DeWalt Router

Used for cutting perfectly smooth, round edges, routers are a staple in the woodworker’s tool kit. These power tools are ideal for cutting out table tops and refining detail work for molding, cabinetry, shelving, countertops and more. DEWALT Routers come in a variety of sizes for any number of home improvement and professional-grade jobs.

If you are cutting flooring materials or need to cut specialty edging into a variety of materials, a laminate trimmer helps form smaller edges and detailed trimming. DEWALT router kits include options for variable speed motors and different depths of adjustment rings for a variety of projects. If you need to refine a piece of plank or lumber to an exact smoothness, DEWALT planers are available in a broad range of sizes and sets. Portable hand planers help with detail work on thinner cuts, and heavy-duty planers and planer kits have extra-long feed in and feed out tables for bigger pieces of wood. DEWALT fixed-base routers allow you to set a specific depth and cut evenly into the works surface.

DEWALT compact routers cut round corners in laminate and different composite materials. Make deeper cuts through the work surface for patterns and stencils with a DEWALT plunge router. Many DEWALT routers allow for interchangeable bases, allowing you to change out from a plunge router to a fixed-base router. Some of our router kits include several different bases that can be switched out easily. If you need to do even more refined shaping, DEWALT grinders help bring a fine finish to all types of surfaces. Dust collection systems help keep your worksite clean, and modern features, like electronic feedback motors, make your projects go even more smoothly.

Plunge and fixed routers are essential woodworking and carpentry tools. If you are a hobbyist, or an experienced professional, most of our routers have key features, that will make your work faster. Look for a DEWALT router today for your next job.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wood Router

Beyond the different styles of routers, keep in mind some additional considerations. Keep reading to find a list of some specs, abilities, and features to keep an eye out for when shopping for the best wood router for your needs. Some of these points might matter more than others, so weigh their importance when choosing a router.

Type of Wood Router

In the different types of routers available, the specific project and intended use determine which router model will work best.

If looking for a good general use router, stick with a fixed-base model. These models are easy to set, and users can build jigs that allow their use in different situations. Install them on a router table to provide a bit of extra function.

Users who like to make mortise and tenon joinery or timber framing may want to consider a plunge router. However, they’re less likely to be compatible with a router table.

Another consideration, the palm router, comes in both fixed and plunge models, but they’re smaller, lighter, and easier to use with one hand. They often have a bit less power, so keep that in mind.

Horsepower

In a router, the amount of horsepower the tool has helps determine how well it handles large router bits and dense materials. While users can make multiple passes to work their way across an edge with any router, using one that can do it all at once helps save time. This is especially important when using a plunge router: Plunging a bit into the field of a board creates more friction and resistance than just dragging it across the edge.

Most of the best wood routers have horsepower ratings between 1.25 and 1.75, while some truly hot-rod versions have more than 2 horsepower. In most cases, the lower range works quite well, but 2-horsepower routers make short work of dense materials.

Variable Speed

One of the challenging aspects of creating perfect edge profiles is choosing the correct speed to get the job done quickly without burning the wood. No magic speed exists, as boards (even among boards of the same species) differ in density. It comes down to experience and the right touch.

The good news is that most routers have adjustable speeds that can be tweaked until you find just the right speed. They often have small dials to help select their speed. For a workable range, look for a router with speeds between 9,000 and 20,000 RPMs.

Note that some routers have speed sensors that monitor how quickly a bit is spinning and adjusts it accordingly to maintain the ideal speed. For example, if using a router at 10,000 RPMs, but you come across a particularly dense section of wood, the router can slow down and cause inconsistent results. With these speed sensors, the router boosts its power output to compensate for the increase in density, keeping the bit running at the prescribed speed.

Comfortable Grip

Routers are powerful tools, and users need a safe grip on them to ensure proper control. Also, a comfortable grip helps users keep a consistent contact with the router, which helps ensure safe handling.

Fixed-base routers and plunge routers often have two handles to provide better control. They can be rubberized or made from wood, depending on the manufacturer. Some models even have handle-mounted switches, making them extremely easy to use.

Palm routers fit in the hand, so the body essentially becomes the handle. Most have rubberized moldings and contours meant for comfortable use. It’s important to find a model with these features to ensure your hand stays comfortable and you can maintain a good grip.

Dust Collection Port

Routers make a lot of dust. The high-speed cutting process removes tiny bits of wood and sends them flying through the air, creating a mess by the end of a long project. To avoid a lengthy cleanup, look for a router with a dust collection port that attaches to a shop vac or dust collection system.

Some router brands’ dust collection ports work better than others; higher-end models usually work best. These brands are popular among pros who work in custom woodworking shops where effective dust collection is a must.

Collet Size

Also consider the size of the bit that the router can handle. The two common sizes are ¼ inch and ½ inch.

Again, choosing the router with the best collet size has a lot to do with its intended use. The smaller (¼ inch) collet works well for light-duty jobs like edge profiling and milling hinge mortises in doors. However, it might not work as well for heavy-duty work.

For heavier-duty jobs like timber framing or working with dense hardwoods, a ½-inch collet is more suitable. These bits are sturdier, and the increased surface area ensures they don’t slip.

