Are you a woodworker and exhausted from using heavy trim routers?
Or are you in search of a best handheld router for your workshop?
If yes, you are at the right spot.
One of the tools you can add to your woodshop is a best palm router.
It is a small tool that is easy to move and can help you do a great deal of work.
They are perfect for trimming laminate on the top and edges.
The compact design makes this mini router ideal to use for small projects which require more significant precession.
You will want to look at the function of these cnc routers, which may seem the same for all.
There are lots of options in the market to match your needs.
We have made a list of the best handheld router to make it easy to decide the perfect product for your work.
Here we present the ten best palm routers:
Editor’s Pick: Best Palm Router for Woodworking
Best Palm Routers 2022 – Reviews & Guides
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TOP PICK
|
Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP |
9.3
|
Check on Amazon |
|
PREMIUM PICK
|
Bosch Router Tool PR20EVS |
9.7
|
Check on Amazon |
|
DEWALT Router Fixed (DWP611PK) |
9.5
|
Check on Amazon |
|
AVID POWER 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP |
8.7
|
Check on Amazon |
|
Enertwist Compact Router |
8.7
|
Check on Amazon |
|
Dobetter 6.5-Amp Compact Router |
8.7
|
Check on Amazon |
|
SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Router |
8.7
|
Check on Amazon |
|
Ryobi 8.5 Amp 1-1/2 HP |
8.5
|
Check on Amazon |
|
Bosch GKF125CEK-RT |
8.7
|
Check on Amazon |
|
Ridgid R2401 Laminate |
8.7
|
Check on Amazon |
1. Makita Palm Router RT0701C 1-1/4 HP – Best Compact Router
The first on our list is Makita palm router RT0701C.
This is one of the most potent best compact routers, which comes with an edge guide, plunge base, and the standard adjustable height base with the groove.
The body isn’t bulky, which gives it an edge over other products.
This makes it extremely easy to maneuver.
The variable speed control dial from 10000 to 30000 enables you to adjust it and work at whatever speed you prefer.
On top of that, the build quality has increased endurance.
It is achieved by heavy-duty aluminum motor making it incredibly strong.
You can even purchase different bases that can be easily installed.
The accuracy is essential in a router, and Makita provides you with its depth adjuster and quick cam lock.
Product Features
- Slim and ergonomically designed body for better comfort and control
- The base design is high visibility for improved handling and performance
- Other bases can be installed as the base can be removed
- It is less expensive
- The small bracket that goes into the plunger is missing
- Offset base has no provision for depth adjustment
2. Bosch Palm Router PR20EVS – Best Portable Router
Bosch is the best palm router; you are going to love it.
If you are a starter and finding a pocket-friendly amazon router with all the great features?
The Bosch PR20EVS has got you covered.
It features a palm grip design with a soft grip to form it very comfortable to carry, yet it also has ample power, making it typically more straightforward to use than larger routers.
We found it more significant than just a laminate trimmer because it is ideal for putting round overs on deck railings, mortising for hinges.
What makes it even more perplexing is that it can be set up in any homemade router table, takes much less space, and is much lighter than a full-size router, so moving it around the shop is much easier.
Its aluminum fixed base is guaranteed in durability, which supports the additional stability and gives you firmness while using it.
The Versatile bit changing system allows for fast, easy bit changes using two wrenches or spindle lock and one wrench. It comes with tons of tools.
One of the odder aspects of this router is that the fine adjustments are difficult to operate and tight.
You have to anticipate the adjustment height beforehand.
Product Features
- Very ergonomic and powerful features a 1.0 Horse Power
- It takes much less space and is so much lighter than a full-size router
- Easy to set up and allows the micro-adjustment
- The base does not stay lubricated
- The lock system isn’t reliable
- Cannot accept the bushing
3. DEWALT Router Fixed (DWP611PK) – Best Trim Router
DeWalt is one of the high-end professional brands making powerful best handheld routers, all the way since 1978.
In terms of power, it comes with 1.25 horsepower is nothing special but the fact that it can push more than 7amps and offers more torque to accomplish most jobs, giving tough competition to its competitors.
