Best Cordless Router - Head To Head

[@jeffstarnes7691]

Wow! One of the best reviews I’ve ever seen!! No delays, no repeats, no stumbling, just review!!! Thanks. I’m getting the Milwaukee

[@babydyke416]

I got the Milwaukee!! Now I need money for good bits lol

[@thegoodfight365]

I'm a part time technophobe or maybe just lacking common sense. Either way it wasn't so long ago that in order to get the information from channels like yours you had to actually know a woodworker (willing to school you). And outside of a bored uncle who does more grumbling than teaching.(ok that's my personal experience) The point of my rambling is to say 💭 "I'm truly grateful to you, the Tool Box Buzz crew and the other ppl and channels dedicated to keeping the craft of wood working not just alive but thriving.. My 10 yr old grandson spends a weekend with me each month. And one of my biggest joys is watching him bypass the playstation 🎮 to don work clothes, goggles. Eager to build something. Seriously Thankful for all that you do 👍🏾

[@codacreator6162]

This is how comparison videos should be done. Right to the point, specific details and explanations of the characteristics compared, why they matter and how each router fared. I'm just getting back into woodworking after learning a bit as a kid and I don't often know which features are most important for me or why I should look for them. I bought a starter pack of power tools from a bunch of different sellers on a garage sale app. I did pretty well (I think) saving a ton of money over new and videos like this helped a bunch in choosing. But, I didn't look at (apparently) the right video before buying a used corded plunge router and got a Craftsman Industrial for $30. It wasn't until I started to look at it and clean it up that I realized two limitations that I'd overlooked (3 if you count the fact that Craftsman is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker and parts are problematic because it's on the older side): it's got 1 speed at 12,000rpm and it came with zero accessories, which means I need a 1/4" adapter if I'm going to use anything other than 1/2" bits. Still, so far it seems to be a pretty good buy, though I haven't actually used it, yet. Lesson learned. One lesson I did learn before I started was to buy all corded tools in the beginning and I did. With the exception on cordless drill and driver which I got from my brother in law, they're all corded. The drill/driver set are Dewalt, and I have two batteries and a charger for them, so I got lucky there. Likely, if I buy any other cordless tools, they'll be Dewalt, too, if for no other reason than batteries are ridiculously expensive and don't often come with the tools much, especially second-hand. Glad he knew what he was about with tools and didn't buy cheap.

[@ijtoyosi]

the best tool review channel on youtube hands down!

[@MsElijah16]

Second that, and I'm Milwaukee so it's strokes my ego too

[@alexibarra1230]

isaac toyosi i agree 100% with you, I usually go here before I buy any tool, and well looks like I’m going makita, mainly cause I have everything makita, but it’s up there with dewalt and Milwaukee

[@cxbx3413]

AvE has the best tool review sir

[@martinluthierking]

@@cxbx3413 this.

[@martinluthierking]

sorry but AvE is the best.

[@choppedchamp8757]

I own the Makita as I'm pretty vested into their 18v LXT lineup. The one thing that Makita did with their cordless compact is that they made it interchangeable with all of the corded version bases along with the dust collection port which is a huge plus. I usually keep my cordless in with my corded kit so I'm fully equipped out in the field. I agree that it would be nice to have a better micro adjustment, but my plunge base works great for that. Good video, thanks!!

[@jamUSA24]

I've been looking for a comprehensive review of cordless routers and this is by far the best and most comprehensive review I found anywhere. Thank you for the detailed information. I can now make my purchase with peace of mind.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks glad u like it

[@Paracordguild]

A lot of detail and work went into this video. Keep up the good work.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks

[@GOATGamerProSticks]

@A Concord Carpenter / ToolBoxBuzz Is it fair to say the Makita is the most compact for hard to reach tight spots for size & girth? Im on the fence for a home router. I already have Makita 18V drills so the battery platform suites me knowing the tools platform they can use seems the most vast of all the platforms. Im an ex bench joiner looking to craft in lockdown of life, with a few mitre template jigs, straight edges & squares i could get by with all manner of router cutters. But knowing my luck they will release a 1/2" 40V model by sods law lol. My question relates to power & cutter profile availability im a bit rusty on that knowledge front knowing 1/4 was weaker trimmer bits traditionally, 3/8 was a less used cutter varient for popular bits? (But still useable in those 18V with collet?), 1/2 is the ideal work horse. Is there any user feedback you can add? Im still not certain if metric shaft bits also exist just to find the pitfalls as a redundant bench hand in the UK.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@GOATGamerProSticks yes accurate

[@GOATGamerProSticks]

