Choosing The Best Router For Woodworking Jobs

If you are fascinated by the lovely wooden decors then you probably realize the importance of woodworking as an art of making furniture, cabinets and different wooden materials for decorating your home and workplace. If your hobby relates to this art then you may already have some DIY experience in woodworking. To get these wood jobs done, you need the right kind of woodworking tools. Some go a step further from being a woodworking hobbyist to start a woodworking business of their own. Getting to know about the right tools for woodworking is important in either of the cases whether you choose it as a career or as a hobby. You have two options for choosing woodworking tools such as the woodworking hand tools and the woodworking power tools, however, this article is intended to cover a detailed discussion on one of the most important power tools of your armory that is the router for woodworking jobs.

The router is one of the most incredible and must-have woodworking tools that allows versatile options like doing cutouts, hollow outs, and joinery with ease. If you want to know how incredible and versatile it is, you may refer to the book  “The Incredible Router” written by Jeremy Broun in 1989 where he stated the router for woodworking as the most versatile tool in the world.

To find out the wonders the woodworking router is capable of doing, we have some of those listed below for your convenience. With a router for woodworking, you will be able to –

• Form raised panels
• Shape decorative edges
• Carve signs
• Cut grooves and slots
• Make moldings
• Route intricate inlays
• Trim plastic laminate
• Veneers and mill number of woodworking joints that include dovetails and mortises, rabbets, etc.

In this guide, we will break down some of the important facts you need to know while choosing the best router for a woodworking job. We hope you will go by each section thoroughly to get a complete idea about the woodworking routers.

Type Of Routers

Firstly, we would like to let you know about the type of routers commonly found for your woodworking job. We have three types of router for woodworking, out of which you can choose the one that is best suited to your needs.

Fixed Base

As the name suggests, A fixed base router is the one where the base is not allowed to move. The height selected at the start of your job remains the same throughout the cut. They are the most basic routers. These are easy to adjust and easy to set up as well.

They come with a low handle near the bottom of the base which eases the controlling as well. So if we need to utter our opinion about this kind of routers we would say these are great routers especially if you have just started in this field. They are capable of doing most of your woodworking jobs. They are also the cheapest ones you can get around.

Plunge Base

This is another type of routers that comes with a different base style called a plunge base. The base of these routers come with two springs that mount up to the bit, motor housing, and handles. It helps you to plunge the bit in the workpiece while having the bit already running on. It opens up a huge range of applications that you can’t do with the fixed base router.

Plunge base router allows us to cut out various mortises and blind dadoes or take up many wood engraving. As they have their handle mounted higher, they are slightly difficult to set up and control. However, with time and experience, it’s something that can be easily figured out. They are slightly expensive than the fixed base routers as well.

Features to Consider

Choosing the right router for woodworking is not enough for you to get the job done efficiently. You also need to look up to some important features while deciding on the best-suited router for your job. We will take some expert opinions that were published in Wood Magazine about the features of a router. They have emphasized on some of the points described below as the must-have considerations for any woodworking job.

Motor

Routers are supposed to do some difficult jobs like cutting the specific shapes which makes a very frequent contact between the bit and the material you want to shape. It means the routers need to have some very good muscle power to do the job. If you have come this far into the woodworking profession that you are spending in a router, it means you are planning to build more than softwoods.

Routers usually come in some power levels which is also related to their size. Trim or palm kind of routers will come in with the power level like 1-1/2 hp or below. The mid-sized routers hover around 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 hp. For full-size production routers, it is about 3-1/2 hp that are generally left mounted on the CNC machine or the router table.

While choosing a router, horsepower is not only an accurate indicator of how powerful the motor is as these numbers may be inaccurate. To get a better bet, you may look at the amperage the router needs.