Our Picks of DeWalt Routers

1. DEWALT DWP611PK Variable Speed Combo Kit

If your workshop doesn’t have much space to work around in, then this amazing wood router model from DEWALT may just be the perfect solution for all your wood shaping needs.

It’s moderately priced with a compact and portable design, so you can either carry it around with you or use it in a shop that has limited space. The router comes with some convenient lighting features as well. The design includes two separate LED lights which are mounted near the base; this will help you out on the jobs where you need to work in tighter, poorly lit places.

However, there is one major issue that we did find with the DEWALT DWP611PK, and that was with the motor heating. When running at a lower RPM speed, the model works perfectly well. But on the highest RPM, the motor heats up significantly. This may cause your palms a lot of discomfort, if you’re planning to use it for a longer period of time.

Features:

2. DeWalt DW618PK Wood Router

The DEWALT DW618PK features a 12-Amp variable-speed, soft start motor which has a fixed and plunge base for a variety of woodworking jobs. The 2¼-HP motor gives off variable speeds from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM for various applications. The Dewalt combo kit is built for durability and consistency.

Each base of this combo kit contains ergonomic and comfortable rubber over-molded handles which improved control and balance for a long period of time. Dewalt DW618PK also included a 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collect for extra bit retention and added improved versatility.

From our point of view, we consider this combo router kit as a good one and we totally recommend it. Although it has its flaws and bad reviews, we believe that this router combo kit product is still amongst the best woodworking router tools and it still satisfied a lot of customers and professionals. This combo kit is suitable for newbies and beginners who just got into the woodworking game.

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3. DEWALT DCW600B 20V Max XR Cordless Wood Router

The 20V MAX XR Cordless Compact Router provides power like a corded compact router while providing the convenience of a cordless tool. The plastic fixed base and dual LED lights help to illuminate the work surface and provide superior bit visibility. This cordless router is equipped with variable speed control for optimal bit speed in each application. The release clamp allows for quick and easy bit and base change.

One of the most appreciated features of this router is its micro-fine depth adjustment and its ability to switch between a plunge and fixed base router. This model is slighter larger than the Max XR cordless version and doesn’t need recharging thanks to its cord.

DeWALT also sells this router in other sets, including one with a D-handle base and another with an edge guide. “The plunge base is good for making holes or cutting dados, while the fixed base is good for edging,” wrote one owner. “The router itself is very heavy and sturdy, and feels very well-made.”

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4. Dewalt DWP611 1-1/4 HP Variable Speed Premium Compact Router

The DeWalt Premium Compact Router combining power, easy-of-use, ergonomic features and innovations designed for visibility, control and overall performance. The compact router can handle a variety of applications from small bevel cuts to large edge profiles and heavy flush trimming.

While the DEWALT DWP611 probably lacks the power needed to consistently handle more demanding tasks, for example, routing of harder woods or commercial-grade jobs, it’s a good option for anyone from hobbyists to homeowners, and even professional woodworkers, looking for a quality finish on smaller-scale projects and softer timber.

Professional tradespeople and serious woodworkers would likely fare better with a model with a larger collet size (for example, 1/2″ as opposed to the DWP611’s 1/4″), but there’s no getting away from the fact that the maximum 1.25HP output will still be more than enough power for most casual users, while features like the motor’s soft start capability also help to make it a good choice for beginners.

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5. Dewalt DW616 1-3/4 HP Fixed Base Router

You can expect a high-quality tool with DW616, just like any other tool that Dewalt has to offer. If you want convenience and functionality in one product, then this router will not disappoint.

The ergonomic design will prevent your hand from getting fatigued quickly, added to the router’s low vibration level when in use. One cannot skip mentioning the power of this router. It has an 11 AMP with 1.75 HP that enables you to cut any type of wood without breaking a sweat. It also has an innovative design that gives less amount of vibration while working on a tough job.

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FAQs

WHAT DOES A WOOD ROUTER DO?

Wood routers are hand instruments utilized in woodworking, particularly cabinetry. Routers usually are handheld or secured cutting end-up on the router table. The wood router can complete much more than cut fancy edges. It can cut perfect dadoes, rabbets, and also create unique wood patterns.

HOW TO SET UP A WOOD ROUTER?

To utilize the wood router, you have to initially introduce the router bit that you need to use by extricating the collet. It finishes by turning the collet nut counter-clockwise then you add the ideal piece and fix the collet by turning the nut clockwise. Brace on the base and relax the slide of the router body to the depth you need.

At that point, reclamp the body set up and turning on the router. Use a small piece of wood to check the depth of the bit and use the fine adjustment to check the depth if it is accurate and start directing it, moving the router from appropriate to left.

Will I be able to sharpen a router bit?

You sure can. However, if you’ve let the bit get really dull it might need a regrinding and for that you’d probably want to ask a professional to do so. But you can keep it sharp and cutting well by cleaning the bit and running a file over it once in a while.

Which direction should I operate the router then?

If you are using the router in your hands then you should be moving the router from the left of the stock to the right of the stock (as if you were facing it). When the router is mounted to a table, you would then feed from the right side of the table to the left as you’re facing it.