@A Concord Carpenter / ToolBoxBuzz Right then my first project will be a tool chest coffee table with a liftable solid door blank top as a hidden work surface, 4 pivot up legs locked in place with surface lvl winders. All under any home appropriate table top cap I can think up with mitred downturn sides to hide it, 18mm solid oak tongue & grove floor boards should fit the bill as donor boards mitred corners for the outer top with glass or plexiglass top housed in puzzle or board game underneath, chess board. Design in progress imaginations the limit, lift out picture frames for puzzles? Its all good if i can realize the foundation get my hands on the materials a few choice wood veneers can make any toot look good white glue & an iron, get on there lol. Ill need a sander & vacuum it all adds up trying to approximate a compact workshop. Wheel barrow design box to clean house move it? Custom base plates to flip & house the router in the door blank for a pin router. Biscuit & wood joint cutters & im off in a cloud of saw dust in my front room, she will love that NOT! Got to get the extraction down some form of custom shroud will be in order, this idea got complicated fast but ive got to start somwhere before i perish from pointless youtube knowledge craming Lol.

[@GOATGamerProSticks]

@@ConcordCarpenter Hmm this is infuriating stuff on an all day search in the UK. I cant find 3/8" shank bits for love nor money? But the Katsu copy of the Makita style offers 6, 8 & 10mm collets if there interchangeable? 9.525mm = 3/8" shank bits seem more exclusive to even bother worrying about & all mainstream UK stores ive searched only stock standard 1/4" or 1/2" bits. Great fun this tool hunting lol. In conclusion 8mm shank bits seem the way to go with the right collet adapter there the more abundant option.

[@walterk1963]

It is nice to see unbiased and very well thought out testing procedures as well as real life applications with tools. Nice job!

[@nikolaskish3453]

Great video! Much appreciated. Going to make my decision on a new trim router much easier. Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@justgregnow]

Wow. I'm blown away with the great length you guys went through to put together the best tool test/review I've ever seen. Nice job guys and TY 👍

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thx

[@barrywuthrich8530]

The Ryobi ia on sale at Home Depot for $49. Two 4 hr batteries are on sale for $79. That's a winner for me.

[@christianroach8105]

Breaks in a month of use😂

[@barrywuthrich8530]

@@christianroach8105 mine is still going strong 2 years later.

[@hanscollins1413]

You don't think the others break,haha.i use mainly Makita now,Ryobi worked just fine for many years.mskita batteries,quality are definitely better.i still have 20 year old Ryobi tools that do the job​@@christianroach8105

[@daveclark8337]

I paid $36 for the Ryobi around Xmas. It's worked fine for my handheld uses. Those other brands seem to sell for 4 to 5 times as much in the real world. But if I had a CNC rig like that, Yes I'd want a better router to go with it.

[@elingsley]

I have the Dewalt Cordless Router and love it, glad to see it won the testing, but like others have said, I'm heavily committed to the Dewalt Battery lineup and while I do have a few Milwaukee tools and a few batteries, I mostly try and stick to DeWalt unless I feel that the Milwaukee or Metabo or whatever is that much better. (I own the Milwaukee gen2 Brad nailer and the Metabo cordless framing nailer because I believe they are so much better than the dewalt that I'm willing to have other batteries kicking around just for those tools)

[@barryallen5507]

The battery dewalt nailers leave much to be desired, because of their chain ratcheting spring style system and relatively slow rate of fire and loud noise. My m18 framing nailer is only _just_ loud enough that I need to wear hearing protection, and can fire faster than I'll ever need it to.

[@Huey52123]

A year after this well done, as always, video I still highly value my Makita 18V trim router. I chose it mostly for battery commonality with my many other Makita cordless tools but still appreciate the meticulously tested competing brand evaluation points. Thanks again!

[@charlieodom9107]

I just bought the Makita because I have other Makita tools, but haven't used it. I plan on getting the plunger for it as well.

[@duncanmccallum7536]

Makita is the only one with a template guide and plunger attachments buy the complete kit with the box it does everything well.

[@CPBuilds]

The corded Makita is the reason why I bought 2 of the cordless ones. Absolutely love everything about that trim router. That also got me into their 18V platform which was nice. Excellent comparison video.

[@EPSTomcat11]

This comparison review is one of the best I’ve ever seen... Well done.

[@csimet]

Agree with your ranking, but I wound up getting a Ryobi at a ridiculous low price (

[@libertarian1637]

The Dewalt has the benefit of being the same size as their compact routers so the plug in stuff is the same size; I gave the plunge base and it makes it a much more useful tool.

[@bbfoto7248]

@Chris Lackey All of the bases and accessories for the Makita Corded AND Cordless routers are interchangeable as well. Makita also makes an Angle Base and an Offset Base for these routers. I have the DeWalt corded & cordless versions as well. They are all very useful tools, and I have never had any problems with the DeWalt holding its depth setting securely.

[@libertarian1637]

I didn’t know that; thanks for the info. Anywhere you can maximize usefulness while reducing the number of tools or manufacturers is good.

