How and which manual wood router to choose: rating of the TOP-10 best models

Hand routers are designed for processing soft and hard wood, plastic, composites, non-ferrous metals and other materials..

Professionals and DIYers alike will appreciate this tool, which will become an indispensable assistant in joinery or carpentry.

Which milling cutters are the best today, what features and parameters to pay attention to when choosing them, we will consider in this review.

Criteria for choosing a manual router

This device will help with the selection of quarters, creating grooves, folds, slots, spikes, seats for door fittings.

The choice of a manual wood router is primarily based on the study of its technical characteristics and features:

• Type of equipment.
  Depending on the purpose and design features, milling cutters are divided into several types.
  Submersible (vertical, rod) devices provide basic milling operations, edge (edging, trimmers) allow you to select grooves, grooves, chamfers and recesses.
  Cleaning tools are used to remove all kinds of coatings.
  Lamellar are intended exclusively for sampling grooves.
  Rotary and filler mills are used for cutting single and double holes, respectively.
• Power consumption.
  The performance of the tool depends on this parameter, the diameter and length of the installed cutter are associated with it.
  For small tasks, a 750-1000 watt device is suitable.
  For regular and long-term work, milling machines with a power of over 1.5 kW are recommended.
• Rotational speed.
  This technical characteristic determines the speed of rotation of the cutter.
  Smaller revolutions allow you to work with precision, high linear speed is suitable for processing hard wood, metals.
• Milling depth.
  This parameter is related to the functionality of the equipment.
  Light household-class routers provide tooling travel from 20 to 50 mm, powerful professional models support milling depths up to 70-80 mm.
• Additional functionality.
  This is, first of all, constant electronics that maintains the speed at a given level and controls the power of the engine, soft start, providing a gradual increase in engine speed, protection against overloads and unintentional start, responsible for the safety of equipment and the operator.
  Additional options facilitate the use of the device and expand its functionality.
• Design features.
  Ensure the convenience and quality of the production process.
  When choosing a router, you should pay attention to the design of the support platform (cast construction is considered the best), the rod mechanism (moving the head along the rods should be easy and smooth), the presence of a fine adjustment of the milling depth (the micrometer scale gives the most accurate adjustment), the attachment point (diameter cutter must match the diameter of the collet).
• Auxiliaries.
  All kinds of auxiliary equipment makes working with the device easier and more convenient.
  The parallel side stop is necessary for milling parallel to the edges of the workpieces, the guide bar is used for processing in a straight line (including at an angle relative to the edge), the copy sleeve provides cutting along complex paths according to the template, the compass ruler allows cutting along a radial line, the nozzle serves for vacuum cleaner and helps keep the cutting area clean.

The best vertical models

Plunge hand mills allow you to effortlessly create grooves, holes, rounding, chamfering at home and at work.

Rating TOP-4 of the best wood routers in terms of price and quality.

ELITECH F 1800E, 1800 W

Inexpensive vertical router ELITECH F 1800E with a power of 1.8 kW is a specialized tool for preparing various decorative elements and carrying out high-quality processing of materials.

The device provides processing of workpieces to a depth of 5.5 cm.

The device is provided with a starting current limiter with a smooth speed increase, which excludes overload and equipment breakdown.

The router is powered by 220 volts.

The unit is equipped with a lighting system for the treated area, a speed controller with a setting range from 12,000 to 25,000 rpm, and an option to connect a vacuum cleaner.

The device is equipped with a parallel guide, key and collets.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 1.8 kW;
• rotation speed - 12000-25000 rpm;
• milling depth - 5.5 cm;
• collet sizes - 8 mm, 12 mm;
• network cable length - 2.5 m;
• product weight - 4.3 kg;
• features - speed controller, soft start, turret stop, fine tuning, spindle lock, vacuum cleaner connection, backlight.

BOSCH POF 1400 ACE 060326C820, 1400 W

The affordable BOSCH POF 1400 ACE 060326C820 1.4 kW router is designed to work with wood, including figured carving, creating complex holes, and cutting grooves for hinges.

The device provides a milling depth of up to 5.5 cm.

The device is equipped with the option of manual micro-adjustment with an accuracy of 0.1 mm, an electronic stabilization system, a copy sleeve that can be installed without the use of additional tools.

