The Best Woodworking Router for Beginners!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- A woodworking router is one of the basic woodworking tools I’d recommend for beginners to DIY and woodworking. This single woodworking tool allows you to build almost anything. What is the best router for beginner woodworkers? I think it is the DeWalt DW618 with the plunge and fixed base. Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description and they help support this channel.
Carbide3d CNC - shop.carbide3d.com/731woodworks
Videos To Watch Next
5 Router Bits Every Woodworker Needs - • 5 Router Bits for Begi...
Corded vs Battery Router - • The BEST Palm Router F...
Easy to Follow Build Plans: www.731woodworks.com/store
Greatest Free Gift: story4.us/731Woodworks
Products in Video
DeWalt Router - amzn.to/3G6h9lq
DeWalt Router Edge Guide - amzn.to/3LtCZ34
Router Bits from Bits & Bits - bitsbits.com/ref/6215/
Dust Mask I Recommend- tidd.ly/2ZjqqoD
Kreg Set-Up Blocks (Blue) - amzn.to/3wFh6Zk
Yellow Hammer Set-Up Blocks (Black) - lddy.no/198dp
Join this channels membership to get access to exclusive member-only live streams, behind-the-scenes videos, store discounts, and other perks:
/ @731woodworks
You can support us on Patreon as well / 731woodworks
I get my stickers from Sticker Mule. Use this link to get a $10 credit on your order. I'll also get $10 credit and we will both fist bump each other and be happy! www.stickermule.com/unlock?re...
This video was sponsored by Carbide 3D
0:00 Best Woodworking Router
0:44 DeWalt Fixed Base Router
1:16 Carbide3d Ad
2:29 DeWalt Router for Router Table
2:55 DeWalt Plunge Base Router
3:30 Adjustable Depth Stop Router
4:56 The First Woodworking Router You Should Buy
6:26 What Size Router Do You Need?
8:18 How to Change Router Bits?
9:11 Woodworking Router You Should Buy First - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼
Watch Next = 5 Router Bits Every Woodworker Needs - th-cam.com/video/CVS31pmXy_U/w-d-xo.html
Tools In This Video:
Shapeoko CNC by Carbide 3D: shop.carbide3d.com/731woodworks
DeWalt Router - amzn.to/3G6h9lq
DeWalt Router Edge Guide - amzn.to/3LtCZ34
Router Bits from Bits & Bits - bitsbits.com/ref/6215/
Dust Mask I Recommend- tidd.ly/2ZjqqoD
Kreg Set-Up Blocks (Blue) - amzn.to/3wFh6Zk
Yellow Hammer Set-Up Blocks (Black) - lddy.no/198dp
(If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission)
Some other useful links:
Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals
Subscribe to our email Newsletter: mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter
Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: www.731woodworks.com/store
Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter
I hope you do get a commission - Your videos are terrific.
I’m looking for a router table insert that is compatible with that router and or the dewalt trim router . I just can’t find one , we’ll one I don’t have to modify . Any thoughts?
Hello can you tell me which model this is ?serial number Thanks!
Just seen it😄
@@stevegagnon9451 have you looked at the Kreg insert?
When I first started getting into woodworking and really just using power tools in general I learned a lesson I will never forget. I bought a dewalt battery powered grinder to cut some metal. After getting bogged down and struggling just to get through 1 cut I decided that I will be buying corded everything unless I absolutely have to.
'Kudos' to you! Couldn't agree more with you ... Never went with 'the trend' ever since purchasing one of my first power-tools I ever owned (a cheap [B&D] battery-[under-]powered drill, years ago). Thanks for sharing!
Just started watching your videos and man, makes me want to create beautiful pieces, been woodworking for about 15 years but haven't the time to do much but it's giving me ideas thnx for the vids and keep em coming
Just got this kit myself not too long ago, I love it as well. Thanks for the great review.
Thanks so much for this great video. I've reached the point on projects that the palm router I have just won't do the trick anymore. This video has really helped me decide on next steps on getting a router like you demonstrated. Thanks.
Great review on this one, I’ve been wanting this same router my self. I have it saved in my wish list on Amazon hoping I’d get it some day.
Was just looking to pick one of these up, thanks for the recommendation.
