10 Best Wood Routers for Beginners- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

There is only one trick of getting the best out of your woodworking projects. And, it is ensuring that you use the very best tools that you can find.

A wood router, for example, is one of the most reliable tools that any woodworking enthusiast, carpenter, or a craftsperson can have in their workshops. In this article, we have reviewed the best wood routers for beginners. If it’s going to be your very first time using a wood router, then this article is all you need.

By the time you are through reading this piece, you should be in a position to pick the tool that will serve you right.

Here’s our list of the best wood routers for beginners:

     1. Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router – Best Overall Option

This tool is the best wood router for beginners because it is affordable with lasting construction. It’s a tool with easy to use features that maximize user control. Besides, it’s able to handle several woodworking tasks easily, making it our top choice tool.

This model has a 2.25 HP motor plunge router that gives it enough power to run different tasks. Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router has up to six different speed settings, which provides flexibility.

Other than its absolute power as well as convenience, this Bosch router has reliable durability. It has a rugged aluminum structure that offers protection to the motor enabling you to get the best out of it.

Bosch 1617EVSPK has a one-button operation that makes it the best companion for all the beginners, amateurs as well as professionals. Regardless of your experience in woodworking, it won’t take long before this product becomes your favorite tool.

The Summary of Top Features

• Has versatility for several applications such as edge forming, laminate, slot cutting, and dovetail cutting
• It has aluminum construction for durability
• The tool is easy to use
• Its kit has a fixed base, plunge base, 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collet chucks, collet nut wrench, shaft wrench, carrying case, and chip shields.

Advantages

• It’s an extremely versatile tool
• Has a variable speed system
• Comes with a durable aluminum construction

Disadvantages

• It requires two wrenches to change bits
• The third-party collars won’t work with no adapter

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     2. DEWALT DW618B3 Wood Router

DEWALT DW618B3 Wood Router has a powerful 12-amp motor with a horsepower of 2.25 with the ability to handle the workload that is too much for lesser routers. It has a sub-base concentricity gauge that allows you to center the sub-base before you cut, enabling the router to provide optimal results.

Other than its powerful output, the DeWalt DW618B3 gives room for depth adjustment in 1/64” increments, this provision allows for the creation of fine-tuned, and accurate cuts.

The DeWalt DW618B3 comes with a patented dust collection system with provision for a vacuum attachment. This feature enables you to do more work than the cleaning of your workshop.

The Summary of Top Features

• This tool has 12-amp
• It comes with a weight of 11.2 pounds
• Comes with a powerful motor producing 2.25 HP
• This router has 8,000 and 2,4000 RPM speed
• It’s consistent and durable
• A tool with electronic variable speed

Advantages

• This tool has a quick-release motor latch that streamlines the removal of motor
• Its variable speed system is excellent for flexibility
• It has a micro-fine depth adjustment that allows for accurate cuts

Disadvantages

• Requires wenches for removal of bits
• Dust collection is not the very best
• Managing the three bases can be difficult for beginners

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     3. Makita RT0701CX7 Compact Wood Router- Best Budget Router

The Makita RT0701CX7 is a handy little router with a slim design that gives the user the best working experience. This tool has a 1.25 HP, which may not tackle heavy-duty projects. However, it remains a handy power tool best suited for several woodworking projects.

One unique thing about this tool is its RPM range of 10,000 – 30,000, plus the rack-and-pinion adjustment provision that allows you to optimize the speed for accurate results. This tool has a smooth and quiet startup that enables you to gain control of your work from the beginning to the end.

Besides, the Makita RT0701CX7 comes with quick-release tabs for a smooth depth adjustment and base removal, which saves time as well as energy when you switch them.

The Summary of Top Features

• This tool comes with a soft start feature for smooth start-ups
• It weighs about 3.9 pounds
• Has a 1.25 HP motor
• It comes with an RPM speed range of 10,000 to 30,000
• This router has a variable speed control dial

Advantages

• It has a slim, ergonomic design which is great for small-scale jobs
• Its aluminum motor house aid in cooling the motor
• The price-to-quality ratio is amazing
• Easy to use

Disadvantages

• It has no LED lights
• This device has a low HP for heavy projects
• You need to buy the dust collection shroud separately

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     4.  Triton TRA001 Wood Router 

This router is a high-end one with two-in-one base features; it gives you the flexibility of choosing between a plunge or fixed base, depending on what you need.

One special thing about this best wood router for beginners is it’s equipped easy-to-use micro-winder that helps with depth adjustment in case you are using the plunge router base. It’s soft-start motor further makes switching on the router smooth and easy. Additionally, this tool has a handle design that prevents your hand from slipping when you’re operating it on hot days.

The Triton TRA001 is a durable wood router with enclosed plastic sheets around the motor and ventilators to help enhance its life. As much as it’s a little expensive, it’s worth every penny.

