To select a high-quality wood router, you need to pay attention to many factors, including an objective assessment of the owners of such devices who have already purchased the device for their personal use. The entire rating of hand-held wood routers for 2021 will be based on the opinions of real users, as well as experts who pointed out certain nuances.
Manual wood router
What is done with a milling machine
The machines are used to work out cutting lines on wood, plastic, metal, or cutting these materials.
To understand what tasks can be performed with a milling machine, you need to understand what milling means. This is a method of processing a certain material, which is carried out with a milling cutter (a cutting tool with cutting teeth). The cutter is mounted in a special machine, which at high speed directs the blade in the desired direction, cutting off layers of a certain material.
What can be built on the machine:
- furniture;
- various architectural models (houses, scenes);
- toys;
- souvenirs;
- sculptures;
- decorative boxes;
- chess sets;
- skirting boards;
- cornices.
This is just a small part of what can be made on a milling machine. The complete list will depend on the skill and imagination of the manufacturer.
Who needs a home router?
Before going to the store, you need to determine the range of tasks to be completed. There is no point in purchasing a compact model if you need to process hardwood, but it is ideal for occasional household use.
A home router is necessary for people who often process various surfaces. When purchasing, you must take into account the availability of equipment that comes with the kit. It is advisable to purchase a universal set, which includes edge, base, profile and spiral elements.
Important! If a home craftsman will often use the device, then it is additionally necessary to purchase special copying sleeves and collets.
Types of hand routers
Hand-held devices come in 5 varieties. Each type has its own design features that affect the scope of application.
Manual type of equipment
The most common types of hand routers:
- Submersible. This is a universal device, characterized by high reliability and quality workmanship. This type of equipment is used to perform all types of milling work.
- Edging. Used for chamfering, as well as forming small recesses and depths. Used for decorative works. Such a tool is not used for domestic purposes.
- Rotary is used in construction work. The tool is used to process edges and make holes in plastic, wood or drywall.
- Lamellar is a specialized router designed for making grooves. This is not a universal tool, and therefore should not be purchased by beginners.
- The filler is another specialized device with which you can carefully make paired holes, which will subsequently be connected to each other. This tool is also not used in everyday life, and in most cases is used to make various furniture.
The choice depends specifically on the specifics of the master’s work. If you need to use equipment at home, then first of all pay attention to a universal tool.
Important! Certain samples are quite universal, while others are professional tools that can only be used to perform a narrow range of work.
Methods for making a quarter
You can select a quarter using several methods using different tools. For example:
- electric plane,
- milling cutter,
- hand circular saw,
- stationary circular saw.
The last method - selecting a quarter using a circular saw - is the most convenient and productive. Let's consider it.
If you require planed boards, then it is more convenient to plan the boards first and only then proceed to making quarters.
How to choose the right manual wood router for your home
To purchase a quality device for home use, you need to study 4 criteria.
Power
This is one of the main parameters that affects equipment performance. Depending on the power, milling cutters are divided into three types:
- Easy. The power is up to 750 kW, and the weight of the milling cutter itself does not exceed 3 kg.
- On medium-sized milling machines, the power increases to 1.5 kW, and its weight is approximately 5 kg.
- Heavy devices have a power of 2.3 kW, and the weight can exceed 6 kg.
Medium routers are suitable for home use. Heavy tools are in most cases used in production, where it is necessary to perform specific and rather complex operations for a long time without interruption.
Important! You should not chase the most powerful pieces of equipment for your home, since the dimensions of the devices will be very large, and therefore it will become much more difficult to manage them.
Medium router - ideal choice for home
Spindle speed
The parameter directly affects the quality of the processed part, as well as the choice of material with which to work. Milling cutters have three speeds - standard slow and high:
- The standard mode operates at 20-30 thousand rpm. These are the most popular samples that can handle most materials.
- Slow devices typically have a speed of 10,000-15,000 rpm. Such devices are usually used for working with plastic.
- High speed exceeds 35000 rpm. Routers are suitable for processing the hardest surfaces.
Important! When purchasing the cheapest devices, it is necessary to take into account that the rotation speed will not be adjustable, which will affect the quality of processing.
Working stroke
The working stroke refers to the depth of processing. The cheapest samples can dive to about 50 mm, and the most powerful and professional ones - up to 80 mm. The longer the working stroke, the deeper you can dive into the working surface, and the more difficult the operations can be performed.
