We researched the most popular wood router kits available today, evaluating horsepower, agility, ease of use, and overall value. Our top pick, the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit, is durable, versatile, and affordable. Here are the best router kits for your woodworking projects. There’s no need to choose between a wood router with a fixed base or plunge base, or between a router with a 1/4-inch collet chuck or 1/2-inch collet chuck when you can simply purchase the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Combo Kit and get all of the above. But that isn’t where the features of our top choice stop. There are quite a few other things to love about this wood router. Sturdy construction is just one of the things we like about this tool. Built of strong aluminum with easy-to-grasp, sturdy wood handles on the fixed base and soft-grip handles on the plunge base, this is a carpentry must-have that will stand up to project after project. It’s 12-amp, 2-horsepower motor isn’t the most powerful you’ll find, but it’s more than adequate for the majority of DIY projects you are likely to undertake, and you’ll appreciate the adjustable speed dial with settings from 8,000 to 25,000 rpm. The router’s Constant Response Circuitry starts the tool up smooth and easy, and then maintains constant speed while you work for extra control when making difficult or fine cuts. Plus, the depth indicator and bit-height adjustment system are easy to see and adjust, helping you fine-tune your work. Whether you plan on using this router to cut and style trim, build furniture with perfectly cut joints, add decorative cuts to wood, or cut multiple pieces of wood using a template, you’ll appreciate its smooth and versatile performance, relatively quiet operation, and accurate settings. Price at time of publish: $199 Like many more expensive routers, this one has soft-start for better control, and electronic feedback that helps keep the speed steady while you work. Plus, it has three incorporated LED lights to illuminate the bit area, three coarse settings for depth plus micro-depth adjustment for fine tuning, and even a safety light that turns on when the tool is connected to a power source. Price at time of publish: $119 This fixed-base router runs off any DEWALT 20-volt battery or install the DEWALT 60-volt FLEXVOLT battery for up to 8 times the run length from the 1.5-horsepower motor. Note that the tool does not include the battery, however, you’ll need to purchase that separately if you don’t already own one. This sturdy router has a brushless motor with soft-start performance that helps keep your cuts precise and accurate. The variable speed motor adjusts from 16,000 to 25,500 rpm and a depth adjustment ring makes it easy to set the height of the bit. It has a 1/4-inch collet chuck, so it is a great choice for detailed or lightweight-to-moderate jobs, but not the right tool for heavy-duty projects. Two LED built-in lights help you visualize your cuts as you work Price at time of publish: $170 The body of the tool is magnesium, and it has soft handles that minimize vibration while keeping your grip steady. The variable speed motor can go as fast as 23,000, so you can adjust as needed based on the material you are cutting and the precision required for your task. This is an excellent addition to the workshop of any carpenter or woodworker, whether professional or enthusiastic hobbyist. Price at time of publish: $175 The router includes both a 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet chuck, so you can choose which best suits your project. The variable speed settings stretch from 10,000 to 25,000 rpm. A built-in, always-on LED light illuminates the bit so you can easily see what you are cutting. The tool has a soft-start, reduced-torque start to help keep your cuts as accurate as possible. Price at time of publish: $226 There’s no variable speed control on this basic router; it runs at 29,000 rpm. It does allow you to adjust the cutting depth, however, with micro-adjustments for fine-tuning your settings. The tool has a 1/4-inch collet chuck and a built-in work light to illuminate the bit area. All in all, this is a fine tool if you only want a basic router at a reasonable price for simple carpentry tasks. Price at time of publish: $69 The router also offers soft-start for precision and electronic speed control to maintain an even speed while you work. Although compact, the tool is built for durability, is easy to use and adjust, and powerful enough for most projects a DIYer is likely to choose, such as cutting grooves, dados, or inlays. One thing it lacks, however, is a built-in work light. Price at time of publish: $256 This is a plunge-base router, with depth adjustments up to 2-3/4 inches; that’s more than most routers offer. It comes with both a 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet chuck, and has a soft-start function, electronic speed control, and an electric brake. It’s designed for easy adjustments of all types, and its rubberized grips make it easy to hold while you work, even through long routing sessions. Price at time of publish: $372 Like larger, more expensive routers, this one has a soft-start function for better control, a micro-adjust dial for precise depth settings, a built-in work light, and a spindle lock to make changing the bits easy. It can make cuts up to 1-7/16 inches deep. Although this is not a large, powerful router that can handle heavy-duty jobs or lengthy work sessions, it’s a great choice if you are looking for a small router for equally small or lightweight carpentry or woodworking tasks. Price at time of publish: $90 Plunge-base routers give the user more freedom over the depth and appearance of the cut because they have a spring mechanism that must be compressed by pushing downward to plunge the blade into the material, making it easier to cut grooves and slots. Just keep in mind that these routers do tend to have a higher price associated with them. Some router combo kits include both types of bases. This makes them very versatile. Note also that fixed-base does not mean that the tool’s based is fixed in position on the workbench; it merely means that the tool has a locked depth of blade.
Collet
The collet on a wood router refers to the opening on the chuck that holds bits in place during use, and so determines the shank size of the bits you can use with the tool. The two standard sizes for wood router collets are 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch. Routers with 1/4-inch collets are only suitable for use on light-duty or precision projects because the bits are significantly smaller and less durable than 1/2-inch bits. To take on medium- or heavy-duty woodworking projects, consider using a wood router that has a 1/2-inch collet. These large bits can endure longer periods of use and are not as likely to break as 1/4-inch bits. It should also be noted that there are wood routers with 1/2-inch collets that also come with 1/4-inch collet adapters, giving you the option to choose the best bit for the project.
Horsepower
It’s important to consider the horsepower (HP) of a wood router because this measurement is a primary indicator of the tool’s power and torque. Typically, wood routers can range in horsepower from just 3/4 horsepower for light-duty models to over 3 horsepower for heavy-duty models that are popular in professional woodworking shops. Light-duty options are good for creating decorative baseboards and trim because they can effectively remove thin layers of wood without an issue. Medium-duty wood routers typically have a horsepower rating between 1.5 to 2 horsepower and are suited to a wide variety of tasks. Heavy-duty routers are great for larger projects, like creating an intricate headboard for a bed or building a dresser, though the power of these tools may be difficult for inexperienced users to handle.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. For this roundup, she considered dozens of wood routers, evaluating each for versatility, power, ease of use, and accuracy. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative. Additional research for this article was provided by Timothy Dale, a home improvement expert specializing in many topics, including plumbing, construction, and product recommendations. He has more than ten years of experience in the home restoration industry.
