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3 Top Plunge Router Comparison Chart
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For those who enjoy woodworking, either as a hobby or as a profession, you likely find plunge routers to be an indispensable tool. They can help you make beautiful designs for furniture and other crafts in short order. As they play such a large role for many people, it is important to choose the best plunge router for your needs and usage level.
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How To Choose The Best Plunge Router
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The Most Recommended Plunge Routers: 7 Best Reviewed
- Festool 574692 Router 1400 Imperial
- Bosch 1617EVSPK Woodworking Router Combo
- Hitachi KM12VC Variable Plunge Router
- DEWALT DWP611PK Torque Variable Compact Router Kit
- Makita RT0701CX7-1-1 Compact Router
- Triton TRA001 Precision Plunge Router
- DEWALT DW618 PK-12 AMP Variable Speed Kit
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How To Choose The Best Plunge Router
When you are shopping for the best plunge router, there are a few factors to consider.
Accuracy
The router is making cuts into the wood you are working with, so of course, you want it to be as accurate as possible. As the user has the capability of adjusting the depth level, you want to know that the plunge router will be very close to the setting you choose.
Otherwise, you will end up with results you are unhappy with and more work than you originally had so that you can fix the mistakes. It is much better to purchase an accurate router from the start.
Comfort And Maneuverability
The length of time you will use the plunge router will require some degree of comfort and ease with which to operate it. Ergonomic handles are important to prevent wrist fatigue and prolonged injury.
Also, you want the plunge router to be lightweight so it does not require too much force to use. It should not cause discomfort while you are using it, such as in the back or wrists.
If you feel any of that pain while you use the plunge router, it could cause long term problems.
Power And Speed
It would not be a power tool without using and providing power. When choosing a plunge router, you want to pay attention to how much power it puts out. The more power it provides the better as this should also reduce the amount of force required from you to use it.
The amount of power it gives out and speeds it provides will also determine the types of projects you can do with the plunge router. Weaker options will only be good for small projects while powerful ones can handle a wide array of projects.
Dust Extraction
As the plunge router works, it creates dust and debris which can get into your router’s motor or switches and controls. It also blocks the visibility of your workspace so you have a hard time seeing what you are doing.
This could cause mistakes on your project or even injury if you are not paying attention. Most plunge routers have some type of dust extraction or collection system to help prevent these problems.
Be sure that you choose one with a good working system for maximum safety and efficiency.
Price And Warranty
Expensive things are not always the best and cheap does not mean bad. When shopping, you do want to make sure the price fits into your budget, but it should not stop there.
Weigh how well they work, what guarantees they come with, what type of warranty they have, and the other factors listed here against the price. Good and extended warranties sometimes make the price well worth it.
7 Best Plunge Routers Reviews
Here’s a list of the best plunge routers on the market today:
1. Festool 574692 Router 1400 Imperial
What You Will Like: The Festool router is powerful, lightweight, ergonomic, provides great control, and more. It is basically an all-in-one package.
This router is powered by 1400 watts for the heavy-duty projects. It weighs less than 10 lbs, so it is light enough to easily maneuver. The ergonomic handles provide increased control, reduced fatigue, and the ability for one-handed use.
It extracts the dust and debris it creates while working so that you maintain great visibility. It has a micro-adjustable dial that allows depth control to 1/256th”. With the easy release and attach, there is no need to worry about complicated processes.
It also comes with a 36-month comprehensive warranty, which is excellent. Unfortunately, it runs around $600, so it is definitely an investment. It may not seem worth it for a hobbyist but a professional might find that the investment is worth it.
Additionally, buyers state that the handles have an odd hand placement that feels very unnatural. If that is the case, it could cause some wrist discomfort or even injury.
Not all users complain of this, though, so if you like this option, you should still give it a go and see for yourself.
What We Liked:
- 1400 watts
- lightweight
- one-hand use
- dust and debris extraction
- micro-adjustable
- 36-month comprehensive warranty
- quick attach and release
- amazing depth control
What We Didn’t:
- very high investment
- hand placement is different and feels unnatural
2. Bosch 1617EVSPK Woodworking Plunge Router Combo
What You Will Like: This Bosch woodworking router comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year service protection plan, and a one-year limited warranty. You should be covered for more than enough time to see if it works as it should.
This 12 amp Bosch router puts out 2.25 HP, and speeds from 8,000 to 25,000 RPMs. These speeds are controlled and maintained by a speed dial that helps the user keep a consistent speed throughout use.
It is easy to clamp on to your workspace, and it has 2” sub-base openings for better visibility of that space. It is constructed with durable aluminum, and the power switch is sealed to prevent dust from getting into it.
The soft grip handles are ergonomically designed but users say that they seem a bit lost. And while the router provides accuracy to 1/64th”, some say it takes some force to use.
This router runs around $220, which may be a bit of high investment for some.
However, it is covered with excellent warranties and a service protection plan, so your investment will be covered.
What We Liked:
- ergonomic, soft-grip handles
- maintains consistent speeds with the dial
- quick clamp-on
- 2” sub-base openings for increased visibility of workspace
- dust-sealed power switch
- accurate to 1/64th”
- durable aluminum construction
- one year service protections
What We Didn’t:
- takes some force to operate
- handles are a bit loose
3. Hitachi KM12VC Variable Plunge Router
What You Will Like: The router runs at about 79.5 decibels, so it is very quiet and creates less vibration.
This Hitachi router kit is powered by 11 amps, pushes out 2.25 HP, and it has a no-load adjustable speed of 8,000 – 24,000 RPMs. As it is quiet and does not vibrate much, it provides a greater amount of precision for your work.
Also, the electronic speed control provides consistent speed and constant RPMs. The handles are ergonomically designed for comfortable control, and at 9.9 lbs, it is very lightweight enough for easy maneuvering.
