Trimmer Router Review In 2021 | Expert Reviews & Guideline

Best Trimmer Router Review in 2021

Last Updated on July 10, 2021

Whatever you create, you want it to be flawless, don’t you? Quite often you look at your piece of work and the professional-grade ones and wonder how are their pieces so perfect? It’s probably because they are using the best machines out there- humans can make mistakes but machines? Rarely.

When you are working with wood, to give your work a flawless finish, you need a router. And, a trimmer router is a great way to start the journey for various reasons. But, there are so many trimmer routers available out there that you may find yourself in a dangerous spot.

You need to buy one of the very bests while making sure it is right for you and also within your budget. In order to help you do exactly that this trimmer router review list is something, we came up with. And, the buying guide will provide you with an anchor to shore.

Trimmer Router Review

Here’s a list of The Best Trimmer Router

  • Makita XTR01T7 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router Kit.
  • DEWALT Router Max Torque (DWP611).
  • Bosch Router Tool.
  • Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router.
  • Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit.

We have listed the Best Trimmer Router above but if you want to know details of each product; please scroll below and explore them.

Trimmer Router Review: The Few Best

1. Makita XTR01T7 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router Kit.

Makita XTR01T7 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless...

When you are working on a piece of wood you do not want to be held back. Do you know what holds you back? A cord. And, this Makita XTR01T7 has none! Therefore, there is nothing that can hold you back.

This trimmer router works with the help of two lithium-ion batteries. The best part about it all is that the unit is very powerful even though it uses batteries to operate. Furthermore, the batteries last quite a while.

You will not need to pass over the wood too many times to cut it. The unit is very efficient in what it does. Apart from that, you can adjust the height easily and get to work. The on and off switch is kept separate from the lock switch.

With no confusion in the air, you will never click one button mistakenly instead of the other. Other than that, the handle is quite comfortable to use too. The unit has a speed range from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM- which is quite a good range.

Other than that, you can choose to take the dust collector with it which we suggest you do. The dust collector is very efficient and without it, you may suffer. With its brush-less and powerful motor, the unit is quiet, tough, and durable.

One thing you can not like is that all bits will not fit in it. The larger collets may not fit. It offers good value for the price.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact unit.
  • Although operated by battery it had great power.
  • Easy to adjust the height.
  • A good speed range.
  • The dust collector is very efficient.
  • A durable build that is meant to last.
  • Comfortable to use and easy to understand its mechanism.
  • Clever design.

Cons

  • Bit, especially larger bits or collets do not fit in it.
  • Maybe a bit top-heavy.
  • A bit expensive.

2. DEWALT Router Max Torque (DWP611).

Sale
DEWALT Router, Fixed Base, Variable Speed,...

Want something that will be able to handle the tough job you need it to handle? Then, this DEWALT trimmer router is one of the toughest trimmer routers out there. And, DEWALT is a name you have heard quite a lot in this industry. So, you can trust the quality too.

Apparently, the motor has a power of 1.25 HP. This is quite a lot for a trimmer router and above our minimum 1 HP. Furthermore, it lets you control the speed. You will find it quite easy to adjust the speed of the trimmer router according to your needs.

However, the same cannot be said about the height adjustment. Well, yes, you can adjust the height and that too quite easily. However, you may not be totally accurate when doing so. It comes with an adjustment ring that lets you make depth changes within 1/64 inch cuts.

Apparently, this unit has a soft start feature which makes it very suitable for beginners. It is quite powerful but the quietness with which it operates makes it hard to estimate its power.

Other than that, what people often do not like is the fact that it is a bit heavier than other trimmer routers. However, it has LED lights in the sub-base area which makes everything quite visible for you. The unit is very durable with its aluminum motor housing. Furthermore, it is quite safe with its safety lock and quick base removal features.

On top of it all, this unit comes at a very affordable price.

Pros

  • A large base lets you work faster.
  • Easy to adjust the speed.
  • Very easy to use and comfortable too.
  • It offers excellent value for the money.
  • Keeps things quite visible.
  • Quite powerful.
  • Very quiet.

Cons

  • The cord may get in the way.
  • A bit heavy for a trimmer router.

3. Bosch Router Tool.

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Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit -...

The main problem with corded router models is that the cord gets in the way. However, this Bosch palm router is a model that comes with a cord but poses no such trouble. Apparently, the cord is fixed at an angle so that it never gets in the way.

As for the power of the motor, it is 1 horsepower and needs 5.6 amperes to function. Apparently, the power is quite enough for the task at hand. You can adjust the speed of this unit from 16,000 RPM to 35,000 RPM. This is quite a good range for variable speed and you get to do it with ease.

