Best Palm Router

Best Palm Router UK Reviews (Corded And Cordless)

If you’re looking for a compact router designed for medium to light-scale operations, a palm router is the right tool for the job. However, instead of hitting the market looking for a device from the wide range of available products, our review streamlines your options to the best palm routers in the UK.

Specific intricacies like budget, machine design (corded or cordless), power, the intended purpose of use, and other factors distinguish your ideal product from the rest. We accounted for these specifics, making our picks divergent enough but delivering top-quality performance.

Enough said, let’s dig into the review.

Palm Routers: Our Top 6

PictureModelScorePrice
Makita RT0700CX49.8Check
Makita XTR01Z9.8Check
VonHaus Compact Palm Router9.4Check
Bosch GKF 6009.0Check
Ryobi R18TR-0 Cordless Trim Router9.0Check
CtopoGo Electric Hand Trimmer8.4Check

Detailed Reviews

1. Makita RT0700CX4

Makita RT0700CX4

RT0700CX4 palm router is an excellent option if you’re looking for a top-quality trimmer in the UK with a lightweight design suitable for professional-scale applications.

Features

This trimmer has a powerful 710W rated motor that delivers a maximum no-load speed of 30,000 for high-speed, high-precision beveling in woodworking and cabinetry applications. The drive system features the typical brushed-motor technology that requires a change of its carbon brushes after prolonged use but still manages to deliver top-quality performance and power at all times.

For more versatile beveling, the tool allows for speed adjustment from its integrated speed control dial from 10,000 to 30,000rpm. This function combines well with its lightweight construct, offering great flexibility for edge forming, decorative work, trimming, slot cutting, and many other uses.

Its construct shimmers the reputation peculiar to its manufacturer. First, this palm router has a flat top design for stability when changing bits. This design works alongside the shaft-lock option that, as the name suggests, disallow the shaft from moving to promote easy, quick bit changes. The aluminum housing (both body and base) ensures better durability, heat dissipation, and high-accuracy.

There is precision depth adjustment on the tool for the exact selection of beveling depth. The soft-start option provides safety for users as well as eliminate the possibility of mishandling and errors when you turn on the unit. Precisely, this function allows the device to start at minimal speed and power, then building this speed/power to its maximum over a short while. If allowed to blast at full pace on startup, there is a high-possibility of power over-surge that could damage the machine’s internal components. Worse yet, the tool could jerk, causing unintentional cuts o workpieces.

It is worth mentioning that this trimmer features four different base assemblies (only supplied with a trimmer base, though) for more versatility and a quick-release cam lock system for convenient depth adjustment and base changes, be it a plunge, tilt or offset base.

Lastly, the included accessories are a trimmer guide, trimmer base, 13mm wrench, 22mm wrench, straight guide, two collets, dust extraction adaptor, and template guide.

Routing Performance

Collet Capacity6mm and 8mm
Plunge capacity0 – 40mm
No-Load Speed10,000 – 30,000rpm

Warranty

Makita provides a 1-year standard guarantee on this device and an option for 3years extended warranty if registered online. 

Product Specification

Dimension47.3 x 24.9 x 14 cm (L x W x H)
Machine’s Weight1.8 kg
Power710 W

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Four base options for more versatility
  • Supplied dust extraction adaptor
  • Superior-grade construction with long-lasting abilities

Cons

  • Low mobility because of its corded design
  • Pricey

Check Price


2. Makita XTR01Z LXT

Makita XTR01Z

This awwesome palm router comes with a design and construction suitable for a full range of woodworking and cabinetry applications. It is an excellent pick if you’re looking for a powerful cordless router in the UK for professional-scale applications.

Features

Simply put, trimmers are only as good as their drive systems. Every other option comes behind driving performance. This palm router utilizes the advanced brushless-motor technology and delivers a similar speed as the RT0700CX4- 30,000rpm. As the name suggests, Brushless motors do not use carbon brushes in their internal motor components, and this advanced design provides specific advantages over their brushed cousins.

First, there is little to no possibility of overheating since there are no moving parts in its motor-design. Thus, better power efficiency. Brushless motors can deliver more power and torque per weight, so they can weigh slightly lower than the brushed ones butprovide the same performance.

