Best Plunge Router to Improve Your Woodworking

Best Plunge Router – Makita RT0701CX7

If you’re looking for the best of the best plunge router, the model that outclasses over 40 of its competitors is the Markita RT0701CX7.

Despite its tinier motor and collet, this high-speed plunge router is as reliable as they come. Plus, it’s a super-inexpensive model that would make any pro or hobbyist woodworker proud.

Here’s what the RT0701CX7’s key specifications look like—

• 1.25-HP Motor
• ¼-inch Collet
• 10-30,000 RPM
• Shaft Lock

The Makita RT0701CX7 is a compact router kit that many people love. Although the kit doesn’t include the plunge base, it’s sold separately for pretty cheap.

You could still expect so many great things about it. First of all, this router is available in a variable of different speeds, starting from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.

For accuracy, it’s built with a smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system and easy-to-read depth scales.

A great quick release cam lock system is incorporated for easy base removals as well as installations.

The top is made flat for convenience when changing bits. Please note that this unit uses ¼-inch shank router bits!

If you’re looking for something more compact to your everyday woodworking routine, the RT0701CX7 will more than excite you!

Best Premium - PORTER-CABLE 693LRPK

Key Specifications

• 1.75-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 27,500 RPM
• Cam Lock Lever

The Porter-Cable 692LRPK produces a hefty 1.75 HP that’s utilized for up to 27,500 RPM speed.

With the micrometer depth adjuster, you shouldn’t be worried about making precise adjustments because it could go down to 1/128 of an inch.

Next, the cam lock lever enables you to do coarse height adjustments and motor release simply and effortlessly.

This unit’s turret is adjustable and available to work in six different positions to make the plunge cuts even quicker and easier.

The ergonomic rubber handle is designed for a full comfort routing operation. The spring might get too stiff, but we guess that’s better than just being too weak and not usable.

With its rather small size and convenient weight, you could easily choose this a good hand router. If you regularly work with oak and mahogany, this unit could still be as strong too.

Best Budget - Avid Power MW104

Key Specifications

• 1.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and 3/8-inch Collets
• 10-32,000 RPM
• LED Work Light

You can count on the Avid Power MW104 for its 1.25-HP powerful motor, utilized to produce variable speeds from 10,000 up to 32,000 RPM.

The unit is also incorporated with LED lights for maximum visibility during operation, making cuts easier and more precise to create.

To ensure accuracy, the smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system allows you to operate on a range of woodworking duties, including cabinetry.

While this plunge router is the most comfortable due to its ergonomic design and rubber handle for better grip, its durability is juxtaposed to any of that.

Made of high-quality aluminum, you should expect this unit to work with you for a lifetime period.

Avid Power MW104 should get a full appreciation for its powerful motor. If you’re currently on a hunt for some units that are used to heavy-duty operations, then this could be the one.

Best for Beginners - DEWALT DW618B3

Key Specifications

• 2.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 8-25,000 RPM
• Constant Response Circuitry

The Bosch 1617EVSPK has a powerful 2.25-HP motor that produces a wide range of speed, starting from 8,000 up to 25,000 RP.

With the built-in Constant Response Circuitry, this unit will work under a maintained constant speed throughout any operations. This way, you’ll get more accurate cuttings and less hassle too, obviously.

Though the product description says that for each purchase you’ll get both the 1/4 and 1/2-inch collet chucks, many people have only received the ½ inch collet.

Other attachments are sold separately, like the dust collector, for example. So you’ll probably need to invest extra money to keep your work surface clean.

By and large, this is a great companion of every woodworker due to its versatility. But, if you’re not willing to spend extra money on attachments, then maybe the only option is to declare it “on hold” for some time first.

Best for Pros - Festool 574692

Key Specifications

• 1.25-HP Motor
• ¼-inch Collet
• 16-27,000 RPM
• Soft-Starting Motor

The DeWalt DWP611PK has a powerful 1.25-HP motor to produce a broad range of speed, starting from 16,000 up to 27,000 RPM.

Built with dual LED lights, people just love how perfect they are positioned for better visibility when working.

Moreover, the plunge base allows you to depth-travel up to 2-inch, and it adjusts effortlessly using the lever provided.

DeWalt also designed this unit to ensure changes from fixed to plunge bases done smoothly in no time.

For precision, there’s a micro depth adjustment on the fixed base in 1/64″ increments.

The motor itself is soft-starting, so it’s much safer than those that don’t have this feature. The handle is specifically designed to promote full control and comfort.

If you’re a DIY hobbyist at home and have been thinking about getting a router, then you should try this unit.

