Today, you don’t have to rely on bulky and somewhat overwhelming woodworking machinery to make your cuts. These bulky machines have hence been replaced with palm routers like Makita RT0700CX4. These palm routers are not only versatile but also very valuable in any workshop. Furthermore, these routers are easy and safe to operate.
Since there are many palm routers (and router tables) in the market right now, this is our attempt to get you closer to making your purchase decision. We have reviewed 7 of the best palm routers s that you have an easy time choosing your most ideal palm router.
The palm router models in this roundup are:
Best Palm Routers UK Review
Makita 240 V Router/Trimmer
Best Option
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- 710W motor power with 30 000 rpm.
- It has double insulation.
- It features a trimmer base assembly.
- It features precision depth adjustment.
What stands out?
This palm router checks all the boxes of the best palm router. It is arguably the best option to consider when buying a palm router. This is because has a variable speed control dial that you can use to set the router’s constant speed to whichever speed you are comfortable working with. The precision depth adjustment feature allows you to add as much depth as you wish when carving your piece of wood.
It is also quite light when compared to many other palm routers. This makes it very easy for you to use it as you move it back and forth during your carving. If you are a novice in woodwork, then you should consider buying this model because you will have a bliss at your first go, mostly because of the control and grip.
The different base assemblies contribute to its versatility. Moreover, it includes a quick cam lock that is responsible for offering depth and you can easily access the brushes externally. This means that servicing them shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Ryobi Cordless Trim Router
Budget Pick
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- The aluminium fixed base is designed to offer accuracy and stability.
- Includes LED working light to light up your working area.
- It features rubberised black grip.
- It has a translucent plate for more visibility.
What stands out?
It is close to impossible to beat the value on this model and that is it stands out as the best budget pick. This is because the value you will receive from this router is matched with palm routers that are almost double its price. It is a model you can’t pass up on, especially if you may if the price of palm routers may have intimidated you in the past.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a 7 fingered veteran or just a beginner in DIY woodcraft, you will have a bliss while operating this Ryobi router. However, a noteworthy drawback is the fact that the router’s grip doesn’t exactly offer you the ability to control this router like you would other palm routers. Nevertheless, after buying this unit, it won’t just sit and collect dust but rather it’s going to create a lot of dust.
Dewalt Plunge Base Router
Best Professional
Rating: 5.0/5.0
- It has a soft start to reduce movement.
- It is compact and lightweight for user comfort and ease of use.
- It features dual LED lights for increased visibility and accuracy.
- It comes with a spindle lock to ease and quicken changing the accessories.
What stands out?
This is among the pioneer and best palm routers in the XR cordless series and it is the best option to go for if you are well aware of all the nooks and crannies of woodworking. That is why it is the most recommended router or a planer thicknesser for professional use. It includes an interchangeable plunge base or fixed base plus a quick release feature that will help you easily and quickly swap them.
The router is the most ideal unit in a professional environment because it is capable of accomplishing a wide range of jobs including rounding over edges, hinge mortises, flush trimming hardwood edging and inlay cavities. All of these tasks can only be accomplished by a pro in this area and that is why this model is a reserve for them. Furthermore, its versatility can easily be increased by easily transitioning the aluminium motor housing to a fixed based attachment. It is also worthy to mention that its compact design contributes to user comfort and ease of use.
Katsu Trimmer Router Offset Base
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- It is fully adjustable.
- It features aluminium motor housing.
- Performs as good as other routers but cheaper.
- It includes a spindle lock.
What stands out?
This is a well finished and made router that closely resembles a Makita trimmer. The best thing about it is that you can get it just for a fraction of the price. It is robust and it can make crisp and clean cuts. Furthermore, it is very easy to load and use because it easily locks securely.
For its price, this little palm router offers incredible performance. It has a spindle lock that rigidly holds the shaft so that it secures the bit in the collet. In addition to that, there is a quick-release toggle that is solid enough and it is designed to ease the operation of the router when making vertical adjustments. In general terms, this is a quite impressive unit that will serve you for a considerable time.
Bosch Professional Brushless Router
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- A professional cordless edge palm router.
- Comfortable handling with a unique design.
- It features a brushless EC motor.
- It has a fine depth setting for precise adjustment.
What stands out?
This palm router is exceptionally compact and it even comes with a shape that is designed to facilitate an easy and single-handed use. If you are looking for a router that will offer you some sense of freedom when going about your routing and trimming tasks, then you should be considering this model. It comes with the latest technology in brushless EC motor that functions to give you an extended runtime and lifetime too.