[@noclass2gun342]

Milwaukee has a set of accessories available

[@marekmroz5018]

hi guys as a owner of many milwaukee (mostly smaller tools impact wrenches skillsaw) and dewalt ones (mostly big ones table saw, planer etc) i bought router from dewalt in uk , it comnes as a set with two base 2 fences separate translucent bases for fixed base dust shrouds and 2 collets in box ....pricy but amaizng value, for 30 pounds you get atachment that conect your router to dewalt rails (any dadaos in any place on earth) fixed base is a bit thick but you can buy spare one from corder version (both are almost same) which doesnt have that rubber pad around (that make it thick ) its true about posubility to move ring during work ...but you really have to push on it ,,,,and personaly i keep my both hand on d shaped piece of base for stability(that ring have small advantage beyond being more precise than others , if you fill up inside your base with chips you can press both butons on ring remove base tilt to clear it (still holding ring in other hand ) than put it back keeping same bit distance ,sound dodgy but found it working with mdf a life saver , ps . plunge base acceps guides , same as round insert (translucent plastic) for fixed base (in uk its TREND standard) best regards mark

[@AirborneSapper82]

As always the best reviewing channel hands down. I watch reviews on everything. This channel by far is the best. Keep up the good work. You guys have something special here.

[@eliaswreford4523]

I love the reviews of the cordless stuff because even if I don’t run that particular battery platform in general it gives me places where exceptions can be made and it makes buying a certain brand while not all that often, worth it.

[@weedylock]

i have Makita and all i ever done with it is cut hinges and intuminescent strips :D, all my cordless tools are makita :D

[@benjaminromshak9904]

I just bought the ryobi in a three pack bare tool set from Home Depot. Glue gun, cordless router, and sander for 74 bucks. It was on the daily deal page. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I don’t use a route a bunch and have a big corded Hitachi when I need to get super serious. Thought that a cordless router will come in handy though when I don’t want to pull the big hitachi out. Great review as always!! 🍻🍻

[@scottfindley9410]

That's a hell of a deal, I need to start watching for that deal to come back

[@agent7agent759]

There are 276 ungrateful individuals who didn't appreciate the efforts of educating and putting all the information on the plate for us so we can see what's on the market and how these products perform from very trusted sources, very nice reviews and thank you guys for taking the time of making these videos and you made many viewers very happy 👍

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Well said

[@walkkey1]

I am blown away by the time and effort that you put into this video! It is greatly appreciated. Thank you. I just subscribed.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thank you

[@paulhennessy5324]

I got the Dewalt trimmer about 6 months ago, in the UK you can get bare tool but it comes in a t stack case a traditional plunge base which it just slots into,a round plus square router base an edge guide and two dust extraction ports for trim and plunge base, there’s a centre cone and 8mm collet all this for around £290. Dewalt fan!

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

As a cabinet maker who rounds all my edges on cabinetry... I could spend 8 hours on a trim router on a large job. Holding a trim router with 1 hand for that amount of time is excruciatingly painful and difficult. I had to add a hardwood handle onto makita trim router. And yes the base on it sucks. I made my own base kinda like the DeWalt base but with a larger square flat surface. After taking care of those details I have 0 issues with the router and I could not imagine replacing it at this time. I already went through a DeWalt router. The motor speed was all funky. I don't have much confidence in DeWalt durability since I've had 2 DeWalt Routers and a few DeWalt drills that crapped out on me. Never had a Makita crap out unless I broke it being a dummy

[@answeris4217]

Have you tried the cordless sander??? I own the rigid and it's unusable. Loads of power but I have major problems controlling it. Oh and talk about uncomfortable... I don't know who can have a hand that would make it comfortable.

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

@@answeris4217 hah. No I don't have the cordless sander. I used to have rigid tools. Some were OK and some were too heavy or clunky. Only problem I've ever had with a Makita tool is that their 18g nailer is a bit bulky and heavy. But other than that all Makita tools are awesome. That's why I switched from rigid to Makita. I would bet the sander is great as well.

[@regibson23]

Why not route them on a routing table?

[@answeris4217]

I would think if you are doing cabinets for a living you have a minimum of 3 table setups to go with a 4th for templates if needed. A trim router is super useful to flush trim and round over stuff. If you have a fully built drawer or cabinet it's easier to take a light trim router to the work then the heavy cabinet to a work station

[@answeris4217]

@@regibson23 There's also the fact of bit shaft sizes. On a router table you have 1/2 inch collette for regular heavy duty wood shaping. A lot of the smaller woodworking bits use 1/4 inch shafts and switching collettes will end up in losing the collette which ends up in days of no pruduction.