LED work light

Having a LED work light in the router is a great feature that you can get behind. An LED work light is the small flashlight that comes with the router that is turned on while the switch is engaged. This makes it a lot easier to follow your mark if you’re somewhere other than being outside on a sunny day. Even in the well-lit workshop, you can have a shadow thrown on the work-piece if you stand in the wrong place which makes the line difficult to see for you. It might seem to be gimmicky, but the LED work lights deserve to be praised for those situations when you need one.

Soft Starting

This is another feature you would love to have in your tool. If you fire up a woodworking router without the soft-start feature, you’ll see that the kick from the router spinning up to the full RPM instantly. It may feel as if you are trying to hang onto one angry Tasmanian Devil. If you are someone new to routers or have a difficult job to make then this might seem to be a bit unnerving for you.

soft-start is a great feature that eases the router up to speed over one or two seconds that makes it easier to control by keeping it less intimidating to fire up. This one makes it easier and softer on both; you and also the equipment.

Electronic Motor Feedback

This feature is meant to increase or decrease the router’s torque depending upon the load which is being put on the router motor. If you have to difficult cut to make then it will increase the torque and for easier cuts, it will just back off.

This feature makes the router to feel and behave evenly from one cut to the next one and will also allow for smoother and cleaner cuts in all types of wood. Since the router is responsible for exerting the maximum torque when needed, it will also add to the lifespan of the router. This feature adds great value to the overall price of the router.

Fine Depth Adjustment

The more sophisticated the task you have upfront, the more critical the feature you need in the best router for a woodworking job. One such feature is the fine depth adjustment that you need while doing any complex job like wood joinery or produce some consistent cuts to be lined up later.

If you want to use the router for trim or cut out dadoes and rabbets, then this feature will probably give you the maximum mileage in the woodworking job.

Variable Speed

Variable speed meaning the ability for adjusting the speed at which the router can spin the bit is one of the most important features. All the bits cannot perform well at the highest speed. It is counter-intuitive where the larger bits perform better at lower speeds.

This is also an important feature since all the woods do not have the same hardness nor do they require a similar effort to move through them. In this case, you can get it run at full tilt without being bothered about the type of wood and still be fine. However, doing so will reduce the lifespan of the router. So the best practice is to run the tool at a precise speed for the bit and lumber to ensure the tool has a longer life.

Collet Size

Mainly, there are two available sizes of the collet for woodworking routers – 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch. The size also makes a bit of a difference. But to get the most efficiency out of your router you need to get a router with a 1/2-inch collet. Because the 1/2-inch collets provide a better grip for its larger surface area on the shank and also include an adapter that allows the 1/4-inch collets as well. So, this particular size of collet will give you more options and better control. It’s like a win/win for you anyway.

Spindle Lock

This is a simple feature that can come very handy but not something that you can allow you to break or make a router for. To change a router bit you can use two ways, firstly, you can use two impact wrenches where one to be used on the motor shaft and another one on the collet to loosen it this way. Else you can depress a button that locks the shaft in the place while using the wrench to loosen the router collet.

Both ways are better in their way and capable of getting your job done.  Having the spindle lock eases the process and saves you from putting efforts for the second wrench that walked off someway.

Above Table Adjustments

You may have your router living in a router table for most of your woodworking job. In this case, it becomes really helpful for making the above table adjustments for any height easily with a handle or a knob.

Another feature closely related to this is how capable it is to change the bits without any need to pull the router out of that router table. This may seem like a small benefit but while you’re working in full swing it may feel very annoying when you need to pull the router out for any adjustment orbit change.

Dust Collection

Many routers come with different dust collection solutions. There are routers designed to virtually eliminate dust and flying chips for some common operations like grooving or dado cuts and also the edge-forming applications. However, this is not a high-priority feature as you are supposed to end up with a notable quantity of dust around you afterword.

Safety

It is important to have a sense of safety while using this kind of power tool that contains sharp metal pieces running around at thousands of RPMs. Although routers are safe compared to other power tools, accidents can still happen. So, it’s important to always keep the safety factor in mind.

