The UK's bestPlunge Routers2022 Review

One of the most respected names in routing tools, Trend have produced one of the best plunge routers for DIY that I’ve tried out.

The long ergonomic handles are rubberised, and I find them more comfortable to use compared with the rounded ones on the Triton TRA001. There’s also a pair of dust extractor adaptors for removing dust from both above and below the cutting head.

The powerful 2,100 Watt motor has a soft start feature and spins up the router bit from 11,500 – 28,000 rpm. You can drop the depth down to 50 mm, which isn’t the deepest but enough for most routing jobs.

Supplied with one of the best fences I’ve had a chance to try out, it’s a router packed with clever features. I like the included trammel point. It’s a little spike that acts as a pivot for circle and radius work, a feature that will come in handy for most DIYers.

Overall, the T7EK is a well-built and powerful plunge only router. It might not have the deepest cut depth, but the accessories are quality and make it one of the best routers for counter cutting jobs.

The Bosch POF 1400 ACE is one of the best plunge routers for home use because it offers comfortable control in a sturdy package with enough power for any DIY routing task. The POF 1400 ACE forms part of Bosch’s “green” line of DIY level tools. The build quality is excellent if not for prolonged professional use.

It has a 1,400 Watt motor with a soft start that powers the router from an impressive 11,000 – 28,000 rpm and the 55 mm plunge depth can be finely adjusted for intricate work. One of the best features I found on this plunge router is Bosch’s Constant Electronic system that maintains a stable cutting speed no matter what material you’re working with. It’s features like this that help to reduce tear-out and ensure a smooth operation.

The large rubberised soft grips are comfortable to use, there’s a clear plastic chip guard in front of the bit, and the LED work light keeps everything nice and visible. If you want to use jigs and templates, you can attach them to the foot without tools as well.

One of the most powerful routers I’ve tested out, the Triton TRA001 is a seriously powerful bit of kit.

With a 2,400 Watt motor that can spin a router bit from 8,000 – 21,000 rpm, there’s a serious amount of low-end power. It might not have the highest speed compared to the Trend T4EK, but it’s plenty for most DIY jobs.

You can drop the cutting head down to an impressive 68 mm. That’s 13 mm deeper compared with the DeWalt D26204K or the Bosch POF 1400! Weighing in at 6.4 kg, it’s a heavy tool but attached to a table it doesn’t matter. That’s where the TRA001 really shines. Fix it to a table and you’ve got a capable table router as well.

I really like the intuitive controls and safety features on this router. You can lock off the height easily and fine adjust with one hand. The safety spindle lock engages only when the power switch cover is closed, protecting fingers and thumbs.

For the money, this is easily one of the best plunge routers for carpentry tasks. It’s versatile and packed with clever features. I love it!

Trend are a power tool brand that know a thing or two about making the best plunge router. They’ve specialised in producing them since 1955. The T4EK is the T7EKs little cousin. It’s not as big or as powerful, but it’s still a very capable little machine. If you need a lightweight ¼” router for light DIY jobs, this is the one for you.

The 850 Watt motor has plenty of grunt and seeing as it weighs less than 3 kg out of the box, it’s incredibly light and easy to handle. The range of speed from 11,500 – 32,000 rpm is impressive and will help you get the most from the 35 mm plunge depth available.

My favourite feature must be the hex head collets- it’s a little thing but it makes changes much easier. The only thing missing from this router is a fine depth adjustment feature- it’s a bit fiddly to dial in a precise depth.

US tool brand DeWalt pride themselves on making some of the best routers you can get. The D26204K doesn’t disappoint. The first thing to note is you get two routers in one with this kit! A plunge and fixed router base make it ideal for all sorts of different tasks in just the one set.

Using a 900 Watt motor, the cutting speed can be adjusted between 16,000 – 27,000 rpm. You can make fine adjustments to the 55 m cutting depth on both plunge and fixed router bases easily with a large nut assembly. There are even two different parallel guides for each base type.

I particularly like the dual LED work lights as well as the clear plastic dust extraction port. They both help to keep the router bit visible during operation. It’s a nice touch you’d expect to see on one of the best fixed routers on the market.

One of the most trusted tool brands around the world, Japan’s Makita are well-known for professional quality routers, drills, and saws. I tried out the RP0900X plunge router to see how it stacks up against the competition.

Another 900 Watt router, this motor powers up the business end up to 27,000 rpm. This is fast enough to deal with all sorts of materials without binding up or chipping delicate surfaces. The trigger-style on switch is well placed on one handle, making it an easy router to use as well.

You can plunge down to 35 mm using the comfortable dual handles, but my favourite feature is simple- the specially designed flat top makes changing bits easy. You don’t have to balance it awkwardly like some other routers.

And if you want, you can set up to three different depth stops when you need to gang up routing tasks. It’s simple but I think it’s going to come in handy. I just wish it had a work light for close inspection.

Budget tool heroes Silverline produce an enormous range of tools and accessories that won’t empty your wallet. I got hold of their 264895 ½” plunge router and put it through its paces. It’s a versatile and powerful router for the money.

With 1,500 Watts of power, it’s one of the best routers for those on a budget. You can fit ½” router bits for heavy duty cutting jobs like kitchen worktops and door hinges. It’s definitely not a router for continuous professional use though. The build quality feels solid, and the extra weight should just keep it steady when in use.

You get a variable speed between 6,000 – 26,000 rpm and 50 mm of plunge. I like the micro adjustment control and seven different stages of built-in stop too. There’s a lot to like about this plunge router, but it’s a shame that it doesn’t come with a case. I’m not sure how I’ll keep the router and all the extra bits safe.