A trim router and a compact router grant more or less the same jobs; however, they are not the same. Routers have generally gained worldwide popularity due to their accuracy and precision.
The decorative cuts and joints that a woodworker would do manually can now be done quickly using routers.
Beginners might confuse a trim router with a compact router; in this article, you will learn the difference between them.
What We Have Covered
Trim Router & Compact Router – Are They the Same?
Due to more or less the same structure and functionality, one might think the trim routers and the compact routers are the same. However, there are some differences between them, and they are used for different projects. As the name suggests, compact routers are minor and handy.
They are also called palm routers and are used for carrying out smaller projects. For instance, you can use it to level the edges of the workpiece. Moreover, you can use the compact router to trim hinge mortise, do beveling, engraving, rounding, and much more.
Since this router is so compact, you can easily hold it with one hand and the wood piece with the other hand for precise results. In other words, a compact router allows for ultimate precision in decorative cuts, beveling, and overall work.
On the contrary, trim routers are made to carry out larger woodworking projects. A trim router is also known as a laminate router, and it has become a necessity of the woodworking industry.
These trim routers were initially manufactured for one purpose, and that was to trim laminates. However, it has become more versatile in its function.
You can do curving, route inlay cavities, edging hardwood, routing hinge mortises, and much more on a larger scale, unlike compact routers.
FAQs
What is the difference between a compact router and a trim router?
Although the job done by both of the power tools are the same, there are still few features that make them distinct. For instance, a compact router is used for smaller projects such as making decorative cuts, edging, routing hinge mortises, and much more.
Whereas a trim router is used for larger projects such as routing inlay cavities, edging hardwoods, rounding hardwoods, cutting plain laminate planks, and much more.
What is the best trim router?
Many top-ranking tech companies make industry-leading power tools, including trim routers. We find DEWALT DWP611DEWALT DWP611 to be one of the best trim routers as it boasts many impressive features.
For instance, it is fixed base and versatile in its function. Moreover, this trim router grants ultimate precision in the cuts.
What is the best compact router?
Bosch is the name of reliance and versatility; they make some of the finest compact routers. One of which is Bosch PR20EVSBosch PR20EVS; this compact router is known for its versatility.
Other than that, it features a powerful variable speed motor that allows for precision in your work. Moreover, it is fast, and the depth of the blade is adjustable.
Final Thoughts
Routers have become the requisite of the woodworking industry. Some cuts on the workpieces cannot be achieved with tools other than routers.
Trim routers and compact routers have gained popularity due to the convenience and precision they provide.
Both the power tools have many similarities; however, they aren’t the same. In this article, you will learn in detail about their differences.