The Summary of Top Features

• A 5-amp tool
• It weighs 13 pounds
• Comes with a 3.25 HP motor
• 8,000 to 22,000 range of rpm speed
• This tool has an electronic speed control
• Comes with a neon light power switch

Advantages

• It has a variable speed motor
• Its micro winder gives it a continuous fine depth adjustment
• The plunge system is easy to use
• Its motor has plenty of power output
• Comes with a lightweight design that allows for prolonged working sessions

Disadvantages

• There a faster build-up of dust inside the shield

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     5. DEWALT DWP611PK Wood-Router

DeWalt has a reputation for producing some of the most reliable power tools. It’s a compact wood router that is best for beginners thanks to its variable speed control. This tool has a no-load speed range of 16000-27000 RPM, with the motor generating about 1.25 horsepower.

This router has a contoured grip that allows you to have control throughout your work. Its extended sub-base lets you retain a superior work-surface contact during the entire process. Additionally, this tool has a precise depth adjustment, easy and fast motor pack removal if you need to change the base and bit.

Furthermore, this router has a low-pressure spindle-lock button that allows you to make single-wrench bit changes easily. The dual LED lights further provide maximum visibility while on use.

The Summary of Top Features

• It’s a 7-amp tool
• It weighs 8 pounds
• The motor generates 1.25 HP
• It comes with a range of 16,000 – 27,000 RPM speed
• Has a dual LED’s and clear sub-base
• It comes with a soft-starting motor feature

Advantages

• This tool has a superior user control
• It is highly adjustable for precision
• This tool comes with a variable-speed control
• Its micro depth adjustment works so well
• This tool has both fixed and plunge router bases which allow you to choose depending on the job you are doing

Disadvantages

• It’s not great for heavy projects

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     6. Bosch PR20EVS Wood Router – Best Option for Beginners

It’s the best model for beginners on this list. The PR20EVS from Bosch has up to 5.6-amp motor with a variable speed design. With this tool, you get to switch between different speeds of your preference. This router generates up to 35000 RPMs; however, you can use it on low settings with about 15,000 RPMs.

What’s unique about this router is that it comes with its edging tool, which is a bonus to those who cut and mold pieces for various projects.

Furthermore, this Bosch tool has a hard plastic casing that holds both the edging tool and the router and the included wrench; this allows you to adjust the tool. It has a manageable weight of less than 12 pounds, which reduces fatigue, letting you work for as long as you can.

The Summary of Top Features

• It’s a 5.6​-amp tool
• Comes with a 1 HP motor
• It has a motor speed range of 16,000 – 35,000 rpm
• Has a fast and precise depth adjustment system

Advantages

• It has a variable speed
• Comes with an efficient fine adjustment

Disadvantages

• The design is poor

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     7. Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Wood-Router

The Ridgid R2401 deserves a place on our list of best wood routers for beginners; it is among the few wood routers that allow you flexibility in your woodworking projects. This tool has some of the fantastic customizable cut features.

It is compact, lightweight and portable with a quick-release lever that lets you remove bits from the tool with ease. This feature helps in keeping the router clean so that you avoid extra costs of maintenance now and again.

This tool has a solid bit housing made of lightweight aluminum giving it durability and for protection whenever it undergoes frequent rough usage.

The body of this router is susceptible to dust, so if you are going to use this router for long, ensure that you monitor the dust and stop it from entering the internal mechanisms as it may damage the tool eventually.

The Summary of Top Features

• It comes with a round and square bases for versatility
• This tool has easy access micro-adjust dial for depth control
• The device has a flat top, allows the router to sit upside down for a smoother change of bit
• It has a quick-release lever for easy removal of motor from the base
• It is a 5.5 amp router
• It has 1 HP motor
• Has a motor speed of 20000-30000 RPM

Advantages

• Has a quick release lever for easy maintenance
• Light and compact for portability
• Cut adjustable features that improve the overall versatility

Disadvantages

• It’s not dustproof

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     8. Porter-Cable 690LR Wood-Router

The Porter-Cable 690LR fixed-base router is among the best wood routers for beginners that does a fantastic job at very low prices. This product is not necessarily a long-lasting tool as some of the high-end counterparts; however, it will serve you right at a fraction of the cost of the top tier ones.

It has an 11-amp motor that generates up to 1.75 horsepower, making it great for cutting a wide range of materials. This tool comes with quick and easy coarse height adjustments making it easy for you to get the exact cut you want.

It comes with an additional comfort of over-molded grips to minimize fatigue while working on extensive projects.

All the components of this router are dust-sealed; this helps to keep everything in working condition over an extended period compared to the expensive models.

