Best Wood Routers 2021: Reviews and Buying Guide

In the simplest words, a wood router is a tool that helps the user to make a hollow area inside the wood without disturbing the outer surface.

Many of the woodworking projects need to have such hollow pockets, and if you are into the wood cutting profession and work on the high-end projects that need precision, the wood routers would be one of the most important things to have in your workshop.

Although the main purpose of the wood router is to make the hollow pockets in the woodblock, they can be used for many other things like the cutting bit to shape edges, drilling holes in the woodblocks and to prepare the joints.

In all, the wood router is an important tool to have for almost every woodworking professional who is looking forward to work on the bigger and more precise projects form the client.

In this article, we are going to talk about the wood router’s benefits, why you should have it your workshop, the buyer’s guide and the top ten best wood routers that you can buy today.

So, if you haven’t set up a workshop, or planning to buy some new tools for your business, then make sure to go through this article to know the importance of a good quality wood router in your workshop.

So, without wasting more time, let’s get straight with the benefits of having a good quality wood router for the workshop.

Go through them, and find why you should invest in a wood router for yourself to complete a tough project with the utmost efficiency.

Best Wood Routers for 2021

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Bosch 1617EVSPKBosch 1617EVSPK

Speed Range: 8,000-25,000 RPM
Torque: 2.25 HP
Motor: 12 Amp

Check Price
DEWALT DWP611PKDEWALT DWP611PK

Speed Range: 16,000-27,000RPM
Torque: 1.25 HP
Motor: 7 Amps

Check Price
Makita RT0701CX7Makita RT0701CX7

Speed Range: 10,000 to 30,000 RPM
Torque: 1.25 HP
Motor: 6.5 Amps

Check Price

Best Wood Routers Reviews 2021

Once you have gone through the benefits of using a wood router in the workshop, now it is the right time to introduce with some of the best routers that are currently available in the market and provide a great value for money.

According to the type of workshop and projects you have now, you can easily choose a perfect wood router for yourself from the below-listed products.

So, instead of wasting time in researching the market and finding a perfect router for your workshop, we will recommend you to go through the list once, and choose one of the listed routers to make things easier for yourself.

All the products listed here are tested and reviewed by us and included in the list according to the user reviews of the buyers.

So, you can completely rely on them for performance and efficiency. Just go through them all, and then find the most suitable wood router for your workshop.

1. Bosch 1617EVSPK Combination Router

Bosch is a renowned name in the field of power and hand tools. Regardless of the field, you are associated with, you can easily rely on Bosch products to complete your project with 100% quality and efficiency.

Bosch 1617EVSPK is a perfect router for the buyers who are looking forward to buying a compact, efficient and reliable wood route that is easy to hold, has a great brand value is a perfect value for money.

Along with the design and brand name, 1617EVSPK has numerous such things that make it one of the best combination router for woodworking professionals.

Some of such points are listed below. Go through them and then decide whether you should buy for your workshop this, or pass.

  • Extremely durable design
  • Easy to use
  • Can be used for bit plunging, edge forming, dovetail cutting, and numerous other purposes

Along with these points, there are several other things including handling and efficiency tweaks that make the 1617EVSPK one of the most popular and efficient wood routers in this category.

So, if you were after a reliable, efficient wood router with great brand value, then the Bosh 1617EVSPK will be an ideal deal for you.

To make the review complete, here are the plus and minus point about the 1617EVSPK that can affect your decision of buying this tool for your workshop Go through them, and then decide whether you should opt for 1617EVSPK, or not.

Pros

  • Great brand value
  • Compact and easy to handle design

Cons

  • You may find it harder to use on a bigger project and minor details

So, these were the pros and cons that we found during our review. If you think you can deal with it, then we will suggest you go with this wood router from Bosch and enhance your proficiency with your projects.

2. DEWALT DWP611PK

For the buyers who are looking for a stable and durable wood router for their workshop, the Dewalt DWP611PK is an ideal choice.

Apart from being a reputed brand in the field of power and hand tools, this router is an ideal choice for the buyers who are after a value for money product.

With outstanding performance, durable design and efficient handling, DWP611PK from Dewalt is a perfect wood router in every aspect.

And although there are numerous things to talk about the router, we will discuss a few of the best points about the Dewalt DWP611PK that makes it different and better from other wood routers available in the market.

  • Durable build quality
  • Easy to hold and operate
  • 25hp motor for high power delivery

So, these were the best points about the DWP611PK, and if you were after any of these points and are looking for a reliable wood router that can help you complete the projects in a faster and more effective way.

Apart from the best features and points, you should be well aware of the pros and cons of the tool before purchasing it from the market.

