Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
If you're looking for a router to buy...what do you get? Obviously the most powerful one on the market...right?
Maybe not. Because routers have one major flaw that makes them vulnerable to damage...Leverage.
Everything below the motor is hanging off a small shaft, bearings, and a collet. The wider the bit, or the deeper the pass...the more force gets shoved into that spindle.
These trim routers used to be known as laminate routers. They were originally designed for extremely light work. I still remember an associate telling me that trim routers weren’t capable of real woodworking because they were originally designed for lighter laminate work.
But the truth is, trim routers can handle far more woodworking than people think. All routers remove material with speed...not brute force.
A sharp bit spinning at 20,000 RPM only needs to shave off a tiny amount at a time.
And this misunderstanding gets even worse with larger routers...even a 1/2" collet doesn't mean you can take huge passes with oversized bits.
I’m not saying horsepower is useless. Larger routers CAN hold speed better under heavier cuts.
But more horsepower doesn’t mean you should start hogging material in one pass.
And the harder you push a router...the more wear and stress you put on the machine.
So to answer the question...which router should you get?
Don’t obsess over horsepower.
It’s really about making passes. Even large bits can be used safely if you’re patient.
Sharp bits and light passes will take you a lot farther than powerful motors ever will.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
If you're looking for a router to buy...what do you get? Obviously the most powerful one on the market...right?
Maybe not. Because routers have one major flaw that makes them vulnerable to damage...Leverage.
Everything below the motor is hanging off a small shaft, bearings, and a collet. The wider the bit, or the deeper the pass...the more force gets shoved into that spindle.
These trim routers used to be known as laminate routers. They were originally designed for extremely light work. I still remember an associate telling me that trim routers weren’t capable of real woodworking because they were originally designed for lighter laminate work.
But the truth is, trim routers can handle far more woodworking than people think. All routers remove material with speed...not brute force.
A sharp bit spinning at 20,000 RPM only needs to shave off a tiny amount at a time.
And this misunderstanding gets even worse with larger routers...even a 1/2" collet doesn't mean you can take huge passes with oversized bits.
I’m not saying horsepower is useless. Larger routers CAN hold speed better under heavier cuts.
But more horsepower doesn’t mean you should start hogging material in one pass.
And the harder you push a router...the more wear and stress you put on the machine.
So to answer the question...which router should you get?
Don’t obsess over horsepower.
It’s really about making passes. Even large bits can be used safely if you’re patient.
Sharp bits and light passes will take you a lot farther than powerful motors ever will.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
