In this article, we are going to talk about some of the best plunge routers from the highly-rated ones to the best budget routers on the market in 2018.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit | Best Overall |  |
| Bosch Router Tool | Budget Pick |  |
| Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit
2. DEWALT Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit
Pros:
- 1.25HP Variable Speed Motor
- Blades Marks and Flat is Precision-machined for quality performance
- Two-Position Micro Fence attaches in seconds
- Router is Dust Efficient, up to 93% Dust Collection Efficiency
- 12 Amp, 2.25 HP, provides the power to efficiently rout hardwoods
- The maximum speed of this router is more than 35,000 RPM _
- The working range of this router is more than 19,000 RPM _
- The dimension of this product is Length: 8-1/8” Weight: 6.8 lbs
3. Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router
Pros:
- Versatile and easy to use
- Comes with a rip fence
- Includes some nice accessories
- Motor stays cool
- Good price point
Cons:
- Not so great for plunge routing
- Must be handled with care because of its lightweight build
Veer on the side of safety and choose Makita’s powerful compact router. It’s a powerful tool perfect for home and professional carpenters. The Makita XTR01Z is a powerful compact router that can be used for a variety of tasks.
It comes with a wide speed range and excellent power. The speed range of 0 to 24,000” per minute can be adjusted to speed up or slow down the router as you work on your project.
Its plunge base has a massive plunge depth capacity of 1.75”. This is a great feature for remodeling, trimming, and cutting. The depth adjustment lever is found on top of the router body and adjustments are made quickly and easily.
4. Avid Power 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router
Pros:
- Has fixed base
- Durable
- It has roller guide and dust hood
- It has variable speed
- Has a compact design
- Has edge guide
- Has a plunge base
- Has a 1.25 HP motor
- Has variable speed
- It has a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It can only handle light duty work
- It has only 60 to 2560 RPM speed
- It is only useful for small jobs
- Aimed mostly for beginners
The Avid Power 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router with Fixed Base is one of the best router tools to invest in for a start or those who like to do small projects around their homes.
The product works great and it comes with an edge guide which provides maximum control when routing, a dust hood which keeps your workpiece well-protected from any dust, a 5-piece set of trim bit router and a variable speed control which gives your a lot of control and makes you work easy.
This router has a great speed control concept. It has a variable speed dial which ranges from 60-2560 RPM.
5. Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit
Pros:
- LED Light (for pin point accuracy)
- Smart Set Dial (for quick change over)
Cons:
- Poor power supply
- Not as accurate as expected
The Bosch 1617EVSPK is affordable. However, it is reported to be lacking as it was reported to have been delivered in a faulty state.
Both the the fixed base and the pin router are easy to use, and both have been reported to be great products.
The Bosch 1617EVSPK is a well-balanced router, with a well-built and sturdy composition. It is also compatible with a variety of accessory items.
6. Festool 574692 Router OF 1400 EQ Imperial
Pros:
- Includes different sized guide bushings
- Easily converts from an edge guide to a plunge guide
- Metric and imperial guide bushing included
- The router base has an illuminating LED light that’s easy to use
- Easy-to-adjust micro-fine adjustment screws
- Comes with a dust extraction adapter
- Quick-clamping mechanism
- Precision movement
- Solid quality
- Affordable
The Festool 57469 is one of the most affordable plunge routers. The package includes the plunge base, an edge guide, and an edge guide rail.
The edge guide comes with guide bushings of different sizes to accommodate different jobs. We also like that the edge guide has a crisp zero backlash, which makes the plunge base very useful.
The precision of the plunge base can be adjusted down to 1/128th of an inch. It also has an illuminating bright LED light, which is automatically activated when the switches are turned on.
7. Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router
The router comes with a motor that is solidly built. It can make fast changes in speeds and has the ability to run quietly. There’s a digital display so you can easily check up on the output and various working modes.
The level can be adjusted easily according to the orientation you need to adjust the router. There’s also a finger-contour rest for better handling.
Above all, the Triton TRA001 can do precision work as claimed by its name. Whether you want to do plunge cuts or edge profile cuts, this machine can accomplish all your goals.
