7Oct

Best Plunge Router: DeWalt 621 vs. Bosch 1617 vs. Festool OF 1400

Posted by: cslagle Categories: Tool Debates

I’ve written quite a bit about routers for ToolCrib (scroll down to the router resources section)… but I haven’t yet written about choosing a solid plunge router. This thread at Woodnet: “What plunge router do you like” served as a great jumping off point for this short comparison article.

One major decision point you’ll have to make as you hunt for your plunge router is whether you want a dedicated plunger or a plunge kit router. As far as I can tell (based on opinions of Pat Warner) the plunge kit is best for the budget minded hobbyist. If you’re going to be routing professionally or even a great deal then the kit is not a great choice.

Further I’ve found some significant disagreements around using a plunge router in a router table. Pat Warner says don’t use a plunge router in a table, while Rockler cites writers for the Woodworkers Journal saying it’s not a problem. I lean towards Warner’s estimation personally, but I don’t have experience on the matter.

Dedicated Plunge Router:
DeWalt 621: 5 Votes

DEWALT 621 review by Pat Warner