Fixed Routers

About Fixed Routers

Fixed routers are essential power tools for any serious woodworker or joiner, designed specifically for creating clean, precise cuts, grooves, and decorative edges in timber and manufactured boards. Unlike plunge routers that can be lowered into the workpiece during operation, fixed base routers maintain a constant cutting depth once set, making them ideal for edge profiling, template work, and routing operations where depth remains consistent throughout the cut. Their stability and ease of adjustment make them particularly suited to router table mounting, where they excel at producing professional-quality mouldings and joinery.

Modern fixed routers combine powerful motors with ergonomic designs and increasingly sophisticated features. Whether working with traditional corded models offering continuous power output or the latest cordless brushless technology from brands like DeWalt and Bosch, today's fixed routers deliver the precision and reliability demanded by professional chippies and dedicated DIY enthusiasts alike. Compact trim routers have also gained popularity for lighter-duty work, offering excellent manoeuvrability for laminate trimming, hinge recessing, and detail work where a full-sized router would be cumbersome.

The fixed router category at Tooled-Up.com encompasses machines ranging from compact 1/4" collet models perfect for intricate work, through to more substantial units capable of handling larger-diameter cutters for heavier profiling and joinery tasks. With both 18V cordless and 240v mains-powered options available, there's a fixed router to suit every workshop requirement and budget, from site work requiring portability to dedicated workshop installations.

Jargon Buster

• Collet Size (1/4" or 1/2"): The diameter of the shaft that holds the router bit in place. Quarter-inch collets are standard on compact and trim routers, whilst half-inch collets accommodate larger, more aggressive cutters for heavier work.
• Brushless Motor: Advanced motor technology that eliminates carbon brushes, resulting in improved efficiency, longer runtime on cordless models, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended tool lifespan compared to traditional brushed motors.
• Plunge Base vs Fixed Base: Fixed base routers maintain a set cutting depth, whilst plunge routers allow the cutter to be lowered into the work during operation. Some routers offer interchangeable bases for maximum versatility.
• RPM (Revolutions Per Minute): The speed at which the router bit spins. Most routers operate between 10,000-30,000 RPM, with variable speed control allowing adjustment for different materials and cutter sizes.
• Soft Start: A feature that gradually increases motor speed on startup, reducing torque reaction and preventing sudden jerking movements that could damage the workpiece or compromise user control.
• Router Table Compatible: Indicates the router can be inverted and mounted beneath a router table, transforming it into a static spindle moulder for safer, more controlled cutting of smaller workpieces.

Who Uses Fixed Routers?

Fixed routers are invaluable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Joiners and Carpenters: For creating housing joints, edge profiles, and custom mouldings in joinery work
• Kitchen Fitters: Essential for worktop jointing, scribing, and template work when installing kitchen units
• Shop Fitters: For fabricating bespoke retail fixtures, display units, and architectural millwork
• Cabinet Makers: Producing precise grooves, rebates, and decorative details in fine furniture construction
• Staircase Manufacturers: Creating handrail profiles, string housings, and balustrade details
• Door Manufacturers: Routing hinge recesses, lock mortices, and decorative panel mouldings
• Luthiers: For binding channels, inlay work, and body shaping in musical instrument construction
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovators undertaking fitted furniture projects, skirting installations, or decorative woodworking
• Maintenance Teams: For on-site repairs, modifications, and refurbishment work in commercial properties

How to Choose the Right Fixed Router

Power Source: Decide between corded and cordless operation. Mains-powered 240v routers deliver consistent performance for extended workshop sessions and demanding applications, whilst 18V cordless models like the DeWalt DCW604NT offer unmatched portability for site work and locations without convenient power access. Cordless technology has advanced considerably, with brushless motors providing impressive runtime and power.

Motor Power and Capacity: Consider the scale of work you'll undertake. Compact trim routers typically range from 400-800 watts, ideal for laminate trimming, light edge work, and detail routing. Full-sized routers deliver 900-2400 watts for heavier profiling, deep cuts, and larger-diameter cutters. Match the tool's capability to your typical applications to avoid underpowered performance or unnecessary bulk.

Collet Size: Quarter-inch collets are standard on compact routers and accommodate the vast majority of trim and detail bits. If you'll be using larger profile cutters or panel-raising bits, consider a router accepting 1/2" shanks, which provide greater rigidity and reduced vibration with substantial cutters.

Adjustment Features: Quality depth adjustment mechanisms make the difference between frustration and precision. Look for micro-adjusters offering fine control, clear depth scales, and positive locking mechanisms. Side fence systems and guide bushes expand versatility for straight cuts and template work.

