A router is a power tool with a flat base and rotating blade.
The spindle may be driven by an electric motor or by a pneumatic motor. Used most often in woodworking. Handheld or affixed to the router table.
Some woodworkers consider a router one of the most useful power tools.
There are several types of routers available in the market –
- Plunge routers
- Fixed base wood routers
- Combo routers
- Variable speed routers
- Laminate trimmer
- CNC wood routers
Apart from the main tool, you may want to buy a few additional accessories to improve the accuracy, efficiency or speed of your work.
For example, a router lift for adjustments, router tables, router table fences to keep things from fall off, table plates etc.
Apart from the type of work, price is also an important consideration for buying a router. In case you are not a heavy user and need it for occasional work, you may go for compact or lower budget options
While most routers are hand-operated, you also have CNC routers that are computer-controlled. They are used specifically for fine work such as sign making, aluminum work, images etc.
CNC routers are expensive, but cheaper options such 4×8 CNC routers are also available in the market.
If you are looking to buy a router, do check our detailed reviews of individual router models to help you make a decision.