Best Wood Routers for Starters Plus Beginners Buyer Guide

Our Top Picks

Here’s a quick overview of the best wood routers we recommend in our article. 

For a more detailed review, feel free to continue reading.

Best Wood Router For Buyers on a Budget	Best Wood Router Combo Kit	Best Durable Wood Router
LOTOS ER001 Electric Plunge Wood Router	Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit	Bosch Router Tool Combo Kit 1617EVSPK

Table of Contents

Quick Intro

If you’re just getting started in the art of woodworking, there is more than one power tool that you will need to consider getting for your workshop. Whether you’re getting into woodworking as a hobby or profession, one such power tool that’ll make the job a lot easier is a wood router. 

Wood routers come in a range of sizes, power levels and prices. Just a glance at Amazon will tell you that there are a ton of models and makes to choose from. Although as a beginner, you might not yet have the need for more powerful and expensive models, we made a short list of models you should consider getting as your first router to help jumpstart your passion. 

But before we get to the list, here’s a quick beginner buyers guide we put together to give you some basic information on what you’re buying, which one to buy and things to consider.

Beginners Buyer Guide

Types of Wood Router for Beginners

Right off the bat, there are two main types of wood routers. These are the fixed base routers and plunge base routers.

What’s the difference between fixed base and plunge routers?

A fixed base router is used for working along or from the edge of a workpiece. It works at a preset depth and will cut into the workpiece to form the desired profile. 

Meanwhile, a plunge router can, at a preset depth, cut vertically through the center of the workpiece allowing you to do more complex projects.

Which one is better?

In theory, a plunge base router can do everything a fixed base router can and more. This is because you can lock plunge router bases at a certain depth and work from or along the edges of the workpiece. Effectively turning it into a fixed base router. 

However, it really depends on the project you’re working on. For example, if you need to mount the router upside down on your router table, a fixed base router might be better suited for that job. But if you need to inlay decorations or engrave a profile into a workpiece, then a plunge base router is the tool for the job. A good quality wood router often features precise depth adjustment, variable speed motor and is capable of completing most routing tasks with ease. 

There is a compromise to this though in the form of a combo kit where you get the best of both worlds in one set. Most models nowadays come in kits that include an interchangeable plunge and fixed base giving you more flexibility for your money.

Other Categories of Wood Router

Palm Router

A palm router, also known as a trim router, is a small but handy power tool designed to be lightweight and compact enough to fit in one hand. Hence the name palm router. 

These power tools are used for cut-outs, trimming, chamfering, edge profiling and more. Take note that these routers usually use ¼ inch bits.

Although not as powerful as mid-size and full-size wood routers, palm routers are still very versatile and newer models step up the game with a wider array of interchangeable bases.

Some models come with LED lights to help with visibility while routing. LED lights are located at the bottom of the base where the bit comes into contact with the material.

They’re great for smaller projects and light wood working but struggle with bigger projects.

Mid Sized Wood Router

A mid-sized router is a larger wood router meant to be operated with both hands and has more power than a palm router. These are great all-around wood routers that are very flexible in what you can do with them in terms of projects.

Most mid-range models are sold as combo kits and often have accessories such as template guides and often take ½ and ¼ inch bits.

Larger 1.75 to 2.25 HP (Horse Power) electric motors allow for more smoother cuts on harder pieces of wood. Mid-sized routers are great for both larger projects and more delicate wood working as well.

Full Sized Wood Router

This is a strong wood router for projects that need a heavier duty cutting action. If you have a router table and work on production type workpieces, then you might need one of these. 

Full sized routers use more powerful 3.0 HP motors for more power output and electric motors that often require table mount support to operate. Most models take both ½ and ¼ inch bits and will make short work of most hardwoods you put in front of it. 

These are often more expensive and heavier though, and thus see less attention from beginners to the woodworking trade.

Features to Consider

Collet Size and Bit Size

A collet is a steel sleeve that holds the router bit in a wood router. Most models have collets that take both ½ inch and ¼ inch bits but some only take ¼ inch bits.

½ inch bits are the preferred size because they are sturdier and operate with less vibration.

Which one you need depends on what project you’re doing.

Router Size

As a woodworker, it’s important to know how much space you have to work with. This could affect the kinds of projects you can work on and what kind of tools you can have. 

If you have a small workshop for example, you might want to consider getting a smaller and more portable wood router instead of a full sized one that may need its own table. 

Speed / Power

HP (horse power) and RPM (rotations per minute) are important features to take note of in any wood router. Speed varies from model to model so it’s important to find how fast its RPM is. 

This gives you an estimate of how powerful the tool is and what kind of woodworking projects you can work on. Having enough power is essential to cut through hardwoods and if you plan to tackle heavy duty projects. Some models are even used to cut enclosed plastic sheets.

Getting a router with variable speed control improves your control over the tool and versatility of the projects you work on. 

Variable Speed Control

Getting a wood router with a variable speed motor allows you to have wider speed settings. 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.

Most of the best wood routers for beginners will have variable speed motors allowing you to complete all sorts of woodworking projects.

Safety

As with any powertool in your workshop, it’s important to know the safety 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.

For additional reading about wood router features, you can check out this link:

Maintenance Tips

A wood router is relatively easy to maintain.

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, 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 or inner parts of your wood 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. 

Lightly lubricating the parts that slide, such as the guide posts on a plunge router, can also extend its lifespan and should be done once in a while. 

