Choosing a Router

Whether you’re designing a brand new router table or just want to update your existing one, the first concern, of course, is the router itself.

Pro shops like to go with a model that offers at least two collets, one for 1/4" bit shanks and the other for 1/2". Some cabinetmakers prefer to mount a plunge router in their table: their work calls for a lot of dadoes and rabbets that are plowed in two passes, and a plunge router offers faster bit height changing.

I primarily build fine furniture and I favour a fixed-base model that lets me change bits easily and make very accurate micro-adjustments.

A motor in the 1850w range, like the DW625, is essential for large diameter cuts such as raised panels and wide mouldings. Dust collection like the one available on the DW621 is a nice option, too.

Slow-start models let the bit build up to its optimum revolutions before contacting the workpiece, so they deliver a cleaner cut with less wear on the motor.

A router with adjustable speed lets the operator dial slower speeds for large bits, to avoid burning and excessive wear.

Both soft start and variable speed features are available on DEWALT plunge routers.