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Click on a link below to see router reviews on a given router brand. Scroll down this page to see the entire table of router reviews.

Bosch Routers DeWalt Routers Makita Routers
Milwaukee Router Porter Cable Routers Skil Routers

If you are purchasing your first router, you need to determine which of the three types fit your needs:  1. Plunge  2. Fixed Base  3. Trim 

The routers recommended below are for the home or professional woodshop; Glenn Gesler of www.customwoodproducts.com is a cabinet maker and he uses only Porter Cable routers; Wayne J. Wendicks of Advantage Woodworks uses Milwaukee and Porter Cable routers; Johnny W. Morlan of Morlan Wood Gifts uses Bosch and Freud routers. "I use a DeWalt and am happy with its solid performance."  If you browse through the comments below, the Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Porter Cable are the brands consistently recommended.


ROUTER REVIEWS

Routers for the Home Workshop

User Comments

Recommended

Bosch  Routers Bosch 1617EVS Features:
  • 2-1/4 HP, 12 amp, 120 VAC motor - most powerful in its class. Variable speed 8,000-25,000 RPM.
  • Features Soft Start and electronic speed control
  • Tool-free templet guide adapter for fast and easy templet guide changes
  • Coarse and microfine bit depth adjustment system with resettable depth indicator
  • Magnesium construction, durable and lightweight. Classic hardwood handles. Right or left switch and cord location.
  • Large 3-3/4" base opening plus 2" subbase opening accepts large bits
  • Includes: Router, 1/4" and 1/2" collets, 16mm shaft wrench, collet nut wrench, tool-free templet guide adapter, and chip shield
 
 
DeWalt Routers Wayne of the Woods uses the DW618K Router in conjunction with the Parallel Fence, DW6913 because of the quality, power, and accurate milling qualities.

DW618K Features:

2-1/4 HP (maximum motor HP), 12.0 Amp electronic variable speed motor provides the power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods
Electronic variable speed with full feedback control for constant speed under load from 8,000-24,000 rpm and soft start to reduce start-up torque for enhanced control
Micro-fine depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64" increments and adjusts vertically for a constant switch/cordset location
Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock makes depth adjustment and base changes quick and solid-locking
Quick release motor latches for fast and easy motor pack removal for bit and base changes
Spindle lock to allow for one wrench bit changes
Clear, LEXAN sub-base provides enhanced base durability, bit visibility, and accepts standard template guide bushings
Rubber overmolded handles and low center of gravity design provide best-in-class comfort, balance, and control
Heavy duty, precision machined, die-cast aluminum base and motor housing for durability and low tool weight
Nickel plated motor housing for a smooth, long-lasting depth adjustment
Right or left switch and cordset location provides the ability to have the switch in your right or left hand
Flat top for easy bit and depth changes
Self-releasing, long, eight slotted collets for better bit retention and eliminating frozen bits
 DeWalt DW618K Router Kit icon
Freud Routers Johnny W. Morlan of Morlan Wood Gifts states:

The Freud FT2000E 3 1/4 Horsepower, 8000 - 22,000 RPM Variable Speed Plunge Router. It will do any type of routings from small to large mouldings. It is light enough to operate by hand or can be mounted in a table to do large routings or making mouldings. The speed range allows one to use a wide range of bit diameters and is essential to produce better craftsmanship, as some species of woods route cleaner and better at a different speed other than the one most single speed routers run at.

The MLCS 66 Piece Millennium Carbide Tipped Router Bit Set has practically any bit a woodworker will ever need and is a fantastic buy for the money.

The Bosch RA1200 Deluxe Router Table has many features including a large work surface 24" x 44" and folds for easy storage.

The Rousseau RM3509 Deluxe Router Base Plate with 2 insert rings is a great buy. It is very tough and wear resistant.

 

 

Makita Routers RF1101Kit2 Features:
Powerful 11 AMP 2-1/4 H.P. Makita made motor
Variable Speed Control Dial (8,000-24,000 RPM)
Electronic Speed Control circuitry monitors and maintains RPM under load
Soft Start feature for smoother start-ups
Rugged aluminum motor housing with slender 3-1/4" diameter for easy handling
Durable flat top design for stability when changing bits
All ball bearing construction for long tool life
 
Milwaukee Routers Wayne J. Wendricks of Advantage Woodworks states:

First off, the router is, in my opinion, the MOST useful tool a woodworker can have, and quite frankly, one is never enough!  However, if I had to choose only one, I would go with the Milwaukee 5616-20.  It has plenty of power to swing large bits with ease, variable speed to slow down the cut on easy burning woods, a built-in depth adjustment system for use when table mounted, is relatively easy to self-service, has a good comfortable hand grip, good depth adjustment system, and comes with Ό” and ½” collets and a sturdy case.

5616-20 Features:

  • An adjustable, custom-fit handstrap, and two over-molded side handles, comfort is in the palm of your hands
  • Powerful 13 amp, 2-1/4 max hp Milwaukee motor, 120V AC/DC. 8 ft. cord.
  • Electronic variable speed with soft start (10,000-24,000 rpm). Dial speed control. With 36 distinct speed settings, the user can precisely match the tool speed to the routing task at hand.
  • Micro-fine linear depth adjustment to within 1/64 in.
  • Exclusive above-the-table depth adjustment system.
  • Heavy-duty, 22 amp switch, 100% sealed ball bearing motor construction, and a tough machined aluminum motor housing and base
  • Includes : Router motor, base, (2) 1-1/8 in. Collet Wrenches, 1/2 in. Collet, 1/4 in. Collet, T-Handle Wrench

For the guy that can afford a second router, I recommend a Porter Cable model 310 laminate trimmer.   It’s small and light, with a 4” base that gets into places larger routers can’t, and is perfect for small edging tasks like round-overs, flush trimming and pattern routing (after cutting to within 1/16” or so with a band, scroll, or jig saw).

Milwaukee 5616-20 Router
Porter Cable Routers Glenn Gesler of www.customwoodproducts.com states:

...Porter Cable Routers and router table plus Amana and/or Whiteside bits are  reliable and long-lasting.

PC892 Features:

 
• Soft-starting, 12-amp motor  (10,000 - 23,000 RPM)
• Motor transitions quickly between fixed base (included), plunge base (8931), and traditional spiral down bases (690 series)
• Release the motor, adjust bit height, and clamp the motor from above the router table with 3/16" hex socket (not included) or model #75301 kit (not included)
• Handle-access, dual-position on/off switch with automatic bit-changing lock-"off"
• Macro-height lever for coarse adjustments and tool-less motor release
• Fine depth settings to 1/128" with micro-adjustment knob
• Standard Equipment: Includes router motor #8902, base #8901, 1/4" collet #42999, 1/2" collet #42950, collet wrench #42596, carrying case and operating manual.

 

 
Skil Routers Skil 1825 Features:
  • 11 Amp; Variable, 8,000-25,000 RPM
  • 2-in-1 Interchangeable Fixed and Plunge Bases – Maximum Versatility
  • Variable Speed – Easily Adjust Bit Speed For Hard and Soft Materials
  • Site-Light™ Built-In Worklight – Better Visibility and Accuracy
  • Micro-Fine Depth Adjustment – For Precise Cuts
  • Auto Zero – Easily Set Plunge Depth
  • Multi-Pass Quick Adjust – Increased Accuracy, Better Finish
  • Soft-Grip Handles – Added Comfort and Control
  • Collet Lock – Easier Bit Changes
  • 100% Ball Bearing Construction – Added Durability
  • Includes Collet Wrench and Carrying Case
 
Skil 1825 Router Combo Kit - More Info icon

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