For the basic safety measures go through the owner’s manual and always take the eye and ear protection. One bad instance is enough for you to appreciate the importance of eye protection. Some of the other safety measures you should take are:

• Do not start a router while the bit and the material are in contact. Since these are powerful tools and the consequences can be unexpected.

• Remove a large amount of stock in multiple passes if it is possible because smaller passes are easier and safer that can avoid the router to kick back at you.

• Make sure you are always operating the router or feeding your material in the opposing direction to the bit rotation. If you run the stock in the same direction of the bit rotation, the router can run back on you and you may lose the control over the tool quickly.

• While running a piece of stock using a router mounted on the routing table, always keep your hands far from the spinning bit. If you have a piece of smaller stock to run through it is safe to use a block or push stick to ensure your hands are far enough.

• In case the router is not mounted onto the routing table, make sure it is securely clamped and do not use the hands to hold it in place of a clamp.

• If you need to make any adjustments to the router or swap out a bit, make sure you have the router unplugged. The switches can be flipped accidentally in this situation which can bring bad consequences for you.

About that Extension Cord

The extension cords can vary based on the amperage they are rated for. Depending upon the router you want to choose for your job, it needs to be ensured that you should have the extension cord which can meet the power requirements of your router.

If the router does not get enough power it will not only underperform but also become overheat which will shorten the lifespan of the router. However, there is the room to go bigger on the extension cord since the router can only draw the maximum amps it’s designed for. No way you want the router to be power-starved.

A Little Bit On Bits

As we mentioned earlier that the most versatile tools out there are the routers for woodworking jobs and the reason for such versatility is the vast assortment of multifunctional bits you can have for your router. We think we must inform you about the kinds of bits you can buy and the benefits they can carry for you.

• Straight Bit – Mostly used to cut out a groove in a workpiece with a varied diameter.
• Chamfer Bit – Used to make any beveled edge on things like the table corner which are intended for decorative purposes.
• Flush-trim Bits – Good for trimming the edge of any material flush with another one’s edge like trimming a veneered surface flush using a pattern or substrate to create various identical pieces. They usually have one pilot bearing that has the same diameter as the cutter. The bearing can be at the base or the tip of the bit.
• Edge Bits – Ogee and cove belong to this category are used to cut different kinds of edges for multiple decorative uses.
• Rabbeting Bits – Used when you need to cut a shoulder to make joinery of two pieces of wood together. Like straight bits that are available in a variety of sizes.

Something else you need to know about bits is the shank size. Each router can handle specific shank sizes. Few of the expensive routers can include up to four distinct shank diameters.

Before purchasing bits, make sure you are aware of the collet size of your router (Check the owner’s manual) to know what is the specific size of the shank required to find in the bits. The commonly used sizes are 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch.

While checking it in the owner’s manual, you should also find out the maximum diameter of the bit cutting edge of your router.

Tips & FAQs On Using A Router For Woodworking Job

Tips For Using A Router

As we expect this to be a complete guide for the woodworking router, we want to guide you through the process of how you should use a router. This section will be very helpful if you are brand new to the woodworking field. Below we have listed some tips you should follow while using a router for woodworking job.

• Moving The Router In Opposite Direction: Firstly, you need to make sure that you are moving the woodworking router opposite the rotation of the bit. The reason for this is to help you get better control over the router because the bits generally dig into the wood and move forward. If you do not move it this way, you’ll see that the router is behaving more erratically and trying to ‘run’ in your hands. If you move it in the right direction you will see that the router feels to very smooth and effortless.
• Trying on Unnecessary wood: Another good practice for beginners would be to make sure that you are practicing on some wood that you are not so bothered about. We are reminding you this because you may be so anxious and excited that you will want to dive right away to start making the dados and dovetails on your wood cabinets or something like this.
• Checking Out From MLCS: To get a great set of woodworking router bits you can check these out from MLCS.
• Bits Consideration: This particular point has been discussed in the previous section. The size of the shank is another important thing you should keep in mind while choosing bits. Similarly, the collet size of the router and the maximum diameter of the allowed bit cutting edge of the router should also be considered while purchasing bits. Because these factors have a large impact on your user experience.

