Woodworking Routers
Recommendations
Shapers and routers carve into the profile of a piece of wood with a bit mounted on a spindle. Both are built to hollow out wood; however, the main difference is that a stationary shaper is mounted on a bench and a router is primarily a hand tool. However, routers can also be mounted on router tables. 
These models are recommended by ConsumerSearch.
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Combo Router Kits Dewalt DW 618PK - Micro-adjustments for precise centering, depth control, easy bit changes, and other easy-to-use features make this a favorite.
- Price: $200
- For a good budget option, check out the $100 Skil 1825 kit.
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Plunge Routers Festool OF 1400 EBQ - Recommended by pros as one of the best for superb dust control, handle design, precise bit centering, and soft-start, variable speed motor.
- Price: $335-$400
- For more heavy-duty jobs, consider the $320 Bosch 1619EVS.
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Fixed Router Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 - This is a great first fixed router. It's powered by an 11-amp, single-speed motor.
- Easily use with one hand and comes with a velcro strap.
- Price: $160
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Trimmer Porter-Cable 310 - Fixed-base lightweight trimmer perfect for single-handed use; better for righties than lefties.
- $160
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Buying a Router
Routers are used to hollow out (or rout) patterns in a face of wood. They're more portable than shapers and use a similar spindle-mounted bit.
There are two main types of routers: fixed-base and plunge. Both kinds can be attached to a router table and used like a small shaper. - Fixed-Base Routers
- With a fixed-base router you set the cut depth before switching the router on.
- The bit can either enter from the side of the wood or be worked in at an angle at the face.
- This is fine for making joints or furniture edges.
- You can make a through cut with a fixed base router, but it is more difficult than with a plunge router.
- Plunge Routers
- Plunge routers are a little more refined -- with this type you lay the router base flat on the wood face and the bit lowers slowly as you start working.
- Routers usually have a fence built in to help guide the cut along the edge of the wood.
- You can also attach a straightedge to accomplish the same thing. This makes the router much more precise and easier to control the cuts.
- Plunge routers are more adept at through cuts.
- However, plunge routers may be top-heavy and can be more difficult to adjust and maneuver.
- Combination Plunge/Fixed-Base Routers
- If you can only get one, a combination may be a good choice for you.
- Brings together the best aspects of each kind of router.
- Consist of one router motor that can slide into either of two bases for use as a plunge or a fixed-base router.
Make sure you choose a quality name-brand, comfortable router. With the precise nature of the work you don't want an uncomfortable handle or a subpar model making errors you can't erase. If you're planning on working through a lot of wood joints you'll want a heavy-duty router. If you're doing finer work you won't need as much power and you might do just fine with a small router or a trimmer.
Sizes- Trim Routers
- The smallest routers -- also known as laminate trimmers or just trimmers.
- Some are sold with multiple bases for trimming plastic; others are more all-purpose and come with only one base.
- Light enough to use with one hand.
- Usually 1 hp or less.
- Mid-Sized Routers
- Useful for most tasks in the average workshop.
- Usually 1.5-2.5hp.
- Large Routers
- Useful for professionals and advanced amateurs with large projects (such as doorframes).
- Usually pack 3hp or more.
- Can be quite heavy.
- You may also want to consider a shaper.
Features- Variable speeds provide maximum versatility with different bit sizes.
- Dust control is crucial. Either find a model that has a dust collection basket, or hook it up to a vacuum hose.
- Removable bases make changing bits easier and allow both table and handheld work.
- Can be mounted on a table or hand-held.
Router Bits
Router bits can be switched out to use your router for myriad tasks. - 1/2" and 1/4" bits are both available.
- 1/2" became much more common after the introduction of commercial plunge routers.
- Although 1/2" bits are more powerful and more frequently used, there is still a place for 1/4" bits for fine detail work and for use in trimmers.
- Could be high-speed steel (HSS), carbide-tipped or even all-carbide.
- Can have an edge to keep from damaging the piece.
- Can be anti-kickback (has extra material near base to limit depth) to lower the chance of digging too deeply into the piece.
- Spin 8,000-30,000 rotations per minute.
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- Profile router bits shape mouldings, trim, and other edges, and are an easy way to add refinement to any woodworking project.
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- Straight router bits are used for making dadoes, rabbets, and mortises; for drilling; and for just about anything else.
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