Additional options
When purchasing, it is advisable to pay attention to additional options that will increase safety when working with equipment:
- Overload protection. All electronic devices become hot during operation, which can create a dangerous situation, and protection will help prevent this. Most professional models are equipped with this function, since they are subject to prolonged load. Overload protection varies: on the most expensive models it is an automatic power off, on cheaper models it is a light indication.
- Protection against unintentional activation is an additional button, without pressing which the router simply will not work.
These are the main additional options that will be useful for safe operation of the device. But there are also options to improve ease of use.
Installation
The milling plate is fixed on the selected work table (workbench):
- A rectangular hole is cut out in the tabletop. Its dimensions are 50–60 mm in length and width smaller than the dimensions of the mounting plate.
- Along the edges of the table top, recesses are selected according to the size and thickness of the slab.
- By transferring from the milling plate, the mounting holes are marked and drilled. Place the plate on the table.
- Countersunk screws from the bottom of the tabletop are secured with nuts.
- A router is attached to the plate below.
If there is no router, a blank plate is attached to the base plate and the table is used as a workbench. A hand router is not always convenient to use. To use it in a stationary milling table, industrial or homemade mounting plates are used. The manufacturing material is chosen depending on the conditions and purposes.
Criteria for convenient work
Modern electronic devices are equipped with additional functions that greatly simplify work. Next we will look at 4 major additions in this area.
Working stroke
This function allows you to go deeper into the material being processed. The longer the working stroke, the more complex operations can be performed with the router and the more beautiful the final result will be.
Working stroke
Smooth start
If the router is quite powerful, it is advisable to make sure that it has a soft start system, thanks to which the engine will pick up speed slowly, and therefore the risk of sudden jerks will be eliminated.
Rip fence
The stop should be placed to the side of the router. These are small metal rods that are attached with screws to the base of the equipment. The emphasis is necessary to increase comfort during work. This addition allows you to carefully guide the cutter along the workpiece, maintaining the required distance from the edge.
Connecting the vacuum cleaner
Many routers are equipped with a special mount where you can attach a small bag to collect dust. The function is designed to protect against dust getting into the eyes and respiratory tract.
Additional device features and capabilities
A router that is included in the top 10 best must have additional functions and capabilities. Here are the main ones:
- Speed adjustment . If you plan to work with one size cutter, you can take the device without adjusting the speed. However, when working with cutters of different sizes, speed adjustment will be required.
- Smooth launch . Soft start limits the starting current, thereby removing the load from the motor, and it starts without jerking. This eliminates the possibility of the device being torn out of your hands and the material being damaged by a sudden start of the cutter. If you plan to work with a heavy, powerful device, look for one with a soft start function.
- Backlight . Illumination improves visibility of the work area. Also improves visibility in low light conditions.
- Connecting a vacuum cleaner . Some models have a connection for connecting a vacuum cleaner or bag. Although chips and dust are not removed 100%, the workplace still becomes much cleaner.
- Safety limiter . This is a transparent protection in the form of a ring that surrounds the cutter. It simultaneously protects the cutter from foreign objects (including your finger) getting into it and at the same time protects your eyes from flying chips. Although most devices are manufactured with such a limiter, its availability should still be checked directly with the seller.
- Guide rail . It is also called a rip fence. It is necessary for smooth guidance of the router parallel to the workpiece. At the same time, there is a scale on the rail that allows you to measure the cutting distance clearly down to the millimeter. For some models, the rip fence can be purchased separately.
Rating of the top 10 best manual wood routers
In the article, we tried to determine the most popular tools, according to users, and compiled a list of the most popular ones. I suggest going to the list and familiarizing yourself with the presented copies.
- BOSCH POF 1200 AE.
- Kolner KER 1200V.
- BOSCH POF 1400 ACE.
- Interskol FM-40/1000E DM.
- Wortex MM 5013-1 E.
- BOSCH GKF 550 Professional.
- BLACK+DECKER KW1200E.
- Makita RT0700C.
- Makita RP2301FCX.
- ELITECH F 1800E.
Let's take a closer look at each of the presented models.
