The best routers

The manual router significantly expands the capabilities of home craftsmen, professional joiners, carpenters and furniture makers, because it combines the functions of several tools and simplifies a number of technological operations. In this he is assisted by standard auxiliary equipment, a set of end mills and additional devices. The ranking, compiled from customer and expert reviews, presents the best routers. Their performance characteristics, advantages, weaknesses and scope are discussed below.

Vertical milling cutter: which company is better to choose

In the 2024 ranking, models of five companies are presented, whose products successfully compete in the market. Here you can find professional tools and inexpensive household routers. Each brand is successful in our country. Most buyers choose their products.

• Interskol... The leader among domestic manufacturers of power tools and accessories. The products of this brand are distinguished by reliability, flawless assembly, a large selection of components and consumables. The percentage of breakdowns and complaints is lower than that of competitors. A wide network of services operates on the territory of Russia and neighboring states. The company has its own design base, design and engineering bureau.
• Black & Decker. Major player in the electric tool market. The corporation owns the brands Baldwin, Delta Machinery, DeWalt. Its enterprises operate all over the world. The milling cutters of this brand meet modern quality and safety requirements. At the same time, the company adheres to a reasonable pricing policy. Its products are characterized by high build quality and maintainability. An extensive service network provides qualified after-sales service.
• Kolner... One of the leading manufacturers of affordable and reliable power tools. Its products are aimed at those who are ready to independently solve problems of any complexity. The company's enterprises are located in China. They are equipped with high-precision and high-tech equipment, which allows them to produce excellent quality tools. The brand's products are quickly sold out in large chain stores in Russia.
• Patriot... The corporation owns several well-known brands and is well known in the domestic market. Its dealer network numbers 600 units, and its online sales network includes 150 online stores. The milling cutters of this brand successfully compete with the market leaders. The designers of the company pay much attention to the ergonomics of the tool, safety and ease of use. The design of the products is unique and patented.
• Elitech... More than twenty product groups of three hundred modifications are produced under this brand. Among them are milling cutters designed for professional use, but at an affordable price. The brand's products are distinguished by high precision, flawless performance, and a long period of uptime. The production of tools is located in China, Belarus, and components - in Italy. All businesses are ISO 9001 certified.
• Hammer... This German brand was founded in 1980 by the Czech engineer Petr Kovacs. Today the company has two offices: in Germany and the Czech Republic. Power tools produced under this brand meet consumer demand in all respects.Manufacturing facilities are located in China. There is a strict quality control system in place. After all, flawless assembly is a distinctive feature of the brand's products. Deliveries of finished products are carried out throughout Eastern Europe and to Russia.
• DeWalt... This American company was founded in 1924. She has one of the best reputation for innovation, design and production of reliable
• power tool. The company produces over 300 models and 1000 items of accessories for them. Production sites are located in North America, England, Italian and Slovenian provinces. The equipment of this brand is reliable, ensures high accuracy of the operations performed, and is undemanding during operation.
• Vortex... The company was founded in the 70s of the 20th century in Samara. In 2000, production facilities were relocated to China. Power tools of this brand are produced on advanced technological lines and comply with international quality standards. It is in great demand among DIYers and professionals. Since it is one of the best offers on the market in terms of price-quality ratio.
• Makita... This Japanese brand entered the market in 2015. Now the company is a leader in the development and production of various power tools. Its product line includes more than 1000 household and professional models. The company monitors consumer demand and tries to satisfy it in everything. It provides a high level of service and its products are considered one of the best in the market. Manufacturing facilities are located in Japan, China, in a number of European countries and North America.
• Wert... This brand of power tools is designed for home use. Therefore, it is convenient, lightweight, compact, affordable. The product line is constantly expanding. Strict quality control in production ensures the impeccable performance of the tool, well thought-out design - safe operation, ease of maintenance.

