You’d be surprised to know that trim routers are a valuable addition to the tool kit. They’re lightweight, ergonomic, and have one-handed functionality, making them efficient DIY tools for woodwork enthusiasts. The routers are also quite powerful and are compact enough to fit into smaller nooks and crannies other typical routers can’t reach.
Finding the best trim router can be difficult, considering the research involved. So, to make the process easier for you, we’ve researched for you. We’ve created this blog to help you find out who makes the best trim router, so enjoy!
Who makes the Best Trim Router?
A trim, or a laminate, router is the most compact type of router. Its build makes it convenient to hold. The chief use of a trim router is trimming materials, like veneer or plastic. They can also do some light routing and more intrinsic works if the right bit is attached.
What are Trim Routers Used for in Woodworking Projects?
As the name suggests, trim routers are great for trimming. Initially, they were known as laminate trimmers since they were for laminating instead. Now they’re a staple in wood shops thanks to their compactness and usefulness, making them ideal for smaller projects or pieces. They’re convenient for woodworking projects, like duplicating parts, cutting mortises, cleaning veneers, drilling holes, and much more.
Who Makes the Best Trim Router?
DeWalt Router, Fixed Base, 1-3/4-HP (DW616)
Buy on Amazon
The DeWalt DW616 is one of those routers that makes woodworking seem too easy, whether it’s mortising, cutting, or profiling. This compact gadget includes a heavy-duty 1¾ horsepower (HP) motor that will tackle any material you throw at it, regardless of its hardness.
DeWalt makes depth modification a breeze with this model. If you need to make an extended depth alteration, the motor’s cam lock does so while being tool-less. This feature can also make changes to the base. However, if you need smaller increment adjustments, get a ring for micro-fine adjustments.
The motor is covered in damage-resistant nickel plating as well as aluminum casing. Meanwhile, the base uses an all-aluminum design for more lightweight functionality. The switch is also present on the router’s side for easy access while being dust-proof for durability. Add in the 3-year warranty and a year of free service, and you have the ideal trim router for both beginners and professionals.
Bosch GKF125CEN Colt 1.25 HP
Buy on Amazon
Some people enjoy gentle and delicate woodworking for their hobbies or commercial purposes. Standard routers can be hard to control during such projects. That’s where the Bosch GKF125CEN comes in.
Bosch’s compact laminator includes a powerful motor with a maximum of 1.25 horsepower and about 35,000 RPM. What’s unique is that it has adjustable speed, so you can set the router on lower RPM while working on something fragile. You can also use it on the highest RPM setting on more rigid materials and projects like hardwood objects.
In terms of design, the router has a flat top and a contoured center to ensure that its handling is hassle-free. The power switch is on the front and the speed dial on top, all for easy one-handed access. One of the most significant features is also the router’s inbuilt LED and clear sub-base. The tool comes with a self-releasing ferrule and wrench for more straightforward installation so that you can enjoy delicate and detailed work with this router.
Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router
Buy on Amazon
Woodworkers have to deal with multiple curves, corners, and edges, all of which require specific pressures and speeds while being worked. For more intricate designs that can demand higher power and more adjustments, the Ridgid R2401 is the ideal router.
The gadget features a strong and dependable motor that offers up to 30,000 RPM. There’s also some speed control via a dial present on the top of the router. It comes with a fixed base, while the lever is quick-release for depth adjustments to get more comfortable cuts. You can even alter the micro-depth via a dial on the front.
The router’s flat top and rubber back make it easy to handle and move the tool while woodworking. It comes with a three-year limited warranty and a fantastic lifetime. So not only do you get the ideal adjustable tool, but you can rely on customer service should anything not work out.
PORTER-CABLE PCE6430
Buy on Amazon
The PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 provides reliable and high-quality performance whether your project is intricate or heavy-duty. It has a 4.46-lb weight, making it one of the most lightweight laminator routers on the market.
The device comes with a 4.5A motor which produces 31,000 RPM. It only works at one speed, which is ideal for people who work on basic woodwork projects that require heavy and quick handling.
One of the more unique features of the tool is the spindle lock. You only require one wrench to alter the bit, and you can start working on your project in no time. Besides that, you have the necessary depth adjustment for more versatility. So, if you want a more specific, one-function device, then this is the ideal choice.
Final Thoughts
Suppose you’re a woodworking enthusiast or someone who just enjoys DIY stuff as a hobby. In that case, a trim router is a useful entry-level DIY tool that lets you do multiple different techniques and alterations while woodworking. It is versatile, robust, and many DIY plans can’t work without them.
That said, each trim router is different, and not each one is the overall best option for everyone. Every woodworker has their style, material types, and technique preferences. So, it’s best to do the right research and invest time finding out about different types and models of trim routers.
So, who makes the best trim router? Well, we think DeWalt does, with its DW616 trim router. It has incredible performance, high accuracy, ideal horsepower, and reasonable speed control. You get versatile technique options with each adjustment, so you end up with high-quality designs and projects.
If you have more questions or just want more information, check out this video! It’s helpful for picking out a trim router.