BOSCH POF 1200 AE
A reliable, vertically directed device with rich functionality. The rubberized L-shaped handles are ergonomic and very easy to use. For the sake of safety, the trigger mechanism is blocked here, and the start of work occurs smoothly, without jerking.
The spindle speed can be easily adjusted and, if necessary, blocked. The speed of revolutions is automatically stabilized. During operation, it is possible to adjust the milling depth. The delivery set includes a copy sleeve, three collets and groove cutters for wood for a hand router.
| Weight | 3.4 kg |
| Processing depth | 55 mm |
| Collet | 6 and 8 mm |
| Revolutions | 11000 – 28000 rpm |
| Power | 1200 W |
BOSCH POF 1200 AE Advantages
- rich equipment (parallel stop, copy sleeve, three collets, groove cutter, centering rod and key);
- speed adjustment according to material and task;
- keyless replacement of attachments;
- possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner;
- transparent protective shield.
Flaws
- the work area is not highlighted.
I recently chose sets of wood cutters for a hand router for this unit. I already have the tool itself and have been using it for about a year. I was lucky, I bought it at the old price and I’m not complaining. During all the time I used it, it never let me down. Comfortable, fast, doesn’t make much noise, overall I like it and don’t plan to change it yet.
Kolner KER 1200V
A budget, but fairly high-quality version of the tool was included in the rating of manual wood routers precisely for these parameters. It is perfect for beginners, as at its price it has all the qualities of a professional device.
There is a ruler for setting the exact depth of milling, smooth speed adjustment, a durable cast sole and connection to a vacuum cleaner. In addition, it has a good set of accessories included. Equipped with protection against accidental start-up and equipped with a spindle lock, allowing you to quickly and safely change equipment.
| Power consumption | 1200 W |
| Number of revolutions | 16000 – 30000 rpm |
| Collet diameter | 6 and 8 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Working depth | 52 mm |
Kolner KER 1200V Advantages
- smooth speed control;
- solid aluminum sole with protective coating;
- accidental start blocking;
- rubberized handles;
- quick change of cutters thanks to spindle rotation lock.
Flaws
- no backlight.
I used to have an edge router, but it is a highly specialized tool. I decided to take a universal one and the choice fell on Kellner, the types of cutters for a manual wood router are suitable for it, you only need to buy an additional collet for 12. I am completely satisfied with the device, the assembly is good, the functionality is excellent. I recommend it to beginners!
BOSCH POF 1400 ACE
The productive branded unit has all the useful qualities of a vertical router and can be used as a professional tool. The depth is adjusted using a special revolving stop.
The attachments are changed in safe mode with the spindle locked, and there are a considerable number of attachments included in the kit. In addition to three collets of different calibers, there is a separate hard case with a set of six different hand router bits for wood.
You will be interested in: TOP 10 best spray gun: rating, how to choose, characteristics, reviews, pros and cons
| Chuck dimensions | 6 mm, 8 mm and ¼ inch |
| Cutter stroke | 55 mm |
| Power consumption | 1400 W |
| Rotational speed | 11000 – 28000 rpm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg |
Alternative methods
As mentioned, a stationary circular saw is very convenient for selecting quarters. (There is a separate article on our website about the types of circular saws and the features of their choice.) But it is not always in the master’s arsenal, and sometimes it is physically impossible to use it.
If you need to cut quarters out of thick, long boards, you can use a hand-held circular saw. The manufacturing principle and sequence of operations are the same. The difference is that in this case the board being processed and the tool change places. The board is fixed motionless, and the master moves the circular saw with a parallel stop along it manually.
If you don’t have a circular saw or a hand-held circular saw at hand, you can use a grinder with a wood blade or a hand router with a suitable cylindrical cutter. Both methods are very slow and are not suitable for large volumes of work. In addition, choosing a quarter with an angle grinder is inconvenient, dangerous and turns out uneven.
Another way is to use an electric plane. However, most modern plane models are not suitable for this due to their design features. Watch the video that shows just this method of choosing a quarter.
Vertical power up to 1200 W
A necessary tool for the workshop, capable of immediately replacing a plane, drill, or engraver. Selecting grooves for hinges and locks will become a minute task with models of low power and light weight. The Top 3 popular options in this group included milling cutters from manufacturers in Germany, Japan and Russia.
