Best Wood Routers of 2022

How do wood routers work?

A wood router is a must-have for anyone interested in woodworking. They come with a variety of options and in a variety of sizes, but the basic principle behind each one is simple: a motor of a certain horsepower powers a bit to shape the wood on your table.

They’re remarkably simple machines with a myriad of complex uses. Wood routers “route,” which means to hollow out. So, they can do everything from carving designs to cutting holes and trimming soft, non-wood materials.

Wood routers explained for dummies

The outside is simply a plastic case that houses the motor. Usually, that case includes 1-2 sturdy handles upon which you’ll find the trigger that engages the motor.

That motor powers the bit at either a variable or fixed speed (we usually recommend the former), and it typically turns the bit in a clockwise direction. The operator—that’s you—moves the bit side to side using the handles to create the desired impression in the wood.

Some routers also allow you to move the bit up and down (in a plunging motion) for more versatility.

A collet holds the bit firmly in place, and a base helps you balance the router and protect it from overextending into the wood.

What can routers do?

Routers are simple but versatile. They can handle almost any task you can perform on wood. More specifically, they come in handy for:

• Cutting grooves
• Shaping wood, particularly edges
• Making wooden cutouts
• Cutting joints
• Trimming laminates
• Engraving
• Creating decorative patterns

Like most tools, some routers are better at each of these tasks than others. Your intended projects will determine the best router for you.

Best wood router brands

When it comes to choosing the best wood router, not all brands are created equal. There are several router brands that dominate the market because of their superior quality and power. Let’s take a look at some of the best wood router brands you should consider:

• DEWALT wood routers: are some of the most popular routers on the market. They’re known for their powerful motors in both plunge and fixed base wood routers. Although most of their bestselling routers might be a bit much for DIYers, they are a popular choice with professional woodworkers.
• Bosch wood routers: are well-made but usually more affordable than DEWALT models. Bosch are most popular for their signature wooden handles, which are highly reviewed by DIYers and professionals alike for the comfortable grip.
• Makita wood routers: are a great choice for commercial use and heavy-duty DIY. Makita stand out from the crowd for their compact routers with powerful motors, great for any intricate projects.
• Triton wood routers: are more affordable but don’t have the same product range as other brands. Based in Australia, Triton are best known for their compact palm routers. These are well-made and smaller than competitors, so a good choice for DIYers just starting out.
• WEN wood routers: also appeal to DIYers who don’t want to splash out on a DEWALT or Makita wood router. WEN stand out for their wood router kits that give hobbyists everything they need to get started at an affordable price point.
• SKIL wood routers: are in the mid-range price point. Compared to other brands, SKIL routers are bulkier so less easy to handle. However, SKIL is popular for their extensive guides and how-tos which help DIYers get to grips with their wood router.

When you’re looking for the best wood router on the market, some other wood router brands to consider include Porter-Cable, Festool, and Goplus, to name a few.

Fixed vs. plunge base routers

The options available for routers can seem a bit overwhelming. But these terms don’t have to make your head spin.

The differences, in fact, are quite simple: Fixed-base routers are best for simple tasks and have a fixed router base which means you can only start working from an edge. Plunge-base routers on the other hand are for the more adventurous or experimental woodworker who wants to complete a wide range of tasks with the same tool.

Fixed-base wood routers

Fixed-base routers, as their name suggests, have an immovable base. They are:

• Compact
• Easy to maneuver
• A simple, easy-to-use beginner’s tool

They’re ideal for softening or shaping edges, and are also the best choice for cutting in precise, straight lines.

Cut only from edge to edge

They can only cut from edge to edge, though, so you can’t use them for a cut that starts mid-board.

These routers may feel limiting if you want to complete more complex projects (like making cutouts, engraving, or creating complex patterns).

Keep in mind that you’ll need to set the bit depth (how far into the wood it cuts) before starting the cut, and the router won’t allow you to adjust it again while the router is running. Therefore, fixed-base models are best for simple projects.

Plunge-base wood routers

Plunge-base routers offer more versatility in a heftier model. Plunge bases are the way to go if you anticipate making cuts in the middle of wood pieces (for designs, grooves, and engravings, for example) but don’t want to cut from an outside edge to get there.

Plunge-base routers move up and down thanks to a spring-loaded base. They come with the added advantages of:

• The ability to move the router up and down for complex, varying, or deeper cuts.
• Starting a cut right in the middle of a board. Just lift the base, position it over the area to be drilled, and push the bit into the board, then cut.

