How to choose a universal manual wood router for the home - ranking of the best

To select a high-quality wood router, you need to pay attention to many factors, including an objective assessment of the owners of such devices who have already purchased the device for their personal use. The entire rating of hand-held wood routers for 2022 will be based on the opinions of real users, as well as experts who pointed out certain nuances.

Manual wood router

What is done with a milling machine

The machines are used to work out cutting lines on wood, plastic, metal, or cutting these materials.

To understand what tasks can be performed with a milling machine, you need to understand what milling means. This is a method of processing a certain material, which is carried out with a milling cutter (a cutting tool with cutting teeth). The cutter is mounted in a special machine, which at high speed directs the blade in the desired direction, cutting off layers of a certain material.

What can be built on the machine:

• furniture;
• various architectural models (houses, scenes);
• toys;
• souvenirs;
• sculptures;
• decorative boxes;
• chess sets;
• skirting boards;
• cornices.

This is just a small part of what can be made on a milling machine. The complete list will depend on the skill and imagination of the manufacturer.

Main parts of a milling table

Before starting to manufacture the device for installing the router, a drawing is developed detailing all the elements and fastening points. The basis of the design is a frame that fits tightly to the floor surface. The working surface is attached to it using bolts. A pump is also attached to the base, supplying the cooling mixture to the device, and a container for collecting it.

Schematic drawing of the device

The mechanism can move in vertical and horizontal directions. High-alloy steel is used for the manufacture of guides. For the vertical direction it is attached to the front wall of the frame, for the horizontal direction - to the top.

When processing edges, a stop with parallel bars, a movable carriage, and fine-tuning and locking screws are used to move the cutter in a straight line. The guide rail is similar to a rip fence. Its advantage is that it can be installed at the angle desired by the master.

The tire and stop are attached to the frame using special clamps. The guide bar can be made at home from 2 wooden blocks securely fastened to the workpiece.

Groove Tool

All processing of parts is carried out with milling cutters of different shapes and sizes equipped with a cutting surface. The relationship between the gearbox and the cutting tool occurs using a thermally hardened steel spindle.

Without a dust collector, an expensive tool can quickly become unusable.

The dust collector usually becomes clogged with dust within 5-10 minutes. To prevent this from happening, craftsmen came up with a device with a water filter to catch the smallest particles of debris.

Water filter for a vacuum cleaner made from an aluminum pan and a plastic bottle

On the front side of the panel there is an input switch, as well as mode and cooling switches. There are start and stop buttons to turn the spindle on and off.

To increase the working area of ​​the table, you can attach folding wings on supports to it using furniture hinges. Designs with drawers and shelves are very convenient. Dimensions depend on the workshop space.

Convenient, compact design, where everything is at hand

Who needs a home router?

Before going to the store, you need to determine the range of tasks to be completed. There is no point in purchasing a compact model if you need to process hardwood, but it is ideal for occasional household use.

A home router is necessary for people who often process various surfaces. When purchasing, you must take into account the availability of equipment that comes with the kit. It is advisable to purchase a universal set, which includes edge, base, profile and spiral elements.

Important! If a home craftsman will often use the device, then it is additionally necessary to purchase special copying sleeves and collets.

Installation of the router into the table

To install the milling machine on a workbench, a drawing is required. It is done in two stages: first a diagram, then a detailed drawing with exact dimensions. The router will be mounted under the countertop. Therefore, the first requirement for it, in addition to a flat surface, is high strength.

The mounting plate must be installed correctly in the table. The preferred material is metal sheet or textolite, alternative options are plywood, chipboard. An aluminum sheet up to 50 mm thick is suitable for making the plate.

The plate is made of metal

After installing the plate, the fastening unit is mounted. All components should be pressed down with screws, but without excessive rigidity. The tabletop is then placed horizontally. Only after the installation of the router into the table is considered complete, all the screws are tightened.

Types of hand routers

Hand-held devices come in 5 varieties. Each type has its own design features that affect the scope of application.

