Best Cordless Trim Router 2023

You feel at ease using your dated corded trim router. It has been helpful to you throughout the years and has helped you round the edges of several pieces of work with the least amount of difficulty. It will be difficult to pull it from your hands since it has never let you down.

However, there are times when it is not feasible to carry a corded compact router, such as when you are working on a remote jobsite or when the electrical outlet is too far away from your workstation and utilizing an extension cable is not an option. It is preferable to have a cordless trim router on hand in these circumstances.

You’ll find this post useful if you’re looking to buy a new cordless laminate trimmer. We examined the top seven cordless trim routers available today and spoke about the characteristics you want to consider while choosing one.

Our Top Picks

Review

MAKITA XTR01T7 18V LXT LITHIUM-ION BRUSHLESS CORDLESS COMPACT ROUTER KIT

Pros:

• Both fixed bases and plunge bases are included with this Makita compact router.
• The set comes with two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a durable plastic case, and many extras.
• The lock and on/off buttons on the device are lighted.
• There is a variable speed control on this laminate trimmer. The speed may vary between 10,000 RPM and 30,000 RPM.
• Two LED lights are used to illuminate the work surface.

Cons:

• It is not the list’s smallest trim router. Bulky in particular is the upper section.

Sebring Tip:

Unsure about whether you want a plunge router or a fixed router? Why not mix the two?

Thanks to the Makita XTR01T7 Compact Router Kit, you may have both and more. This convenient set has everything you need to manufacture inlays, cut chamfers, and round edges. You will receive both a fixed basis and a plunging base, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs or your application. The Makita 18V batteries, a charger, a strong plastic case, and other necessary extras are already included in this bundle.

Its aluminum housing, which is both lightweight and strong, houses its brushless motor. You may change the RPM based on your application thanks to the variable speed control it features. Additionally, the battery is durable, so you’ll get more cuts out of each charge.

The only aspect that can make potential customers choose another cordless trim router is its cost. However, if you’re a professional who can’t be bothered to seek for appropriate components and you want to splash out, then this laminate trimmer can be the correct choice for you.

MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 2723-20 COMPACT ROUTER

Pros:

• The brushless motor in this Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Router is sturdy.
• With a single full charge, you can chop more wood thanks to its long-lasting, high-capacity battery.
• It has a variable speed control system.
• There are LED lights embedded into this router.
• A sizable portion of the fixed base has a textured overmold covering it.

Cons:

• Only the bare tool form of the device is sold. The charger and battery are offered separately.
• There is no carrying bag or plastic hard case included.

Sebring Tip:

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2723-20 Compact Router functioned like a corded router while being a cordless laminate trimmer. With its potent brushless motor, which produces a maximum of 1.25 HP, you can handle even the most difficult tasks and materials without fear.

With its variable speed control, you may change the speed between 10,000 and 31,000 RPM. The speed dial is clearly displayed on the side, making it simple to access and use.

The clamp that secures the tool’s permanent base allows for macro adjustments to be made as well. Use the micro-adjustment dial up front if you need finer adjustments.

The bits in this tool can be changed in two different ways. With the wrench, you may tighten or loosen the collet by pressing the red button at the base. You may also use both the collet and spindle wrenches if you prefer to change bits the old-fashioned manner.

Two sub-base plates, a few wrenches, a dust shroud, a permanent base, and a straight edge guide are all included in the kit.

DEWALT DCW600B CORDLESS ROUTER

Pros:

Two LED lights are included in this DEWALT cordless router.

reduced vibration and noise.

The fixed base may be removed to swap out the bit and coarse depth changes are both possible with the quick-release clamp.

The tool won’t start with any abrupt jolts thanks to the soft-start motor.

It has a controllable variable speed.

Cons:

• Compared to standard trim routers, it is bigger. It’s a little difficult to move about because of the housing and the base’s girth.

Sebring Tip:

Beyond its small size, the DEWALT DCW600B Cordless Router has incredible power. Variable speed control and a robust brushless motor are two characteristics of this cordless trim router. Depending on your application, you may change the speed from 16,000 RPM to 25,500 RPM. Considering that the motor includes an electrical braking system, you can count on it to shut off quite promptly.

A quick-release clamp on the fixed base allows for simple coarse depth adjustment and bit changes. To guarantee that it is stable in your hands as you work, the back of the fixed base is coated with a sizable rubber overmold.

