![]() “Hey! This round-over bit comes with a beading bearing, sweet!” -Ethan Best Cordless Router Features Five 31/64″ (1/2″ plywood) dado bits for the performance testing.Five 3/8″ round-over/beading bits for the window sill run-time test.All the bits performed well and we greatly appreciate Rockler Woodworking for the help. Rockler Woodworking provided the bits for this testing. We’ve included the current pricing found online for each of the routers at the time of publication. Price – Price is always an important factor in determining which router is best for a user.We use 1/2 round router bits to come up with a linear foot length and compute that to carpenter speak of “number of window sills” routed. Run time – The run-time evaluation proves the user with a good baseline of expected work per battery charge.Performance – The performance evaluation took a very deep dive into router motors and how fast cut a dado into AC plywood.In addition to traditional ergonomics, we also included functionality in this category. Ergonomics – Ergonomics is really important to users and an important category to consider when purchasing any power tool.Features – an overall comparison of features and specifications.The performance evaluations and these additional factors were used to determine the Best Cordless Router. In addition to the performance evaluations, each of the crew members spent time using the routers in order to evaluate them independently. These tests will give you an excellent baseline on overall tool performance. Two relative, measurable comparison tests were performed: performance and run-time. The challenge for any Head-to-Head test is developing the testing and evaluation criteria in order to create a valuable comparison for users. The following cordless routers were included in the test: In order to keep the tools in this Head-to-Head somewhat similar, each manufacturer was asked to provide a router and 6.0 Ah battery. Smaller routers, like these cordless routers, are useful in applications such as:įor this Head-to-Head evaluation, five cordless routers were selected. More and more contractors are cutting the cord on their job sites and the ability for a cordless router to move freely around a job site is a huge plus. For horizonal use, it will not be an issue, but if you have vertical applications, it would be.Best Cordless 18-Volt Router Advantages of a Cordless RouterĪs a carpenter, I use a compact router to make my own window sills when trimming windows, easing edges on decking and trim, creating chamfers, installing built-ins, mortising hinges, and sometimes to make on-the-spot moldings. The weight of the unit is noticeably heavier than my old unit. Also, the battery drills (which is the most common use of cordless tools) keep changing every 7 or so years with new technology (and different battery configurations), which would make this tool obsolete.Ģ. However, batteries have a life of about 5 years, and very expensive to replace. The concern is that a tool like this should last about 20 years (especially since it will only receive occasional use). ![]() I would have liked this a lot better if it was a corded unit. The base is clear, and larger than my old one.ġ. The rubber grip around the body provides nice feel.ĥ. This has a spindle lock similar to larger routersĤ. The actual adjustment for the height is easy, and has lots of adjustment capability. ![]() The locking mechanism for the height adjustment is quick, and secure.Ģ. This unit has several nice improvements over my current router. My typical use is trimming Formica, or sometimes a wood edging. I currently have an older hand-held router (corded unit). I found the micro adjust depth gauge a little difficult to read with my old eyes. This router accepts only 1/4 inch diameter shaft bits. The variable speed function is nice for adjusting to larger bits or for working with softer materials. you can easily adjust the speed from about 16,000 RPM to about 27,000 with the conveniently placed dial. The brush-less motor is powerful and stops on a dime (and gives you 9 cents change). The fixed base is easily adjustable for setting your desired depth or removed for putting the router in a plunge base. ![]() It allows for easy viewing of what the bit is doing especially with the bright LED light in the base. The clear Lexan base is a sturdy and generous 1/4 inch thick. It's a great size to work on smaller projects that would get lost under a full size bench or plunge router.Īs I said this router is lightweight and that makes it easy to use one handed if needed (although you really should use one hand to support and move the router and the other to keep the base flush with guides. It's light weight, powerful and has a lot of features.
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