One of the woodshop’s quintessential tools, the wood router, is now available at discounted prices, courtesy of our handpicked Wood Router Black Friday Deals.
It’s not a deal you want to miss if you’re in the market for a new router. This tool is a must-have for any woodworker that’s interested in making designs on wood. It cuts grooves, shapes, patterns, dovetails, and more onto the surface of the wood and can create very intricate designs in the right hands.
So, what kind of wood router do you need? You can answer that question by stating the kind of work you intend to do. That will guide you toward the right amount of power and the right bits for your work.
Best Wood Router Deals for Black Friday 2023
Best Wood Router Table Deals for Black Friday 2023
JessEm Router Lift - 11% OFF
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift, 9-1/4-Inch by 11-3/4-Inch
Black Friday Wood Router Buying Guide
Here’s a quick buying guide for anyone that’s looking to buy a wood router.
Types of Wood Routers
The wood router is comprised of the body, handle, and bits. Apart from housing the motor, you can also use the body to adjust the depth on the fly. Not all routers are equipped with this ability, though.
Those that have this ability go by the name plunge routers, and their immobile counterparts are the fixed base routers. Plunge routers have a spring-loaded base that allows the body to move vertically, whereas fixed-base routers have stationary bodies. A release system on the former type of wood router lets you move the bit inwards or outwards while you work, affording you more versatility.
Beginners shouldn’t look further than fixed base wood routers (check out our guide on the best wood router for beginners), which are cheaper and sufficient for edge cutting and straight-line precision. But a plunge router can be a worthy investment to the seasoned woodworker looking to improve their craft.
Important Features When Buying a Wood Router During Black Friday
Horsepower
More horsepower is necessary to drive larger bits, so get a router with at least two horsepower if you intend to work with different-sized bits.
Speed
Single-speed routers are good enough for small bits, but you’ll need variable speed to slow down the router when working with a larger bit. To be safe, getting a variable speed router is advisable as it allows you to work with a wider range of bits.
Collet
The diameter of the collet determines the type of bits you can use. Most wood routers accept ¼” bits, but not all of them can use �” bits as well. Ensure that your router fits both types of bits.
Grip
Your router should be comfortable to hold. The chances are good that you’ll be using it for a large amount of time; a comfortable grip will prevent soreness and discomfort.
Dust Removal
A dust removal system is necessary for your health and the cleanliness of your woodshop. Routers produce a lot of dust, so consider buying one with a vacuum port for convenient cleanup.
Button Placement
You must be able to reach the power button effortlessly. Make sure the router is easy to use to improve the quality of your work and reduce the risk of accidents.
Router Accessories
Some of these come with the router, but others you’ll have to buy separately. Accessories improve the router’s abilities, making it capable of more.
The ones you should focus on are:
- Bits – Router bits are available in several variations, including round nose, dovetail, V-tail, chamfer, cove, and beading. These are all available in different shank sizes. The most durable router bits have carbide tips.
- Table and Fence - Routers come as tabletop or freestanding models (like the popular Kreg Router Table) and must have a fence that guides the material for maximum precision.
- Jigs and Clamps - You’ll need these accessories to hold the wood in position when performing specific cuts, such as dovetail cuts, hinge recesses, and dado joints. Most manufacturers don’t include these accessories, so you may have to source them separately.
Below is a list of wood router black Friday deals that you should take advantage of as they’re only valid for a limited time period.
Black Friday Wood Router Deals in 2023:
1. DeWalt (DW616) Fixed Base Router
To start you off on your journey into advanced woodworking is this simple fixed base router from DeWalt, boasting a 1.75 hp motor and a precision-machined die-cast aluminum base that’s built to last.
Its rubber handles are comfortably padded and placed low in the base to enhance its center of gravity. Depth adjustment is vertical and in increments of at least 1/64”, and to improve your accuracy, the unit features a sub-base concentricity gauge, which is useful for beginners. You can convert this fixed-base wood router into a plunger with a flip of the quick-release motor latches, which also make the base and bit changes headache-free.
2. Bosch (1617EVS) Electric Fixed-base Router (with 10-piece Bit Set)
This electric wood router from Bosch combines the power of its 12-amp motor with variable speed settings to deliver smooth operation along cutlines of different depths and sizes.
The wood router has a speed range of 8,000 – 25,000 rpm, which you can adjust using a dial. The base comes with threaded holes for mounting the router onto a table. The startup is smooth, not jolty, thanks to CR (constant response) circuitry, which stabilizes the unit’s torque on startup. This wood router comes with a 10-piece bit set to get you started on a wide variety of woodworking projects.
3. DeWalt (DW618PKB) Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit
With 2.25 hp, variable speed, and tool-free base changes, you can get a lot done very fast, which is why this DeWalt router is the perfect intermediate tool for burgeoning professionals.
The 12-amp motor supports electronic variable speed (from 8,000 – 25,000 rpm) with feedback control, which gives you constant speed under load, enabling soft starts and reducing ignition torque. It comes with a fixed base and a plunge base with brass bushings for a smooth plunge stroke. Working with different types of wood is a little less strenuous, thanks to the spindle lock button, which makes it easily removable using a wrench.
4. Bosch (1617EVSPK) Combination Wood Router (with 10-piece All-Purpose Router Bit Set)
If it’s versatility you’re after, then you won’t go wrong with the Bosch 1617EVSPK wood router, a combination router with a fixed and plunge base, a 2.25 hp motor, and soft wooden grips on a durable aluminum body.
This convenient router kit includes ten-bit pieces and a �” collet, making it widely compatible with several bit types. Constant speed circuitry gives you cleaner work, while the rounded hardwood handles improve control for better results. It comes with a fixed and plunge base, plus ten different bits to start you off.