Plunge-base routers come in handy if you plan to make similar cuts repeatedly: They have a feature called a stop-system which allows you to return to the same cutting depth without re-measuring (even if you plunge past that depth mid-cut).

In short, plunge-base routers offer far greater versatility, but they’re usually more expensive and are more difficult to use.

How much horsepower do you need?

The power of your router’s motor is measured in horsepower, just like your car’s. You can find routers equipped with up to about 3.5 HP. Router power falls into two primary categories:

1. Low horsepower (1-3HP): Smooth cuts for short bursts. You’ll need to let these machines rest frequently, as they’re not designed for continuous use.
2. High horsepower (3+ HP): Perfect for deeper cuts and harder woods. These models are ideal for heavy-duty users (who complete big projects or high-scale production), but they come with a weight that makes them harder to maneuver.

For most users, a router with between 1.5 and 2.5 HP will meet or exceed your carpentry needs. For small, simple jobs—like smoothing edges—a lower horsepower choice will be the most cost-effective and practical option.

Wood router speed

Much like other power tools, router speed is measured in RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute). When you ask your bit to move “faster,” you’re really telling it to cut your wood more often in a given minute. Speed, in this case, is most important in relation to your bit size. Small bits produce the cleanest results at higher speeds, but large bits only work (safely) at lower speeds.

Does speed determine quality of your product?

Speed is often referenced as the most important factor in determining how clean and satisfactory your cuts are, but it actually works in tandem with everything else on your (router) table to create a good cut. Your speed-to-bit-size ratio, the consistency of the wood, the sharpness of your bit, and how fast you’re moving the router across the wood also come into play.

However, finding the appropriate speed range is the perfect place to start. Use the following chart as a guide to determine the appropriate router speed for your needs.

Once you find the ideal speed range, it’s time to think about whether one speed or several options will be a better fit for your needs.

Fixed vs. variable speed routers

Having a variable speed dial (as opposed to a single, fixed speed) proves crucial for those who want to use one router for all bit sizes.

If you plan to purchase two or more routers or need a router for one specific task, a variable speed dial is a great feature to skimp on to save a few dollars.

Noise level

Of course, higher speed also means more noise. And, because faster speeds often lead to sloppier cuts (meaning you’ll need to sand to smooth them out), you generally want to work at as low a speed as you can without sacrificing quality.

Wood router size & portability

Routers come in three primary sizes; and, like speed, the right one for you depends on how you plan to use your new machine.

Palm or trim routers are your smallest option. They’re easily maneuverable and ideal for trimming, edge work, hinges, and decorative or pattern work. They’re great for small hobby projects but won’t be appropriate for large-scale endeavors.

Mid-size routers are, as their name suggests, your middle-of-the-road option. They’re more versatile than trim routers and can handle the capabilities of their smaller counterparts in addition to dovetailing, panel cutting, and the creation of complex patterns.

Large routers are your machine of choice for large projects and production environments. Typically, their weight requires that they be used as table-mount devices. These are for the serious woodworker and are not suitable for small hobby projects.

For small, casual, or creative projects, the beginner’s best bet will be a palm router. If you hope for growth in your skills, a mid-sized router will be your best bet for ultimate versatility; and, if a woodworking business is in the works, a production-oriented full-size machine is the only one that will fit the bill for you.

Keep in mind that with size comes expense; so, if you’re not sure yet where your woodworking endeavors will take you, start small and upgrade as your skills and interests expand.

Wood router collet and bit size

As mentioned earlier, the collet is the metal piece that holds your bit firmly in place and keeps it connected to the router body.

Most routers come with both ¼-inch and ½-inch collets. Your bits will come in one of those two sizes, too, and the collet size and bit size must align.

Some routers, however, have only ¼-inch or ½-inch options.

The case for half-inch (1/2 inch) collets and bits

For most users, sticking with ½-inch collets and bits (and choosing a router made for ½-inch options if one with both isn’t on the table) is the best bet. They’re more stable and tend to last longer. Additionally, their stability means that they vibrate less, which leads to a cleaner cut.

Larger bits are also less prone to slipping on the wood and are less likely to burn your material.

Quarter-inch (1/4 inch) collets and bits have their bonuses

Of course, the smaller collets and bits wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have advantages. Firstly, they’re less expensive (and are often offered on less expensive routers, so they’re great for the beginning or budget-conscious handyman).

And, sometimes, you just need a thinner cut. In that case, a quarter-inch collet will provide you with more precision and a thinner line.

