Best Palm Router – While bulkier routers may provide the power and precision that is the hallmark of a routing tool, they are cumbersome and take more time to set up and use. A trim router on the other hand offers more versatility while still packing a good amount of power.
In this article we will review the seven best trim routers, highlighting what each one does best. You will also find a buyer’s guide that will help you choose the appropriate trim router for your needs.
ROUND UP
1.DEWALT Router
Pros & Cons
- Imported from: Mexico
- POWER TOOLS
- Commercial Brand: DEWALT
DEWALT was once known as a high-end professional power tool brand but has had to reclaim its reputation following its acquisition by Black and Decker. That said, the DEWALT DWP611 compact router is another step in that direction as it does not present any major flaws.
Arguably the only performance issue with this compact router is that its speed range of 16000 to 27000 RPMs is a bit narrow but still good enough for the most common materials. It also does not hurt that while its horsepower may be average at 1 ¼ hp, it can generate more torque than most pushing 7 amps.
2.Bosch GKF125CEN
Pros & Cons
- Ease of use: Revolutionary new woodworking depth adjustment system for easy and precise depth adjustment
- Power: Featuring a 1.25-Hp, 7.0 amp motor for compact versatility with speeds of 16,000-35,000 RPM
- Convenience: Wide-bit capacity - fixed base accepts bits up to 1-5/16-in wide
- Consistency: Constant response circuitry - monitors and maintains speed under load for consistent performance - provides overload protection and soft start for reduced start-up torque
- Comfort: Palm-grip design with soft grip and finger support pockets - provides exceptional comfort and control
Bosch has long been considered one of the best professional tool brands on the market noted primarily for its precision– often at the expense of top-tier power. Thankfully, the Bosch GKF125CEN palm router covers both ends of the spectrums and presents one of the better-performing options on our list.
In terms of its raw power, the 1 ¼ hp motor is nothing special, but the fact that it can push 7 amps means it offers more torque than many of its competitors. On top of that, this compact router can cut and shape a wide range of different materials thanks to a speed range of 16000 to 35000 RPMs.
3.Milwaukee’s Cordless
Pros & Cons
- Power Tools and Accessories
- Country of manufacture: China
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Package weight of the Product: 4.9 Pounds
Milwaukee finishes the list of big-name professional-grade power tool brands for our list and does so with a bang. For starters, this is the only cordless model included in this compact router review, but that is mostly because it is one of the few cordless tools in its class that performed well enough to be included.
While cordless motors are a bit different than corded ones, the 18-volt battery of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 compact router still pushes 900 watts and helps generate 1 ¼ hp or power. As if that were not enough, this compact router also boasts an impressive speed range of 10000 to 31000 rpm.
4.Goplus Wood Router
Pros & Cons
- ⚙️ Strong Power & Variable Speed Control -- 6.5-Amp motor features max horsepower of 1.25. 710W powerful compact router provides reliable power to meet various applications. 6 variable speed can be adjusted from 10000 to 32000rpm, optimizing for changing materials. And chuck diameter of 1/4" & 3/8".
- ⚙️ 4 Useful Bases-- Round base achieves smooth and rapid cutting through simple operation. Tilt base can be tilted at 30-45 °, making it easier to operate with one hand. Offset base applies to positions near walls and narrow corners. And the plunge base can adjust the processing depth conveniently.
- ⚙️ Premium Material & Easy Operation -- This wood router kit is mainly made of aluminum, which is sturdy and durable for a long lifespan. And soft-grip handle can effectively reduce vibration for great comfort and control. In addition, you can adjust cutting depth freely according to the precise scale.
- ⚙️ Convenient Versatility -- Equipped with 4 different bases, the router kit is multifunctional to satisfy your various needs. It is widely used in grooving, trimming, curve cutting and other wood processing. This kit is a good helper for handicraft production, furniture manufacturing and more.
- ⚙️ Complete Accessories -- This compact router kit comes with a main engine, 4 bases, 2 wrenches, 1 collet, 1 straight guide, 1 trimming guide, 1 transparent cover, 1 M4X20 screw, a pair of carbon brushes, 1 pulley and 1 parallel guide. A portable bag is included to carry these tools.
