In the simplest of terms a wood router is a motor that turns a bit at high speeds creating grooves, forming recesses, and trimming edges. The amount of material removed is controlled not only by the shape of the bit but the depth of the cut. The cut depth is regulated by an adjustment on the router. The speed of today’s routers can range between 8,000 to 30,000 rpm.
Router Power
The router motor’s power is measured in horsepower (hp) and will range from ½ hp to more than 3 hp for professional models. The routerbitsreview.com wood shop uses a variety of routers with 3/4, 1-1/4, 2 ¼, and 3 ¼ hp. The smallest wood router in the routerbitsreview.com shop is the Dewalt DWP611 trim router. When purchased the DWP611 was not expected to be the primary router in the shop. But with its 1.25 hp motor and variable speed control this product has seen far more production time than anticipated. In general look for a medium size router with at least ¾ hp , with 1 ¾ hp preferred. The low powered router can do many of the jobs of the larger, beefier models but at slower pace or in stages requiring the user to break task into multiple passes. One of the most used routers, our go-to router, in the routerbitsreview.com wood shop is the Porter-Cable 892 with 2 ¼ hp.
Shank Size
When buying a wood router keep in mind that the router bit shanks come in three diameters sizes, ¼ , 3/8, and ½ inch. Router bits are inserted in the shaft of the router (connected directly to the motor) and secured by a collet. A collet is a steel sleeve that holds a router bit. Some of the more powerful and versatile wood routers accept all three diameters of bits by utilizing a shaft that will accommodate both ¼, 3/8, and ½ inch collets. The collets are machined perfectly to mate with the tapered end of the shaft and allow just enough clearance to slip the router bit in, tighten the shaft, loosen the shaft, and remove the router bit when required. Please note, lower powered routers will only accept ¼ inch diameter bits. This is clearly something to keep in mind before investing in a tool.
Handles
The handles will come in two basic styles, knob or D shaped. The handles may be mounted low or high on the router body. Also consider the relationship of the handles to the off/on switch. The choice is a personal one so it’s best to test out what works for you. For most people and applications the low positioned knobs seem to do the trick. Most of the routers on the market incorporate this style and if a beginner, you won’t go wrong.
Router Base
When choosing your first router the type of base you prefer will come into play. Your two choices: fixed or plunge.
The fixed base is the basic router configuration with two handles mounted on the body on opposite side of the router. This style will do the job you expect from a router, grooving, edging, and trimming. With plenty of versatility using jigs and attachments you will be able to use guide bushings, create box and dovetail joints, incorporate an edge guide expanding your creativity.
Stepping up to the next level is a plunge base. This style will perform all the functions of the fixed base but allow the added versatility of plunging the bit into the wood. Operations such as fluting dado cuts that start or end inside the material’s edge, and cutting mortises. Basically the router motor and bit slide up and down on side mounted columns allowing for multiple depths. The plunge usually has the added functionality of multiple depth stop settings and micro-adjustment s.
The good news is if you need both a fixed and plunge base router system manufacturers offer combination kits with both bases included. The motor slides in and out of each base making changing the type of base seamless. In the rounterbitreviews.com shop both the Dewalt DWP611 and the Porter-Cable 892 were purchased in a kit. The kits model numbers are DWP611PK and 893PK respectfully.
In Summary
With all this information in mind be sure to consider the compatibility of aftermarket accessories. For example, the Porter-Cable 892 supports an excellent edge guide and template guide set. Dust control, ease of mounting to a router table/router lifts, and specialty bases are other considerations. Keep in mind some accessories are universal but others can be brand/model specific.
You will certainly find that a good quality wood router will enhance your woodworking quality and abilities improving the overall appearance and functionality of your projects. But also, equally important you will enjoy your hobby more.
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