20 Best Milling Machines – Rating of the best 2022

A router in the household is useful in construction and repair, when arranging a summer house and assembling furniture, and for creating carved decorations in the exterior of a home. Selecting quarters in wood, drilling holes of a given configuration, decorative carvings - all these are incomplete capabilities of the router.

Some models can be mounted on a table, but they are optimally used as a mobile device. But it’s difficult to decide which manual wood router to choose—plunge or vertical, lamella or filler—so below I will describe the features and parameters of this equipment.

What is done with a milling machine

The machines are used to work out cutting lines on wood, plastic, metal, or cutting these materials.

To understand what tasks can be performed with a milling machine, you need to understand what milling means. This is a method of processing a certain material, which is carried out with a milling cutter (a cutting tool with cutting teeth). The cutter is mounted in a special machine, which at high speed directs the blade in the desired direction, cutting off layers of a certain material.

What can be built on the machine:

furniture;
various architectural models (houses, scenes);
toys;
souvenirs;
sculptures;
decorative boxes;
chess sets;
skirting boards;
cornices.

This is just a small part of what can be made on a milling machine. The complete list will depend on the skill and imagination of the manufacturer.

How is it different from usual?

In the process of processing various materials, the formation of edges and side faces is particularly difficult. It is to solve this problem that an edge router is used - for working on wood, metal or other materials. In this case, a conventional router is used to cut grooves and drill holes. And also regular and edge milling cutters differ in their internal structure.

Who needs a home router?

Before going to the store, you need to determine the range of tasks to be completed. There is no point in purchasing a compact model if you need to process hardwood, but it is ideal for occasional household use.

A home router is necessary for people who often process various surfaces. When purchasing, you must take into account the availability of equipment that comes with the kit. It is advisable to purchase a universal set, which includes edge, base, profile and spiral elements.

Important! If a home craftsman will often use the device, then it is additionally necessary to purchase special copying sleeves and collets.

Types of hand routers

Hand-held devices come in 5 varieties. Each type has its own design features that affect the scope of application.

Manual type of equipment

The most common types of hand routers:

Submersible. This is a universal device, characterized by high reliability and quality workmanship. This type of equipment is used to perform all types of milling work.
Edging. Used for chamfering, as well as forming small recesses and depths. Used for decorative works. Such a tool is not used for domestic purposes.
Rotary is used in construction work. The tool is used to process edges and make holes in plastic, wood or drywall.
Lamellar is a specialized router designed for making grooves. This is not a universal tool, and therefore should not be purchased by beginners.
The filler is another specialized device with which you can carefully make paired holes, which will subsequently be connected to each other. This tool is also not used in everyday life, and in most cases is used to make various furniture.

The choice depends specifically on the specifics of the master’s work. If you need to use equipment at home, then first of all pay attention to a universal tool.

Important! Certain samples are quite universal, while others are professional tools that can only be used to perform a narrow range of work.

conclusions

Among those who actively use milling cutters, the largest number of positive reviews are naturally received by milling cutters from recognized brands, a list of which I have provided. This is due to their quality, ease of use and reasonable price. But user opinions often differ on the question of which specific model of hand-held wood router is the best. This is due to the difference in the needs and features of the use of milling cutters, as well as the emergence of new brands that produce tools of good quality and fairly low prices.

When choosing, take into account the criteria and recommendations described in this article, read reviews on the forums about the model you like, and then you will not make a mistake with your choice. I also recommend that you read my rating of inexpensive universal routers, based on reviews of their quality.

A hand router, if you apply some technical ingenuity to it, can become a very powerful tool, almost as good as CNC machines. Thus, Canadian Matthias Wandel constantly comes up with various designs of woodworking machines that use a hand router, and which are easy to make with your own hands. In the video below, Matthias shows the process of working on a simple router and copy stand that he developed for his manual router. Look how the functionality of a simple router has immediately expanded!

How to choose the right manual wood router for your home

To purchase a quality device for home use, you need to study 4 criteria.

