The Best Routers for Any Woodwork Project

Wood router tools are essential for any woodworking project. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, a handheld power tool like a wood router can help you shape and cut your materials with precision and ease. With an adjustable base and cutting bits known as router bits, the possibilities are endless when it comes to molding edges, designing picture frames, shiplap wainscoting, window trim, and more.

Router bits come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes to help you achieve the perfect design for your project. These bits make doors, shutters, lettering, dished-out trays, and even hanging pictures possible. Bushing guides can also be used to enhance the routers versatility by allowing the bit to follow a template. Whether you're using a bit sticking upward for edge routing or fence guiding for stationary setups, routers are a go-to tool for woodworkers and contractors alike.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best router types on the market today that can shape edges, cuts mortises, makes cutouts and more. We'll look at their features like adjustable bases and different bit options so that you can find the perfect tool for your specific project needs. So whether you're looking to add some decorative touches to your latest creation or need precise cuts for functional applications, read on to discover the best routers for any woodwork project.

Here is a list of wood router types and accessories that experts handpick for all your woodworking needs. The first type of router is the fixed-base router, which has a fixed depth setting and is perfect for trimming edges and making straight cuts. This type of router is also great for beginners since it's easy to use and control.

Next up is the plunge router, which allows you to adjust the depth while in use. It's perfect for making mortises and grooves in wood. Another useful accessory for your wood router tool is the edge guide, which helps keep the tool on track when you're cutting along an edge. Bit sets are also important accessories, as they come in different sizes and shapes to create various grooves or cuts. Overall, with these tips and tools at your disposal, you'll be sure to make any woodworking project a success!

Wood routers tools are a must-have for any woodworking tool kit. They are portable power tools that enable woodworkers to make precise cuts and create unique designs on their projects. One of the coolest projects a woodworker makes is craftsman-style chairs, which require square cutouts for the side slats and bent arms pictured.

When using routers tools, it's scary to pay attention because the cutter spins in the opposite direction of other saws' table saws. That's why it's essential to ensure that your hands are not too close to the blade when making a controlled cut. My favorite woodworking tool is SawStop tablesaw, which has unique flesh-sensing technology that stops the blade instantly upon skin contact, causing no further harm or injury. It's my go-to saw and has saved me from my worst wound, which was only a small nick.

Asa Christiana, a longtime furniture maker and owner of Fine Woodworking magazine, has owned several routers tools throughout his career. In his current house in Portland, Oregon, he keeps his tools close at hand and readily accessible for any project he takes on. Asa has also had a freelance career climb mountains and ride bikes while contributing to publications including Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, books handmade and build stuff. Routers are an essential woodworking tool that allows woodworkers to create beautiful pieces like craftsman-style chairs with ease!

When it comes to wood router tools, there's no denying that power is crucial. With category-leading power, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Router packs a punch in a small package. Its cordless motor delivers incredibly strong performance and smooth cuts without the added hassle of a cord making it one of my favorite power tools.

One thing I love about this router is its low center-of-gravity, which makes for steady handling and easy adjustments. Despite being smaller than a full-size router, it operates like one with key specs such as base fixed or plunge routing capabilities. The brushless motor ensures smooth making even when working with hard materials like hard maple. With a 5-amp-hour battery, this compact powerhouse can outdistance others on single charge, allowing you to work uninterrupted for up to 60 feet.

Milwaukee offers several auxiliary bases that offset greatly expanding its capabilities from edge routing to corner beveling. The Milwaukee M18 Trim Router is the best cordless router I’ve tested; it's perfect for both novice and professional carpenters alike. Whether you're looking to make deep profile cuts or just need something reliable for everyday use, this tool will keep you steady while delivering quality results every time.

When it comes to wood router tools, power and capacity are important factors to consider. Horsepower determines the amount of power that a router can deliver, with larger bits requiring more horsepower. Most routers offer electronic variable speed (EVS) control, allowing you to adjust the router speed based on the bit size being used. Collets determine the maximum bit size that can be used with the router, so it's important to check what sizes are compatible before making a purchase.

While horsepower determines how much power a tool delivers, it's not the only factor that affects performance. Routers with constant speed sensors offer more consistent results by adjusting the speed based on load changes during use. The soft-start feature brings added precision and safety by ensuring that the tool won't jerk when first turned on. Slower speeds are often ideal for tasks such as routing dovetail joints or radius hinges.

Wood router guides are essential for accurate cuts and precise results. Larger bits make deeper cuts, but may require slower speeds or multiple passes to achieve desired results. It's important to choose a router with enough capacity for your needs, with 15 amps being the maximum horsepower available in most models. With these considerations in mind, you can choose a wood router tool that is suited to your specific applications and projects.

For woodworkers looking for a great combination of price power and precision, the DEWALT 618 Router is an excellent choice. With easy adjustments and key specs like a 12-amp motor, this router is built to deliver decades of smooth cuts even in the toughest woods making it a solid choice for experienced pros and beginners alike.

The base fixed on this router is designed to offer a simple twist-to-adjust fixed base compact stance that makes it easy to use for both plunge cuts and trimming tasks. Comfy grips make it comfortable to hold as you work, ensuring that your work is always precise no matter what kind of project you're tackling. Whether you're attaching directly with a cordless trim router or setting it up on a router table, the DEWALT 618 Router delivers consistent results every time.

Overall, whether you're searching for a powerful router tool that can handle tough jobs or just looking for something to help with smaller projects around the house, the DEWALT 618 Router is an excellent choice. With its solid construction, easy-to-use design, and precision cutting capabilities, this tool is sure to meet all your woodworking needs!