This palm router comes with the speed dial option for selecting speeds between 10,000 to 30,000rpm to match a wide range of applications. The smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system accounts for a more precise setting, and the electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load. There is also a quick-release cam lock system for convenient depthadjustment and base installation/removal.

The soft-start function on the device promotes smoother startups and better handling. Its aluminum construction (base and body) ensures durability, lightweight and further improves accuracy. Anon-marring, highly durable base insert provides workpiece protection, and the Star Protection Computer Controls prevents overloading, overheating, and over-discharging.

Equipped with the ergonomic soft-grip feature, this machine’s handling is quite exceptional. The handling is further improved with the high-visibility base design that accounts for more performance with better stability.

The palm router connects to Makita vacuum cleaners with the optional dust nozzle to provide a cleaner/safer work environment, and the integrated twin LED light allows for illumination of work areas.      

Another notable feature of this trimmer is the lock button that prevents accidental startups and its rapid charger with integrated Syneon chips that optimizes battery usage to work application for better power efficiency. 

Finally, supplied with the tool are two 5Ah Li-ion Batteries, Rapid Optimum Charger, trimmer base, interlocking case, straight guide, two spanner wrench, two collets, and two template guides.

Routing Performance

Collet Capacity6mm
Plunge capacity0 – 40mm
No-Load Speed10,000 – 30,000rpm

Warranty

Makita provides a 1-year standard guarantee on this device and an option for 3years extended warranty if registered online. 

Product Specification

Dimension30.5 x 40.5 x 33.7cm (L x W x H)
Machine’s Weight2.0 kg
Power18v 5Ah Battery

Pros

  • Supplied with two lithium-ion batteries
  • Brushless motor-technology
  • Feature-rich
  • Cordless convenience

Cons

  • Limited collet capacity
  • Expensive

Check Price


3. VonHaus Compact Router

VonHaus Compact Palm Router

This amazing palm router may be a perfect choice for DIYers looking for a lightweight router for cutting, trimming, and shaping applications on woods, metal, plastic, and laminate and do not want to break the bank for it.

Features

As with Makita RT0700CX4, this compact palm router comes with a 710W rated motor but delivers a higher no-load sped of 32,000rpm for even cleaner and smoother cuts. The drive system features the brushed motor type rather than the advanced models but similarly delivers consistent, top-quality performance.

The device allows for speed optimization to suit different work applications from its variable speed dial. You can select between 10,000rpm to its maximum speed to tackle a wide range of operations.

Like other top-quality products, this one has an aluminum construction (both base and body) for quick heat dissipation, lightweight, high durability, and accuracy. It also features high visibility base design for better handling and performance alongside the soft-start function to improve handling and protect the operator/machine.

The tool’s carbon brushes are strategically placed for easy changes, and it comes with the shaft lock option that prevents rotation of the shaft for quick and easy bit installation/removal. There is also a cam lock system for convenient base changes.

Unlike Makita XTR01T7, this palm router supports both 6mm and 8mm shank, but its corded design slightly mars its mobility and versatility. But the tool is ideal for profiling on small workpieces but can be used for medium-scale cutting, shaping, and trimming tasks likewise.

One noteworthy feature of this palm router is its very compact and portable design that promotes working for extended periods without fatigue. Thanks to its soft-grip, rubber over-moulded design on the handle, vibrations from the unit do not go to the operator; thus, firmer, more comfortable, and safe handling.

Lastly, the tool comes with a trimmer guide, wrench, straight guide, trimmer base, two collets, a dust extraction adaptor, and a template guide. 

Routing Performance

Collet Capacity6mm and 8mm
Plunge capacity0 – 40mm
No-Load Speed10,000 – 32,000rpm

Warranty

The tool has a 2-year guarantee.

Product Specification

Dimension26.7 x 21.3 x 16.8 cm (L x W x H)
Machine’s Weight2.8 kg
Power710 W

Pros

  • Faster speeds for quick cutting, trimming and shaping with a better finish
  • Sturdy construction with long-lasting abilities
  • Strategically placed brushes for easy changes

Cons

  • Quite heavy for its size

Check Price


4. Bosch Professional GKF 600

Bosch GKF 600

If you are searching for a very lightweight, compact palm router in the UK to tackle light-scale tasks, say DIY projects with high accuracy, precision, and finish, this machine could be your perfect pick.