FAQs About Using The Router

Q: Is it possible to sharpen a router bit?

A: Yes it is. However, if the bit has gone dull it will need regrinding, in that case, it is better to take help from a professional to do so. It is also possible to keep it sharp to cut well by cleaning the bit and once in a while, running a file over it.

Q: How can I understand what direction the bit is spinning?

A: To find this out in an easy way you need to set the router down on its base as if you were supposed to use it. The bit will spin clockwise from this position. Now just flip it upside down to get it mounted in a router table and then it spins counter-clockwise.

Q: Which direction the router should be operated?

A: If you have the router in your hands then you will have to move the router from the left of the stock to the right of the stock. If the router is mounted onto a table, you will have to feed it from the right side to the left side of the table as you’re facing it.

Best Woodworking Router Brands & Their Top-Notch Products

DeWALT

DeWALT, founded in 1924, is a prominent household name who started with the creation of a universal machine for woodworking and later become well-known for its durable and professional-grade products. They have a vast product line ranging from the radios and work lights to the nail sets and axes.

DEWALT DWP611PK – 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed – Compact Router Combo Kit with LED’s

First, on the list, we have the DeWALT DWP611PK, which we consider as the best router for woodworking jobs. This router tool comes with a 1.25hp durable motor that delivers the power to meet all the toughest applications. Bit speed can be optimized with the variable speed control feature for changing applications. The range for No Load Speed is 16,000-27,000rpm.

The motor comes with a soft-start feature that provides full-time electronic feedback to maintain motor speed through the cut. If you are looking for something smaller than the DeWALT DWP611PK is the perfect one to start with. This one also comes in the combo kit category. So you can get both a plunge and fixed base for the single purchase. The motor powering 1-1/4 HP is very much sturdy and capable of performing jobs even above its weight class. Along with these efficient features, it also offers wide control over the depth of adjustments.

Two side clips and a quick-release lever are used to switch between the bases. So it comes with very little hassle while changing the bases out when needed. The plunge base works smoothly and the grip with rubber material provides better control. With the spindle lock, changing bits is a snap having multiple catch positions. That will help you not to spin the bit farther before it gets locked.

All in all, this is a very comfortable router for woodworking that has respectable power. For new and regular users, it’s a great palm router for woodworking jobs.

Features

• The motor configuration is 1-1/4 HP, 7.0-amp
• soft-start feature
• Electronic motor feedback available
• Variable speed ranging from 16,000-27,000 RPM
• 1/4-inch collet size
• Fine depth adjustments available
• Come with the Spindle lock
• Dual LED work lights for enlightening the workplace
• Combo Kit: Fixed base and plunge base
• 3-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

DEWALT DW618PK – 12-AMP 2-1/4 HP – Plunge and Fixed-Base – Variable-Speed – Router Kit

2-1/4 hp, 12-amp configuration for an electronic variable speed motor, you can realize the power it can provide to rout smoothly even through the hardest of woods. The collet size available is both the 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch ones that can provide bit retention and improved versatility. The depth adjustment ring is adjusted vertically and provides precise adjustments in 1/64-inch increments.

DeWALT is one of the most prominent brands, pretty consistent in showing up on most of the lists for ‘best tool’ (in some cases multiple times like we have it here). They have earned the reputation of being a top manufacturer of tools. DW618PK is one of the best woodworking power tools that are easy and also comfortable to use. For this motor with the power of 2-1/4 HP, 12-amp, you can say it is all hog and no bog. They can shred through even the most difficult lumber without any problem.

All this power gets covered up with the excellent soft-start that maintains the power with the electronic motor feedback even when doing any tough wood job. The variable speed reaches as low as 8,000 RPM for running the biggest bits.