This is the exact setup that I got too! I had no idea about that vacuum attachment, thanks for the tip!
Thanks for this video. Just got the Dewalt Plunge Router and love it. Works so much better than the old Ryobi....appreciate ya man
I have this router combo and it's smaller brother with the plunge base and fixed base. Both are fantastic routers.
Thanks Matt...just got mine delivered today...lot easier to watch you then read instructions lol..I got it cause of you doin this vid. Thanks...only came with one nut so I assume you operate with both collars in yet...
I got the DeWalt 618B kit for Christmas last year. (My wife is AWESOME!) It comes with the fixed & plunge bases here plus a D-handle fixed base. I really prefer the D-handle base as it's much more comfortable and I feel I can get better control with the D-handle, plus it has a trigger switch built into the handle for easy on/off switching. I leave the 1/2" collet in to go with the 1/2" shank bit set she also got me. (Did I mention how awesome my wife is?) Just need to get a small cordless 1/4" collet router for the light duty trim work and the edge guide and I'm set.
👊👊👊 Another great video! Thanks Matt!
Great video! I’ve been eyeing the Dewalt plunge router for over a year now.
Thanks Matt for the great video and recommendation. I just picked this kit up from a local pawn shop new in box for $130 out the door!
Great video and advice -- Thank you!
I bought this router and it has changed my craftsmanship tremendously!
Just bought this set yesterday on Amazon and got it today. Can’t wait to try it out. 👍🏽
I’m looking at buying a router combo, there are a few on the market today. You gave me some great points on a table saw so I think I’ll do what you said an go for the Dewalt. Great video and commentary thanks 🙏
Thanks man, very informative video.
I have that same Router. It’s awesome!! I don’t have that edge guide. I’ve looking for one. Keep up the great work
Thank you brother for this video. Very informative. Cuts to the chase, even answered a couple questions I didn't have the last time I wrote you to ask for this exact video.! I was gonna ask if you had a favorite brad nailer, but see that video is next in my feed.!
I already have it and I LOVE IT.
Thanks for your knowledge
Great videos, Thanks
I bought the 20V version or that router as a trim router to start. I have since added the other bases and accessories as I needed them. great system
I’ve had that router for several years it’s a work horse. Endless jobs that it can do. I leave the 1/2” collet in it and have a cordless for 1/4” edge work. 100% spot on
Thank you for making the decision for me lol. I was torn between this one and the bosch. I have three different routers but they're older fixed based and I really want a plunge based.
Great video, will pick up with the 5 bits tomorrow ;-)
Good video, I wish that I would have watched something like this when I started doing woodwork.
I agree with your choice. I have a Makita palm, which is ok, but it doesn’t have an easy and accurate height adjustment. My Bosch full size router is awesome, but it only came with a fixed base so I paid another 120 for the plunge base. It’s great and all, but that was nearly 3 bills for the Bosch set.
Nice! You can also set the bit height with the depth stop.
Great video. I have a Hitachi/Metabo 2-1/2 HP 1/2" in my router table (on a lift) and it came with both a fixed and plunge base I never really use much. That router rarely leaves my table now. I also have a Dewalt compact 1/4" router with the fixed and plunge bases for smaller free hand jobs or can be loaded in a Rockler trim router table, easy to move to where needed. Both work great.
Yes, I even have a cheap-o Ryobi battery operated trim router that lives with a 1/4" round-over bit just for quick edge ease-over tasks (so handy and cheap to have on-hand and no cord to limit you).
The 36V 1/2" cordless plunge router is even better than my Porter cables and the Bosch
This router has changed my shop and jobsite game-nothing else compares
Bought mine last month and it’s still in the bag.
Thank you!
Thanks man. You just made me go buy this router... (I already have the Dewalt 600 cordless as well)
I have the bosch 1617evs and the mrc23evsk. And I love them the 23 is so awesome with the power trigger on the handle. Ooo so nice. And the the power is unreal.
This the router I have. I love it.
My brother in Christ: another video with lots of great info!
I am currently shopping for a router and your video is a big help.
Thanks again!
I subscribed right away when I saw your T-shirt!
