What to Look For Soft start: A router that kicks when you start it is unnerving. The best ones ramp up to speed smoothly when you hit the power.
Variable speed: The ability to adjust rpm to the size of your bit or the hardness of the wood is a big plus. Better routers, like cars, rev up and down smoothly without a hitch.
One-wrench bit change: A button holds the collet steady while you wrench the bit loose—much easier than using two wrenches.
Dust collection: Look for a port for a shop vac. A plastic shroud to contain the dust near the bit is an added bonus.
Clear base: It’s easier to see where to stop and start.
Router-table compatibility: Milling trim is a snap if a router can easily be flipped over and mounted
to a table.
½-inch collets: A router’s collet is the equivalent of a chuck on a drill. A router that can handle
½-inch bits will be bigger and heavier than one that handles only
¼-inch bits, but the bigger, more costly bits are sturdier and steadier performers at high rpm.
Removable power cord: This feature saves it from being strained while in storage.
This tool's removable base attaches easily to a router table, so you can feed the wood to the bit in a controlled way. It also comes with a long-handled knob for making fine (slow) and coarse (rapid) depth adjustments from above the table. 2
¼ hp, 9 pounds (fixed base), 11
¼ pounds (plunge), about $280,
Delta Porter Cable
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