DeWalt palm router delivers the power to meet the most challenging applications.
While the variable speed control is nothing to brag about as it is a bit narrow with a speed range of 16000 to 27000 RPMs.
The speed of the Motor is maintained through the cut by the soft-starting Motor, which features an electronic feedback system.
Furthermore, I like most about it because the depth ring and clamping mechanism combine to ensure the Motor remains locked in position for the fixed base only.
It can handle a wide range of tasks, thanks to the depth changes within 1/64in.
The solid aluminum base provides long term durability and comes with LED light to ensure visibility during the operation.
Product Features
- It can make 1/64 adjustments
- The variable speed control system enables bit speed to be optimized
- LED light to illuminate cut
- This router doesn’t have a router table which is annoying for side work
- Difficult to use
- It is pretty heavy compared to Bosch
4. AVID POWER Palm Router 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP – Best Handheld Router
Avid power is an exciting company whose router tends to perform better than professional models but lacks some high-end features that are not suitable for heavy jobs.
However, in terms of its general build, it offers a significant level of durability and reliability.
This is among the best palm router for woodworking.
Keeping in mind the excellent performance, the powerful Motor of 6.5-Amp motor with a maximum horsepower of 1.25 delivers ample power for a range of routing and trimming applications with a superb torque for 7 amp.
The variable speed control dial from a wide range of 10000-32000 RPM allows users to select momentum accordingly for the materials to get the perfect cut.
The fact that this palm router is dual bright LED lights illuminate dark working areas.
As if that were not enough, the ergonomic design with rubber covered handle provides a comfortable grip.
The product is easy to use, and you won’t find any difficulty in using it.
The convenient depth adjustments and base change are due to its quick locking system.
Product Features
- This tool comes with an edge guide and roller guide
- The body is made up of aluminum for long term durability
- One of the best features is the bright LED lights
- It is not designed for heavy routing jobs
- The Motor gets heat up after heavy usage
5. Enertwist Palm Router – Best Small Router
Enertwist offers surprisingly fantastic performance and accuracy for a brand you may have never heard of.
This best compact router tool motor provides an impressive six variable speed range for routing and trimming of various materials.
On top of that, the soft-starting Motor offers you an incredibly smooth and clean treated surface that maintains motor speed through the cut.
The easy-to-Use Rack-and-pinion depth control for more precision in cutting with a quick release cam lock system for easy base removal or installation and depth adjustment.
This handheld router comes with a complete kit containing the edge guide, roller guide, dust hood, and even the wrench with replacement carbon brushes to provide more value.
It is worth noticing the dust hood to be connected to the vacuum to keep the site super clean.
This is the best handheld router tool to start with if you are thinking of entering woodworking.
The increased comfort is ensured by the durable aluminum base that comes with a soft-grip handle.
Product Features
- Better for small projects with its design
- Soft starting motor gives a better experience
- LED lights are not included
- Bases are not changeable
Here we have compiled a quick video to go through all the best palm routers, give it a go or continue reading.
6. Dobetter Palm Router 6.5-Amp – Compact Trim Router
No list of the best palm routers can be complete without Dobetter professional best trim router.
For starters, this is the only trim router added in the review because of its good performance that made it up here.
The powerful Dobetter comes with 6.5-Amp Motor with max horsepower of 1.25 delivers abundant power, which gives an improved performance compared to the other tools.
Keeping in line with the excellent performance, the constant power prevents this handheld router from jumping around in your hand, providing you with much better control.
Furthermore, this comes with a hand router tool, 12 wood router bits, an edge guide, roller guide, dust hood, wrench, and carbon brushes to make your job easier.
It also offers the best adjustment with the smooth rack-and-pinion depth adjustment system for more precision cutting of a wide range of materials like plastic and laminate.
All this helps the router to perform small to heavy-duty tasks easily and comfortably.
In addition, the handling is quite well in this price range.