Best Cordless Plunge Router - Makita XTR01Z

Key Specifications

• 1-HP Motor
• ¼-inch Collet
• 16-35,000 RPM
• Finger-Support Pockets

The Bosch PR20EVSNK is a great product due to its versatility.

In fact, for every purchase, you get many accessories to perform a great number of tasks, including laminate trimming, as it is the ideal tool for putting round-overs, mortising for hinges, slot cutting, and other edge forming tasks.

Now, although it seems very soft, this unit is reliable enough to produce an ample amount of power, starting from 16,000 up to 35,000 RPM.

It’s strong just like a large router, but more efficient in use.

The unit is compatible with smaller bits, and the changing bit experience according to some people has been very quick and easy.

Here’s a quick video that showcases the PR20EVSNK’s features and performance. 

Bosch has been a great value to many woodworkers for a long time now. This unit might have its downsides, but nothing could beat an amply powered plunge router at such an affordable price.

Bosch 1617EVSPK

Key Specifications

• 2.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 8-24,000 RPM
• Through-the-Column Dust Collections

The Dewalt DW618PK has a 2.25-HP motor that allows you to cut to tough materials perfectly.

For specific applications, you could always select the appropriate speed, ranging from 8,000 up to 24,000 RPM.

As this unit relies on a fully electronic system, you could expect it to maintain constant speed under operation, so no need to worry about not having a smooth finish ultimately.

The fixed base includes a micro-fine depth-adjustment ring to provide you precise adjustments on the bits in 1/64-inch increments.

The plunge base itself features a turner stop that’s adjustable in five positions.

For even more convenience, there’s a lever and a switch for optimum control at your fingertips during the routing operation.

This handy video will teach you how to make fluted trims with the DW618PK plunge router. 

Every purchase of this unit includes so many attachments that are very useful. It’s a great choice for anybody who wants to land on something reliable, both on function and price.

DEWALT DWP611PK

Key Specifications

• 3.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 8-21,000 RPM
• Convertible Plunge and Fixed-Base

The Triton TRA001 works either as a handheld or table-mount router.

The change between these modes is relatively easy, too. Whenever you want to change from the plunge base to the fixed one, make use of the single button switch.

The fixed base of this router also features the smooth rack-and-pinion adjustment mode that should aim for perfect precision.

Some routers make you spend a lot of time in bit changing, but this one has an acclaimed automatic spindle lock that secures the bits you’ve changed.

The process is also relatively easy using the provided single wrench. Moreover, it features a 3-Stage Turret with scales that ensures precise cuts.

This promotional video by Triton will teach you everything you need to know about the TRA001. 

Triton TRA001 promises you a lot of safety during operation while still maintaining powerful motor work.

Bosch PR20EVS

Key Specifications

• 2.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 10-23,000 RPM
• Overmolded Grips

The Porter-Cable 892 provides you a reliable operation from a range of speed options, starting from 10,000 up to 23,000 RPM.

Like many plunge routers, this unit is also an easy-to-use tool that’s great for handheld or table-mount functions.

The motor is soft-starting, and it features full-time electronic feedback to ensure it maintains a constant speed under an on-going operation.

The spindle lock feature allows you to change between bits easily by loosening the collect with the provided single-wrench.

The overmolded grips are also designed for guaranteed comfort in your palms.

For each purchase, you get the router motor, a fixed base, 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets, collet wrench, carrying case, and operating manual.

Many people have relied on Porter-Cable tools now. This one is surely a powerful tool to add to your workshop for an efficient routing operation.

DEWALT DW618PK

Key Specifications

• 2.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 8-24,000 RPM
• Fixed/Plunge Base

The Hitachi HPT KM12VC has a 2.25-HP motor that produces powerful speed for any applications.

We say it’s versatile in function because they add many useful accessories that you could attach to the router for different purposes, including groove cutting, chamfering, window cutting, trimming, shaping, and cutting patterns.

Hitachi claims to be a class-leading noise level, with only a 79.5 dB noise level when being used. Perfect if you prefer working in quiet spaces.

This kit offers fixed and plunge bases, 3 plexiglass baseplates, 2 wrenches, a 1/4″ collet, and a 1/2″ collet, 5 aluminum guide bushings, a dust guard, and a large plastic case.

This Hitachi unit is a good affordable choice that does its job wonderfully. The fact that the company is humble enough to give away those free add-ons is reason enough to give it a try.

Triton TRA001

Key Specifications

• 3.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 9-22,000 RPM
• Shaft Lock

The Makita RP2301FC offers you a powerful routing precision with its 3.25-HP motor, speeding from 9,000 up to 22,000 RPM.