However, it is not equally easy to adjust the height of the unit. You can be very accurate because of the ability to do both macro and micro depth adjustment with this unit. But, it is not very easy to do and if you cannot do it right-you just cannot.

The unit is made of aluminum which makes it very durable. However, since aluminum is not transparent, the base does not provide great visibility. It does not even have LED lights.

It comes with an edge guide and a quick clamp system that makes operation easy. Other than that, it accepts a number of bits so it is quite versatile.

Finally, it comes at quite an affordable price offering good value.

Pros

  • Very precise in height adjustment.
  • Easy to vary the speed and select it.
  • Very durable and strong build.
  • It comes with an edge guide and an easy clamp system.
  • Good speed range.
  • It offers great value.

Cons

  • It does not offer the greatest visibility.
  • Not very easy to adjust the height.

4. Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router.

Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router

While most routers allow you to adjust them and also modify them, is it always easy to do so? Not really. When you have to change the bits at the bottom of the router, it is hard to access the area. But, on this Ridgid R2401 trimmer router, you do not have to go into such trouble.

Apparently, this unit has a flat-top design. So, you can turn it upside down to adjust the bits and it will stay in place. Furthermore, it has a round base and this base helps to make it more flexible when you are working with it. You can easily move it around.

The power of this router is great and enough for any kind of trimming task. Furthermore, you can easily adjust both the speed and height of this unit. The Micro-adjust dial is very accurate and thus you can be very accurate with your work as well.

Other than that, you may find that this unit is not very versatile. Apparently, it cannot fit a lot of bits in. However, you can remove the motor for this unit very easily. But, many consider the method to not be ideal. You may find that it is not suitable for all kinds of bases.

Overall, it is a great unit as long as you do not plan to change a lot of it. It comes at a good price too.

Pros

  • Quite powerful.
  • Very accurate in its depth adjustment.
  • Easy to adjust the speed.
  • The design makes it easy to move.
  • Easy to set.
  • Quite durable.
  • Good value for the price.

Cons

  • Not very versatile.
  • The motor removal process may not be the best.

5. Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit.

Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP* Compact Router Kit

Looking for something that is very easy to use? Because you already have to deal with the tough job of woodworking, it would be a relief to have a trimmer router that is easy to use, right? The Makita RT0701CX7 is such a router that is very easy to use.

From setup to adjustments, the designers have thought it all through. With a power of 1.25 horsepower, it is quite powerful. Furthermore, the depth adjustment stops at three points- quite simple. Finally, you can adjust the speed from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM. You can do this very easily as well.

Other than this, you can also easily remove the motor when you need to. You can remove the base to use other bases and you also have a shaft-lock system to handle the bits. While this unit is advertised as a very versatile unit- you may not find it equally versatile.

Apparently, not all bases, guides, orbits fit this unit. Therefore, you have to determine what you plan to use with it. Overall, it is pricier than others but still, the quality makes up for the price.

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Quite powerful.
  • The depth and speed adjustment are quite useful.
  • Well-built and meant to last.
  • Easy to adjust and modify.
  • Good value for the quality.

Cons

  • Not as versatile as advertised.

Trimmer Router Review: The Buying Guide

There are certain things you must consider to not only find but also recognize what you need. Let’s check these things out.

1. The power of the router.

Whether it is softwood or hardwood that you plan to deal with, one crucial consideration when it comes to trimmer routers is the power of the router. Apparently, the higher the power, the more easily it will be able to deal with whatever kind of wood you bring under it.

It is best if you do not choose anything below 1 horsepower. Trimmer routers are usually meant for light-duty work. Therefore, they do not offer a lot of power anyway. However, if you choose too low power, you will feel quite frustrated even with the softer woods.

Therefore, choose a power that is above 1 Horsepower and has a limit to it too. Too much power can be harmful to even the harder woods and make it wear out fast.

2. The Speed of the router.

Different kinds of wood actually need different levels of speed from the router. For example, you would prefer going at a low speed on the softer woods and at a higher speed on the harder woods. It also depends on what you intend to do on it, the design, etc.

Therefore, you need to check the speed of the router. Not only that, you have to check if it’s adjustable. If you have a fixed type of wood that you work on then you can settle for a router that does not have adjustable speed. But, the advice would be to settle for adjustable speed.

Check the range of the speed as well- the highest, the lowest, and the interval at which you get to choose. Furthermore, you should be able to adjust it easily.

It can be just a lever that helps you adjust it or a button. Apparently, many trimmer routers come with electronic speed adjustment as well.

