Getting the most suitable router may be overwhelming as you shop for woodworking tools. This is basically because of the numerous available options (more than 88 different machines or packaging varieties – each with different features and sizes) on the market. Two of the most prominent routers you must understand to make a wise decision are a trim router and a regular router.
A trim router is a small and handheld power tool for cutting decorative holes and edges in woodwork such as window castings or picture frames. Besides, it’s ideal for building furniture featuring curved shapes.
A regular router is a big and stationary power tool for cutting any desired shape, such as a wooden sign or a circle. Besides, it’s great for precision work like routing out doorways via finishing walls (where there is not enough clearance to utilize a trim router).
On the level of differences between these two routers, a trim router is not as versatile and perfect for large-scale routing projects as a regular router. Notwithstanding, a trim router is more cost-effective, portable, and a better power tool for cutting and trimming laminates. The basic similarity between them is that they are great for hollowing out wood.
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| Trim Router | Regular Router | |
| Size | A trim router is a smaller version of a standard router | A regular router is a bigger version of a standard router. |
| Horsepower | A trim router has the power of a basic router that ranges from 1 to 2 HP. | A regular router is a more powerful model with a power of 3HP or more. |
| Weight | A trim router is lightweight and can easily be used with one hand. It’s quieter because of its smaller blade size. | A regular router is heavier and typically used with two hands when there is a need to adjust the depth of the cut. It has a larger blade size, making it noisier than its counterpart. |
| Prices | A trim router is less expensive compared to its counterpart | A regular router is more expensive than a trim router. |
Contents
Differences Between Trim Router and Regular Router
The significant differences that both routers have are size, functionality, and design. Check below for detailed explanations:
Size
The leading difference between a trim router and a regular router is essentially the size. This size can be explained in relation to weight design, motor, and collet.
Weight design
A trim router is a small and handheld power tool that is typically the lightweight of the standard router. Due to its compact built and lightweight design, it can be held with one hand. On the other hand, a regular router is a big and stationary power tool that mostly requires both hands for adjusting the depth of the cut.
Motor
It’s important to note some variations between a regular router and a trim router. One of these variations is that the latter is a more compact version of the former. Another major variation between a trim router and a regular router is that a trim router has a smaller motor – a smaller motor means less power. The typical average power of a trim router is between ¾ and one hp, while that of a regular router is between 1 and 3 hp.
Moreover, due to the smaller motor of a trim router, it is typically not great for heavy-duty routing applications. Besides, a trim router does not usually have a lot of the optional extra accessories available for a regular router.
Collet
It should be noted that, unlike a regular router, a trim router may not support larger bits due to its smaller collet.
Functionality: Strengths and Weaknesses
As far as trimming laminate is concerned, a trim router comes with more functional benefits than a regular router. Check below for some of these advantages:
- Scratch-resistance
For beginners, you should know that the use of a trim router on laminate is a way to have fewer chances of ruining or scratching the material, which reduces waste. The reason behind this is that a trim router features a guide bearing whose main purpose is protecting the laminate from scratches, unlike a regular router that features a router bit.
- Portability
Another benefit offered by a trim router that makes it different from a regular router is that it is more portable due to how it’s designed to be used with a single hand. This compactness activates two advantages:
- One hand will be free to hold the material down, which is important when executing intricate tasks like profiling edges.
- It contributes heavily to your day’s convenience as you do many trimming in a remote place.
Note:
A trim router is less expensive when compared to a regular router. Besides, it’s better when it comes to making angle cuts, which makes it the ideal instrument to trim corners.
Routers Design
There are some key differences in the design of both routers that distinguish them from one another. These include:
- A trim router features flat housing around the bit holder, unlike most regular routers with curved housing.
- Trim router features a base plate/platform (where to attach a cutting bit) that has two compartments for bits, but a regular router has one.
- Trim router has no adjustable face, but a regular router has one used as a guide to routing along the edge of a board.
- A regular router allows detaching and inserting different-sized cutting bits for various projects or needs, unlike a trim router that features only one set size at any specific time.
Similarities Between Trim Router and Regular Router
Below are the existing similarities between a trim router and a regular router:
Similar performance
The main similarity between a trim router and a regular router is how both are capable of trimming, shaping, and edging. They can perform operations efficiently by cutting material and following similar processes.
Similar base components
Although there are key differences in design that distinguish a trim router from a regular router, both types feature similar base components such as a battery, power cord, variable speed control knob, and an on/off switch.
Conclusion
The trim router vs. regular router has been thoroughly discussed within the body of the article. With this, you should have an understanding that is applicable when shopping for the most suitable tool for your project.