The 6 Best Wood Router for Beginners: Full Buying Guide

best wood router for beginners

If you are looking for the best wood router for your need, you have come to the right place.

First, we want to fast answer of the most famous question, i.e.

What can you do with a router and why it is used for?

The Wood Router is the most versatile tool in the world. Beginners, Hobbyists, and Professional woodworkers, carpenters or craftsperson can perform multiple task with a wood router.

A Wood Router Can:

  • Cut grooves and rebates
  • Make decorative flutings
  • Profile edges
  • Cut inlays
  • Trim wood and make it flat
  • Give any shape to wood
  • Drill clean holes
  • Recess hinges
  • Screw threads
  • Cut traditional joints
  • Create new joints
  • Copy carve with a router duplicator
  • Make shallow reliefs

A wood-router is one of the most important and reliable tools any woodworker, carpenter, or craftsman can have in their workshops.

In this article, we have reviewed the best woodworking routers for beginners. If you are going to use a wood router for the first time, this article contains all the stuff you need.

After reading this article, you will be in a position to choose the tool that will serve you properly.

Here we prepare a list with their specifications, of the 6 best woodworking routers for beginners.

Product Specifications
DEWALT Plunge Base Router
  • Brand: Dewalt
  • Model Number: DCW600B
  • Style: Fixed Base
  • Special Features: Cordless
  • Batteries Required: Yes
  • Router Speed: 16,000 – 25,500 RPM
  • Product Dimensions: 8.38 x 5.82 x 5.75 inches
  • Base Dimension: 4 inch
  • Item Weight: 3.4 pounds (LBS)
Makita Compact Router
  • Brand: Makita
  • Model Number: RT0701C
  • Style: Tool
  • Special Features: Compact
  • Batteries Required? No
  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 6 inches
  • Item Weight: 9 pounds
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
Bosch Variable Speed Palm Router
  • Brand: Bosch
  • Model Number: GKF125CEN
  • Style: 25 HP Variable Speed Router
  • Batteries Required? No
  • Product Dimensions: 13 x 4.13 x 8.25 inches
  • Item Weight: 4 pounds
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
Milwaukee Cordless Router
  • Brand: Milwaukee
  • model number: 2723-20
  • Style: 25 HP Variable Speed Router
  • Batteries Required? No
  • Product Dimensions: 79 x 3.23 x 6.86 inches
  • Item Weight: 86 pounds
  • Voltage: 18 Volts
DEWALT Fixed/Plunge Base Router
  • Brand: Dewalt
  • Model Number: DW618PKB
  • Style: Router
  • Special Features: Variable Speeds
  • Batteries Required? No
  • Product Dimensions: 88 x 6.88 x 12.56 inches
  • Item Weight: 27 pounds
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
Bosch Wood Router Tool Combo
  • Brand: Bosch
  • Model Number: 1617EVSPK
  • Style: Router Tool Combo Kit
  • Special Features: Plunge
  • Batteries Required? No
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 11.5 x 11.6 inches
  • Item Weight: 2 pounds
  • Voltage: 120 Volts

DEWALT CORDLESS ROUTER: COMPACT BRUSHLESS 20V Battery Powered (DCW600B)

Dewalt Cordless Router: Brushless Compact Router


The Dewalt DCW600B wood router is impressive. It is lightweight and well-balanced. It has an excellent variable speed dial.

The true beauty of Dewalt compact palm router is, it is cordless, But supplies power like a corded router.

The motor is soft start, it starts super smoothly without any jerk. When you stop the router machine, it stops immediately without taking any time.

If you have the same corded model, believe us, the freedom to be able to work wirelessly is a blast!

The Dewalt cordless router is compatible with the bases of the corded model; You will be glad that you’ll not have to repurchase accessories. That’s why it is the best router for the money.

Easy to Use Palm Router

The Dewalt cordless trim router falls in a mini wood router’s category, but it is not that much small.

The router got rubber over-mold on its back portion for gripping, making it a little bit wider but a lot more ergonomic.

If you have large hands, you’ll find the grip very comfortable.

The settings like height and depth adjustments are accessible, and changing bits is also very comfortable.