Electronic control allows you to adjust the rotation speed from 11,000 to 28,000 rpm.

The device is supplemented with backlight, soft start, casing to protect the device from dust. The noise level of the device does not exceed 95 dB.

The kit includes an adapter, a key, a sleeve, a case, a cutter 8 mm, a parallel stop, a centering rod, collet chucks.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 1.4 kW;
• rotation speed - 11000-28000 rpm;
• milling depth - 5.5 cm;
• collet sizes - 6 mm, 8 mm, 1/4?;
• product weight - 3.5 kg;
• features - molded sole, speed control, speed stabilization, soft start, turret stop, fine tuning, spindle lock, vacuum cleaner connection, backlight.

BOSCH POF 1400 ACE + 6 cutters, 1400 W

The professional BOSCH POF 1400 ACE router with 6 cutters in the kit and a 1.4 kW motor will ensure efficient work with wooden surfaces, as well as with products made from various mineral materials.

The unit supports the ability to change the number of revolutions from 11,000 to 28,000 units per minute.

The device is equipped with constant electronics, copy sleeve, ergonomic handles with rubber pads.

The noise level of the working model does not exceed 95 dB.

The product is equipped with a suction adapter, an open-end wrench, a case, a parallel stop, a centering rod, three collet chucks, a set of cutters.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 1.4 kW;
• rotation speed - 11000-28000 rpm;
• milling depth - 5.5 cm;
• collet sizes - 6 mm, 8 mm, 1/4?;
• product weight - 3.5 kg;
• features - speed controller, speed stabilization, turret stop, fine tuning, spindle lock, vacuum cleaner connection, backlight.

BOSCH POF 1200AE 060326A100, 1200W

The BOSCH POF 1200 AE 060326A100 professional-class vertical router with a power of 1.2 kW is a specialized tool designed for cutting grooves necessary for connecting wooden structures and shaped elements.

The device provides high performance when performing complex work with dense wood.

The device is equipped with electronic control of motor speed, spindle lock, copy sleeve installed without special tools.

The device is equipped with a dust removal system, a transparent casing, an ergonomic handle with an overlay.

The noise level of the operating unit is 95 dB.

The milling cutter is equipped with an adapter, a key, an 8 mm tool, a parallel stop, collets and a centering rod.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 1.2 kW;
• rotation speed - 11000-28000 rpm;
• milling depth - 5.5 cm;
• collet sizes - 6 mm, 8 mm, 1/4?;
• product weight - 3.4 kg;
• features - molded sole, speed control, turret, fine tuning, spindle lock, keyless tool change, vacuum cleaner connection.

Best sweeper models

Cleaning mills will provide high-quality, quick removal of plaster, removal of any other old coatings as part of the repair or restoration of any object.

Review of the best cleaning routers for the home workshop according to customer reviews and ratings.

Metabo LF 724 S, 710 W

The advanced 0.71 kW Metabo LF 724 S clean-up router is an ideal solution for restoration work, removing paint and varnish from wooden surfaces, and high-quality processing of folds.

The device is powered by 220 volts. The length of the cable to connect to the outlet is 4 meters.

The device is equipped with a spindle lock option, carbide metal blades, a pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner.

The gearbox housing in this model is made of a highly durable aluminum alloy.

The noise level of the operating equipment does not exceed 86 dB. The device is equipped with accessories, a case, an awl, a combination wrench.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 0.71 kW;
• rotation speed - 10000 rpm;
• network cable length - 4 m;
• product weight - 2.4 kg;
• features - molded sole, spindle lock, vacuum cleaner connection.

The best edge routers

Trimmers will help you to make a selection of grooves, make grooves, chamfer, cut shallow recesses according to the template with maximum quality and accuracy.

Makita RT0700CX2, 710 W

Edge router (trimmer) Makita RT0700CX2 is a specialized tool with a 0.71 kW electric motor, provided with all the functions necessary for perfect processing of the edge of wood products.

The device is equipped with a rotation speed regulator, a spindle lock system, a guide sleeve for working with templates.

Depth adjustment is carried out using a rubber roller.

The device is made of high-strength plastic, metal and rubber.