Manual type of equipment

The most common types of hand routers:

• Submersible. This is a universal device, characterized by high reliability and quality workmanship. This type of equipment is used to perform all types of milling work.
• Edging. Used for chamfering, as well as forming small recesses and depths. Used for decorative works. Such a tool is not used for domestic purposes.
• Rotary is used in construction work. The tool is used to process edges and make holes in plastic, wood or drywall.
• Lamellar is a specialized router designed for making grooves. This is not a universal tool, and therefore should not be purchased by beginners.
• The filler is another specialized device with which you can carefully make paired holes, which will subsequently be connected to each other. This tool is also not used in everyday life, and in most cases is used to make various furniture.

The choice depends specifically on the specifics of the master’s work. If you need to use equipment at home, then first of all pay attention to a universal tool.

Important! Certain samples are quite universal, while others are professional tools that can only be used to perform a narrow range of work.

Types of milling cutters and their scope of application

Initially, the router was created as a tool for processing wood. Modern milling cutters can handle plastic, non-ferrous metals, plexiglass, artificial stone, various composites, but wood still remains a priority.

The main area of ​​use of the router is carpentry, making furniture and various decorative wood products.

It will help you with a variety of operations:

• quarter sample;
• creation of grooves, folds, splines, tenons;
• production of seats for door locks and fittings;
• straight or shaped edge profiling;
• drilling holes;
• perfect fit of connected parts;
• rough alignment of contours;
• decorative wood carving.

Depending on the purpose and some design features, all milling cutters can be divided into several types. Some of them are universal, others are highly specialized.

Submersible (aka vertical or rod)

Can do all the basic milling operations: creating grooves, holes, roundings, chamfering, milling a closed contour, etc. It is used both in home workshops and in production workshops.

Edging (aka edging or trimmer)

Performs groove selection, groove making, chamfering, cutting shallow recesses according to a template. Able to accurately process parts covered with veneer or laminate. Suitable only for daily use, i.e. in production conditions.

Rotary

Used for cutting holes in wood, as well as drywall, plastic, and ceramic tiles. Can handle edges.

Lamellar

Used exclusively for making grooves.

Additive

A highly specialized tool for creating paired holes intended for connecting parts on dowels. Used in furniture production.

What type of router you need depends on the nature of the tasks you face and their volume. For example, in furniture production, milling is one of the main operations; in a home workshop, the need for such a tool usually arises only occasionally.

The most versatile and most widely used is the plunge router. It is this that those who are trying to decide for themselves the question of how to choose a manual wood router for their home should first pay attention to. And it is on this type of milling cutter that we will concentrate our main attention here.

How to choose the right manual wood router for your home

To purchase a quality device for home use, you need to study 4 criteria.

Power

This is one of the main parameters that affects equipment performance. Depending on the power, milling cutters are divided into three types:

• Easy. The power is up to 750 kW, and the weight of the milling cutter itself does not exceed 3 kg.
• On medium-sized milling machines, the power increases to 1.5 kW, and its weight is approximately 5 kg.
• Heavy devices have a power of 2.3 kW, and the weight can exceed 6 kg.

Medium routers are suitable for home use. Heavy tools are in most cases used in production, where it is necessary to perform specific and rather complex operations for a long time without interruption.

Important! You should not chase the most powerful pieces of equipment for your home, since the dimensions of the devices will be very large, and therefore it will become much more difficult to manage them.

Medium router - ideal choice for home

Spindle speed

The parameter directly affects the quality of the processed part, as well as the choice of material with which to work. Milling cutters have three speeds - standard slow and high:

• The standard mode operates at 20-30 thousand rpm. These are the most popular samples that can handle most materials.
• Slow devices typically have a speed of 10,000-15,000 rpm. Such devices are usually used for working with plastic.
• High speed exceeds 35000 rpm. Routers are suitable for processing the hardest surfaces.

Important! When purchasing the cheapest devices, it is necessary to take into account that the rotation speed will not be adjustable, which will affect the quality of processing.

