Compact router recommendation

Bosch Colt is the usual recommendation: https://smile.amazon.com/Bosch-Colt-Variable-Speed-Router-GKF125CEN/dp/B01AX4A95S/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2OZJHNANM0QM&dchild=1&keywords=bosch+colt+router&qid=1611333667&sprefix=bsoch+colt%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-2

I have the Rigid 2401: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-5-5-Amp-Corded-Compact-Fixed-Base-Router-R24012/100337039 in a table. It’s okay, some non-ideal things about it, but it works fine.

I have a few Bosch Colts from when they were what you could get. They are fine motors, with squirrelly clamping devices. Though they upgrade nicely with the addition of the plunge router base for them. It’s an extra cost.

Being as you can get the DeWalt set of solid, and plunge bases for less than all the Bosch parts I believe they are now the stated set to get.

Having both bases right off will become useful to you, almost guaranteed.

Amazon has the set, comes from DeWalt. I’m sure other online venues do as well.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW618PKB-Fixed-Plunge-Router/dp/B00D8WJDC8/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dewalt+router+611&qid=1611392823&sr=8-2

-- Think safe, be safe

Curious to suggest a trim router for fixed table work. They look handy, but for a router table, I think I would go full size. Their advantage being smaller is for hand held use in tight spots. You can’t spin big cutters in small routers. Like all woodworking tools, every time I tried to go small or cheap, it cost more as I wind up buying the bigger tool anyway.

My router table has a Tridon as it’s base functions like a lift if you take out the spring. Not cheap, but very nice.
http://www.tritontools.com/en-US/Product/Power%20Tools/Routers/TRA001

For hand held, I also have the Ridgid combo, plunge and fixed base. Works fine as far as I can tell.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-11-Amp-2-HP-1-2-in-Heavy-Duty-Fixed-and-Plunge-Base-Corded-Router-R29303N/307377936

My “compact” ( 1/4 inch) is a 40 year old Craftsman. Thought it was pretty good until I got the big boys. Smaller than my half inch routers, a little bigger than the trim routers. At 1 HP, it does not bog down, but only spin small bits and light passes anyway.

The DeWalt 611 gets great reviews…..the only comment is that the body diameter may be too large for one handed use if the operator doesn’t have large hands. I found one at my local Lowes and picked it up to check the body diameter and it was too uncomfortable for me. The Makita RT0701C gets good reviews and I bought one.
As others have noted, why not at least a mid-size router for installation in a router table?

I like my Bosch Colt. Ive got the newer version with the round base and it works really well. My no means am I an expert with a router and mostly use mine just for roundovers and flush cutting but it works well, its super easy to adjust and super easy to use.

The 611 is a great trim router. I have one, as well as the Porter Cable that looks just like it (sans variable speed). Excellent tools for handheld roundovers and lighter cuts.

I wouldn’t choose a compact router for a table application though. You can’t use 1/2” shank bits, which is about half my collection. Plus you have a lot less power for the heavy joinery cuts.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

The DW is an excellent router, but either Bosch or Makita will work.

Height adjustment is going to be the most important factor especially in a table.

-- Everything is a prototype thats why its one of a kind!!

I have a Bosch router and made the woodsmith compact table for it.