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There are two types of routers available on the UK marketplace:
- Fixed Base Router
- Plunge Router
This article is about the plunge style routers. Here we review these routers in detail. There are lots of choices for these on the UK market, and they are made by many of the leading tool brands.
The good news about plunge routers, is that they are versatile and highly creative woodworking power tools. They work on the principle of being able to machine, often referred to as milling, a material, most often wood.
Below we have completed a fully detailed review and buying guide summary of plunge routers.
We understand that you may be too busy to read this whole review. If so, our number one choice is the Bosch POF 1200 AE Router and you can check the availability at Amazon UK by clicking here.
Top 5 Buyer Rated Plunge Routers
We have listed the top 5 plunge routers below
Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
1 | Bosch POF 1200 AE Router | 92% |
2 | Makita 1/4-inch/ 3/8-inch 240V Plunge Router | 87% |
3 | Einhell TE-RO 1255 E 240 V Electronic Router | 87% |
4 | Triton JOF001 Compact Precision Plunge Router | 86% |
5 | Silverline 264895 - 1500W DIY ½” Plunge Router | 85% |
Just below, we have also completed some summary reviews on each of these, so as you can see which is the best option for you.
No 1 Choice - Bosch POF 1200 AE Router
94% customer satisfaction from over 4000+ reviews.
- Has an online buyer satisfaction rate of 92%
- One of the biggest sellers online from a very reputable brand
- This one has a very powerful motor which makes the cutter (bit) rotate at speeds of up to 28,000 revolutions per minute
- Has a maximum plunge depth or stroke of 55 mm
- Has an easy to adjust depth stop rod with zero point setting in millimetres and inches
- Has a spring loaded lever for easy loosening and tightening
This Bosch model is the biggest seller, has the best reviews and is a very reasonable price. Buyers loved the value for money, it's the cheapest on our list and 94% thought it was perfect for their job. Reviews like this are very hard to beat.
We have shown what buyers say about this after they have bought and used it
Pros
Cons
No 2 Choice - Makita 1/4-inch/ 3/8-inch 240V Plunge Router
90% customer satisfaction from over 300+ reviews.
- Has an online buyer satisfaction rate of 87%
- This router has a collet capacity of 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch
- It has a 900 watt motor that can deliver a no load speed of 27,000 RPM
- Has a useful scale level for adjusting depth of routing
- Plunge Capacity 0 - 35 mm
- Comes with a straight guide, 2 wrenches, a collet cone, 3 router bits and a carry case
We have shown what buyers say about this after they have bought and used it
Pros
Cons
No 3 Choice - Einhell TE-RO 1255 E 240 V Electronic Router
88% customer satisfaction from over 700+ reviews.
- Has an online buyer satisfaction rate of 88%
- This popular router is compatible with bits with a 6mm or a 8mm collet
- It has a 1200 Watt motor with a no load speed of 11,000-33,000 RPM
- It does have variable speed control
- Integrated dust extraction adapter
- Router cage stroke (max): 5.5 cm
- Stroke height 55 mm
- Clamping device 6 + 8 mm
- Moulding cutter max. 30 mm
We have shown what buyers say about this after they have bought and used it
Pros
Cons
No 4 Choice - Triton JOF001 Compact Precision Plunge Router
84% customer satisfaction from over 200+ reviews.
- Has an online buyer satisfaction rate of 86%
- This one has collet sizes of 1/2", 6 mm and 12 mm
- Has a soft start and variable speed
- Also has a safety switch
- This is a lightweight router with an automatic spindle lock
- Comes with a plunge and micro winder
- The kit also includes a multi-function fence, collet wrench, external base plate, 3 collets and table height winder
We have shown what buyers say about this after they have bought and used it
Pros
Cons
No 5 Choice - Silverline 264895 - 1500W DIY ½” Plunge Router
86% customer satisfaction from over 500+ reviews.
- Has an online buyer satisfaction rate of 85%
- Comes with 4 collets, 1/2 inch, 1/4 inch, 8 mm and 12 mm
- Soft start
- Variable speed
- Can be mounted on to a compatible router table
- Base plate is 170 mm
- Plunge depth is 50 mm
- Comes with a 30 mm guide bush plate
- Also has parallel, circle, roller guides and measurement bar
We have shown what buyers say about this after they have bought and used it
Pros
Cons
Plunge Router Buying Tips
They are essentially a powerful motor, that spins a router bit, at extremely high speeds. At those speeds, they cut off and remove small chips.
They can be used to shape wood, create shapes and a host of other tasks. They have a whole range of uses including the following.
They Can Create Edges and Profiles
Many woodworkers use a plunge router to build furniture. The router is used to profile the edges and also allow you to create your own personal style. You can be as creative as you like when using a router to do profiles.
They Can Create Grooves
By using a plunge router with a guide rail you can easily rout what are called grooves and rebates. These are really useful for making different woodworking joints.
Templates
These are also very good for working on decoration when doing individual shapes, based on some form of pre-shaped template.
Freedom of Creation
These routers allow you to design whatever shapes, grooves or designs that you want to create. Anything and everything is possible, as all you really need to do is come up with the design.
Rather than follow some template, you can make your own with something like tracing or carbon style paper. You simply then sketch that out on the wood surface, and put your router to work.
It does take some practise to perfect this skill, but the satisfaction once you get it is simply enormous. Now I have ruined many surfaces along the way, but I have also made some unique and beautiful designs.
With a router in your hand, you are truly only limited by your imagination. You will be able to achieve all kinds of design, including making neat edges, shaping wood, making grooves, chamfering, trimming laminates and much more.
They are one of the most versatile power tools for working on wood. They enable you to work with an extremely high level of convenience and precision. Professional results can be achieved in comparatively little time and with precision.
About Us
Enda
Geoff
As well as our many tool reviews, we have also included a whole range of articles, on how to use them. This will include the many tasks that you may have to do at home. That could include putting up a shelf, drilling through tiles, drilling through concrete, laying carpet, fixing a leaking tap, and just about any other thing that you can think of.
The site is managed and run by myself Enda, an electrician by trade, and by my friend Geoff, a plumber with many years of experience. We have done house renovations, construction builds and extensions, loft and garage conversions, conservatories, fencing, path making and just about any other job in the construction and building industry.
Between us, we have a lot of experience, and we are more than happy to share that with you here.
Best Wood Router UK