to deliver a mouth-watering performance. DWP611PK comes with a plunge base with precise depth settings that can be finely-tuned.
There are multiple shaft locks for an easy change and a combined clamping mechanism and depth ring to lock into position the motor.
Pros
- Insane warranty
- Quiet and fluid
- Compatible with extra accessories
- Compact and lightweight
- Comfortable when wielded
- Efficient, with adjustable speed
- Cheap
Cons
- No side handles
- Lacks a guide
- The 0.25-inch collet nut proves hard to reach
2. Bosch 1617EVSPK
For such a cheap product, 1617EVSPK is armed with a powerful 12-amp motor that can easily handle any task you present it. It is user-friendly and has impeccable controls that allow fine-work use while running at a constant speed. Bosch will handily carry out all tasks; from slot cutting, plunge cuts, and laminate trimming to edging formation.
Since it is made with high-quality aluminium, it has remarkable durability and is equally lightweight.
Pros
- Powerful and compact
- Highly versatile
- It is made of aluminium
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Can handle all routing tasks
Cons
- Pricy
- Weird look
3. Makita RT0701CX7
RT0701CX7 is Makita’s most visible wood router model and its smooth pinion-and-rack fine depth adjustment means it is brilliant. It is made slim and ergonomic without sacrificing any feature. Since it is controlled electronically, it can maintain its speed even under load.
Makita is highly durable since it is made of industrial-grade aluminium. There are shaft locks for an easy and quick change and a flat design for more stability.
Pros
- Variable speeds
- Amazing power
- Ergonomic and durable
- Slim and cheap
- Sleek look
- Smooth start-up
- Flat base for convenience
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
4. Porter-Cable 690LR
690LR is highly efficient and powerful and can generate an incredulous 27500RPM for precise working. This small machine is equipped with 1.75 motors for power. Its two ergonomic handles also make sure that it can be handled comfortably and fit strategically. Porter-Cable 690LR has two collects that can handle up to 0.5-inch and 0.25-inch shank bits with ease
690LR also happens to be one of the cheapest models from Porter-Cable so far to surpass its price-tag in value. This is because of the cam-lock lever system attached for adjustments to a simple coarse height.
Pros
- Compact des
- ign
- Has
- auto-release collect system
- The motor is a powerful 11-amp model
- Easy removal of the shank
- Versatile in use because of dual base
- Can perform high-precision cuts
Cons
- No variable speed
- A 2-wrench system is needed for changes
5. DeWalt DW618B3
It is no exaggeration to say that DeWalt is one of the most popular wood router manufacturers around. DW618B3 is designed for cutting through hardwood at the users desired speed and can handle plunge, fixed, or D-handle bases. There is a lock-on feature, adjustable motor cam lock, 24000 RPM motor, and electronic variable speed.
The cordset is detachable to remove any need for a short cord pack. Since it is also made with case-hardened steel guide rods, the plunge stroke is thus accurate and smooth.
Pros
- Powerful
- Has variable speed settings
- Can adjust vertically
- Built with precise depth adjustments in mind
- Has a soft start feature
- There are column dust collectors
- Efficient and visible
Cons
- Quiet and heavy
- Customer care is bad
6. Bosch 1617EVS 2-0.25HP
1617EVS can handle tough materials with its 25000 variable-speed motor and mind-boggling durability. It is dustproof and made of aluminium which means it can last for a long time of heavy use. There is a router kit that equips the user with everything needed for a fixed-depth routing.
1617EVS also has a bit-height adjustment system to accompany a fantastic make.
Pros
- Variable speed dial
- Easy and effective performance
- Incredible power
- Can get very fast
- Compact and durable
Cons
- Lacks a plunge base
- Heavy
7. Bosch PR20EV Colt
Very few wood router models surpass PR20EV in sheer versatility of application. It has an unmatched 32000 RPM motor operating on 5.6-amp and 1-hp. This masterpiece is equipped with a dial to control the router speed and soft start technology to control its torque on start-up.
Colt Palm Grip is suitable for precision and fast work because of the macro-micro adjustment possible with its depth adjustment system.
Pros
- Seven-step depth adjustment
- Has an air vent
- Very versatile working
- Compact and cheap
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- The power switch has no dust cover
- Lacks side handles
- Only has 0.25-inch collect compatibility
8. Hitachi KM12VC
It has a 2.25HP, 11-amp motor with both plunge and fixed bases compatibility and a release clamp to make such possible. Hitachi happens to be an ideal choice for woodworkers who don’t much care for loud machinery. There are collects for 0.25-inch and 0.5-inch chunks and room for accurate depth adjustments.
Pros
- Powerful and cheap
- Quiet operation
- Supports depth adjustments
- Base can change
- Balanced and fast
Cons
- Failing speed control
9. SKIL 1817
It is a brilliant choice for fine and precise work on the micro-scale. SKIL has a 0.5-inch collect capacity, a LED light for night operations, and a large profile for bigger workpieces.
Pros
- Can perform at night
- Has soft start-up
- Brilliant depth adjustment
- Stable base for micro-fine work
- Affordable
Cons
- Not enough features
- Lacks durability
10. Triton TRA001
Pros
- 5HP, 21000 RPM motors
- Just 13-pounds in weight
- Ease-of-use
- Can handle most jobs
- Easy start-up
- Awesome value
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Faulty off switch
- The safety cover is annoying
- Not for beginners
- Expensive