Separate Plunge Base

The Dewalt DCW600B small wood router has a separate plunge base available (DNP612), which is of course useful.

The plunge mechanism of DNP612 is smooth and does not seem to have slop. It has a high-quality base that will fit your router perfectly.

The lever that unlocks the Base locks up tightly, but it is still easy to move. It will take your router and work to the next level.

It is designed so that its center of gravity is in the lowest position, making its Base more stable and providing the best user comfort. It is also easy to balance and control.

Plunge Mechanism

The plunge mechanism of the product is smooth and easy to set it up. The spring tension on the plunge mechanism is tuned very nicely, but it still gives you enough resistance to offer good control.

It has a high-quality base that will fit your router perfectly. The lever unlocks the Base locks up tightly, but it is still easy to move with nice handles.

The DEWALT DNP612 has an adjustable and tool-free steel motor with locks. Due to which its depth adjustment and base changes become quick, reliable and lockable tightly.

Cordless Router

The Dewalt cordless router is so easy to operate with one hand and no cord in your way to stumble upon.

For professional carpenters or beginners, Dewalt DCW600B moves around in the workshop to do the work Without worrying about the electrical wire.

The depth and Base Adjustment

There is a latch that locks the height. Release the latch, and you can move the bit up and down relative to the base as the depth of cut.

There is an easy-to-use micro-adjustment for fine-tuning the height.
It is worthwhile to have a separate gauge for setting exact measurement heights.

Battery Compatibility

The Dewalt DCW600B is either compatible with Dewalt 20 volt battery or the Dewalt 60 volt flex battery. The router is not compatible with any other brand’s battery.

Pros

  • Small in size
  • Light weight makes it easy to use
  • Designed well to give accuracy
  • Its sheerness makes it beautiful
  • It is versatile for multiple tasking
  • Stable base to make it balance
  • Easy to adjust

Cons:

  • It should be a bit large in size with all these specifications

 

Makita RT0701C-1-1/4 HP-Compact Wood-Router


Variable Speed Control

The RT0701C has a powerful motor of a maximum of 1-1/4 horsepower, which has a variable speed control dial from 10,000 to 30,000 rotations per minute.

For additional performance, it also has electronic speed control to maintain a constant speed under load.

Easy to use

Makita RT0701C is easy to use. If you need a router that is smaller in size, operates with ease and works perfectly. Then RT0701C is best for you. It is light in weight, well built and easy to use.

Soft Start Feature

The machine has a soft start feature, which you will like because RT0701C has a double insulated heavy-duty aluminium motor to increase durability.

It starts gently and speeds up instead of just roaring with full power. The speed control feature keeps the speed uniform even under load.

High Stability

It is designed so that its centre of gravity is in the lowest position, which makes its base more stable and provides the best user comfort. It is also easy to balance and control.

Plenty of Power

The router has plenty of power, i.e. maximum 1-1/4 horsepower, but it is relatively quiet with the excellent build quality.

It is the best router to get through the cherry, walnut and ebony pieces or whatever you want to work with.

Depth Adjustment

The RT0701C is designed for precision, and it includes a fine depth adjustment system and easy-to-read depth scales.

The quick-release cam-lock system is made for depth adjustments. You can also use the base removal and installation system according to your requirement.

Plunge Mechanism

The plunge mechanism of the product is smooth and easy to set it up. The screws are present for the plunge mechanism, and they turned very nicely.

It has a high-quality base that will fit your router perfectly. The screws that unlock the base lock up tightly, but it is still easy to move them quickly.

Compact Router

If you are using the Makita RT0701C, I highly recommend you purchase the Makita RT0701C Plunge Base accessory because it will make it more versatile.

It will add excellent stability to your compact router, which is always a big issue for those using a free-hand router. It will also plunge.

Pros

  • Easy to hold
  • Small in size
  • Light weight makes it easy to use
  • Designed well to give accuracy
  • Its sheerness makes it beautiful
  • It is versatile for multiple tasking
  • Stable base to make it balance
  • Easy to adjust

Cons

  • It should be a bit large in size with all these specifications

 

Bosch GKF125CEN Colt 1.25 HP Variable-Speed Palm-Router


Variable Speed Control

The Bosch GKF125CEN has a powerful motor of a maximum of 1.25 horsepower, which has a variable speed control dial from 16,000 to 35,000 rotations per minute.

