Router bases and collets: fixed, plunge and compact routers by the makers' specs

What is the difference between a fixed-base and a plunge router?

Bosch describes fixed-base routers as ideal for edge routing and precise cuts, and plunge routers as letting the bit start above the material and plunge down into the cut, which suits mortising or inlay work. (Bosch Power Tools)

Taikra doesn't rank or test tools; every figure here is from the maker's own page or manual, linked.

What comes in a router combo kit?

Bosch's 1617EVSPK combo pack includes the motor, a plunge base and a fixed base (RA1161), and lists a 2-1/4" plunge depth. (Bosch Power Tools)

DEWALT's DW618PK kit pairs the DW618M motor pack with a DW6184 fixed base and a DW6182 plunge base.

DEWALT's compact DWP611PK kit also includes both a plunge base and a fixed base, and DEWALT notes its adjustment ring allows depth changes to within 1/64 in. on the fixed base.

Triton's TRA001 is sold as a dual-mode plunge router and ships with a table height winder. (Triton Tools)

What is a compact, palm or trim router?

Bosch's GKF125CEN palm router lists 1.25 HP (max), a 1/4" collet and 16,000-35,000 RPM, and ships with a fixed base. (Bosch Power Tools)

Makita's RT0701C compact router lists 1-1/4 HP (maximum), a 1/4" collet and 10,000 - 30,000 RPM, and ships with a trimmer base. (Makita U.S.A.)

DEWALT's DWP611PK compact router lists a 7 amp motor.

1/4-inch or 1/2-inch collet?

The compact routers compared here list a 1/4" collet only: Bosch's GKF125CEN and Makita's RT0701C. (Bosch Power Tools; Makita U.S.A.)

Full-size routers list larger collets: Bosch's 1617EVSPK lists 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 8 mm collets, Makita's RP2301FC ships with 1/2" and 1/4" collets, and DEWALT's DW618PK includes 1/4" and 1/2" collets. (Bosch Power Tools; Makita U.S.A.)

Triton lists a maximum cutter shank of 1/2" for the TRA001 and includes both 1/4" and 1/2" collets, and Milwaukee lists a 1/2 in. collet for the 5625-20. (Triton Tools; Milwaukee Tool)

Festool lists a 1/4" - 5/16" (6 - 8 mm) collet range for the OF 1010 REBQ-Plus and 1/4" - 1/2" (6 - 12.7 mm) for the OF 1400 EQ-F-Plus. (Festool)

How do horsepower, speed and plunge depth compare?

DEWALT rates the DW618 at 2-1/4 HP (maximum motor HP) with a 12.0 amp electronic variable speed motor and a maximum speed of 24000 rpm.

Makita lists 3-1/4 HP and 9,000 - 22,000 RPM for the RP2301FC, and Milwaukee lists electronic variable speed of 10,000-22,000 rpm for its 3-1/2 max HP 5625-20, a page that also states the product is no longer available. (Makita U.S.A.; Milwaukee Tool)

Triton lists 2400W and 8000 - 21,000rpm for the TRA001, and Festool lists 1,400 watt and 10,000 - 22,500 RPM for the OF 1400 EQ-F-Plus. (Triton Tools)

Top speeds on the compact routers run higher, 30,000 RPM on Makita's RT0701C and 35,000 on Bosch's GKF125CEN. (Makita U.S.A.; Bosch Power Tools)

Listed plunge depth ranges from 2-1/8" (55 mm) on Festool's OF 1010 to 2-3/4" on Makita's RP2301FC and 0 - 68mm on Triton's TRA001. (Makita U.S.A.; Triton Tools)