The RIDGID router has a pull-out switch, in order to turn on and turn off the tool. We’d like to see a longer time than a 10-second dwell. This separate lock button may seem like a pain but is smart, it helps prevent the accidental start-up of the tool for user and work-piece protection.

Once the LED light turns off, you need to press the unlock button first. As long as the LED lights are on you can operate the tool with the power switch. After turned off, and inactive for 10-seconds the tool locks again. The unlock button places to tool in standby mode then the power button turns on the router. The Makita has a 2-step operation safety switch. The best switches were the Makita, DEWALT, and Milwaukee in that order. The DEWALT had a 1 or 2 score in almost every category, except the base plate. The Makita and RIDGID were third and fourth with 23 and 24-points respectively. The DEWALT barely took first place coming in at 12-points, just 1-point ahead of the Milwaukee.

A list of some of them is included below. Each tool was ranked, using a 1 thru 5 scores, 1 being the best, to determine the tool with the best feature ranking. There were a few stand-out features that affect performance and safety. “Hey! This round-over bit comes with a beading bearing, sweet!” -Ethan Best Cordless Router Features Five 31/64″ (1/2″ plywood) dado bits for the performance testing.Five 3/8″ round-over/beading bits for the window sill run-time test.All the bits performed well and we greatly appreciate Rockler Woodworking for the help. Rockler Woodworking provided the bits for this testing. We’ve included the current pricing found online for each of the routers at the time of publication. Price – Price is always an important factor in determining which router is best for a user.We use 1/2 round router bits to come up with a linear foot length and compute that to carpenter speak of “number of window sills” routed. Run time – The run-time evaluation proves the user with a good baseline of expected work per battery charge.Performance – The performance evaluation took a very deep dive into router motors and how fast cut a dado into AC plywood.In addition to traditional ergonomics, we also included functionality in this category. Ergonomics – Ergonomics is really important to users and an important category to consider when purchasing any power tool.Features – an overall comparison of features and specifications.The performance evaluations and these additional factors were used to determine the Best Cordless Router. In addition to the performance evaluations, each of the crew members spent time using the routers in order to evaluate them independently. These tests will give you an excellent baseline on overall tool performance. Two relative, measurable comparison tests were performed: performance and run-time. The challenge for any Head-to-Head test is developing the testing and evaluation criteria in order to create a valuable comparison for users. The following cordless routers were included in the test: In order to keep the tools in this Head-to-Head somewhat similar, each manufacturer was asked to provide a router and 6.0 Ah battery. Smaller routers, like these cordless routers, are useful in applications such as:įor this Head-to-Head evaluation, five cordless routers were selected. More and more contractors are cutting the cord on their job sites and the ability for a cordless router to move freely around a job site is a huge plus. Best Cordless 18-Volt Router Advantages of a Cordless RouterĪs a carpenter, I use a compact router to make my own window sills when trimming windows, easing edges on decking and trim, creating chamfers, installing built-ins, mortising hinges, and sometimes to make on-the-spot moldings.

Router table for dewalt cordless router