They also add extra features like variable speed, electronic speed control, and an electric brake for more convenience in use.

The function of this router is pretty versatile as you could apply this unit for several projects, whether for fine woodworking, windows, doors, cabinetry, and more.

While the electronic speed control aims to maintain constant speed during operation, the motor is also soft-started which promotes very smooth start-ups.

Moreover, this unit has a 0” – 2-3/4” plunge depth capacity intended for easy penetration into any of your workpieces, supported by the added linear ball bearings for even smoother action.

Manufactured in Japan, this unit’s quality is nothing to be doubtful of. It also provides you versatility in function, and comfort as well as safety at the same time.

PORTER-CABLE 892

Key Specifications

• 2.5-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 8-23,000 RPM
• Hard-Shelled Carrying Case

The WEN RT6033 comes with an impressive motor for its cost.

The 2.5-HP motor drives bits at speeds of between 8,000 and 23,000 RPM, allowing you to cut smooth grooves through all kinds of board thicknesses. It has a maximum plunge depth of up to 2-3/8 inches.

Thanks to the micro-adjust can advance the depth stop by just 1/128 of an inch per 90° turn. This router also comes with a 2-in-1 base that lets you easily convert this from a plunge to a fixed router.

It’s a bit on the heavy side, but some users found that the extra weight helps at providing consistent routing depths on all materials.

The WEN RT6033 is easily one of the most reliable plunge routers for beginner and advanced woodworkers.

Metabo HPT KM12VC

If you’re just starting your wood-routing journey, the one model we’d recommend over the rest is the high-powered DEWALT DW618B3.

Here are the DW618B3’s key specs at a glance—

• 2.25-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 8-24,000 RPM
• Integrated Dust Control

With its 2-¼ HP motor, the DeWalt DW618B3 cuts at speeds of between 8,000 and 24,000 RPM.

To reduce start-up torque, this unit has been designed with a soft start for improved control.

You will notice a micro-fine depth-adjustment on the unit’s fixed base that allows you to make very precise adjustments in 1/64-inch increments.

The D-handle base is designed with a low center of gravity to promote full and balanced control, as well as comfort while doing any routing operations.

In fact, the handle is made of rubber for a better grip. The plunge base itself includes an adjustable turret stop in five positions, very useful when making replicated cuts.

DeWalt DW618B3 is a good go-to handheld router you could choose from the market. This is perfect for woodworkers who have started thinking about landing on a brand-new router tool.

Makita RP2301FC

As for those who want to upgrade their routers into a more professional one, then the Festool 574692 is your best option.

Here’s what the Festool 574692 has in store for us—

• 1.88-HP Motor
• ¼ and ½-inch Collets
• 10-22,500 RPM
• Dust Extraction Port

The Festool 574692 is designed with ergonomic handles to promote full control and less fatigue when doing any routing operations.

This unit utilizes 1.88-HP power for 10,000 to 22,500 RPM, a reliable choice if you’re working on tough materials.

Festool also promises no fear of irregular finishing as it incorporates the Ratcheting Spindle to make bit changing quicker and easier.

You’re going with maximum precision with Festool because of its micro-adjustability dials down to 1/256″.

If you’re working on top of templates, the 2-3/4″ Plunge Depth could come in handy. There’s also a dust extraction that you should expect to make your workspace mess-free from dust or chips from routing.

Learn how to set up and use your Festool 574692 in this video. 

This unit might get a little pricey compared to any other routers out there with similar features. However, great quality routers couldn’t really lie when it comes to a very smooth operation.

WEN RT6033

For our readers who prefer a more portable option—one they can take to various job sites without being tied down by cables—then the Makita XTR01Z is the plunge router for you.

Here’s a quick look at the Makita XTR01Z’s key specifications—

• 18V Li-Ion Battery
• ¼-inch Collet
• 10-30,000 RPM
• Brushless Motor

This cordless router is a perfect solution if you’re working mobile, on doors and jambs scattered throughout a 6-story condominium.

The Makita XTR01Z is electrically controlled to match the needed torque and RPM for specific applications.

The control dial varies widely, too, from 10,000 up to 30,000 RPM. The brushless motor used in this unit is for up to 50% longer run time.

This unit is compatible with the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery.

This unit has the smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise and convenient settings.

For better visibility when working there are dual LED lights to illuminate your work surface. Dual LED lights to illuminate the work surface.

The Makita XTR01Z is a great compact router that has a longer run time compared to others. The brushless motor really does great justice to it.