The Best Compact Routers to Shape and Cut Wood

You will find compact routers to be a smaller and lighter option than other woodworking router tools. They are a bridge between traditional trimming routers and full-sized models. It is impossible to complete some carpentry projects without a compact router. But in all of their glory, compact routers pose a challenge for novice and experienced users alike: finding the best one. 

It is difficult to determine the right compact router for the job when so many models look similar, but this buying guide can lead you in the right direction. Read till the end before you add another router to your workshop.

What Are the Types of Compact Routers?

Fixed-base compact routers

When the router bit on a complex router is in a fixed position and doesn’t change during the cut, it is known as a fixed-base complex router. This type of complex router will stick to the preset cut depth, and the router bit will always protrude past the base preset until the machine is restarted and the preset depth is changed.

Never forget that you can still adjust the depth of “fixed-base” compact routers after cutting by turning a dial or unwinding a collar. Also, some compact routers known as tilting bases are fixed-base routers that tilt at a specific angle, and they work superbly for machining inside corners and at odd angles.

Plunge-base compact routers

Any router with a spring-loaded motor housing that moves back and forth on an axis can be called a plunge router. Because of ‌the spring-loaded motor and up and down motion, plunge routers allow you some luxuries. For example, you can change the depth of the cut on the fly without restarting the machine. Simply turn on the router and slide a spinning router bit into the material hassle-free.

Plunge-base routers do a neater job. With this router‌, your mortise and tenor joints won’t have freckles. In addition, it should be easy to vary the cutting depth across the workpiece. Another exciting thing about plunge routers is they each have their range of depths within which you can readily lower or raise the housing using a knob or lever. A quality plunge router should come with an in-built depth gauge to prevent the router bit from plunging too deep.

Plunge routers are the way to go with detailed cuts. The quick vertical movements allow you to make them a precision tool for patterns through cuts, mortises, and deep grooves. You can also use them to make templates if that’s the sort of thing you like to do.

Combo compact routers

So far, you’ve learned about fixed-based routers and plunge-base routers, but what about routers with interchangeable bases? These are called combo compact routers. They come with kits of interchangeable parts that include both fixed and plunge bases, allowing you the option of swapping between both bases. When you purchase a combo compact router, you are not paying for the price of two routers, nor are you paying for one. They are priced above the other ‌routers, but you have the best of both worlds as far as routers are concerned.

They are usually more expensive, and the added disadvantage of changing out bases while cutting can slow down your workflow. But you can enjoy the best of both worlds without owning two separate routers.

What Compact Router Is Suitable for You?

Fixed-based

For a more durable and beginner-friendly option, choose fixed-base routers. They can be set up in minutes, and you can have one hand on the workpiece as you work the router with your other hand, leaving more room for better precision. If you are new to compact routers, you won’t have much of a challenge operating them as their design allows them to be used by operators with little or no skill and experience. And at such an affordable price, there is little doubt ‌why you should get them over a plunge model.

Whether for making identical cuts or edge shaping, these relatively static machines are an ideal choice. They allow you to preset your cut depth so you can pick the machine up any day and use the same setting on your router bit repeatedly. You are free to fine-tune the depth of the router bit to a high degree. You should never cut a dovetail joint with only a dovetail jig after you get a fixed-base router; it will prove to be a more reliable companion.

Plunge base

Freedom is the major selling point of plunge base models, and they are great for making complex cuts like tenon joints and making carving inside a material (like mortises) much less problematic. Just like freedom in the real world, the freedom and flexibility that plunge models offer come at a price, and that is why a plunge base router costs more than a fixed-base router of similar size and capacity. 

Make sure you get some practice before using a plunge base router for professional jobs or any serious jobs, so you can properly adjust the tool as needed. If you get this type of router, be ready for complete control over the depth and appearance of your cuts.

What Power Rating Is Suitable for Compact Routers?

Only 1.25 horsepower (HP) is needed for a compact router to be operational. If you were dealing with denser materials and more significant router bits, you might need something more potent than 1.25 HP to handle it. The more powerful a router is, the faster you can do heavy-duty tasks because now you only need one pass instead of performing multiple passes. On the flip side, the more powerful a router is, the bulkier. So for light wood jobs, ‌go for a smaller model, and you will have more refined control and still get the job done.

How Much Should Your Compact Router Weigh?

This consideration is entirely up to you. A lightweight router makes maneuverability easy; you can be more precise and make more intricate shapes. A bulky tool offers more torque but does the opposite and can tire you out faster. Choose a router between 3.5 and 6.5 pounds.