Product Features
- It comes with all the necessary guides
- This contains the option of variable speed control
- Performance is large
- Easy operating system
- The motor drops with base unlocking
- LED light is missing for better vision
- Not most durable
7. SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router – Best Palm Router
This most portable corded router comes with the most powerful 10 Amp, 2.0 Horsepower motor that is most powerful than any other corded router.
This provides smooth and accurate routing from start to finish.
If you are in search of a heavy router, this one is definitely for you.
Users have the option of speed control to adjust speed based on the material cut that they are working on.
This is a cool feature that if you forgot the rate, you could hit the button and scroll through different speeds of the best cuts.
The fixed base is accommodated with an excellent dust collector shroud that is removable and comes off easily to clean it.
This keeps the working area clean.
The soft-start Motor provides a safe and controlled start to routing.
I am impressed with its straight edge at the base instead of the round base, making it super easy to rotate.
On top of that, the live indicator it contains keeps you safe as the indicator lights up when the power is switched on.
Product Features
- It comes with a live tool indicator
- High-performance horsepower
- It allows changing bits with a single wrench
- The essential guide is not included
- It doesn’t come with a storage case
8. Ryobi Palm Router 8.5 Amp 1-1/2 HP – Best Affordable Router
Ryobi is the one that will get your job done in no time.
If you are a beginner and are thinking of investing in a router, this is an ideal purchase.
The product comes with a reasonable price tag that will cost you around only 89$.
This is perfect for the simple plunge cutting or grooves, but it is not for heavy use and gives you a tough time going through an oak.
It is a very lightweight machine which offers it an edge over the other.
This has got a micro-adjustment knob with 0 resets for accurate cut adjustment depth and is suitable for fine-tuning applications.
It has an easy, quick-release button for quick depth adjustments.
The product has an ergonomically designed handle for your comfort and to grip easily over the machine.
The straight base allows you to turn it in any direction you prefer working on.
Other than that, the LED lights are there for improved sight during routing applications.
Product Features
- User friendly
- Lightweight
- The Led light illuminates workplace
- The bits are not included
- Not for heavy usage
9. Bosch Handheld Router GKF125CEK-RT – Best Hand Held Router
This product has been tested and guaranteed to work and look new, with minimal to no signs of wear.
This best lightweight product is provided with a minimum three months warranty.
The accessories included in this may be generic.
The Bosh comes with a powerful 1.25 horsepower 7.0 Amp motor that offers compact versatility like the Dewalt.
The LED lighting provides an enhanced view of the bit area, and I am pretty impressed by its feature that the light can come on and off as soon as a plugin which isn’t found in many other routers.
It has a compact design and provides a comfortable rubber grip that makes it easy to use as a portable trim router to give even more value.
You can even use it easily for cutting with a stable movement—the Durable spindle lock for fast, easy bit changes.
The fact that it has a big window in the front so you can change the bit without removing the housing.
The wide speed range of 16000 to 35000 can cut and shape many different materials.
To make the matter worse, the router doesn’t guarantee much better durability than the other products.
Product Features
- Provides comfortable grip
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- LED lights are present/li>
- Micro adjustment is difficult to use
- The wrench is not the correct size
10. Ridgid Palm Router R2401 – Laminate Trim Router
The Ridgid may not be a specialized best handheld router, but it offers a decent value in its market to the other competitors.
The Ridgid contains round and square Bases for added versatility and convenience in terms of its build quality.
Ridgid is a small size compact router that is not so bulky and easy to handle while using it for different materials.
This is one of the lightest weight routers on our list.
It is also worth noticing the router comes with a complete kit, including the bag and one of the bases, which further increases its value.
Furthermore, the micro-dial is easily adjustable for precise control giving you more accuracy.
The top of the router contains over mold to prevent marring of the work surface.
This product has a Quick Release Lever that allows for easy removal of Servo Motor from the base.
It is somewhat disappointing that the router offers a power of a maximum of 1.25 horsepower but still comes with a 5amp making it less powerful and not providing the best torque.
One of the more unusual aspects is the speed control offered by this router is relatively narrow, making it difficult to use it for a variety of materials.
On the other hand, it has LED lights to improve visibility.