Power

This is one of the main parameters that affects equipment performance. Depending on the power, milling cutters are divided into three types:

Easy. The power is up to 750 kW, and the weight of the milling cutter itself does not exceed 3 kg.
On medium-sized milling machines, the power increases to 1.5 kW, and its weight is approximately 5 kg.
Heavy devices have a power of 2.3 kW, and the weight can exceed 6 kg.

Medium routers are suitable for home use. Heavy tools are in most cases used in production, where it is necessary to perform specific and rather complex operations for a long time without interruption.

Important! You should not chase the most powerful pieces of equipment for your home, since the dimensions of the devices will be very large, and therefore it will become much more difficult to manage them.

Medium router - ideal choice for home

Spindle speed

The parameter directly affects the quality of the processed part, as well as the choice of material with which to work. Milling cutters have three speeds - standard slow and high:

The standard mode operates at 20-30 thousand rpm. These are the most popular samples that can handle most materials.
Slow devices typically have a speed of 10,000-15,000 rpm. Such devices are usually used for working with plastic.
High speed exceeds 35000 rpm. Routers are suitable for processing the hardest surfaces.

Important! When purchasing the cheapest devices, it is necessary to take into account that the rotation speed will not be adjustable, which will affect the quality of processing.

Working stroke

The working stroke refers to the depth of processing. The cheapest samples can dive to about 50 mm, and the most powerful and professional ones - up to 80 mm. The longer the working stroke, the deeper you can dive into the working surface, and the more difficult the operations can be performed.

Additional options

When purchasing, it is advisable to pay attention to additional options that will increase safety when working with equipment:

Overload protection. All electronic devices become hot during operation, which can create a dangerous situation, and protection will help prevent this. Most professional models are equipped with this function, since they are subject to prolonged load. Overload protection varies: on the most expensive models it is an automatic power off, on cheaper models it is a light indication.
Protection against unintentional activation is an additional button, without pressing which the router simply will not work.

These are the main additional options that will be useful for safe operation of the device. But there are also options to improve ease of use.

Which option to choose

Now let's look at which router is better to buy. Just like with the choice of any other tool for the home, you need to understand in advance what you need it for and what kind of work you will do with it. After all, to perform basic housework, you will only need an easy, inexpensive option and there is absolutely no need to buy an expensive professional model.

Of course, if you are engaged in wood processing at a professional level, then, naturally, you need a more serious unit.

In general, apart from the choice of working attachments, choosing a tool between models is not difficult and understanding which one to choose is quite simple. As already mentioned, you need to take into account power, ergonomics, your liking, and, of course, price. However, professionals recommend not buying cheap unknown brands if you want the device to work for a long time. It is best to contact already proven manufacturers - Makita, Interskol, Hitachi, Metabo, Bosch, Dewalt. These companies have proven more than once that they produce truly high-quality products.

We cannot but agree that a high-quality version from one of the above manufacturers will cost more than some Chinese machine. However, is it worth the risk? Indeed, if such a tool breaks down, finding spare parts for it and repairing it will be quite problematic, if at all possible, because many cheap options do not involve subsequent repairs. But choosing a quality tool will really be worth it, as it can last for many years. In the event of a malfunction, you can always have it repaired at the manufacturer’s service center, of which there are now a sufficient number. Therefore, it’s worth looking at which one is better to choose even before purchasing.

We recommend reading:

How to choose a miter saw;
Choosing a chainsaw;
Rules for choosing an angle grinder

Criteria for convenient work

Modern electronic devices are equipped with additional functions that greatly simplify work. Next we will look at 4 major additions in this area.

Working stroke

This function allows you to go deeper into the material being processed. The longer the working stroke, the more complex operations can be performed with the router and the more beautiful the final result will be.

Working stroke

Smooth start

If the router is quite powerful, it is advisable to make sure that it has a soft start system, thanks to which the engine will pick up speed slowly, and therefore the risk of sudden jerks will be eliminated.

Rip fence

The stop should be placed to the side of the router. These are small metal rods that are attached with screws to the base of the equipment. The emphasis is necessary to increase comfort during work. This addition allows you to carefully guide the cutter along the workpiece, maintaining the required distance from the edge.