So, here are the pros and cons that we have experienced while reviewing it at our end. Go through them and if you think that you should buy the DWP611PK for your workshop, then start searching for the best deal for it.

Pros

  • Highly powerful and efficient motor
  • Variable speed and depth control
  • Easy to operate

Cons

  • The high-speed operation may trigger weird smell like burning parts

3. Makita RT0701CX7 1.25 HP Wood Router

Makita RT0701CX7 is an ideal buy for the buyers who are looking forward to buying a compact, easy to use and powerful wood router for their workshop which can help them deal with the small projects that need higher precision and fine design.

With a highly efficient motor and higher operating speeds than the competition, the Makita RT0701CX7 is one of the most reliable and powerful wood router available in the market right now.

Apart from the reliable and fast motor, the Makita RT0701CX7 has numerous other features and design hacks that make it an ideal buy for the buyers who are looking for an easy to use and operate wood router for them.

The slim design makes it easier to handle while working on the projects. Along with these some of the most talked-about features of the Makita RT0701CX7 are listed below.

Go through them and decide whether you should invest your money on this router or look for the other routers in the list.

  • Manual speed control (10000-30000 rpm) to provide the user with better control while working
  • Easy to use and hold design
  • Soft start feature for a brilliant start

Along with the above-listed features, numerous other features make it a worthy buy for all the buyers who are looking forward to installing a reliable and easy to operate wood router in their workshop.

Here are a few pros and cons that we encountered while reviewing Makita RT0701CX7. Go through them to decide more effectively whether you should buy it or not.

Pros

  • Variable speed selection makes it a better controllable router
  • Easy to use locking system provides better stability to the router
  • Adjustable depth for better precision

Cons

  • Vibrates at higher speed

4.Bosch Colt Palm Grip PR20EVSK 1-HP Wood Router

Bosch PR20EVSK is a brilliant tool to be used in the professional workshop. For the buyers who are looking for a reliable and compact wood router for their projects and are willing to buy a high-quality branded product, the PR20EVSK would be a perfect choice.

With a unique palm grip and easy operation make it one of the most perfect products in the range. Along with the design and brand name, the Bosch PR20EVSK is equipped with many other features and usability enhancements that make it a worthy buy for the buyers looking for a perfect router in the price range.

Here are the best features that make Bosch PR20EVSK a worthy addition to your tools in the workshop.

  • The unique grip makes it easier to handle the router at higher speeds
  • Soft start feature to deal with initial vibrations
  • Highly durable material for added life

Here are the pros and cons of the Bosch PR20EVSK that you should be aware of before purchasing the tool.

Pros

  • Durable and compact design
  • An efficient motor that delivers 1hp power

Cons

  • Comes only with a one-year warranty

5. PORTER-CABLE 690LR 1.75 HP Wood Router

PORTER-CABLE 690LR is undoubtedly the best compact-sized wood router you can buy today. Apart from the design and efficiency, the powerful motor of 1.75hp is capable enough to achieve perfection at higher speeds. Also, the machine stays extremely stable at the high speed of 27,500rpm.

In other words, the PORTER-CABLE 690LR is a perfect buy for those buyers who are looking forward to buying a reliable and efficient router that is stable and powerful enough to deal with everyday projects with 100% efficiency.

Along with design, efficiency and great brand value, numerous other features make PORTER-CABLE 690LR a great buy. Here are the best points that make PORTER-CABLE 690LR a worthy tool for every woodworking workshop.

  • Highly durable build
  • Efficient design that makes it easier to handle at higher speed
  • 11 amp motor for sufficient power

Apart from the above-listed points, there are a few points that can be considered as the pros and cons of the PORTER-CABLE 690LR. Go through them and then decide whether you should buy this for your workshop, or not.

Pros

  • 27500 rpm
  • Depth adjustment
  • Aluminum base

Cons

  • Single-speed motor

So, if you can deal with the cons of 690LR, then this will be a great choice for you.

6. DEWALT DW618B3 2.25 HP Wood Router

For the buyers who are looking for a professional quality wood router for their workshop, Dewalt DW618B3 would be an ideal buy. With the efficient motor producing power of 2 ¼ hp power and 8000-24000rpm speed under load, this is a powerful machine that can help you complete the bigger project with the least possible efforts and time. Moreover, there are plenty of additional features that make Dewalt DW618B3 a perfect buy for every woodworking professional.

So, if you were looking forward to buying a reliable and highly durable wood router for your workshop, the Dewalt DW618B3 would be an ideal buy for you.

Some points that are worth mentioning are listed here, with the positive and negative points. Go through them and then decide whether you should invest your money in the Dewalt DW618B3 or not.

