The 10 Best Plunge Routers of 2022

Buying a Plunge Router

If you want to be a serious woodworker, sooner or later you’re going to need a plunge router. These handy little machines are designed to “plunge” their router bit directly into wood, so you can begin cutting in the middle of your workpiece. That is unlike fixed-base routers that are designed to be used only around edges.

A plunge router is perfect for creating decorative patterns on furniture, mortises, dowels and dadoes for joinery, or inlay recesses. I’ve used plunge routers on several large furniture projects, and have seen them used to cut out interior letters for a signage project. There is some variety in plunge routers though, so make sure to take these considerations into account when choosing one.

• Collet Size: Make sure your router can hold the size bit you’re going to be using. While most models offer two collet (the collar that holds the bit in place) sizes, some do not, so don’t assume all routers are compatible with all bits. Most lighter-duty routers only offer 1/4-in. collets.
• Speed: This can get a little complicated and require some complex geometry, but as a general rule, the larger the router bit, the slower the speed required. The experts at The Router Workshop recommend a minimum of 12,000 RPMS for larger bits (3 to 3-1/2 inches in diameter), and a maximum of 24,000 RPMs for smaller bits (1-inch in diameter).
• Dust Collection: Routers can create a lot of dust and wood shavings, which can create a frustrating mess to clean up. If you plan to do a lot of routing, or just want to cut down on cleanup time, make sure to choose a plunge router that is compatible with your current dust collection capabilities, whether that’s a shop vacuum or a dedicated dust collection system.
• Combination Kits: Fixed routers are just as useful as a plunge unit to have around, and with a combo kit, you can enjoy the benefits of both. These kits usually include a separate plunge base for the fixed router to fit into, and allow you to have all your routing bases covered. Combination kits do tend to cost more than a dedicated plunge router though, so if you already have a fixed base router, save some money and choose a standalone plunge unit.

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