A wood router is arguably the most versatile power tool you can get. Its ability to carve through wood and produce intricate designs are coveted by both professional and novice woodworkers. So any time you get a chance to take this home, do it – because its wide range of uses will bring flexibility in whatever nature of work you choose to do.
Of its many different variations, a plunge router easily stands the most. This machine is built not only to edge material but also for creating deep insertions into the workpiece. Having this setup greatly widens its range of uses. Moreover, it delivers a cleaner finish that’s leaps and bounds more accurate than others.
If you’re interested in learning more, we plan on discussing further by enumerating the best plunge routers currently on the market. Through this, we hope you develop a deeper understanding of these kinds of equipment.
Plunge Router Comparison Table
Plunge router | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Produces a maximum speed of 22,000-RPM for use in different tasks - Its lightweight design helps it to be mobilized and brought around virtually anywhere you choose | 4.3/5.0 | |
 | - Fortified with a 3.25-horsepower motor that digs through a wide variety of materials - A soft start function controls the engine so it doesn’t overheat or short-circuit | 4.9/5.0 | |
 | - Adjustment of bit depths is made easier, thanks to the Afterlock Micro-Fine function
- The handles are rubberized and padded well for better control and comfort | 5.0/5.0 | |
 | - The rack-and-pinion system gives it the ability to move from plunge-base to fixed-base in no time - Side air ducts facilitate the flow of dust, preventing it from entering the motor’s chamber | 4.0/5.0 | |
 | - A solid 15-AMP motor generates cuts as deep as 2.75-inches in depth - Its built-in two-finger switch streamlines the settings for superior controllability | 4.2/5.0 |
Plunge Router Reviews
Dewalt is one of the most reputable companies around and through almost a century of experience, they’ve consistently produced quality power tools to make everyone’s lives easier. The DW625 Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router is only a small sample size of this truth.
Since its introduction, this product has become quite popular among consumers. Its powerful 3-horsepower motor can dig through even the thickest of exteriors, while a rack-and-pinion allows you to create slices with varying depths. This should broaden the types of cuts you are capable of producing.
In terms of compactness and mobility, the Dewalt DW625 Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router is friendly to users too. Its small size makes it easy to carry around – even with just one hand – and control. Though we would have preferred the handles to be better designed. There have been times when it counteracts the motion we were trying to do.
Still, this unit is one of the best plunge router options you can ever find. Some of its best attributes include durability, dependability, and being high-performing. Needless to say, it should be a true asset in your workshop.
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Another quality option to consider is the Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router. It may not run as smoothly as the Dewalt DW625, but it has perhaps a more complete repertoire. Armed with a 3.25-horsepower motor with a maximum speed of 22,000-RPM, this can serve as a viable solution for all your woodworking needs.
One example is a soft-start feature. This function controls the engine by gradually increasing the power until it reaches your desired speed, which is in contrary to other models that heat-up too quickly before eventually short-circuiting. We truly appreciate the mindfulness of Makita to include this in their product, as it makes everything easier to control and extends the overall life span.
Furthermore, the Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router is ergonomically-designed in a way that rivals the best. Thick rubberized handles are present to better maneuver it around tight places, while a lock-on trigger ensures continuous operation. There are even LED lights present so you can still work even when in dimly lit locations.
It won’t matter whether you’re an amateur or specialist on this; the Makita RP2301FC is definitely a tool you can use. Seeing all the advantages it provides will only push you to pursue wood-crafting even more.
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It’s not at all surprising that the Bosch MRP23EVS Electronic Plunge-Base Router is on our illustrious list. The quality of cuts created is astounding, considering it looks more like a character from Star Wars than a high-tech power tool. However, don’t let is looks fool you because this is easily one of the best.
Our favorite thing about this model is the trigger control system. Since all the major settings can be found in a singular place, adjusting them is made easier. This is especially valuable when taking on detail woodworks since several micro-movements are needed. As a result, your actions are much more fluid and the quality of each product, vastly improved.
Additionally, an innovative Afterlock Micro-Fine Adjustment function simplifies that task of fine-tuning your bits. Instead of adjusting depths manually, both a turret stop and two-stage quick-clamp system enables this even without the use of tools. Finally, a precision-centering property keeps the bit aligned to the base at all times.
Ultimately, utilizing the Bosch MRP23EVS Electronic Plunge-Base Router won’t require much acclimation. Even first-time users should adapt to it like a fish in the water. Check this out if you desire a hassle-free work session.
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One of the most underrated entries on our review is the Triton TRA001 Plunge Router. But after learning more about it, we hope that consumers learn to appreciate this model for the marvelous things it is capable of doing.
In terms of performance, this plunge router carries a 3.25-horsepower, 15-AMP motor, which is among the strongest in its class. Even the heftiest chunks of lumber are no match for this tool’s cutting strength. Also, a revolutionary rack-and-pinion system lets you switch it from plunge-base to fixed-base in mere seconds.
Users will likewise be happy to know that the Triton TRA001 has made shifting speed settings much simpler. A micro winder manages this so you can select the perfect rapidity for each task. Eventually, it should result in better control and more precise actions.
It is true that many readers may feel apprehensive spending so much on a wood router not manufactured by a big company, but we’re here to calm those concerns. Nevertheless, Triton has done everything right to prove they deserve a spot on our best plunge router review.
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The final entry on our list is the Makita RP1800 Plunge Router, although it is far from being a pushover. This majestic piece of mechanical marvel is beloved by professional carpenters and masons – and rightfully so – thanks to its wide range of abilities.
Aside from a 3.25-horsepower motor that is its most striking feature, several linear ball bearings work hard to plunge the wood. They are strong enough to create holes as deep as 2.75-inches in depth. Once this happens, the bit can now create perfectly crafted designs within the planks. These are commonly found in furniture items, door, and even the sides of boats.
To complement its cutting prowess, the Makita RP1800 Plunge Router is equipped with a two-finger switch. On it are controls that include a quick-release plunge depth adjustment setting, a lock-on trigger for continuous operation, and a shaft lock that makes adjusting parts more convenient. All these work together to enhance overall efficiency.
We firmly believe in the capabilities of this plunge router. Anyone looking to maximize his or her woodworking skills must seriously consider the Makita RP1800 Plunge Router. You won’t go wrong with this investment.
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Conclusion
The benefits of owning a plunge router are so wide it cannot simply be measured in a single article. Nonetheless, we hope that through our input, your appreciation and belief in these power tools has deepened greatly. Truly, they offer a lot of different benefits to anyone thinking of entering or even upgrading their woodworking skills.
So the next time you visit a hardware, be sure to take a closer look any of our best plunge routers, particularly the Bosch MRP23EVS Electronic Plunge-Base Router, which is the model we would most like to recommend.