[@davidshute9863]

This is probably the single best comparison for actual use ive ever seen

[@OswaldoAgurto]

Best comparisons on the web guys. Methods that reduce bias. Congratulations

[@DonovanCYoung]

At least two of my Ryobi 4ah batteries are well over 10 years old (they're not even anti-theft green!) and are still working flawlessly with no discernable (at least by me) drop in power or runtime. So is the original Ryobi drill I bought with them. Regardless of anything else, that has sold me on Ryobi. I think people get in their heads because they equate Ryobi to "cheap" and/or just don't like the color, tbh. Then again, I'm a hobbyist, not a contractor, so YMMV.

[@wildgoose6596]

Amazing review! I don't know how you guys find the time to do such in-depth reviews, but we all appreciate your efforts. Well done and thank you.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

After work and weekends brother

[@wildgoose6596]

I just grabbed the Ryobi off the clearance shelf for around $50. I'm not sure why it was there, but for $50 I figured I'd give it a shot. I routed some hinges and striker plates and it worked great. It was a basement closet so I just free handed it and it was surprisingly easy to follow a line. A handy little tool, and I doubt I'll have much use for the very nice full-size Milwaukee corded router that now sits on the shelf.

[@gunnydavis1251]

Thanks for the video.What truly is amazing to me is the technology growth in the last 30 years I was a Trim Carpenter back then and I remember when Makita came out with their cordless Drill with the long battery in the handle that started the technology race very nice there was nothing more frustrating than having to walk down 9 or 10 floors to trace your power loss Semper Fidelis

[@bndp]

absolutely awesome video as always. I'm a makita guy and got all makita stuff except for the nailers where I opted for Ryobi and use a makita-to-ryobi battery convertor I got for 20$. I love the makita trim router - I think it's great value.. If I had to remake the choice of "which company to swear by" I did years ago I'd say I would have a hard time between makita and dewalt.

[@stevesiefken6432]

You guys put a LOT of thought and thorough, insightful analysis into all of your reviews. Keep up the good work!

[@thaitichi]

I love these reviews SO much!!! I have the Makita router and was just using it today. I love it and if I had to have one complaint it would be the small base size. But if the base was larger it wouldn't really be a compact portable router. Keep up the great work Rob! I'm sure everyone appreciates everything you do.

[@tonysplace8009]

I love the small size of the Makita and use it accordingly. I have a bigger router for those other jobs.

[@answeris4217]

I bought the Ridgid years ago and love it too... Cordless trim routers should have been available years before. So useful

[@krisruchomski9294]

I also have the Makita and bought a custom base for it, mor or less the same as the Dewalt one and now it's spot on

[@custardavenger]

I have the corded version and plan on getting the cordless. I have all the bases and the great thing is how everything works with another part. I will be using the spare small Base from the cordless with the bug Base and handle from the offset drive set.

[@masterchief3884]

@@krisruchomski9294 how much was the base? Would buying the extra base for it be almost the same price of the Milwaukee brand router?

[@chichesterbuilders]

i love how under rated the ryobi is.. especially with these types of videos/test. rigid got a "dnf" and yet ryobi was still ranked last. haha. i have 15-20 year old ryobi tools that cant be broken and would never be stolen off of a site.. thanx guys, it just keeps their value down, which is good 4 me

[@Patrick-857]

They are both, along with Milwaukee, TTI owned brands. Rigid (AEG outside of North America) is basically a combination of upgrades Ryobi tools and downgraded Milwaukee tools. My experience with AEG/Rigid has been that they are tools that perform at a pro level, but don't last as long, and that they are often full of electronic legal department features that hobble them, whereas the Ryobis tend to be less sophisticated, but less powerful, so rather than stopping when overloaded, the Ryobi will simply burn out if pushed too far. I had the Rigid Octane recip saw, and it was awesome apart from the safety cutout mode it would go into if you pushed it. I switched to a Dewalt Flexvolt recip which is literally impossible to bog down. It has its own issues with the battery mounting vibrating, but it's a stupidly powerful tool with no lawyer features holding it back. I'm starting to think Ryobi is better value than Rigid/AEG, as long as you buy brushless stuff. I've had great experiences with Ryobi cordless tools, but their corded stuff can be pretty bad sometimes. I've seen a lot of AEG/Rigid brushless stuff randomly die. I'm not really a fan.

[@no_handle_required]

One of the best tool comparisons ever. Excellent work and info.

[@Przykominku]

Gee i DO love your "Head To Head tests. It seems like you're having a lot of fun doing a real piece of work at the same time. I think I envy you. And it's so pleasant to watch the competition even though my favouite didn't take the lead. :)

[@ConcordCarpenter]

We LOVE doing these - when it becomes work Ill stop

[@Przykominku]

@@ConcordCarpenter Aaaaand it's confirmed - I DO envy you :D

[@jaredwaters4633]

You guys are the kings of testing tools, it's astonishing. Love your thorough videos. I'm glad you pointed out the Makita base plate issue, I ended up selling mine when I couldn't get a Chamfer bit through it, never thought to just plunge it through. The Dewalt is an amazing tool.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks for commenting

[@phantom19echo]

Your scoring system does help us very much. Just pure ranking doesn't help to know how much difference there is between them. (I.e. the 1st and 5th may be nearly the same on some categories and vastly different for others.)

