Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit - 2.25 Horsepower Plunge Router & Fixed Base Router Kit with a Variable Speed 12 Amp Motor

Product Information

One of the most powerful routers I’ve tested out, the Triton TRA001 is a seriously powerful bit of kit.

Overall, the DeWalt DWE625 is a very good precision router as one might expect from a premium power tool company and given the cost of the machine. Although it is not a router to turn away from and diehard fans of DeWalt tools will likely be happy with it, overall build quality could be slightly better especially when compared to similar priced premium routers from other well-established power tool brands. This is the maximum movement down (usually given in mm) that the router bit can travel. Obviously, the greater the degree of plunge travel, the greater the depth to which the router bit can sink into the workpiece, and the more versatile the router. However, don't assume that plunge travel equals plunge depth into the workpiece, as this will depend on the overall length of the router bit used and the degree to which it is level with the base plate of the router in the rest position. Router Weight There is a lot to like in this machine. Like most ½ inch routers, the motor is variable speed. Whether you are working softwood and need high speed to stop splintering, or need a slower RPM for hard lumber, this router can accommodate. One other notable issue some users of the Hikoki M12VE router have flagged is that router bits can sometimes be difficult to remove from the collet after routing, on occasion necessitating the use of more extreme methods of extracting the bits (such as pliers), and sometimes damaging the bits in the process. Some users have clarified the need to fully unscrew the nut that holds the bit within the collet, but this appears to be only a partial solution, working for some users and not others.

The Hikoki (originally Hitachi) M12VE is a well-built 1/2” wood router that houses a powerful 2000W motor with variable speed control that runs spindle rotation anywhere from 8000 RPM up to 22,000 RPM. The router comes with collets for both 1/4” and 1/2” bit shanks permitting a wide selection of router bits to be used with this Hikoki router. The DWE625 is DeWalt’s contribution to the 1/2” router category. Unsurprisingly for this premium power tool company, the DWE625 is an expensive tool but with a lot of good features. First and foremost, it comes with collets for both 1/4” and 1/2” router bits, particularly useful if you are already using a 1/4” router and have a selection of router bits that you would like to use in the DeWalt router as well. It has a powerful 2000W motor with electronic speed control meaning that the speed of the motor will be maintained no matter how tough a wood you throw at it or if one overdoes the hand pressure when routing. The DeWalt motor also has soft start to prevent any inadvertent movement at start up, important both for safety as well as for routing accuracy. The motor speed itself can also be adjusted anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 RPM using a dial at the top of the machine, useful for setting the ideal cutting speed for the material being cut. The RP0900X router from the Makita Corporation is the Japanese company's entry-level plunge router. Like all Makita tools, the basic router is a solidly-built machine which has been precision engineered and built to the highest of standards. It is a 1/4-inch router that is lightweight, easy to control and provides a smooth output. Like most 1/4-inch routers, it is easier to use than 1/2-inch routers but even more so given its small size and low weight.

Regardless, it’s a solid lump of a tool and certainly feels worth every penny that the cheaper online retailers are currently selling it for.The Trend T7EK plunge router is the middle member of a family of routers of increasing size belonging to the reputable Trend brand. The T7EK is a 1/2” router with a powerful 2100W motor and variable speed control that can be set to run from 11,500 rpm up to its maximum speed of 28,000 rpm. These specifications work together to let the Trend router run a range of sizes of 1/2” cutters, including some of the bigger bits. As might be expected from a good quality router, the motor has soft-start functionality, allowing for a more gradual ramp-up to speed and preventing the machine from jerking around in the hands of the operator when powered on.

One of the most versatile power tools you might never have used is the humble palm router. There are some jobs that just can’t be done without one of these handy little tools, but it takes a bit of practice to get to know it well. The Importance of Cutting SpeedThis is a simple to use, light yet powerful palm router that makes the most of its 710 Watt soft start motor. It can turn cutting bits up to a massive 30,000 rpm. You can select different speeds with the control dial and even use it one-handed if you’re confident.

Collet Size: Make sure your router can hold the size bit you’re going to be using. While most models offer two collet (the collar that holds the bit in place) sizes, some do not, so don’t assume all routers are compatible with all bits. Most lighter-duty routers only offer 1/4-in. collets. The 124799 has a fine depth adjustment, variable speed control and a soft-start, and comes with 5 different collets (1/4", 1/2", 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm), two different guide bushes, parallel, circular and roller guides as well as a measurement bar all within a reasonable-quality plastic case. The Bosch DIY range is pretty solid, even though it falls at the cheaper end of the price spectrum. Just don’t expect it to withstand hours and hours of daily use. For that, you’ll need to look towards the blue professional stuff. The plunging mechanism on the Hikoki M12VE slides easily and smoothly unlike many budget level wood routers which are often stiffer and plunge less readily. The router is relatively lightweight and is less noisy compared to other competitor routers in its category class. Other neat features include adjustable handles for maximum user comfort and thoughtful design that makes it relatively easy to integrate it into a router table.For the money this is pretty good as a first router. I've bevelled a few oak boards and shelves with it and made an oak headboard so far. Fine adjustment and control is a bit fiddly and requires some workarounds but at this price you have to expect some compromises. It suits my purposes so I'm not complaining. It will not do heavy duty cycle work, you will need a larger collet and cutters if you intend to work with a lot of hardwood and using big cuts.” Plunge travel on the Makita RP0900X is also a paltry 35mm which is at the low end of the scale. However, this correlates with the low power of the router and emphasises the lighter routing and more detailed work that this machine is designed for. Accordingly, the Makita RP0900X router is one of the lightest plunge routers on the market with a weight of only 2.7kg, providing the main reason why it easier to handle than most other standard routers. The dust extraction port works well but you’ll need an existing vacuum and pipework to set it all up properly. This is probably only going to be worth it if you plan to do a lot of routing in the future. But then it does make a hell of a mess. Manchester-based tool and home improvement gurus VonHaus make an impressive amount of kit from blenders to ladders . Their compact palm router offers impressive performance and incredible value for a DIY tool.