Connecting the vacuum cleaner

Many routers are equipped with a special mount where you can attach a small bag to collect dust. The function is designed to protect against dust getting into the eyes and respiratory tract.

Auxiliary devices used at work

A milling cutter is rarely used for rough fitting of a workpiece; more often, filigree precision is required from the tool (and the operator working with it). All sorts of auxiliary devices come to the rescue, making working with the router easier and more convenient.

The parallel (side) fence is used for milling parallel to the edge of the workpiece. It allows you to evenly guide the tool at a given (relatively small) distance from the edge. It is attached to the base of the tool by means of two rigid steel rods, which are fixed to the base with screws. The quality of work ultimately depends on the rigidity of the resulting structure. A parallel stop is made of cast or stamped metal, isolated from direct contact with the workpiece by a removable plastic cover.

The guide rail is also used when milling along a straight line, but unlike the side stop, it can be installed at any distance from the edge of the workpiece and at any angle to the edge. It is a profiled ruler secured to the workpiece with clamps. A special shoe is connected to the router, which moves along the grooves of the tire and guides the tool.

The copying sleeve is used for milling along a complex trajectory by copying the contours of the template. During operation, the side of the sleeve rests against the edge of the template, as a result the cutter reproduces its outline on the workpiece, and you get a slightly enlarged copy of the product used as a template. The sleeve is selected to match the diameter of the cutter and is fixed using a quick-clamping mechanism.

A compass ruler helps to mill the workpiece along a radial line. With its help you can make, for example, a rounded tabletop. One end of the ruler-compass is attached with screws to the base of the router, the other is fixed with a pin in a hole drilled in the workpiece in the center of the circle.

The connection pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner is an element whose necessity today, probably, no one doubts. Allows you to keep the cutting area clean and therefore clearly visible during work.

Rating of the top 10 best manual wood routers

In the article, we tried to determine the most popular tools, according to users, and compiled a list of the most popular ones. I suggest going to the list and familiarizing yourself with the presented copies.

BOSCH POF 1200 AE.
Kolner KER 1200V.
BOSCH POF 1400 ACE.
Interskol FM-40/1000E DM.
Wortex MM 5013-1 E.
BOSCH GKF 550 Professional.
BLACK+DECKER KW1200E.
Makita RT0700C.
Makita RP2301FCX.
ELITECH F 1800E.

Let's take a closer look at each of the presented models.

BOSCH POF 1200 AE

A reliable, vertically directed device with rich functionality. The rubberized L-shaped handles are ergonomic and very easy to use. For the sake of safety, the trigger mechanism is blocked here, and the start of work occurs smoothly, without jerking.

The spindle speed can be easily adjusted and, if necessary, blocked. The speed of revolutions is automatically stabilized. During operation, it is possible to adjust the milling depth. The delivery set includes a copy sleeve, three collets and groove cutters for wood for a hand router.

Weight	3.4 kg
Processing depth	55 mm
Collet	6 and 8 mm
Revolutions	11000 – 28000 rpm
Power	1200 W

BOSCH POF 1200 AE Advantages

rich equipment (parallel stop, copy sleeve, three collets, groove cutter, centering rod and key);
speed adjustment according to material and task;
keyless replacement of attachments;
possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner;
transparent protective shield.

Flaws

the work area is not highlighted.

I recently chose sets of wood cutters for a hand router for this unit. I already have the tool itself and have been using it for about a year. I was lucky, I bought it at the old price and I’m not complaining. During all the time I used it, it never let me down. Comfortable, fast, doesn’t make much noise, overall I like it and don’t plan to change it yet.

Kolner KER 1200V

A budget, but fairly high-quality version of the tool was included in the rating of manual wood routers precisely for these parameters. It is perfect for beginners, as at its price it has all the qualities of a professional device.

There is a ruler for setting the exact depth of milling, smooth speed adjustment, a durable cast sole and connection to a vacuum cleaner. In addition, it has a good set of accessories included. Equipped with protection against accidental start-up and equipped with a spindle lock, allowing you to quickly and safely change equipment.

