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Choosing the right wood router is the most important thing for seasoned hobbyists. We have shortlisted the best wood router that would serve the purpose of simple round-overs to fancy ogee edges.
When choosing the wood router for the quality finishing of your product there are various characteristics to consider. It should have adjustable speed and RPM should be the priority when buying a wood router.
It can be used in precise shaping and delicate design. It is a vital tool not only for professional work but also for home-based tasks.
Short on time, we recommend the Makita RT0701C as the best wood router for beginners. The discounted yet budget price tag with premium features makes it a great pick. Furthermore, it comes with an ergonomically designed body, quick-release cam lock system, and electronic speed control system is what you need from the best wood router.
If you are searching for a unique wood router that would effortlessly help you in woodwork you have landed on the right page.
Best Wood Router For Beginner
1. Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit is a highly rated equipment on amazon. It is economically good and comes in amazon’s choice. It can be shipped immediately. For beginners, it is a good set of equipment. It has variable speed control dials. The dials help to match the speed of the application. The speed dial ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.
The smooth rack of the machine helps to cut more precisely. The machine has a fine adjustment pinion too. The design of the machine is made with ergonomics. It gives the user a comfortable experience. A cam lock is installed with a quick-release article. This feature makes amputation and installation easier.
Electronically controlled speed under load maintains a constant speed. It has an easy-start feature. It gives the user a smooth start. It has a fixed base. And the Regular industry templates option adds convenience. The detached Tools option is available in case they wear out.
Features
- Variable speed control dial
- Speed dial range from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM
- Cam lock
- Standard industry templates
- Fixed base
- Separate tools
Verdict
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router is a good buying option. This equipment contains all the modern features a beginner is looking up to. It has a smooth start. It has cam lock technology. Industry-standard templates can be fixed and used.
It has detached tools. Tools are accessible on amazon easily. It is a cost-effective choice. It makes every woodturner experience unforgettable.
2. Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit
Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router is unique on its own. It has many adaptable features for beginners. It comes with a router tool combo kit. The equipment is pricey. It has a high shipping cost and yet it has a wide range of functions. It can cut precisely, edge refining or forming, cutting slots, trimming, and so on.
The wood router is a pack of expediency with a speed control dial. It has a constant electronic response. The start button location is perfect with a stable cord location. It can turn on and off at any time. It has a spring lock system to release the lever. It also has smooth plunge action. It has a T-wrench for adjustment and a modern modification system. A 1-piece amateur shaft for perfect cuts.
The kit contains a fixed base, collect chucks of ½ and ¼ inches, a collet nut wrench, a shaft wrench, chip shields, and a carrying case.
The whole wood router is made of aluminum. It makes equipment long-lasting. It has wooden handles. The handles are made out of hardwood. The base of the router is fixed. It has a firm grip. That provides support and supreme control to the woodturner. It is very helpful for beginners to get a good grip on the piece.
Features
- Router with a combo kit
- Constant electronic response
- Stable Cord and switch location
- Speed control dial
- Modern Adjustment system
- Amateur shaft
- T-wrench
- Spring lock
Verdict
Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router is good to buy. It has all the features with a speed control dial. It has a fine and precise cut and a smooth start with a fixed base. It comes with a combo kit with various pieces. However, it has a high price and high shipping cost.
3. DEWALT DW618PKB 2-1/4 HP EVS Fixed Base/Plunge Router
The DEWALT DW618PKB 2-1/4 HP EVS Router comes with an electronic speed motor. The variable electronic motor speed is 12.0 Amp. It has a maximum-speed motor. The electronic motor gives full control. It has constant speed under load. The load ranges from 8,000 – to 24,000 rpm.
The adjustment rings are of micro-fine depth. The micro-fine depth is responsible for the defined adjustment in 1/64 inches. The adjustment makes the switch and cord rest at a consistent angle. They rest in a vertical position.
It gives the woodturner a clear vision. This vision is obtained by column dust collection. The dust column collects 95% of the dust. DEWALT Router has cam lock technology. the steel motor has adjustable features. It helps in solid locking. It makes base changing easier.
It comes in amazon choice. It has other versions, 1) with a D-handle base and 2) with a universal edge guide and dust collector.