You gotta get the Metabo HPT 36V cordless 1)2" full size plunge router
Absolutely my favorite tools in my shop and using it at the jobsite in many applications we wouldn't have considered with a corded router
Prefer it even over my Porter cables and Bosch
Has a great break and your hands never have to leave the tool when in use
Also the safest router I've ever used
This is the router I bought a couple years back. It has plenty of power. I love this thing. However, I also have the Rigid I pull out for lighter jobs.
The Skill router is very similar and less expensive. I love it!
Thinking back when I was trying to decide which router to get first I opted for the palm/trimmer router. And for me I think it was the right choice. Starting fresh as a diy woodworker hobbyist, the trim router had all the power I needed for the tasks I was confident to do.
Now that I’m 7-8mths into woodworking as a hobby, I can see it’s limitations. Both the full size and the trim router have their place. However, I would still recommend the trim/palm router as a first step for a beginner, esp when just starting to build confidence and skill and knowledge.
I will likely go for a drill press as my next major purchase (last one was a contractor table saw - huzzah!!) before a full sized router - but again, I have specific projects in mind where the drill press will be of more value.
I’ll get the full sized router eventually - it’s probably 1-2 purchases away, pending the, urr, financial controller’s approval 😁
Nice perspective. I've just written similar advice for beginners to start small. Very few people need a full-size router to cut deep mortices etc
I just got the Skil combo kit.
I love my skil router 2 In 1 budget friendly same features and a Lcd screen to pick the rpm and type of wood and bit
Good video, Matt. I have the Bosch equivalent (or nearly the same) and it is an incredibly useful and versatile tool. And, as you said in the other video, get good quality bits, especially for the ones you use all time. They look expensive at first, but they last a long time and make a world of difference in the quality of your cuts. Keep up the good content. Thanks.
Yep. I have the same Bosch in the router table. It’s awesome
@@731Woodworks what about the skil?
@@731Woodworks I'm in the UK where Dewalt routers are incredibly hard to get without paying a premium, what's the model number of the Bosch equivalent? Might be a little easier for me to get, also are there any areas where the Bosch falls short?
Which Bosch did you get?
@@Yggdrasil42 I have the 1617 with fixed and plunge bases.
I just ordered this same router yesterday and never before seen this video, irony. Anyways, I was looking through your channel to find a “How To” on Dovetail joints. I was excited for my Router to be ordered until I seen all of these Jigs and expensive things to do a Dovetail. Can you make a video explaining how to do a Dovetail Joint, or make an Easy and Cheap Jig for it, and how it’s used? Thanks in advance!
I'm a simple man, I see a 731 Woodworks video, and I watch it.
👊
I have a very old Craftsman non-plung router. I'm a Dewalt fan (like their durability and of course battery-locked in now) and have been looking at this router, but also have seen you using that Ridgid trim router router A LOT. I guess I should get both?
Another great video Matt!
I wish I had bought a plunge router instead of my Bosch palm router. I really do love my palm router, but the plunge can do all of those things and so much more. Cutting a 5 foot dado with my palm router took forever and my router almost over heated
I know this is a couple years late, but the collets for the Bosch 1617EVS and the DW6118 are interchangeable I have both, ad checked them out.
Matt good video , i just bought one.. one point.. when swapping to the plunge base i noticed you took the plastic ring off but did not mention it. I found out quickly that trying to swap bases with that on will jam that thing up.
UMPF .. lol . Nice video
im about to order this rn because of this video. thank you! is there anyway you could help me pick which speed bit or base you'd recommend for simply cutting an inch off the bottom of a bedroom door. I dont want to burn the wood or mess it up if you could help anymore then you have it would be greatly appreciated
Excellent as always. Very nice twist mechanism
Got the same with dhandle
Matt, what are the best router cutters for the router DW216 and more information for CNC. Thanks Matt
Can you use larger round over bits with the plunge base sub base? I didn’t get any other sub base plates for the plunge base.
Hello, I am new to routing and it has bee a very long time since I have done any wood work.I am building a chair and have the blueprints. I need to use a 3/4 round over bit on the top of the arms. then everywhere else a 1/4 round over bit. on another part I need to use a 1/2 inch straight bit so that I can slide a piece of 1/2 plywood into. My question is on when to use the fixed base vs when to use the plunge base? Can the plunge base do most of what I need to do? I bought this Dewalt router kit and the router fence to fit it. I am now to the point to use the router. I was reading the pamphlet it came with but I was getting confused. I like this video it did help. the 2 gauges that you showed near the end, can I get them at Lowes or Home Depot? Hoping to hear back from you soon. Thank you
Is this the same as the 900W power rated one? I can only see these as 1/4” Dewalt D26204 in uk..