You also have to check if it’s precise.

3. The Height Adjustment Feature.

You will have to adjust the height of the router not just once but many times. Even when you are working on the same wood, you have to determine which part needs how much cut. Thus, the adjustable-height of the trimmer router is a must.

In this case, check the range of the height adjustment. You will find that some routers have a large range but the increments are set too far apart- thus you cannot be very precise with your cut. Again, some have a short range of adjustment but provide something like an adjustment at the micro-level. As a result, you can be more precise with your cuts.

Apart from that, you have to consider how easily the unit lets you adjust the height too. It can be a lever or something else, whatever it is, it should be convenient to use and easy to understand.

4. The Ease of Use.

One of the main reasons people use trimmer routers is because of the ease of use. Apparently, these are lighter in weight so much more flexible than other routers. However, just flexibility is not enough to make your work easier.

You have to check out the overall design of the router. This means both the comfort and the placement of parts. The handle should be somewhere it is easy to hold and move the whole unit.

Furthermore, the handle should have a build that makes it comfortable for you to hold. The texture on the handle will ensure that it does not slip when you are working. Other than that, the placement of the on and off switch also matters.

Every switch, knob, or lever you have to use should be easy to reach. Furthermore, the marking on it all should be clear. It is best if the unit arrives with a manual.

5. The Versatility of the unit.

Trimmer routers are not the heaviest machines among routers but they are still heavy and quite an investment. Therefore, you should have the option to replace parts when you need to. Furthermore, the unit itself should be compatible with certain things or features that you may need at some point.

For example, you can look for a router that has a removable motor so that you can use the router as a combination kit. Similarly, there can be other features that make the uni more universal- so that you get the most out of it.

When it comes to collets, it is best if the machine is able to handle both 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets. It helps you be more precise while it expands your options.

6. The Safety Features.

Any machine can turn out to be harmful if it is used the wrong way. A trimmer router is something that can cut so there is more chance of it being harmful if anything goes wrong. Therefore, safety features are an important concern.

Usually, trimmer routers are approved for the market once they have all the safety features and are also labeled safe. However, you may ask for more safety features.

There are features like auto-off, auto-lock, spindle-lock that mostly make operation easier. Finger barriers will also protect you. Other than that, a soft start is a great feature. Most powerful units are noisy and rough. But, with the soft-start feature, they tend to start softly and not startle the user.

7. More Features.

Yes, there are many more features the trimmer routers are capable of providing you with. All you have to do is determine what you want, what is of utmost importance to you. Then, you can look for models that have such features and you can get it! However, the higher the number of features, the pricier the model will be.

You can look for trimmer routers with a dust port. In fact, when you are woodworking, especially trimming wood, a lot of dust comes into being and may even cause allergies. A dust port with a vacuum will usually channel this dust to somewhere not around your nose, or you. It will be where it should be.

Other than that, noise can be a consideration. You do not want the whole neighborhood to know that you are working on something. Thus, the brushless motor is a great option. With low friction, it does a great job of keeping the noise low.

Trimmer Router Review: The Benefits

There are many types of routers out there, why should you choose a trimmer router among them all? Because it has a few special benefits it provides you with!

A lighter weight: You have more flexibility to lift the router up in any way you want. Furthermore, you can move it around easily thanks to the lighter weight.

More ergonomic: Trimmer routers are made in a way that makes using them easier for the user. The handle and everything else are placed in a way that the user finds no trouble dealing with the unit.

A Cheaper Price: It is a great option for beginners. Beginners tend to cut low on the budget. Furthermore, they are also often not experienced enough to use the heavier, more powerful models. As a result, the lighter and far cheaper trimmer routers come to their rescue.

Great for edges: One of the challenges of woodworking is dealing with the edges of the wood piece. A trim router with its compact size makes the task as easy as a breeze.

Trimmer Router Review: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a plunge router and a trimmer router?


It is mostly the power and size that these two routers differ in. Apparently, the trim routers are smaller in size and less powerful. On the other hand, the plunge routers have a heavy and powerful motor and are less compact, heavier.

Is it possible to change the bearings of the bits?


Yes, you can change the bearings of the bits of a trim router.

Why do you use a trim router?


Trim routers usually trim the edges of laminated wood. You can use it for a number of other tasks as well.

Final Notes Notes

In order to get a flawless finished product, you need to use a flawless machine. However, there is no machine that is flawless. You can only find routers that have flaws but those flaws won’t affect your work very much.

Again, you have to put a priority on features that will help you accomplish your task better. These Trimmer router reviews should help you find ground now.