Best router bits to buy

Once you have the basics of your router sorted, it’s time to think about which bits will best suit your projects. You can think about bits like the blade on a pair of scissors: the pattern, sharpness, shape, and size will determine what you can do with it.

A plethora of bits are available for purchase. Luckily, if you treat them with respect, most will last forever. Here are a few of the most popular.

• Dado bits create box grooves.
• Chamfer bits work best for creating bevels or beveled edges.
• Edge bits are available in a wide array of designs, but are used to create decorative edges on woodworking projects.
• Dovetail bits create a shape that matches their name: one end of the cut is wide and flared, and the other is thin.
• Rabbeting bits create “shoulders”, or steps, to allow multiple wood pieces to be joined together.

Consider a router table

Of course, regardless of the size of the router and the bit you choose, handheld routing can get cumbersome. Routing tables allow for a labor-lite approach to woodworking: they hold the router bit-up (toward the ceiling) so that you can slide the wood across the bit instead of sliding the router manually across the wood.

These are especially handy for larger-scale projects where you’ll be using the same bit extensively, but they make maneuvering easier on any project.

Router tables come in two primary types:

1. Tabletop models—These can be set on workbenches or tabletops and are generally portable.
2. Fixed models—These are, essentially, a freestanding workstation. They are more expensive than their tabletop counterparts, but are also sturdier and tend to come with a wider range of features.

Learn more about router tables

We also published a complete router table buying guide that is worth checking out if you are interested to invest in a table for your routing projects.

Additional router features

There are several extra features and technologies to consider that can make the difference between a smooth and frustrating routing experience. The ones you’ll use most depend, again, upon the type of projects you tend to tackle.

• Soft- vs. hard-start motors: Remember those cartoons where the character revs up a lawnmower and it darts forward so quickly that they’re thrown right off? Routers can do that, too. Hard-start motors can jerk the router right out of your hand; soft-start motors gear up gradually to avoid damaging your router, wood, or—of course—you.
• Electronic variable speed control (EVS): This keeps your cutting speed constant for a steady, high-quality cut.
• Variable speeds: This lets you adjust the router’s speed to the bit size and material on your table.
• Vacuum port: A handy feature that makes it easier to collect wood dust as you work.
• Clear sub base: Allows you to see your work clearly.
• Depth control knob: This is a boon for controlling and returning to the precise bit depth on your project (as opposed to adjusting manually).
• Interchangeable bases: If you can’t choose between a fixed-base and a plunge-base router, many companies offer models equipped with both options for ultimate versatility. Bonus: these are usually cheaper than buying two separate routers.
• Foot switch: These allow for hands-free on/off control and are especially handy for emergency situations.
• Built-in lights: Visibility is key when it comes to wood-working. Some routers come with LED lights to illuminate your table.

Buying tips

As with most things in life, “need” and “want” rarely leave you with the same results. We’ve broken down the options into the must-have features for a functional router, the good-to-have features that blend affordability and function, and the great-to-have features that make a router outshine its competition.

Must have features:

• Pick a fixed-base router for basic edging work, small projects, and precision cuts that don’t require variation in depth. They’re a great beginner’s tool on which to learn the ropes.
• Aim for a horsepower over 1 HP (2, if you can swing it). You’ll get the smooth cuts you need at an affordable price point, but be sure to let the router rest periodically.
• Get the right speed for your needs: the larger the bit you need, the slower the speed should be.
• Palm routers will help you dip your toes into routing with edging, hinge routing, and simple pattern work at an appealing price point.

Good to have features:

• Invest in a plunge-base router for stellar versatility and a wider range of projects.
• Check a variable speed dial off your list so you can use any bit size and wood type safely.
• Get a router with a soft-start motor for gradual speed increase and smoother, safer operation.
• Upgrade from a palm router to a mid-sized router if you want to keep the option for trim work open while taking on more complex tasks like joint work and panel cutting.

Great to have features:

• Choose a router with interchangeable bases. This gives you the best of both worlds—small edging work and large-scale, complex cuts.
• For limitless routing potential, a router with both ½-inch and 1/4-inch collets (not just an adaptor—those tend to sacrifice sturdiness) is a must-have.
• Electronic variable speed control (EVS) keeps your speed constant for you, increasing steadiness and precision.
• If you hope to turn your hobby into a business or want to graduate to large, complex projects, a large-sized router is the way to go.

Your budget, woodworking aspirations, and level of versatility required all play into the right router decision for you. Use these tips to help you find a router that can turn your ideas into a reality, whether you’re shaping simple cabinet edges or creating custom engravings.