The Best Woodworking Router for Beginners!

A woodworking router is one of the basic woodworking tools I’d recommend for beginners to DIY and woodworking. This single woodworking tool allows you to build almost anything. What is the best router for beginner woodworkers? I think it is the DeWalt DW618 with the plunge and fixed base. Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description and they help support this channel.

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0:00 Best Woodworking Router
0:44 DeWalt Fixed Base Router
1:16 Carbide3d Ad
2:29 DeWalt Router for Router Table
2:55 DeWalt Plunge Base Router
3:30 Adjustable Depth Stop Router
4:56 The First Woodworking Router You Should Buy
6:26 What Size Router Do You Need?
8:18 How to Change Router Bits?
9:11 Woodworking Router You Should Buy First

[Woodworks]

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[stephenlawrence]

I bought this router and it has changed my craftsmanship tremendously!

[redwaikikamukau]

Thinking back when I was trying to decide which router to get first I opted for the palm/trimmer router. And for me I think it was the right choice. Starting fresh as a diy woodworker hobbyist, the trim router had all the power I needed for the tasks I was confident to do.

Now that I’m 7-8mths into woodworking as a hobby, I can see it’s limitations. Both the full size and the trim router have their place. However, I would still recommend the trim/palm router as a first step for a beginner, esp when just starting to build confidence and skill and knowledge.

I will likely go for a drill press as my next major purchase (last one was a contractor table saw - huzzah!!) before a full sized router - but again, I have specific projects in mind where the drill press will be of more value.

I’ll get the full sized router eventually - it’s probably 1-2 purchases away, pending the, urr, financial controller’s approval 😁

[coltonkamper]

When I first started getting into woodworking and really just using power tools in general I learned a lesson I will never forget. I bought a dewalt battery powered grinder to cut some metal. After getting bogged down and struggling just to get through 1 cut I decided that I will be buying corded everything unless I absolutely have to.

[michiganracer]

I’ve had that router for several years it’s a work horse. Endless jobs that it can do. I leave the 1/2” collet in it and have a cordless for 1/4” edge work. 100% spot on

[edemyre]

My brother in Christ: another video with lots of great info!
I am currently shopping for a router and your video is a big help.
Thanks again!

[baseballdude]

You gotta get the Metabo HPT 36V cordless 1)2" full size plunge router
Absolutely my favorite tools in my shop and using it at the jobsite in many applications we wouldn't have considered with a corded router
Prefer it even over my Porter cables and Bosch
Has a great break and your hands never have to leave the tool when in use
Also the safest router I've ever used

[bretts]

I got the DeWalt 618B kit for Christmas last year. (My wife is AWESOME!) It comes with the fixed & plunge bases here plus a D-handle fixed base. I really prefer the D-handle base as it's much more comfortable and I feel I can get better control with the D-handle, plus it has a trigger switch built into the handle for easy on/off switching. I leave the 1/2" collet in to go with the 1/2" shank bit set she also got me. (Did I mention how awesome my wife is?) Just need to get a small cordless 1/4" collet router for the light duty trim work and the edge guide and I'm set.

[csimet]

Great video. I have a Hitachi/Metabo 2-1/2 HP 1/2" in my router table (on a lift) and it came with both a fixed and plunge base I never really use much. That router rarely leaves my table now. I also have a Dewalt compact 1/4" router with the fixed and plunge bases for smaller free hand jobs or can be loaded in a Rockler trim router table, easy to move to where needed. Both work great.

Yes, I even have a cheap-o Ryobi battery operated trim router that lives with a 1/4" round-over bit just for quick edge ease-over tasks (so handy and cheap to have on-hand and no cord to limit you).

[ianmoon]

I'm a simple man, I see a 731 Woodworks video, and I watch it.

[MattsTAW]

Good video, Matt. I have the Bosch equivalent (or nearly the same) and it is an incredibly useful and versatile tool. And, as you said in the other video, get good quality bits, especially for the ones you use all time. They look expensive at first, but they last a long time and make a world of difference in the quality of your cuts. Keep up the good content. Thanks.

[brentfrench]

This is the router I bought a couple years back. It has plenty of power. I love this thing. However, I also have the Rigid I pull out for lighter jobs.

[joshuaevans]

Just started watching your videos and man, makes me want to create beautiful pieces, been woodworking for about 15 years but haven't the time to do much but it's giving me ideas thnx for the vids and keep em coming

[kevinosterude]

Thanks Matt for the great video and recommendation. I just picked this kit up from a local pawn shop new in box for $130 out the door!

[lincolndickerson]

Just got this kit myself not too long ago, I love it as well. Thanks for the great review.

[nore]

I’m looking at buying a router combo, there are a few on the market today. You gave me some great points on a table saw so I think I’ll do what you said an go for the Dewalt. Great video and commentary thanks 🙏

[GrantButler]

This is the exact setup that I got too! I had no idea about that vacuum attachment, thanks for the tip!

[WarBear]

Great review on this one, I’ve been wanting this same router my self. I have it saved in my wish list on Amazon hoping I’d get it some day.

[TheInfamousHerb]

Was just looking to pick one of these up, thanks for the recommendation.

[samscranton]

Thanks for this video. Just got the Dewalt Plunge Router and love it. Works so much better than the old Ryobi....appreciate ya man