For additional performance, it also has electronic speed control to maintain a constant speed under load.

Easy to use

Bosch GKF125CEN is made healthy and easy to use. If you need a router that is smaller in size, operates with ease and works perfectly. Then Bosch GKF125CEN is best for you. It is lightweight, designed to hold with your palm support and finger support pockets, well built and easy to use.

Easy to hold

The Bosch GKF125CEN is designed in such a way that it can behold quickly.

It is lightweight, designed to hold with your palm support and has finger support pockets that provide extra control and comfort.

Depth Adjustment

Then Bosch GKF125CEN is designed for precision, and it includes a fine depth adjustment system and easy-to-read depth scales.

The quick-release cam-lock system is made for depth adjustments. You can also use the base removal and installation system according to your requirement.

Plenty of Power

The router has plenty of power, i.e. maximum of 1.25 horsepower with 16,000 to 35,000 rotations per minute, but it is relatively quiet with the excellent build quality.

It is the best router to get through the cherry, walnut and ebony pieces or whatever you want to work with.

Soft Start Feature

The machine has a soft start feature, which you will like because GKF125CEN has a double insulated heavy-duty aluminium motor to increase durability.

It starts gently and speeds up instead of just roaring with full power. The speed control feature keeps the speed uniform even under load.

High Stability

It is designed so that its centre of gravity is in the lowest position, which makes its base more stable and provides the best user comfort. It is also easy to balance and control.

Pros

  • Easy to hold
  • Small in size
  • Light weight makes it easy to use
  • Designed well to give accuracy
  • Its sheerness makes it beautiful
  • It is versatile for multiple tasking
  • Stable base to make it balance
  • Easy to adjust

Cons

  • It should be a bit large in size with all these specifications

 

Milwaukee M18-Fuel 2723-20 Compact Wood-Router


Power-state Brushless Motor

M18-Fuel 2723-20 has a Powerful motor that will give you maximum performance and prevents heating, overloads and over-discharge. Its range is between 10,000 and 31,000 rpm.

Easy to use

M18-Fuel 2723-20 is made healthy and easy to use. If you need a router that is smaller in size, operates with ease and works perfectly.

The M18-Fuel 2723-20 is best for you. It is lightweight, designed to hold with your palm support and finger support pockets, well built and easy to use.

Easy to hold

The M18-Fuel 2723-20 is designed in such a way that it can behold quickly.

It is lightweight, designed to hold with your palm support and has finger support pockets that provide extra control and comfort.

The depth and Base Adjustment

M18-Fuel 2723-20 is designed for precision, and it includes a fine depth adjustment system and easy-to-read depth scales.

A macro adjust button allows it for fast macro-adjustment, and it has a 1.5-inch of excellent adjustable range.

These fine adjustment screws allow for precise adjustment beyond 1/64-inch increments.

Plunge Base

The plunge mechanism of M18-Fuel 2723-20 has a high-quality base that will fit your router perfectly. The screws that unlock the base lock up tightly, but it is still easy to move. It will take your router and work to the next level.

Compact and Portable

The M18 has an XC5.0 battery, and the cordless compact router cuts up to 250 feet of 3/8-inch round over in red-oak, which provides you with all the day run time with fewer trips to charge it.

Plenty of Power

The router has plenty of power with 10,000 to 31,000 rotations per minute, but it is relatively quiet with the excellent build quality.

It is the best router to get through the cherry, walnut and ebony pieces or whatever you want to work with.

Soft Start Feature

The machine has a soft start feature, which you will like because GKF125CEN has a double insulated heavy-duty aluminium motor to increase durability.

It starts gently and speeds up instead of just roaring with full power. The speed control feature keeps the speed uniform even under load.

Versatile

The router is equipped with a micro-adjust dial and a macro-adjust button, providing fast and accurate depth adjustments for critical work. A variable speed dial with speed gives you control in all applications.

Features

The compact router also features a sturdy 4-inch sub-base plate providing you with stability, and dual-LED lights illuminate your work surface.

The M18 FUEL Compact Router is compatible with a plunge base and an offset base.

