If you are a handyman or a DIYer who always find yourself working mostly in woodworking, then you must have had instances where you need to trim or shape some edges. It can be a daunting task if you do not have the right tool. Talking of a tool to use in such a situation, trim routers have proven to be one of the most invaluable that one can get. Trim routers can be used in a number of tasks including trimming edges, flush trimming plugs, cutting joinery, laminating counter tops, just to name a few.
So, how do you know that you have the right trim router for the job? This comprehensive buying guide has been prepared to help you understand trimmers in general, as well as help you pick the best out of the junk that fills the market.
Our Best Pick – Bosch GKF125CEN Palm Router
Versatile, Convenient and Best Value for Money
Power, versatility and convenience are the 3 things that best defines this trim router. It is very versatile and easy to use. The router makes good use of its 1.25 HP to deliver a maximum of 35,000 PM, which is incredible by industry standards. Its unique Palm-grip design also makes it comfortable and easy to use. If consistency, versatility, and value for money is what you look for in a trim router, then nothing else comes close to this one.
Best Trim Routers in 2021 You Can Buy
Here is a countdown of the best trim routers one can buy.
9. TACKLIFE Plunge and Fixed Base Router
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: 6 variable speeds, Compass & Auxiliary handle.
Horsepower: 0.8 HP.
This Tacklife trim router is uniquely designed to offers users the best of both Plunge and fixed base router functionalities. It is powered by a high performance 0.8 hp motor that guarantees a maximum of 30,000 Rpm. The router has a speed dial which allows users to seamlessly adjust speeds on 6 different levels. It comes with a 1-meter flex shaft which users can use on a range of carving tasks.
Versatility is on a whole new level with this trim router as one can use the 3 nuts it comes with to fix it upside down on a table. If you desire versatility and convenience, then this is your kind of router.
Pros and Cons
- It is very versatile and easy to use.
- Can be used as both a fixed base and plunge router.
- At 0.8 horsepower, the performance is limited to some tasks.
8. Enertwist Variable Speed Soft Start Palm Router
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Smooth soft start, Adjustable rack-and-pinion control, Ergonomic design.
Horsepower: 1.25 hp.
Enertwist might not be the most popular brand in the market, but it’s surely becoming more popular in many DIYer’s toolboxes. It is compactly designed with performance and versatility in mind. The router is considerably powerful with 1.25 horsepower which can propel it to 32,000 RPMs. The structure is well built with heavy duty cast materials that makes it durable.
With its smooth soft start ability that makes it accelerate really fast, it makes a good addition to a handyman that loves doing things really fast.
Pros and Cons
- It is solidly built to last a lifetime.
- It is fast and convenient in most tasks.
- Its depth locking function needs improvements.
7. Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Micro Adjust Dial, No Mar Top, Quick Release Lever.
Horsepower: 1.6 hp.
Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router is nicely constructed with solid materials and offers consistent speed and dependable power of 1.6 hp. To ensure that users get tip-top versatility and convenience, the router has been designed with round and square bases. The base can also be detached using the quick release lever it has.
Controlling depth and getting better precision is easy, thanks to the Easy access adjust dial that it comes with. The over-mold also ensures that there is no marring formation on the surfaces.
Pros and Cons
- It is easy to use and convenient.
- It comes with high performance, thanks to a superior motor.
- The bits are a somehow loose.
6. Hitachi M12VE Variable Speed Plunge Router
Price: Highly priced.
Special features: Adjustable handles, Lightweight & Compact design.
Horsepower: 3.5 HP.
Hitachi M12VE is a user-friendly plunge trim router that comes with lots of handy features. It comes with an easy to operate sliding switch that makes starting and operating it a seamless process. The router is made with a peak performance motor that can deliver up to 22,000 RPMs. Although that isn’t the highest, it is still decent and very dependable.
With this trim router, making adjustments is easy-peasy. From the adjustable handles with excellent control options. It is a modest performer that delivers on its promise.
Pros and Cons
- It comes with amazing horsepower that guarantees high performance.
- Using it is convenient and easy.
- It is pricier than most in the market.
5. Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router
Price: highly priced.
Special features: Single button switch, Single wrench bit, Micro winder.
Horsepower: 3 HP.
The Triton TRA001 is a large sized dual mode plunge router that is loved by many people for its precision and accuracy in cutting. It can also be switched to a fixed base router with a single button and a pinion. Adjusting the depth anytime is easy, thanks to the Micro winder feature it has.
The ability to adjust the speeds of the trim router is also another reason to live this amazing router. There is also a side air vent that is meant to reduce dust intake which can damage the router.
Pros and Cons
- Can be used as both a plunge and fixed base router.
- It is heavy duty and durable.
- The plunge isn’t very smooth.
4. PORTER-CABLE 690LR Fixed-Base Router
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Micrometer, Cam-lock lever,
Horsepower: 1.25 HP.
