Wood Router Buying Guide | Things To Look Out For

Last updated on September 27th, 2022 at 01:56 pm

What is a wood router?

It would be silly to start this wood router buying guide without introducing the tool. So, what is a router? A router is a powerful tool with a flat base and a rotating blade that allows you to cut patterns and designs into multiple pieces of wood. Regardless of the type of wood you are working with, you will need a router at some point. Choosing which router to use for a particular job can be a challenge.

You can choose a router with a combination kit for versatility. With a com; your kit, you can switch between a plunge foot and a fixed foot. This is economical when you buy a 2-in-1 router. You can base your decision on a specific project or design. However, you need to pay attention to the features and what you want to do with the router.

Type of wood routers

Fixed Base Router

It has a stationary base, and you have to set a specific depth before you start cutting. That makes it consistent. I advise beginners to go for the fixed base router since it excels in edge cutting and straight-line cuts.

Plunge router

A plunge router has a base loaded with springs. You are allowed to change the bit depth when cutting your material. That is done by unlocking the release system and moving the base inwards and outwards. 

Uses for a wood router

• Cut patterns
• Make designs
• Grooves
• Cut dadoes and rabbets

What to look for in a wood router

Speed

There are wood routers with a fixed speed option and versatile routers with a speed variance that comes with adjustments. What determines the speed range is the type of operation and the type of wood. As much as you control your speed, safety precautions are necessary. 

Motor size

Wood routers have different sizes of motors. Palm routers have 1 hp or lower. They are compact-sized and used for trimming, slot cutting, and decorative inlays. They use 1/4inch shank bits.

Mid-sized routers range from 1-3/4 to 2-1/4hp. They are for panel and circle cutting and are compatible with ¼ and ½-inch shank bits. 

The full-size routers range from 3hp to 31/4hp. It is used for CNC operations. It is annoying for small projects. 

Base options

There is a wide range of bases that are on wood routers. A fixed base is the standard base that has handles. You mount it on a router table since they are limited to edge routing applications. The plunge base is ideal for blind grooves and dado cuts. It has multiple depth stop settings with micro-adjustments that you tune to your preferences. The D-handle base has a knob and a D-shaped handle with a pistol-grip control and a locking On/Off trigger power switch.

Compatibility

You may be looking for a router compatible with multiple accessories for convenience. Accessories make your woodworking life bearable and enjoyable. Router tables allow you to have comfort, control, and consistency. Mounting your wood router on a table is easy. Electronic motor feedback maintains a constant speed. 

A micro-fine depth adjustment feature makes small and precise cuts. Handles make the handling experience comfortable. The Soft-start does not make the router jump out of your hands. Speed variance gives you control over speed control. 

Size

The type of router depends on the tasks you have to cover. DIY tasks attract a small router, and heavy jobs require a heavy-duty router. The laminate router is compact and powerful. It is ideal for small profiling bits. You use it to soften sharp edges and cut hinge mortises and box grooves. The medium-sized router has two models, namely: one-handed and two-handed models. It has more power and size. The full-sized router is for big and challenging jobs. 

Ergonomic Design An ergonomic design is more appealing. Power and size are important factors that determine ergonomics. Tall handles offer a comfortable grip, and many wood routers have different types of handles. Power, The amount of power can be determined by the number of horsepower connected to the motor. Using a variable speed motor, you can control your router with the speed adjustment lever. You can also adjust your router. The thicker shank bits allow for better performance in harder wood or metals.

Warranty The manufacturer’s warranty may include a two-year and a one-year limited warranty. You must consider it when purchasing one. You do not have to worry about buying a router that has a short lifespan. It gives you peace of mind. 

Portability

A portable wood router is ideal for doing carvings, cutting small pieces, or handling different materials. 

What size of the wood router should you buy?

The size depends on the type of cuts you intend to run, and the space used for the operation, the size of the wood, and the budget. 

What features should you look for?

Speed

When you are using a router that comes with s variance, you control your speed. You increase speed and slow down depending on the material you are working on. A fixed-speed router is ideal when using small bits. 

Comfort

Routers with handles give you comfort when handling the tool. That increases your hours of work and relieves you from pain. 

Dust collection system

Clogging of dust inside your router slows down the cutting process. For maximum production, a router with a vacuum port keeps your router functioning, the environment clean, and the user safe from dust-related diseases. Consider the dust extraction ports on the power tools.

Collet diameter

Bits are of importance due to the function they serve. They maintain stability and produce less chatter. I advise you to choose a router that accepts ¼ and ½-inch bits. 

Horsepower

The size of the horsepower determines the power of your router. I urge you to go for 2HP or more.

