If you want to beautify and decorate the edges of your wooden furniture, a trim router is your way to perfection. After several hours of research and interviewing industry experts, we concluded that the DEWALT DW616PK Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit is one of the best trim routers in the market.
Being more powerful than other trim routers, it also allows you to modify its speed for varying purposes. In case you need an alternative, we have compiled a list of three most prominent trim routers that are powerful and easy to operate.
Makita-built Brushless motor delivers faster and more accurate cuts in a variety of materials
The electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands...
Variable speed control dial (10, 000 - 30, 000 RPM) to match the speed to the application
The Makita XTR01T7 is a battery-powered variant of a compact trim router. We were amazed to see how the router works quieter and smoother. What we like more is how the fan blowing onto the sawdust and LEDs provide great visibility while working.
Moreover, it doesn’t stress your muscles due to its excellent ergonomics and smoother operation. The controversial part is it being powered by a battery. From our research, we found the battery to provide plenty of power to run the motor smoothly.
However, if you use it for cutting deep slots, you’ll observe that the battery drains quicker. Moreover, it cannot fit round-over of 3/8 inches or similar sizes. Even though you can easily modify the base, it will void the warranty of the product.
While trying out this trim router, we found out that lock, unlock, and power buttons are placed separately. This prevents the router from turning on unintentionally and causing any injury. Hence, it acts as a great security feature.
The product comes with an in-built dust collector attachment. We observed that the attachment works well and hardly lets any dust to escape. You won’t require a blowgun after finishing your work.
It also provides a dial to adjust the speed of the motor. We found it very useful for numerous applications that require variable speed. Another added advantage is its being wireless that provides ease of usage.
Despite all the amazing features, we also found that the bottom opening doesn’t provide enough clearance to fit a guide bushing lock nut. Even though it’s a minor issue, it feels very annoying while doing offset routing work.
Things We Like
Portable & Lightweight design for ease of use
Aluminum body for a higher durability
Powerful motor design for heavy-duty work
Things We Don’t Like
Cannot fit 3/8 inches round-overs
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, the Makita XTR01T7 provides a spectrum of features. If poor depth adjustment is not an issue for you at all, the product is the best in the class cordless router at such a competitive price.
2.DEWALT DW616PK Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit – Best For Making Trim
1-3/4 maximum horsepower, 11-amp motor provides power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods
Micro-fine depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64-inch increments and adjusts vertically
Straight guide with fine fence adjuster for precision positioning of the parallel fence
Providing you a perfect blend of power and size, the DEWALT router fits the bill for all your shaping, holing, and channeling needs. We were impressed by the way this router cuts through pine and softer wood.
This trim router is certainly a perfect match for small projects. However, it is not suggested to be used for longer periods. It contains some small rubber parts that get hot and melt on extended usage. Also you can see the comparison of two alternative of this router.
Talking about the LED lights, we tested it in different environments and found that it is positioned perfectly to light the path. Moreover, the plunge base is highly adjustable to provide a non-slip hold on the lever.
Since it boosts the versatility of applications, we tested it thoroughly. The variable speed control makes it easier to cut through different types of woods. Also, thanks to the transparent bases to provide great visibility of work.
We also found it to be highly precise for depth adjustment due to the micro-adjustment available on the fixed base. The locator slots make it even easier to move the router into the right place in the base.We also compared it to the full-sized variant and found it to be relatively quieter. However, if the threaded body of the motor is not cleaned before using, the trim router will make some noise due to the collected sawdust.
We were genuinely impressed by the quality of its plunge base. The plunge base operates smoothly and works well throughout the usage. The ergonomics and size of handles are also praiseworthy because they provide a comfortable placement.
Things We Like
Transparent sub-base for better visibility
Ergonomic design for comfortable operation
12-Level spindle lock for different applications
Subtle construction to last longer
Things We Don’t Like
No electric breaks
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the best trim router for home DIY, the DEWALT router base kit is a perfect option for you. With its great quality, compact design, and smooth operation, it certainly outsmarts the competition.
3. RIDGID R2401 Laminate Trim Router – Best For CNC
Round and Square Bases - for added versatility and convenience
Easy Access Micro Adjust Dial – for precise depth control
Flat Top – router sits upside down for easier bit changes
Even though not being as popular as other renowned brands, RIDGID R2401 certainly surpasses most of the trim routers in terms of performance. We liked the micro-adjustment dial that is used to control the motor’s speed and adjust the depth for precision.
However, the power switches somewhat annoying because of its position. It is located at the top and is required to push down to turn off the product. Since we hold it from the top, we need to be extra careful with the power button.
