

In addition, fixed base routers tend to be preferred over plunge base when used with a routing table. However, fixed base routers do tend to be more accurate and they have the ability to set super-precise depth of cuts, which is important when you’re doing very tedious work like dovetail joints.Īlso, they are generally smaller and weigh less, and a lot of people find that the lower profile and lower center of gravity makes them easier to maneuver and control than big, tippy plunge routers. Some of you might be thinking, “well, what does the fixed base router do that the plunge router can’t?” So does the fixed base router have any advantages or real benefits? Of course, you can manually set and lock the cutting depth on fixed base routers, generally with a greater degree of accuracy than you can with a plunge router.įixed-base routers are great when super-precise cuts are needed (as is the case with most types of joinery), and also when mounted to a routing table. This makes doing some of the aforementioned tasks, where it’s necessary to engage the material from above, virtually impossible. Related: Our Top 5 Plunge Routers Fixed base routersįixed base routers are exactly that the router is locked at a fixed location in the base, and the cutting bit cannot move - or plunge - from top to bottom. However, plunge base routers can be used for edge work just as well (such as profiling edges with a round-over bit). This is necessary when you’re working on the top of a board (as opposed to the edge), for applications such as fluting, dados and mortices, grooves and rebates, insets, etc. We’ll go over what each one does, what they’re best used for, and which one will suit you and your specific needs best. In this article however, we’ll talk about the two most common styles of routers: plunge and fixed base. Like with any power tool, there’s an overwhelming abundance of options out there to choose from: different sizes, horsepowers, single or variable speed motors, etc. Ryobi 2 HP soft start variable speed plunge router.DeWalt DW618 2 ¼ HP fixed base router.DeWalt 2 ¼ HP DW618PK variable speed plunge/fixed base router combo.Bosch 3 ½” 2 ½ HP corded plunge and fixed base router kit.

Our Top Picks: Favorite makes and models for each kind.General things to consider before buying.