[@ericmann1781]

I base weather or not I will buy myself a new specific Milwaukee tool by this channel's head to head reviews. You guys are the standard for professional, highly detailed, highly technical and unbiased reviews for any and all tools. I love this channel and hope you're always around. I have been waiting a while for Milwaukee to release their cordless router and I'm a bit disappointed in their combined lack of speed and high battery drain (even using the high output battery) compared to Dewalt. Thankfully I'm just a DIY'er so battery life is almost irrelevant to me but still, every other aspect of the tool is impressive, but with these results, the motor might as well be brushed.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks

[@blueprintrenovations9729]

Thanks for putting all this time in to doing this test. very well done

[@corcoransullivan1562]

Another great vid. Guy’s so intense and passionate. You know his job sites are productive as hell. It’s awesome to see that old school seriousness in a builder, I’m pridefully thinking it’s a mass. thing.

[@robverigan6300]

One of the best reviews i've ever seen. I wasn't even that interested in routers, but I watched whole video and feel confident knowing what to get even though I have the ridgid platform. I would get the dewalt. Thanks.

[@patrickkelly8596]

I have a plunge base that a rub collet fits into from a Corder dewalt router. It fits the cordless 20v router! It's a nice stable 2 handled base to fit a cordless router. Makes the dewalt more useful in my opinion. It's been very convenient running that platform of batteries! Great reviews here. I love it keep it up!

[@bloodgain]

I have the Ryobi router here, and while I think you were a bit hard on it in some spots -- e.g. you said it had one of the best depth adjustment mechanisms, then in that ergonomics category it placed 4th somehow -- I agree it probably comes in last when compared to these other routers. But if you're already invested in the Ryobi line, it's a very capable tool and a great deal, so you should buy it. That said, if I was to replace all my Ryobi 18V today, it'd probably be with the Milwaukee stuff over the Dewalt. I'm starting to get into Milwaukee's 12V line now, and it's great for lighter-duty tools, with a nice trade-off in size and weight. The 12V stuff used to be dogs, but Milwaukee's 12V tools are the sweet spot for DIYers today -- mostly the FUEL brushless stuff, but even some brushed tools like the 3/8" ratchet is excellent and in some cases a better choice.

[@Valtrach]

Your videos are really top quality material. Your explanations are clear and simple with no bull. Thank you for your time and work. Big thumb up!

[@AllenReinecke]

Comprehensive testing and evaluations, but Ryobi was rarely even mentioned. Some DIY vs Pro snobbery? Ryobi certainly does what it needs to do in the DIY arena, its intended market. Are there some design issues? Absolutely! But for the current price of $49, the occasional trim router user can't go wrong. I own both Dewalt and Ryobi cordless tools and each is chosen based on my needs, features and perceived value and each well satisfies.

[@sickandtiredofcomplaining6574]

AGAIN ANOTHER HOME RUN !!! I honestly have been in the market for one of these new cordless routers but I was waiting for all the manufacturers to get their foot in the door.. Thank you so much for another killer review and for helping me make my decision and cut one more cord outta my life!! Big 👍

[@1975oldschool]

Amazing review! I wonder is the major companies do as in-depth as you guys?’!?! Simply amazing.

[@jeffcalaway7837]

I own the MAKITA and I also found the base plate to be too small. The solution I found was to purchase the plunge base for the router. It had a much larger base plate and offeres edge guide capability and a much better adjustment for depth as well as inserts for pattern routing. Problem solved and it's a great router.

[@davidlopata7532]

Wow that's a lot of good information! Half of that I never even thought of. I love your passion for getting us the information we need

[@ozzie128]

Glad to see you have ryobi in the mix even if it can't keep up

[@oldyeller9849]

These detailed tool performance videos are interesting and helpful but for a lot of us I suspect it will come down to which manufacturers system we’re already invested in. It’s great to see the progress with cordless tools over the past few years and it’s tempting to just get the tool that wins the “best of” in shoot-outs like this but how much time and / or money does one save, or how much benefit does one derive from having the “best” cordless saw from one company, the “best” drills from another and the “best” router from yet another - especially given the the differences are often small? Just having to deal with spare batteries and chargers from multiple manufacturers more than offsets performance differences between most tools. How about an adapter that allows a Makita battery work in a Milwaukee tool? Or a universal charger that will work with any of the big 3?