Constructed with an aluminum motor casing, this fixed base router is both lightweight and easy to use. Its 11-amp motor is very powerful and produces a 1-3/4 peak horsepower which is incredible. The motor manages to squeeze up to 27,500 RPMs which can also be adjusted depending on the project that you are working on.
Its precision is one of the best one can find and with its unique Cam-lock functionality, setting the height and motor release is a seamless process.
Pros and Cons
- Its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle and use.
- Its dust-sealed rugged construction ensures better durability and dependability.
- Some people feel that the new version isn’t as solid as the previous ones.
3. Makita RT0701C Compact Router
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Variable speed dial, Smooth rack with pinion, Electronic speed.
Horsepower: 1 HP.
Makita is undoubtedly one of the best tool manufacturers across the globe, and that is all evident in this compact router. It comes with a variable speed dial which lets users easily work on different project with ease and more efficiently. The smooth rack with a pinion ensures that users get precise cuttings and easy adjustments. The Cam-lock, on the other hand, ensures uniformity and consistency.
The base of the trim router has a high visibility base design which compatible with multiple base switching. If you are looking for a durable and dependable trim router that is fairly priced, then this is it.
Pros and Cons
- It is ergonomically designed to be easy to use.
- Many people laud it for its precision and accuracy.
- The manual guide could be better.
2. DEWALT DWP611 Variable Speed Compact Router
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Dual LED, Adjustment ring, Variable speed control.
Horsepower: 1.25 HP.
Like every other Dewalt handy tool, this trim router has been designed with a lot of attention to detail. The ingenious craftsmanship and array of features that it comes with are incredible in every way imaginable. Among these features includes a sophisticated variable speed dial, a soft start feedback functionality and a dual LED for better visibility and precision cutting even at night.
For better control and bit depth precision, there is a unique adjustment ring in place which can offer accuracy of up to 1/64-inch.
Pros and Cons
- It is very accurate and convenient.
- Comes with tons of high performance features.
- The quality of construction is different from previous versions.
1. Bosch GKF125CEN Palm Router
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Constant Response circuitry, Palm-grip design, Wide-bit.
Horsepower: 1.25 HP.
Designed to be easy to use, high performing and convenient, this Bosch GKF125CEN Palm Router is second to none. It has won accolades for its superior performance, thanks to its 7-Amp motor that revs up to a maximum of 35,000 RPM. Versatility is always important to ensure easy and convenient tool usability and with the convenient bits of 1-5/16-inches wide, only a few can come close to this.
Its palm-grip design ensures good handling and usage. Anyone who seeks versatility, performance and value for money will love every bit of this trim router.
Pros and Cons
- It is very accurate and easy to use.
- It comes with a high customer rating.
- Would be better with LED lighting.
Choosing The Best Trim Router to Buy
Here are crucial things to look for when you are looking to buy a trim router.
Precision
The first thing that you have to look for in a trim router is its precision. The bit depth adjustment varies from one trim router to the other, and the one you get better have the right settings. The smaller the increment you are able to move the bit, the better the precision you will get. Their increments and sensitivity can range from as wide as 1/16th of an inch and go as high as 1/64 of an inch, the latter being the most precise.
Speed
The next thing that you’d want to pay attention to is the trim router’s speed. Each of them has its own varied speeds which means different handling and results in a project. Some projects will have good results with slow speed trim routers while others demand speed. Working on projects involving soft woods can lead to splitting or cracking if too much force is used. That said, the trim router you go for should give you variable speed control where you can set it based on the project you are working on.
Power
Power is of the essence when it comes to every tool. Without having the right horsepower, the performance you get from your trim router may not deliver the desired results. Unless it is for light tasks, experts recommend that one should go for a router with at least 0.8 horsepower. The average project by most handymen and DIYers tend to need more than this.
Cost
The price tags on trim routers can really vary by a big margin. This is simply because they are created differently. Those that have more attention to detail and better settings tend to be pricier. However, the choice you make shouldn’t be totally based on the pricing. You need to make sure that all of the other factors are spot on if you want to get value for your money. If you have a simple project that isn’t as complex or expect to only use the trim router once, then you may have to sacrifice some features and save on the cost.
Final Verdict
If you are like most woodworking handymen out there, you must have had the need to cut joinery, shape edges, hinge mortises among other things. Trim routers are the perfect tool to help you achieve that. From routing inlay cavities to getting the best joinery cuts, the trim routers shared above are the best one can find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Trim Router?
A: A trim router is a handy and versatile tool that can be used in multiple woodworking tasks. It has become a workshop staple, thanks to its multiple usage that ranges from trimming wood edges to routing inlay cavities.
Q: What is the difference between a plunge and fixed base router?
A: These are the two main types of routers which operate differently. While a plunge router works by letting the user cut depths by lowering the plunge while the router is on top of the materials. On the other side, a fixed base router operates with the bit in a constant point which means that the depth will remain the same all through.
Q: Can I interchange a router bit?
A: Routers are designed differently, and while some have bits that are interchangeable, some don’t. Some of them also work with certain shank bits while others can be used on multiple bit diameters. This is something you need to check before buying a router bit.
