there's something about running a bit down an edge and adding an element
of creativity that i just find really enjoyable we decided to count down the
top cordless routers in a review that also happens to be great for my mental health
when it comes to cordless routers they're all trim and edge models at this stage of the game
however with systems like makita's xgt and others pushing higher performance it wouldn't shock us to
see the first two and a quarter horsepower models hit the scene later this year as we tested some of
the most popular cordless routers on the market we were looking for some specific things we think you
should keep in mind as you're shopping to start with look for a brushless router that has plenty
of power with smooth operation high speeds of 30 000 rpm or more are great but even models with
speeds in the mid 20 thousands can do an excellent job if you work a little slower next consider how
comfortably your hand wraps around the router everyone's hand is different so you may prefer a
tool body that's smaller or larger or you may want overmold where there isn't any also think about
the layout of the controls and how easily you can reach them while you work most routers have both
macro and micro adjustments to dial in the bit depth consider how easy the base is to remove and
whether you want to be able to change bits without removing it check to see if the manufacturer makes
other bases and accessories such as plunge bases and edge guides that give your router
more versatility take a look at how well any leds light up the bit and work area and how wide the
viewing window is to determine how well you're going to be able to see your work an electric
brake is another nice feature to have that stops the spinning bit quickly when you cut the power
finally value is always a big concern for most of us personally i want the absolute best router i
can buy without going over budget if you already have cordless tools chances are the router that
works with the batteries you already have is going to give you the best value if not there are some
high value kits worth considering when it comes to selecting router bits you have a lot to choose
from we frequently turn to bosch for our router bits because of how long their carbide edges last
they also make a wide variety of bits if you use a trim router check out bosch's six piece quarter
inch bit set that's the rbs 006 it runs 103.99 and includes a 3 8 inch trimming bit quarter and half
inch straight bits the ever popular quarter inch roundover bit a one and a quarter inch chamfer
and a half inch dovetail bit before we jump into our top five recommendations let me take a quick
second to say thank you for clicking on our video we hope it's helpful while you're here consider
subscribing to our channel and hit that bell to get notified of our next head to head video when
you're finished watching this one check out the results of our reciprocating saw test track race
all right back to our top 5 cordless routers starting with number five we have the ridgid
octane 18 volt router ridgid stakes its efforts in pursuit of the best cordless router title by
relying on octane's improved performance what actually sets it apart though is how lightweight
it is weighing just 2.3 pounds it's more than half a pound lighter than any of the other 18
volt or 20 volt max models the octane boost does help though it didn't quite hit the same level as
our top performers but its 30 thousand rpms we're certainly capable of performing the routing test
we ran it through one design quirk that you may have to get used to is that the micro adjustment
and the speed dial are on opposite sides another oddity is that you have to pull the power switch
out rather than pushing it in you can use your thumb to accomplish that easily enough but it's
very different ridgid's cordless router costs just 129 as a bare tool and there aren't any
kits or combos available at the moment as you're shopping remember to factor in ridgid's lifetime
service agreement it now also applies to any batteries and chargers you purchase separately
at the number four spot we have cobalt's 24 volt router cobalt's cordless router is
less expensive than all but one of the routers we tested but it doesn't sacrifice performance
with 30 000 rpm at max speed it's just slightly behind the top models in power and certainly not
underpowered it also has a good sight line to the bit and the controls are easy enough to use
however the free movement of the micro adjustment control might be an issue for some folks on the
other hand it matches makita in scoring top marks for its ergonomics with this particular
cordless router there's no way to change the bit without completely removing the router from its
base because of the placement of the collet lock it's usually easier to change bits on any trim
router with the base off so this isn't going to be an issue for everybody cobalt provides no kit
option with this model but it's 119 dollar price tag is pretty easy on your wallet if you already
have batteries in the charger it also has one of the better warranties out there five years
moving on to number three dewalt builds their cordless trim router on the foundation of the
popular dwp 611 corded model it steps out from the rest of the group thanks to a full barrel twist
adjustment instead of using smaller dials it takes a little getting used to if you're moving over
from another brand but it's effective the downside is that the macro adjustments take longer it has
one of the slower top speeds at 25 500 rpm but the power level is right up there with the rest
and it seems to make more efficient use of its battery it's heavier and bulkier in diameter than
the others and that might turn some folks off it didn't bother our testing team much though the 199
dollar bare tool is a bit steeper in price but you can add some value with the brushless woodworking
kit that includes the router xrd handle jigsaw 5 amp hour battery and charger for 349
there aren't any other kit options so you'll need to grab any bases or other accessories separately
at our number two spot makita stands out as the best value it shares a very similar design with
cobalt and has a free sliding micro adjustment that may frustrate some folks the collet lock
is in a similar position but the cutout area of the base is more generous and you're able
to change bits without removing the base on the positive side it matches cobalt's top ergonomic
score but isn't as top heavy even with a 5 amp hour battery it's sight line is a bit better
and it feels more powerful even though it has the same 30 000 rpm top speed makita is also the only
model that includes an extra safety in addition to the power button while none of these routers
are likely to turn on rolling around in your toolbox it is a nice bit of insurance to carry
gaining our top value score this router is just 129 as a bare tool fifty dollars less than
milwaukee and seventy dollars less than a wall the kit options include an interlocking hard case
and some of the nicer accessories available if you haven't already guessed milwaukee finished is the
best in our top five cordless routers they pulled together what we felt like are the best aspects of
the other routers and made a complete package that in our opinion doesn't have any major downsides it
takes the rpms a little higher to 31 000 and feels as powerful as dewalt makita who also earned top
power scores the base cutout on this tool provides the best sight line of the bit the dial based
micro adjustment and push button macro adjustment are the easiest to use and its controls are really
well placed if there's a [ __ ] in milwaukee's armor it's that the ergonomics aren't quite as
good as cobalt and makita but they are very good its 179 bare tool price is where we expect it to
be for the top tier the class there are also a variety of combos available to get you the
bases you want though not include a battery and charger so after seeing all that do you think you
could swap your cord of trim router for cordless let us know in the comments below and as always
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