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Best Handheld Routers You Can Get In The Market

Nicolas J WardFrancis B Belli
  May 28, 2023 4:08 PM

The importance of routers in the setup of a woodworking workshop cannot be underestimated. However, choosing the best one is also difficult for anyone who just began the routing thing.

In this article, I will provide you with the top models of the best handheld router with in-depth reviews. Let’s find out!


Our Top Choice

#1. Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router - Best for Overall

This Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router is the first choice of product on our list today. We can say this item is one of the top in terms of all aspects for a router. Your tasks will go much more quickly and precisely if you use this machine to cut a variety of materials including woods with variable speed control dial up to to 30,000 RPM. In fact, the best feature of this router is slim and ergonomical design. Super comfortable for a handheld router!

Pros

  • Easy to use and assemble

  • Fast speed

  • Versatile

  • Ergonomic

Cons

  • Collet problem 

  • Expensive

#2. Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Palm Edge Router (Bare Tool) GKF12V-25N - Best for Stability 

This Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Palm Edge Router is our top choice of stability today. With lightweight, well-balanced design and cordless convenience, this machine could maintain a strong grip with the hassle-free edge.  For quick trim-routing and other light-duty routing needs, this thing is perfect. It's super light, easy to set the depth and quick to change bits. In fact, for only a reasonable budget, you could have a good cordless and handheld router for any DIYers!

Pros

  • Easy to hold

  • Compact

  • Good price

Cons

  • Tool Only

#3. DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Router, Brushless, Tool Only (DCW600B) - Best for Performance

If you want to purchase a suitable router that is cordless, DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Router (DCW600B) is definitely the choice in terms of all aspects we’ve recommended on the list today. The DEWALT Cordless Router provides speed from 16,000 to 25,500 rpm, giving you a longer running time of a routing product. The raising and lowering mechanism for the cutting bit is easily adjustable and locks firmly. It appears to be what I wanted and is a wonderful value.

Pros

  • Compact

  • Durable

  • Lightweight

  • Good motor

Cons

  • Tool Only

  • Expensive

#4. AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router Tools for Woodworking - Best for Precision

The fourth product I would like to mention in the list of the best wood router is AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router Tools for Woodworking. With the roughest workpieces, this router could provide good results because to its outstanding performance and incredibly low pricing. The best feature of this instrument is the ergonomic handle design for a firm grasp. The cuts are excellent and reasonably priced. I've only used it for a few projects, but I feel that I got my money's worth and it helped my work a lot.

Pros

  • Precise

  • Ergonomic design

  • Powerful

  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Base is getting loosed

#5. WEN RT1460 6-Amp Handheld 1/4-Inch Variable Speed Laminate Trim Router for Woodworking - Best for Budget

This WEN RT1460 6-Amp Handheld Trim Router is the final product on our list today. We can say this item is one of the best choice in the range of budget a router. This tool is a beast when it comes to cut a variety of materials including woods. In fact, I'm actually shocked at how well this thing cuts. Although the handles weren't particularly ergonomic when I was doing the job, they are comfortable for regular routing.

Pros

  • Solid built

  • Good power

  • Good price

Cons

  • Huge 

  • Heavy


Compare Products

Showing  1 - 10  in  10 results
1
  • SCORE
    -
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  • Brand
    Makita
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2
  • SCORE
    9.0
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  • Brand
    BOSCH
TOP Choice
3
  • SCORE
    9.6
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  • Brand
    DEWALT
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4
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    Avid Power
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5
  • SCORE
    9.4
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  • Brand
    WEN
TOP Choice
6
  • SCORE
    9.1
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    BOSCH
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7
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    Makita
TOP Choice
8
  • SCORE
    9.4
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  • Brand
    SHAPER
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9
  • SCORE
    9.0
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    BOSCH
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10
  • SCORE
    8.7
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  • Brand
    DCRMMRT

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


FAQs

What can you do with a handheld router?

It can be used to square wood edges, make various edge profiles, and even level off uneven wood by using a thickness planer.

What are the two types of handheld routers?

There are two main types: fixed-base routers and plunge-style routers.

When using the handheld router, which is the safest direction to feed?

When using a handheld router, if the bit spins clockwise while viewed from above when routing outside edges, rotate the router counterclockwise. Route clockwise for inner cuts.


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