The Wood Router Guide

The Porter-Cable 7518 Five-Speed Production Router provides five speeds between 10,000 and 21,000 rpm, so you can tackle a variety of jobs with ease.  What’s more, this router can help improve productivity by saving you time and effort – even when you’re dealing with big bits or making heavy cuts.

Here are some of the features of the Porter-Cable 7518 router:

• 15 Amp motor provides the power and durability necessary for the toughest applications
• versatile, electronic five-speed motor with 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000, and 21,000 rpm settings accommodates various router bit cutting diameters and applications
• Soft-start feature reduces torque at start-up and motor maintains constant speed under load
• Auto-release collet system allows for easy bit removal after use
• Recision machined aluminium motor housing and base
• Dust-sealed switch and sealed ball bearing construction enhance tool durability

With a fast and precise adjustment movement, the Porter-Cable 7518 router is excellent for cutting all sorts of hardwoods, including maple, oak, cherry and poplar.  Best used in a router table, the Porter-Cable 7518 can cut through wood carefully and accurately, with little or no need for sanding.

The Porter-Cable 7518 is now available on Amazon with up to 50% off the recommended retail price!

Here’s what one of the owners thought of the Porter-Cable 7518 router:

I purchased this router for dedicated use in a router table, and it has become one of the most reliable tools in my shop. After trying out several other routers, I can say with confidence that this one will handle anything you can push through it. (Matthew Schenker, Western Massachusetts)

Review is paraphrased for size.  Click here to read the original review in full.

The versatile Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge and Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router Kit handles a broad range of routing applications.

Included in this router kit are a powerful motor with advanced speed control technology, precision bases, and plenty of advanced features to help get a variety of jobs done quickly and accurately.

Here are some of the features of the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router:

• Electronic variable speed plunge and fixed base router kit; soft start, micro-fine depth adjustments
• 2-1/4-horsepower router combination kit; variables speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm
• Aluminium construction; wooden handles on fixed base; soft-grip handle on plunge base
• Includes plunge and fixed bases, collet chucks, wrenches, chip shields, carrying case
• 6.2 by 19-1/2 by 14-1/2 inches; 19-1/2 pounds; 1-year warranty

The Bosch 1617EVSPK router is a 2.25 Horsepower Unit that works equally well as either a plunge or a fixed-base router.  What’s more, it’s easy to change bases, comfortable to use and is extremely quiet considering the level of power that the router provides.  

The Bosch 1617EVSPK router is now available on Amazon with 53% off the recommended retail price!

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router:

This router is something that I may keep till I get really old and pass off to my kids, and will still be a great tool then. Simply could not waste my time and patience with a lesser quality router. Bosch really put a lot of time into designing this router and its careful placement of things, even the switch. (Phill, Oceanside, CA)

 Review is paraphrased for size.  Click here to read the original review.

Featuring an exclusive, four-point bushing design and constant spring tension, the Milwaukee 5616-24 router delivers smooth, non-binding plunge action with a powerful 2-1/4-max-horesepower motor.

The Milwaukee 5616-24 router kit comes with a carrying case, dust shield/collection system for efficient dust management, polycarbonate sub-bases, concentricity gauge, small and large hole sub-base assemblies, forged steel collet wrenches and nut assemblies.

Here are some of the features of the Milwaukee 5616-24 router:

• Precise macro/micro depth adjustment system to 1/64 increment, 3 metal depth scale and adjustable pointer
• Premium plunge system with four-point Oil Impregnated PM Bushing design
• 6-Position(1/8 increment) adjustable metal turret stops for precise, multiple-pass routing
• Tough, machined aluminium motor housing and base
• Quick release motor allows adds the convenience of pop & drop quick base changes, passing motor between bases

With plenty of power, the Milwaukee 5615-24 is a versatile and ergonomic router that’s easy to adjust.  What’s more, as with all Milwaukee products, this router comes with a five year warranty, showing the manufacturer’s confidence in its tools.

The Milwaukee 5616-24 router is now available on Amazon with 50% off the recommended retail price!

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the Milwaukee 5616-24 router:

Milwaukee nailed the plunge on the first try adding a complimenting plunge to their already proven Body Grip… The best feeling router I have had the pleasure of having in my hands in 35 years. (John W. Thompson, Atlanta, Georgia)

Review is paraphrased for size.  Click here to read the original review in full.

Packed with smart design features and a 12 amp variable-speed, soft start motor, the DEWALT DW618PK 2-1/4-Inch Fixed-Base/Plunge-Base Router Combo Kit is designed to make routing easy.  Depth adjustment and base changes are tool free, and integrated dust control keeps work spaces clean and improves cut line visibility.

Here are some of the features of the DEWALT DW618PK router:

• 2-1/4 hp (maximum motor hp), 12.0 Amp electronic variable speed motor provides the power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods
• Electronic variable speed with full feedback control for constant speed under load from 8,000-24,000 rpm and soft start to reduce start-up torque for enhanced control
• Micro-fine depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64-inch increments and adjusts vertically for a constant switch/cordset location
• Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock makes depth adjustment and base changes quick and solid-locking
• Integral, through-the-column dust collection collects 95% of the dust and provides superior bit visibility; Quick release motor latches for fast and easy motor pack removal for bit and base changes

The DEWALT DW618PK is easy to adjust and operate, with moulded handles for good control.  The router works equally well with the plunge mechanism or a fixed-base, while the variable speed option makes this DEWALT router the ideal choice for cutting both hard and soft woods.       

The DEWALT DW618PK router is now available on Amazon at 52% less than the recommended retail price!

Here’s what one of the owners had to say about the DEWALT DW618PK router:

Other than the slight heaviness, I am completed pleased with my purchase, it works just awesome…  The DEWALT is the winner. (Scott Fairchild, Milan, United States)

Review is paraphrased for size.  Click here to read the original review in full.

The Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4-Peak-Horsepower Fixed/Plunge-Base Router Kit is made for fine groove cutting, chamfering, window cutting, trimming, shaping, and pattern cutting.

Featuring Hitachi’s ergonomic styling, a powerful motor that is the quietest in its class, a two-state motor-release clamp, easy base changes, quick depth adjustments, and more, this router kit is a valuable addition to any workshop.

Here are some of the features of the Hitachi KM12VC router:

• Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets
• 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm)
• Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments
• Includes plunge and fixed base router; 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collet chucks, template guide adaptor, centering gauge, sub-base plate, 3 wrenches
• 5-year warranty

Easy to use and adjust, the Hitachi KM12VC router runs smoothly with all types of wood.  The router works well with a template and for precise cuts, while the kit comes with every implement that a beginner or an experienced might need. 

The Hitachi KM12VC router is now available on Amazon with 46% off the recommended retail price!

Here’s what one of the owners thought of the Hitachi KM12VC router:

The Hitachi KM12VC is by far the most pleasant tool to use in my shop. Bid depth adjustments are fairly easy, and everything works as smooth as silk. Soft start keeps the router from trying to twist out of your hands when you fire it up. (David Hostetler, Texas, USA)

Review is paraphrased for size.  Click here to read the original review in full.