Features

Although this tool falls into its brand’s professional division, we can easily say it is most suited for DIY applications after comparing competitive models within its price range. First, the device comes with a fairly powerful 600W (the least on our list) motor but offers a staggering 33,000rpm of no-load speed (the highest on our list).

The palm router comes with standard features available on most competitive models for accuracy, ease of use, and superb handling. It has an aluminum housing for lightweight construction (1.5 kg- the lightest router in this review), quick heat dissipation, and extreme durability. The machine accepts industry standard template guides and has a shaft lock system with self-releasing collets for fast and convenient bit changes.

Although portable, the base gives excellent visibility of the cutter and workpiece for improved handling and performance. The soft-grip rubber over-moulded handles, as well as the slim/ergonomically designed body,further promotes firm and comfortable handling.

The continuous variable routing depth adjustment from the setting wheel and tight-fitting of the motor ensures the exact setting and repeatable precision. And the palm router is ideal for laminate edging, mortising, edge moulding, and many other trimming tasks.

Sadly, few options are missing on this tool, like the variable speed option for adjusting the device’s speed to suit different applications. Like with the Makita XTR01T7 LXT, it only supports 6mm collets.

Finally, supplied with the tool are a parallel guide, tilt base, overset base, circle cutting guide

Collet, open-end spanner.

Routing Performance

Collet Capacity6mm
Plunge capacity0 – 38 mm
No-Load Speed33,000rpm

Warranty

This device has a 3-year limited warranty activate if registered within four weeks from the purchase date.

Product Specification

Dimension19 x 16 x 9.4 cm (L x W x H)
Machine’s Weight1.5 kg
Power600 W

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Superb performance with fast speeds for smoother results with high finishing
  • Sturdy construction with an excellent warranty
  • Supplied with a carrying case for better mobility

Cons

  • Ideal for light-scale applications
  • No variable speed option

Check Price


5. Ryobi R18TR-0

Ryobi R18TR-0 ONE+

If you have a keen interest in cordless palm routers in the UK, this product is an excellent option to consider.

Features

R18TR-O features the advanced brushless technology motor that offers a no-load speed of 29,000rpm for fast and accurate cuts in various materials. Because of its brushless motor efficiency, the tool matches its torque and pace to challenging edge trimming demands, cutting, or shaping applications.

For durability, the palm router features an aluminum housing/base and a non-marring base insert. This base construction also provides workpiece protection, and its aluminum construction accounts for more accuracy.  Still, the machine has a quick-release lever for depth adjustment/base installation or removal, and the micro height adjustment wheel accounts for tine tuning to deliver accuracy.

A spindle/shaft lock system holds the shaft in place for easy/quick bit changes, and the integrated twin LED light promotes illumination of the work area for better visibility. However, unlike most versatile devices, this one supports only 6mm and 6.35mm.

The palm router is sold bare (without battery and charger) to reduce its costs. Yet, being part of the Ryobi ONE+ system, any 18V battery and charger in the same family (ONE+) will work perfectly on this device. 

Like every other product on our list, this machine features the rubber over-moulded handles for a firm, comfortable grip, and mitigation of the vibration from the spindle from getting to the operator. The tool accepts the standard industry template, and its base can be removed easily to install other base types.

Although it is quite slower than all the products on our list, the machine’s overall performance and finish are still impressive. It is compatible with a plunge base (not supplied) for added versatility and the soft start option for smoother startups, better accuracy without jerking, or extreme power surge.

Lastly, its included components are two collets, a straight cutter, one side fence, and a wrench.

Routing Performance

Collet Capacity6mm and 6.35mm
Maximum Plunge capacity38mm
No-Load Speed29,000rpm

Warranty

The tool has a 3-year guarantee.

Product Specification

Dimension22.6 x 16.3 x 10.5 cm (L x W x H)
Machine’s Weight1.7 kg
Power18V Battery

Pros

  • Cordless convenience
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Easy to operate
  • Brushless motor-technology 

Cons

  • No supplied battery, charger, carrying case, or plunge base
  • Expensive

Check Price


6. Ctopo Go

CtopoGo Electric Hand Trimmer

If you are on a budget and are looking for the best trimmer to buy in the UK, the Ctopo Go palm router is one machine that delivers excellent performance, offering great value for its very small price.