The router fits bot ½” collet and ¼” collet chucks, and it comes with a protective case. A few users state that although it is great once you get used to it, the plunge takes some time to break in.
Others complain of having trouble adjusting the speed. However, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 5-year warranty, so it would not hurt to try it since you could reach out to the company if something goes wrong.
It runs about $220, so it is priced close to mid-range.
What We Liked:
- quiet operation
- less vibration
- increased precision
- fits ½” collet chuck and ¼” collet chuck
- ergonomically designed
- 5-year warranty
What We Didn’t:
- the plunge takes time to break in and work properly
- some people have trouble adjusting the speed
4. DEWALT DWP611PK Torque Variable Compact Plunge Router Kit
What You Will Like: The DEWALT Torque kit comes with both a plunge router and a fixed router, and it has two LEDs to improve visibility while working.
This DEWALT torque plunge router provides a great router for small projects. The 7 amp design tool kicks out 1.25 HP, and it provides variable speeds ranging from 16,000 – 27,000 RPMs.
It has a 12 position spindle lock as well as a spring-loaded release for easier use. At 6.2 lbs, it is very lightweight, and the ergonomic, rubber handles make it more comfortable to control.
The motor is housed in a durable aluminum casing, and the sub-base is extended into a larger platform to provide extra stability.
In addition to how easy it is to control, the built-in dual LED lights to illuminate your workspace while you are operating the router. This decreases the risk of mistakes due to poor visibility.
Users say that it is excellent for small projects but does not usually stand up as well for heavy-duty ones. It also comes with a 3-year limited warranty. For about $160, this combo kit is a great deal.
What We Liked:
- combo kit
- made with dual LEDs
- lightweight body
- ergonomically designed rubber handles
- durable aluminum motor housing
- 3-year warranty
- a great tool for small projects
What We Didn’t Like:
- not so great for heavy-duty projects
5. Makita RT0701CX7-1-1 Compact Router
What You Will Like: At about $130, the Makita compact router is a very budget-friendly option, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
The Makita compact router is powered by 6.5 amps and 1 ¼ HP, and it has variable speeds that range from 10,000 – 30,000 rpm that is electronically controlled.
The depth can be adjusted from 0” – 1 3/8” giving you a great amount of control, and it comes programmed with three preset depth stops. There is a soft start feature, a quick release feature, and cam lock systems.
The base is pretty easily removed when it needs to be but quite a few buyers have found it difficult to reattach.
The housing is made from durable aluminum, and the base design provides high visibility while you are working. This Makita is slim, ergonomically designed, and very lightweight at 3.9 lbs. At about $130, it is a great deal.
However, if there are any issues, it also comes with a 30-day guarantee and a one year warranty. Also, it may not be tough enough for big projects, but it seems to be great for smaller ones.
What We Liked:
- 1-year warranty and 30-day guarantee
- electronic speed control
- durable aluminum housing
- soft start design
- High visibility base
- lightweight- 3.9 lbs
- very budget-friendly option
What We Didn’t Like:
- base plate may be difficult to get on
- may not be good for heavy-duty projects
6. Triton TRA001 Precision Plunge Router
What You Will Like: This Triton plunge router is made with side air vents that help decrease the dust intake into the motor casing.
Triton created this precision router with ease in mind. All of the switches are a single button, including the safety power switch. This means that it does not take both hands and a lot of maneuvering to press any of the buttons.
The shaft auto locks for added safety and stability. It is powered by 3 ¼ HP, supplies a soft start, variable speeds, and consistent speed throughout your work. It also has micro-adjustable depth control.
This Triton router is corded, so there is no worry of a battery dying on you. It is also versatile in that it fits both ½” and ¼” collets. Sadly, many users have reported that it has not lasted past a year of use, and some have only worked for several months.
As it costs more than $200, it might be too big of an investment to make for something that likely will not let you get your money’s worth.
What We Liked:
- safety power switch
- soft start
- variable and consistent speed
- side air vents
- single button switches
What We Didn’t Like:
- hard, if not impossible, to find a hose that fits dust collection
- it tends not to last long
- a bit expensive for such short usage
7. DEWALT DW618 PK-12 AMP Variable Speed Kit
What You Will Like: It comes with ergonomically designed rubber handles and a low center of gravity that provides excellent control over the plunge router.
This DEWALT 12 AMP plunge router has a lot of great features for a pretty budget-friendly price. It has a soft start and a low center of gravity, both of which supply a great amount of control over the router.
It provides 2 ¼ HP, 8,000 – 24,000 RPMs, and consistent speed. The depth is adjustable to 1/64”, and the speed is variable according to what you need at the time. It has both a detachable cord and a quick-release motor.
The router is constructed from a heavy-duty metal housing, machined brass brushings, and case-hardened steel guide rods that make it very durable. It has a dust control system that increases visibility, and the switch is sealed so that no dust can damage it.
The dust collection mechanism has the capability of collecting up to 95% of the dust that is created, so the mess is minimized.
However, the collection attachment is joined to the router by friction, so it often falls off during use. At close to $200, there are cheaper options but there are also much more expensive ones.
What We Liked:
- It is part of a kit- a plunge router and a fixed base router- two great tools for one price.
- one year warranty, a one-year service contract, and a 30-day risk-free trial.
- heavy duty metal housing
- capable of collecting up to 95% of the created mess
What We Didn’t Like:
- dust collection system often falls off while in use
- not the cheapest option
Conclusion
If you are in need of a plunge router, you want to be sure you get the best plunge router for your needs. We have brought to you a list of seven great plunge routers and router combo kits to help you in your decision.
Our list includes options for different budget ranges as well as those that are good choices for heavy-duty as opposed to easy projects. Each also has different visibility levels and depth control levels.
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