11 best routers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In a modern carpentry workshop, one of the places of honor is given to the hand router. This power tool allows you to speed up many types of work. Often, a good router can replace several devices at once, for example, an electric planer, circular saw or drill. It can be used to trim edges, grind the surface, cut thorns, cut grooves and slots, make grooves of different shapes, form holes and seats for fasteners. After working with a milling cutter, the master will not have the desire to pick up a chisel and a hammer. Today, a wide range of universal and highly specialized models is presented on the domestic market. When choosing, questions and doubts often arise, so it is worth listening to the opinion of experts.

Router selection criteria

1. Like any other electrical appliance, the router is equipped with a motor. The more powerful and revving the motor, the higher the performance of the apparatus. If power affects the depth of the cut, then the spindle speed determines the quality of the finishing.

2. In inexpensive milling cutters with a low-power motor, when the load increases, an inevitable drop in speed occurs. But many modern models are equipped with a speed control regulator. This option has a positive effect on productivity and processing quality.

3. As for the purpose of the router, the universal tool can only be advised by DIYers or woodworkers. Professionals, on the other hand, need a specialized milling cutter that provides the required accuracy and processing speed.

Our review includes the best milling cutters. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

1. the purpose of the tool;

2. technical capabilities;

3. price;

4. expert opinion;

5. consumer reviews.

Advantages and disadvantages of various routers

Router type	Benefits	disadvantages
Vertical	+ large working depth + high performance + affordable price + ease of use	– radius in corners – limited set of cutters – heavy weight
Edging	+ move along the ruler or template + versatility + reasonable price + low weight	– shallow working depth – lack of electronic speed control
Keyed	+ large working depth + processing precision + lightness and mobility + high performance	– high price – vibration during operation

Rating of the best milling cutters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best routers	1	Makita RP2300FC	RUB 19,810
	2	DeWALT DW 625 E	RUB 21,820
	3	Bosch GMF 1600 CE	RUB 37,049
	4	BOSCH POF 1400 ACE	8 401 rub.
	5	Hammer FRZ1200B	RUB 4,899
	6	MAKITA RP0900	RUB 7,729
The best edge routers	1	Makita RT0700CX2	RUB 11 490
	2	DeWALT D 26200	RUB 15,984
	3	Hammer FRZ710 PREMIUM	RUB 7,499
The best keyway cutters	1	Makita PJ7000	RUB 16 210
	2	BOSCH GFF 22 Professional	RUB 19,990

The best routers

The best power tool for grooving and undercutting is a router. In some models, the processing depth has to be set before starting the operation, while other models allow you to adjust this indicator along the way. The only drawback of the device is the radius at the corners of the sample. The experts have selected some of the best routers.

Makita RP2300FC

Rating: 4.9

The Makita RP2300FC vertical router has a number of advantages over its competitors. The Japanese quality and excellent technical parameters allowed to top the rating of the model. The equipment is powered by a powerful motor (2.3 kW), which develops up to 23,000 rpm. This was reflected in the mass of the router (6.1 kg). Gives reliability and platform made of aluminum alloy, which is not afraid of mechanical stress.

Some users may be scared off by the high price, but the kit comes with a special device. With its help, it is possible to accurately copy grooves of a complex configuration. The LED backlight also adds convenience to work, especially when working in rooms with insufficient lighting.

Advantages

• powerful high-speed engine;

• reliable aluminum base;

• high-quality assembly;

• smooth start.

disadvantages

• high price.

DeWALT DW 625 E

Rating: 4.8

The tool for real professionals is the vertical milling machine DeWALT DW 625 E. Experts gave it the second line of the rating for high-quality workmanship and versatility. The model can be used to machine wood or aluminum and plastic. The vertical stroke of the cutter (80 mm) looks very advantageous, although in the reviews, users consider this parameter to be overestimated. Of the positive properties of the tool, it is especially worth highlighting a smooth start, a powerful electric motor (2 kW) and high spindle speeds (20,000 rpm). At the same time, the mass of the device remained at a fairly acceptable level of 5.6 kg.

