Compact router recommendations

[isuhunter]

I've done some research and see lots of people enjoy the Dewalt 611 and the Rigid.

Looking for something to aid my wife in making small craft projects. Plunge cutting, designs in wood.

 

[JoeMcGov]

DeWalt 611 here for my wife. She too needed something small to help with her limited woodworking. No complaints.

 

[MoonRise]

Compact router go-to is the Bosch Colt trim/palm router.

The latest model Colt routers can accept a plunge base as well.

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/palm-routers-pr111-196288-p/

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/palm-routers-23523-c/

 

[isuhunter]

DeWalt 611 here for my wife. She too needed something small to help with her limited woodworking. No complaints.

Did you get it with the plunge base?

 

[Mecha]

I used to work at a custom furniture plant. Mostly used the Makita version, but Dewalt, and Bosch were used as well. All hold up nicely.

 

[Mecha]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HAQMHEO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This was the Makita we used. We mostly used the standard base, used the plunge base to make circles on occasion.

 

[Robinson1]

I've got a Bosch Colt and a Dewalt. Dewalt seems a touch more powerful. Bosch is smoother and therefore easier to use. Bosch has a plunge base that's really handy for hinges and doors. Cant go wrong with either.

Hear good things about the ridgid but haven't tried one yet.

Bosch is usually on sale around this time.

I will say a 3/4 round over bit is at about the limit of what the Bosch wants especially in oak. That's by far my most used bit I do alot of hardwood floor and use that for bullnose on custom stair treads

 

[Damon L.]

I have a Bosch Colt also, and it is my go-to router most of the time even though I have two full size routers.

 

[isuhunter]

I have a Bosch Colt also, and it is my go-to router most of the time even though I have two full size routers.

Ive heard that a lot about these palm/compact routers.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I have a straight base VS Bosch Colt. Dang fine piece of equipment. I got it on Amazon round this time 2 years ago for less than 80 bucks.

 

[JoeMcGov]

Did you get it with the plunge base?

Yes Sir.

 

[ScottsGT]

I picked up a refurb Dewalt a few months back and saved about $20. It’s a great router. The LED light really comes in handy.

 

[thin_concrete]

Compact router go-to is the Bosch Colt trim/palm router.

The latest model Colt routers can accept a plunge base as well.

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/palm-routers-pr111-196288-p/

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/palm-routers-23523-c/

Came in to say exactly this. I have both the full size on my router table and the Colt for quicker jobs and can’t complain about either.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I don't do a lot of routerring so, I picked up a Bosch Colt. It's worked well for every thing I've used it on. I have also used the Makita mini router and it too was nice. Performance wise I would but them at a tie. I like the base adjustment better on the Makita. I like the ergonomics better on the Bosch.

No experience with the plunge base on either though.

 

[isuhunter]

Thanks for all the comments guys!

 

[Robinson1]

I have a Bosch Colt also, and it is my go-to router most of the time even though I have two full size routers.

I'll echo this as well.

 

[lilredex]

Bought that HF router for about $18, last time there. Even made an easy clamp on table for it. Pretty hard to overload them as it only has a 1/4" collet. I use mine with a foot switch (pictured). Ideal for small jobs.

https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/routers/14-in-24-amp-trim-router-62659.html

 

[Reese]

I like the Makita compact. As was stated previously the depth adjustment is nicer on the Makita than the Bosch. Menards has a store brand compact that is a cousin to the Maikta, it has a work light not found on the Makita. Makita also makes a cordless version of the corded compact.

Porter Cable makes a compact similar to the Dewalt, but I believe without variable speed.

 

[jar944]

The bosh has less slop in the plunge mechanism, the Dewalt is nicer to use generally.

 

[MANelson85]

I have a Bosch Colt also, and it is my go-to router most of the time even though I have two full size routers.

I have the colt and the 1617. Use the colt most of the time.

 

[tarbellb]

I really like the Ridgid model!

Super small, so a dedicated trim router. Can handle a 1/2" straight bit.

LED light
square and round base included
good micro adj, soft start
intelligent/safe ergonomics by putting the ON/OFF switch on the TOP so you can lay it
down and shut off.

And it is only $99! Sometimes even gets a sheet sander paired with it for free.

Oh and a Lifetime Warranty*

* register

PS the HF router is pure dogshit, avoid.

 

[Git]

I have 3 of the pony routers. Bosch Colt, Dewalt 611 and the Makita Cordless. The Bosch was the first and it has worked well for many of years - but it does have a small problem where the spindle lock will eventually start slipping (the corners get rounded off). I called up Bosch about it and they sent me out a little wrench for free that does the job.

So if you have any Makita cordless tools or are thinking about buying some - I would say get the Makita

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074BYS49M/?tag=atomicindus08-20