The delivery set includes collets, various platforms and bases, contour and parallel guides, copy sleeves, a handle, a carrying bag.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 0.71 kW;
• rotation speed - 10000-30000 rpm;
• milling depth - 3.5 cm;
• collet sizes - 6 mm, 8 mm;
• network cable length - 2.5 m;
• product weight - 1.8 kg;
• features - speed controller, speed stabilization, soft start, turret stop, fine tuning, spindle lock, vacuum cleaner connection.

Makita 3710, 530 W

The edge milling cutter (trimmer) Makita 3710 with a power of 0.53 kW is equipped with a transparent plastic base that allows you to view the surface of the surface to be treated in all details.

The tool shown supports 6mm shank tooling in collet chucks.

The milling cutter is equipped with a system for adjusting the base inclination from 0 to 45 degrees, an ergonomic non-slip body pad, and a productive electric drive.

The equipment weighs 1.5 kg, develops up to 35 thousand revolutions per minute.

The product is equipped with a parallel stop, a contour guide, a collet 6 mm, a straight cutter 6 mm, clamping keys.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 0.53 kW;
• rotation speed - 30000 rpm;
• milling depth - 4.0 cm;
• collet dimensions - 6 mm;
• network cable length - 2.5 m;
• product weight - 1.5 kg.

BOSCH GKF 550 Professional, 550 W

The professional edge milling cutter (trimmer) BOSCH GKF 550 Professional, equipped with a 0.55 kW engine, due to its low weight will be especially convenient for long-term processing of various materials.

Additional convenience and increased accuracy of work is provided by a parallel stop, cut depth limiter, roller guide.

The design of the presented milling cutter provides a protective wall.

The device develops up to 33 thousand revolutions per minute, supports collets with a diameter of 6 mm.

The product is additionally equipped with a copy sleeve and wrenches for 10 and 17 mm.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 0.55 kW;
• rotation speed - 33000 rpm;
• milling depth - 4.1 cm;
• collet dimensions - 6 mm;
• product weight - 1.4 kg.

Makita DRT50ZJX2

The Makita DRT50ZJX2 Cordless Edge Router (Trimmer) is a powerful tool in an ergonomically compact body that provides the ability to work autonomously in conditions without an electrical outlet.

The device is compatible with Li-Ion-type batteries with an output voltage of 18 volts.

The battery and charger for this model are sold separately.

The milling cutter is equipped with a system for adjusting and stabilizing speed, has a small weight and compact dimensions.

The device is complemented by ergonomic handles, LED backlight, built-in dust removal unit.

The model is equipped with a submersible and inclined base, a straight rail, a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, a parallel stop, a mounting key, and a branded Mak Pac case.

Specifications:

• power supply - rechargeable, 18 V, Li-Ion;
• rotation speed - 10000-30000 rpm;
• milling depth - 4.0 cm;
• collet sizes - 6 mm, 8 mm;
• product weight - 2.1 kg;
• features - speed controller, speed stabilization, soft start, spindle brake, turret stop, fine tuning, spindle lock, vacuum cleaner connection, backlight.

The best lamellar models

Highly directional lamella milling equipment will provide high-quality and accurate grooving in home or industrial workshops.

Makita PJ7000, 710W

The Makita PJ7000 lamellar (keyway) router, equipped with a 0.71 kW electric motor, will allow you to comfortably select grooves, milling to a depth of 2 cm.

The device is equipped with a spindle lock, a protective limiter, a system for connecting a vacuum cleaner.

The product is delivered in an ergonomic case with a front handle, cutter and dust collector.

The device works from a standard power supply and operates at a noise level of no more than 97 dB. The milling cutter weighs 2.5 kg without packaging, has overall dimensions of 13.9 × 14.5 × 30.2 cm.

Specifications:

• power consumption - 0.71 kW;
• rotation speed - 11000 rpm;
• milling depth - 2.0 cm;
• network cable length - 2.5 m;
• product weight - 2.5 kg;
• features - spindle lock, vacuum cleaner connection.

Reviews

Useful video

From this video you will learn how to work with a router for beginners:

Conclusion

• The hand router provides high-quality processing of wood and other materials, it can be used by both professionals and home masters of joinery and carpentry.
• When choosing a manual router, you need to pay attention to its type, power, speed, milling depth, additional options, design features and accessories included.
• Vertical routers provide all the basic milling operations, edge and lamellar models allow you to select grooves, cleaning tools make it possible to remove coatings from various surfaces.