There are certain tasks in woodworking that require creating intricate designs, and having a fully functional router should help simplify things for you. But with so many variants available to choose from, can one really have a best choice? We believe so.
In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting arguably the most used types currently on the market. So whether you’re a trainee, a hobbyist, or a seasoned professional, join us as we dissect this heavyweight matchup between the plunge router versus a fixed-base router. Without a doubt, learning more will help you choose one that best fits your needs.
Plunge Router vs Fixed-Base Router Comparison Table
FEATURES | Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router  | Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router  |
|---|---|---|
Power | Powered by a 2.25-horsepower 12-AMP motor capable of producing speeds of 25,000-RPM | Fortified with a 3.25-horsepower motor that maintains constancy under load |
Built | Protected with an aluminum housing that prolongs its overall life, while reducing wear-and-tear significantly | Its soft-start function and electric brake both help prevent short-circuiting or overheating from occurring |
Ease of Use | A variable-speed dial allows for simpler changing from one setting to the other | Two built-in LED lights help to illuminate dark work areas for better visibility |
Handles | Solid wooden handles are very easy to grip and feel comfortable even after long hours of continuous working | Changing bits is made easier, thanks to a tool-less template guides system; comes with other accessories for increased efficiency |
Warranty | Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which illustrates how confident manufacturers are with their product | Includes 1-year of warranty for both parts and labor; just visit any accredited Makita service center and ask for assistance |
Price | $$ | $$$ |
Breaking It Down
But before even crowning a champion, we feel it’s best to pit the plunge and the fixed-base router in a head-to-head matchup, based, of course, on criteria that majority of consumers deem as important. Once this process is completed, we should have a better idea if the Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router or the Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router is the better choice – and for whom it is better suited.
1. Handles
Handgrips are perhaps the part of every router that users most come into contact with. As such, it is expected that manufacturers put a lot of thought and effort into conceptualizing them. They need to be easily maneuverable, ergonomically designed, and above all else, comfortable to grasp. But what other things need to be considered? Take note below.
Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router
Made from rounded hardwood handles, the Bosch 1617EVS is a joy to control. Its smooth circular shape provides amazing maneuverability and coziness. Best of all, even though it is made from wood, the knobs won’t emit a lot of heat, even after being used for several hours. The Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router certainly looks elegant with a lot of functional components as well.
Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router
The Makita RP2301FC, on the other hand, uses a rubberized material for its handles. Unlike similar tools, though, it isn’t rounded or square-shaped, but elongated. This is said to give operators better control and match better with most hand sizes. It is also important to note that the Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router’s handles come equipped with two large built-in finger switches, to manage the device and its LED lights.
Winner: Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router
2. Ease of Use
Have you ever experienced using a complicated machine? These contraptions take longer to learn and set up than actually use, which often rub consumers the wrong way. In a nutshell, most prefer something straightforward, without sacrificing the quality, of course.
Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router
One of the best things about this tool is its Constant Response Circuitry setup. Thanks to this innovation, users can now maintain a steady speed for longer periods to achieve cleaner and more accurate insertions. The variable-speed dial is also purposefully located near the top, so switching settings becomes much easier.
Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router
Earlier, we mentioned how the Makita RP2301FC‘s handles are equipped with built-in finger switches – and that’s just one of its most handy features. Moreover, the tool-less template guide system provides a quick and stress-free way for you to change bits. Add in its cleverly designed and easy-to-read depth scale, and you instantly have a plunge router perfect for beginners.
Winner: Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router
3. Affordability
As consumers, it is imperative to go after transactions with the highest potential value. But this doesn’t mean settling for the cheapest or lowest-priced option. We’ll need to look at its benefits as an entirety and relate it to the price. It is only through this that we can say whether a product is truly affordable.
Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router
At just under $150, the Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router offers impeccable value for its price. This tool is potent, powerful, and extremely user-friendly, so much so that even beginners won’t encounter any issues. We feel it’s a perfect option for new users or experts in need of a secondary router.
Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router
Although double the price of its competitor, we’d still consider the Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router as a reasonable option. Armed with a 3.25-horsepower motor and oversized ball-bearing construction, this instrument is built to last for several years. Just be sure you’re really serious about woodworking before considering it because $280 is not an investment everyone is willing to take.
Winner: Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router
4. Warranty
One aspect that’s often overlooked when making a purchase is warranty. Sadly, though, most people only realize they need it when it’s almost too late. Don’t let regret take the wheel; our advice is to only consider options that offer this premium.
Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router
Having the luxury of a one-year service protection plan, one year worth of limited warranty, and a 30-day money-back guarantee are just some of the benefits you receive with the Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Hand Router. This is a big advantage for consumers since you instantly have someone to turn to in times of need.
Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router
Similarly, Makita also offers a similar warranty package that includes a one-year guarantee for parts and the actual unit. This contains an option for refund or replacement should the customer not be satisfied within thirty days.
Winner: Tied
Pros and Cons
Sanders | pros | cons |
|---|---|---|
| - Maintains your desired speed for long periods of time - Very durable; it portrays minimal signs of wear-and-tear - Easy to control thanks to its circular wooden handles - The cuts produced are clean and precise | - There have been several reported issues with delivery |
| - Ergonomically designed and built for the highest level of user experience - Offers good routing power for its price - Ball-bearing construction helps extend the tool life significantly | - You won’t easily find replacement parts should the need arise |
Conclusion
All things considered, the matchup between a plunge router versus a fixed-base router isn’t all that complicated. After going through each one’s advantages, best features, and biggest flaws, it’s clear that a fixed-base model, particularly the Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router, is the superior tool.
Even though it costs slightly more, the power and practicality it provides is enough to warrant its price. So whether you’ve been into woodworking for one, two, three, five, or twenty years, this should be a tool that makes your life much simpler.