  • Brilliant build quality for added durability
  • Unique D-shaped handle provides full control to the user
  • Highly powerful motor

Pros

  • Really easy to handle and maintain
  • Vibration-free performance at higher speeds

Cons

  • Heavier than other routers

7. Bosch GKF12V-25N Wood Router

Bosch GKF12V-25N is for those buyers who are after a renowned branded product that not only performs efficiently but also worth every penny.

The efficient and handy design of Bosch GKF12V-25N makes it one of the easiest to handle wood routers available in the market right now. With a fairly compact design and easy usability, this will be a perfect addition to your workshop.

Apart from the good brand name and efficient design, the Bosch GKF12V-25N has numerous other features like durability, better service, and stable performance. IN all, the Bosch GKF12V-25N is the ideal wood router for your workshop regardless of the types of projects you are currently working with.

Here are the best features that we came across while reviewing it. Go through them, and decide whether it is a worthy buy for you, or not.

  • 12v motor
  • Extremely easy to handle
  • Easily handles larger projects that need higher precision

Along with these points, there are a few pros and cons of Bosch GKF12V-25N that we think you should before making the purchase. So, here’s the list of pros and cons about Bosch GKF12V-25N.

Pros

  • Stable performance
  • A multipurpose tool that can be used for a variety of operations
  • Adjustable depth cutting

Cons

  • Noisy at higher speeds

8. Festool 574692 Wood Router

For the buyers who are involved in the highly professional projects that need extra precision and efficiency, the Festool 574692 is the perfect wood router in every aspect. Whether you are after efficiency, power or handling, this router performs flawlessly in every field.

With a perfectly designed body with a perfect body weight ratio, this is the first choice of the professionals, and if you are looking forward to buying the best wood router for yourself in this range, you should not look any further than the Festool 574692.

Although there is a lot to talk about the tool, here are some of the most relevant information that you should know about Festool 574692 as a buyer. Go through these points to know whether it is a worthy buy for you, or not.

  • Adjustable depth cutting
  • Highly efficient design that provides full control over the machine while operating at higher speeds
  • Durable build quality

Along with these, there are numerous other features that you will love about the Festool 574692. So, if you were looking for the best, just go with this router. Believe us, you aren’t going to regret your decision.

Pros

  • Easy to handle
  • Perfect power to weight ratio
  • Fairly stable at higher speeds

Cons

  • None so far

9. Hitachi M12VC

Hitachi has been a popular name for the electronics and tools, and Hitachi M12VC wood router is an ideal buy for those buyers who are after a reliable and highly durable wood router with a fixed base for higher precision and stability.

The router is powered by an 11amp motor that not only provides the tool sufficient power but also provides its capability to deal with the bigger projects that need higher precision than the normal projects. The Nickel-plated motor housing makes it a perfect router that is durable enough to last forever.

Apart from these, there are a few more things that make the Hitachi M12VC an ideal buy for the workshop owners who have recently opened their business and are looking for a perfect wood router for the workshop. Some of the worth mentioning points about the Hitachi M12VC are

  • Highly durable design
  • Easy to lock and release mechanism for enhanced stability
  • 11 amp motor for higher operating speeds

While reviewing Hitachi M12VC, we experienced a few positive and negative points that you should know before purchasing it. GO through the listed pros and cons that will help you make better decisions.

Pros

  • Highly durable and efficient design
  • Easy handling

Cons

  • Heavier than other routers in the list

10. Makita RT0701C-1

For the buyers who are looking forward to buying an efficient wood router that not only has a smooth operation but also has a reliable brand name, the Makita RT0701C-1 would be an ideal buy. The best thing about Makita RT0701C-1 is slim and easy to use design.

With a great brand value, the Makita RT0701C-1 has every single feature that a best wood router should have. Whether it is about the speed, control over the machine while operating, you can completely rely on Makita RT0701C-1.

Here are the points that you should know about before purchasing the Makita RT0701C-1. Go through them, and buy it right through if you find these points beneficial to your business.

  • Slim design. Easy to handle while operating higher speeds
  • Variable speed control dial for easy operation
  • Easy to use depth adjustment feature

Pros

  • Great brand value
  • Removable base
  • Durable finish and build quality

Cons

  • Not for bigger projects

So, these were the ten best wood routers that you can purchase today for your workshop. The only thing that you need to do now is to know your requirements and budget and choose a perfect one from these that can fulfill your needs and help you finish your project easily and more efficiently.

Best Wood Router 2021: Buying Guide

Whether you are buying a wood router from the above list, or are searching for a perfect one all by yourself, there are a few things that you should remember as a buyer to get the perfect and most suitable product that can help you complete your woodworking projects easily.

These points must be considered while you are purchasing a new wood router for yourself. So, go through these five important points and buy the best wood router for yourself.

