Which Compact Router Should You Buy? - Toolsday Woodworking Tool Reviews

Toolsday Compact Router Review. They go by multiple names, trim router, compact router, laminate router, and today we put some of the most popular brands head to head to see which ones are worthy of purchase. I used and abused these routers and did a complete overview of some of the most important factors that should affect your buying decision. We spent a ton of time with each router and the results definitely surprised me. I make my high level recommendation at the end. As always, I have never and will never take money for paid reviews. These are tools I have purchased and tested extensively. Let me know what you’d like to see next. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment and subscribe. Cheers!
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[Daniel-lijt]

Great Video. One thing you mentioned was that the Bosch LED would shine in your eyes when changing bits. Good point but one thing to note is that when changing bits the tool should always be unplugged to prevent accidental start up when your hands are near the bit so the LED being on all the time wouldn't matter in that regard. Safety First.

[ponsaravanan]

Love that "Sponsered by me and me alone."

The quality of the content wins

[jacoblynch]

Much respect to a man who can admit they are a fanboy then admit that their tool of choice is not the best in the category and give a fair assessment of the tools tested. Thank you.

[JaceDrummer]

That Milwaukee is awesome! It is the best of those. You went from it not being tight enough to over tightening it, no need to crank it down so hard, When you use the micro adjustment you don't do that with it locked down, you open the lock, adjust it then lock it down. It has zero play to it. Awesome router.

[vincentmcclelland]

Jonathan, if you un-plug the router, like you should when changing bits, the lights wont be in your eyes, I have the colt, and your right, its great.

[ronhansen]

I have several routers from 3hp down to laminate trimmer. I have never really had major problems with any of them, until...
I bought the Dewalt DWP611 for a specific purpose. I used it for milling aluminum castings for gunsmithing. It was the recommended unit by the supplier for this procedure. There is a special mill that attaches directly to the motor shaft, so there is no problem with flexing or loosening of the collet. The milling procedure only takes off less than 1/32" per pass with a 1/4" mill. It worked great for about 10 hours of use (not all at once, over a period of weeks). These routers are notorious for eating up brushes, so when mine made a loud bang and quit working, I took it apart and checked the brushes. Nope, the brushes were fine, but there was a burn mark just under the top cover. It turned out the control module blew up. I ordered a new one ($90) and installed it. The router is working fine now, but who knows if it will happen again or it was a manufacturing defect. Otherwise. I'm generally happy with its performance along with my many other Dewalt tools.

[leepennington]

The Milwaukee has an adjustment screw on the latch. If you tighten it, it will have 0 play. It’s actually in the instructions. Give it another shot. Likely the best one on the table.

[zacharyyoung]

I’ve always used Bosch routers, no complaints.

[AspireCycle]

I've used the Ryobi for over 5 years now. Put a lot of hard hours on it and haven't had the bit slip once! Love this router, sure it's not the best but has worked great for me.

[jeffb]

Ive got a makita recently, full kit, great value looks well made and solid. Had problem with the adjustment moving, tightened up the nut on the locking handle problem solved, the only thing I wish it had was the Led light that would be handy,

[TheRubbenn]

Great review! I've had the same issue with the Milwaukee. It's not supposed to adjust when closed. You need to tighten the screw holding the quick release more until the handle snaps down solid and makes sure that your adjustments are set very tightly and precisely. I was shocked at first too but when it's tightened down there's no play whatsoever.

[johnraygun]

I've had the Bosch for a few years now, my 17 year old uses it for school projects as well, it just keeps on trucking! it was kind of a spur of the moment buy and i was worried because i didn't research a lot but have been very happy with it! great video Sir

[TheFPSCENTRAL]

It’s actually pretty common for the Milwaukee routers to come with the screw on the clamp to be a little loose. Half a turn and mine is rock solid and I haven’t had to touch that screw again.

[chriswindberg]

Oh man, wake up on a Sunday, roll over and see theres a new Katz video. My coffee maker can't brew fast enough right now!

[MH-qqkj]

Interesting review. Probably one of my least used tools in the shop. I have burned up 2 full size routers over 50 years and have replaced them with 1 full size and 1 trim router. I have built furniture in the past but not in the last 20 years. Now it is just small shelves, camping equipment, garage storage solutions. I have the trim router dedicated with a chamfer bit or round over bit and use it just to ease the sharp edges. I have the Bosch and the Ryobi and neither one has ever let me down.

[Woodworks]

Awesome video. Great compairson on these routers!

[stephanelarochelle]

Interesting! I ended up with the Makita because it felt way more comfortable than the others when I used it... But the important thing is to get the job done.

[jonathanlillpopp]

Thanks Jonathan. Great review. I have the ryobi. I’ve used it for a couple years and like it a lot. I have not experienced any problems. It doesn’t have any extra features, like the lights. But it has worked very well. My only complaint is it is too top heavy when I put the large battery in it. I was thinking of getting a corded trim router in the future. Now I now which one! Thanks again!

[thereinmymind]

I have the Ryobi and have never had an issue with the bit coming out. Not trying to say it’s better than anything on this list, I haven’t used them.

[fcschoenthal]

I've always been a DeWalt fan and got the chance to pick up the compact router (with plunge base included) for $50 at an estate sale. I've been thrilled with it. I also have most of the DeWalt battery tools, so when the cordless router came out, I did some research and found out that all of the accessories work on it as well. Another great thing is that the PC bushings work on it too. - Chris