If you have to be very precise about the depth adjustment, it can get down to 1/64th and both the 1/4 and 1/2-inch shanks can be used. About dust collection, the DW618PK can perform pretty well.

This may be one of the most expensive routers we have on our list but this combo kit is well justified for its value for the fact that it can be operated as both a fixed base router and also a plunge base router.

Features

• Motor power is 2-1/4 HP, 12.0-amp
• Comes with the soft-start
• Electronic motor feedback is available
• Variable speed ranges from 8,000-24,000 RPM (no load)
• 1/4 and 1/2-inch collet size
• Detailed fine depth adjustments
• Available with spindle lock
• Combo kit: Comes with both the fixed base and the plunge base
• 3-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

Makita

Makita began its journey more than 100 years ago, in 1915, with the sales and repair business of the electric motor. With time, Makita has gone into becoming a well-known global giant in power tools manufacturing. Makita makes professional-quality tools whether they run on gas, battery, or electricity. Their legacy continues with the manufacturing of some good woodworking tools as well.

Makita RT0701CX7 – 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit – 6.5 Amps – Combo Kit

The Makita RT0701CX7 woodworking router comes with a versatile package. The combo kit includes one fixed base, one plunge base, and one edge guide. It can be a heck of a deal considering its price and the purpose it can serve. Which makes it unique is the variable speed range which is the largest among all the palm routers we have on our list.

For power configuration, it matched the DeWALT at 1-1/4 HP, 7.0 amps. It comes with some great features as well such as soft-start, electronic motor feedback, and fine depth adjustments. The features like rack and pinion for depth adjustments are simple to use, easy to read scales, and a quick clamp system that makes it easier to move motor housing between bases.

All in all, you will hardly find anything to dislike about this router except for the short warranty period. But the warranty period is not a big deal as Makita has a good reputation in manufacturing quality woodworking products. It is unlikely to let you down with its performance anyway.

Features

• Motor power is 1-1/4 HP, 7.0-amp motor
• soft-start
• Electronic motor feedback available
• Largest variable speed range from 10,000-30,000 RPM (no load)
• 1/4-inch collet size
• Great fine depth adjustments
• Spindle lock
• Combo package: Fixed base, plunge base, and edge guide
• 1-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

Bosch

Robert Bosch, known for his quote that he’d “rather lose money than trust,” has established the company Bosch in 1886. Since then Bosch has gained a reputation for its innovation and quality across a broad range of equipment and services beyond manufacturing power tools. They manufacture auto parts and accessories and also have automotive service centers, appliances, garden tools, and more.

Bosch Colt Palm Grip PR20EVSK 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide

The Bosch PR20EVSK is like the dynamite that comes in a small package and a big bang. Although this is the smallest router we have in this bunch, it has the capability of doing almost anything the decorator wants it to do.

Firstly, the motor that it comes with is 1 hp, 5.6-amp which is well capable of winding up to almost 35,000 RPM. Luckily, with such a huge speed, it also includes soft-start and variable speed control. Since the size of this palm router is the smallest, the collet is expectedly 1/4 – inch only. It also includes a fine adjustment to achieve the right depth and it includes an edge guide as well.

Overall, if you looking for a little router to get your job done then the PR20EVSK could the handiest router you could find for this range which is capable to hit all the high notes for important features. It also keeps the cost down and especially for a brand like Bosch nothing more you could expect.

Features

• Durable, solid, and reliable rugged aluminum fixed base with a hard plastic cast type.
• Motor powers 1 HP, 5.6-amp
• soft-start
• Available with electronic motor feedback
• Great variable speed ranging from 16,000-35,000 RPM (no load)
• 1/4-inch collet size
• Fine depth adjustments
• Spindle lock available
• Package includes an edge guide
• 1-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

Bosch 2.3 HP Combination Plunge & Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router Pack MRC23EVSK 15 Amps, Combo Kit

If you’re looking for the brand strength along with the versatility and great features and ready to pay a little more on a router, then the Bosch MRC23EVSK can also prove to be the best router for woodworking tasks.