1Bosch POF 1200 AE
A small and inexpensive router is suitable for novice craftsmen and owners involved in construction and finishing on their own. Mostly designed for soft wood and simple work without maximum processing precision. The ability to adjust the speed will make it easier to work with different types of materials. The manufacturer took care of stepwise switching from 11,000 rpm to 28,000 rpm.
Specifications:
- power: 1200 W;
- adjustable rotation speed from 11000 to 28000;
- processing depth: 55 mm;
- weight: 3.4 kg.
Pros:
- mills not too hard materials well;
- has low weight;
- affordable price;
- You can connect a vacuum cleaner.
Minuses:
- weak guides;
- high noise level.
You can purchase a device that costs about 6,000 rubles at most power tool stores.
Test results
If you can only afford to buy one router, let it be a set with interchangeable bases. The powerful Bosch MRC23EVS (GMF 1600) has proven its superiority in almost all six categories, and we give it a deservedly high rating, awarding it the title of best tool. It comes with a large set of accessories, most of which will not lie idle.
Final table of comparison of milling cutters
If you think this model is too expensive, take a closer look at the Ridgid R29302, a top choice for the budget-conscious woodworker. Despite the not very powerful electric motor, this router confidently copes even with increased load for a long time.
These articles may also be of interest to you:
- How to remove a stuck bit from a router
- Devices and capabilities of a hand router
- Not enough space for a shower or hot tub?
- Replacing the siphon and sink drain
Rating of the best manual wood routers in terms of price and quality in 2021
The most popular units remain those that combine quality with reasonable cost. They are most often used at home, but they can also be useful in small workshops.
Elitech F 1800 E
The manual unit has a significant mass and demonstrates a power of 1800 W. Equipped with a spindle lock and a turret stop, there is a built-in backlight to improve visibility.
The cost of Elitech F 1800 E starts from 5,000 rublesPros
- long cord 2.5 m;
- high power;
- There is a 12 mm collet.
Minuses
- the start button becomes clogged with dust;
- weight 4.3 kg.
I like10I don't like3
Kolner KER 1200V
Inexpensive hand router suitable for home use. The working depth of the device is 50 mm, the speed is adjustable from 15,000 to 30,000 revolutions.
You can buy Kolner KER from 3,200 rublesPros
- does not heat up during operation;
- power more than 1 kW;
- rich equipment
Minuses
- makes noise during use;
- no soft start.
I like10I don't like3
Bort BOF-1600N
The 1.5 kW vertical router supports a speed of 12,000-26,000 rotations and has a nozzle stroke of 60 mm. There is a smooth switching of revolutions, the sole of the unit is cast and fits tightly to the surface.
Bort BOF price starts from 3900 rublesPros
- reliable assembly;
- moderate cost;
- five year warranty;
- smooth speed adjustment.
Minuses
- the mechanism for replacing cutters is inconvenient;
- no storage case;
- large weight - 4.8 kg.
I like10I don't like3
What are they needed for?
To securely fix the router, there is a plate for installing it in the table. When attaching the device directly to the table, the overhang of the cutter to the thickness of the table top is lost. Therefore, a hand router is attached to a plate about 4 mm thick. The plate is fixed on the table. Its dimensions are chosen optimal to prevent deflections.
The mounting plate is a rectangular plate with a round hole in the middle. At the corners there are pins “sunk” for fastening to the table. Near the central pocket there are holes for the pins for attaching the milling device and replacement rings.
Top 3 best rotary hand routers for wood
Rotary units with a narrowed body are used in repair and decorative work. Important requirements are placed on precision and low weight of devices.
Bosch GTR 30 CE
The unit for drilling wood and tiles is equipped with a dust removal system and ventilation for the motor. There is illumination of the work area and stabilization of speed.
The price of Bosch GTR 30 starts from 18,000 rublesPros
- weight 1.5 kg;
- there is a speed control;
- maximum speed 30,000 rotations.
Minuses
- no soft start;
- There are no cutters included in the kit.
I like10I don't like3
Metabo FME 737
The milling machine is suitable for straight and curved cuts and starts up smoothly. There are ventilation holes on the case. The fixation of the cutter is very tight, without play.
You can buy Metabo FME from 13,000 rublesPros
- Supports speed control and soft start;
- The VC system independently selects the operating mode for the material.
Minuses
- no lighting or dust removal;
- There are no cutters included in the kit.