[@yuheny0]

There are adapters for different tools now. Not sure with makita to Milwaukee though. But I second this. I hope a third party company would see value in this idea and be able to create a product that doesn't limit the consumer into choosing one brand. We love tools and that's basically it. We don't love brands.

[@I_ammm_mojojojo]

I look at these comparisons to find out the quirks before hand, to see if they are worth dealing with if I stick with a pre-invested line up vs just getting the one that will make my work flow easier. The "best" in these reviews really means to help you decide "best for you". Tool sellers always boast the positives but these types of reviews show the negatives (just as important). For eg, a bit shorter run time, for a a more expensive tool, that I may have 5 batteries for, doesn't affect me as much as a depth gauge that doesn't remain in place, on a better "overall rated tool", which will possibly end up causing me re-works and wasted money/time on a job.

[@J.Ogden954]

I have mostly dewalt but have tools of about all brands including hart and I've got adapters so I can run dewalt batterys in everything... Love it.. You can really say alot on tools this way..

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

Wanted to thank you guys for all the time you put in to the test you do.

[@Thirdplace4life]

Great job on this video guys! My boy dewalt champion again. I gotta be honest I kinda don't like the screw adjustment. I had an old black & Decker with the rack and pinion which was basically a copy of the dewalt at the time. Maybe I'm just used to the old one. I've only used the dewalt twice since I got it a year ago. Maybe it'll grow on me. I love everything else about it. Love the soft start. (I'm talking about the corded router)

[@grizdeluxe]

Another excellent review. I'm all Makita in the shop and in the field. The cordless router is a sweetheart. I make my own bases so I fixed the small base issue.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Its an AWESOME router - I run one in my trailer

[@deweydecimal1446]

You guys are the best! Thank you. I'm buying the dewalt.

[@davidwhiteley3879]

Thank you, thank you!!! Maybe the best product comparison video I have ever seen! I'll look for more on your channel.

[@catfishvonbaron]

Love the iced coffee inside the styrofoam cup. I'm going to use this trick from now on.

[@lexwaldez]

This was a great review. I mean, this is how reviews should be done. Gold standard. Thank you! I'm right handed so Milwaukee (which of course means... the good earth) it is. Also I already have Milwaukee batteries for my drill/driver set.

[@ernieschatz3783]

Great review! Bigger stator diameter on the motor translates to lower RPM, but higher torque. That's why the Dewalt was the fatty of the group/less comfortable to hold over time, but ripped through the boards faster. That also translates to increased efficiency/longer battery life and most likely more longevity.

[@walter.bellini]

Robert and Crew, thank you for the amazing tutorial on these awesome tool line. It took lots of time to think the process through, time to film this, edit it, and push it out to us. Much appreciated, in all of the outstanding details you put in it. I am a Makita man myself and will be picking one up today for sure, I don't do tons of router work but enough to have one when I need to, and how can I go wrong with Makita. Thank you!!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks man, appreciate the comment

[@chefsteven34]

TBB - Thank you’re for another great tool review. Keep the videos coming!

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

I purchased the Milwaukee router based on your findings. I use a battery adaptor so I can power it with my Makita batteries and i couldn't be happier with it. Thanks!

[@Mike-gz4xn]

For the price ryobi is great. My experience they last just as long as higher end brands, don’t have to worry about battery obsolescence, and I can outfit two of my guys with a tool for the price of one high end. No brainer for me.

[@mranonymous8979]

Don’t be a tight rs. I wouldn’t give a ryobi to an apprentice

[@verygoodboy2688]

Why would you be worried about battery obsolescence on any of the other brands? If there was any one I would be worried about it would be Ryobi. They're so bulky, eventually they're gonna want to change that

[@VirgilHawkins1]

If you have an old Nicad Ryobi drill it will take and operate with new li-ion batteries.

[@barryallen5507]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Ryobi is pretty doodoo. The only thing worse is porter cable. They have a serious lack of power when you need it, and in most labor intensive trades, that's a serious problem.

[@youtubechannel12371]

@@barryallen5507 “For the price” You’ll find many Ryobi tools are often half the price of the “contractor grade” tools and at best, offer nearly the same performance, at worst, plenty adequate to get the job done. Just look at this test. Ryobi is 1/3 the price (!) as the winner but, most importantly, still performed every test adequately. That’s why so many people are a fan of Ryobi. No one is arguing Ryobi is better than Dewalt. Bang for buck, you can’t go wrong with Ryobi. If it's not for you, cool. People need to stop turning their tool preference into their personal identities. I hope one day we can stop the “my tool brand is the best brand” circle jerk.

[@johndistefano5770]

Great info I purchased makita new for 90.00 very happy with its performance. The top three are all good.