Power consumption	1200 W
Number of revolutions	16000 – 30000 rpm
Collet diameter	6 and 8 mm
Weight	3.2 kg
Working depth	52 mm

Kolner KER 1200V Advantages

smooth speed control;
solid aluminum sole with protective coating;
accidental start blocking;
rubberized handles;
quick change of cutters thanks to spindle rotation lock.

Flaws

no backlight.

I used to have an edge router, but it is a highly specialized tool. I decided to take a universal one and the choice fell on Kellner, the types of cutters for a manual wood router are suitable for it, you only need to buy an additional collet for 12. I am completely satisfied with the device, the assembly is good, the functionality is excellent. I recommend it to beginners!

BOSCH POF 1400 ACE

The productive branded unit has all the useful qualities of a vertical router and can be used as a professional tool. The depth is adjusted using a special revolving stop.

The attachments are changed in safe mode with the spindle locked, and there are a considerable number of attachments included in the kit. In addition to three collets of different calibers, there is a separate hard case with a set of six different hand router bits for wood.

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Chuck dimensions	6 mm, 8 mm and ¼ inch
Cutter stroke	55 mm
Power consumption	1400 W
Rotational speed	11000 – 28000 rpm
Weight	3.5 kg

BOSCH POF 1400 ACE Advantages

large set with a set of cutters and chucks;
collet fixation is provided;
speed adjustment and support under load;
precise setting of stroke depth;
There is a backlight for the work surface.

Device

Plunge milling device

The body is the “head” or “head” of the router; it moves up/down during operation. The guides are rods mounted on the working sole. When you press on the handles, the body moves down; when the pressure on the handles decreases, the springs lift the “head” up.

A wood cutter is attached to the motor spindle with a collet, which cuts into the wood to a set depth. The maximum immersion depth of the cutter is set by a special stop. If, after immersion, you begin to move horizontally, the milling cutter performs a groove.

The milling cutter is also equipped with control buttons - on, off and lock.

Vertical power up to 1200 W

A necessary tool for the workshop, capable of immediately replacing a plane, drill, or engraver. Selecting grooves for hinges and locks will become a minute task with models of low power and light weight. The Top 3 popular options in this group included milling cutters from manufacturers in Germany, Japan and Russia.

1Bosch POF 1200 AE

A small and inexpensive router is suitable for novice craftsmen and owners involved in construction and finishing on their own. Mostly designed for soft wood and simple work without maximum processing precision. The ability to adjust the speed will make it easier to work with different types of materials. The manufacturer took care of stepwise switching from 11,000 rpm to 28,000 rpm.

Specifications:

power: 1200 W;
adjustable rotation speed from 11000 to 28000;
processing depth: 55 mm;
weight: 3.4 kg.

Pros:

mills not too hard materials well;
has low weight;
affordable price;
You can connect a vacuum cleaner.

Minuses:

weak guides;
high noise level.

You can purchase a device that costs about 6,000 rubles at most power tool stores.

2Makita RT0700CX2

Functional device with 3 bases, significantly expanding the range of applications. There is the possibility of edge processing, grooving and copying work with parts. In addition, the Japanese manufacturer took care of the users and offered the best option for completing the tool with a large number of attachments, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner, as well as replaceable handles and a storage bag.

Rating of the best manual wood routers in terms of price and quality in 2021

The most popular units remain those that combine quality with reasonable cost. They are most often used at home, but they can also be useful in small workshops.

Elitech F 1800 E

The manual unit has a significant mass and demonstrates a power of 1800 W. Equipped with a spindle lock and a turret stop, there is a built-in backlight to improve visibility.

The cost of Elitech F 1800 E starts from 5,000 rublesPros

long cord 2.5 m;
high power;
There is a 12 mm collet.

Minuses

the start button becomes clogged with dust;
weight 4.3 kg.

