Our Top Picks
We researched dozens of products online for this article and if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick overview of the products we recommend.
For more details, please feel free to continue reading our article.
Our Top Picks of The Best Trim Router
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Combo Kit  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Corded  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Cordless  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Table Of Contents
| Quick Intro | 3 |
| Buyers Guide • Features to Remember -Bit size – Kinds of Bases – Cordless vs Corded – Speed and Power – Variable Speed Control – Height Adjustment – Safety – Maintenance | 4 – 7 |
| Our Top Picks • Best Trim Router Combo Kit – Makita RT0701CX3 • Best Corded Trim Router – DEWALT DWP611 • Best Cordless Trim Router – BOSCH GKF12V-25N • Best Budget Friendly – Avid Power MW104 • Best Beginner Friendly – Ridgid R2401 Trim Router | 8 – 12 |
| Bonus Picks | 13 |
| Conclusion | 14 |
Quick Intro
Often called a trimming router or a laminate trimmer, trim routers have seen extensive use among amatuer woodworking hobbyists and experts alike.
These smaller variants are less powerful compared to larger wood router models and because of that, trim routers are often used for smaller, more specialized projects such as trimming veneers and laminate like formica.
Trim router design has evolved to the point where they are essentially mini, multi-purpose wood routers. Companies have been known to call modern trim routers as compact or palm routers due to them being capable of more than just trimming. To avoid confusion, just remember that technically, all compact and palm routers are trim routers. It’s quite rare to find a dedicated two handed trim router nowadays but there are some older models out there.
We listed down the best trim routers we found online and narrowed it down to these picks. If you’re currently in the market for one or looking to upgrade, this article might help you in your search.
But before we get to our list, we made a short buyers guide that we recommend you take some time to read especially if this is your first time buying a trim router. It’ll give you some important context on what a trim router is and its parts that you should know about.
Buyers Guide
Features to Remember
Bit Size
When looking for a trim router, it’s important to note that most models only take ¼ inch and/or ⅜ inch bits. Don’t take smaller bits for granted though because they can still accomplish a wide array of wood routing tasks. Although, it might be a good idea to invest in a mid size wood router that takes ½ inch bits if you plan to do bigger projects in the future.
Kinds of Bases
There are two main types of routers, fixed and plunge bases. A fixed base router is generally used for routing from or along the edges of a workpiece whereas a plunge base router allows you to start routing from any point on the workpiece.
More recent trim router models usually come with a fixed base by default but can be bought with different interchangeable bases or as a stand alone tool depending on the brand. This greatly expands basic functionalities and turns your fixed base router into a plunge router. Some brands such as Makita or Bosch offer an offset base and a tilt base.
An offset base allows the router to get into tighter corners while a tilt base allows you to route at preset angles. These different bases greatly increase the amount of routing tasks you can do and you might want to consider investing in some.
Cordless vs Corded
Trim routers can either be battery powered (cordless) or can have a cord attached to a wall socket. Although most models are corded, both have unique advantages and disadvantages.
A corded trim router will maintain higher and more consistent power levels making them better for longer periods of use. What will slow you down is that you’ll need a wall socket close by and if you’re working outdoors, you may need an extension cord to work with it.
Cordless trim routers on the other hand, offer more flexibility and freedom. You can carry and use them anywhere you need to. The downside being, you’ll eventually need to charge the battery leading to more down time. You could buy a spare battery and use the other while one is charging but this will lead to more costs. Battery powered routers also may offer slightly less power than their corded counterparts.
One good reason to consider going cordless is that some companies have entire lines of products that can take the same battery type. Meaning, you can easily swap out batteries when you need a spare. This is a great incentive to invest in one brand of cordless tools and could save you money.
Speed and Power
HP (horsepower) and RPM (rotations per minute) are important features to take note of in any wood router. This gives you an estimate of how powerful the tool is and what kind of material you can work with.
Most trim routers have a horsepower anywhere from .5 to 1.5 because of their limited size. This should be more than enough for most routing tasks though and can be seen as an advantage because having less horsepower makes the router easier to control.
The RPM of most trim routers can range from anywhere between 10,000 to 30,000 rpm. Getting a router with variable speed improves your control over the tool and versatility of the projects you work on.
Variable Speed Control
Some of the best wood you can work with requires higher or lower rpm speed depending on the variant and having a variable speed router will help you complete a routing task without running the risk of burning the workpiece. Variable speed allows the user to control how much power their tool will give.
