Welcome to this best wood router for beginners post. In this post, you will know which are the best wood routers. We have reviewed here the top 05 routers.
Wood routers rout or hollow out wood. This means that they cut into the material at a given distance, often creating etched patterns in furniture or a rabbet that give your handmade furniture more elegant. These little details are difficult to do by hand, and this is why tools like routers exist. Fortunately, not all of them are difficult to use. Here are a few recommended wood routers for beginners.
Table of Contents
01. Bosch Model 1617EVSPK Wood Router
The Bosch model 1617EVSPK wood router is one of the best wood routers for beginners. It isn’t just a wood router but a full kit. It is powered by a decent 2.25 horsepower motor.
Features
This wood router kit allows you to do almost anything. You can do precise bit plunging to drill partial holes. You can use it for laminate trimming, edge forming, and slot cutting.
You can even use it for dovetail cutting. This lets you create the precise joins that allow you to assemble furniture. There’s even a carrying case for it.
The router kit has templates so you can create properly located holes, whether you want a three hole or four hole pattern. Its relatively wide open design lets you see what you’re doing.
This unit is ergonomic. It has a soft grip handle on the plunge base. It has wooden handles on the fixed base. Both limit the amount of vibration that reaches your hands.
Issues
The router components are not as precise as you’d expect them to be. The handles on the router attachment are not tight. The motor may not slide in and out easily, and you’re prone to making a mistake if you have to force it.
The router kit doesn’t have all the parts you’d expect, and you have to pay extra for essentials like an edge guide or bushings. They don’t even provide the bushing adapter. On the other hand, Bosch offers a separate dust collector.
Pros:
- Add-ons to let you do almost anything
- Ergonomic
Cons:
- Mediocre quality
02. Dewalt Router, Model DW618PKB
Dewalt is well known for its hand tools. You probably have one of their drills or other tools in your shed. This is a Dewalt Router kit.
Features
It has a 2.25 horsepower motor. One point in its favor is the soft start. If you’re holding it, you won’t experience the hard jerk that hits when you turn on other items. It is also variable speed capable of going from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM. This allows you to go at literally your own pace.
The adjustment ring also allows for precise settings. For example, you can set it to a precise depth in 64th of an inch increment.
Issues
You have to pay extra if you want the D-handle base or template guide. You also have to buy a dust collector separately.
The unit is not very durable. For example, the collet is likely to break, especially after several hours of use. The brushes are prone to burning out, too.
Pros:
- High-quality motor
- Capable of precise work
Cons:
- Parts are not durable
03. Dewalt Model DW618PK Router Base Kit
This unit has a variable speed motor like the first Dewalt router on our list. It has a similar 2.25 horsepower motor.
Features
It comes with a quarter-inch and half-inch collets. It has a similar depth control down to one sixty-fourth of an inch. Note that it does not come with a centering tool, though you can buy one from Dewalt.
You can easily release the motor and take it out, whether you want to replace the bit or the base.
One of the ways this router differs from others is the integral dust collection system. It removes up to 95 percent of the dust. Note that you have to buy a compatible dust collection bag separately.
The clear sub-base gives you an excellent view of the workpiece.
Issues
The quality level in this router is mixed. The collet is prone to breaking, and the pin and housing that hold it in place are often loose. This unit sometimes ships without all the expected parts. Dewalt sells a lot of replacement parts and accessories. You need to buy the centering cone separately because it does not come with the router.
The variable-speed motor is truly smooth. On the other hand, the brushes in the motor are prone to burning out. The motor brushes may break after just a few months of regular use. It can get hot after just a few minutes of run-time before this happens. The plunge latch might come undone on its own, too.
Pros:
- Powerful variable-speed motor
- Precise control over tool location
- Excellent visibility
Cons:
- Mediocre quality
04. Makita Model RT0701CX3 Router
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This is a smaller router. It has a 1.25 horsepower motor. You can buy just the tool. You can buy it with one base or three bases. We’re recommending the router kit with three bases. This is the best wood router for beginners who don’t yet know what type of projects they’ll be handling on a regular basis.
Features
This router has an incredibly wide range of RPM. It can go from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM. The electronic speed control will maintain the operating speed as you work. For example, the system will speed up as you cut into harder wood, guaranteeing a consistent finish. A side benefit of this unit is the soft-start feature. It isn’t going to jump on you when you turn it on.
You can use its rack and pinion set to adjust the depth of the router, too, though it isn’t quite as tight as other routers on our list.
This may be the best wood router for beginners for those with limited hand strength. It has a slim, ergonomic body. This makes it a better than average choice for older hobbyists.
Issues
It is compatible with industry-standard template guides. It doesn’t come with one. And unlike some other tool manufacturers, Makita doesn’t sell a lot of compatible accessories. You now risk trial and error when you buy related accessories from other manufacturers.
Pros:
- Smooth operations
- Excellent ergonomics
Cons:
- Hard to get good accessories
05. Bosch Brand Model MRP23EVS 2.3 Horsepower Plunge Base Router
This plunge base router has a 2.3 horsepower motor. That’s slightly better than the others on our list. It can generate 10,000 to 25,000 horsepower.
Features
You have fine control over the router speed as well as the drill bit location. It has a smart controller that will maintain the speed as you’re cutting through a material with variable density. Unlike other routers, there aren’t complaints that the motor overheats or the brushes break during operation.
It is unusual for having a light on the bottom to improve the visibility of the work surface.
The unit is electric. The power cord swivels rather easily.
Issues
It has just a plunge base, whereas some of the other routers on our list have multiple bases. Sometimes the plunge mechanism sticks.
Bosch offers a number of compatible accessories like template guide sets and vacuum hose adapters. Those are sold separately.
Pros:
- Fine control over every aspect of operations
- Built-in light
Cons:
- There’s a lot you need to buy separately
Summary
The best wood router for beginners allows you to tackle the projects you have planned. It provides a clean finish without forcing you to work too hard to get the job done. Know what types of woodworking you want to do, and then choose an option from our list of recommended routers.