I like10I don't like3

Kolner KER 1200V

Inexpensive hand router suitable for home use. The working depth of the device is 50 mm, the speed is adjustable from 15,000 to 30,000 revolutions.

You can buy Kolner KER from 3,200 rublesPros

does not heat up during operation;
power more than 1 kW;
rich equipment

Minuses

makes noise during use;
no soft start.

I like10I don't like3

Bort BOF-1600N

The 1.5 kW vertical router supports a speed of 12,000-26,000 rotations and has a nozzle stroke of 60 mm. There is a smooth switching of revolutions, the sole of the unit is cast and fits tightly to the surface.

Bort BOF price starts from 3900 rublesPros

reliable assembly;
moderate cost;
five year warranty;
smooth speed adjustment.

Minuses

the mechanism for replacing cutters is inconvenient;
no storage case;
large weight - 4.8 kg.

I like10I don't like3

Practical recommendations for choosing a router

Above we examined the theoretical basis for the selection and essential characteristics of manual milling cutters. Now let’s turn to the practical advice and conclusions that I formulated when I chose a router for my home.

In many reviews and on thematic forums, there is an opinion that buying a cheap router (approximately costing up to 8-10 thousand rubles in 2022 prices) is throwing money away. The roots of this statement lie in the unstable quality of many budget models. Indeed, many reviews talk about the presence of spindle play, low reliability of collets and adjustment units in cheap models. But at the same time, there are owners of such devices who are completely satisfied with them and do not experience any problems, using them for years. This suggests that buying a cheap router is largely a lottery. Of course, when checking in a store, you can verify the smooth operation at idle, the absence or presence of spindle play, and the visual strength of the adjustment mechanisms. But the most important parameter, long-term reliability, cannot be checked in a store. All that remains is to evaluate it based on reviews. According to reviews, such problems occur, including with milling cutters from budget manufacturers popular in Russia - Fiolent, Interskol, “green” Bosch, etc. Unfortunately, saving on quality in budget models is a reality of the present time.
The logical question is: at what price do models that deserve attention start? As of 2022, budget milling cutters, with which you can count on more or less reliable operation, start from 4-7 thousand rubles (for example, Black & Decker, Bosch, Skil), and for 8-10 thousand you can buy truly adequate devices ( Hitachi, Ryobi, Interskol). You can find out which inexpensive manual wood routers are better and their prices from the rating I compiled. Models costing from 15,000 rubles for occasional home use, in my opinion, are unnecessary to buy. They are more relevant for professional work.
Even if you have chosen a model with excellent reviews, before purchasing, both in a regular store and in an online store, you should always check the router for minimal spindle play, smooth operation of the adjustment mechanisms, and smooth movement along the guides without jamming. You need to test the router at idle speed. In this case, attention should be paid to vibrations and extraneous sounds in the operation of the mechanism. If they exist, this may indicate low quality of the instrument or defect. You should refuse to purchase such a copy.
Some cheap routers have the problem that the position of the collet in the lower position of the router is slightly higher than the sole. The difference can reach even 1 - 1.5 cm. As a result, the amount of free play decreases, the router has to be lowered, and some cutters of short length become impossible to use normally. This is an irremovable design flaw of a particular model of router. For example, SKIL 1840 AD has such a defect. It is highly not recommended to buy such milling cutters. The absence of this defect can be verified personally when inspecting the router, as well as through reviews and discussions of a specific model.
Another common defect in cheap milling cutters is a crooked “sole”. Sometimes this is noticeable even with the naked eye. It may seem funny, but some manufacturers of milling cutters cannot consistently make even such a seemingly simple element even from copy to copy. With such a defect, it becomes more difficult to guide the milling cutter smoothly along the workpiece plane, and accuracy decreases. The absence of this defect should be checked before purchase visually or by placing the router on any plane.
Bosch is an old and one of the most famous manufacturers of power tools. Therefore, many people traditionally choose its products, expecting higher quality. In reality, the household line of Bosch routers, produced in green housings, is not a leader and does not stand out in terms of quality compared to other routers of similar cost. The popular household models POF 1200 and POF 1400 have exactly the same floating quality as other budget models, as can be seen from many reviews on the Internet.
The Ryobi company is still relatively little known in Russia, but it produces good quality power tools at a very affordable price and has already earned positive reviews. It was the RRT-1600K model from this manufacturer that I chose for myself.