Goplus may be a Chinese company that does not specialize in power tools, but it still offers a decent value given its competition. It is also worth noting that the Goplus compact router is an inexpensive model that manages to avoid some of the design pitfalls found on more expensive options from more reputable brands.
While the power of this compact router is nothing to brag about neither does it disappoint with a 1 ¼ hp motor that pushes 6 ½ amps. Even better, that motor is more than powerful enough to drive the Goplus compact router to cut shape all kinds of materials with a speed range of 10000 to 32000 RPMs.
5.Ridgid R2401
Pros & Cons
- Round and Square Bases - for added versatility and convenience
- Easy Access Micro Adjust Dial – for precise depth control
- Flat Top – router sits upside down for easier bit changes
- No Mar Top – Overmold on top of router prevents marring of work surface
- Quick Release Lever – allows for easy removal of motor from base
Ridgid may not be one of the professional-grade power tool brands, but it is still a solid consumer-grade option– though it may be a tad expensive for its market. That said, this is still a reasonable trim router that performs well where some of the more reputable brands fail.
It is also worth noting that the Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router comes with a complete kit that further increases its overall value, including multiple bases. However, this still does not overlook the fact that it is not as powerful as some, pushing only 5 amps despite a motor that generates 1 ½ hp.
6.PORTER-CABLE
Pros & Cons
- 5.6 AMP VARIABLE SPEED LAMINATE TRIMMER
- 5.6 AMP VARIABLE SPEED LAMINATE TRIMMER
- 5.6 AMP VARIABLE SPEED LAMINATE TRIMMER
- 5.6 AMP VARIABLE SPEED LAMINATE TRIMMER
- 5.6 AMP VARIABLE SPEED LAMINATE TRIMMER
- 16,000 - 35,000 RPM, 5.6 amp motor
- Precision-machined, cast-aluminum fixed base
- Extra large locking clips allow for a quick motor release and/or course depth adjustment
- Depth ring enables quick and accurate bit height adjustments
- Spindle lock button allows for single-wrench bit changes
PORTER-CABLE is an interesting company in that its tools tend to perform as well or better than professional-grade models, but it often lacks some of the high-end extra features. This is especially notable with the PORTER-CABLE 450 compact router which is the only fixed-speed router I’ve decided to include in this small router review.
The fixed-speed design means that this compact router does not provide the same kind of cutting versatility as some of its competition. On the other hand, it is still more than powerful enough for its suited tasks with a 1 ¼ hp motor that pushes an impressive 7 amps for more torque.
7.Makita RT0701C
Pros & Cons
- Variable speed control dial (10,000 to 30,000 RPM) enables user to match the speed to the application
- Smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise settings
- Slim and ergonomically designed body for increased comfort and control
- Quick release cam lock system for easy depth adjustments and base removal/installation
- Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load
- Soft start feature for smooth start ups
- Fixed base accepts industry standard template guides for convenience
- High visibility base design for improved handling and performance
- Base can be removed quickly to install other bases
- Heavy duty aluminum motor housing engineered for increased durability
Makita is well-known as a power tool brand that leans in on the power aspect due to its high-quality motors, but the Makita RT0701C compact router skirts the line a bit. While it is more than powerful enough at 1 ¼ hp and pushing 6 ½ amps, it is not the most powerful model reviewed here.
That said, it seems as if Makita understands the importance of precision with small routers as this model is exceptionally precise. For starters, this is one of the few compact routers on our list that uses a rack and pinion system which may not be the easiest or most convenient but tends to be more stable.
WRAP UP
Best Palm Router – Routers are powerful tools that require their users to be in control at all times. You do not want to lose consistent contact with your router, as it is the key to safe handling.
For this reason, you need a grip that can fit comfortably in your hands. The best palm router grip is usually rubberized or wooden, depending on its manufacturer.
In some cases, you can even get handle-mounted switches, which are extremely simple to familiarize yourself with.
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