Features
- Variable speed
- 0 Amp motor speed
- Load ranges from 8,000 – to 24,000 rpm
- 2-1/4-HP motor
- 1/64 inches depth adjustment
- Fixed Switch and cord place
- The column dust collection
Verdict
DEWALT DW618PKB 2-1/4 HP EVS Router is a good buying option for beginners. It has a motor with maximum speed. The electronic motor helps to handle the load easily. The dust collector feature makes it easy for the woodturner to get a clear vision. The switch and cord are fixed in one place to avoid any interruptions.
4. BOSCH GKF12V-25N 12V Max EC Palm Edge Router
BOSCH GKF12V-25N 12V Max EC Palm Edge Router is made ergonomically. It is built to give the customer a smooth and comfortable experience. It weighs only 2.2 lbs. its structure is designed to give a firm grip. The grip feature helps in trimming and refining the edge properly. It prevents the arm and wrist from tension and fatigue. It encompasses all safety features for beginners.
Along with the design the product is efficient and smart. It has an electronic brushless motor. The speed of the motor is 13,000 rpm. The main plus point of the GKF12V-25N is i.e. it’s cordless. The battery has a capacity of per battery Amp per hour.
It has a depth adjustment feature. It also has macro depth adjustment. The fine depth adjustment is for precision with 0.04 inches (per dial revolution). It has many convenient features. The modern lock technology of GKF12V-25N makes it easy to change the wrench. It helps and prevents fiddling.
Features
- Weighs only 2.2 lbs
- Designed on ergonomics
- Works on batteries
- Speed of motor: 13,000 rpm
- Electronic brushless motor
- Depth adjustment and lock
- Finger barriers
Verdict
BOSCH GKF12V-25N Router is a good buying option for beginners. The product design is cordless. It runs on batteries to give a fine edge. It’s power efficient. The depth adjustment gives macro depth adjustment and a lock system. Finger barriers are placed to protect the hand, arm, and wrist from any damage.
5. DEWALT DW616 1-3/4-HP Fixed Base Router
The DEWALT DW616 1-3/4-HP Fixed Base Router with a maximum speed of 1-3/4-HP. The motor has the power of 11 amp. With maximum speed and power, the router can effortlessly cut hardwood. Not only hardwood but the toughest hardwood. The product comes on amazon choice. It ensures fast delivery and a highly-rated product.
The design has micro-fine depth adjustment rings. The 1/64 inches can be incremented in the adjustment ring. The adjustable design makes the router convenient for the woodturner. The product has a tool-free steel motor. This feature makes the base changing easy and solid locking. The cam-lock technology secures the base.
Another feature that makes DEWALT Router more attractive is the quick-release latches. The quick-release motor latches give ease to the woodturner in altering the base and bits. It also makes the removal process trouble-free. The sub-base of the products ensures and claims bit concentricity. The bit of concentricity helps to attain perfection in every piece.
Features
- Router Speed 1-3/4-HP
- Motor Power Of 11 Amp
- Micro-Fine Depth Adjustment Rings
- 1/64 Inches Increment On Adjustment Rings
- Tool-Free Motor
- Sub Base Concentricity
- Quick Release Latches
Verdict
DEWALT DW616 Router is good to buy. The product is of amazon’s choice. The product contains a high-speed motor with a reasonable power of 11 amps. It has an adjustable design that makes the removal and alteration process of the base and bit easy.
The motor has a tool-free motor design. The adjustment rings can be incremented at 1/64 inches. The product is cost-effective. You can check the price for further information.
6. RIDGID R2401 Laminate Trim Router
The RIDGID R2401 Laminate Trim Router provides a convenient design for beginners. It is good for round and square bases. It has adjustable features. The dials can be adjusted as per the woodturner requirement. It has micro-adjustment rings. It is good for large and small projects.
The top of the Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router is flat. The router has a fixed space for the cord and switch. It resides upside down on the surface. The upside-down structure makes it easy to handle. It also makes it easy to change bits.
The product has an edge guide. It is mostly food for trimming purposes. It is mostly designed for the home-based woodturner. It performs to perfection for beginners. It is not a good tool for professionals so far.
It can only work with thin pieces or thin wood sheets. It is designed ergonomically. It prevents the hand, wrist, and arms from any damage and shock. It can handle pressure and load. This product is a good power package. It also gives a lifetime warranty.