Pros

  • Easy to hold
  • Small in size
  • Light weight makes it easy to use
  • Designed well to give accuracy
  • Its sheerness makes it beautiful
  • It is versatile for multiple tasking
  • Stable base to make it balance
  • Easy to adjust

Cons

  • It should be a bit large in size with all these specifications

 

DEWALT Router with Fixed Plunge Base Kit Variable Speed and Soft Start


Variable Speed Control

The DEWALT DW618PKB has a powerful motor of a maximum of 2-1/4 horsepower and 12.0 Amp, which have a variable speed control dial from 8,000 to 24,000 rotations per minute.

For additional performance, it also has electronic speed control to maintain a constant speed under load.

Easy to use

DEWALT DW618PKB is made healthy and easy to use. If you need a router that is smaller in size, operates with ease and works perfectly.

The DEWALT DW618PKB is best for you. It is lightweight, designed to hold with two levers, well built and easy to use.

The depth and Base Adjustment

DEWALT DW618PKB is designed for precision, and it includes a fine depth adjustment system and easy-to-read depth scales.

A macro adjust button allows it for fast macro-adjustment, and it has a 1.5-inch of excellent adjustable range.

These fine adjustment levers allow for precise adjustment beyond 1/64-inch increments.

Features

The compact router also features a sturdy 4-inch sub-base plate providing you with stability, and dual-LED lights illuminate your work surface.

The DEWALT DW618PKB Compact Router is compatible with a plunge base and an offset base.

Versatile

The router is equipped with a micro-adjust dial and a macro-adjust button, providing fast and accurate depth adjustments for critical work. A variable speed dial with speed gives you control in all applications.

Plenty of Power

The router has plenty of power with 8,000 to 24,000 rotations per minute, but it is relatively quiet with the excellent build quality.

It is the best router to get through the cherry, walnut and ebony pieces or whatever you want to work with.

Pros

  • Easy to hold.
  • Light weight makes it easy to use.
  • Designed well to give accuracy.
  • Its sheerness makes it beautiful.
  • It is versatile for multiple tasking.
  • Stable base to make it balance.
  • Easy to adjust.

Cons

  • It should be a bit small in size with all these specifications

 

Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit-2.25 Horsepower Plunge Router


Versatile

The router is equipped with a micro-adjust dial and a macro-adjust button, providing fast and accurate depth adjustments for essential work. A variable speed dial with speed gives you control in all applications.

Durability

The aluminium construction of Bosch 1617EVSPK makes this one of our most durable wood routers with wooden handles on a fixed base and a soft-grip handle on a plunge base.

Easy to use

Bosch 1617EVSPK is easy to use. Its Rounded hardwood handles maximize user control. If you need a router that is smaller in size, operates with ease and works perfectly.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK is best for you. It is lightweight, designed to hold with your palm support and finger support pockets, well built and easy to use.

The depth and Base Adjustment

Bosch 1617EVSPK is designed for precision, and it includes a fine depth adjustment system and easy-to-read depth scales.

A macro adjust button allows it for fast macro-adjustment, and it has a 1.5-inch of excellent adjustable range.

These fine adjustment levers allow for precise adjustment beyond 1/64-inch increments.

Variable Speed Control

The Bosch 1617EVSPK has a powerful motor of a maximum of 2.25 horsepower and 12.0 Amp, which have a variable speed control dial from 8,000 to 24,000 rotations per minute.

For additional performance, it also has electronic speed control to maintain a constant speed under load.

Soft Start Feature

The machine has a soft start feature, which you will like. Because the Bosch 1617EVSPK has a double insulated heavy-duty aluminium motor to increase durability.

It starts gently and speeds up instead of just roaring with full power. The speed control feature keeps the speed uniform even under load.

Features

The compact router also features a sturdy 4-inch sub-base plate providing you with stability, and dual-LED lights illuminate your work surface.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Compact Router is compatible with a plunge base and an offset base.

Pros

  • Easy to hold
  • Light weight makes it easy to use
  • Designed well to give accuracy
  • Its sheerness makes it beautiful
  • It is versatile for multiple tasking
  • Stable base to make it balance
  • Easy to adjust

Cons

  • It should be a bit small in size with all these specifications