Best Plunge Router For Beginners This Year – Power Tools Reviews
Our winners of the Best Plunge Router For Beginners this year are:
BEST OVERALL
Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Combo Kit
- 2.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Micro-fine bit-depth adjustment
- Durable aluminum construction
Introduction
Are you looking to dive into woodworking and need the right tools to get started? One of the essential tools for any woodworking beginner is a plunge router. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we will review the best plunge routers for beginners and provide you with a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking to create intricate designs or smooth edges, a plunge router can be a versatile addition to your workshop. Read on to discover the top plunge routers that are perfect for beginners, along with tips on what to look for when purchasing one.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Combo Kit
The Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Combo Kit is a versatile and powerful tool perfect for beginners. It includes both fixed and plunge bases, making it suitable for a range of woodworking tasks.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Bosch 1617EVSPK because it offers excellent power and versatility. The variable speed control and easy-to-use depth adjustment make it a great choice for beginners.
Features
- 2.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Micro-fine bit-depth adjustment
- Durable aluminum construction
Pros
- Versatile with both fixed and plunge bases
- Powerful motor
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- Durable and well-built
- Soft start for smoother operation
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Higher price point
- Requires assembly
- No edge guide included
- Dust collection could be better
Our Verdict
The Bosch 1617EVSPK is an excellent choice for beginners who want a powerful and versatile router. While it’s a bit heavier and pricier than some other models, its performance and durability make it worth the investment.
2. Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit
The Makita RT0701CX7 Compact Router Kit is a lightweight and easy-to-use option for beginners. It offers precision and control, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Makita RT0701CX7 because of its compact design and ease of use. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and precise tool.
Features
- 1.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment
- Aluminum housing for durability
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Precise depth adjustment
- Easy to handle
- Durable construction
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not as powerful as larger models
- Limited to smaller projects
- No plunge base included
- Dust collection could be improved
- Short power cord
Our Verdict
The Makita RT0701CX7 is a great choice for beginners who need a compact and precise router. While it’s not as powerful as larger models, its ease of use and affordability make it a solid option for smaller projects.
3. DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router Combo Kit
The DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router Combo Kit offers a great combination of power and control. It includes both fixed and plunge bases, making it a versatile choice for various woodworking tasks.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the DEWALT DWP611PK because of its powerful motor and versatile design. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient tool.
Features
- 1.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Dual LED lights for visibility
- Clear sub-base for improved visibility
Pros
- Powerful and efficient
- Versatile with both fixed and plunge bases
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- LED lights for better visibility
- Durable construction
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Higher price point
- Dust collection could be better
- No edge guide included
- Requires assembly
Our Verdict
The DEWALT DWP611PK is an excellent choice for beginners who need a powerful and versatile router. Its combination of power, control, and ease of use makes it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
4. Porter-Cable 694VK 2-1/4 HP Fixed Base and Plunge Router Kit
The Porter-Cable 694VK Router Kit is a powerful and versatile tool that includes both fixed and plunge bases. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient router for various woodworking tasks.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Porter-Cable 694VK because of its powerful motor and versatile design. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient tool.
Features
- 2.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Micro-fine depth adjustment
- Durable construction
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Versatile with both fixed and plunge bases
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- Durable construction
- Soft start for smoother operation
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Higher price point
- Dust collection could be better
- No edge guide included
- Requires assembly
Our Verdict
The Porter-Cable 694VK is an excellent choice for beginners who need a powerful and versatile router. Its combination of power, control, and ease of use makes it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
5. Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit
The Hitachi KM12VC Router Kit is a powerful and versatile tool that includes both fixed and plunge bases. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient router for various woodworking tasks.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Hitachi KM12VC because of its powerful motor and versatile design. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient tool.
Features
- 2.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Micro-fine depth adjustment
- Durable construction
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Versatile with both fixed and plunge bases
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- Durable construction
- Soft start for smoother operation
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Higher price point
- Dust collection could be better
- No edge guide included
- Requires assembly
Our Verdict
The Hitachi KM12VC is an excellent choice for beginners who need a powerful and versatile router. Its combination of power, control, and ease of use makes it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
6. Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router
The Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip Router is a compact and easy-to-use tool that is perfect for beginners. It offers precision and control, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Bosch PR20EVSK because of its compact design and ease of use. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and precise tool.
Features
- 1 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Precise depth adjustment
- Durable construction
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Precise depth adjustment
- Easy to handle
- Durable construction
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not as powerful as larger models
- Limited to smaller projects
- No plunge base included
- Dust collection could be improved
- Short power cord
Our Verdict
The Bosch PR20EVSK is a great choice for beginners who need a compact and precise router. While it’s not as powerful as larger models, its ease of use and affordability make it a solid option for smaller projects.