With this little trim router, bit changes are simple. To tighten or loosen the collet, just push the yellow button at the front and use the provided wrench.

Despite not coming with a battery or charger, this slimline router is one of the most expensive ones on the list.

BOSCH 12V MAX GKF12V-25N PALM EDGE ROUTER

Pros:

its distinctive, practical handle layout.

With heavy use, its brushless motor guarantees durability.

The spindle lock on this laminate trimmer makes replacing the bit simpler.

Because the bit region contains finger protections, it is safer than other trim routers.

The gadget is lightweight and small.

Cons:

• It lacks a variable speed control system.

Sebring Tip:

With user comfort in mind, the Bosch 12V Max GKF12V-25N Palm Edge Router was created. This tool has excellent intuitiveness throughout. It lacks a flat top where the battery is attached, in contrast to other corded and cordless laminate trimmers. The battery is neatly placed inside its extended top, and the overmolded handle on the underside rests firmly in your palm. The on-off switch and depth adjustment lock are conveniently located for both left- and right-handed people.

The button at the bottom makes it simple to change the coarse depth. Utilize the knob that is situated underneath the coarse adjustment button to modify the depth in steps.

Although its single speed and general shape make it suitable for smoothing out edges, you may use it to carve grooves. The cost is rather affordable, but the Bosch 12V lithium-ion battery pack is not included in the kit, so you will need to purchase one that is.

RYOBI P601 ONE+ TRIM ROUTER

Pros:

One of the least expensive cordless trim routers on the list is this one.

Its quick-release lever makes making large changes simple. The base of the tool may also be separated from it using the lever.

You won’t need to strain your eyes to view your work surface thanks to the LED light.

The gadget is still portable even with the battery attached.

Cons:

• The top is pretty substantial.

Sebring Tip:

Incredibly long battery life is combined with excellent performance in the Ryobi P601 One+ Trim Router. This single-speed router has a maximum RPM output of 29,000 and is powered by an 18V battery with a long life.

The LED light on this tool is one of its distinctive characteristics. Let’s be honest. Many construction sites and garages lack enough lighting. A tool with an LED light is a godsend for your workshop since your impaired eyesight has already frequently interfered with your job.

The overmolded handle was relocated by Ryobi so that it is close to the unit’s top. You still find yourself grasping the base instead of the handle itself since it is too large and not natural.

Although it is reasonably priced, you must purchase a Ryobi battery and charger that are compatible with it because they are not included in the box.

RIDGID R86044V COMPACT ROUTER

Pros:

It has both a circular base plate and a square transparent base plate.

Included are also the flush-trim bit, collet wrench, straight edge guide, and soft storage case.

It features a setting for variable speed.

The motor’s robustness is ensured by its brushless design.

The tool’s neck’s width is the perfect size for your hand. Additionally, it is overmolded to retain it firmly in your hand.

Cons:

• The box does not contain the battery pack.

Sebring Tip:

I appreciate a lot of the capabilities that the RIDGID R86044V Compact Router has to offer. The variable speed control on this cordless laminate trimmer allows it to operate at speeds ranging from 17,000 RPM to 25,000 RPM. In softer workpieces that may be harmed by a more potent trim router, this tool is ideal for smoothing out edges or cutting grooves.

With the quick-release clamp, you can effortlessly remove the fixed base of this RIDGID trim router. The front dial is utilized for making micro-fine adjustments, while the clamp is also used for making coarse adjustments.

The square and circular base plates are transparent, making up for the absence of an LED light. To guarantee a clean working environment, it also incorporates a transparent barrier.

Although this tool is reasonably priced, it does not include a RIDGID battery pack. The price will increase if you don’t have a RIDGID battery pack at home or at work.

7. KOBALT 24V MAX CORDLESS ROUTER KR 124B-03

Pros:

• Adjustable speed dial
• Power under load is excellent
• Good sightlines
• 5-year warranty
• Fastest bit speed

Cons:

• Micro-adjustment glides smoothly
• Slightly top heavy
• To change bits, you must first remove the base

Sebring Tip:

Even though Kobalt’s cordless router has a peak speed of 30,000 RPM, it is still much more powerful than the top models.

The settings are easy to use, and it has a great sightline to the bit. On the other side, for certain persons, the microadjustment’s freedom of movement may be problematic. On the other hand, it and Makita both received the highest ratings for ergonomics.

