MIDSIZE ROUTER MELEE
Popular Woodworking|October 2024 - Issue 280
Routers love them or hate them, there are an overwhelming amount of options available. Here's the breakdown on how this midsized lot performs.
Willie Sandry
MIDSIZE ROUTER MELEE

A router is a fundamental woodworking tool and sooner or later, you'll want to equip your shop with one or more of these high RPM workhorses. Spinning nearly 10x faster than a drill press, a modern router can handle a bevy of cutting and shaping tasks.

Whether you're in the market for a fixed base, plunge base, or something built for router table use, the specs and tests here should help narrow the field. This review is focused on the most common midsize routers in the 2-2.3 hp range. While compact routers certainly are popular, they're limited to a 1/4" collet and may be best as a second or third router purchase. Full-size 31/2 hp routers certainly have the power needed in a production environment, but few hobby woodworkers are raising cabinet door panels from dawn 'til dusk. So, the extra power these large units offer might not be worth the size, weight, and cost.

How strange to present a router review without a single Porter Cable tool in the mix! Despite being almost synonymous with routers, the Porter Cable brand no longer makes routers. So, take a moment to appreciate the tools that have served you well in the past, before turning the page and shopping for the next great tool. My first router was a small Craftsman, purchased at auction for a grand total of $17 and that included a router table.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2024 - Issue 280 من Popular Woodworking.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2024 - Issue 280 من Popular Woodworking.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من POPULAR WOODWORKING مشاهدة الكل
Ironbark Toolworks
Popular Woodworking

Ironbark Toolworks

Devon Campbell is designing and building world-class tools from his shop in Queensland.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Fern Stand
Popular Woodworking

Fern Stand

This Charles Limbert table was sold as a fern stand, but it's a great addition to any home.

time-read
9 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Norwegian Linen Chest
Popular Woodworking

Norwegian Linen Chest

This small linen chest can be made in batches, and the lid presents some fun challenges during the process.

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Bent Lamination Headphone Stand
Popular Woodworking

Bent Lamination Headphone Stand

Practice some mass-assembly techniques to create this elegant stand.

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
All About PPE
Popular Woodworking

All About PPE

Safety is #1 in the workshop.

time-read
7 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Joinery Machines
Popular Woodworking

Joinery Machines

Joinery machines are much more than one-trick ponies. Here's an intro, and why you should consider adding one in your shop.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
Linseed Paints
Popular Woodworking

Linseed Paints

Linseed paint will change the way you approach painting a project, but this wonderful finish takes a different approach than modern paints.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025 - Issue 282
BauBuche
Popular Woodworking

BauBuche

This laminated material comes from Germany, and is made of hundreds of layers of European beech.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024 - Issue 281
Square Platter with Textured Rim
Popular Woodworking

Square Platter with Textured Rim

Adding a bit of texture and colour to a square platter is a great way to dress up a simple design.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024 - Issue 281
Excedo Side Table
Popular Woodworking

Excedo Side Table

With one board, you can put together this side table that packs in a bunch of great woodworking techniques.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024 - Issue 281