Compact/trim routers?

[MushCreek]

I'm possibly in the market for a small router. I have some detail work to do, and a full-size router is just too bulky. I won't be using it professionally, so I don't need a high-end expensive one, but it needs to work. I want variable speed at the minimum. If I go cordless, the Milwaukee M18 seems to get top billing, and I'm already into the M18 platform. Cordless routers tend to be top heavy, though. The Milwaukee is at the top of what I'm willing to spend. What have you guys bought and used?

 

[mike93lx]

I run a corded Dewalt and it is fantastic. I tend to go corded on my infrequently used stuff but every time I do use it, I wish I went cordless.

If it died today, a cordless Dewalt would replace it.

 

[rossddvm]

For an inexpensive trim router I have a Rocky 30 from MLCS woodworking. Variable speed, corded and you can buy with both a fixed and plunge base for less than $100. Not as nice and polished a setup as others but it has been reliable and does the job. I think it a great value. I also have an old craftsman midsize, a big Triton and a Bosch that is permanently mounted in a router table. The little Rocky certainly has a place.

 

[acer66]

I have the corded Dewalt plunge kit and it is collecting dust after I got a cordless Dewalt 20V.

It does not have variable speed control but for smaller stuff like a quick run with a 1/4” round over bit I really like the Bosch 12V.
The shape takes a minute or so to get used but after that it feels great.

This makes me think about how many routers I have and I counted 6.

Houston I have a problem.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have ryobi, dewalt and Milwaukee cordless routers and I find myself always using the ryobi. Can’t beat it for the price and just works great, in hindsight the ryobi would be all i needed.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have the corded Dewalt plunge kit and it is collecting dust after I got a cordless Dewalt 20V.

It does not have variable speed control but for smaller stuff like a quick run with a 1/4” round over bit I really like the Bosch 12V.
The shape takes a minute or so to get used but after that it feels great.

This makes me think about how many routers I have and I counted 6.

Houston I have a problem.

Try 30, now that's a problem. God, I hate changing bits.

 

[subroc]

If I was committed to the M18 line and was considering a cordless router I would just pony up and get the Milwaukee.

Anyway, I am just a home use DIY guy. I have 2 compact routers a Dewalt corded 611 and a cordless. Mostly I just use these for round over or flush trim. I have full size routers so never ask the smaller compact tools to do full size work. Both seem to have similar power for the functions I ask. Personally, I like the convenience of the cordless which is why I bought the cordless after owning a fully functional corded compact router. I still use both. I guess I would just say get the cordless.

 

[ForrestT]

I have a corded Bosch with fixed and plunge bases. Like it a lot for what little I use it. Purchased right as 20v was beginning. I may be wrong on this and others can comment, with a router my thought was stay corded so you have continuous power. I didn’t want to risk battery dying while I was working on a piece I may only have 1 shot at with fine/precision work.

 

[CallumRD1]

For a trim router, I love my Milwaukee M18 one. It won’t replace a full sized router but for for any trim router sided task (mostly smaller round overs and chamfers for me) it’s been fantastic. I do most of my woodworking outside on the apron in front of my shop so not having to drag extension cords around is extremely convenient.

 

[lardy1]

I have a couple of old Betterly laminate routers if I should ever need a compact router. They haven't left their spot on the shelf in almost 5 years. I guess I just don't have the need for a small router other than laminate work which I rarely do anymore. My PC 690 and my Bosch 1617 are my go to routers.

 

[yatg]

The old porter cable 7310 laminate trimmers are nice. Bought mine for doing door hinges and latches.

 

[acer66]

Try 30, now that's a problem. God, I hate changing bits.

I am not sure if I now should feel better of having only 6 so far or if I now should say in my best Bill ‘The Butcher’ Cutting impersonating voice Challenge accepted?

 

[gahrajmahal]

Regardless of what you get the soft start feature is really great on a router. I have the corded dewalt with fixed or plunge base. Whenever I use my old craftsman big router, I’m always startled then it pivots with the full speed start.

 

[KenC]

The old porter cable 7310 laminate trimmers are nice. Bought mine for doing door hinges and latches.

Its predecessor, the 310 series, are arguably the best of breed. Old, but parts are still available. If mine ever dies, it will get repaired.

 

[MushCreek]

So far, I only have two routers. I have an ancient Craftsman POS that stays in a table for cutting chamfers, and a nice 1/2" Bosch with all of the bells and whistles. The only problem is its size, hence the search for a smaller one for detail work. For example, I'm making a couple caned seats, and want to radius the edges of a couple hundred 1/4" holes.