There is no way to change the bit without completely removing the router from its base due to the location of the collet lock. This shouldn’t be a problem for everyone because it’s typically simpler to replace bits on any trim router with the base off.

One of our preferred models of cordless router that doesn’t include a battery or charger is this one. The fence is included, though, and it comes with one of the strongest warranties on the market—five years.

Cordless Trim Router Buyer’s Guide

There are many things a cordless trim router can do. These include rounding out edges, cutting grooves, dovetailing, and more. It can also drill holes and cut inlays. Although the cordless version has its limitations when it comes to battery life, it is nonetheless as powerful as a corded laminate trimmer. 

It also has the added benefit of being more portable than its corded sibling. You have to be diligent when it comes to making sure that your battery is always fully charged before you go to the jobsite, but that’s a small price to pay for having a compact and portable power tool.

Fixed Base or Plunge Base? Which One’s Right For You?

A fixed base trim router is great for common routing jobs, such as rounding out edges, chamfering, and shaping. Because of its compact base, it is more lightweight than its plunge base counterpart. It is also easier to maneuver while working, making it ideal for first-time users.

You can tell that you’re using a plunge base trim router when you see that the base is larger and that it has two handles at the sides. As the name implies, the base allows you to ‘plunge’ or drop the tool into the material you’re working on before cutting it.

This type of router is ideal for cutting grooves, dovetailing, engraving, and other more challenging routing jobs. It’s going to take some time before you can perfect the use of this tool if you’re an amateur DIYer or woodworker.

The good news is some brands and models let you have the best of both worlds with interchangeable bases. These laminate trimmers are more expensive, but you can always swap a fixed base to a plunge base or vice versa whenever you want.

Power

A trim router with 1 HP or less is ideal for light and occasional projects. But if you’re planning to use the cordless laminate trimmer every day, then choose one with a higher HP rating.

But trim routers are more than just their horsepower rating. The most important factors when determining routing power are amp rating and RPM. The rule of thumb when it comes to these tools is the higher the RPM and the amp rating, the better the performance.

Soft Start Feature

Remember the first time you held a router? The sudden jolt its motor produced startled you, only increasing your apprehension in using a powerful tool. Thankfully, a lot of trim routers available on the market today are equipped with a soft start mechanism. Laminate trimmers with this feature start gently before slowly accelerating to the desired speed.

Variable Speed Control

Many cordless trim routers are equipped with variable speed control. This allows you to control the tool’s feed rate, especially if you’re cutting laminates, plastics, and other delicate materials. Running the tool at a lower speed setting also prevents the bit from causing damage to the surface.

While it might be tempting to adjust the speed to the highest setting when using a larger bit, this is not recommended. It can damage your workpiece with burn marks, as well as dull your bits pretty quickly. But keep in mind that setting the speed too low can also produce rough and uneven cuts.

Bit Changing System

Some cordless trim routers only take one collet wrench to change the bit. Just push a button near the tool’s base, and use the wrench to tighten or loosen the collet when changing or installing a bit.

Some woodworkers, however, are more comfortable with the two-wrench bit-changing system. The first wrench is used to hold the shaft, while the second wrench is used to hold the collet.

Remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or any part of your house can be pretty daunting. Start your project with some home remodeling ideas, pricing guides, and more here at the Sebring Design Build blog.

CONCLUSION:

So, what’s the best cordless trim router, and what are the features that made it stand out?

If you’re willing to invest in an expensive piece of equipment that has it all, then the Makita XTR01T7 Compact Router Kit is the best choice. At the time of writing, this complete router set costs more than $300. But rest assured that you’ll get your money’s worth as the kit contains the tool itself, a battery pack, a fixed base, and a plunge base.

You’ll also get a wrench, a straight edge guide, and a durable plastic carry case that protects the tool and its accessories. The performance of this laminate trimmer with variable speed control was impressive even when you dial it down to the lowest speed setting.

But not everyone can afford this complete router kit, so if you’re looking for more affordable versions, then check out the RIDGID R86044V Compact Router and the Ryobi P601 One+ Trim Router. Both cordless trim routers exceeded expectations when it comes to performance and reliability. While it’s a little bulkier than the Ridgid compact trim router, the Ryobi router has the added advantage of having an LED light to illuminate your work surface.

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API