Fixed-Base Router
A router with a set cutting depth.
A fixed-base router is stable for edge profiles, template work, and router-table mounting. Depth is set before the cut, making it predictable for repeated passes.
Power tools and machinery
Routing
Routing tools shape edges, cut grooves, follow templates, make mortises, trim parts, and repeat profiles with guided spinning cutters.
What to Know About Routing
A router is a high-speed motor that spins a bit held in a collet. Bases, fences, guide bushings, bearings, templates, and router tables control where the cutter removes wood.
Working principle
The bit cuts as it rotates, while the base or table controls depth and the guide system controls the path. Feed direction and shallow passes help reduce tearout and keep the tool stable.
Major Types
Choose by bit size, plunge needs, edge control, table use, and whether the router must be handheld or fixture-mounted.
Plunge Router
A router that lowers into the cut.
A plunge router lets the bit enter the work away from an edge. It is useful for stopped grooves, mortises, inlays, and template pockets.
Compact or Trim Router
A smaller router for light work.
A compact router is easy to handle for chamfers, roundovers, hinge mortises, flush trimming, and small templates. It is not meant for heavy raised-panel or large-bit cuts.
Router Table
A table-mounted router setup.
A router table turns the router into a small shaper-like station. It supports small parts, edge profiles, grooves, joinery, and repeatable fence-guided work.
Combination Router Kit
A motor with multiple bases.
A combination kit shares one motor between fixed, plunge, and sometimes offset bases. It is flexible for a shop that needs one router to cover several operations.
CNC Router
A computer-controlled routing machine.
A CNC router moves the cutter by programmed paths. It handles repeatable parts, engraving, pockets, signs, and complex curves that would be difficult by hand.
Laminate Trimmer
A lightweight router form for trimming edges.
A laminate trimmer is a compact router optimized for flush trimming, chamfers, small roundovers, and edge work. It is easy to control but limited with large bits or deep cuts.
Common Woodworking Uses
- Edge profiles such as roundovers, chamfers, rabbets, and beads.
- Grooves, dadoes, rabbets, mortises, and hinge pockets.
- Template routing and flush trimming.
- Inlay, sign work, and decorative cuts.
- Router-table joinery and small-part shaping.
Choosing Routing
- Use a plunge router for stopped cuts and mortises.
- Use a fixed base or table for repeated edge profiles.
- Choose collet size and horsepower based on the largest bits you actually need.
- Budget for bits, dust collection, guides, and safe workholding.
Setup
- Seat bits correctly in clean collets.
- Make multiple shallow passes for heavy cuts.
- Confirm feed direction for handheld routing and router-table work.
- Use test cuts to dial in depth and fence settings.
Accessories and Consumables
- Edge guide
- Guide bushings
- Router table fence
- Template material
- Dust collection hood
- Offset, tilt, and specialty palm-router bases
- Router bits
- Bearing replacements
- Collets
- Template tape
Maintenance
- Clean pitch from bits and collets.
- Inspect power cords, switches, and base locks.
- Replace dull bits before they burn or chatter.
- Keep plunge posts and depth mechanisms clean.
Safety
- Secure the work before the bit starts.
- Keep hands away from the bit path, especially on small parts.
- Take shallow passes with large bits.
- Wait for the bit to stop before setting the router down.
Companies & Brands
Companies are grouped by the products they currently make for this type of woodworking.
Router Manufacturers
Bosch ToolsPalm, plunge, fixed-base, and combo routers.DEWALTCompact, fixed-base, plunge, and combo routers.FestoolRouters, edge guides, and routing systems.MafellPortable routers and routing machines.MakitaCompact, plunge, fixed-base, and laminate-trim routers.Milwaukee ToolCordless compact routers and router accessories.RyobiCordless and corded routers and trim routers.Trend Tool TechnologyTrend routers, router tables, and routing systems.Triton ToolsRouters and router-table systems.