Height Adjustment
In the world of trim routers, there are two main methods of making fine bit depth adjustments. There’s the rack and pinion system and the twist ring height adjustment system.
The rack and pinion system has a range of depths and a gear that you must turn to set a specific depth. This is very efficient and is most commonly used on trim routers.
The twist ring height adjustment system lets the user select bit depth with the use of a scale ring with measurements etched on it. By turning the scale ring, it twists the motor of the router to the desired height. This system is also very efficient and can be seen on a wider range of wood router variants.
Each system is meant to provide accurate height adjustments and whether one is better than the other is a matter of personal preference.
Safety
As with any powertool in your workshop, it’s important to know the safety and security features of the tool before you start working with it.
Wood routers come with all sorts of safety features such as emergency stop buttons, a soft start system and dust/debris shields.
It’s important to understand to read the safety features in the user manual of the wood router you do buy and it’s even more important to do your research before you buy.
Wearing the appropriate PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety goggles and gloves might also save a finger or an eye one day.
For additional reading about wood router features, you can check out this link.
Maintenance
A trim router is relatively easy to maintain because of its smaller size.
The first thing you should do is to read and understand the instructions in the user manual. If the manufacturer has any advice on how to clean the specific model or get it to function properly then it’s always a good idea to follow that.
Always clean the router after you complete your tasks. Clear any debris or sawdust that might have been left behind in the vents, micro adjustment system or inner parts of your trim router. It might be a good idea to use a brush or cloth for cleaning it. You may also invest in some pressurized air in cans to blow away any dust in hard to reach areas.
When operating a trim router, consider doing multiple shallower passes over a workpiece instead of one deeper pass. This will lessen the stress you put on the motor and is a good method to lengthen the tools life span.
Make sure to store your wood router and its components in a dry and clean area. Most wood routers come with protective storage cases they should be kept in when not in use.
For more additional reading on wood router maintenance, check out this link.
Best Trim Routers, Our Top Picks
Best Trim Router Combo Kit
Makita RT0701CX3 Variable Speed Dial Router
Specifications:
- 6.5 AMP (amperes) / 1-¼ HP (horsepower)
- 10,000 to 30,000 RPM
- ¼ inch collet
- Variable speed dial
- 3.9 lbs
Features:
- Rack and pinion fine depth scale
- Soft starting motor feature
- Comes with vacuum duct attachment
- Electronic speed control
- 1 year warranty
Overview:
This combo kit is a great choice for woodworkers looking for more versatility in one package.
The Makita RT0701CX3 comes with a fixed base by default but the kit includes 3 additional bases namely, a plunge base, tilt base and an offset base. The accompanying plunge base effectively turns it into a plunge base router. The tilt base allows you to route at a 30 degree to 45 degree angle and the offset base is for routing harder to reach areas.
Each base has a built-in quick release mechanism so you can easily switch between bases in just a few seconds. This variety of bases widens the amount of woodworking tasks you can do. Each base has an ergonomically designed body to maximize comfort and control.
It features a smooth rack and pinion to make easy depth adjustments, variable speed,smooth start up system and electronic speed control to maintain speed under load. It even comes with a vacuum duct for dust collection and a trimmer guide among other features. It also features an angled cord exit to keep the cord out of the way.
Overall, this is a great tool that has a lot of add ons and features that you can use for a wide array of projects making this the best wood router on this list.
Check out the Makita RT0701CX3 Combo Kit here.
Best Corded Trim Router
DEWALT DWP611
Specifications:
- 7 Amp / 1.25 HP motor speed
- 16,000 to 27,000 RPM maximum speed
- Takes ¼ inch shank router bits
- 4.6 lbs
Features:
- Plexiglass D-shaped base
- Has a LED light
- Adjustment ring depth adjustment system
- Variable speed control
- Soft starting motor
- 3 year warranty
Overview:
DEWALT is an industry recognized brand that has delivered quality products for years and this model is no exception.
The DWP611 is a very capable fixed base compact DEWALT router with some interesting features such as a powerful motor, clear plexiglass base, a LED light and a toolless rotating depth adjustment system.
The clear plexiglass base is a great ease-of-use feature that makes it easier for you to see where the bit is going when in operation. This is supplemented by the 2 LED lights that provide illumination and better visibility. It also features an angled cord exit to keep the cord out of the way.
The depth adjustment ring system is completely toolless, simple and quick. You simply unclip a latch, spin the base till the bit is at the depth you want then reclip the latch. The depth ring and clamping mechanism combine to ensure the motor remains locked in position This innovative design gives the tool more precise settings and easy bit depth control.
