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Router

A router is a high-speed motor spinning a shaped cutting bit, guided along or through wood to cut profiles, grooves, and joinery. It is the shaping tool of carpentry, doing with one bit change what dedicated machines once did.

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Models

5.6-15.0 A

Motor rating

Brands

How it works

The motor drives a collet-held bit at very high RPM while a flat base references the work surface. Depth adjustment sets how far the bit projects; edge guides, bearings on the bit, or templates steer the cut. Fixed bases hold one depth for edge work, while plunge bases let the spinning bit enter the surface mid-panel.

Types & variants

Fixed-base routers: Set-depth routers for edge profiles and dadoes.
Plunge routers: Spring-loaded bases for mortises, inlays, and interior cuts.
Compact trim routers: One-hand models for edge trimming, hinges, and light profiles.
Cordless routers: Battery models covering trim and light joinery on site.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Motor rating	5.6-15.0 A	Higher amperage swings large-diameter bits through hard stock without bogging.
Collet size	1/4 or 1/2 in	The 1/2 in collet runs larger bits with less vibration and deflection.
Speed control	Variable on most	Large bits must run slower to keep rim speed safe and burn-free.

How the industry sizes it

The class spans one-hand trim routers to full-size plunge machines. Trim routers handle edge work and laminates; mid-size machines cover general joinery; the largest motors drive panel-raising and template work, usually in a router table.

Applications

Edge profiles on trim, counters, and furniture parts
Dadoes, rabbets, and mortise joinery
Hinge, lockset, and hardware recessing with templates
Flush-trimming laminates and template-shaped parts

Safety & operation

Feed against bit rotation; climb cutting lets the router self-feed and run.
Bits must be fully seated and collets clean; a slipping bit ruins work and can eject.
The bit stays spinning after release, so the router lifts clear and stops before being set down.

Standards & certifications

OSHA · 29 CFR 1926.304: Woodworking tool requirements for portable routers.
UL · UL 62841: Safety standard for hand-held motor-operated electric tools.

Frequently asked

What separates a trim router from a full-size router?

Scale and grip: trim routers run small bits one-handed for edge work, while full-size machines drive big bits, deeper cuts, and template joinery two-handed.

Why did the cut burn?

Too slow a feed, too high an RPM for the bit diameter, or a dull bit. Matching speed to bit size and keeping the feed moving prevents scorching.

Which collet matters more, 1/4 or 1/2 in?

Where both are offered, 1/2 in shanks cut smoother and safer for anything beyond light profiles; 1/4 in remains standard on trim routers.