Features
- An Edge guide
- Ease in changing bits
- A Trim router
- Good for round and square bases
- Lifetime warranty
- Depth adjustment rings
- Micro adjustment rings
- An Adjustable dial
- A Flat top
Verdict
The RIDGID R2401 Laminate Trim Router is a good option to buy. It has a flat top. That makes it easy to handle. It is good for round and square bases. It has an adjustable design.
The product has rings for micro depth and fine depth. The company has followed ergonomics to give the user a comfortable experience. It is a good tool for beginners with an edge guide.
7. LOTOS ER001 Electric Plunge Wood Router
The LOTOS ER001 Electric Plunge Wood Router with Edge has a powerful AC motor. The motor is of speed 1.6 horsepower. It has a variable speed dial. The speed dial ranges from 16000 to 30000 RPM. This helps in achieving perfect trimming and edging application. This also gives power to the woodturner to adjust speed according to the material requirement.
The design contains adjustment rings for macro and micro-adjustments. The adjustment rings give precision. The router bits can be used in different sizes. It can have a depth of bits from ¼ inches to 2 inches. The base locks in the lower portion of the router. This helps the plunge and router to work effortlessly. It has enhanced their functionality.
The structure (including the base and body) of the router is made of aluminum. The aluminum gives more life to a wood router. It also gives the woodturner a lifetime product. The added feature of a hood in the router cleans the dust. It gives a more clear vision to the woodturner. It also gives a clean workspace.
The whole structure of the router is designed with great care. The ergonomics are kept in mind for the comfort of the user. The comfortable rubber handle gives control and support to craft with accuracy. Its cap for the external brush makes it easy to remove and alter the carbon brush.
The easy-locking system locks the structure in place. The wood router contains a template guide, roller cutter (circle) cutting pin, dust collector, and a 30 days warranty to refund in case you don’t like the router. Or if it gets damaged.
Features
- A powerful AC motor
- The motor speed is 1.6 horsepower
- The speed dial ranges from 16000-to 30000 RMP
- depth bits from ¼ inches to 2 inches
- An aluminum-made body and base
- A roller cutter (circle) cutting pin
- A template guide
- A dust collector
Verdict
LOTOS ER001 Electric Plunge Wood Router is a very good option to buy for beginners. It has many features an expensive wood router has, a powerful motor, adjustable rings for precise work, comfortable design, bits, and a base made of aluminum. It is a very good deal. It works fine.
Amazon has 80% positive reviews about the product. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also has a one-year replacement option. Moreover, it comes under $100. You can check the price on Amazon.
8. PORTER CABLE 690LR 11-Amp Fixed Base Router
The design of the router is made with great knowledge and care. The structure (including the body and base) of the router is made out of aluminum. It has cam lock technology. It eases in bit and base release and removal. This also helps adjustment rings to work properly. The micro-depth adjustment ring expands up to 1/128 inches.
The porter Cable Router is adjustable and manageable. The height can be adjusted easily according to the project’s requirements. It works both for large and small projects. The Amazon reviews show it has a good teaching perspective and an easy learning curve. It makes it more convenient for the beginner.
Features of Porter Cable Router
- The motor of 11 Amp
- The motor peak of 1-3/4 horsepower
- 27,500 revolutions in a single minute
- Cam lock
- Micro depth
- Adjustment ring
- The structure is made of aluminum
Verdict
PORTER CABLE 690LR 11-Amp Fixed Base Router is a good option for beginners. It has an easy learning curve. The router is not complex. It has a simple feature needed for practice. It has easy to adjust feature. It has a cam lock that makes baes fix in one place.
Its design is well-constructed. It has a motor of 11 Amp. The structure is made out of aluminum. It has 27,500 revolutions in a single minute (per minute).
9. ENERTWIST ETRT710S 7.0-Amp 1.25HP Compact Router
The ENERTWIST ETRT710S 7.0-Amp 1.25HP Router Tool has a 1-1/4 hp (horsepower) motor. The motor has 6 adjustable variable-speed dials. The range of the speed dial varies from 10000 to 32000 rpm. The speed dials help in trimming various materials.
The electronic router has a soft and smooth start for a memorable experience. The structure maintains good speed to achieve accuracy. It gives a clean and even surface. All the scales are written clearly in the body of the router. The body structure is made of aluminum. It gives the product durability and a long-lasting life span.