It has variable speed, a soft start feature and a strong enough motor to cut through pine, oak and other types of wood. An interchangeable plunge base is also available but is sold separately. Check out the DEWALT DWP611 Compact Router here.
Best Cordless Trim Router
BOSCH GKF12V-25N
Specifications:
- 12V battery powered
- 13,000 RPM
- ¼ inch collet
- 2.2 lbs (without battery
Features:
- Constant response circuitry
- Macro and micro depth adjustment controls
- Drop-detection sensor
- Built-in battery fuel gauge
Overview:
This uniquely designed tool from BOSCH is great for rounding and trimming edges.
Its balanced ergonomic design allows for comfortable and controlled routing while its constant response circuitry ensures that you have constant speed under load. This single speed router takes a 12V battery and can cut through 23 feet of wood per amp hour of battery charge.
It has unique safety features such as a drop sensor that detects when it’s in free fall and immediately shuts off the motor and a depth adjustment lock to prevent tampering and any unwanted depth adjustment while routing.
It’s a lightweight and comfortable tool not meant for heavy duty routing but rather to provide smooth finishes and edges.
Check out the BOSCH GKF12V-25N here.
Best Budget Friendly Trim Router
Avid Power MW104
Specifications:
- 6.5 Amp / 1.25 HP motor speed
- 10,000 to 30,000 RPM controllable motor speed
- Takes ¼ and ⅜ inch shank router bits
- 7.34 lbs
Features:
- Variable speed dial
- Rack and pinion depth adjustment
- Has dual LED lights
- Comes with vacuum duct attachment
- Comes with 5 router bits
- Comes with edge guide and roller guide
Overview:
The Avid Power MW104 is great for woodworkers looking to save but not skip over quality.
This fixed base router has features such as variable speeds, rack and pinion for easy depth adjustments, and a capable engine perfect for smaller jobs such as trimming and profiling edges.
Besides its technical features, this model comes with 5 router bits in a wooden box, a chip extracting nozzle for dust collection, edge and roller guides and an ergonomic rubber handle for a better grip. This makes this a very appealing kit to beginners for its price and all the accompanying parts.
Its cast aluminum fixed base and body gives it a lightweight yet sturdy build. However, because of its powerful motor, this model is known to heat up substantially after an hour of continuous use so be sure to give it a break between tasks.
In general, this small trim router is a great budget pick if you are looking for a reliable off brand compact router that comes with its own set of attachments.
Check out the Avid Power MW104 here.
Best Beginner Friendly Trim Router
Ridgid R2401
Specifications:
- 5.5 amp
- 20,000 to 30,000 RPM no load speed
- 4 lbs
- ¼ inch collet
Features:
- Comes with interchangeable round and square fixed bases
- Micro depth adjustment dial
- LED light
- Soft start feature
- Variable speed
- 3 year warranty
Overview:
This trim router from Ridgid is great for woodworkers new to the field looking for a well constructed, low cost and easy to use trim router.
It features a unique power switch on the top of the router where you have to pull up a lever to turn it on and push it in to switch it off. When you flip the router on its flat top, the tool shuts itself off.
It’s depth control mechanism is very user friendly and easy to learn. The dial allows for micro adjustments while its quick release locking strap allows for course measurements to be made. It’s 5.5 amp motor is great for smaller projects such as edge profiling and laminate trimming on most materials. It also features variable speed control, a soft start feature, a clear plexiglass base and LED lights for better visibility while working.
All these features plus its low cost make this a great tool to start with.
Check out the Ridgid R2401 here.
Bonus Picks
 PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 | 4.5 amp, single speed motor 31,000 RPM Cast aluminum fixed base Depth ring enables quick and accurate bit height adjustments Takes 1/4 inch router shank bits |
 Bosch PR20EVS | Ergonomically designed body Rack and pinion depth adjustment system 1 HP, 5.6 Amp motor 16,000 to 30,000 RPM Variable speed control dial Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load Takes 1/4 inch router shank |
 Milwaukee 2723-20 | Fine depth micro adjustment Variable speed setting 0 to 30,000 rpm speed range 18 V, 5 AH battery powered |
Conclusion
Trim routers are great tools that have evolved over the years to become the go-to multi purpose routing tool for DIY woodworkers and professionals alike.
It is our hope that we taught you a thing or two about trim routers and with so many models on the market today, we hope that the ones we chose for this article help you in your search and hopefully you leave here with one of them.
Happy Routing!