Rating of routers

The rating of the best milling cutters of 2024 was compiled based on the analysis of numerous customer reviews, opinions of authoritative experts and testing. Different points of view, positive and negative assessments were studied. The selection of nominees was carried out according to the most important criteria typical for this group of power tools. Among them:

• Power (light, medium, heavy);
• Minimum and maximum number of revolutions;
• The largest diameter of the collet;
• Maximum cutter size;
• Greatest shaft depth;
• Stroke value;
• Functionality;
• The ability to adjust the speed;
• Power supply (battery type and capacity, mains voltage);
• Equipment;
• Power cord length;
• Noise level;
• The quality of the working platform (soles);
• Providing information to the operator (digital and standard indication);
• Degree of protection against overheating, interference, high load;
• Dimensions and weight;
• Design, ergonomics.

The service life of products, juice of action, guarantees for them, the ratio of the quality of performance and the declared price, availability for buyers in the market were also taken into account. 

The best chainsaws

The best inexpensive routers

Many people associate a low price with not the best quality, but this point of view is often mistaken. The rating of milling cutters contains models worthy in terms of configuration and parameters, which are relatively inexpensive. They are distinguished from professional devices by more modest functionality, power and equipment. Such instruments should be given periodic rest. They are not designed for continuous continuous work and solving complex problems, but they are suitable for home craftsmen.

Wert EVR 1450E

This vertical router for wood allows you to form connecting grooves in structures and to process an edge. It can be connected to a vacuum cleaner to reduce dust levels in the work area. There is a special hole for the chip exit.The rip fence provides precise and comfortable guidance of the router over the work surface. During operation, regulation of the number of revolutions is available.

Advantages

• Price;
• Low weight;
• Comfortable handles;
• The presence of two collets - 6 and 8 mm, pairs;
• Good build quality.

disadvantages

• Extruded aluminum outsole;
• Heating at over 25,000 rpm.

Interskol FM-40 / 1000E

This versatile router offers versatile machining of wood and composite workpieces. You can work with any planes (horizontal, vertical, inclined), grooves, ledges, shaped surfaces. The tool is equipped with an adjustable turret stop, which makes it convenient to set the desired immersion depth of the working body. To reduce the amount of dust on the surface to be treated, a vacuum cleaner is connected. The number of revolutions is adjustable.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Smooth start;
• Small play on the guides;
• Equipment;
• Good build quality.

disadvantages

• Inconvenient location of the power button;
• The protective shield is fixed with force.

Black + Decker KW1200E

The tool produces chamfers, edges, shaped slates and various decorative grooves in wooden products. It is equipped with a 1200 W motor, the speed can reach 28000 rpm. This wood router characterized by high productivity, capable of performing various tasks and working with many materials. It has a nice design, ergonomic body and convenient arrangement of elements. Allows you to work with a minimum of physical effort. Its aluminum outsole has good durability.

Advantages

• Built-in ventilation (protects against overheating);
• Blocking the start key from accidental activation;
• The presence of two handles;
• Double insulation;
• The presence of a revolving stop.

disadvantages

• Depth adjustment too fine;
• A sharp rise, which over time destroys the fixing pin.

Kolner Ker 1200V

This collet milling cutter has a power of 1.2KW, the maximum number of revolutions reaches 30,000 per minute. It is suitable for demanding woodworking operations and features high milling precision. It has a convenient arrangement of knobs and controls. The machine is equipped with a durable and high quality die-cast aluminum base. Its surface is treated with a special compound, which excludes the formation of cracks. You can connect a vacuum cleaner.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Smooth start;
• Good build quality
• Compact dimensions;
• No backlash.

disadvantages

• Increased noise level during operation;
• Heating at high speeds.

Patriot ER 120

The tool is designed for conventional and figured milling of workpieces from different materials (wood, chipboard, composites, metal). It has a powerful and high-revving engine. The step stop allows you to set the immersion depth. The smooth base and two side handles make it easy to move the clipper across the work surface. The kit includes an adapter for collets.

This router is equipped with a load speed stabilizer. The spindle can be easily locked for quick and safe cutter changes.

Advantages

• Low price;
• Availability of SKF bearings;
• High power;
• Minor backlashes;
• Easy running on the work surface.

disadvantages

• Lack of soft start;
• Heat and noise at high rpm.

Elitech Ф 1355Э

The router is intended for small woodworking workshops and household use. With its help, it is easy to select grooves, drill holes, form curly edges, and countersink. The movable mount of the power unit makes it easier to work at a given depth. Convenient adjustment ensures high precision of the operations performed. The power of the power unit is 1300 W, the working stroke of the cutter is 55 mm. The kit includes a wrench, a guide and an additional collet.

