Plunge routers are some pretty versatile tools which mostly every handyman and carpenter needs to have in their arsenal.
Yet, choosing the right one to suit your needs is easier said than done. Today we are here to help you find the best plunge router of 2019 so you can get back to work in no time.
Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. Bosch 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router MRP23EVS
| Check Price |
  | 3. Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit
| Check Price |
  | 4. DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router Kit
| Check Price |
  | 5. EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router
| Check Price |
Best Plunge Router: Reviews
1. Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router
If you are on the hunt for a high quality, multi-purpose, and overall user-friendly plunge router, the dual function model from Triton is a great way to go. Now, it is not the cheapest plunge router out there, but it does have useful features that can come in handy, depending on the job at hand.
Review
The Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router is a dual function plunge router, something that every woodworker and handyman should be able to appreciate.
It starts off as a normal plunge router and it can do everything thing a basic plunge router can do, but with the push of a single button, it changes into a fixed-base plunge router with rack and pinion mode.
It’s a convenient feature which every good plunge router should have, but of course, it does add to the price. The Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router features side air intakes, which is reduces the amount of dust which can invade the interior of this machine.
In all reality, this is one of the more durable plunge routers out there right now, and it is not just because of the air intakes. It’s made of very durable and high-quality materials in general.
The Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router comes with a soft start mode so it does not blast up to full speed as soon as you press the button, plus it also features a variable speed mode for exact speed control and precision plunge routing no matter what you are doing.
It also has a micro winder so you can make precise depth adjustments. The automatic spindle lock is a good addition, because it allows you to change the bit being used with a single wrench. It’s actually quite easy.
The guide extended base plate combined with the adjustable fence is also something which helps make the Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router very accurate to use.
Pros
- Variable speed
- Great accuracy features
- 2 in 1 plunge router and fixed base plunge router
- Very user-friendly
Cons
- Some issues with the spring
- Adjustment knobs are a bit fragile
2. Bosch 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router MRP23EVS
This is a slightly less expensive plunge router which is very similar to the one we just reviewed, with the only substantial difference being that it cannot be converted, although this is probably why it is a few bucks cheaper. Other than that, the Bosch 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router is a perfectly fine option.
Review
What is very impressive about the Bosch 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router is that it comes with a powerful 15-amp motor which puts out a whole lot of juice.
This is combined with the variable speed control function to provide you with a lot of plunge routing versatility. The Bosch 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router can be adjusted anywhere between 10,000 and 25,000 RPM. It allows you to choose the speed which works best for the job.
The Bosch 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router has the speed control trigger located on the side so you can control it with ease.
Overall, this router is very user-friendly and is simple for anyone to use. What also helps increase overall plunge routing accuracy is the micro depth-adjustment feature that lets you precisely adjust it for any need you might have.
There are a variety of other features included which help increase accuracy and precision, such as the spring lock plunge lever, the depth rod, and the smooth plunging action it comes with.
The Bosch 120-Volt 2.3 HP Electronic Plunge Base Router has an LED light that is always on so you can see what is going on even in fairly dark conditions.
Moreover, Bosch is known for making durable and reliable power tools, which is exactly what this plunge router is—durable and reliable, not to mention that it has a whole lot of power to boot.
Pros
- Insane amount of power
- Really wide speed range
- Super easy to make adjustments
- Great for precision jobs
Cons
- Vibrates a lot
- Screws may come loose with excessive use
3. Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit
If you are looking for a plunge router that is a bit more affordable and cost-effective, this Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit is probably a good option to look into.
It might not be the biggest or most powerful plunge router around, but it is still quite versatile and can perform a variety of jobs.
Review
The Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit features a decently powerful 6.5-amp motor. No, it’s not the most powerful around, but it should work fine for most smaller jobs.
The motor here can muster up to 30,000 RPM which is quite impressive indeed. The Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit comes with an easy-to-use speed adjustment setting so you can adjust it to anywhere between 10,000 and 30,000 RPM.
It comes with a durable aluminum motor housing, but keep in mind that it does not have the most power around, so really solid and hard materials might give you a bit of trouble.
The Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router can be used on its own, but it also comes with a plunge base that you can choose to use or not.
What we do like here is that the Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit comes with a smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system to allow you to make fine and precise depth adjustments for the job at hand, something which helps make this item very accurate, which can also be said for the variable speed control.
The Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit is designed to be extremely lightweight and compact. It weighs only a few pounds and also has a compact body. This makes this router ideal in terms of portability, working with a single hand, and working in fairly right spaces.
