Routers

The first router that you buy seems like a substantial purchase until you start to purchase bits. You'll buy a small starter set of bits and then buy a few more on sale. Then you'll buy a larger set of bits and suddenly find that the value of your bits far exceeds the value of your router. That's when you start buying more routers.

We have four routers in the Toolcritic Shop and we have our eyes out for a good deal on one more. Two of our routers are dedicated in tables and the other two are used for hand-held applications. This is not to say that all of our applications couldn't be done with one router. Multiple routers simply reduce setup time by dedicating a router to a specific application. In Sam Maloof's shop, there is a dedicated router that holds a single 5° custom bit set at a specific depth. It is labeled and never changed so that setup time is zero when it is used. When time is precious, another router is a small price to pay.
 

Types of Routers

The slippery slope to a shop full of routers stats with your first purchase. There are two basic types of routers: fixed base and plunge routers. Generally, plunge routers are more versatile and a little more expensive than a comparable fixed base router. Any cut that requires starting inside the edges of a work piece, requires a plunge router. There are many cuts that simply cannot be made with a fixed base router. On the other hand, fixed based routers are less expensive and tend to be a little lighter and easier to handle for simple tasks like roundovers and cutting dados and rabbets.

If you are buying your first router and don't plan to purchase another one for a while, we recommend a plunge router or a router with multiple bases (plunge and fixed). Once you've used it for a while and done a variety of cuts, you'll know what kind of router to purchase next.

The second thing to consider is router power. We've divided the categories into 1-2hp routers and 3hp routers. For your first router, we think that you'll need at least 2hp (give or take a 1/4 hp). Smaller routers are only suitable for cuts that remove a small amount of material (small bits, roundovers, chamfers). If you make multiple passes and stay away from large panel cutting bits, you can make most cuts with a 2hp router.

If you want smooth power and can afford the additional price (and don't mind the extra weight), a 3hp router is the way to go. They are wonderful for router tables.
 

Other Things to Consider

Variable speed on a router becomes increasingly important as the size of the bits you plan to use increases. Large bits work better at lower speeds. The quality of dust collection on the router is a consideration. Soft start is another nice feature to save the routers motor and reduce the jerk as it is powered on.

The less vibration that comes from the router, the better. You should also look at the ease of changing bits. Some routers require two wrenches and some have a lock so that a single wrench can be used. We don't really have a strong preference, but the single wrench solution is easier when you have one hand holding the router and only one other hand available.
 

Buying Bits

Most of the bits you'll buy will require either a 1/4" or a 1/2" collet (the thing that holds the bits in the router). There are some 3/8" bits floating around out there, but they generally come with an adapter that allows them to be used in a 1/2" collet. Don't start buying 1/4" shank bits because your router came with a 1/4" collet. Order a 1/2" collet right away. Whenever you have a choice, get 1/2" bits. They dissipate heat better than 1/4" bits and they vibrate less. We were unclever getting started and bought lots of 1/4" bits. For the most part, they gather dust now.

Fine Woodworking (FWW #186) has an excellent article on the 10 essential bits you need to get started. They are listed below. With the exception of the 1/4" straight bit, we recommend 1/2" shanks. Several retailers offer these bits as a set costing from $150 to $250 for decent quality bits.

• 1/4" straight bit

• 1/2" straight bit

• 3/8" spiral-fluted straight bit

• Rabbeting bit

• 1/2" dovetail bit

• 1/4" roundover bit

• 3/8" radius cove bit

• 45° chamfer bit

• Three-wing slot cutter

• 1/2" flush-trimming bit

It's really pretty hard to know what bits you'll need until you start building things. For example, we're not certain that you need a cove bit before you get a 1/2" or a 3/8" roundover bit. It's probably best to buy good bits as you need them (or in anticipation of needing them).

Routers Analysis

Average Grade Average Price products B $138.93 33 1-2hp Fixed Base are the basic workhorse routers of the shop. They can be used for any application that does not ...  Click here to read the full overview (and our pick) and reviews of products in this analysis. For details on why we prefer the Bosch 1617EVS for the 1-2hp Fixed Base Routers analysis, click here. For more data about why we prefer the Porter Cable 9690LR for the 1-2hp Fixed Base Routers analysis, click here.

Average Grade Average Price products A- $252.65 3 3hp Fixed Base are ideal for router tables or cutting deep dados or rabbets. They are heavier than 1-2hp routers, ...  Click here to read the entire overview and product reviews in this analysis.

Average Grade Average Price products B $171.83 34 1-2hp Plunge are a good place to start when you are considering your first router. A plunge router can do ...  To read product reviews in this analysis and the full overview, click here.

Average Grade Average Price products A- $244.32 10 3hp Plunge   Click here to read the entire overview and reviews of products in this analysis.

Average Grade Average Price products B- $76.21 13 Trim Routers are a specialized, light, low-powered router designed specifically for edge trimming laminates. ...  To read the entire overview and reviews of products in this analysis, click here.