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A wood router is one of the most essential tools in any workshop, and there are so many different types – each one meeting a unique and specific needs. For example, a hand router is ideal for anyone looking for something portable and lightweight.
Owing to the large number of wood routers that are available on the market, it can become pretty confusing to find a tool that will work well for you. Of course, there are a wealth of brand names that are easily recognisable, but does this always mean that you will be getting a superior product?
In this guide, we are going to be giving you our ‘best wood router review 2021’ and providing you with all the details you will need to feel confident in purchasing a tool that will meet your needs.
What Is A Wood Router?
A wood router is a type of tool that is used to hollow out wood or other materials and is frequently used in woodworking, particularly cabinetry. The wood router can be a handheld tool, but it might also be installed into a router table, which has a whole world of advantages.
What To Look For In A Wood Router
Before you commit to a purchase, you must spend some time looking at the features of the wood router to ensure that it will be fit for purpose. We go into much more detail on this in our beginner’s guide, but as a rule, you should look at the following factors.
- Wood routers come with either ¼ inch or ½ collet, and some may feature a ⅜ inch collet. This is what the bits attach onto, and it is important to ensure you buy the right one for your needs, although a lot of modern tools come with interchangeable collets.
- Power type is important, and choosing between corded and cordless will depend on how long you wish to use the tool and whether you need it to be portable.
- Look for additional features such as a comfortable handle which will make the whole experience far more enjoyable. You might also see routers with dust extraction, which is great for keeping the work area free from sawdust.
- Check the speed of the router, most come with variable speed which is essential for different types of routing and if you plan to use different types of material.
The location of the power switch is an important consideration since tools that have it located on or near the handle are far easier to use.
The Best Wood Routers
Looking for a wood router does not simply mean typing in a Google search and locating a reasonably priced item that appears to fit the bill. You must take a variety of factors into consideration.
However, we have done most of the hard work for you and have put together a list of what we believe to be the best wood routers in the UK in 2020.
Best Hand/Trim Router – DewaltDCW600B
Where features are concerned, this one is jam-packed, and this further adds to it being an ideal starter tool because it is so easy to use.
With helpful extras such as the dual LED lights so that the work area is perfectly visible and a soft-start motor that makes maintaining motor speed effortless.
- Dual LED light
- Variable speed 16,000-25,500 RPM
- Soft start motor
- Cordless
- Lightweight and compact
- Depth adjustment ring
- Electric brake
There are so many benefits to using this tool that it can be challenging to know where to start. Primarily, you will notice that this router has variable speed settings making it perfect for a huge number of applications. If you need something diverse, this will certainly serve you well.
What’s more, thanks to the cordless design, this is very advantageous to anyone who needs a portable tool that will not tether you to a power socket. Although, it is worth keeping in mind that the battery is not included so you will need to purchase this separately.
Check the latest price of the DewaltDCW600B
Best Plunge Router – Bosch POF 1400 ACE
On top of this, it features continuous electricity which means that maintaining the same speed throughout the job has never been easier. This is a corded tool, and there are several advantages to this, which we will look at in more detail a little later on.
You won’t have any problems changing the bit since this one has been designed with simplicity in mind and requires no tools for changing things up.
- 1400w
- 5kg
- Softgrip handles
- Constant electric
- Fine depth adjustment
- Fast bit change
- Pre-select speed
- Corded model
If you need something that is going to be lightweight and compact, then you will vastly benefit from this router. It plugs into the electric mains so will deliver constant power throughout the job. If you need to do larger projects, then nothing compares to a corded tool.
This is also a great choice for people who need an easy to use tool thanks to the fast bit change and easy to adjust fine depth.
You may also find this beneficial if you like a tool that is comfortable to use and this is largely thanks to the soft-grip handle. Something like this is especially important if you will be using the tool for longer periods of time.
Check the latest price of the Bosch POF 1400 ACE
Best Budget Router – Bosch POF 1200 AE Router
The router is easy to use thanks to the on/off switch that is conveniently located on the handle. But there are several other things that make this an incredible and affordable tool.
Once again, this is a corded offering and boasts 1200w of power that is ideal for working with wood, plastic and other materials.
It is a compact tool that weighs just 3.4kg, and this adds to the comfortable use of this device. It comes with three collets, so you are able to use a huge variety of bits with this one and also features a dust extraction adapter to keep your workspace clear.
- Easy to reach switch
- Dust extraction
- Corded
- Lightweight
- 3 x collets
- Speed adapter wheel
- Clamping lever
If you have been looking for a tool that offers everything that you would get from a more expensive tool, but in a budget-friendly package, then this will be of huge benefit. One could be forgiven for thinking that you wouldn’t get as much bang for your buck, but this could not be further from the truth.
For anyone who finds that sawdust and other debris hinders their work then the dust extraction vacuum is a useful addition and will vastly benefit your work.
Since this is a corded model, you will not be reliant on batteries, which whilst convenient, are also unreliable and may run out before the job is completed.
Check the latest price of the Bosch POF 1200 AE Router
Conclusion
Every workshop in the UK should have a wood router, they are one of the most essential tools of the trade and using one is relatively simple, even for those who have no previous experience.
Of course, one of the best ways to learn everything about a wood router is to look at our complete beginners guide, which gives you all the information you need to get started.
Once you are confident and ready to purchase a tool, there are certain things that you must take into consideration. Doing this will ensure that you always purchase a router that will meet your unique needs.
Our list of some of the best wood routers UK 2021 demonstrates how versatile and incredible these common woodworking tools can be.