Top 3 best rotary hand routers for wood

Rotary units with a narrowed body are used in repair and decorative work. Important requirements are placed on precision and low weight of devices.

Bosch GTR 30 CE

The unit for drilling wood and tiles is equipped with a dust removal system and ventilation for the motor. There is illumination of the work area and stabilization of speed.

The price of Bosch GTR 30 starts from 18,000 rublesPros

weight 1.5 kg;
there is a speed control;
maximum speed 30,000 rotations.

Minuses

no soft start;
There are no cutters included in the kit.

I like10I don't like3

Metabo FME 737

The milling machine is suitable for straight and curved cuts and starts up smoothly. There are ventilation holes on the case. The fixation of the cutter is very tight, without play.

You can buy Metabo FME from 13,000 rublesPros

Supports speed control and soft start;
The VC system independently selects the operating mode for the material.

Minuses

no lighting or dust removal;
There are no cutters included in the kit.

I like10I don't like3

Makita 3706

The compact 550 W unit is designed for making grooves and holes in wood and composite materials. It is equipped with a compass guide, collet and adapter for a vacuum cleaner, weighs 1.1 kg.

Makita 3706 price starts from 5,500 rublesPros

light weight;
there is a dust removal system;
high speed up to 32,000 rpm.

Minuses

there is no regulation and stabilization of speed;
there is no soft start.

I like10I don't like3

Which manufacturers are represented on the Russian market?

Many milling cutter manufacturers supply products to the Russian market today. The following companies produce the highest quality products:

Hitachi;
Makita;
AEG;
DeWalt;
Festool;
Maktec;
Metabo;
Bosch (professional “blue” series only).

Of these manufacturers, Makita, Hitachi and DeWalt have the most inexpensive models.

An interesting option is products under the Maktec brand. This is a subsidiary brand of Makita, producing less expensive power tools than the parent company, but also of high quality. Unfortunately, its range of milling cutters is only available without speed control, and its products are quite difficult to find in the Russian Federation.

Recently, the Ryobi brand has been gaining popularity. It produces milling cutters of good quality and at an affordable price. Among inexpensive milling cutters, the main interest is the products of Interskol, Black & Decker, Felisatti.

TOP best edge routers

Bosch GKF 600 Professional

The cost of the device is around 12,500 rubles. The Germans continue to produce really high-quality milling cutters. This model runs on a 600 W motor. It easily picks up rotation speed up to 33,000 rpm in 1 minute. It is also convenient that the entire range of cutters is suitable for work.

The design is durable and light in weight. If necessary, the base is shifted to the required division on the router body, and then adjusted to the size using a wheel in the area of the base base.

The device is comfortable to use in your hand. The base can be removed completely. The device can be used as an engraver with high power.

Advantages

power characteristics;
convenience indicators;
The adjustment is quite simple.

Flaws

The equipment is presented with a straight base; you need to separately purchase an option with the ability to adjust the tilt.

Makita 3709

The cost of the device is around 5800 rubles. The manufacturer is a Japanese company. The device is reliable and has good performance. Operates at 30 thousand revolutions in 1 minute. The cutter plunges up to 40 mm. In fact, the device is decent, but in view of the reduced price, the manufacturer decided to save money. For this reason, the equipment was slightly damaged.

The base of the router is made of 90 percent polycarbonate with a transparent base. The clip is plastic. The ears are tightened using a screw. Users complain that the manufacturer should have added 8 mm collets to the kit. But, in fact, there are only 6 mm collets.

Advantages

comfortable grip;
engine with high power and speed characteristics.

Flaws

the base is made of plastic.