We really like the fact that it comes with a fixed base included just in case you need it. It also has some wrenches included for bit changing, although bit changing could be a bit easier here.
Pros
- Good for small and medium-size jobs
- Pretty good variable speed range
- Easy to make depth adjustments with
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Could have some more power
- Lots of vibration
4. DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router Kit
Here we have yet another even more cost-effective and affordable plunge router. It is actually the least expensive option so far on our list. It does not have quite as much power or as many features as some of the other plunge routers we have reviewed today, but it still does fine for basic jobs and it won’t cost you a fortune.
Review
The DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router features a fairly powerful 1.25 HP motor to deliver a decent amount of power. As you might recognize, this is not the most powerful router here on our list, but it should do alright for most basic jobs.
Moreover, the DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router comes with a variable speed control function so you can adjust the speed from anywhere between 16,000 and 27,000 RPM.
Once again, the speed range is not the best, but for smaller and basic jobs it should do fine, especially considering its fairly low cost.
You get the plunge router itself, but it is a kit, so you also get a base for those times when you need a fixed-base plunge router. What is nice about the DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router is that it features an ergonomic design which makes it comfortable to hold.
On that same note, it is also fairly compact and lightweight, which makes it just that much easier to use, plus it makes it somewhat portable.
The DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router also comes with dual LED lights to illuminate the base. If you are using the fixed base, you can use the adjustment ring to set precision depth settings. We also like the soft-start motor, so it does not jump up to full speed the second you turn it on.
All in all, while it is not the biggest or most powerful plunge router around, it still comes with all of the basic features you would expect one of these tools to have, plus a bit more too.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Good for smaller jobs
- Surprisingly durable
- Can be used with or without the base
Cons
- Not the most accurate in terms of depth adjustments
- Tends to vibrate pretty hard
5. EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router
We know that some of the items we have reviewed here today might cost a bit more than you are looking to spend.
After all, you can still get a good machine for a low cost if you buy the right one, and if you are not going to use it on a daily basis, something basic like this EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router should do just fine.
Review
This is your super simple and basic plunge router. Fair warning, it does not have any fancy features like the others we reviewed here today, but it costs less than 1/3 of the price of the next most expensive option here.
The EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router has a decently strong motor, not the strongest around, but it does alright for simple jobs, as can also be said for the speed.
It has a variable-speed function and can be adjusted from 11,000 to 28,000 RPM, which is actually pretty good. However, do keep in mind that this plunge router is designed for limited use, so you might burn out the motor if you try and do heavy-duty or prolonged jobs with it.
The EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router comes with a micro adjustment dial for finely tuned plunging, and each ¼ turn of the dial will adjust the depth by 1/128 of an inch.
The EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router is a bit bulky, so tight spaces is not its strong suit, but it doesn’t weight too much and it comes with ergonomically designed handles. We must also admit that the EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router comes with a pretty decent aluminum base.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Great for simple jobs
- Simple and easy to use
- Good speed range
Cons
- Motor is not too long lasting
- Bit changing is not too easy
Plunge Router Buying Guide
Before you start making your purchase, you should see some features to consider to make the best out of every buck and get the right tool for you.
Router Speed
This is actually the most important feature you need to look for. The speed of the plunge router will determine the quality of the woodwork.
It will also help with the accuracy since speed is what the tool is all about. It is also important for this tool to have speed control since some work requires less and some requires more.
Plunge Router Size
As for the size, that would really depend on your comfort and your physique. The large the plunge router, the more strength it would require you to hold the tool steadily.
Same goes if you opt for a smaller plunge router. It would be hard to control the pressure and speed if you find the tool too small for your grip. You need to at least have an image set out in your mind and determine your strength, hand and physique and accordingly weigh things with the size of the plunge router.
Tool Style
As for the style, that’s really the least feature to consider as long as the device or tool works properly. However, some plunge router style offers aesthetics that could become handy. There are some that provides you strong and firm grip, allowing you to hold the tool steadily as you work your way through.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, there is probably no use arguing the fact that the Triton TRA001 3-1/4 HP Dual Mode Precision Plunge Router is the best option on our list for a variety of reasons; however, it is a bit pricey.
If you want something simple and affordable for basic plunge routing, either the EJWOX 12-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router or the slightly more expensive DEWALT DWP611PK Compact Router Kit should do fine as well.
