ROUTER SIZES
How do you know which Router is the right one for your job?
The first thing you need to ask yourself is: what do I want to do with my router?
PALM ROUTERS
• Typically 1 HP or less
• Compact Size With Impressive Performance
• Ideal For Trimming, Hinge Mortising, Edge Forming, Slot Cutting, Small-Scale Dovetailing, Window Cutouts And Decorative Inlays
• Utilizes 1⁄4" Shank Bits
• Not Suitable For Larger Routing Operations
MID-SIZE ROUTERS
• Ranging From 13⁄4 HP To 21⁄4 HP
• Most Popular Router Size
• Can Handle Everything Palm Routers Can Do Plus Large-Scale Dovetailing, Panel Cutting, Template Design Work And Circle Cutting
• Utilizes 1⁄4" And 1⁄2" Shank Bits
• Often Available With Multiple Bases
• Majority Of Aftermarket Accessories Are Geared Toward This Class Of Router
FULL-SIZE ROUTERS
• Workhorses Of The Router Family
• Ranging From 3 HP To 31⁄4 HP
• Designed For Production Use
• Used Dedicated To A Router Table Or CNC Operations
• Massive Size, Somewhat Cumbersome To Use In Everyday Handheld Operations
ROUTER BASES
FIXED BASE
• Standard Base
• Comes With Fixed Knobs Or Handles On Opposite Sides Of The Base For Holding And Guiding
• Limited To Edge Routing Applications
• Ideal For Operations That Utilize Guide Bushings, Like Dovetail And Box Joint Jigs
• Incorporates A Quick Setting Ring-Style Depth Adjustment
PLUNGE BASE
• Versatile, Can Be Used For Everything That A Fixed Base Can Plus Operations That Require The Bit To Be Plunged Into The Wood Away From An Edge
• Ideal For Blind Grooves, Fluting, Dado Cuts And Mortising Operations
• The Motor Moves Up And Down On Machine Spring Loaded Columns
• Offers Multiple Depth Stop Settings With Micro-Adjustments That Can Be Fine-Tuned
D-HANDLE BASE
• Comes With A Knob And A D-Shaped Handle
• Provides Pistol-Grip Control
• Locking On/Off Trigger Power Switch