The router has a spindle lock system. The grip is carved for giving the user a comfortable experience. The cam lock system and quick release make the release and alteration of bits and bases easy. The main feature is the dust extractor.
Features
- 1-1/4 hp (horsepower)
- 7/8 inches of plunge stroke
- 10000-32000 rpm (No-load speed)
- ¼ inches and 3/8 inches collet duct
- Variable speed dial
- Overload protection
- Soft starting motor design
- The dust extractor
Verdict
ENERTWIST ETRT710S Router is a good option to buy. It has all the essential features of the router. It is also helpful for beginners. It has a dust extractor. It makes working and the workspace clean.
Buyer Guide
Here is a buying guide we have prepared for you.
Motor speed
Always go for a variable-speed router. They are more reliable. They have adjustment rings. You can adjust rings according to the size required for the project. Along with these bits, size also adds more perfection and details to the piece.
There is a range of motor speeds available in the market. The range comes between 1-1.6 horsepower. Some wood routers have up to 6 adjustable dial features, with a speed of 10000-32000 rpm. They are mostly good for trimming purposes.
A wood router with a speed of 1-3/4 horsepower has a range of 27,500 revolutions in a single minute. These are good for achieving fine details in trimming and edging applications.
A wood router with an AC motor has a range of speed dials of 16000-30000 RMP. It helps woodturners to adjust the speed dial according to the material requirement. It is a great relief to the woodturner and handles the piece beautifully.
Base style
Router bases have two styles:
1) Fixed base: the fixed base is a standard base and is good for general operations. But it is limited due to its fixed structure. The equipment comes in one piece with handles and knobs.
2) Plunge base: the plunge base router has a plus point that its motor can be moved in many directions. It gives the router advantage to add extra and fine details to the piece.
Router categories: Routers come in three categories:
1) Palm router
2) Mid-size router
3) Full-size router.
Palm-size routers can do everything. But are not suitable for large operations. They can handle trimming and edging applications. Mid-size routers are the most famous among users due to their flexibility. They help achieve accuracy in every piece. The full-size routers are for large-scale production. We will not discuss them in this article as they are for large-scale operations.
Dust collector/dust extractor
An essential feature of a good woodturner is a dust collector. A dust collector keeps the workplace clean. It gives woodturners a clear vision.
It helps to work on pieces more precisely. It helps to make the wood router not hurtful to use. It prevents any burning actions as it removes the carbon particles from the router. It makes operation smooth and gives woodturners a memorable experience.
Aluminum structure
A rusted wood router is of no use. A good comfortable design and a non-rusted structure are key to the accomplishment of the woodturner. It helps to keep the router in one good piece.
Otherwise, it will wear off. The router will be nothing but a waste of money. The woodturner must buy a router with an aluminum coat or aluminum body structure to get an ever-lasting experience.
FAQs
What is the best router for a beginner?
As per my understanding, Lotos ER001 Electric Plunge Wood Router with Edge is so far the best for beginners. It is cheap and has all the essential features needed to learn the basics by woodturner.
What should I look for when buying a wood router?
- Motor power
- Micro-fine depth adjustment rings
- Dust collector or extractor
How do you use a wood router for beginners?
Here is a link to learn steps about using a wood router for beginners:
Why is my router bit burning the wood?
Due to immense speed, the router may start burning the wood. A deep and massive cut, again and again, raises the temperature. The increase in temperature can cause a wood fire. Moreover, dirty bits also do the same. That might built-up heat and burn the wood piece.
How deep can a wood router cut?
A wood router can cut as much as ¼ inch.
Final Verdict
In conclusion for durable and lifetime equipment, the best wood router for beginners must have a variable speed dial, a considerable base, a worthy router, a dust collector/dust extractor, and an aluminum structure.
It will allow the woodturner to turn a piece with, cutting, edging, trimming, and snipping into a magnificent masterpiece. A comfortable design of the equipment will prevent fatigue and ache.
It keeps the woodturner’s mind free from frustration. A variable speed dial adjusts the speed. The dust collector keeps the image clear. A rust-free body will make the decision beneficial to the woodturner pocket.
Kenneth Wafer is an aspiring woodworking expert from Los Angeles. He loves reading and writing about all the best woodworking tools and accessories available in the market.
He is a Finance professional and recently completed his foundation course from CFA Institute, USA.