8. Bosch Router Tool
Pros:
- Plenty of safety features
- An extensive variety of possible settings
- Variable speed function
- Compatible with any Bit Style
- Comes with inclusive accessories/tools
Cons:
- Some cases where user might have to press down on the router
- Motor isn’t as powerful as other higher-priced options
The Bosch Colt palm router has a lot of great things going for it, and at a very affordable price. The base of the router contains the on-off switch, and as you’d expect, there’s a depth control knob as well.
The Colt has a 1.25 HP motor, which is more than sufficient for the tasks that you’ll use it for. There’s a speed dial on the side of the router, which has a spindle lock.
The router has a nice ergonomic design that fits really well in your hand, and they did a great job with making sure that the tool feels very balanced. The tool is very comfortable to use.
9. PORTER-CABLE Router
Pros:
- Great price
- Comes with a set of plunge router bits
- Durable and non-slip grip
- Secure bit changes
- Comes with a base for easy storage
Cons:
- Depth adjustment is a bit difficult
- Is not ideal for first time woodworkers
One of the best plunge routers available on the market is the Porter-Cable 89R. It features a 2-1/4 HP motor and a base that makes it incredibly easy to control and use. It’s also very durable and unlikely to fail.
This router has a depth stop and a depth adjustment mechanism with dual-range scales for various applications. You can lock and release the depth adjustment adjustment by simply pushing it in. This is great for contractors who need to use their routers a lot.
10. TACKLIFE Plunge and Fixed Base Router
Pros:
- Variable Speed
- Comes with two handles (one fixed and one plunge)
- Adjusting the depth is easy
Cons:
- A little heavier than expected
- Being made out of plastic makes it a little less durable
The TACKLIFE brand is famous for making high-quality and long-lasting machines. The PTR01A plunge router is no exception. You can get up to 30,000RPM using this router.
Another impressive feature is this router’s ability to hold the adjustable speed from 0 to 30,000RPM. It’s also easy to use. All you have to do is put the bits in the collet and tighten the key.
This router has a 2.25 HP system. Also, you can put the bits ranging from 1/8" to 6 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best plunge router on the market?
The best plunge router combines some important features. You want something that is large enough to do the work, but also small enough to manage easily. Materials used are also important. Routers are are used a lot on projects, and the ones you buy will tend to last longer with better materials. Sliding, depth, and angle adjustment are all important. The best plunge routers combine all of those features along with additional usability features like an extended base that provides stability and easier use.
Which is better fixed or plunge router?
That depends on what you’re routing and whether your router will be used in a router table, handheld, or fixed base. Handheld routers are not recommended for work, so they should not be considered for the plunge router category.
Also, handheld routers are generally used with the shaft oriented vertically, which is why the plunge base in handheld mode is considered a “fixed base.” Fixed bases are best for work and are less expensive than plunge bases, so a fixed base-only router should be considered if you only anticipate using the router with a router table.
The shaft orientation and working height of a plunge router will dictate what types of cuts you can make, and what the overall size of the box will be.
For instance, a plunge router with a shaft tilted to 11-degrees will have a smaller cut box than one that can be tilted to 45-degrees.
What is the best router for a beginner?
If you are new to woodworking or a seasoned woodworker or DIY enthusiast, then the best router for you is inspired by your own experience and needs. It is recommended to delve into the features of these products and find one that is optimal for your training level. You can also choose the best router for the project you need to complete, but in the long-run, it is important to get a router that suits your needs.
What is a plunge router used for?
Plunge Routers will decrease the amount of effort needed to change the bit. This enables you to make your work easier by not having to change the position of the router each time its location needs to change.
Conclusion
As all router tables are not the same, so too are the routers that you can use with them. It can be daunting to choose the best plunge router without enough information, but at the same time, they are not all that complex to choose. In this article, we will walk you through the features of a plunge router, the different types that are available, and the top recommendations for plunge routers in 2022. Whether it's a plunge router, or a fixed base router you're after, we've got you covered in our list of the best routers for router tables.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit | Best Overall | |
| Bosch Router Tool | Budget Pick | |
| Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router | Upgrade Pick | |