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If you are wanting to take your woodworking to the next level, a wood router can make your projects look much nicer.
A router can cut grooves, round over edges, or add a fancy new look to just about any wood project you may have.
However, when shopping for a wood router, there are many different routers to choose from. Today, we are going to look at the top 10 best wood routers to give you a better idea of what you may want to look for when buying one.
DEWALT DW618B3 Router
First up on our list is one of the more popular power tool brands - DEWALT.
DEWALT is well known within the tool industry for providing high quality tools that are built to last.
This specific router is going to be a true testament to this reputation and will give you everything you could ever need in a router.
Size
When it comes to the size of this DEWALT router, that is all going to depend on what attachment you decide to use with it.
Yes you read that right, you will have multiple attachments to use with this router.
This is not something you see too often with routers, but it is no surprise that DEWALT is the one to give it to you.
You will get three different attachments that will vary in size, but will all be able to be stored easily in the included DEWALT hard case.
Ergonomics
Much like the size, the ergonomics of this wood router are going to depend on the attachment that you choose. The beauty of all of these attachments is that you can find the best one that fits your ergonomically.
With different size attachments for different styles of use, you will never have a problem finding the one that is going to be best for your application.
Dust Collection Port
This DEWALT wood router is going to feature an integral through-the-column dust collection feature that will collect 95% of the dust while giving you superior visibility of your bit.
This can easily be hooked up to a shop vac with the appropriate connections.
Motor
The motor on this wood router is going to be a 2 ¼ max horsepower, 12 amp electronic variable speed motor.
It is designed to provide you with smooth use through the toughest of woods. You will get constant speed under load from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM thanks to the full feedback control.
Pros:
Hard Case Included
Three Different Attachments
Several Accessories Available To Purchase Separately
Great Dust Collection System
Cons:
Will Require More Space To Store Large Hard Case
Makita RT0701CX7 Wood Router
Another large name in the power tool industry, Makita, has made the list with their RT0701CX7 wood router. This router is a favorite among wood router users and it comes as no surprise as Makita is very popular in the commercial and residential use power tools class.
Let’s take a closer look at this router and see what makes it so appealing.
Size
One of the first things you will notice about this router is that it is smaller than most on this list.
It is very slender, making it very easy to control and operate. Even with the included base, this router is very compact and easy to store.
While it does not come with a hard case, this router can easily be set on a shelf without worrying about taking up too much space.
Ergonomics
When using this router without the base, the ergonomics are kind of non-existent as it is simply cylindrical in shape. However, Makita does provide rubber grips around the bottom of the router for a no-slip grip.
When adding the base to the router, you will get two grips that will fit perfectly in the palm of your hand.
This makes controlling the router very easy when working with delicate designs.
Dust Collection Port
While the router itself does not have a dust extracting port, you can purchase one separately from Makita.
The Makita 195559-1 dust extracting attachment fits this model plus a few more to help route the dust from the router to your shop vac.
Motor
This Makita router is going to be a little less powerful than the previously reviewed DEWALT, but with a 1 ¼ HP motor, it is going to be plenty for residential and commercial use.
It will have a variable speed control dial to control from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM to easily match the speed for your application. It will also have an electronic speed control to maintain constant speed under load.
Pros:
Can Be Used Multiple Ways
Easy Detachable Base
Ergonomic Handles On Base
Smooth Operation
Cons:
Using Without Base Is Not As Ergonomic As It Could Be
Bosch MRC23EVSK Wood Router
As the most popular router on this list, it is no surprise that it is coming from Bosch. Bosch is an industry leader when it comes to affordable power tools and this router is a great testament to their quality.
Let’s look at some of the key points of the router to see why this router is going to be so popular with consumers.
Size
The size of this Bosch router is going to be about average for most handheld routers.
With it being the most popular on our list, it is easy to tell that the size of this router is no problem at all for amateurs and the most experienced woodworkers.
While the handles make this router a little wider, it is nothing that would turn you away from purchasing this router.
Ergonomics
Bosch has made this router very ergonomic to make sure that you have full, comfortable control of the router at all times.
The router itself and the base each have a set of ergonomic handles that will allow you to easily move the router in any direction that you would like.