Like DeWALT, Bosch also tends to appear on our list multiples times for its impressive woodworking tools. After showing the mini solution it’s time to show the beast from Bosch, with a 2.3 HP, 15-amp motor it gives the power statement that it is up and ready for anything to go through. Along with such a powerful motor, it also ticks the three major boxes of soft-start, electronic motor feedback, and a variable speed having a wide range from 10,000 RPM up to 25,000 RPM. The fine depth adjustment can go down to 1/64 of an inch. If you want to mount it on a table you have the table depth adjustment as well.

The MRC23EVSK has a great range for accepting almost all really shank available for a router such as the 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 8 mm. It also includes dual LED work lights that are on from the moment the machine is plugged in. That helps you find your mark and set things up in a lot easier way even in the lower lighting.

One unique feature that the MRC23EVSK comes with is the trigger control switch. It is a brilliant design that you must appreciate and a wonder that isn’t available on all routers. This allows you to completely control the router throughout your wood cutting process as you do not need to take the hands off the grip to switch the motor on or off.

Although the MRC23EVSK is the most expensive router we have on the list, this one performs a whole lot of things to justify this cost. It is a premium saw that has to come with such a premium price. The true DIYers and the professionals do not mind paying more for such a darling tool.

Features

• Motor power 2.3 HP, 15.0-amp
• soft-start
• Electronic motor feedback available
• Variable speed ranging from 10,000-25,000 RPM (no load)
• Trigger control switch
• Variety of collet sizes such as 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-inch and 8 mm
• Fine depth adjustments
• Above the table depth adjustment
• Always enabled dual LED work lights
• Combo kit: Fixed base and plunge base
• 1-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

PORTER-CABLE

Porter-Cable was established in 1906 by G.G. Porter, R.E. Porter, and F.E. Cable. At first, they started a simple tool shop and jobbing machine in their garage in Syracuse, New York. From 1914 they had begun to focus on power tools and eventually started to design many portable tools such as a band saw and a belt sander. The helical gear driven circular saw, better known as the sidewinder, is their creation that is still the most popular design among the modern circular saws. With an experience of more than 100 years, PORTER-CABLE has become one of the most reliable names in tools manufacturing for their quality products.

PORTER-CABLE 690LR – 11 Amps – 1-3/4 HP – Fixed Base

PORTER-CABLE is another prominent name in this field that made them synonymous with long-lasting and rugged tools manufacturing. You can expect the same from them their 690LR router for woodworking. This is a medium-sized router that comes with a powerful 11-amp, 1-3/4 HP motor. It carries plenty of punch for a wide range of jobs.

The 690LR comes with some Porter-Cable set high mileage features. Some of the regular features are unavailable on this one like soft-start, variable speed, or even electronic motor feedback.

Instead, the features they have are a single speed 27,500 RPM, the depth adjustment capable of being accurate to 1/128th of an inch, slimmer size, auto-release collet, etc. It is focused on the key functions and the price of the router is also kept low. It’s a great one to have in your arsenal.

Features

• Motor power 1-3/4 HP, 11.0-amp
• A single variable speed of 27,500 RPM (no load)
• 1/4 and 1/2-inch collet size
• Fine depth adjustments
• For easy bit removal, it comes with an auto-release collet
• Fixed base
• 3-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

Ryobi

Ryobi was founded in Japan in 1943, started their journey by making die-cast products. Eventually, they have grown their business into making parts for automobiles, telecommunications, and electronics. Their product line also covers a wide range of professional-grade power tools and also the lawn and garden equipment.

