Palm routers, trim routers, laminate routers — compact routers go by a lot of names.
And like the names, there’s a lot of buying options out there.
So how do you choose?
Well, I’m here to give you my candid, unsponsored, and unsolicited advice.
I tested palm routers from seven different brands to find out which are the best, and which are best left to stirring your coffee.
To reiterate, this tool review is NOT sponsored.
I bought these routers with my own money to help develop a jig we’ll soon be releasing with Tamar Hannah from 3x3 Custom.
(This jig is EPIC. You can see how the prototype works here, and make sure to sign up for our email list to get your hands on one as soon as it’s released).
So if you’re looking to buy a compact router, here’s what you need to know.
Don
December 27, 2022
Good coverage about the mini routers. I had a Porter Cable trim router for circa 20 years – mostly for trimming laminate countertops. Got rid of it a few years ago and replaced it with a Festool MFK 700 because of dust removal options and also various attachments for edge routing that are not available on other routers. Excellent router and it paid for itself many times over. Only complaint is that it is crazy expensive unit and probably beyond use of most handymen.
On the other side of the ledger, I also have a Ridgid R2401 Trim Router set up mostly for easing edges. It has been a fairly useful addition to my tool assembly and I have few complaints.
Contrary to your dislike of the top mounted switch – I like it a lot. Far better than having a switch on the side – I never know which side it is on. Much preferable IMO to have a switch top side. Although I have to admit that I have bumped it off a few times but the convenience far outweighs this relatively minor inconvenience. Also, I have had no problems with adjusting the height of the bit either. Flipping the locking toggle before adjusting the height micrometer seems to aid the approach.
I certainly agree the collet is a key to success no matter the router.
However, since all makes have some differences in approach, it is key to remember that we tend to get used to the specifics on any and then tend to compare features of the one we are familiar with others. Familiarity is one of the keys you missed. No coincidence that we tend to prefer the familiar.