The handles fit perfectly in your hands and are made from a durable rubber that will last a lifetime.
Did we mention the trigger control system?
This industry first system allows you to turn the router on from the handle with your fingertips.
Dust Collection Port
While this router does not have a built in dust extractor hood, you can purchase one separately to keep you safe and your workspace clean.
Some universal router hoods may also work with this router depending on the design of the hood.
Motor
The Bosch MRC23EVSK combination router is going to feature a powerful 2.3 horsepower motor for top notch power. You will also get soft start motors and variable speed dials to find tune the performance of your router.
This range will vary between 10,000 and 25,000 RPM.
Pros:
Great Combination Kit
Hard Case Included
Very Ergonomic
Fine Tune Adjustments
Cons:
Will Have To Purchase Separate Dust Hood
DEWALT DWP611PK Wood Router
Making another appearance on our list, the DEWALT DWPP611PK wood router is another very popular router from the DEWALT line.
Coming in as a fixed/plunge base kit, this router is going to give you great performance without breaking the bank.
How does it compare to the competition on the same key points we are looking at?
Let’s find out!
Size
The size of this DEWALT router is about what you could expect from a two piece router kit.
The router itself has a cylindrical shape which makes it very compact.
Even with the included base, you can expect this router to be about the same size as most routers in its class.
Ergonomics
One downfall of this router is that with the fixed setup without the base, you will not get the ergonomic handles found on the plunge base.
If you are using it with the base, you will get two rubber, ergonomic grips that will make the router much easier to use for more intricate jobs.
Dust Collection Port
One downfall with this kit is that you will not get the dust collector included, you will have to purchase it separately.
While this isn’t too big of a deal, especially for the cheap price point, but it would have been nice to have it included.
Motor
The motor on this DEWALT router is not going to be super powerful, but it will easily get the job done. It is going to be a 1 ¼ horsepower motor with variable speed control from 16,000-27,000 RPM.
A soft-starting motor and full time electronic feedback allows you to maintain perfect motor speed throughout operation.
Pros:
Great Combo Kit
Built With Quality
Very Popular Router
Dual LEDs
Cons:
Will Have To Purchase Separate Dust Hood
Hitachi KM12VC Wood Router
While not as popular as DEWALT or Makita, Hitachi is known in the industry for providing high quality power tools.
This KM12VC router is a great example of the type of quality and feature rich products you can expect from Hitachi.
Let’s check out this router and compare it to the competition in the 4 key areas we have been focusing on.
Size
When it comes to the size of this router, there is nothing too out of the ordinary here. If you were to compare it to many others on the market, you will see that it fits the bill of being an average size. If anything, the handles may be a little wider than most, but that does offer some better ergonomics.
Ergonomics
Speaking of ergonomics, Hitachi has really nailed it in this department.
Whether you are using this router as a fixed router or with the plunge base kit, you will get ergonomic, rubber handles on each. This provides steady, consistent control no matter how you use this router.
Dust Collection Port
While this router does not have a built in dust collection port, it does have a dust shield to prevent dust from exiting in the front.
This shield is made of clear plastic which allows you to keep an eye on your work piece.
You may be able to find an universal dust hood to fit this router, but it may take some research.
Motor
This Hitachi router is outfitted with a higher end motor on the power scale, coming in at 2 ¼ HP.
It will have an electronic speed control to help maintain constant RPMs even as load varies.
Pros:
Great 2 Piece Kit
Very Ergonomic
Dust Shield
Hard Case Included
Cons:
Will Have To Purchase Separate Dust Hood
Makita RP2301FC Wood Router
Making another appearance on our list, Makita comes back with their RP2301FC wood router.
This simple plunge router is perfect for those looking for a powerful plunge router that is ergonomic and built to last.
Don’t let the simple design fool you, let’s see what all this Makita router brings to the table.
Size
The size of this router is going to be relatively average for a plunge router.
It may be a little bulkier than most, but it is very compact.
The handles of this router make the overall size a little wider, but nothing that could affect usability.
Ergonomics
Looking at the ergonomics of this router, you can tell Makita put in the effort to make this router comfortable for the user.
The longer, thinner handles make gripping this router much more comfortable than the standard rounder handles found on other routers.