Ergonomics and Control: Router operation demands firm control, so handle design and weight distribution matter significantly. Soft-grip handles, good visibility of the cutting area, and well-positioned controls contribute to user comfort and accuracy during extended use. Variable speed control allows optimisation for different materials and cutter sizes.

Brand and Build Quality: Browse the selection at Tooled-Up.com from established manufacturers like DeWalt and Bosch, offering proven reliability, comprehensive service networks, and compatible accessories. Professional-grade tools justify their premium through superior bearings, more robust construction, and longer service life under demanding conditions.

Popular Accessories

• Router Bit Sets: Collections of profile cutters covering common edge treatments, grooving, and joinery applications. TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) bits provide durability when routing abrasive materials like MDF and chipboard.
• Guide Bushes: Steel collars that fit around the bit, riding against templates to reproduce shapes accurately. Essential for hinge recessing, letter box cutting, and pattern work.
• Side Fences: Adjustable guides for routing parallel to an edge, invaluable for grooves, rebates, and consistent edge profiling work.
• Router Tables: Transform your fixed router into a static spindle moulder for safer machining of small components and production runs of mouldings.
• Dust Extraction Adaptors: Connect to workshop vacuum systems for cleaner operation and improved visibility, particularly important when routing MDF which produces harmful fine dust.
• Template Guides and Jigs: Pre-made or custom templates for repetitive operations like hinge recesses, letter plates, or decorative inlay work.
• Replacement Collets: Spare collets and collet wrenches ensure you're never caught out by wear or damage to these critical components.

Safety Information

Router operation presents specific hazards that require proper precautions and protective equipment:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or a full face shield to protect against flying chips and debris. Hearing protection is essential as routers operate at high noise levels. Dust masks or respirators rated FFP2 or higher are mandatory when routing MDF or treated timbers, which produce harmful fine particles. HSE guidance emphasises the serious health risks from wood dust exposure.

Workpiece Security: Never attempt to rout unsecured workpieces. Use clamps, bench dogs, or purpose-built jigs to prevent movement during cutting. Router kickback can occur suddenly if the workpiece shifts or the cutter binds.

Bit Installation and Inspection: Ensure cutters are properly seated in the collet with at least three-quarters of the shank inserted. Check bits for damage before use and discard any with chips, cracks, or excessive wear. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum RPM for any cutter.

Feed Direction: Always feed the router against the cutter's rotation (typically left to right on the outside edge of a workpiece). Feeding with the rotation can cause the router to run away and lose control.

Electrical Safety: Inspect cables regularly for damage. When using mains-powered 240v tools on site, work through a 110V transformer or RCD protection as recommended by HSE guidance for construction environments. Disconnect power before changing bits or making adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a fixed router and a plunge router?
A fixed router maintains a constant cutting depth once set, with the bit protruding a fixed distance from the base. This makes them ideal for edge work, router table use, and any operation where depth remains consistent. Plunge routers allow you to lower the spinning bit into the workpiece during operation, making them better suited for mortising, stopped grooves, and starting cuts away from an edge. Some routers offer interchangeable bases for both functions.

Can I use a fixed router in a router table?
Yes, fixed routers are actually preferred for router table mounting by many woodworkers. Their simpler depth adjustment mechanism is easier to reach when the router is inverted beneath the table, and they typically have a lower centre of gravity making for a more stable installation. Check that your specific model has mounting holes compatible with your router table or a suitable mounting plate.

What's better for site work - cordless or corded fixed routers?
Cordless routers excel for site work where power access is limited or you're moving between locations frequently. Modern 18V brushless models like those from DeWalt and Bosch offer impressive power and runtime. However, for continuous workshop use or very demanding applications with large cutters, corded 240v routers provide unlimited runtime and consistent power. Many professionals keep both, using cordless for site work and corded tools for workshop applications.

Do I need a 1/4" or 1/2" collet router?
This depends on your typical applications. Quarter-inch collets accommodate the vast majority of edge profiling, trimming, and detail bits, making them suitable for most DIY and light professional work. Half-inch collets are necessary for larger panel-raising bits, heavy-duty profilers, and situations demanding maximum rigidity with minimal vibration. Some routers accept both sizes with interchangeable collets, offering maximum versatility.

How do I prevent burning when routing hardwoods?
Burn marks result from excessive heat buildup, typically caused by dull cutters, inappropriate feed speed, or incorrect RPM settings. Use sharp, clean bits and maintain a steady feed rate - too slow allows friction to build heat. For dense hardwoods, reduce the router speed if variable speed control is available, and consider making multiple passes at increasing depths rather than removing material in one heavy cut. TCT cutters stay sharper longer than HSS in abrasive materials.