The Summary of Top Features

• An 11​-amp tool
• It weighs 9.4 pounds
• Generates 1.75 HP motor
• Single motor speed of 7,500 rpm
• It is powerful and precise
• This tool comes with a fast Bit Removal and ergonomic Design

Advantages

• It has a compact size which is great for small-scale projects
• Its 11-amp motor is durable and gives ample power
• The tool has precise coarse height adjustments that enhance cutting accuracy
• It comes with an auto-release collect system that allows for easy bit removal

Disadvantages

• Has no variable speed option

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     9. TACKLIFE Plunge and Fixed-Base Router

The reason we have this product as one of the best wood routers for beginners is its practical compass scale that allows you to come up with the best circles with diameters ranging from 8 to 40. This feature makes it perfect if you are working with a round hole and round table structures.

It comes with variable speeds for control of your projects. The motor speed of this router ranges from 10,000rmp – 30,000 rpm giving you versatility depending on the project that you are handling.

What’s even special about this tool is the availability of a 2 In 1 chuck 2 that collects any retractable design to leave you with a reliable touch.

Structure wise, this tool has an aluminum alloy base for protection and durability. Furthermore, the aluminum guide enables you to fix the router into a complete and exact slotting model. That feature lets you make parallel carving with an easy touch.

The Summary of Top Features

• It has a practical compass
• The motor speed of 10,000rmp to 30,000rmp
• It has a 2 In 1 chuck
• The tool has 1/8inch on the flexible shaft
• Aluminum Alloy Base

Advantages

• The tool comes with a convenient variable speed setting
• It a versatile router
• Has wrench tools that help you adjust the router to your preference

Disadvantages

• It’s hard to change the bits.

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     10. Enertwist 7.0-Amp 1.25 HP Wood Router Tool Kit- Best for Wood Crafts

Enertwist 7.0-Amp 1.25 HP Wood Router Tool Kit has a reputation as a powerful and highly reliable wood router. It’s beneficial on door and furniture processing. Besides, it does excellently on edge finishing and woodworking slotting. If you are looking for a tool best for wood crafts, then this is your guy.

With the Enertwist compact router, you get 7.0Amp with about 1.25 HP motor that gives you up to 6 variable speeds.

The motor speed is adjustable to a range of 10,000 – 32,000 RPM depending on the type of project you are handling.

This router is the perfect one for you if you are doing wood carving and trimming. Furthermore, you get a soft-starting tool with the utmost efficiency.

The Summary of Top Features

• Comes with 6 variable speeds
• 7.0Amp
• Generates 1.25 HP
• Has a motor speed range of 10,000 to 32,000 RPM
• It has an electric motor
• Dust collection port available

Advantages

• Has a dust collection port
• The tool comes with a heavy-duty aluminum housing
• The perfect tool for wood carving and trimming
• Gives you an incredibly smooth and clean touch
• It comes with an easy-to-use cam-lock technology

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for heavy tasks

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                        Best Wood Routers for Beginners Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking for the best wood router for beginners, you need to consider several factors to ensure that you get the very best product available. Some of these factors include:

The Speed

Speed is an essential aspect of a router. Always ensure that when buying a router, you pick the one that comes with the best revolution per minute. Also, getting a router with variable speeds improves versatility in your woodworking projects.

The Cost of The Router

You should always consider the price of the router that you’d love to work with against the features that you get in the process. Spending on what you cannot afford or a product that will drain you financially would be a wrong move. You don’t necessarily have to buy an expensive wood router to get the best performance. There are cheaper routers that are very effective—for example, the Makita RT0701CX7 Compact Wood Router.

The Size

The size of a router is another critical part of your shopping. Ensure that you check on the space in your workshop before buying the router. If your workshop is small, for example, you can consider small and portable wood routers that will occupy the least space possible. A perfect example is Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Wood-Router.

The durability of The Router

Mostly, the best wood routers for beginners are for complex tasks. Therefore, going by the demands of these tasks, you should go for the tools that will serve you for a long time to avoid the costs of getting a new router all the time.

Ease of Use

The wood router that you buy must not be complicated in terms of usage. Whichever tool that you pick, you need to find it easy to remove and replace the bit with ease. Besides, it must give you adequate control so that you get the best results with your projects.

Taking Care of the Router?

The wood router is one of the easiest tools to maintain in a woodworking workshop. All you need to do is to ensure that you:

• Follow all the instructions in the user manual
• Clean the router once you have completed your tasks
• Use your router for appropriate tasks
• Avoid overloading this tool
• Change all the blunt bits for maximum efficiency
• Make use of your warranty as long as it is still intact

Conclusion

In this article, we have reviewed some of the very best wood routers for beginners and included some of the factors that you need to consider before buying your router. At this point, we want to believe that you have decided on the exact wood router for beginners that will serve your course.

Our preferred product for this case is the Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router. It gives you everything that you need in the best wood router for beginners at an affordable price.

Don’t forget that we have only reviewed the best products in the market, and any that you will settle for in this list will serve you in the best way possible. Happy shopping!