Do-It-All Routers Tool Review

We'd all love to have a fleet of routers at our disposal, but few of us can afford that luxury. So we went on a quest for the ultimate router: one machine that does it all. After compiling a list of what's required for a do-everything router, listed below, we rounded up every router that meets the criteria-three dedicated plunge routers and six multibase kits-and put them through extensive testing. Here's how each router scored from 0 to 5 in each of the six requirements.

6 requirements of a do-it-all router

1) Ample power to run any bit, even the largest panel-raisers.

2) A variable-speed motor with soft-start and electronic feedback for maintaining speed under load.

3) Good balance and features for handheld fixed-depth routing.

4) Smooth, easy-to-use plunge action and features.

5) Through-the-base bit-height adjustability for router-table use.

6) Helpful included accessories: edge guide, dust-collection attachments, multiple subbases with different-size openings, guide-bushing holder or adapter, subbase centering cone, and a carrying bag for storage.

Featured in the October 2010 issue of WOOD.

NOTE: This item is available as a downloadable PDF. To download, view, and print the project plan on your computer, you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here for Step-By-Step Instructions on downloading a pdf.