We also like how the square and round bases make the router even more convenient and versatile. Moreover, having a flat top allows the router to stand upside down which makes bits (see the top router bits) replacement faster and easier.
While reviewing we found that the router is equipped with a no-mar top that prevents your workspace from marring. There’s also a quick-release lever that can be used to remove the motor from the base.There are various models available by RIDGID. However, we chose this one because it also provides LEDs. The lights are positioned perfectly and are bright enough to improve the visibility of your work area.
The thing that surprised us the most is the soft molded grip on this trim router. If you are looking for extended usage, the molded grip makes it possible for you. While testing, we were also surprised by the power of its motor.
Although it doesn’t provide those advanced features like in Makita or DEWALT, it can perfectly get the basic job done. We also loved the bag included in the package to store and carry this trim router safely.
Things We Like
Ease of usage
Compact and lightweight design
No maintenance required
Things We Don’t Like
A limited number of features
Bottom Line
All in all, the RIDGID R2401 Laminate Trim Router is a highly versatile product with ease of usage. If you are in search of a small yet powerful router for your home DIY projects, this one is certainly a perfect fit for you.
4.Bosch GKF125CEN – Palm Router – Best For Sign Making
EASE OF USE: Revolutionary new depth adjustment system for easy and precise depth adjustment
POWER: Featuring a 1.25-HP, 7.0 Amp motor for compact versatility with 16,000-35,000 RPM
Straight edge guide designed for palm routers – mounts to Bosch GKF125CE, PR10E and PR20EVS palm routers’ PR001 and...
The Bosch GKF125CEN is a very beginner-friendly and easy to use palm router. We like the way it provides powerful performance with a great and lightweight design. After all, Bosch has an experience of 36 years in the industry. You can compare it with the detailed review of Bosch 1617EVSPK.
Talking about its size, we found it to be very handy for smaller projects in our tests. However, you need to have a firm one-handed grip to use it for heavy-duty work. Moreover, the depth adjustment is also quite fussy.
Even though it is the cheapest trim router, it offers a splendid performance. We found that it has a motor of 1 HP, claiming to provide a speed of around 16,000 – 35,000 RPM. The best part is that it does provide boasted RPM.
To make it even more precise, you can make use of the depth adjustment feature and make micro or macro adjustments. We also liked the straight edge guide technology that further improvises the accuracy of this trim router.As for the functionality, we tested the ergonomics of this product. We found that it provides a highly precise collet and a subtle grip. Moreover, it has a lightweight design that makes it even easier to control and highly functional.
We also liked the way how the palm router fits perfectly in the hand. However, the position of the dial makes it harder to adjust it. Moreover, it also misses the LED light feature due to which it is comparatively harder to see the visibility of work.
But, keeping the price in mind, we found it to be very ergonomic and easy to use. Furthermore, our research also concluded that this product is not much loud in comparison to other trim routers. For woods like pine and spruce, it provides a decent finishing quality.
Things We Like
Easy to operate
Rigid body with a durable construction
Highly affordable price
Light-weight & portable for single-handed operation
Things We Don’t Like
Poor clamping mechanism
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly trim router, we highly suggest you go with Bosch GKF125CEN palm router. Even though it misses out on some features, its price makes it comparatively a fair deal.
5.MLCS 9056 Rocky Trim Router – Best With LED Light
Appreciated for its ultimate ease of usage, the MLCS 9056 Rocky Trim Router is one of the most durable and stable palm routers available in the market. We like how the height adjustment mechanism makes it even more versatile.
This product features 6 variable speed dials that help in dealing with different weights and sizes of wood. The base of this router is made of aluminum that provides its subtle durability. We were also impressed by the power of its motor.
However, we observed that it has a no-load max RPM slightly higher than that of Makita. Unlike other routers, it does not provide active electronic speed control. However, keeping in mind the price range of this product, you cannot expect it to provide such features.
After using it for a while, we observed that it gets heated up quickly. Therefore, in case you need to work with it for extended hours, you may have to purchase the plunge base additionally from the MLCS.On the bright side, this router, along with the fixed base, is small enough to be controlled with one hand. Moreover, we were able to reach the power button with a thumb that makes it perfect for single-handed usage.
There are a rack and pinion system available in the aluminum metal base that can be used to adjust the height of this router. Moreover, the flip lever works well in locking the motor at a certain height to the metal base.
As for comfort, we found the rubber pads to be efficient enough to provide a comfortable grip. It provides great control when you are working on your onsite and offsite projects. Its design is very easy to use and lightweight as well.