Accessories for a wood router

Router table

The router table brings your router closer. The router is secured, and there are various types of tables to consider. There is the table model and freestanding router. The chances are high that a router with a table has a fence system. That makes your cuts clean since the fence guides your wood piece and ensures precise cuts. 

Handles

The Ryobi R1631K Router has two ergonomic handles that give you a comfortable grip (Source). The handles are attached to the base. They give you a strain-free experience, and you do not have to experience backaches and joint pains. That makes a DIY lifestyle bearable. It also has a LED light that increases visibility. That makes the tool produce precise and professional quality cuts.

Soft-start

The Dewalt router (DWP611PK) has a Soft-start motor with full-time electronic feedback. You have control over the speed throughout the cutting process. The Soft-start feature prevents the engine from jerking. That makes it a safety feature. 

Micro-fine depth adjustment

The Bosch Router tool (PR20EVS) has a fast and accurate depth adjustment feature that allows you to make macro and micro adjustments. It has a quick clamp system with an easy adjustment of your motor. The 5.6Amp router motor produces a speed variance of 16,000 to 35,000 rotations per minute (Source). 

Safety Tips

• Use both hands to hold the router until it stops working.
• Wear safety goggles and hearing protection.
• Before making adjustments or changing bits, switch off the power supply.
• Secure the bits after mounting.
• Secure stock.
• Keep the cords clear of the cutting area.
• Balance the router.
• Maintain safe cutting speeds.
• Test the router on a scrap.

Maintenance

• Before the operation, check out damaged parts and plug them into a power source.
• Check the cables since they have to stay clear from the cutting area.
• Check your blade if it is secured and sharp.
• Check the cable for damages.
• Get rid of sawdust before the router clogs.
• Vacuum tubes have to stay clean.
• Use the proper screws.
• Cleaning the router is essential.
• Worn parts need a replacement.
• Maintain the sharpness of your blades.
• Your parts need regular lubrication. 

FAQs

What is a Wood Router?

A wood router is a tool to create precise cuts and shapes in wood. It is typically used for more intricate jobs than a handheld router. Wood routers are available in two main types: fixed base and plunge router.

Types of Wood Routers

Typically, there are two basic wood routers – the fixed base and the plunge router. The router can also use different types of bits. The most common type is the straight router bit, used for simple cuts and shaping edges. There are also spiral cutters, ideal for cutting intricate patterns, and flush cutters, perfect for trimming along an existing edge.

What is a Fixed Base Router?

A fixed base router is a typical type used for general routing purposes. It is attached to a router table or workbench and has a base that cannot move up or down.

What is a plunge router?

A plunge router is a type of router that has a base that can be moved up and down. This allows for more precise routing jobs. This type of router travels up and down on spring-loaded rods.

What are the benefits of a fixed base router?

It’s easy to adjust and works well for projects on site.

What are the benefits of using a Router?

The advantages of a router include precise cuts, the creation of intricate patterns, and the ability to trim along an existing edge. You’ll also find that it gets the job done faster than other methods, such as sanding by hand.

How powerful is your router?

You can determine your router’s power by measuring the horsepower or HP. The higher the HP, the more powerful the router. The size of your bit also matters. A 1/4-inch bit is a good all-purpose size, but you may need a larger or smaller bit, depending on your specific job.

What is a Router Table?

A router table is a type of workbench designed specifically for milling. It usually has a slot on the top where you can insert a router bit.

Router tables are an important part of any woodworker’s equipment because they offer more stability and precision than routing by hand. In addition, router tables allow you to use larger bits that would be difficult to maneuver by hand.

What is a Wood Router Edging Tool?

This wood router looks like a thin, flat metal piece attached to the router’s edge. Edging tools are an important piece of equipment for any woodworker, as they offer more precision than routing by hand. Additionally, edging tools allow you to create various effects, depending on the bit you use.

What is the body of a router case?

The router’s body is where the motor of this tool is housed. You will also find the speed control and depth adjustment features. The size and shape of the router’s body will vary depending on the model. 

Why Is a Router equipped with Vacuum Port?

So, having a router equipped with a vacuum port will save you a lot of time you would otherwise spend cleaning. Moreover, it will also protect your lungs from harmful dust particles.

What are the benefits of electric and cordless routing?

Brushless electric motors run quieter and help save battery power on cordless models, which is essential for the spinning bits and is way more efficient. Electric models offer more power than cordless models and are often less expensive.

Cordless routers are convenient because you can take them anywhere, but they may not have as much power as an electric model.

What are the benefits of using a palm router?

They are compact, lightweight, cost-effective, and also come in cordless models. They are so small, they easily maneuver around tight spaces. 

What are full-sized routers?

Full-sized routers offer more power and durability than palm routers. They are ideal for larger projects that require more precise cuts.