Thread: Best small router?

What about one of these? Rack and pinion vertical adjustment and i think they come with the edge guide.

I have one of those Makita routers/trimmers on my CNC and it is excellent.
Lots of accessories available for it too, check out the video..



FWIW, McJings have what looks like the same router (same specs) in non Makita colours. About 1/2 the price of the Makita

Kwaka

Not sure of your budget, but the combination routers from DeWalt are very versatile in that they are either plunge or fixed base:

DWP611PK 1-1/4 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router Combo Kit with LED's | DEWALT Tools

Regards
Paul

I have the Dremel router attachment. Not very accurate - more a toy. Some free play in the vertical slides so you can actually cock it sideways Not a great range in genuine router bits and they don't stay sharp for long in hardwood. Some of the aftermarket ones are not worth the money.
I bought mine to try a bit of inlaying.
There's an earlier thread re a router attachment for a Dremel that looks a lot more robust and accurate. Just scroll down the page to Cleokitty's post.

Dremel attachments

I just had a further thought that you could consider a laminate trimmer too, but essentially they are a fixed base router with no plunge action, which was why I suggested the DeWalt. However it may be too big for your purpose and possibly too expensive despite being possible to use one handed.

Having said that I am not sure that you can use any plunge router single handed. Realistically that is the preserve of a small fixed base machine.


Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by Kwaka_600

Hi Guys n Girls
I am looking into getting a small router/ trimmer for those finer /smaller jobs. Anyone got any suggestions?
I want a plunge feature and must be small enough for single handed work. I will mostly be working with hardwood but happy to take it slow so don't think power is as big a consideration. A edge guide would also be handy.

I was thinking of the Dremil 4000 with the router attachment. Any thoughts?
Thanks I advance.

I wish people wouldn't ask for the "best" [insert tool] because only very rarely are they prepared to pay the asking price.


I know of only two plunge routers that might be usable one-handed, the Mafell LO50 and Festool 1010 -- both of which cost many hundreds more than the Dremil or a trimmer from the Green shed. -- as far as I can tell, these routers would vie with each other for "first" place as best.


Trend and I believe Metabo still make a small router similar the discontinued Bosch POF 500.
The POF 500 was my first router. It's basicaly a big trimmer (takes 6mm, 6.35mm and 8mm collets) with a plunge action, but it must be used with two hands.


Perhaps, Kwaka should take an analytical look at what they want to do.
Can they drill a pilot hole? -- a fixed base trimmer could be started with the bit in the pilot hole removing the need to plunge the router.


Having used many different sized routers, for one handed use you IMO can't go past a Makita trimmer -- I have yet to find the lack of a plunge action an impediment to using a trimmer.

Thanks Geoff, this looks like a great setup.

[QUOTE=ian;1932500]I wish people wouldn't ask for the "best" [insert tool] because only very rarely are they prepared to pay the asking price.


I know of only two plunge routers that might be usable one

Hi Ian
Thanks for your response.

I agree I should have used "most suitable" as wording. Festool are great machines. I recently sold my Fetool OF 2200 router as it didnt suit the work I am now doing.

Enjoy your woodwork.

Hi Paul,

I cannot find the DWP611PK in Aus. Do you know where to get it from or have any other suggestions?

Cheers,

Salim

Originally Posted by Bushmiller

Kwaka

Not sure of your budget, but the combination routers from DeWalt are very versatile in that they are either plunge or fixed base:

DWP611PK 1-1/4 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router Combo Kit with LED's | DEWALT Tools

Regards
Paul

You are unlikely to find the Dewalt DWP611PK in Australia, the web site you refer to is American.

Try this Dewalt 1/4" Premium Plunge & Fixed Base Combi Router #D26204K-XE | Just Tools Australia | Tool Specialist in Power & Cordless Tools, Hand & Air Tools it is (or should be) available in Melbourne and is probably the equivalent Australian model.

Please note this is not a recommendation as I have not seen or used the tool.

+1 for the dewalt. Had one for a few years and it's great

I have a slightly different router than treecycle. it is Makita Laminate Trimmer 500w. #3709X | Just Tools Australia | Tool Specialist in Power & Cordless Tools, Hand & Air Tools
I prefer this router because it has a transparent base you can see what the cutter is doing. This is my go to router in hand held mode.

I have the Elu version of the deWalt DW621. This is the best small router I have used. I have had mine a long time (it pre-dates deWalt), but it continues to do everything I would wish in a small router: well balanced, fine adjustments, solid fence with micro adjustability, and excellent dust control.

Here is the Elu on a mortice jig ...





Here's the DW621 ..



Here's a link for the model (not in Oz) ..

DEWALT DW621 2-Horsepower Plunge Router - Power Routers - Amazon.com

Regards from Perth

Derek

Bosch have a plunge base for the Bosch PR20EVSK, I think it will be my next 1/4" router.