 

[dogdog]

I have the makita trim router ones from homedepot and harbor freight they both work if you set them up properly the makita is a lot more smooth and easier to setup. Mikita one feels like holding a precision machine at hand, the HF well, it works fine. Saying that, I really wanted the ridgid one but they were out of stock when I need one.

Ridgid, dewalt, makita, Bosch, Milwaukee, are all good brand, I suggest you go hold them in the store and see how you feel to it.

 

[dogdog]

Not sure which craftsman one you have on the 1/2 ones, I have about 3 craftsman pro red ones from old days and they were excellent and precision feel you can route down the the 1/32 accuracy with it on something. Came with two base fixed and plunged plus step depth gauge if that is what thing thing is called. Newer ones I dunno. Don’t have the same feel when I play with it at lowes.

 

[MushCreek]

My Craftsman router is a 1/4" one from the 1970's. It is a full-size router, just not a very good one.

 

[Dave455]

I’ve got this Makita RT0700. Superb little machine. Really well thought out. Does everything I need, nothing I don’t.

Cordless would be tempting. Once you start cutting you want to complete the cut without stopping to ensure a neat finish, so the cable needs to be carefully handled to stop it hanging up. But… I wouldn’t want this to be any more top heavy.

All I’ll say is that if you THINK, you MIGHT have a use for one of these, you do! I use this for all manner of projects I never thought I would, and they actually change the way you do some jobs.

 

[jar944]

The dewalt 611 is nice. It's the one I grab the most.

 

[tarbellb]

Best bang for the buck is the Ridgid palm router
_variable speed
_power switch on top so you can set it down to turn off
_square and round base
_vac port

right now bundled with 1/4 sheet sander for $120- Ridgid R24011 @ HD

Also comes in cordless, cant vouch but likely a good buy. There is a strong case for cordless palm routers, typically you are grabbing and trimming something and moving on.

 

[mike93lx]

Best bang for the buck is the Ridgid palm router
_variable speed
_power switch on top so you can set it down to turn off
_square and round base
_vac port

right now bundled with 1/4 sheet sander for $120- Ridgid R24011 @ HD

Also comes in cordless, cant vouch but likely a good buy. There is a strong case for cordless palm routers, typically you are grabbing and trimming something and moving on.

That's a good deal

 

[The Cobbler]

The old porter cable 7310 laminate trimmers are nice. Bought mine for doing door hinges and latches.

I have one of those and another round trim router, not sure of the mod # . I adapted an old craftsman router base to it as it came with the square base & adjustable bearing etc. it has been an awesome router for doing hinges . the only thing I have done to it is a bearing that failed very early on, and a power cord .
also have an older PC 1/4" & 1/2" router that has been a workhorse .
I don't know if the newer PC stuff is as good unfortunately

 

[MushCreek]

That is a good deal, although I don't really need the sander. It's significantly more $$$ without the sander. I hope the deal is still good in a couple weeks, as I'll be out of the country until Sept. 2.

 

[mhejl]

Bosch Colt. I have an old PC (NLA), Dewalt, and the Colt variable speed trim routers. I use the Colt the most.

The PC is fiddly to adjust so I keep a dedicated small roundover bit in it. The Dewalt has dual bases but is overall bulky for a trim router
but works well with the plunge base on a circle jig.

I think I have 10+ routers and I use Bosch the most. Others I have set up for dedicated operations like an old PC690 set up for dovetails on the Leigh jig and a PC 7518 in a lift for the router table. I wouldn't buy a modern PC, though.

The Bosch dust collector accessories actually work pretty well. The Dewalt ones don't fit my Festool vac hoses very well and pop off.

 

[tarbellb]

That is a good deal, although I don't really need the sander. It's significantly more $$$ without the sander. I hope the deal is still good in a couple weeks, as I'll be out of the country until Sept. 2.

It's imo easily the best trim router out there, just about all mfg have copied the design (which Ridgid may have copied from something else?)

But it's small, powerful, easy to adjust, LED, vac port, vari speed, soft start, etc...

and my favorite feature-power button on top so when you are done routing just set it upside down to turn off NO FIDDLING WITH A SWITCH


but I digress, Bosch, DeWalt, and other all finally have a similar featured model... for more money

 

[dr_clyde]

I’m happy with my Bosch Colt, I don’t use it much but when I do it works great.

I would consider a cordless Milwaukee if I used it more.

 

[ForrestT]

Love the Bosch colt.