Efficiency

The first thing that you should keep in mind while purchasing a new wood router for your projects is the efficiency of the tool.

If you are planning to buy it online, then online reviews can be extremely beneficial for you to check the efficiency of the tool. This will help you decide whether the particular router is the right buy for you, or not.

Size and usability of the router

Make sure that the router you are planning to buy is easy to hold and use. Size may also play an important role to choose the best in class and most suitable wood router for your workshop.

So, choose the right size of the router and check whether it is easy to handle and use or not. This will help you buy a good router for your workshop that can help you achieve perfection with your projects.

Your project needs

Make sure that you choose the router according to your projects and needs. Going for a much expensive tool even if you don’t need won’t be a good move for your business. So, make sure to buy a router with a calm mind and buy the one that is suitable for your business and projects.

Brand value

Like any other power tool in the woodworking industry, the brand name plays an important role in purchasing the ideal wood router. There are numerous brands available in the market that term themselves as the best wood router manufacturers.

In case you are buying it for the first time, you may get confused by the number of brands available for the tool. Make sure that you choose a brand according to the warranty, after-sales service, and user reviews.

By doing so, you can be assured of buying a good quality wood router for your workshop that will last forever without any major expense for the maintenance.

Warranty and value for money

Last, but not least, you should consider the warranty very seriously while purchasing power tool. The warranty can help you judge the durability and reliability of the tool, and can play a vital role if you are planning to buy a value for money tool for your workshop.

You can make a good guess about the overall life of the tool by having a look at the warranty of the product by the company.

These were the points that can help you with buying the best wood router for yourself according to your needs and budget. So, keep them in mind and get the most suitable wood router for your next projects.

Benefits of having a Wood Router in the Workshop

Along with the drilling holes and making the hollow pockets in the wood panel, there are numerous benefits that a good quality wood router can provide you. In this section, we will be discussing the five most talked about and obvious benefits that thousands of woodworkers across the world have experienced. These points will help you decide whether you should buy the best wood router for your workshop, or not. So, go through them, and find the reasons why a router plays an important role in the woodworking professional.

A great multipurpose tool for the woodworkers

The first and most talked about the benefit of the wood router is it can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you are willing to have a driller or a jointer, you can easily use the wood router for it. So, if you were looking for a multipurpose tool that can be used in numerous ways, you can rely on the wood router for your workshop.

Reliable and easy handling

Comparatively, wood routers are easy to use than other tools used in the workshops. They are available in two different sizes and you can choose any one of them according to your needs and budget.

Easy maintenance

As the wood router is a small power tool, it is relatively easier to maintain and clean. You can follow the normal cleaning procedure to make it work for many years. Just use the proper cleaning agents and your router will serve you for years.

A wide range of products from different brands

As a popular power tool for the word working professionals, there are numerous brands available in the market that manufacture high-quality power tools according to the different needs of the buyers. So, choose the best wood router for yourself according to brand preference and your needs.

Different types according to the use of the buyers

The wood routers are available in two different sizes, and you can easily choose the perfect one according to your project needs and budget. Just make sure that you are relying on a good brand and the tool that justifies its price.

Along with these five, there are numerous other benefits that you can avail by choosing a good quality wood router for your workshop. Just make sure that you are choosing a router fulfills your needs of buying it.

So, if you were looking for any of these benefits and searching for a perfect multipurpose tool for your workshop, investing in a good wood router would be a good decision for you.

Wood Router: FAQs

As the wood routers aren’t too handy for the normal projects, you may not find in every woodworking workshop. And due to this, there are numerous frequent questions that the buyers ask before purchasing the wood router for their workshop.

So, here is the list of FAQs that most users ask before purchasing the wood router. If you are also having a few questions regarding the wood router, then go through these FAQs, and they may help you clear your doubts about the routers.

Q1: What size should I buy for smaller projects and DIY?

You should go for the small wood routers with the bits of a ½ inch size. Depending on the project size, you can go with a larger bit and router size

Q2: Are pattern bit and trim bits different?

They can be used interchangeably depending on the projects and needs.

Q3: Do I really need a wood router?

Best Wood routers are a perfect woodworking tool that can be used for numerous other purposes than the pattern drilling. It is worth purchasing tools if you are looking forward to growing your business in the near future.

Also Check: best router bit sets

Conclusion

In all, a wood router is a must-have tool for your workshop if you are planning to expand your business further. Also, having the best wood router not only will help you complete the projects faster, but will also help you get the perfection that will enhance your image among the clients.

So, if you are looking forward to investing in a tool that can help you in many ways to complete your woodworking projects, you should buy a good quality wood router for yourself.

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