As for the configuration, experts regret the absence of the most running collet (8 mm) in the set. To acquire it, you will have to pay several thousand rubles.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;

• smooth start;

• powerful and resourceful motor.

disadvantages

• overestimated milling stroke;

• there is no collet 8 mm.

Bosch GMF 1600 CE

Rating: 4.8

The renowned German quality also did not escape the eye of the experts. The Bosch GMF 1600 CE milling cutter took the third place in the rating for its pleasant design, high level of service and thoughtful ergonomics. The tool is powered by a 1.6 kW electric motor. Smooth start and speed control system allows you to select the optimal processing mode. The spindle rotation speed can be adjusted in the range of 10-25 thousand rpm. The maximum immersion depth of the cutter is limited to 76 mm, and a special AfterLock system is responsible for the feed accuracy (up to 0.1 mm).

The tool is convenient to work with, its weight is 5.8 kg. The router easily moves over the material being processed. The transparent base and LED backlighting allow the operator to follow the treatment even in low light conditions.

Advantages

• nice design and well-thought-out ergonomics;

• smooth start;

• precise immersion depth.

disadvantages

• high price.

BOSCH POF 1400 ACE

Rating: 4.7

The BOSCH POF 1400 ACE vertical router has been created for jewelry work with different types of wood. The model is inferior to the leaders in the rating in engine power (1.4 kW), but it wins in spindle speed (28,000 rpm). With the ability to adjust the revolutions, the result is a nimble tool for milling the hardest types of wood. The manufacturer equipped the device with two collets (6 and 8 mm), which are optimally suited to the capabilities of the motor.

For safe transportation, the router can be packed in a special case that comes with the model. Professionals note the lightness of the product (3.5 kg), it can be held in the hand for a long time without getting tired. But the lack of a soft start was an unpleasant surprise.

Advantages

• acceptable price;

• high-speed motor;

• case included.

disadvantages

• there is no soft start.

Hammer FRZ1200B

Rating: 4.6

The Hammer FRZ1200B vertical milling cutter can attract buyers at the most affordable price. The device cannot boast of a motor power (1.2 kW), therefore, a high spindle speed (30,000 rpm) allows it to cope with the processing of hard materials. The tool does not stand out for the milling depth (55 mm), but the adjustment and maintenance of engine speed is provided. Of the useful functions, experts note the fixation of the spindle and the presence of a turret stop.

You can connect a vacuum cleaner to the tool, it comes with an adapter. Weighing 4.3 kg, the model is an excellent option for the DIYer. Two collets (6 and 8 mm) will be sufficient for most types of work.

Advantages

• high-speed engine;

• spindle fixation;

• affordable price.

disadvantages

• weak motor;

• shallow immersion depth.

MAKITA RP0900

Rating: 4.6

Despite the low-power motor (900 W) and small stroke (35 mm), the MAKITA RP0900 router managed to get into our rating. The experts appreciated the reliability of the model. The tool platform is made of die-cast aluminum with a durable plastic chosen for the body. Rubberized handles are designed to provide comfortable work with the device. The manufacturer managed to maintain a high quality of processing due to the engine speed (27,000 rpm). You can choose the optimal mode by adjusting the spindle speed, turret stop and precise setting of the immersion depth.

The lightweight router (2.7 kg) comes with a long cable (4 m), a collet chuck (8 mm), a vacuum cleaner adapter, a chip deflector and a parallel stop.

Advantages

• light weight;

• reliability;

• rich equipment.

disadvantages

• low-power motor;

• there is no soft start.

The best edge routers

For chamfering and edge processing, there are edging (edge) routers. The tool platform is designed to guide the cutter along a template or ruler. Some models can do the job of routers, which makes them versatile. Several devices have proven to be the best.