Hammer FRZ710 PREMIUM

The device costs around 8,300 rubles. It is not even just an edgeband, but can also be classified as universal. The complete set is represented by a vertical type base with handles. There is also equipment for performing edge work. Just keep in mind that even though it is universal, it is not always useful. The motor operates at 700 W, while the system speed is at its limit. The immersion depth is 30 mm, these are not too large characteristics.

The inconvenient thing is that there is no smooth lowering. You have to turn the device on and off by releasing the handles. So the vertical base here can rather be attributed to a series of equipment “made from what was available.”

As for disassembling the device as an edging device, it is heavy in the hand and not very comfortable. When acting on a polished cylindrical part, pads are needed, then the vibration is transmitted to a lesser extent through the hand.

In general, users note that the device is suitable for home use, but cannot be used in large quantities.

Advantages

versatility;
3 collets;
decent power ratings for an edging device.

Flaws

heavy weight;
not entirely convenient if used as a vertical device.

Makita 3709

Japanese tool with a productivity of 30 thousand rpm. It copes well with hard and viscous types of wood, where the maximum immersion in the material reaches 4 cm. The router is made of polycarbonate, even the clamp is made of plastic. The collet size is only up to 6 mm, which many craftsmen do not like.

The advantages of such a device include:

comfortable grip;
affordable price (about 5 thousand rubles);
quite powerful motor of 530 W;
presence of a parallel stop.

An impressive drawback is the plastic base, which does not inspire confidence.

TOP best keyway routers

Makita PJ7000

In terms of price, this device is affordable to many. It costs around 16,200 rubles. It runs on a 710 W motor, with rotational speeds reaching 11 thousand per minute. The maximum diameter of the cutter is 100 mm, but its selection should be approached carefully. If there is an imbalance in the high-speed tool area, the milling cutter will produce high-power vibration. The device base is optimal. The desired angle is achieved accurately and quickly.

Advantages

high power levels;
dust collector with efficient characteristics.

Flaws

vibrations are felt;
the body is not equipped with rubber insulating pads.

Bosch GFF 22 Professional

The cost of the router is about 16,150 rubles. It features an ergonomic solution. This applies to both the grip and the left-handed handle. The milling cutter is designed for right-handed craftsmen, and therefore it will be difficult for left-handed people to use it.

The model is also distinguished by the gear ratio of the gearbox. These are proven solutions that provide quality and reliability. The motor has 670 W. It is capable of spinning the cutter up to 9 thousand revolutions per minute. At its maximum, it can reach 105 mm.

Users are not happy with the vacuum cleaner catcher. It is recommended to be used as a last resort. It's better to use a vacuum cleaner.

Advantages

the build quality is at the highest level;
performance indicators.

Flaws

operates at a noise level of 87 dB;
the cost is high.

Lamellar router Makita PJ7000 for professionals

The lamellar (keyway) router for processing wood blanks is characterized by build quality, reliability, good performance and low weight. The tool is equipped with a powerful 710-watt electric motor that spins up to 11,000 rpm for fast, precise work. There are 6 depth levels, which can be quickly set using a special regulator. The blade guard provides additional operator protection.

To quickly change accessories, the manufacturer has provided a special lock and spindle locking system. The maximum cutter diameter is 100 mm. The largest angle of inclination during milling is 90 degrees. It has two handles: the main (straight) and additional (B-shaped), which are covered with anti-slip material. The kit includes a dust bag and a case. There is a locking power button and a fine adjustment indicator with a ruler. For safety reasons, the wire is double insulated.

The Makita keyway router is suitable for professional work due to its high processing accuracy, productivity, reliability and ergonomics.

Owners leave only positive reviews, noting the high quality of the device, performance, reliability, simplicity, safety and convenience. Particularly emphasized is the sawdust removal system, which effectively removes them from the workspace. They do not describe any significant disadvantages.

Pros:

high-quality assembly;
durable body;
system for safe replacement of cutting accessories;
plastic suitcase included;
spindle fixation – for safe change of equipment;
comfortable handle;
regulation of sawdust emissions.

What to look for when choosing?