Additionally, this unit also packs a micro depth adjustment feature and a coarse cutting depth adjustment feature to enable you to fine-tune your cuts. Apart from that, there is also a drop detection sensor for purposes of additional safety that shuts off should your cordless drill fall. Moreover, the finger guard also functions to prevent any form of accidental contact of your fingers with the rotating cutter.
VonHaus Compact Deluxe Palm Router Saw
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- It has a No-load speed of 10,000 and 32,000 RPM.
- It has a 710W variable speed control.
- It comes with both a trimmer and plunge base.
- It has a chuck collet diameter of ¼’’ and 3/8’’
What stands out?
This model is on a league of its own. Since it comes with a 710W variable speed control motor, it is meant to offer you amazing performance. The speed control allows you to set your desired speed to carve out the best cut. Since it comes with both a trimmer and a plunge, it will be up to you to choose the base you deem best.
If you are passionate about your trade, then you will find this pal router enjoyable, especially because it is very compatible with either a 1/4’’ or 3/8’’ shank. Therefore, if you are looking to create finished edges, curved contours, create groove or hole and cut-outs, then just go ahead and buy this unit.
It can easily work through any hindrance or blockage hence it is a good option to perform a wide range of crafts and DIYs. It is also important to mention that assembling is relatively easy. If you find it challenging, then you can just refer to your instructional manual.
Trend T4ek Variable Speed Router
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- It features a spindle lock.
- It has a variable speed control.
- It includes tapped fixing holes.
- It is ideal for light trade user.
What stands out?
This is a largely DIY palm router that is designed to offer outstanding performance for lightweight tasks. It is a good pick if you are a hobbyist in woodworking tasks. It is the ideal option for routing slots, edges, copy routing and routing grooves too.
If you use a suitable cutter at a slow speed, you can smoothen your routes on non-ferrous alloys. Apart from the amazing features it packs, it has a sturdy construct and performs efficiently during routing operations. You will also be pleased to know that the brushed motors play a critical role in altering the router’s torque to speed ratio. It even has an adjustable twin side fence and an ergonomic grip just to make it a bit more practical.
Palm Routers Buying Guide
What are palm routers used for?
Palm routers are surprisingly very versatile and unique tools that can offer you a lot of action in your daily woodworking needs. Some of the common uses of palm routers include:
- Duplication of parts.
- Cutting hinge mortises.
- Profiling hedges.
- Cleaning veneers.
- Cutting joinery.
- Mortising inlays.
- Trim shelf lipping.
How much do palm routers cost?
Palm routers do not have definite prices tagged on them. However, the prices largely depend on the accessories, muscle and speed the palm routers offer. The products in this roundup averagely cost less than £100. This means most of the palm routers are largely affordable.
What to consider when choosing a palm router
Here are some of the factors you should keep an eye out when out for some palm router shopping.
Corded or battery
The whole reason why you should buy a palm router is to move around with it with ease. A good palm router should have a battery thus cordless for convenience. Even though they are a bit pricier than their corded counterparts, they do more for your laminate trimming and edge routing needs. Always go for a palm router with a higher Ah rating for optimum performance and runtime.
RPM
Most palm routers have a maximum of 30 000 RPM. Always go for routers with greater RPM rating for greater performance. Furthermore, routers with a soft start are the best to go for and use because they minimise movements as thy slowly rev up their motors to your desirable rpm. It will even help in keeping your router stable while you use it to make your cuts.
Durability
A highly durable palm router comes with a solid aluminium motor housing. Not only is durable but also light enough to make your operations less cumbersome. You will enjoy extended service time with a durable palm router. Furthermore, the aluminium offers more flex meaning the levels of vibrations will be reduced.
Accessories
The accessories that come with your palm router or those that need buying is also an important factor to consider before you choose your best router for daily use. Many routers in the market are compatible with a variety of bits. A wide range of accessories is important for tailoring our palm router to perform any of the tasks you have that need to be accomplished. Some of these routers with different bits and cutting templates and you can get with it right away. Always go for routers that come with add-ons to reduce your expenses on buying extra accessories.
Warranty
Before you purchase a palm router for your use, ensure that it comes with a warranty that will have you covered in case any complications arise while working. Ensure that warranty will cover you for as long as possible to lessen your servicing and replacement expenses.
Conclusion
The overall winner in this roundup is Makita RT0700CX4 240V Palm Router. Although all of these palm routers can be very handy in the workshop, this router definitely checks all the boxes for the best palm router UK. This verdict is based on the key features that the tool has and they are designed to suit specific tasks.
