Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by Barry Gray
Whether you are new to woodworking or have been at it for a while, you must have heard all about routers – both with a plunge base as well as a fixed base.
Although both types of routers are needed in a woodworker’s toolbox, when it comes to edge work or work that requires a lot of accuracy and precision, a fixed base router is better. It is also easier to mount a fixed base router on a table.
In this article, I am going to talk about 7 of the best fixed base routers for your projects.
- Best Corded Fixed Base Router – Bosch 1617EVS
- Best Fixed Base Router for Beginners – DeWalt DW618
- Best Heavy Duty Fixed Base Router – Skil RT1322-00
- Best Fixed Router for All Types of Wood – Makita RF1101
- Best Premium Choice Fixed Base Router – Milwaukee 5625-20
- Best Value for The Money – Avid Power Compact
- Best Fixed Base Router for Quiet Operation – Metabo HPT M12VC
All the fixed base routers on this list have been carefully chosen by me after analyzing the features and user reviews, so you can be sure that they are the best! Ready to dig in?
Best Corded Fixed Base Router – Bosch 1617EVS
- Type: Corded electric
- Power: 12 Amp
- Horsepower: 2.25 HP
- Maximum revolutions per minute: 25,000 RPM
- Collets: ¼ inch and ½ inch
- Weight: 11 lbs
The Bosch fixed base router is quite a powerful tool with a 12 Amp motor and an adjustable speed dial that can go from 8,000 to 25,000 RPM. This way, you can adjust the speed according to the project you are working on and simply glide along the cutlines. This tool is built with aluminum, making it durable. The rounded wooden handles on both sides make it very convenient for you to hold and maximize the control you have over the device.
The product includes two collet chucks – a ¼ inch and a ½ inch, a collet nut wrench, a shaft wrench, chip shields, and screws for table mounting. It has a soft start mechanism which allows you to ease in slowly and avoid any sudden jagged cuts. The fixed base router also maintains a constant speed when you cut.
It has a versatile depth adjustment system that lets you make microfine adjustments even from the top of a router table. The motor won’t rotate when you are adjusting the depth. The chip shields prevent wood shavings from spreading all over your table. There is also a dust port that you can connect to a vacuum. I love the fact that you can inspect your routing action through the shield. But sawdust tends to accumulate on the on/off switch, so you may have to clean that regularly.
The Bosch 1617EVS is designed for precision, making it easy to stay on the cut line for accurate cuts. You can adjust the switch and cord to the left or right depending on your convenience. The device is also very quiet, making it great for home use! However, it takes some time to stop spinning after switching it off, so wait till the motor stops running. Otherwise, it might catch on the wood while you try to lift it.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Variable speed with an adjustable speed dial
- Durable and well-built
- Convenient to use
- Soft start mechanism
- Quiet operation
- Designed to make precise cuts
- Chip shields and dust port
- Versatile depth adjustment
Cons
- Sawdust tends to accumulate on the on/off switch
- It is a bit bulky
- Takes some time to stop spinning after switching it off
- A smaller and lighter router would be a better choice for working in tight spaces
My Thoughts: The Bosch is a great fixed base router to have, especially for home use. Mounting it on a tabletop and adjusting it is super easy! It has ample power and works very well, too.
Best Fixed Base Router for Beginners – DeWalt DW618
- Type: Corded electric
- Power: 12 Amp
- Horsepower: 2.25 HP
- Maximum revolutions per minute: 24,000 RPM
- Collets: ¼ inch and ½ inch
- Weight: 9.55 lbs
The Dewalt DW618 comes with a powerful 12 Amp motor that is capable of delivering variable speed from 8000 to 24,000 RPM. This, along with the soft start feature, make sure that you can rout easily and make accurate cuts, even through the toughest hardwoods. It comes with a micro-fine depth adjustment ring that lets you make depth adjustments in 1/64 inch increments!
The handles are overmolded with rubber, making them easy to hold. The flat top makes it very easy to change the bits as well as the depth. The base is designed to enhance durability and bit visibility and also to make sure that the bit is centered properly. To further aid you in bit and base changes, there is a quick release motor latch and a tool-free steel motor cam.
The Dewalt DW618 comes with a dust-sealed switch to prevent the switch from ingesting sawdust. The power cord is easily detachable and can be attached on the left or right side, depending on your convenience. It is a great fixed base router for beginners! The ¼ inch collet is inside the ½ inch collet, so do keep that in mind.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Soft start feature
- Micro-fine depth adjustment ring
- Rubber overmolded handles
- Easy to change the bits and the base
- Dust sealed switch
- Sub-base concentricity gauge makes sure the bit is centered properly
- Detachable cord
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Blade is difficult to see
- The ¼ inch collet is inside the ½ inch collet, which isn’t specified anywhere
- Complaints of motor smoking after a few months
My Thoughts: This fixed base router is easy to use and has many features that make it ideal for beginners. If you are looking for a good little tool for a budget price, I definitely recommend this.