Is the Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP similar to this one? Better or worse quality. I’m a beginner in the woodworking world.
i own 3 of these, i only use the plunge base like once a year though lol.. love how can quick disconnect the cord and pull motor out of router table and other jigs built onto the fixed base mount. i've broken 2 of the arbor locks though, ended up taking a grinder and removing the little housing that holds that thumb depress and gives more room to get the second wrench in. other issue i've found is that the threaded holes in the fixed base are not all the same which can be annoying when trying to make jigs.
My wife snagged a Bosch plunge router for me at an estate auction/sale for $6. Its an extremely versatile tool.
Wow, what a deal!
Thank you for your extremely useful comments and guidance. I'm about to buy this router and would love to know how tall it is from the plate to the flat top. However, Dewalt seems to want to keep this a secret as it is shown as 1 inch in the specs, obviously not true. Can you help, please?
I like my Dewalt. I wish to fix base plate would fit on plunge base. I don't know why the plunge has the flat edge.
Which do think is better for a beginner wood worker the this corded router or the cordless Dewalt router w./ optional plunge base? Also been thinking about the cordless Dewalt XR jigsaw or corded Bosch with barrel handle. BTW - I'm also an Arkie (Go Hogs!) from Van Buren. Thanks and God Bless!
Matt most all CNC machines I've seen use V Carve Pro or Aspire which adds considerable cost to getting into something I question at my advanced age but Shapeko come with their own proprietary software how does it work for you?
@731Woodworks Its a year later since you've done this video which is very helpful. But I'm trying to find out what the difference between DW618PKB and DW618PK. I did see there is a weight difference, but not sure if that is accurate due to the fact they are both the same model, also warranty is different for them. Hopefully you can help me out.
Great review, thank you. I just ordered the Dewalt router from from your link. Do you have any recommendations of a router bit set that has the most common bits rather than buying them all indivudually? I really enjoy your videos and sharing your experiences.
GOOD vid-LOUSY COMPACT ROUTER PRACTICES
I love this router. Do you know if the edge guide will fit both the plunge router and the smaller trim router?
it will fit both bases for the DeWalt but it doesn't fit the trim router
I bought this router set based on this video but have yet to use it. I was going to buy the comparable bosch set but after looking at different reviews for it and watching your video for the dewalt decided that the dewalt is much better.
How is it?
On your router table build, how much plywood does the project take? Thx Matt.
Nice review , would you recommend it for flatting surfaces using router jug
Yes, I've used it for that before. Worked great.
Would I be using a router to cut large round holes? 4 inch and larger
I’ve had this one about 2 years and I probably had it a year before I realized that the plastic cap on the plunge base comes off for dust collection
Not sure why you say it's best for beginners. It is a full-on professional tool with options to work as plunge base and fixed. A beginner occasional woodworker on limited budget mught be better advised to look at the Bosch green DiY range. I had a lovely little Bosch DiY router with a drill size collar that fit in a drill stand and a simple milling table from mid 1980s till recently when it died. For light weight jobs and trimming, it was excellent. I would advise a beginner against battery because it commits you to a platform and adds weight to upset the balance. I'd also advise against getting what looks like power for low price, eg the Trend T4 or T7 which are clunky, clumsy plunge, inefficient big motor and don't reflect well on Trend's historical reputaiton and higher level products. Definintely advise against a no-name or store's own brand because a sharp bit spinning at 28,000 rpm is dangerous - you need a warranty behind a company that stands by that warranty
nooice
Do the depth gauge measure in metric or only imperial?
If you have the money should you buy a Dewalt router as in your video or a Festool 1400 router?
That was the first router I bought and it is a beast. Would you recommend having a palm router along with this one? Probably a stupid question but I've been contemplating getting a palm router.
Not stupid at all. Yes I would recommend a palm router. They are perfect for edge profiles. I like the cordless palm router because it is so convenient .
