Plunge Routers

For the woodworking beginner, there are two essential power tools that can make most projects possible. These are a good hand drill and a good router. More than any other two tools, a drill and router are the foundation of a woodworker’s tool arsenal because of their versatility.

The Hand Drill

A drill is designed to (obviously) drill into things. A good, reliable hand drill can be used for drilling holes for screws, making decorative holes, and it can even replace biscuit joinery when necessary.

With a drill you can create dowel joinery, which is less sophisticated but certainly just as effective and definitely less expensive.

When it comes to choosing a good hand drill, there are two basic choices to start with – cordless or plug-in. The kind with a plug-in cord is beneficial because you never have to wait for the battery to recharge or deal with weak drilling capabilities when the battery is low.

However, cordless drill are obviously more portable and most come with two battery packs. That way as long as you keep one plugged in at all times, you will not have to do much waiting.

So if you decide on the very popular cordless model, you then have several other choices to make. First, you need to consider the battery power. You can find drills with voltage from 9.6 volts to 24 volts. The higher the voltage the more power and torque you will get as well as longer battery life after each charge.

The disadvantage of higher voltage though, is that the drills are quite heavy and can make it more difficult to use for long periods of time. How the drill feels in your hands may be one of the most important factors in your decision. Regardless of voltage a good hand drill should have a dual speed motor, a reverse motor function, and an adjustable clutch.

The Router

A good router is the other important tool because it can perform so many different functions. For instance, with some practice, a router can help you create decorative edges, make cross-cuts, and cut mortises and create grooves. If you mount the router in a table, your options expand to include making moldings, edge joints, frames, box joints, and even panel doors. The professional quality of a good router will make it well worth the purchase.

There are a few key elements to consider when choosing a good router. First, the power of the motor is important. A 2-horsepower motor will handle most jobs, but a more powerful one will be need for bulk professional work. Another nice feature to have is a plunge feature. This provides versatility within very detailed work. You should also look for a collet-locking button. This will make it possible to adjust the collet with just one wrench rather than several.

So, as you start to create your perfect workshop, the best place to start is with a quality hand drill and router. Once you have those in place and have fully mastered their functions, you will be able to move on to other tools with ease and with expertise.

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For many of us, purchasing a plunge router is a more than sizable investment eating up a substantial chunk of our woodworking budgets, fortunately, however, for craftsmen on a tight financial leash or for those who simply appreciate a great price on high-performance power tools, there are a few plunge routers that are built to deliver both superior performance and a reasonable price-tag.

Bosch’s 1613AEVS electronic plunge router is a phenomenal tool equipped with all the perks and power to entice even the most seasoned woodworkers. With Bosch’s exclusive after-lock microfine bit depth adjustment system the router offers the finest adjustments at any plunge position, and because of its depth rod and turret systems, plunge routing applications are easily repeated for the most optimized work. The router touts variable speeds ranging from 11,000 – 22,000 RPM granting craftsmen the power to match speeds to each material or task – this means that your projects are always completed with just the right amount gusto. The tool maintains speed under load for max power and durability while also flaunting a precision center design that consistently keeps your bits on their intended cut-lines. Also, because the router has large base and subbase openings, the router accepts most larger bits and has a long bit shank capacity for a number of routing applications. The 1613AEVS also offers an uncommonly smooth plunge action to render this tool one seriously fancy router with a a price-tag that will drop your jaw. Ranging in price from around $190 – $200, the 1613AEVS is superior tool that gives a whole lot more than it takes. Bosch’s 1617EVSPK is another plunge (combination) router that produces an exceptional performance with power, precision, and longevity for only around $205 – $215.

On another hand, Dewalt’s DW621 plunge router is a truly ideal tool for craft and hobby workers providing craftsmen a powerful 10 amp motor and surprising controllability. The tool’s full wave electronic variable speeds range from 8,000 – 24,000 RPM with constant speed under load to provide the most professional, reliable finishes to every material. With an integrated and highly efficient dust collection system (that vents out the top of the tool) your worksite is consistently clean and your cut lines are always clear. The router is built with a one piece motor shaft which ensures the tool maintains perfect perpendicularity and yields always brilliant accuracy. Phosphorus bronze bushings within the router contribute to smooth operation and the smoothest router plunges so you work is professionally precise with every plunge. Additionally, a rack and pinion depth adjuster and micro-fine depth adjustments (in miraculously precise 1/256″ increments) render the DW621 both extremely accurate and simple to use. Ultimately, the router is powerful and ridiculously precise providing craftsmen and hobbyists with just the right amount of tool for every application, and while a bit more expensive than Bosch’s 1613AEVS at about $250 – $330, Dewalt’s DW621 is a high-performance, plunge routing giant with a relatively small price-tag.

With small prices and big performance both of these routers are certain to bring you results that will continually stun. Combining high-power and affordability these plunge-base routers from Bosch and Dewalt bring craftsmen the best savings with a professionalism that is truly priceless.

Specializing in tool parts & web communications, Mallory joined M&M Tool 4 yrs ago adding to their over 150 yrs combined experience. For over 70 yrs M&M Tool has provided the best service to the tool industry with replacement parts, sales, & service to expert woodworking products, machinery & power tools like Bosch’s 1613AEVS router & Dewalt’s DW621 router. Visit M&M Tool’s power tool and machinery recommender to find what best suits you.