[@frankievassallo552]

Great review! In my opinion all of this brands get the job done some have better features than other. But that’ll mean different chargers and batteries. I’ll have to stick with Ridgid just because already own 4 of them tools. Great job thank you 👍

[@ryanwilson5936]

That’s pretty much the case for modern quality cordless tools. Pick a color and stick with it. I prefer Milwaukee

[@txpyro1885]

I like this style of review straight forward and highly informative, you must have been good at presentations in school!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks I appreciate it. Back in school I remember sweating and having panic attacks being so nervous to talk in front of the class. I’ve worked at it as an adult and now I enjoy it but I’m talking to a glass lens not real people

[@jonathanbaace2708]

This is the review I was waiting for, thanks and good work

[@garyyardley7306]

Another great review and video. After watching I decided to go with the Milwaukee. For a light duty home user the better ergonomics and better adjustments were more important to me than more power. Runtime wasn't really a factor since I have plenty of batteries for both the DeWalt and Milwaukee platforms. Thanks for providing the information needed to make an informed decision.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Right on

[@jonathanstrawn583]

Awesome job guys!! Y’all are the best unbiased tool review channel on here! Hope your channel continues to grow!!

[@snoggy75]

Lovly refreshing straight to the point review Thankyou. Been looking at the dewalt for some time and you’ve sold it to me so appreciate your time and effort 👍🏻

[@mrmockerk1548]

Just brilliant comparison! Great review! I am just about to make my choice. Thanks for your help! Greetings from Russia!

[@wildtwindad]

Love the base on the Dewalt paired with the adjustment ring. With the autostop which means no run out it makes it the safest for me. With the brushless motor a simple 2 amp hour battery goes a long way. I have 2.

[@BattNocLife2020]

Love my ridgid. Great video, thanks for putting it together.

[@princePro4ever]

Love your work Sir You guys put lot of time and effort to break down the nitty gritty details Thanks heaps

[@darwill7834]

Great review as usual and only channel on KZbin id take tool advice from

[@gjrt7573]

When I look for tools review I always eek you guys out first keep making great videos.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks

[@orijimi]

Early Halloween video? You got most of the ingredients for a pretty strong jumpscare at the start of this video.

[@melgross]

Best testing on KZbin. Always. No silliness as we see on some other channels.

[@wallstreetcrash1]

Again thorough and outstanding review thank you all very much KCB (UK)

[@answeris4217]

I own the Ridgid for a few years now and am a production woodworker. No complaint on runtime or power. The power button is a pain to start but for me my thumb was on it to shut it off no problem. There's a veiwing window on both sides of the tool. That is a bonus especially when doing mortices. The base doesn't come ajusted so you need to ajust the locking machanism for debt. The collette you need to really tighten it down. It will slip id you don't so you almost need to go with two wrenches and forget about that lock pin. I haven't tried the others because nobody had routers back when I bought it.

[@toolchuck]

Answer is 42, I'm already invested in the Ridgid cordless system and very happy with it, from someone that owns and uses one, would recommend it as a secondary router in a home woodworking environment?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@toolchuck yes

[@answeris4217]

@@toolchuck I don't know how I lived without it. That's not a joke. I would buy it again tomorrow. The upside totally outweighs the down.

[@toolchuck]

@@answeris4217 Thanks, Its good to get feedback from actual tool users!

[@T.Y.Custom]

I love my dewalt router & I also have the makita but dewalt is a powerhouse

[@ConcordCarpenter]

TY custom agreed

[@dontaebutler2331]

Dewalt and Ryobi for me, I have batteries for those. Like others have said, the best is what you have batteries for already.

[@JJ-lu6mg]

Always the best reviews keep them coming . And I just want to say it’s great how much work your crew and yourself puts into testing all these tools. Thanks for the great and honest reviews 👍🏼

[@1stontario]

You should also be able to get a battery adapter. If most of your tools are a certain brand but just want the best out of each bare tool.

[@benjaminhenderson1759]

Thanks for selling me on ryobi. I have all ryobi, so far ryobi has the largest tool selection. and I have been useing them for years no problems. There price range is good but the best fact is one battery for all 18v everyone else changes batterie, not good.

[@markhutton6824]

Finally I have tool that is on the top of the testing... just used my DeWalt 18v router to rounder edges of seasoned beach... not scorching and the the first time trying a router... so maximum fun times!

[@Subsonic-cd2en]

I primarily have Milwaukee cordless tools (I have... a lot... of them) But that isn't because I'm some sort of Milwaukee fanboy - I just bought a cordless drill/driver set years ago and then as I needed new tools I figured I'd stay on the same battery platform. However, a few years ago I really wanted a cordless router, so I bought the Makita and have since added a few drills and drivers as well. They made the first good cordless router, and I still love and use my Makita all the time. I've always been extremely impressed with the power and runtime. I have a huge woodworking shop and own about 2 dozen routers - but that Makita cordless does about 80% of all my routing now.