Advantages

• The presence of a smooth start;
• Good equipment;
• Illumination of the working area;
• Precisely keeps the set speed;
• Optimal weight.

disadvantages

• Rigid travel along the guides;
• Small backlash.

The best routers

The best high power routers

The task of professional milling cutters is versatility (the ability to perform a variety of operations) and trouble-free operation for a long time. Such a tool is equipped with a powerful motor, is compatible with other power tools, and has a good complement (auxiliary equipment). The best routers in this category can withstand intense loads, the parameters of its work are regulated through a system of settings. Manufacturers pay special attention to ergonomics, since such a tool is operated for hours and not always in conditions comfortable for the master.

Hammer FRZ2200 Premium

The milling cutter has a power of 2200 watts. The immersion depth of its working body reaches 75 mm. The machine is equipped with a constant electronics block that maintains speed under load and regulates the speed of rotation. It is equipped with two 12 mm collets and four adapter sleeves of different sizes. This router is designed for shaped material processing, grooving and other operations. Ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip. The spindle lock function prevents the power unit from turning during braking.

Advantages

• Overload protection;
• Low noise level during operation;
• Good working depth;
• Functionality;
• High quality.

disadvantages

• Cutter runout and vibration;
• High price.

Makita RP2301FCX

The router is a powerful and versatile tool. Belongs to the category of professional devices. With its help, it is easy to select grooves and grooves of different shapes and sizes. The Makita router is equipped with electronic systems that improve control and milling precision. Maintains the specified speed of rotation when increasing or decreasing the load.

Advantages

• Adjustment of speed and depth of milling;
• Smooth start and backlight;
• Trigger lock and emergency brake;
• Easy access to brushes;
• No backlash.

disadvantages

• High price;
• Solid weight and dimensions.

Vortex FM-1900

The tool is capable of working with various surfaces (plastic, aluminum, wood). Allows you to accurately handle a curly edge, to form holes of different diameters. The milling cutter is equipped with a 1.9 kW motor, the speed reaches 26,000 rpm. It has two ergonomic rubberized handles, a spindle locking system, is safe to work.

Advantages

• High-quality assembly;
• Ease of operation;
• Overload protection;
• Operational safety;
• Ergonomics, functionality.

disadvantages

• High price;
• The weight.

DeWALT DW 625 E

This power tool is characterized by high performance, allows you to work with workpieces made of wood, composite, aluminum. The basis is made up of two-post precision guides. Thanks to her, the unit is capable of performing basic types of milling.

The control unit supports several speed modes, which makes it easier to work with loose and soft materials.

Advantages

• High build quality;
• Doesn't go crazy;
• Smooth start;
• Convenience of settings and adjustments;
• Three insertion positions of the cutter.

disadvantages

• Solid price;
• Impressive weight.

Which router is better to buy

A powerful vertical manual router is needed if you have to work in intensive mode. It is placed on the table for more efficient performance of professional tasks. For beginners and home craftsmen, a small tool weighing no more than 2 kg and a power of 720 watts is suitable. When used in gentle mode, it will not heat up. If you plan to permanently mill wood and other workpieces, then preference should be given to semi-professional 1500 W models. If you don't know how to choose a router for your needs? First, decide for what purposes you need a tool, with what frequency and intensity it will be used, what do you expect from it.Experts recommend paying attention to the following models:

• The Wert EVR 1450E is suitable for simple machining of joint grooves and edges.
• For more complex and varied works, it is better for a home craftsman to choose Interskol FM-40 / 1000E.
• If you are interested in an inexpensive, productive tool, take a look at the Black + Decker KW1200E.
• For labor-intensive woodworking, purchase the inexpensive Kolner KER 1200V.
• The Patriot ER 120 milling cutter is universal, therefore it is suitable for those who have experience with similar equipment.
• Elitech Ф 1355Э is the best choice for small woodworking workshops.

The 2024 rating will help you understand which router is best for you. Professionals are advised to buy the models that are included in the High Power Router Review. But for household needs, you can turn to inexpensive models.