When you are a wood artisan, it is important that you know what type of palm router is the best for your needs. This article reviews some of the top palm routers on the market to help you find what will be best for your next project.
What is a Palm Router?
A router is a woodworking tool that is used to cut grooves, channels, dados, and rabbets in a variety of materials. It can also be used to raise or lower the height of the wood.
A palm router is a compact and portable router that can be easily maneuvered with one hand. It has a pistol-grip handle that gives you added control while working on your project. It’s perfect for those who work on small projects or who don’t have much experience with routers.
Main Functions
A palm wood router is a type of power tool that is used to cut out parts of a board or other material. It can be used to create joints, decorative edges, and more.
The main function of a palm wood router is to create joints in boards or other materials. This can be done by cutting out the board with the tool and then using a chisel and hammer to break away the material around the joint for it to fit together properly. The palm wood router can also be used for decorative edges, like rounding corners on pieces of furniture or creating an artistic edge for framing.
Different Tool Types
The different types of palm routers are classified by their shapes, size and number of blades.
The first type is the fixed base router that has a stationary base. These routers are best for cutting straight lines because they have a stationary base and you can use them for making joints in woodworking projects.
The next one is the plunge router which can be used to cut through materials with a depth of up to 2 inches. Plunge routers are best for cutting curved lines because they allow you to plunge the blade into the workpiece, which means you don’t have to be as accurate with the angle of your cuts.
On the other hand, routers that have only one blade are called plunge routers because they allow you to plunge the blade into the material being cut. Double-blade routers can’t make a plunge cut, so you’ll need to follow a guide or fence to complete your cuts.
The third one is the handheld router which can be used to cut through materials with a depth of up to 1 inch.
Highest Rated Models of Wood Palms Routers
Some models are more popular than others because they are more durable and cheaper. Let’s take a look at the top best-selling and highest-rated models of wood palm routers on Amazon, as voted by customers.
1) Porter-Cable 690LR:
This model has an ergonomic design that reduces fatigue, which makes it easier to work for longer periods of time without getting frustrated or losing control over the tool. The handle is designed for better control, so it can be used with one hand or two hands depending on what you need to do with it.
It also has a variable speed trigger that you can use to control the speed at which the tool cuts and it has a built-in LED light to help make working in darker areas easier.
2) Bosch 1617EVSPK:
This palm router from Bosch is one of the most powerful models on this list, with a powerful 1400W motor that allows for smoother and more effective work. . It also has an ergonomic design that reduces fatigue and allows for deeper cuts in the material you are working with. It has a variable speed trigger and a built-in LED light to help make working in darker areas easier.
3) DeWalt DWE6423:
With a maximum RPM of 4500, this is also one of the most powerful palm routers on our list. It also features a variable speed motor to easily adjust how fast the tool spins, and a 12-inch cutting path, perfect for medium-sized projects. The DeWalt DWE6423 is built with a nice design that’s enhanced further with the addition of the LCD screen for easy use and navigation.
4) Dremel 4000-PT:
With a maximum RPM of 5875, this palm router has an outstanding cutting path of 12 inches. And with the addition of a low-speed range for delicate work and an adjustable speed range, it’s easy to find the perfect pace for your projects. This palm router also includes a rotating soft grip to keep you comfortable as you work.
Things To Consider Before Choosing
When choosing the best palm router, there are a few things to consider.
- First, you’ll need to know what type of routing you need. There are three types of routing that a palm router can do: edge-cutting, slot-cutting, and dadoing.
- Second, what type of material you’re going to be routing? Palm routers are best for wood, but they can also be used on other materials such as plastic and metal.
- Third, you’ll need to decide how much detail you want to be able to achieve with your palm router. Some models have higher-quality details than others.
- And finally, it is important to know how much money you want to spend on your palm router. There are a variety of models available at different price points.
Size
The size of a router is measured by its diameter and is typically from 1/2″ to 2-1/2″. The most popular wood router sizes are 1-1/4″ and 2″. but others exist. The size of a router should match the cutting diameter of the bits you are using on it.
Cord/Cordless
Woodworkers also need to consider whether or not they want a cordless option. Cordless routers have a battery that will last up to an hour on a single charge. Corded routers, on the other hand, require an outlet but are more powerful than cordless ones.
Height of Cut
The height of cut is the distance you can cut wood vertically before it starts to tear apart and splinter. A low setting will produce a sawtooth edge, while a high setting will produce an even tip.
Power
The power of a wood router is measured in amps, which can range from 3 amps to 10 amps.
Read also: Pin Nailer vs Brad Nailer
Benefits of a Palm Router
There are many benefits to using a palm router, and it can be a great addition to your home renovation or construction project. Here are just a few of the benefits:
1. Palm routers are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks. They are perfect for cutting, sanding, routing, and more.
2. They are easy to use and can be controlled with one hand. This makes them ideal for projects where precision is necessary, like woodworking or cabinetmaking.
3. Palm wood routers are affordable, and they can last for years without needing to be replaced. You can also find palm routers at a wide range of prices, which means you can afford to buy one that is right for your budget.
If you’re looking for a versatile tool that will help you save time and money on your home renovation or construction project, consider investing in a palm router.
Conclusion
There are a lot of palm routers on the market, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best palm routers for woodworking, based on my own experience and feedback from other workshop professionals.
I hope that this guide will help simplify your decision-making process and help you find the perfect tool for your specific needs.
References:
https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/g38737305/best-woodwork-routers/