Best Heavy Duty Fixed Base Router – Skil RT1322-00
- Type: Corded electric
- Power: 14 Amp
- Horsepower: 2.5 HP
- Maximum revolutions per minute: 25,000 RPM
- Collets: ¼ inch and ½ inch
- Weight: 14.33 lbs
With a 14 Amp motor and a 2.5 horsepower, the Skil RT1322-00 is a powerful tool ideal for heavy duty work. It is a combo tool, which means it comes with both a fixed base and a plunge base. You can swap it out based on your work. You basically get two tools for the price of one, which I think is very cool.
The tool’s speed varies between 10,000 to 25,000 RPM. It comes with a speed control LCD display where you can easily set the speed. It also lets you input the bit type and material and suggests the best speed settings for it! The soft start mechanism ensures a safe start to your routing and the built-in electronic speed control system makes sure that the speed never wavers while you are at it.
The Skil RT1322-00 has a die-cast motor housing and ergonomic handles for easy maneuvering. The power-on safety indicator lights up whenever the fixed base router is connected to power, working as an added layer of security. It has three depth settings as well as a micro-fine depth adjustment. You can use the vacuum ports for dust extraction. The included edge guides help you keep the tool on the cut line.
This is a great fixed base router for heavy-duty projects. However, the downside is that it is a bit difficult to clean and the digital buttons are sometimes slow to respond. There have also been complaints that the hole in the base is quite small for larger bits.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Ideal for heavy duty work
- Two tools in one
- Speed control LCD display
- Soft start mechanism
- Ergonomic handles
- Safety features
- Edge guides
- Micro-fine depth adjustment
- Vacuum ports
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Digital buttons are not always responsive
- Hole in the base is small for larger bits
- Low-quality vacuum adapter
My Thoughts: This is one of my favorite fixed base routers because it is powerful and is very easy to use. Moreover, you get two tools for the price of one!
Best Fixed Router for All Types of Wood – Makita RF1101
- Type: Corded electric
- Power: 11 Amp
- Horsepower: 2.25 HP
- Maximum revolutions per minute: 24,000 RPM
- Collets: ¼ inch and ½ inch
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
The Makita RF1101 features an 11 Amp motor and a 2.25 horsepower. It has a variable speed that ranges from 8000 to 24,000 RPM and can be adjusted using the speed dial, giving you more control while working with different types of wood. The soft start mechanism ensures a smooth start by easing you into the maximum speed. The electronic speed control makes sure that the speed remains constant while in operation.
The tool has a rugged aluminum motor housing for durability as well as easy handling. The sub-base is capable of accepting template guides and the flat top offers a lot of stability when changing the bits. There are two identical size wrenches to easily change the bits.
The large calibrated depth control ring makes it very easy to adjust the depth and the industrial cam-lock offers fast and safe removal of the motor. All ball bearing construction increases the tool’s durability and also reduces noise levels. There is an LED light that illuminates your work area, making it easy to work even in places with low light. There is also a dust extraction adapter to keep your workplace clean and tidy.
The Makita RF1101 is great for using on different types of wood. However, it is not great for under-table mounting as the lock lever mechanism fails to hold tight. This leads to the entire motor housing to slide out of the base. It is also difficult to remove the bit. Moreover, the plate opening does not support larger bits.
Pros
- Great for using with different types of wood
- Soft start mechanism
- Ball-bearing construction
- Easy to adjust the depth
- LED light
- Dust extraction adapter
Cons
- Motor housing falls off when mounted under the table
- Changing the bits is a hassle
- It has black numbers on a black collar for the depth adjustment, making it hard to read
My Thoughts: This is definitely a great fixed base router to have. It works well with different types of wood and is also easy to use!
Best Premium Choice Fixed Base Router – Milwaukee 5625-20
- Type: Corded electric
- Power: 15 Amp
- Horsepower: 3.5 HP
- Maximum revolutions per minute: 22,000 RPM
- Collets: ½ inch
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
The Milwaukee 5625-10 is a powerhorse of a tool. It features a very powerful 15 Amp motor and has a horsepower of 3.5! It is no wonder that this tool is capable of handling any projects. It can even be used on thick pieces of wood. This tool is heavy, which makes it more stable and suitable for heavy-duty projects. It is ideal to be used on top of a table.
The tool has a soft start feature and the easy grip handles make it super easy to maneuver. It has a machined aluminum housing for the motor and the base along with 100% sealed ball bearings, giving the tool some durability as well as stability. It has an exclusive linear height adjustment. You can adjust the height even from above the table. There is also a micro-fine depth adjustment that lets you adjust to within 1/64 of an inch.
The bits are easy to change and the speed dial is clunky, which means you can adjust the speed easily, even with your eyes closed. The T-handle wrench for the height adjustment is easy to grip and is protected by a rubber gasket. However, the depth adjuster screw is made of plastic, so it might break if you aren’t careful with it. Sawdust also tends to pile up on the on/off switch, so make sure to clean it regularly.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Great for heavy-duty projects and thick wood
- Soft start feature
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Can adjust the height even from above the table
- Micro-fine depth adjustment
- LED light
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- The height adjustment is not very great
- Sawdust tends to pile up on the on/off switch
- Plastic depth adjuster might break
My Thoughts: This is one of the best fixed base routers you can choose. Want to get some work done on your wooden door? This tool will breeze through it! It is expensive, but it is well worth the investment.