The handles have rubber grips on them to make it easy to grip this router under any circumstances.
Dust Collection Port
This specific router is not going to offer a dust collection port from the factory, but you can purchase a Makita dust extracting nozzle separately.
This dust extracting nozzle allows you to bolt it up to your Makita router and easily hook up your hose from your shop vac or dust extraction system.
Motor
The motor on this router is going to be one of the most powerful motor of any router on this list. The Makita RP2301FC router is going to feature a 3 ¼ HP, 15 AMP motor that will deliver 9,000-22,000 RPM to provide smooth routing.
Pros:
Simple Design
Built In Dust Shield
Ergonomic handles
Very Powerful
Cons:
Will Have To Purchase Separate Dust Extractor From Makita
Triton TRA001 Wood Router
While not the most well known brand, this Triton TRA001 wood router has many reviews and ratings from very satisfied customers.
It is going to be a powerful plunge router, designed to take on some of the toughest woods with precision.
Follow along as we walk you through the features of this router.
Size
The size of this wood router is a little larger than most plunge routers, but with so many great reviews, it does not seem to be that big of a problem.
If there weren’t dual handles on this router, I would be a little more concerned about the size, but it seems to be just fine.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of this router are nothing to get overly excited for. The dual handle setup is the same setup as seen on most routers, but the handles on this router are rather plain. Instead of being robust, they are kind of small and oddly shaped for optimal use.
While it will get the job done, I believe Triton could have done a better job on designing the handles.
Dust Collection Port
The dust collection port on this router is pretty interesting as it does not follow the same protruding dust port as seen on most routers.
Instead, it uses a fully enclosed guard with a hold for your shop vac to plug into for dust extraction.
Motor
Triton has outfitted this router with a 3 ¼ HP motor for high powered performance.
You will have a variable range of 8,000 to 21,000 RPM for precision control.
Pros:
Powerful Motor
Dual Handles
Dust Extraction
Electronic Speed Control
Cons:
Larger Than Most Routers
Milwaukee 5625-20 Wood Router
You really can’t have a power tool list without featuring a Milwaukee. Milwaukee is a very popular tools brand that specializes in power tools such as wood routers.
The Milwaukee 5625-20 router has made this list due to its durability, performance, and ease of use.
Size
This router is going to be about the same size as most routers of its size coming in at 9 ¼” tall.
The one thing that makes this router a little larger is the fact that Milwaukee used a larger handle design which extends the router size outward a bit.
Ergonomics
Speaking of these handles, they are a design we have yet to see with routers on this list.
Instead of being a stubby, rubber handle that fits in your palm, these handles are going to look more like actual pull style handles.
Why Milwaukee chose to go this route is beyond me as it does not look as aesthetically pleasing, but it will provide great control over your router.
Dust Collection Port
A major downfall of this router is that it does not have a dedicated dust collection port.
While you could find a universal dust extractor, I am really disappointed that Milwaukee of all brands would not have this integrated into their router.
Motor
A 15 amp 3 ½ horsepower motor makes this router the highest powered router on our list.
You will also get a variable speed of 10,000 to 22,000 RPMs, soft start, and a linear depth adjustment system.
Pros:
Very Powerful
Easy To Use
Micro-Fine Depth Adjustment
Cons:
No Dust Extractor Solution
Handles Are A Little Odd
Makita RF1101 Wood Router
Makita makes its third and last appearance on this list with their RF1101 wood router.
This router is very basic and is priced to meet just about any budget.
Size
This router is very small and lightweight, making it great for the DIY-er or beginner woodworker who is looking for a solution for their smaller project.
You can expect this router to measure in at 8 ¾ inches and weight just under 8lbs.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of this router are going to be pretty simple as it features two knob style handles. They are made from durable rubber that will make gripping this router very easy.
Dust Collection Port
Makita does not offer a dust collector with this router, but you can purchase this separately through Makita.
I would highly suggest picking one up to save you the time and energy of having to clean up a sawdust mess in your workspace.
Motor
A 2 ¼ horsepower motor will be encased in this router to provide you with all of the power that you could ever need. You will get a variable speed of 8,000-24,000 RPM as well as electronic speed control and a soft start for smooth start-ups.
