When I think of routers, I think Porter-Cable and Bosch. I think Porter Cable because that was my first router. I think Bosch because they have an awesome palm router that I love. To be honest, I never thought about Skil for Routers. However, I am not sure what is going on with Porter-Cable, they kind of fell of the map so not sure if that is one I would invest in. So when I found out Skil had a router and I was looking for a new router, I figured why not give this Skil Router a shot.
Skil Router Overview
To be honest, I wasn’t thinking much about the Skil router. Sure they have a great name and good tools but I didn’t know where they stood on woodworking tools. So I thought it was just one of those tools they released to release one. All I can say is that I was wrong. If you are looking for a router, keep reading.
This router blew us away on performance, features, and price.
Skil Router Features
Skil designed this router with a 2.5 hp motor that is 14 amps and delivers a no-load speed of 10,000 to 25,000 RPMs.
Some of the included features that you can not see are the soft start and electronic feedback which keeps the motor maintaining a consistent rpm during loads.
The tool also features a live tool indicator which is an indicator that lights up when the plunge router is connected to power.
The router comes with a variety of extras which include: parallel guide, fixed base, dust extraction adaptor, plunge base dust extraction adaptor, 1/4″ & 1/2″ collets, and collet wrench.
One cool feature that I haven’t seen before is the LCD display. This display lets the user select the bit type and material for suggested speed settings based on the task at hand.
The router handles have a nice rubber grip and they are large enough to have complete control over the router.
The router is easy to set up with three coarse depth settings with a micro-depth adjustment.
The router accepts both 1/4″ and 1/2″ shank bits.
It doesn’t matter if you want a fixed base or plunge, the router has both.
Skil Router Performance
Working with the router and setting it up is extremely easy. Set your bit, your speed or wood type, and your set to go. The tool will do the rest. When I first saw this had a screen and buttons, I was taken back because I am just used to a variable speed dial. But after using it and seeing how intuitive the router is and how it sets it up for you, I am wondering why more routers don’t have these features.
Once it’s set up, power was my concern. When working with hardwood will it bog down? Will it rip up softwoods? The answer is “no” to both. The router is powerful enough to go through hardwood, but it doesn’t make you fight the power when going through softwood. I don’t feel the torque or anything else would hamper my ability to be precise, effective, and safe when using this router.
The bottom line, the performance of this router is much more than I expected. Easy to use, easy to set up, and easy to work with, oh yeah, and powerful.
Skil Router Value
You can pick this up on Amazon for $122. I had to double-check the price because, for $122, it’s a no-brainer. I would have thought this would have been closer to $199 or higher. If you are looking for a router, pick this up, it’s a steal.
Skil Router Wrap Up
If you are looking for a great router that is powerful, easy to use, and doesn’t cost a lot, this Skil router has to be your go-to router. Plain and simple, it’s worth every penny and then some.
That’s the one I have. One more thing to consider: if you use it in a router table, the fixed base offers a hex screw facing the bottom of the router (too if the table). So you can drill a hole in the router plate and access the micro adjustment from the table top.