I like10I don't like3
Makita 3706
The compact 550 W unit is designed for making grooves and holes in wood and composite materials. It is equipped with a compass guide, collet and adapter for a vacuum cleaner, weighs 1.1 kg.
Makita 3706 price starts from 5,500 rublesPros
- light weight;
- there is a dust removal system;
- high speed up to 32,000 rpm.
Minuses
- there is no regulation and stabilization of speed;
- there is no soft start.
I like10I don't like3
TOP best edge routers
Bosch GKF 600 Professional
The cost of the device is around 12,500 rubles. The Germans continue to produce really high-quality milling cutters. This model runs on a 600 W motor. It easily picks up rotation speed up to 33,000 rpm in 1 minute. It is also convenient that the entire range of cutters is suitable for work.
The design is durable and light in weight. If necessary, the base is shifted to the required division on the router body, and then adjusted to the size using a wheel in the area of the base base.
The device is comfortable to use in your hand. The base can be removed completely. The device can be used as an engraver with high power.
Advantages
- power characteristics;
- convenience indicators;
- The adjustment is quite simple.
Flaws
- The equipment is presented with a straight base; you need to separately purchase an option with the ability to adjust the tilt.
Makita 3709
The cost of the device is around 5800 rubles. The manufacturer is a Japanese company. The device is reliable and has good performance. Operates at 30 thousand revolutions in 1 minute. The cutter plunges up to 40 mm. In fact, the device is decent, but in view of the reduced price, the manufacturer decided to save money. For this reason, the equipment was slightly damaged.
The base of the router is made of 90 percent polycarbonate with a transparent base. The clip is plastic. The ears are tightened using a screw. Users complain that the manufacturer should have added 8 mm collets to the kit. But, in fact, there are only 6 mm collets.
Advantages
- comfortable grip;
- engine with high power and speed characteristics.
Flaws
- the base is made of plastic.
Hammer FRZ710 PREMIUM
The device costs around 8,300 rubles. It is not even just an edgeband, but can also be classified as universal. The complete set is represented by a vertical type base with handles. There is also equipment for performing edge work. Just keep in mind that even though it is universal, it is not always useful. The motor operates at 700 W, while the system speed is at its limit. The immersion depth is 30 mm, these are not too large characteristics.
The inconvenient thing is that there is no smooth lowering. You have to turn the device on and off by releasing the handles. So the vertical base here can rather be attributed to a series of equipment “made from what was available.”
As for disassembling the device as an edging device, it is heavy in the hand and not very comfortable. When acting on a polished cylindrical part, pads are needed, then the vibration is transmitted to a lesser extent through the hand.
In general, users note that the device is suitable for home use, but cannot be used in large quantities.
Advantages
- versatility;
- 3 collets;
- decent power ratings for an edging device.
Flaws
- heavy weight;
- not entirely convenient if used as a vertical device.
Plunge milling
Preferable models are those that lower smoothly without lateral swing and in which the latch is conveniently located at hand so that you do not have to loosen the grip. More convenient are latches that need to be pressed to dive and which lock themselves when released, as is done on models from Bosch, Craftsman and Milwaukee. The Freud, Porter-Cable and both Triton models remain unlocked and require a lever to be pressed. In addition, the Ridgid lock does not have a spring, and in order to tighten it, you have to loosen your grip on the handle.
Simple and quick setup of the router. Press the release lever to quickly move the motor up or down. For fine adjustment, rotate the screw handwheel.
When testing the ability of each router to make multiple holes of the same depth, only the Milwaukee was off in this test - the depth of the first and last of 25 holes differed by 2 mm. The depth scale of the Freud model seemed the most convenient - it is easy to read, has clear divisions, and adjustment is made using coarse and fine adjustment screws. Triton routers do not have a depth scale and you will have to adjust the insertion depth in other ways. Micro-adjustment on the Bosch MRC23EVS (GMF 1600) allows depth adjustments even after the detent is engaged, and we find this a useful feature.
TOP best keyway routers
Makita PJ7000
In terms of price, this device is affordable to many. It costs around 16,200 rubles. It runs on a 710 W motor, with rotational speeds reaching 11 thousand per minute. The maximum diameter of the cutter is 100 mm, but its selection should be approached carefully. If there is an imbalance in the high-speed tool area, the milling cutter will produce high-power vibration. The device base is optimal. The desired angle is achieved accurately and quickly.