Is there a UK Equivalent to this model?
Where'd you get your straight edge?
You should do a comparison between this and the bosch 1617, i wanna buy one just not sure witch one to buy you say very good things about both in seperate videos can you pls do a comparison pls.
That would be a good video. Thanks.
I have the Bosch 1617 that will eventually be in a router table and a Dewalt DWP611 trim router. I started with the Bosch and then added the trim router just for doing edge work.
Can you test dewalts clone "hurcules router 57368".
What tables accommodate this DeWalt Router?
Hello. Can anyone please help with a doubt that I have. I was wondering if it would be possible to use this router with a voltage converter (220v to 110v). Yes I, know that I can probably get a Euro version that is already 220v, the problem is that it'll cost just shy of 700 bucks. At least that's what I've found.
Since this router is 12 amp and 110v, that's 1440 watts. My voltage converter is 3000 watts.
I have some 110v tools that I use with the converter, but those are low-watt tools. I'm a little skeptical about using the router with the converter. I know that when converting electricity the hertz have to be taken into consideration, but the router is 50/60Hz so I'm thinking that shouldn't be a problem.
Another great one!
Thanks!
Your cutting 3/8” deep grooves in 1 pass? I was told that we’re not supposed to go more than 1/8” at a time and to do multiple passes. Obviously if I’m doing a dovetail you cut your relief cut first then run your dovetail but I am asking about straight cut bits.
Hi! Thank you for sharing! I have a question, What do you think about the WEN RT6033 for the beginner woodworker? I am looking at it, as well as to the WEN Planer PL 1303, as both seem reasonably priced, especially for a beginner. Having said that, I don't want to 'waste' money on something that is low quality and won't last. I just don't need the top-brand, or all bells and whistles that are more 'optional'. Will appreciate your thoughts.
I think the WEN Planer would be good for a beginner. But the router, I would certainly steer you to a better built, more proven one like the one in the video or BOSCH 1617EVS or BOSCH 1617EVSPK.
What is the best router table
Good video on what it does.
The only plus to the Dewalt is it’s a little easier to micro adjust but my Bosch combo unit does everything the Dewalt has and so does the porter cable (plunge only) but it reversed the plunge lever.
I also own the Dewalt. I know you like Dewalt Try the Bosch someday.
Hi can I ask have you tried the d Handel for the 618. I’m trying to find out if it’s ok and easy as I’m disabled Amy hands are shot so have little grip cheers steve
I haven't tried the D handle, sorry.
Bosch 1617 walks in, raises their hand and asks, "You forget about me?"
Bosch for corded medium size routers.
I am wondering...if you use a router mostly for trimming, small projects and the occasionally plunge cut, aren't you better of with a compact/trim router? Even if you have to deal with deep/wide dado's or plunge cuts?
These last two will indeed be a hassle. You'll go slow and make more passes and yes, you have to buy a plunge base for it.
Then again, you can also go the cheap way and fix something for different depth passes yourself.
But these are the only downsides I can think of and do these really outweigh the pro's of portability and easy of use with smaller projects and edges?
Or is it just a price thing? The Milwaukee is ridiculously expensive where I live and the plunge for this one as for Bosch's and such, are half the price of the router.
As you can guess, I'm interested in buying one, but I live in the netherlands and you have no idea how expensive things are overhere. Somethings are double the u.s. prices. At this moment the Milwaukee cordless router WITHOUT battery, cost $355,- on the dutch Amazon and $145,- on the U.S. Amazon. Imagine starting from almost scatch with these prices 😵💫 and let's just say I'm in a situation where every penny counts.
I would also like to say, I really like your vid's. Thumbs up.
I have a lot of time on my hands and money not so much. So in the last 1,5 year I converted my non-isolated brick annex shed to a nice scullery and slowly building a small workplace (actually more a workspot 😂) buying only what I really need for the best use/price/quality balance. With this I used a lot of your vids and views and advice in these.
Ill take the dewalt palm router, comes with plunge and standard base, I have 2, but bigger, the Bosch has been and still is the king. Thou i use is very little now as the palm size can do pretty much anything ya did here. Cordless is too awkward/ top heavy for me. Everyone ahould get a plunge base for sure! Most mid sized/palm routers now have them.