A fixed-based router’s characteristics typically include a 1 to 3.5 horsepower engine and a 1/4- or 1/2-inch collet. They are frequently on the smaller side in terms of form factor, making them relatively easy to manage by hand. They’re also a good fit for installation into a router table because of their compact size. Professionals and DIYers alike will find lots of good reasons for keeping their fixed-base wood router nearby when it comes to their practical usage. This is due to the fact that these routers are suitable for a wide range of shaping and edging tasks. With a little practice, these routers can indeed reduce the need for sandpaper when a cut is completed. This is due to the fact that these tools are capable of efficiently smoothing sharp edges. They are usually the lowest in terms of pricing. (source)

​

Fixed-Based Router companies worth checking out:

• Bosch

• Metabo

• Milwaukee

• Dewalt

• Avid

• Makita

• Ryobi

• SKIL

• Ridgid

​

A combo router is supposed to be the best of both its fixed-base and plunge counterparts. As a result, you can rely on a combo router to perform both plunge and fixed router operations without having to make space in your workshop for both. As a result, if you want to optimize the diversity of your routing abilities, a combination router is a choice to consider. A combo router can cost more than a fixed or plunge router alone. However, it is still less expensive than if you bought both. (source)

​

Combo Router companies worth checking out:

• Dewalt

• Bosch

• Milwaukee

• Vevor

Plunge routers can generally execute more tasks than their fixed-base counterpart. They can generate deep, thorough cuts in a matter of moments. Plunge routers can also make a number of complex cabinetry cuts, allowing you to create the perfect dovetail, dado, groove, or mortise. With a plunge router, you can even engrave. Plunge routers use the same essential components as their permanent counterparts in terms of standards. Plunge routers can customize their cutting depth, though it is common to need multiple passes to get to a desired depth. Plunge routers are also durable, which is a good tradeoff given how much heavier they are. (source)

 

​Plunge Router companies worth checking out:

• Makita

• Bosch

• Skil

• Triton

• Festool

• Dewalt

• Bauer

• Metabo

Compact routers, also known as palm or trim routers, stand out because they are user-friendly and generally easiest to handle of all the routers. Because of their smaller size and weight, they can be easily controlled, making them excellent for conducting intricate or detailed routing tasks. When it comes to using a compact router, there are a few tradeoffs to be made. These units, as you might assume, are often lower in terms of primary horsepower. Depending on the manufacturer and model, they may also have a variable-sized collet. (source)

​

Compact Router companies worth checking out:

• Milwaukee

• Porter Cable

• Dobetter

• Goplus

• Makita

• Bosch

• Dewalt

• Avid