The Best Wood Routers for Beginners of 2024
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A wood router offers unrivaled versatility for woodworkers of all skill levels. The following guide can help beginners choose their first tool.
A wood router is an indispensable tool both in the workshop and on the job site. The tools are powerful yet easy to manage, so they work equally well for functional and decorative woodworking. Add a router table to achieve a tremendous level of precision.
It’s not difficult to learn how to use a router well, which adds to the tool’s popularity. For those who are new to wood routers, choosing the right model can prove something of a challenge.
To ensure we provided a list with the best features and constructions, we consulted Jonathan Warshaw, a professional woodworker with over 15 years of experience and the founder and owner of educational woodworking site, SimpleWoodworker. Warshaw believes that newcomers will want to “begin by tackling simpler projects that allow users to familiarize themselves with the router and its capabilities. Starting with rounding-over edges or crafting cutting boards or cheese boards is advisable as they offer a blend of practicality and a sense of accomplishment.”
As such, the following guide provides comprehensive information to aid beginner woodworkers in their decision-making when selecting the best wood router for their starter projects, highlighting some of the best models available in a variety of types. Our top spot goes to the Makita RT0701CX7 1¼ HP Compact Router Kit thanks to its light weight, user-friendliness, and versatility. Plus, check out what our expert had to say about our Best Combo-Base pick!
- BEST OVERALL: Makita RT0701CX7 1¼ HP Compact Router Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Avid Power 6½-Amp 1¼ HP Compact Router
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Makita 3¼ HP Plunge Router With Variable Speed
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FIXED-BASE: Bosch 1617EVS 2¼ HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PLUNGE-BASE: Wen RT6033 15-Amp Variable-Speed Plunge Router Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMBO-BASE: DeWalt EVS Fixed Base/Plunge Router Combo Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PALM: Bosch 1 HP Colt Router Installer’s Kit
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Wood Routers for Beginners
We researched the most sought-after wood routers for beginners in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, horsepower (hp), collet size, ease of use, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included woodworking routers in our list of top picks that ran from 1 to 3¼ horsepower to accommodate multiple project types. Warshaw encourages shoppers to look for a few key features when looking for a wood router for beginners, including “a fixed and plunge base … as it provides versatility for different routing tasks” as well as “a variable speed setting for better control and adaptability, catering to different woodworking requirements.” Finally, Warshaw highly recommends that shoppers consider a good dust collection system “to maintain a clean and safe working environment, as it effectively manages wood shavings and dust produced.”
In selecting the best wood routers for newcomers, we were also careful to pick options that varied in construction and design, were safe and easy to use, and were able to accommodate a variety of projects. As Warshaw suggests, “utilizing a router table for smaller pieces provides a stable platform, ensuring precise cuts and reducing the risk of accidents. On the other hand, a handheld router is better suited for managing larger pieces, offering flexibility in movement and access.”
As such, we made sure that the following options come with these useful constructions and features, but we also included top picks with LED lights, soft starts, easy depth adjustment, extended fixed bases, multiposition turrets, electronic brakes, and more for added precision and convenience. Finally, we included a multitude of woodworking routers that came with carrying bags for easy portability from the workshop to the job site.
Our Top Picks
Now that you’re armed with a better understanding of the key features to think about when looking for the best router for beginner woodworkers, it’s time to move on to the top picks. The following selections include individual categories based on considerations such as type, features, or budget.
Best Overall
Makita RT0701CX7 1¼ HP Compact Router Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Plunge and fixed
- Horsepower: 1¼ hp
- Collet size: ¼ inch
What We Like
- Suitable for small or DIY tasks; compact and lightweight for ease of use
- Comes with both fixed and plunge bases for excellent versatility
- Can operate between 10,000 and 30,000 rpm and 1¼ hp; variable-speed dial allows for easy adjustment
- Has multiple user-friendly features for safety and accuracy
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for heavy-duty or advanced use
- May only be able to handle small jobs
Makita’s RT0701CX7 compact router offers a comprehensive kit that fulfills the needs of many new router users. For their investment, they get an accurate tool that can last for years. This ¼-inch router with a 1¼ hp motor delivers enough power for many workshop and DIY tasks without being difficult to manage. It’s small enough that it’s portable, weighs a fraction under 4 pounds, and comes with both fixed and plunge bases.
The router features variable-speed control between 10,000 and 30,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), backed up by electronic control that keeps the speed constant while under load. Cam locks rapidly adjust initial cutting depth. A three-position turret helps with preset depths, plus it features rack-and-pinion fine adjustment to ensure precision. For those new to wood routers, this is a superb package at a great price.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in the Best Wood Routers that “the compact Makita’s 6.5 amp motor adjusts for speeds up to 30,000 rpm via a dial on top of the tool. At the top end, that’s among the fastest rotation speeds of the routers we tested, but keep in mind that this router is designed chiefly for workshop-type use.”
Get the Makita 1¼ hp wood router for beginners at The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Avid Power 6½-Amp 1¼ HP Compact Router
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Fixed
- Horsepower: 1¼ hp
- Collet size: ⅜ inch and ¼ inch
What We Like
- Comes with a ⅜-inch and ¼-inch collet for excellent versatility
- Operates at 1¼ hp and 10,000 to 32,000 rpm; suitable for general use
- Onboard rack-and-pinion drive for easily adjusting the depth; comes with 5 cutters
- Aluminum body, long 12-foot power cord, LED work lights, and tool bag provide great user-friendliness
What We Don’t Like
- Some users have reported difficulty using the included router bits and cutters
Woodworkers on a tight budget may want to consider the Avid Power compact router for an introduction to the versatility these tools can provide. With a ⅜- and ¼-inch collet and 1¼-horsepower motor, this fixed-base router’s performance can certainly compete with other routers. The largely aluminum body minimizes weight and won’t rust.