Best Value for The Money – Avid Power Compact
- Type: Corded electric
- Power: 6.5 Amp
- Horsepower: 1.2 HP
- Maximum revolutions per minute: 32,000 RPM
- Collets: ⅜ inch and ¼ inch
- Weight: 7.81 lbs
This compact fixed base router comes with 5 router bits, an edge guide, a roller guide, and a dust hood, along with the collets and wrenches. It is very compact, making it easy to use. The motor delivers enough power for a variety of trimming and routing applications. You can adjust between 6 variable speeds ranging from 10,000 RPM to 32,000 RPM using the dial.
The tool features a smooth rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system which helps you make micro-fine adjustments. There are 2 LED lights to illuminate your workpiece. The quick locking system makes it very convenient to change the base. The non-slip rubber grips provide a good grip.
The base as well as the motor have aluminum housing for extra durability and stability. The dust hood removes sawdust, leaving a clean workplace for you. It is very easy to change the bits. Overall, this is a great tool to have and well worth the money. However, it does tend to get hot fast.
Pros
- Compact.
- Easy to use.
- Durable.
- Comes with several accessories.
- 6 variable speeds.
- Smooth rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system.
- 2 LED lights.
- Quick locking system.
- Non-slip rubber grips make it easy to hold.
- Dust hood.
Cons
- Tends to get a bit hot.
- The bits that come with the router are of cheap quality.
- Only suitable for lightweight jobs.
My Thoughts: Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this is a great tool to have in your arsenal because it is so compact and easy to use. An ideal tool for lightweight jobs and definitely well worth the money!
Best Fixed Base Router for Quiet Operation – Metabo HPT M12VC
- Type: Corded electric
- Power: 11 Amp
- Horsepower: 2.25 HP
- Maximum revolutions per minute: 24,000 RPM
- Collets: ¼ inch and ½ inch
- Weight: 8.8 lbs
If you want a really quiet fixed base router, the Metabo HPT is the best one for you! It produces less than 79.5 dB of noise, leaving you with a very quiet workshop. It would be ideal for DIY work inside a house. Clocking in at a power of 11 Amp and 2.25 HP, the tool is also powerful and gives precise, controlled cuts. It can be used for various things such as fine groove cutting, window cutting, and cutting patterns.
The depth and base adjustment process is made quick with the 2-stage motor release clamp. The nickel-plated motor housing offers durability as well as stability. The tool comes with collet chucks, template guide adapter, a centering gauge, and wrenches. The RPM is maintained constantly while making cuts.
The downside is that the depth adjustment is not too great and the bits fit very tightly and are hard to change. This leads to the motor’s brushes wearing out more quickly, probably needing frequent replacement. But you do have a 5 year warranty, so there’s that.
Pros
- Very quiet
- Powerful
- Makes precise cuts
- 2-stage motor release clamp
- Nickel-plated motor housing
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- Depth adjustment is not precise.
- Hard to change bits
- Motor brushes wear out easily
- Complaints of motor burning out after a few months
My Thoughts: This is a great choice if noise level is something that is non-negotiable for you. It works well and is quite powerful, too.
Now, it is time for an in-depth guide on what to look for when choosing a fixed base router.
How To Choose The Best Fixed Base Router
There are a few things that you need to consider before you choose a fixed base router. Let’s look at what they are!
Motor and Horsepower
The motor is, of course, very important when it comes to any tool. Motor size is measured in amperes. The higher the amp value, the more the power. As a standard, look for fixed base routers that offer at least 10 to 11 Amps. For heavy duty projects, you may need a minimum of 14 Amps.
When it comes to horsepower, I recommend looking for tools that have at least 1.5 HP. These can be used for light-duty as well as medium-duty projects. If you can find tools that have more than 2 HP, great! For heavy-duty projects, you will need a fixed base router that has at least 3 HP.
Speed
Speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and is the second most important thing to consider. A higher RPM value means faster speeds. This way, your work gets done faster! Make sure to choose a fixed base router that has a maximum RPM of at least 20,000.
The next thing to consider is whether the tool has variable speed. Always go for ones with variable speeds as this gives you more control, depending on the type of material you work with. This also allows you the freedom to work with woods of different thickness and types.
Collets
A collet refers to the opening where the bits are held in place. This is what determines the size of the bits you use. Most fixed base routers have a ½ inch as well as a ¼ inch collet. The ¼ inch collet is ideal for light-duty work while more heavy-duty work will need the ½ inch collet.
Other Features
- Depth adjustment. Always look for fixed base routers that have a micro-fine depth adjustment feature.
- Soft start feature. This feature gradually increases the speed of the machine once you start as opposed to going full speed immediately. This helps prevent unwanted cuts or accidents.
That’s it for today! I hope this article was valuable to you. May you find the best fixed base router for your needs. Happy woodworking!
