Plunge Router Vs. Fixed Base Router Routers Are An Absolutely Fantastic Addition To Any Garage Or Workshop.

Many People Claim That They’re The Most Versatile Power Tool In The World.
We’ll talk about the two most common styles of routers: plunge and fixed base. We’ll go over what each one does and what they’re best used for.

General overview: Plunge v. fixed base routers
Plunge routers move up and down on the base, which has spring-loaded arms on either side that allow the user to manually ‘plunge’ the cutting bit down into the material from above.

This is necessary when you’re working on the top of a board, for applications such as fluting, dados and mortices, grooves and rebates, insets, etc.

However, plunge base routers can be used for edge work just as well (such as profiling edges with a round-over bit).

Fixed base routers are exactly that; the router is locked at a fixed location in the base, and the cutting bit cannot move - or plunge - from top to bottom.

This makes doing some of the aforementioned tasks, where it’s necessary to engage the material from above, virtually impossible.

Of course, you can manually set and lock the cutting depth on fixed base routers, generally with a greater degree of accuracy than you can with a plunge router.

Fixed-base routers are great when super-precise cuts are needed (as is the case with most types of joinery), and also when mounted to a routing table.

Our Top Picks: Favorite makes and models for each kind

Bosch 3 ½” 2 ½ HP corded plunge and fixed base router kit
Combo Router This is a nice tool that you’ll absolutely fall in love with. It will set you back a fair penny, but the quality that you get is well worth it.

With the 2 ½ peak-horsepower motor, it’s a powerful tool that, with the right bit and jig, can take care of just about the biggest routing jobs you can throw at it.

Ryobi 2 HP soft start variable speed plunge router
Plunge Router This is an excellent ‘starter’ router. A little less peak horsepower, and a variable speed ‘soft start’ to eliminate damaging the material before you even start making your cut.

It’s a great value buy that will get you off and routing until you’re ready to make the next step up.

General things to consider before buying
One thing to kind of keep in mind before you go off and make a purchase, is that plunge routers are big, heavy, loud, powerful tools.

Many people prefer the smaller size, less weight, and lower center of gravity of fixed base routers.

Bottom line is, if you start out with a plunge router, then a plunge router is what you’ll become accustomed to, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

If you’re the average DIY’er looking to add a first router to your garage or home workshop, go with the plunge. If you don’t mind splashing a little extra cash, go with a combo kit and get a routing table as well.

Products:

Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit
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DEWALT Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit, Variable Speed, 1.25-HP Max Torque (DWP611PK)
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DEWALT Router, Fixed Base, Variable Speed, 2-1/4 HP (DW618)
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Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit
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Ryobi RE180PL1G 2HP Peak 10-Amp Plunge Router
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