When in operation, 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 its 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 Wood Routers for Beginners

Best Durable Wood Router

Bosch 1617EVSPK  Combo Kit

This industry recognized router is a great pick for beginners and experts alike looking for a durable design that is flexible in what projects you can do.

This Bosch tool kit comes with both a plunge and fixed router bases giving you the best of both worlds.The router also has ¼ inch and ½ inch collet chucks allowing for a wider variety of bits. 

Its powerful electric motor provides smooth cutting power for hardwood. Its variable speed design allows you to set the optimal speed for the project and its micro fine depth adjustment system gives the user more control over the tool. Bosch’s precision centering design allows the router bit to be centered with a template guide. 

The plunge base includes handles with a soft grip for easy operation, and the fixed base comes with threaded holes for easy mounting to a router table. Both the fixed base and plunge router base feature quick clamp systems for fast motor pack removal. Moving the motor between the two bases takes only seconds and requires no tools. 

Despite this wood router being an older model, the fact that it’s still widely used even today speaks volumes of how durable and reliable this model is. This is arguably the best wood router for beginners.

Advanced Features

• 12 AMP / 2.25 HP electric motor
• 8,000 to 25,000 no load speed range
• 18.2 lbs
• ½ inch and ¼ inch collet chucks
• Above table depth adjustment system
• Smooth start ups feature
• Variable speeds 
• Precision centering 
• Superior work surface contact

Best Wood Router Combo Kit

Makita RT0701CX3 Compact Router Kit

This handy little router kit gives good all around versatility in the palm of your hand compared to other routers. 

This combo kit comes with 3 additional bases, namely a plunge base, tilt base and an offset base. 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. This greatly expands the amount of woodworking tasks you can do.

Each base has a quick release motor latch so you can easily switch bases at a flip of a switch. It has a smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system, an electronic speed control for constant speed and a smooth start up feature. It even comes with a vacuum duct and a guide template for ease of use. 

This palm router has a smaller electric motor that is commonly used for smaller projects that require less power. Its compact design makes it easier to store and comfortable to handle with one hand. 

This compact size wood router kit puts a lot of features on the table that make it a great woodworking router for beginners and veterans looking for a new router to add to their arsenal.

Advanced Features

• 6.5 AMP / 1-¼ HP electric motor
• Speed varies from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM
•  ¼ inch collet 
• Variable speed control
• Soft start motor 
• Rack and pinion depth adjustment scale
• 3.9 lbs
• Accepts industry standard template guides
• Comes with dust collection port attachment 

Best Wood Router For Buyers on a Budget

Lotos ER001 Electric Plunge Wood Router

If you’re looking for a budget friendly wood router that still provides quality performance, then this might be the router to start with.

This is one of the best plunge router models available that has an electric motor with enough power good for a variety of routing and trimming applications but it may struggle with hardwoods. It takes ¼ inch router bits. It features  variable speeds and a 7-stop turret combined with both macro and micro adjustments.

Its ergonomic design and rubber handles make it comfortable to use. It comes with a template guide and a vacuum duct for better dust control.

Even though this is a plunge router, you can lock it in the downward position to make it function as a fixed base router.      

Beginner woodworkers might see this as a good first choice because of its price, decent performance and features till you decide to upgrade. 

Advanced Features

• 1.6 HP electric motor
• 16,000 to 30,000 RPM
• ¼ inch collet
• Variable speed control
• Soft start motor feature
• 9.57 lbs
• Comes with vacuum attachment
• Comes with template guide 

Bonus Picks

TRITON TRA001	– Variable speed – Dedicated plunge router – 8000 to 21000 rpm speed – 3.25 hp  – 19.5 lbs – Fine depth adjustment – Superior work surface contact
Porter Cable Router PCE6435	– Variable speed – 16,000 – 35,000 RPM range – 5.6 amp motor – 5 lbs – Plexiglass fixed base for maximum visibility – Depth ring for precise coarse height adjustments
SKIL RT1322-00	– Variable speed – Speed control LCD display – 25000 max rpm – 14 Amp, 2.5 HP motor – 14.3 lbsSoft start – Electronic feedback
DEWALT DW618PKB	– Electronic speed control – 8000 to 24000 rpm speed – 2.25 HP motor – 16.3 lbs – Fine depth adjustment – Built in dust collection port – Clear base for better visibility – Sub-base concentricity gauge included

FAQs

Q: Should I buy a fixed base router?

A: There’s a lot of incentive to buy a fixed based router. These are a great choice especially if you plan to mount it on a router table or lift. 

 Most compact routers come with a fixed base and are often cheaper. 

You could always buy a combo kit if you can’t decide. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Q: What is the best wood router for beginner woodworking hobbyists?

A: In our opinion and based on our research, we would recommend the Bosch 1617EVSPK. 

It’s a great power tool from a reliable brand that promises years of service. 

Q: What can I do with a wood router?

A: Routers can be used to cut patterns, grooves, and designs across multiple pieces of wood.

These are often used to complete woodworking tasks such as:

• Building drawers and boxes.
• Rabbet cutting.
• Inlaying banding.
• Routing the edges of wood pieces.
• Cutting dadoes.
• Dovetails etc.

Summary

The best wood routers for beginners is the one that best suits your needs at the moment. Whether you are looking for a one that’s light on the pocket, heavy duty or a multi purpose tool. 

As a new woodworker, it’s important to know what features the wood router comes with and which ones you might need in the future as you get better at routing. 

So consider your options, what you need, your budget and the purpose of the router. Take all these into consideration and you will find the best router for you. 

We hope that this article helped you be more informed and narrowed down which models to choose from. Happy routing!