[@seancurbow8146]

This video was essential to helping me choose which router to buy. Thanks Rob!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Right on

[@PistonHonda87]

Makita was the first to the market several years ago and still competes with the new kids on the block. Makita makes tools that last.

[@N1rOx]

The rigid was actually first to market, but i'll agree with the last point.

[@dwight.bennett]

I have the exact same opinion. I got the Makita, and the others didn't all exist yet.

[@answeris4217]

Ridgid was the first. That's why I own one. I don't regret it at all. Makita came about a year later but it still beat out the other two by a couple of years

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Makita actually came in 2nd. We found a typo in our chart - check out the 1st line in our description above.

[@Kookaburra4509]

Makita is my winner too. Dewalt don’t forget is a 20v and all the others were 18v! That’s got to be an advantage right there.

[@Blougheed]

This review as a buying guide is useless.. please note that this is a fantastic video... but people are going to buy the tool they have battery systems for. I appreciate the various tests you did. very fair testing!!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

You'd be surprised - I know a fair amount of folk who have different platforms

[@chengliu872]

I recently got the Ryobi router for about $110 after tax and it came with (2) 3aH batteries, a charger and a bag. I later resold the everything except the router (since I didn't need the other stuff) for $60, meaning I got the router for $50. It is a great router for someone like me who is not a professional and does not use my router all the time. The fact that it is even in the same league as routers cost almost 2x the price or more is saying something.

[@aaronpower998]

Can't go wrong with Ryobi for basic house stuff, once you use it every day it's worth every penny for the jump up

[@dwight.bennett]

TBB, One technical details that I didn't hear mentioned (reviewed) was the screw pattern on the base, in regards to if it follows a common or universal pattern compatible with many 3rd-party items such is circle cutting jigs. I have the Makita, and have found out the hard way that is has a model-specific mounting pattern which is not commonly accounted for in accessory manufacturers designs. (Side note, I have a Bosch 1619 which is similar in that same regard, but has multiple screw hole patterns, so it works with OEM baseplates/accessories and some 3rd-party ones with a common pattern.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

GREAT point - thanks we didn't look into that

[@kersh3]

Great review as always. your reviews are must watch any time i'm in the market for a new tool. I appreciate the work you put in to giving us an unbiased review of the tools in all different categories. for me, I am pretty heavily invested in one battery platform so i will usually go with that particular platform if it comes out near the top of the testing. But i do have a few cordless tools of other brands where the tool is just so much better.

[@jerzeytodd]

As always another great review. Your channel has helped me make quite a few tough tool decisions and it is great to get such good details and knowing exactly where each manufacturer stands with each tool. Thanks

[@thetoolmat8632]

The Ridgid you have shown appears to be the non - Octane model? The head is a different color on the octane, (Gray vs Orange), plus it actually says Octane on it, so if that is the case, the power draw would be completely different as that is Octane feature which outclasses the older models. (Right now the Dewalt comes with a 5ah battery no charger at Home Depot! $199, that's a deal!) The Ridgid Octane is $99 no battery, but it does include the guide, two different bases -round/square and the dust port attachment...

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Well that's a bummer we told RIDGID what we were doing and who they were competing against. This is the model they recommended

[@JD-gn5bn]

@@ConcordCarpenter As you would likely expect, the Octane has higher RPM and better performance overall than the older Gen5. Assuming the Octane would have completed the dado test. Likely the ergo and other tests would have produced the same results however.

[@thetoolmat8632]

Will be interesting to see if ridgid chimes in and says the old model is an Octane capable machine. There has been rumors about that. I would not say the Octane would end up being a top tool in this comparison, but the Octane is what Ridgid should have supplied for the test. It was a thorough testing, we sure do appreciate the time and effort you guys put into keeping us informed!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@thetoolmat8632 We've spoken to them about this. The routers were sent to use may months ago, we held off waiting for the newer Dewalt and Milwaukee to arrive. Neither party thought about swapping out the ridgid before the test. Our bad!

[@lowercase01]

@@ConcordCarpenter yeah that is a shame as the new Ridgid is much improved. Poor Ridgid got shafted in this one with a years old router against brand new models from other brands. ha.

[@agustin713]

Just bought the Dewalt today I’m no router user but I was impressed by it I’m heavily invested in Dewalt btw

[@jackjones72]

Should do a head to head of the battery platform or brand in general cause generally people buy what ever tool is on the platform rather then buying different brands all the time but yeah would live to see a platform comparison

[@kensfestoolchannel7916]

DeWalt would win.

[@joelawton123]

Your head to head tests are awesome. You do such a thorough job, I don’t think any one else on you tube are doing what you do. Im a test engineer, I love it. I also really appreciate the extra depth on the reports. The only sad part for me is that I’m in the uk and the models available over here are different.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Glad you like them!