Ryobi R1631K – 8.5 Amps – 1-1/2 HP – Fixed Base

It should be an incredibly convenient experience to have 3 power router bits (5/16-inch straight cut, 5/32-inch roman ogee, and 1/4-inch radius round over) in one package. The Ryobi R1631K is a great choice that comes in such a package and some good features as well. The motor of the router is 1-1/2 HP and 8.5 amps which seems to be a decent power for doing the regular woodworking jobs. Other notable features include the built-in led lighting and fast fluid depth adjustment with a quick lock technology. When it comes to top-notch features like soft-start or electronic motor feedback you might have to be disappointed. But in terms of variable speed, it has a single speed of 25,000 RPM. The super-low cost of the router compensates for some of the missing features. Another setback of the router is it only accepts 1/4-inch shank bits.

The R1631K also features a spindle lock to change the bits. It could be a great option for the fact that it is a decent setup for a decent price that also comes with a 3-year warranty to make things more reliable for you.

Features

• Motor power 1-1/2 HP, 8.5-amp
• The single variable speed of 25,000 RPM (no load)
• 1/4-inch collet size
• Fine depth adjustments
• Spindle lock available
• LED work light
• Fixed base
• 3-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

Milwaukee

Milwaukee started its journey in 1924 with the first portable version of the 1/4-inch drill that is known as the Hole-Shooter. Milwaukee is a popular brand for its professional quality tools covering different fields. They are well known for making heavy-duty tools and also for making new and innovative products such as the Sawzall that revolutionized the 7 ¼-inch circular saw. They are also the first ones to utilize Lithium-Ion batteries into power tools.

Milwaukee 5616-24 – 13 Amps – 2-1/4 HP – Combo Kit

For an all work router that is no-frills, you have the Milwaukee 5616-24 who has the legacy of producing the best router of woodworking jobs. This one from Milwaukee may seem to be missing some of the gadgets like the other routers but it instead focuses on the most important factors like great build quality and performance.

It comes with a grunty 2-1/4 HP and 13 amps motor. That is just amazing and nearly tops in terms of power. However, it comes with some of the regular features like soft-start, variable speed, and electronic motor feedback.

5616-24 has the fine depth adjustment down to 1/64 of an inch, It is also capable of making adjustments above the table while mounted to a routing table. The size of the collets come in both the 1/4 or 1/2 inch options.

One of the most unique features 5616-24 has got is the body grip. The grip is a rubberized section of the fixed-base that allows you to keep one hand closer to the motor housing and the other hand on the handle of the base. This allows a lot better control over the router.

With regards to the price, the Milwaukee 5616-24 is one of the most expensive routers we have on the list. It has a unique feature and performs exceptionally well. Milwaukee is a well-known brand who stands behind its products. Look no further if you are in search of a great router for woodworking jobs and the 5-year warranty is enough for entrusting them.

Features

• Motor power 2-1/4 HP, 13.0-amp
• soft-start
• Electronic motor feedback available
• Large range of variable speed from 10,000-24,000 RPM (no load)
• 1/4 and 1/2-inch collet size
• Fine depth adjustments
• Above the table depth adjustment
• Fixed base and plunge base
• Body Grip
• 5-year warranty

Buy From Amazon

Final Words

Let’s not stretch this further and conclude the article here with some important notes and a quick recap of the points we covered in this buyers’ guide to choosing the best router for woodworking jobs. We have discussed the types of router, important features that you should consider while buying the router, some information on router bits, tips & FAQs about using a router, and finally the best router brand and their top-notch products. We tried to cover all the important aspects of the woodworking router and possibly left nothing unturned.

To help you with some verdicts, we can say that the fixed-base router is sufficient for most of the cases and the plunge-base router is not necessary unless you have such kind of woodworking job in hand. The combo kits are the best solution though they come with an additional cost upfront. If you consider these points we discussed here and choose one router from these best brands we do not see any reason that can let you down in any way. So we hope this will help you to get what you want and allow for your growth whether woodworking is your hobby or profession.