Features

This palm router comes with an 800W all-copper brushed motor that delivers 30,000rpm of rotational speed, perfect for wood trimming, metal grooving, and carving.

The all-copper design promotes better power output with more consistent delivery, and the integrated stainless steel gear transmission further ensures constant speed at all times.

As with all the products on our list, this one has an aluminum cast body for stability, durability, and accuracy. But it features a transparent base design for better accuracy /recognition while working and the soft-start function for smoother startups with no likelihood of error from jerking.

The palm router is compatible with common template guides (supplied with one) and a trimming guide for roller running along the curve, guaranteeing the exactness of the curve’s cut and processing. Its lift knob scale can be adjusted to meet different tasks, clearly visible, and easy to operate.

There is a shaft-lock option on the router for an easy and quick change of bits, and the quick-release cam lock system lets you change the base for other operations quite conveniently. Moreover, the unit comes with ergonomic grip handles featuring rubber over moulds for comfortable and firm handling while mitigating vibrations from the spindle from reaching your hands.

A non-marring base insert provides work protection for this tool, and the six supplied extra carbon brushes ensure extended service life. Although it comes with a low price, there is no compromise on its performance, versatility, and durability. Specifically, the tool handles wood processing, cabinet processing, plastic sheeting, handicraft production, wood veneer, grooving, surface finish, curve cutting, planing wood edge, chamfering, and other pattern processing operations. It comes with similar construction with an all copper motor design that provides roughly the same durability as pricier models.

Finally, the accessories included with the trimmer are router bit, straight guide, guide plate, two wrenches, six carbon brush, one screw, and 12PCS 1/4” shank woodworking router bits.

Routing Performance

Collet Capacity6.35mm
Maximum Plunge capacity38mm
No-Load Speed30,000rpm

Warranty

The tool has a 2-year guarantee.

Product Specification

Dimension20 x 9 x 8.3cm (L x W x H)
Machine’s Weight1.7 kg
Power800 W

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Excellent value for its price
  • Robust motor with all-copper design
  • Superb overall performance
  • Sturdy construction with long-lasting abilities

Cons

  • Not supplied with a carrying case
  • It supports only 6.35mm collet

Check Price


Buyer’s Guide: Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Palm Router

Generally, palm routers, like those that made our top picks in the UK, come with identical features you might almost overlook (e.g., 6mm and 6.35mm collet capacity). However, if not exact, the performance of the devices will be different.

So, you must be careful before making your purchase decisions; even better, be conversant with the specifications that your ideal device needs. Below are some of these specifics. 

Power:

It is worth repeating that your router is only as good as its drive system and power. Tools with more power will tackle even heavier tasks efficiently without overheating and delivering uneven cutting speeds. Generally, palm routers come with ratings below 2hp. So, if you’re looking to handle light-scale DIY tasks, a 600W motor like the one on Bosch Professional GKF will be justfine. For more intense jobs, go for those with a higher power, for example, Ctopo Go trimmer.

No-Load Speed:

No-load speed, as the name implies, is the machine’s pace when idle. So, if you see a rating, say 30,000rpm, the palm router may run at the speed while idle, but its pace is different when in use.

Like with motors, the higher the rotational speed, the higher the overall performance of the tool. Faster motors may not necessarily be more powerful- in fact, some of the fastest routers were engineered with low-power motors- but will guarantee smoother operations with higher finishing.

Depth Control:

This function enables you to adjust the depth or height of the tool for versatility. Top routers come with a decent depth-range that suits most applications and allows adjustments from the table-top via a dial or manual handle.

Variable Speed Option:

Many routers allow you to adjust the motor’s speed while others don’t. The variable speed feature comes in handy when you’re going to work on different materials, and you’ll need to optimize the device’s speed to match the work operation.

So, you must decide whether a one-speed setting matches your tasks, or you will need to adjust the tool’s speed at some point for delicate operations.

Final Words

We are confident that you found your ideal tool from our best palm router Uk review. Even more, we are sure that you know the specifications (at least a range) your perfect device must have, be it power, speed, depth adjustment, and more.  As a parting note- take proper care and maintenance of your tool to increase its service life and allow it to deliver top performance at all times.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *