In contrast to fixed base routers, plunge routers are a sort of woodworking tool that allows for greater adaptability when it comes to deep cutting by, as the name implies, plunging down and up while cutting. Some of these routers also include fixtures, enabling them to serve as fixed-base routers as well.
Plunge routers’ versatility when making deep cuts in wood surpasses that of fixed-base routers since they can well dive. Some of these routers come with mounting hardware that can be used to mount them permanently.
Well, in this article, I’ll be introducing you to the top lists of the best plunge routers. Note that the plunger router product listed below are based on the best and top-performing ones in today’s industrial market. And these tools are very common in woodworking workshops in the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada, based on our research.
So, let’s dive in!
Contents
Best Plunge Router
The followings are the top best lists of best plunge routers in today’s industrial market:
- DEWALT DWP611PK Router Kit
- Makita RP1800 Plunge Router
- Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit
- WEN RT6033 Woodworking Plunge Router Kit
- Hitachi KM12VC Router Kit
- Bosch 120-Volt Electronic Plunge Base Router
- Festool 574692 Router OF 1400 EQ Imperial
- MRC23EVSK Combination Router
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DEWALT DWP611PK Router Kit
We were pleased to see that this router stood up to the high standards we had expected from DEWALT power tools. The robust 1-and-a-half horsepower, seven-ampere motor enables continuous running and trustworthy outcomes. Its 8-pound weight makes it easy to maneuver around your workpiece and can even be used by one person.
With a motor that has an RPM range of 16,000 to 27,000, you have versatility while dealing with varied materials. Although the range does not go as low as we would like and can occasionally produce minor burning on softer materials, it is sufficient for the majority of woodworking applications. With its superb balance and control during cutting, the motor’s soft-start technology reduces starter vibration.
It has two distinct bases, one with a plunger for simple operation and the other with a depth setting. With the aid of the rack and pinion gear in the base, you can easily adjust the plunger’s depth and consistently produce accurate cuts. Because the plunger’s handles are large and comfortable to hold, you can use it safely while making cuts.
The fixed-depth base is thin enough to be operated with one hand, and the bottom plate is the nicest we’ve seen on any router we tested. The plate’s transparent design lets an LED work light shine through to illuminate your cut and the area around it, enabling precise accuracy. The bases can be changed very quickly. This router creates an average amount of noise while it is running (78.9 dB). It will be loud enough to require ear protection, but it shouldn’t be too disruptive for neighbors.
Makita RP1800 Plunge Router
The Makita RP1800 plunge router features a 15-amp motor that delivers 22,000 RPM, a handy lock switch for continuous operation, and an innovative chip deflector that makes sure you don’t get pelted with stray woodchips while cutting. These features come in addition to longer tool life and a smooth plunging action made possible by its linear ball bearings.
One very satisfied customer wrote that it’s a “powerful, durable router that stands up where off-the-shelf routers won’t,” and another, who has owned this for over three years, added, “Still works like new; no loss of power.” It has a large two-finger switch for better control and comfortable ergonomic handles. The plunge continues to be as smooth, if not smoother, as it was when it was first used. Settings for depth, etc., are still accurate.
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Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit
This router is typical of Bosch’s contractor-grade products, which are made to hold up to repeated rigorous use. It has a powerful engine that can easily and quickly cut through any wood, from hard maple and oak to light pine. Its powerful motor explains why it is one of the noisiest at 90 dB. You’ll need earplugs all the time, and the loudness can bother others in other parts of the house.
You can change the motor’s speed from 8,000 to 25,000 RPM to find the ideal speed for your particular material in terms of clean cuts, minimal tear-out, and quick cutting. Regardless of the nature of your work, it can be tailored to meet your demands. Additionally, it is well-balanced and vibrates less even when moving quickly.
This router’s transparent shield protects you from flying wood shavings and sand while not impeding your vision of the job. The dust-collecting port makes it easier to keep the workspace tidy and requires less effort to clean up afterward. Because it is made of durable plastic and strong metal, this Bosch router is built to last.
It has a fixed-depth base and lovely oak handles with great grip for cutting accuracy. You can quickly make subtle adjustments and get the tool dialed in for exact cuts thanks to its integrated measures and rack-and-pinion plunger base. Base updates are straightforward and require no effort from you.
WEN RT6033 Woodworking Plunge Router Kit
The WEN RT6033 plunge router kit is the best option if you’re new to using a plunge router and don’t need it for professional use. It can be used both as a plunge and fixed base router, comes with a carrying case and an edge guide for making perfectly straight lines, is simple to use, and is also reasonably priced. This tool boasts a gentle start motor that many customers found to be quite outstanding, a 15-amp variable speed motor, and you can easily convert from plunge to fixed by simply locking its spring-loaded base in a downward position.
One content customer wrote: “My daughter’s jewelry box needed a decorative top, and even though I’m new to woodworking, I found this router to be excellent for the job. Another user commented that it’s “good value and accurate enough for weekend DIY carpentry.” I suggest the device because it is simple to use.”
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Hitachi KM12VC Router Kit
Although Hitachi is now branded as Metabo HPT, its strong and durable tools for the construction industry are still available. This router is made to withstand years of use and a variety of tasks. This router weighs a substantial 9.9 kg. Moving about your workpiece is not too difficult, and the feedback you get will give you more confidence as you work. It generates 79.5 dB when in operation, so you’ll want to wear earplugs, but it shouldn’t disturb your neighbors.
A powerful 11-amp, 214-horsepower motor enables the quick processing of a range of materials. It is possible to change the motor’s speed from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM, enabling accurate, clean cuts through any type of wood. This router is a great value for the price when you take into account its features and capabilities.
For this router, there are two different base types: a fixed-depth base and a plunger base. Although the rubber grips on the plunger base are nice to hold, when the tool is being used for cutting, their tiny size doesn’t give you much confidence. It has a simple knob for adjustment and a rack and pinion mechanism to enable fine-tuning of the plunger’s depth.
The fixed-depth base simply features minimal handles, like the plunger base. The fixed-depth base also incorporates a fine-tuning adjustment that enables quick and precise cutting without the need to often switch bases.
Bosch 120-Volt Electronic Plunge Base Router
The Bosch plunge base router is the equipment you need if accuracy and user control are priorities. It has trigger control, a 15-amp motor, micro-bit adjustment to get those more complicated cuts exactly right, and a straightforward yet reliable two-stage quick clamp system. This powerful tool, an Amazon’s Choice product in the routers category, also boasts a powerful plunger mechanism, lots of power, a feedback circuit to maintain its speed during heavy cuts, and a power switch that is conveniently located on its ergonomic handles for user convenience.
One satisfied customer stated, “Excellent, professional router from Bosch as promised. precise adjustments, a gentle start, consistent work lighting, and outstanding ergonomics.” They also mentioned that although the plunge lever is still within a user’s comfort range, it might be a little too firm for some people.
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Festool 574692 Router OF 1400 EQ Imperial
This router is made by Festool, a company known for producing some of the best tools for working with wood. The powerful 11.7-amp, 134-horsepower motor easily complete any woodworking operation. One of the router’s best qualities is how comfy the grips are. There is a bigger, trigger-equipped handle as well as a traditional knob grip. It’s simple to use and gives you confidence while you work.
Depending on the material you’re working with, choosing a motor speed between 10,000 and 22,500 RPM may improve control and cutting effectiveness. Because it is made of sturdy plastic, premium rubber, and metal, you can be confident that it will last for many years of use in your workshop. The rack-and-pinion system and onboard precise instruments make fine-tuning simply. Setting up your cuts and making adjustments while working are made simple with this router.
A dust-collecting slot can swiftly gather the majority of the flying wood chips for simple disposal, but there is no plastic shield to guard you against them. It is much bigger than our top pick and cannot be used with one hand. Because of its weight (17.9 pounds), moving it from one workpiece to another is more difficult.
Changing components on this router is still somewhat difficult due to the way it is designed; however, the rapid lock makes it easier than if the top were flat. This router cannot be used with other bases because it lacks a removable plunger.
Bosch MRC23EVSK Combination Router
The Bosch 1617EVSPK router is a fantastic gadget that serves as both a plunge and fixed base router in one versatile unit. It has a trigger on the ergonomic handle for simple operation and complete control, a 15-amp, the variable-speed motor with 2.3 HP, and a quiet start. With speeds ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 RPM and threaded holes in the base, mounting it on a router table is essentially straightforward.
One ecstatic client remarked, “It works beautifully; I routed some breadboard end tenons and mortises. The fixed-based and plunge switches out with ease. The router is sturdy and not overly hefty to be cumbersome.”
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Some other Best Plunge Router
Below is some other plunge router you should be considering:
Ryobi RE180PL1G Plunge Router
Triton TRA001 Dual-Mode Precision Plunge Router
PORTER-CABLE 450 Compact Router
DeWALT DW618PKB Plunge Router Combo with Vacuum Adaptor
Makita RT0701CX7 Compact Router Kit
DeWALT Plunge Base Fixed Router Kit
Triton TRA001
Lotos ER001 Electric Plunge Wood Router
Bosch MRP23EVS
Plunge Router FAQs
Do I need a plunge router?
For tasks that call for working from above, plunge routers function well, but fixed-base models work better for edgework. Plunge routers are the way to go when a project calls for routing the middle of a workpiece, such as when milling mortises or concealed dados (dados that don’t run from one edge to the other).
What is the best woodworking router to buy?
Some best price routers in US$ on Amazon.com (USA):
- Best Palm Router—Bosch Wood Router.
- Best Compact Router—Makita Wood Router.
- Best Plunge Router Set—Bosch 1617EVSPK Router.
- Best DeWALT Router—DeWALT Router Set.
- Best Fixed Base and Plunge Router—Skil Router Combo.
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Why is a plunge router better?
Plunge routers provide you the ability to read and adjust the depth directly on the router’s face. Bit protection is one benefit a plunge router provides over a fixed-base device. When not in use, a plunge router automatically encircles and shields your pricey parts.
How deep can DeWALT plunge router cut?
DEWALT Plunge Router. A strong 2.25 HP electric motor powers the plunge base, allowing for fast acceleration to 27000 RPM. You can cut wood up to 1/64-inch-deep with this much force and energy.
Can a plunge router be used as a fixed router?
“Choose the plunge base if you’re only intending to do a few home modifications. More choices are available to you, and you can always lock it so that it functions as a fixed base router.”
Can I plunge cut with a fixed base router?
Yes, a plunge router can take care of this for you, but you must pay great attention to the depth you’ve set. The precision of the depth may be impacted if you plunge the router back into the workpiece. With a fixed base router, on the other hand, once the depth is set, that depth will be the depth of the cut.
How do I choose a plunge router?
The following are things to consider before choosing a plunge route:
- Motor Speed.
- Base Aperture.
- Plunge Depth.
- Side Fence.
How deep can you go with a plunge router?
Plunge depths can range from 2 to 3.5 inches depending on the type. It must be kept in mind that the plunge depth may not be a workable depth below the base plate’s bottom.
Can all routers plunge cut?
All spiral router bits can plunge-cut.
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That is all for this article, where the top lists of the best plunge router are discussed. I hope it was helpful, if so, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!