Makita RT0700CX2

Rating: 4.8

The best edge milling cutter, according to our experts, was the model from Japan Makita RT0700CX2. The tool looks better than its competitors in many ways. And even a modest rig did not prevent it from taking first place in the ranking. The manufacturer has equipped the device with a 710-watt motor, which is capable of spinning up to 30,000 rpm. These characteristics allow processing both hard and tough wood species. The immersion depth of the cutting part is limited to 35 mm.

When working, it is convenient to control the milling process thanks to the transparent polycarbonate platform. The device weighs only 1.8 kg, so even long-term use does not tire the operator. The set includes two collets (6 and 8 mm), an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner, a spacious bag.

Advantages

• powerful motor;

• high-quality assembly;

• ease of use;

• light weight.

disadvantages

• unreliable platform.

DeWALT D 26200

Rating: 4.7

On the second line of the rating is the DeWALT D 26200 edge milling cutter. The model is balanced in all main indicators, and the high price and poor equipment did not allow it to rise higher. The tool boasts a powerful motor (900 W), whose rotation speed is in the range of 16-27 thousand rpm. The device provides a function of regulation and maintenance of a constant rotation speed. The milling depth is limited to 55 mm.

The set includes one collet with a diameter of 8 mm, an adapter for a vacuum cleaner, a parallel guide. Thanks to the illumination of the working area, it is possible to mill in conditions of limited visibility. Useful options include soft start and spindle locking.

Advantages

• powerful engine;

• deep milling;

• smooth start.

disadvantages

• high price;

• modest equipment.

Hammer FRZ710 PREMIUM

Rating: 4.6

Thanks to its wide range of applications, the Hammer FRZ710 PREMIUM is one of the top three in the ranking. A vertical base equipped with handles is supplied with the tool. Therefore, in some cases, the device can be used as a router. But the motor power (710 W) and the immersion depth (30 mm) give the edgebanding in the device. And it is inconvenient to use the router in a vertical position.

Among the edge competitors, the model stands out for its light weight (1.75 kg) and an affordable price. Therefore, experts give him a place in the home workshop. Of the additional functions, it is worth highlighting a soft start, adjustment of the rotation speed, accurate depth setting. The set includes three collets (6, 8, 10 mm), a rip fence, a bag and even spare brushes.

Advantages

• affordable price;

• rich equipment;

• versatility.

disadvantages

• vibration during milling.

The best keyway cutters

A key (lamellar) router is considered a professional tool. These devices are designed to cut a large number of similar grooves. Such a tool is in demand in the production of wooden windows or doors. Professionals have identified several promising models.

Makita PJ7000

Rating: 4.9

The Japanese keyway cutter Makita PJ7000 surpassed its competitors in many main indicators, for which the experts gave it the palm. The tool combines reasonable price and good performance. With a motor power of 710 W, the spindle spins up to 11,000 rpm. In this case, it is allowed to use cutters with a diameter of up to 100 mm. It should be noted that the tool is sensitive to the quality of balancing of large cutters, the slightest imbalance leads to the appearance of strong vibration.

The construction of the base turned out to be very thoughtful. You can set the desired angle of processing quickly and accurately. To adjust the cutting depth, there is a stepwise adjustment in the range of 8-20 mm.

Advantages

• high performance;

• optimal cost;

• efficient dust collector.

disadvantages

• there are no rubberized pads on the body.

BOSCH GFF 22 Professional

Rating: 4.8

Despite the professional appointment of the BOSCH GFF 22 Professional keyway cutter from Germany, he could not get around the eternal Japanese rival. The stumbling block for many buyers is the high price. At the same time, the device does not surprise with its power (670 W) or rotation speed (9000 rpm). Only the maximum cutter diameter can be used slightly larger (105 mm).

Experts note the comfortable grip of the handle and body. Right-handed operators get maximum comfort while working; for left-handers, the device is not entirely ergonomic. Many users are not satisfied with the standard dust collector; it is more efficient to use a vacuum cleaner with the tool. The milling cutter is made soundly, its weight is 2.9 kg.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;

• ergonomics;

• high performance.

disadvantages

• high price;

• ineffective dust collector.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.