7. BLACK+DECKER RP250 10-Amp 2-1/4-Inch Variable Speed Plunge Router
The BLACK+DECKER RP250 Plunge Router is a powerful and versatile tool that is perfect for beginners. It offers precision and control, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the BLACK+DECKER RP250 because of its powerful motor and versatile design. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient tool.
Features
- 10-amp motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Precise depth adjustment
- Durable construction
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Versatile design
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- Durable construction
- Affordable price
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Higher price point
- Dust collection could be better
- No edge guide included
- Requires assembly
Our Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER RP250 is an excellent choice for beginners who need a powerful and versatile router. Its combination of power, control, and ease of use makes it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
8. Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router
The Triton TRA001 Plunge Router is a powerful and versatile tool that is perfect for beginners. It offers precision and control, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Triton TRA001 because of its powerful motor and versatile design. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient tool.
Features
- 3.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Precise depth adjustment
- Durable construction
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Versatile design
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- Durable construction
- Soft start for smoother operation
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Higher price point
- Dust collection could be better
- No edge guide included
- Requires assembly
Our Verdict
The Triton TRA001 is an excellent choice for beginners who need a powerful and versatile router. Its combination of power, control, and ease of use makes it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
9. Festool 574692 Router OF 1400 EQ Imperial
The Festool 574692 Router is a high-quality and versatile tool that is perfect for beginners. It offers precision and control, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Festool 574692 because of its high-quality construction and versatile design. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient tool.
Features
- 1.38 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Precise depth adjustment
- Durable construction
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Versatile design
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- Durable construction
- Soft start for smoother operation
Cons
- Higher price point
- Dust collection could be better
- No edge guide included
- Requires assembly
- Heavier than some other models
Our Verdict
The Festool 574692 is an excellent choice for beginners who need a high-quality and versatile router. Its combination of quality, control, and ease of use makes it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
10. SKIL 1830 120-Volt 2-1/4 HP Combo Base Router Set
The SKIL 1830 Router Set is a powerful and versatile tool that is perfect for beginners. It offers precision and control, making it ideal for detailed woodworking projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the SKIL 1830 because of its powerful motor and versatile design. It’s perfect for beginners who need a reliable and efficient tool.
Features
- 2.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Soft start feature
- Precise depth adjustment
- Durable construction
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Versatile design
- Easy to adjust depth settings
- Durable construction
- Soft start for smoother operation
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Higher price point
- Dust collection could be better
- No edge guide included
- Requires assembly
Our Verdict
The SKIL 1830 is an excellent choice for beginners who need a powerful and versatile router. Its combination of power, control, and ease of use makes it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
Buying Guide
- Power: Look for a plunge router with sufficient power to handle various woodworking tasks. A router with at least 1.5 to 2.25 HP is ideal for beginners. For more detailed information on router power, you can visit Wood Magazine.
- Variable Speed: A plunge router with variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed according to the material you are working with. This feature is crucial for preventing burns on wood and achieving smooth finishes. To learn more about variable speed routers, check out Rockler.
- Ease of Use: For beginners, it is essential to choose a plunge router that is easy to operate. Look for features such as soft start, ergonomic handles, and clear visibility of the cutting area.
- Plunge Depth Adjustment: Accurate depth adjustment is critical for precision work. Choose a router with fine-tune depth adjustment and easy-to-read depth scales.
- Accessories: Some plunge routers come with useful accessories like edge guides, dust collection ports, and multiple collet sizes. These can enhance the functionality of your router and make your woodworking projects more enjoyable.
FAQs
What is a plunge router?
A plunge router is a woodworking tool that allows you to lower the cutting bit into the material from above. This type of router is ideal for making precise cuts, grooves, and intricate designs in wood.
Why should beginners use a plunge router?
Plunge routers are versatile and user-friendly, making them perfect for beginners. They allow for precise depth control, making it easier to achieve accurate cuts and designs.
What safety precautions should I take when using a plunge router?
Always wear safety goggles and hearing protection. Ensure the router is securely clamped before use, and keep your hands clear of the cutting area. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
Can I use a plunge router for other materials besides wood?
Yes, plunge routers can be used on materials like plastic and soft metals, but it’s essential to use the correct bits and settings for each material to avoid damage.
How do I maintain my plunge router?
Regularly clean the router to remove dust and debris. Lubricate moving parts as needed and check for any worn or damaged components. Store the router in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.
Conclusion
Choosing the best plunge router for beginners can significantly enhance your woodworking experience. By considering factors such as power, variable speed, ease of use, plunge depth adjustment, and accessories, you can find the perfect router to meet your needs. We hope this guide and product reviews help you make an informed decision. Happy woodworking!