Three corded palm routers by their makers' figures
| Router | Collets | Speed (rpm) | Largest bit | Weight | Bases and guides in the documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Colt GKF125CE | 1/4 in | 16,000–35,000 | Cutter 1/4 in smaller than the 1-9/16 in opening | 4.4 lb | Fixed base; PR111 plunge base, PR110 sub-base and PR102 guide sold to fit |
| DEWALT DWP611 | 1/4 in | 16,000–27,000 | 1-3/8 in | Not stated in the documents reviewed | Standard fixed base; plunge base in the manual |
| Makita RT0701C | 1/4 and 3/8 in | 10,000–30,000 | Not stated in the manual | 3.9 lb | Trimmer base; offset base, trimmer guide and straight guide optional |
Each row is that maker's own figures. Bosch's and DEWALT's pages list 7 A for theirs. Not a ranking.
Equipment notePaid link
Palm router
Bosch GKF125CEN Colt
The Colt in the table above: by Bosch, 16,000–35,000 rpm, a 1-9/16 in base opening and a 1-3/16 in fixed-base depth range.
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What to compare
- Collet. 1/4 in on all three; Makita's also takes 3/8 in. Makita says to use 'bits of the correct shank diameter suitable for the speed of the tool'.
- Speed range. The low end matters for larger bits: 10,000 rpm on the Makita, 16,000 on the Bosch and DEWALT. Bit ratings are set against dials in the speed chart.
- Largest bit. DEWALT allows up to 1-3/8 in; Bosch ties it to the opening; check the limit before planning larger profiles.
- Bases. A fixed base for edges and laminate; a plunge base for small stopped cuts; Makita's optional offset base reaches close to an obstruction. Which are in the box varies by kit.
- Depth and guides. How depth is set and locked, and which edge guides and template sub-bases fit — see jigs and templates.
- Soft start and speed control. DEWALT and Makita list soft start; all three describe electronics that hold the set speed.
Where the manuals disagree
Makita's manual says to insert the bit all the way into the collet cone and tighten the nut. Bosch's Colt manual says to insert it fully and then back it out until the cutters are about 1/8–1/4 in from the nut, with at least 5/8 in of shank in; Milwaukee's says to back it out slightly so it does not bottom. These are different instructions for different routers, and each applies to its own; follow the manual of the router in your hand. All agree that a collet is never tightened without a bit in it. Seating a bit is covered in router bits.
Hand-held tools
All three are made for one-hand control on the work. Makita says to operate its trimmer only when hand-held; DEWALT says its DWP611 is not recommended for use in a router table; Bosch's Colt manual does not address table use. Makita limits grooves to 1/8 in a pass in its trimmer; Bosch's grip uses finger pockets with guards over the work. How palm routers are held and used, including trimming laminate, is in palm and trim routers.
Palm, compact or cordless?
This guide compares corded palm routers for hand-held work. Compact routers including battery models, and the question of putting one in a table, are in choosing a compact router; battery routers alone are in choosing a cordless router; and a full-size router for 1/2 in bits is in choosing a router.
Before buying a palm router
- Collet size matches the bits you have or will buy
- Low enough bottom speed for your largest bit
- Largest-bit limit covers your profiles
- The bases you need in the box, or sold to fit
- Edge guide and template sub-base that fit
- Planned for hand-held work, as its maker intends
The router family is mapped in the router guide.
Sources
Specification-based: every figure is the maker's own for the router named. Where the makers' instructions disagree — on bit insertion — both are given and your own manual governs. Current is listed as published and not used to compare performance. No router was tested, none is ranked, and no prices are given.
- 1.
GKF125CE Colt Palm Router Operating/Safety Instructions. Bosch, 2018.
Used for: The Colt: 1/4 in shank bits only; dial 1–6 from 16,000 to 35,000 rpm; the cutter at least 1/4 in smaller than the opening; finger-support pockets with guards; bits inserted fully then backed out until the cutters are about 1/8–1/4 in from the nut, at least 5/8 in in; optional PR111 plunge base and PR110 round sub-base; no statement on table use.
- 2.
GKF125CEN Colt 1.25 HP (Max) Variable-Speed Palm Router. Bosch.
Used for: The Colt's published figures: 7 A, 16,000–35,000 rpm, 1-9/16 in base opening, 1-3/16 in fixed-base depth range, 4.4 lb.
- 3.
DWP611 Compact Router, Instruction Manual. DEWALT.
Used for: The DWP611: infinitely variable from 16,000 to 27,000 rpm, dial settings 1–6; 1/4 in shanks; no bit over 1-3/8 in; soft start; LED lights; electronics that hold speed; 'Not recommended for use in a router table'; avoiding climb cutting.
- 4.
DWP611 1-1/4 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router. DEWALT.
Used for: The DWP611's published figures: 7 A, 27,000 rpm maximum; a standard base included.
- 5.
Trimmer RT0700C / RT0701C, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The RT0701C: collets for 1/4 and 3/8 in; 10,000–30,000 rpm, dial settings 1–6; 3.9 lb; the bit inserted all the way into the collet cone; grooves no deeper than 1/8 in a pass; soft start and constant-speed electronics; optional offset base, trimmer guide and straight guide; the template-guide offset as (guide outside diameter − bit diameter) ÷ 2; 'Operate the tool only when hand-held'.
- 6.
M18 FUEL Compact Router, Cat. No. 2723-20, Operator's Manual. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: Backing a bit out slightly to avoid bottoming, with at least 1/16 in clearance, for comparison.
About this buying guide
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