Working stroke

The working stroke refers to the depth of processing. The cheapest samples can dive to about 50 mm, and the most powerful and professional ones - up to 80 mm. The longer the working stroke, the deeper you can dive into the working surface, and the more difficult the operations can be performed.

Additional options

When purchasing, it is advisable to pay attention to additional options that will increase safety when working with equipment:

• Overload protection. All electronic devices become hot during operation, which can create a dangerous situation, and protection will help prevent this. Most professional models are equipped with this function, since they are subject to prolonged load. Overload protection varies: on the most expensive models it is an automatic power off, on cheaper models it is a light indication.
• Protection against unintentional activation is an additional button, without pressing which the router simply will not work.

These are the main additional options that will be useful for safe operation of the device. But there are also options to improve ease of use.

How does a household router differ from a professional one?

Since professional milling machines are used every day, the main differences between them and household ones are the time of continuous operation, the endurance of the main components and mechanisms, and the ability to use additional equipment.

In addition, important factors that help divide such devices into classes are:

• engine power . A professional router is equipped with a motor of 1000 W or more. However, this leads to an increase in size and weight, and also complicates the work process;
• g milling depth. For household tools it does not exceed 50 mm, while for professional ones it can reach 80 mm.

We also recommend reading a detailed article about what a router is.

Criteria for convenient work

Modern electronic devices are equipped with additional functions that greatly simplify work. Next we will look at 4 major additions in this area.

Working stroke

This function allows you to go deeper into the material being processed. The longer the working stroke, the more complex operations can be performed with the router and the more beautiful the final result will be.

Working stroke

Smooth start

If the router is quite powerful, it is advisable to make sure that it has a soft start system, thanks to which the engine will pick up speed slowly, and therefore the risk of sudden jerks will be eliminated.

Rip fence

The stop should be placed to the side of the router. These are small metal rods that are attached with screws to the base of the equipment. The emphasis is necessary to increase comfort during work. This addition allows you to carefully guide the cutter along the workpiece, maintaining the required distance from the edge.

Connecting the vacuum cleaner

Many routers are equipped with a special mount where you can attach a small bag to collect dust. The function is designed to protect against dust getting into the eyes and respiratory tract.

Small milling table (drawings, components)

Quite often, a small-sized base is installed on a support, in which a manual router is placed. If necessary, it can be removed and put aside, freeing up space inside the workshop.

Small table for hand router

Such a device is made from solid hardwood (maple) and birch plywood. Drawings of assemblies and individual parts are shown below.

To make such a device, parts are needed. Their sizes, quantities and materials are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Accessories for making a table for a manual router

Which company is best to buy a manual wood router?

In stores that sell construction equipment, there are many milling cutters from various manufacturers. Experts recommend paying attention to the following companies, since they have been producing products for many years and have proven themselves in the market:

• Bosch.
• Bort.
• Caliber.
• Wert.
• Ryobi.
• Metabo.
• Makita.
• DeWalt.
• Hammer.

The quality of the products is confirmed by positive reviews of the products. Below is a list from which you can understand which manual wood router to choose from the rating.

Purpose and design features

professional wood milling machine

The primary purpose of milling equipment is profile and flat processing of wood, composite materials (MDF, chipboard and others), artificial stone, and polymers. Various types of milling cutters are used as an executive tool:

• disk;
• corner;
• end;
• shaped;
• cylindrical;
• terminal

Thanks to the variety of operating tools, the machine turns into a universal device for wood processing. The device is a rigid structure firmly located on a base that eliminates vibration. The cutter is located on a vertical shaft, its height can be adjusted by raising and lowering the support. The workpiece is fixed on a horizontal plane, its position is limited by guides and stops. A movable ruler is provided for precise cutting.

The greatest possibilities are provided by a universal device, the spindle of which is placed horizontally. Thanks to this, you can work with workpieces of various sizes, in single or small batches.

Rating of the best milling cutters

If the buyer does not have time to study reviews of construction equipment for a long time, you can turn your attention to the rating of hand routers and choose from this list.