Pros:
Perfect Size
Lightweight
Ergonomic Handles
Cons:
Must Purchase Dust Extractor Separately
Bosch 1617EVS Wood Router
Last but not least is another appearance by Bosch.
The Bosch 1617EVS wood router is a budget friendly fixed base router that is great for beginners and experienced tradesmen.
Size
This router is a little larger than some on this list, but it is taller than most, not wider. It follows the same cylindrical shape that routers are known for, but may be a little taller than what most are used to.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of this router can be debated as it includes two wooden handles that are very smooth.
While they look nice and fit the hand perfectly, they do not provide any gripping material to allow you to keep a good grasp on the handles. I think it was a great idea, but poorly executed.
Dust Collection Port
On the rear of this router, you will find a dust collection port that is ready to accept your hose that connects to your shop vac or dust collection system.
Motor
A 2 ¼ horsepower motor will give you great power along with the adjustable speed dial. You can expect adjustments from 8,000-25,000 RPM on this router.
Pros:
Great Power
Built In Dust Collection Port
Very Easy To Use
Cons:
Handles Could Use Some Work
Wood Routers - The Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a wood router, there are going to be a few key things to look for to find the right router for you.
Some of the things you are going to want to take into consideration is the size of the router, how ergonomic it is, what the dust port looks like, and what kind of motor is built into the router.
These key points will tell you just about everything you need to know about your router to find out if it is going to be right for your application.
Size
So the first thing we are going to look at is the size of the wood router.
The wood router size is going to be very important as it will affect the way you use and store the router.
A router that is too large may be a little awkward to use, making it difficult to control or maintain a constant line.
A router that is too small, though rare, can prove just as difficult to use for those with larger hands.
The main thing you will want to worry about is a wood router that is too large for your application.
If you can, it is always a good idea to go to your local hardware store to try a few out and find out what size best works for you.
This will also give you a better idea of what may or may not fit in your tool cabinet when you are not using the router.
If you are unable to try a few out, you can always go off of the photos and reviews to see how others feel about the size of the router.
Ergonomics
While we are talking about how comfortable the router will be in your hand in regard to size, the ergonomics of the router are just as important.
Ergonomics refers to how the router is built in relation to being comfortable and easy to use for the user.
An ergonomic wood router should fit your hand very nicely and have all of the needed controls within reach when operating the router.
Some of the most ergonomic routers are going to be designed to let you easily wrap your hands around the whole router for total control.
They will also have rubber grips to allow you to get a good grip when using the router.
A router can be dangerous if not properly controlled, so making sure that you have a comfortable, tight grip is very important.
Dust Collection
When woodworking, saw dust can get kicked up when using power tools, especially wood routers.
This sawdust can be very harmful when inhaled over long periods of time, so you want to make sure that you are protecting yourself at all costs.
While a mask can help to keep most of the sawdust from entering your lungs, having a proper dust collection system is one of the best protections.
A dust collection system usually involves a shop vac being hooked up to a hose which connects to your power tool at the dust collection port.
Most routers are going to have a dust collection port on them to help divert the sawdust from your work area.
While most people use routers without a shop vac hooked up to it and let the saw dust kick out to the side, finding one that can easily be connected to your shop vac will make your life much easier.
Most of the routers on this list are going to provide you a good dust collection port to get hooked up to your dust collection system.
Motor
Last but not least, you are going to want to pay close attention to the motor that comes on your router.
First off, you are going to want something that is powerful enough to meet the demands of your job.
For those who are just going to be routing a few things here and there, a smaller, less powerful router may be just fine.
If you plan on using your router every day or in a commercial type setting, you may want to find something that has a stronger motor.
A brush-less motor is going to be the best thing to look for as they run quieter than other motors and usually are going to last much longer than standard motors.
This will not only save you money, but it can save your hearing as well.
Conclusion
Now that we have discussed everything you need to know about wood routers, you should feel much more comfortable making an informed purchasing decision.
The 10 wood routers that we have listed here in this article are great wood routers that are popular among hobbyists, woodworkers, and do-it-yourselfers.
They are customer tested and highly reviewed, making the perfect choice for beginners and experienced users.
We hope that this guide has given you a better idea of what you may want to look at when purchasing a wood router.