Product Features
- Easy-grip
- Portable
- Convenient bit changes
- Has LED lights
- Lack of variable speed control
- It doesn’t have high power
Buying Guide for Best Palm Router
There are a wide variety of options available for palm routers with different features, which makes choosing the best product for you a challenge.
Therefore, you need to figure out what your needs are and choose according to them.
These are the most important considerations you need to keep in mind before buying.
Speed
Some routers come with the feature electronic variable speed.
This is helpful if you plan on using large router bits.
The router also contains a soft-start Motor to jump from zero to twenty thousand rpm immediately.
Motor takes 2 to 3 seconds to ramp up.
Mostly, Palm routers have a speed range from 10000-32000 rpm.
Power
The power rating of the router can be confusing and even misleading.
While choosing a router, you may be thinking how can a mini router have a horsepower of ¾ whereas the giant router has an ½ horsepower.
It is because the induction motors in big machines are rated for their continuous horsepower while the little ones are capable of their peak horsepower.
When you are buying a Palm router, look for the UL amperage rating.
The power range of palm router 1½ HP or higher is considered as the more powerful router tool.
Base Styles
Palm routers have different types of base like plunge base or fixed base.
Fixed base
Fixed base routers are more compact.
They are usually lighter and have handles mounted near the base.
This lowers the center of gravity, making them easier to balance.
They are also less expensive than plunging models.
The fixed base is mostly used for repeatable cuts of the same thing where you don’t need to adjust it.
Plunging base
A plunge router is better suited for removing material in stages.
The depth of the plunge router is often fitted with a micro adjuster, making it easy for the perfect cut.
The plunging action is a game-changer in some situations.
The plunge base is definitely the most used base.
Additional Features
Spindle Lock
Spindle lock is used to safely remove the router bits from the router and replace it with other options.
Normally two wrench bit replace feature is used to achieve this to keep woodworkers safe from any injury due to fast moving router blades.
Soft Start
Palm Routers are handheld devices that operate at a very high speed.
This speedy start can be dangerous if you are not holding the router firmly.
To address the issue a new feature soft start is introduced which gently starts the wood router and then picks up the speed gradually.
Therefore, considering a palm router with soft start feature is also a must consideration.
Electronic Switch
While working on Palm routers we deal with many variable loads.
These loads may cause stress and as a result the servo motor slows down.
This can also affect your working project or even damage this.
Basic work of electronic switches in Palm routers is to detect the heavy load and regulate the speed of routers.
FAQs Regarding Best Palm Router
What is palm router used for?
A palm router is used for various purposes by the woodworkers in their workshop.
It can be used for edge guide, circle cutting, jointing, and flattening slab.
In addition, they can be used for routing templates when you want to do repeatable table legs or chair legs.
How deep can I cut using a palm router?
Palm routers are mostly used for small projects.
They have a 2-4 inches cut range for any woodworking project.
What are the different types of router bits?
There are mainly two types of router bits, the bits with bearing on them and the bits without bearing.
The bits with bearing on them are designed to follow an edge to create either profile or match that edge.
The bits without bearings are further divided into two, the straight bits and bits that have a shape.
The shape bits are usually used to remove the material.
You don’t need to buy all of the bits, but only that is required for your work.
What is the difference between a trim router and palm router?
Trim router is mostly used for big projects like wood fencing or shelving.
Whiles, a palm router is compatible for small projects like, engraving or ornamental molding.
How much does a palm router cost?
The starting range of professional products is mostly from $200 to $300.
The average price for a standard palm router is around $90 to $170.
The more you invest in a product, the more significant features you are offered.
How to increase the precision of the Palm Router?
High precision is required in designing sleek wood designs and therefore it is desired to keep the precision level high.
To achieve this you can add tape strips to the router base which increases the efficiency of the router.
Conclusion
To sum up, in this article we have covered all the points rather be advantages or disadvantages.
It is a challenging task to decide one of the best palm router but after going through our review, you would be well aware about the best match for you.
Good luck for choosing the best handheld router for woodworking.