The best router for a beginner

For a beginner, the Bosch POF 1400 ACE medium-power router is suitable. The numbers in the name indicate watts. The equipment is equipped with a soft start, a speed maintenance system, as well as their adjustment. The total weight is just over 3 kg.

The best router for the home workshop

Ryobi RRT 1600-K can be used for domestic purposes (small work around the house). The equipment is ideal for the home workshop, but also appeals to specialists. The milling cutter is equipped with a speed controller and a soft start function. The weight of the device is almost 4 kg.

Ryobi RRT 1600-K

The device's passport states that it is intended to work with wood materials, but in practice it turned out that the power is sufficient for processing other harder materials.

The best router for industrial applications

For professional use, it is advisable to use the most powerful milling cutters that guarantee trouble-free operation for a long time. The Makita RP 2300 FC model fits these characteristics. The powerful motor copes with the processing of various materials. It has a smooth start, backlight, and maintains speed under load.

The best budget routers

If there is no need to process hard surfaces and work with equipment for long hours without a break, it is advisable to pay attention to the Hammer FRZ1200B and Hitachi M8V2 models. Despite the fact that the device is inexpensive, users are quite satisfied with its quality.

The best universal router

If you need to buy a universal wood router, experts recommend paying attention to the Makita RT0700CX2 model. The equipment set includes two collets, the body is made of durable aluminum, and there is a special pipe for removing dust during operation. Weight - almost 2 kg.

For reference! The Makita RT0700CX2 milling cutter operates at speeds from 10,000 to 30,000 per minute.

The best routers

The best vertical and professional wood router is the Festool OF 2200 EB-SET. The cutting depth is 80 mm. The equipment is equipped with speed control and a dust collector.

As for the rating of household routers with a vertical position, here you can pay attention to the Bosch POF 1200 AE model. The milling cutter is equipped with a speed stabilizer, a controller for constant rotation, regardless of the existing load.

The best edge router

To create edges, it is advisable to use the Elitech F 1800E top sample. The equipment is equipped with an inrush current limiter, therefore eliminating the risk of overload. There is speed adjustment and precise cut setting.

Elitech F 1800E

The best lamellar router

This category includes DeWalt D 26204 K. Ideal for forming grooves. The equipment has proven itself due to its high reliability, safety and performance. For ease of use, the handles are equipped with rubber gaskets.

The best filler mill

Interskol FMSh12/710 is suitable for working with any type of wood.

Review of the TOP 10 models for 2022 - 2022

Based on all of the above criteria, as well as after listening to the opinions of professionals, we have compiled a rating of popular models of hand-held electric routers.

Bosch POF-1200AE

Professional vertical router. It is used for grooving, countersinking and shaping of wood products. A powerful electric motor ensures high spindle speed of 28,000 rpm and no slipping of the cutter under load. The combination of body materials and supporting surface guarantees the absence of corrosion.

The cast aluminum base ensures correct positioning and smooth sliding of the tool along the surface of the workpiece. The Spindle Lock function, which includes a spindle lock and a keyless chuck, allows you to change cutters without using additional tools.

The original SDS function makes it easy to install the guide templates.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 1200;
• maximum idle speed, rpm – 28,000;
• milling depth, mm – 55;
• maximum cutter diameter, mm – 8;
• collet size, mm – 6 and 8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 295x295x162.
• weight, kg – 3.4.

Hitman FER-800P

Household electric router. The design features allow it to be used not only as a milling machine, but also as a trimmer and edger. This versatility is achieved thanks to the three interchangeable bases included in the package.

Ergonomic rubber-coated handles provide a secure grip and hold of the tool. Adjustment of the milling depth is achieved thanks to a calibrated immersion mechanism. The electric motor with additional insulation and a protective casing made of transparent plexiglass ensure safe operation of the tool.