Things We Like
Extremely quiet operation
Heavy-duty aluminum body
Easy-to-use ergonomic design
Things We Don’t Like
Cannot handle heavy-duty projects
Bottom Line
If you are running on a shoestring budget, the MLCS 9056 Rocky Trim Router is a perfect choice for you. With its great stability and ease of usage, you can always rely on it for all your small-scale projects.
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Trim Routers
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Trim Routers
1.Adjustable Bit Height
When you are using a trim router for small work, even a mall bit can cause disaster. Therefore, you need to make sure that the product you choose allows you to adjust the bit height with ease. Make sure that the adjustment is accurate and uncomplicated.
The simpler the design of your router, the easier it is to adjust the bit height. That’s why the RIDGID R2401 Laminate Trim Router provides you the best bit height adjustment feature. It has an extremely simple and easy to use design.
2.Arbor Size
Often termed as collect size, this feature determines the least diameter of the bit that you will use for your project. In general, most of the routers have collected of a diameter ¼ while some can even take collects that are ½ in diameter.
As a general rule of thumb, the better the trim router, the more substantial the arbor size. Among the products that we reviewed, the DEWALT DW616PK Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit has the perfect arbor size that matches all your requirements.
3.Depth Control
This feature is specifically handy to adjust the depth of your router. No matter which trims router you purchase, you must ensure that it provides you a moderate depth expansion with certain applications.
Moreover, you may also consider choosing a device that allows you to adjust the height of cutting with the help of a dial handle. Among all the products we tested, the Bosch Palm Router stands out for this feature.
4.Motor Speed
When it comes to buying a trim router, the speed of the motor plays a dominant role. Since the majority of the users tend to lose control over the machine when its either too fast or too slow, you need to consider a router that provides a moderate speed.
Some variants also provide the controllable speed that can be very handy for different types of bits. In easy words, small bits are achievable with cleaner cuts at very high speed and larger bits need slower speed to avoid any accidents.
5.Vacuum Port
With this feature, you can get rid of the sawdust that gets collected over your tabletop. This is such a feature that you must consider in the trim router that you purchase. Since it helps you manage and remove the unwanted particles of sawdust, it makes your work smoother and efficient.
Based on the output of the device and the user’s load, the electronic feedback circuitry feature allows you to adjust the toque of your router. By using this feature, you don’t have to worry about adjusting the speed of the router while working.
This feature helps you to increase the speed of your work gradually because you don’t have to adjust the speed manually. In case you were looking for this feature, make sure you have a look at the DEWALT DW616PK Router Kit. Or go with Bosch 1617EVSPK version.
7.Precision
While choosing a trim router, make sure that you check its but adjustment capacity. As a general rule of thumb, quality routers allow you to adjust the bits at a large scale with great precision and sensitivity.
While cheaper alternatives will provide you a sensitivity of 1/16 inch, the quality ones can provide you a sensitivity of up to 1/64 inch. Based on our research, the RIDGID R2401 Laminate Trim Router provides great precision.
8.Power
Last but surely not least, power is what you want to consider at the top. For a similar price range, you can get different models that provide varying ranges of power. Therefore, make sure that you research on this factor thoroughly.
However, ensure that you at least go for a router that provides you a minimum of 1 HP. Just so you know, less power means you’ll not be able to work on low-quality bits and harder wood. Moreover, if you want to get the work done quickly, you must have a powerful router.
The Takeaway
There are numerous trim routers available for a range of purposes. Before you dive in to purchase one, you need to be clear about your requirements. Whether you need a trim router for small-scale projects, home DIY, or heavy-duty purposes, numerous best trim routers fit your purpose. Once you are sure about your requirements, don’t forget to consider the budget as well. At last, you can always check back at this comprehensive guide to make an intelligent purchase decision.
There are numerous trim routers available for a range of purposes. Before you dive in to purchase one, you need to be clear about your requirements. Whether you need a trim router for small-scale projects, home DIY, or heavy-duty purposes, numerous best trim routers fit your purpose. Once you are sure about your requirements, don’t forget to consider the budget as well. At last, you can always check back at this comprehensive guide to make an intelligent purchase decision.
DEWALT DW616PK 1-3/4 Horsepower - Editor's Choice
4.9
Summary
Providing you a perfect blend of power and size, the DEWALT router fits the bill for all your shaping, holing, and channeling needs. Talking about the LED lights, we tested it in different environments and found that it is positioned perfectly to light the path. Moreover, the plunge base is highly adjustable to provide a non-slip hold on the lever.
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