Choosing a milling machine for home use is not the easiest task, especially for those who are faced with the need to purchase such a power tool for the first time. The priority criterion should be the type and frequency of carpentry operations performed. If you need a universal machine, then it is recommended to pay attention to vertical type devices, since such options are adapted to any type of processing. For manipulations in a small workshop, the optimal solution is an additive type unit. You can restore furniture with an edging tool.

We'll tell you how to choose an electric wood router for solving everyday problems or as carpentry equipment for a hobby, and what criteria should be taken into account when choosing:

Purpose of the machine. Electric machines come in submersible, vertical or edging types. The vertical model is the most universal, designed for all types of carpentry operations.
Motor power consumption. High power characteristics guarantee maximum performance. This parameter allows you to increase the cutting speed of hard workpieces and deeper milling in one cycle. Power makes it possible to classify equipment into 3 groups: for home use (up to 750 Watt, weight - from 2 to 3 kg), semi-professional type (750 - 1500 Watt, weight - from 3 to 5 kg), professional models (1500 - 2300 Watt , weight – from 5 to 6 kg).
Processing depth. The value by which the cutter is embedded into the workpiece. The parameter is calculated individually and depends on the thickness of the base being processed.
Rotation speed setting. When working with hardwood, the speed of the cutting element becomes slower. This manifests itself in machine jerking and damage to the part. Most machines have the functionality to adjust the number of revolutions depending on the task at hand.
Safety and durability. Safe operation of the machine is ensured by design features. It is good if the model has a protective casing, which increases the reliability of use and protects the parts and the master himself during the operation.

Sources

https://DomZastroika.ru/instrumenty/reyting-frezerov-po-derevu-ruchnykh-na-2021.html
https://SovetMarka.ru/top-luchshih-ruchnyh-frezerov-po-derevu
https://marka.guru/dom-i-dacha/remont-i-stroitelstvo/luchshie-frezery.html
https://tehnolev.ru/dlya-remonta/frezer-po-derevu/kak-pravilno-vybrat-ruchnoy-frezer-po-derevu-top-10-modeley-otzyvy.html
https://tehcovet.ru/reitingi/dly-remonta/luchshij-frezer-2021-goda.html
https://Revizzoro.ru/reyting-luchshikh-elektricheskikh-frezerov-2020-goda-dlya-doma-tekhnicheskie-kharakteristiki-plyusy-/

Deciding on the type of router

Vertical

If you are wondering which hand router to choose for wood, pay attention to vertical models. They can be called classic and universal, as they allow you to perform most manipulations with wood. It is designed for curved cuts, cutting grooves and niches in wooden panels. Using a vertical model, for example, Interskol FM-40/1000E DM , you can make intricate patterns and even form complex joints on tenons (for example, straight or dovetail).

The main structural unit of the vertical model is the sole on which the tool rests. On the sole there is a guide rail, which sets the direction of movement of the entire device along the wooden workpiece. The device is capable of adjusting the cutting depth, and depending on the model it can be from 30 to 100 mm. If you need a universal device for processing wood workpieces, the vertical model will be an excellent choice. However, to make exclusively lamellas or remove edges, it is better to use a milling cutter specially designed for this work.

Kromochny

Which hand router to choose for wood if you need to remove edges and chamfers? To perform primarily such work, it is better to take a specialized edge router (trimmer). It is smaller in size than the vertical one, so it gives more freedom in cramped conditions. If you often have to chamfer in hard-to-reach places, then the edge model will come in handy. For example, many praise the reliable Makita RT0700C with the ability to dive up to 35 mm.

However, edging devices have a shallower cutting depth, and usually it does not exceed 40 mm. Some models can be additionally equipped with depth cutters (or they can be purchased separately).

Lamellar

These devices are used exclusively for preparing lamellas, or more precisely, grooves for them. In rare cases, it is also possible to make fasteners in clapboard for wall sheathing instead of drywall. Slats are used in the production of beds and sofas. Milling cutters have a horizontal engine rather than a vertical one. Such devices are needed only for lamellas, so if you are engaged in mass production of furniture, then the device will be useful to you. Otherwise, it is better to take a closer look at universal units.