The high spindle speed allows for clean milling without chips or burrs.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 900;
• maximum number of revolutions at idle, rpm – 30,000;
• milling depth, mm – 50;
• maximum cutter diameter, mm – 35;
• collet size, mm – 6 and 8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 340x240x180.
• weight, kg – 1.5.

Wert EVR-1450E

Household grade hand router. Used for tongue-and-groove, milling and end-processing of wood products. The housing made of impact-resistant plastic protects internal components from mechanical stress, and wide ventilation holes ensure effective cooling of the electric motor.

A powerful double-insulated electric motor ensures stable spindle speed under any load. The ability to smoothly adjust the spindle speed allows you to optimally configure the operation of the tool for a specific type of wood.

For more precise adjustment of the milling depth, the model is equipped with a microlift.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 1400;
• maximum number of revolutions at idle, rpm – 30,000;
• milling depth, mm – 50;
• collet size, mm – 6 and 8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 265x120x205.
• weight, kg – 3.1.

Bosch POF-1400ACE

Compact professional grade router. It is used in everyday life and carpentry workshops for cutting edges, shaping and milling workpieces. A powerful electric motor and electronic control system ensure a stable number of revolutions with increasing load, thereby ensuring excellent quality of the processed surface.

The forced shaft locking function and the Spindle Lock system ensures quick change of the cutter without the use of additional tools. Precision work is ensured by a calibrated cutter plunger handle and built-in LED Power Light.

To ensure a clean workplace, the router is equipped with a transparent shield and an outlet for connecting a vacuum cleaner.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 1400;
• maximum idle speed, rpm – 28,000;
• milling depth, mm – 55;
• collet size, mm – 6 and 8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 245x285x205.
• weight, kg – 3.5.

After watching the video, you can see a full overview and delivery kit of the Bosch POF-1400ACE router, as well as learn about its advantages and disadvantages.

Makita RP2301FCX

Reliable and productive electric router. Used for grooving, chamfering, profiling and other woodworking work. A brush electric motor of its own design ensures stable spindle speed when working with any type of wood.

High-quality fitting of materials and closed ball bearings minimize the possibility of wood dust getting inside the unit, extending its trouble-free operation.

The functions of smooth start and stop of the cutter increase the accuracy and precision of work. Design features allow precise adjustment of the depth and width of milling.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 2100;
• maximum number of revolutions at idle, rpm – 21,997;
• milling depth, mm – 70;
• collet size, mm – 6, 8 and 12;
• overall dimensions, mm – 155x290x312.
• weight, kg – 6.1.

Caliber FE 1900-12M

A professional router designed for fitting the ends of workpieces, profiling, chamfering, drilling, as well as other carpentry work related to wood processing. Ventilation holes effectively remove excess heat, preventing the electric motor from overheating. The start lock button increases ease of use during long-term operation.

The cast aluminum sole allows the tool to glide smoothly over the surface of the workpiece. Together with the high spindle rotation speed, this ensures high-quality surface treatment of the workpiece.

The function of adjusting the number of revolutions makes it easier to perform work.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 1900;
• maximum idle speed, rpm – 26,000;
• milling depth, mm – 50;
• maximum cutter diameter, mm – 30;
• collet size, mm –8 and 12;
• overall dimensions, mm – 300x180x310.
• weight, kg – 5.2.

Fiolent MF2-620E

Inexpensive manual electric router. Despite the low cost and low-power electric motor, it has good performance indicators for its class. The body and base are made of aluminum alloy, which not only makes the tool lighter, but also effectively resists corrosion.

The pistol-type handle provides a secure grip on the tool, and an additional rubberized stop increases the accuracy of the work. Electronic speed control allows you to adjust the rotation speed of the milling shaft for a specific type of wood.

Six-position milling depth adjustment ensures high-quality surface finishing.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 620;
• maximum idle speed, rpm – 32,000;
• milling depth, mm – 50;
• collet size, mm –8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 275x130x267.
• weight, kg – 2.3.

Caliber FE 1000M

Productive household-grade electric router. Designed for manual milling of plastic and wood products. The 1000 W electric motor ensures stable operation at any spindle speed.