It’s not short of features, either. Speed varies between 10,000 and 32,000 rpm. Users can adjust depth via a rack and pinion drive, and it comes with a useful 12 feet of cord. The set includes five cutters with profiles among the most common for general use. The router also includes a pair of LED work lights. A useful tool bag completes the value of this router kit.
Get the Avid Power wood router for beginners at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Makita 3¼ HP Plunge Router With Variable Speed
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Plunge
- Horsepower: 3¼ hp
- Collet size: ½ inch
What We Like
- Immensely powerful router; operates at 3¼ hp and variable speed runs from 9,000 to 22,000 rpm
- Soft start reduces torque reaction so the user can keep control of the unit while in use
- Lock-on trigger allows for continuous operation once in use
- Electric brake integrated for quick stopping and safety
What We Don’t Like
- May be too much for some beginner users’ intended projects
- Some users have reported that some components are not very durable
Beginners might think their first router needs to be light or medium duty. That’s not always the case, and some beginning woodworkers might have heavy-duty tasks to undertake. They need high performance with good control, which they can get from this heavy-duty Makita plunge router.
This ½-inch router has an immensely powerful 3¼ hp motor. While that enables the use of large, aggressive cutters, the Makita remains relatively easy to handle, thanks to an easy plunge action and big, ergonomic handles that provide excellent grip.
The variable-speed control runs from 9,000 to a maximum speed of 22,000 rpm, and its soft start reduces torque reaction. Once underway, a lock-on trigger allows for continuous operation, which is very useful on long workpieces. An electric brake brings things to a fast stop. It’s a tool with impressive capabilities, but also a very manageable one.
Get the Makita 3¼ hp wood router for beginners at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Fixed-Base
Bosch 1617EVS 2¼ HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Fixed
- Horsepower: 2¼ hp
- Collet size: ½ inch and ¼ inch
What We Like
- Variable speed integrated; runs between 8,000 and 25,000 rpm
- Electric load balancing onboard can keep the power running consistently during use
- 3 predrilled holes allow for mounting in any workshop’s router table
- Comes with a micro-depth adjuster and an on/off switch for accuracy and safety
What We Don’t Like
- Might be too much tool for some beginners
The Bosch 1617EVS electronic fixed-base router is a reliable tool. Its high-quality, easy-to-use design suits the beginner, while providing the sort of performance and precision that pros also require. The ½-inch wood router has a ¼-inch collet included. The impressive 2¼ hp motor offers variable speed between 8,000 and 25,000 rpm and has electronic load-balancing to ensure consistent power delivery.
The fixed router base has been predrilled with a common three-hole pattern ideal for mounting in many router lifts or tables. The ergonomic wood handles can ease fatigue. A micro depth adjuster and an on-off switch that can move to either side of the machine improve its two-handed use and attention to detail. A plunge base is available as an extra.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila writer and tester, says in our tested guide that “with the fixed-base casing on, we tested the Bosch router for freehand cuts and router table cuts. It worked flawlessly on both—the routed designs were smooth and precise.”
Get the Bosch fixed-base wood router for beginners at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Plunge-Base
Wen RT6033 15-Amp Variable-Speed Plunge Router Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Plunge
- Horsepower: 2½ hp
- Collet size: ½ inch and ¼ inch
What We Like
- Can be used with small and large router cutters; comes with ½-inch and ¼-inch collets
- Operates between 8,000 and 23,000 rpm for small- to medium-size jobs
- 7-position preset turret and fine adjustment in 1/128-inch steps for excellent versatility
- Comes with a parallel guide and soft carrying bag for ease of use and portability
What We Don’t Like
- Some components on this model may not be as durable as comparable models
- May be difficult to transport; unit is large and on the heavy side at 18 pounds
The Wen plunge base wood router provides beginner woodworkers with an introduction to larger-scale routing at a budget-friendly price. It offers both ½-inch and ¼-inch collets, so it offers the versatility of use for small router cutters as well as large ones. The powerful 2½ hp motor has a soft start for easy manageability and the speed varies from 8,000 to 23,000 rpm.
Depth settings on this plunge router include a seven-position preset turret and fine adjustment in 1/128-inch steps. The plastic knobs might not prove as durable as those on other models, but as a first plunge router, the Wen combines strong performance with outstanding value. The kit includes a parallel guide and soft carry bag.
Get the Wen wood router for beginners at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Combo-Base
DeWalt EVS Fixed Base/Plunge Router Combo Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Plunge and fixed
- Horsepower: 2¼ hp
- Collet size: ½ inch and ¼ inch
What We Like
- Professional-grade tool; made with quick-change plunge and fixed base for outstanding versatility
- Soft start and constant speed balancing for ease of use and safety
- Micro-fine adjustment for depth-setting provides excellent accuracy
- Dust collection system and tool bag included for convenience
What We Don’t Like
- Some users have reported missing or faulty parts
The DeWalt wood router combo with a fixed and plunge base is a professional-grade tool that also works well for the enthusiastic beginner. Though it requires a larger investment than some beginner routers, this is a high-quality, versatile tool that could last a lifetime.
The model comes with both ½-inch and ¼-inch collets. Both quick-change fixed and plunge bases are included with the router for the versatility needed to tackle just about any routing task. The 2¼ hp motor incorporates soft start and constant speed balancing; its speed varies from 8,000 to 24,000 rpm.
Additional features helpful to beginners and more experienced woodworkers