Advantages
- high power levels;
- dust collector with efficient characteristics.
Flaws
- vibrations are felt;
- the body is not equipped with rubber insulating pads.
Bosch GFF 22 Professional
The cost of the router is about 16,150 rubles. It features an ergonomic solution. This applies to both the grip and the left-handed handle. The milling cutter is designed for right-handed craftsmen, and therefore it will be difficult for left-handed people to use it.
The model is also distinguished by the gear ratio of the gearbox. These are proven solutions that provide quality and reliability. The motor has 670 W. It is capable of spinning the cutter up to 9 thousand revolutions per minute. At its maximum, it can reach 105 mm.
Users are not happy with the vacuum cleaner catcher. It is recommended to be used as a last resort. It's better to use a vacuum cleaner.
Advantages
- the build quality is at the highest level;
- performance indicators.
Flaws
- operates at a noise level of 87 dB;
- the cost is high.
What does drying out lead to?
A typical case: you made a shed at your dacha to store household equipment and for other needs. They did it for themselves, so they pulled together the boards from which the walls were made, carefully, without the slightest crack. Two or three months pass; the boards dry out and the entire wall glows with cracks. In winter, snow blows through them; in summer, the wind blows dust inside the barn.
Shrinkage reaches 10-13% of the linear size. That is, a board with a width of 100 mm after drying is reduced to 88 mm.
To prevent this from happening, you need to use quarter boards for wall cladding. A wall covered with such boards will never have through gaps. With their quarters, neighboring boards overlap each other and when they dry out, through cracks no longer appear.
Unfortunately, lumber is very rarely sold with a quarter finished. Therefore, an amateur craftsman should know the ways in which boards can be modified if necessary.
What to look for when choosing?
Choosing a milling machine for home use is not the easiest task, especially for those who are faced with the need to purchase such a power tool for the first time. The priority criterion should be the type and frequency of carpentry operations performed. If you need a universal machine, then it is recommended to pay attention to vertical type devices, since such options are adapted to any type of processing. For manipulations in a small workshop, the optimal solution is an additive type unit. You can restore furniture with an edging tool.
We'll tell you how to choose an electric wood router for solving everyday problems or as carpentry equipment for a hobby, and what criteria should be taken into account when choosing:
- Purpose of the machine. Electric machines come in submersible, vertical or edging types. The vertical model is the most universal, designed for all types of carpentry operations.
- Motor power consumption. High power characteristics guarantee maximum performance. This parameter allows you to increase the cutting speed of hard workpieces and deeper milling in one cycle. Power makes it possible to classify equipment into 3 groups: for home use (up to 750 Watt, weight - from 2 to 3 kg), semi-professional type (750 - 1500 Watt, weight - from 3 to 5 kg), professional models (1500 - 2300 Watt , weight – from 5 to 6 kg).
- Processing depth. The value by which the cutter is embedded into the workpiece. The parameter is calculated individually and depends on the thickness of the base being processed.
- Rotation speed setting. When working with hardwood, the speed of the cutting element becomes slower. This manifests itself in machine jerking and damage to the part. Most machines have the functionality to adjust the number of revolutions depending on the task at hand.
- Safety and durability. Safe operation of the machine is ensured by design features. It is good if the model has a protective casing, which increases the reliability of use and protects the parts and the master himself during the operation.
Sources
- https://DomZastroika.ru/instrumenty/reyting-frezerov-po-derevu-ruchnykh-na-2021.html
- https://SovetMarka.ru/top-luchshih-ruchnyh-frezerov-po-derevu
- https://marka.guru/dom-i-dacha/remont-i-stroitelstvo/luchshie-frezery.html
- https://tehnolev.ru/dlya-remonta/frezer-po-derevu/kak-pravilno-vybrat-ruchnoy-frezer-po-derevu-top-10-modeley-otzyvy.html
- https://tehcovet.ru/reitingi/dly-remonta/luchshij-frezer-2021-goda.html
- https://Revizzoro.ru/reyting-luchshikh-elektricheskikh-frezerov-2020-goda-dlya-doma-tekhnicheskie-kharakteristiki-plyusy-/
[collapse]