Double insulation of the coil winding increases the safety of work and extends the service life. To facilitate maintenance, graphite brushes are quickly replaced.

The cast supporting surface is equipped with a special pad that facilitates the sliding of the router along the surface of the workpiece. The protective plastic cover and connection pipe for the vacuum cleaner ensure cleanliness of the workplace during operation and improve visual control of the milling process.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 1000;
• maximum number of revolutions at idle, rpm – 30,000;
• milling depth, mm – 30;
• collet size, mm –6 and 8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 190x128x328.
• weight, kg – 4.0.

Elitech F 1800E

Professional-grade hand-held electric router. Its main area of ​​application is the creation of decorative elements, as well as the processing of wood products. A powerful electric motor with soft start ensures high quality work. The built-in inrush current limiter protects it from voltage surges and extends its service life.

The use of closed type bearings and o-rings effectively protect the internal components of the router from wood dust entering the housing.

The movable connection of the electric motor provides a high milling depth of 55 mm. In combination with the function of fine-tuning the spindle overhang, this allows for more accurate and high-quality milling.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 1800;
• maximum number of revolutions at idle, rpm – 25,000;
• milling depth, mm – 55;
• collet size, mm –6 and 8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 513x220x332.
• weight, kg – 4.3.

Kolner KER-1200V

A household-grade manual electric router allows you to select grooves and quarters, as well as perform shaped milling of wooden or plastic blanks. The combined body made of impact-resistant plastic and cast aluminum alloy makes the tool lightweight and effectively resists corrosion.

In addition, for easier sliding, the base plate is covered with a special smooth material. The electronic spindle speed control system allows for more precise adjustment and control of the cutter speed under load.

Safety of work is ensured by a plexiglass cover and a system of protection against accidental operation of the tool.

Specifications:

• electric motor power, W – 1200;
• maximum number of revolutions at idle, rpm – 30,000;
• milling depth, mm – 52;
• collet size, mm –6 and 8;
• overall dimensions, mm – 290x160x260.
• weight, kg – 3.2.

Which router is better to buy for your home?

For home use, you can pay attention to the Ryobi R1600-K model (from the rating of the best routers in many lists). This is the most practical and functional model that can be used by both beginners and professionals.

The set includes five cutters at once, and therefore the set is considered universal. For ease of use, manufacturers have equipped the handles with special rubber gaskets. If necessary, you can connect a vacuum cleaner to the equipment. It is possible to adjust the cutting depth.

Any of the above-described wood routers from the rating is a high-quality and reliable example of a woodworking device. If you properly care for the equipment, it will last for many years and will be as safe as possible during operation throughout its entire service life. A decent device can be purchased for no more than 6,000 rubles.

Classification of table router by power

Another parameter by which table milling machines are classified is engine power. There are also three main types:

1. Lungs. This category includes tools whose motor is designed for power up to 750 W. Lightweight milling cutters are small in size and designed for standard household work. For a professional workshop, it is better to choose something more powerful.
2. Medium power. The main motor parameter is 750-900 W. They can be used for decorative processing of wooden parts. In terms of price-quality ratio, this category of milling machines for installation on a table is considered optimal for home milling.
3. Heavy. Average power - from 900 W to 1.2 kW., are intended more for mass production in workshops than for home use, and are larger in size than light and medium-power table routers. They are divided into 2 types - fixed and with height adjustment. The second type is more versatile, but also costs more.

Tools of different power

Recommendations for choosing a router for installation in a table

To choose the right router for your router table, it is worth remembering several important recommendations:

1. First of all, the choice of machine depends on the type of milling work.
2. It is not reasonable to buy expensive and bulky professional equipment for a small home workshop.
3. The maximum immersion depth of the cutter should correspond to the thickness of the workpieces to be processed.
4. It is better not to buy products from little-known brands. It's not so much about quality as it is about the difficulty of finding spare parts for unpopular companies. The failure of any part may be a reason to purchase a new router.