Best Wood Router Reviews 2018

Bosch was founded 125 years ago, and since then it has consistently raised standards in efficiency, quietness and integrated design for all its products. This has made the brand iconic, not only in the US but also globally. Whether you want corded or cordless power tools as well as their accessories, there’s no doubt you can trust Bosch!

The Bosch Combination Plunge Router combines a 12-amp motor with adjustable speed settings and a precision centering design to ensure your project is done speedily and the results are impeccable. It features a constant response circuitry to help it maintain a constant speed, resulting in a clean accurate product.

This wood router comes with both a plunge base and a fixing base, something that explains its high price tag of $219. Some of the features it packs include:

• Micro-fine depth adjustments and a soft start
• 2-1/4 horsepower, with variable speeds of 8,000 rpm – 25,000 rpm
• A strong aluminum construction and wooden handles
• Product comes with fixed and plunge bases, carrying case, chip shields, wrenches and collect chucks
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

While we decided to feature this model as a router only, it is available in other design kits for a few more bucks. You could get the router w/ benchtop table, router w/ edge guide, or router w/ edge guide and bench table.

For almost 9 decades, DeWalt has earned a rich reputation when it comes to producing and designing tough industrial machinery. Raymond DeWalt, the company’s founder, invented the very first radial arm saw in 1923, which marked a start of the long successful journey to what the brand is today.

The DeWalt Compact Router boasts a 1-1/4 HP motor, which delivers enough power to handle even the toughest applications. It also features variable speed control so that you can use the right speed for the right project. If you want to change the base depth, you will love the precise depth adjustment feature.

There’s a good reason we loved the DeWalt Compact Router. Firstly, it’s among the Best Sellers on Amazon, and secondly, it features a compact router with a round base and edge guide at an amazing price of $199. Here what’s more you are likely to enjoy with this machine:

• Durable 1.25 horsepower motor that’s made to meet even the toughest applications
• Can extend to 3 inches from edge of your material
• Variable speed control ranging from 16,000 to 27,000 rpm
• Allows precise positioning of dadoes, inlays, et cetera
• Durable Lexan construction
• A clear sub-base and dual LED lighting to ensure you have maximum visibility
• A round base can work with template guides

This option with a round base and edge is a great for those who want to handle just about any woodworking project. However, if you want just the router or one with edge guide or round base, then you can choose those options on Amazon as well.

Makita is one of the major names in the world of power tool technology. It makes a wide range of professional and handyman tools, distributing across Europe and the US, among other regions. When compiling research about wood routers, there’s no chance we could have left this brand behind!

The Makita Compact Router delivers precision, versatility and performance in a compact size. It features a 1-1//4 HP motor and three bases for a full range of routing applications. It has a variable speed ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 rpm, making it one of the fastest wood routers in our list.

Because of the high-end features it brings to the table, you will expect to dig deeper into your pockets, parting with around $299.99 to own this machine. But don’t worry about the investment, because it’s a worthy one! Here are features to expect:

• Smooth, fine depth-adjustment to provide more precise settings
• Soft start to allow for smooth start ups
• Ergonomic design for enhanced comfort and control
• The unit accepts industry-standard templates
• Quick release cam lock for convenient base installation/removal and depth adjustment

Just like most wood routers we have covered, this option also comes in a number of designs. While we featured the kit and 3-bases, you can also get the tool alone, or a kit with 1 base.

Milwaukee started in 1924, making heavy-duty power tools for industrial applications. Since then, it has managed to work its way up and become one of the top names in the market when it comes to performance, quality and durability. Thanks to the brand’s unwavering commitment, it has become a household name by handymen and professionals alike.

The Milwaukee D-Handle Router is an affordable power tool, retailing at around $169.99. It features a maximum horsepower of 1-3/4 HP and a speed of 24,000 rpm. The grip design is also something worth mentioning. The over-molded rubber grip is comfortable and comes with an adjustable strap to allow for right- and left-hand operation.

Let’s take a look at the features that make this wood router a sweet deal:

• Linear depth adjustment
• Soft-Grip D-handle equipped with a lock-on trigger switch
• 1-3/4 maximum horsepower and 24,000 rpm motor
• Comes with two 1-1/8-inch collect wrenches: ¼-inch collect and ½-inch collect

Did you know that Porter-Cable was the first company to introduce a portable belt sander? That’s right! The brand is also credited for pioneering other products such as the portable band saw and helical-drive circular saw. This tells you one thing—Porter-Cable has vast knowledge in creating power tools.

The 690LR wood router comes with a fixed base and a strong 1-3/4/ HP motor that generates an incredible 27,500 rpm. This means that you will get precise cuts even on larger woodwork projects. The unit also features ergonomic handles that are strategically placed, making routing a comfortable and easy task.

Even with the immense power and impeccable speed range offered by this power tool, it doesn’t cost a fortune. You will only need around $154 to own it. Here are some of the features to expect:

• Over-molded grips for enhanced comfort
• 11-amp motor that produces 103/4 HP
• An under-table that prevents the motor from rotating out of its base
• 27,500 rpm
• Cam lock lever for motor releases and height adjustments
• Aluminum motor base and housing
• Auto-release collect system that allows for bit removal

This router is available in two designs. You can get it as a router only (the one we featured) and a router with template guide.