Rating of the best keyway (lamellar) routers for 2022

The appearance on the market of a large selection of building and finishing materials gives a wide way for lovers of crafts, to equip a home or a summer house to your taste. However, you cannot do without a special tool. One of the necessary tools is a key cutter.

general information

The industry took care and created a unique tool for work:

• on wood;
• plastic;
• plexiglass;
• stone
• soft metal;
• complex composites;
• ceramics.

For master carpenters and processors of various materials, carpenters, the milling cutter has become the best find of the new century. Power tools are readily used by flooring and tile installers, as well as furniture assembly specialists.

This unit allows you to:

1. drill any hole;
2. to make a complex and simple part;
3. make grooves;
4. create elements of patterns and letters, numbers;
5. process the edges of the product, details.

How to choose the right router

A lamellar or keyway router belongs to a group of highly specialized devices. It is used for the manufacture of plates or lamellas for fasteners. A characteristic feature is its horizontal position when used.

The power tool consists of the following units:

1. electric motor and gearbox;
2. corps;
3. stop;
4. soles;
5. pens;
6. disk cutter;
7. cables and plugs;
8. chip collector in a bag.

To make an optimal purchase, it is enough to determine the main criteria.

Power

Universal power is the most popular and suitable for various types of work. It is in the range from 1300 to 1700 watts.

The light type is characterized by a power of up to 1100 W, such devices are small in size and can withstand a small load. Similar models are used in the manufacture of small batches of furniture.

Power up to 2300 W have electrical appliances designed to work on material with great depth (thickness). Such power provides high productivity, but for home workshops the tool is too heavy and bulky.

Small keyway routers are powered by a 750W electric motor.

Cutter - RPM

The cutter size determines the rotation speed. High speed will provide a clean surface treatment.
Of great importance is the possibility of changing and regulating the speed, as well as its maximum value.
Most of the work is done at a speed of 20,000 units. When working with ceramics, the cutter can do up to 30,000 revolutions per minute.

If the variation in cutter diameters is expected to be small in the upcoming work, then you can do without adjusting the speed.

The function of maintaining a constant speed refers to additional features. It is very useful for prolonged efforts, when the master can ease the pressure, and the speed does not drop.

Cutter - move

Under the course is understood the possibility of immersion to a certain depth of a material. The professional category of stroke is measured by a depth of more than 70 mm. For other manipulations, a depth of 50/65 mm will become sufficient.
The disc cutter has a diameter of 100 mm, for deeper grooves you can put a diameter of 105 and even 110 mm.

Outsole - construction

The base plate or sole is adjacent to the processing material during operation, a guide and additional parts of extended functionality are attached to it.

The whole series is divided into:

1. stamped;
2. cast.

Molded soles are considered the most successful for their snug fit and shape retention. Devices with cast base plates are more expensive. In budget models, stamped soles are used.

Start

The beginning of the process is the moment of inclusion. It is important that the speed is gained smoothly, not jerkily. Such a system will avoid overloads and eliminate shock loading for long-term use of parts.

Food

The possibility of being powered by a battery is an additional advantage of the device. Knowing battery life is important when working on a utility site with power outages or remote from outlets. Its power determines the duration of the autonomous period. For reliable use of the battery, it is recommended to purchase a router with 2 batteries. When using one block, the second will be on recharging.

Additional functionality

The developers are trying to provide the user with maximum convenience when using an electrical appliance.

• Surface illumination

Such a function will make the manipulation more accurate.

• Spindle lock

When changing cutters, 2 wrenches are used to:

1. spindle lock;
2. loosening the nut on the collet.

With a fixation system, the process is noticeably simplified.

• Copy rings

A copying system is used to make non-standard grooves. Templates, copying rings will provide an accurate move and guarantee an exact match in size. The device is also used for mass production. For cutting in circles, rulers-compasses are used, which can also be included in the kit.

• Additional pipe

The milling process is accompanied by the formation of small chips, which is dangerous both for the human respiratory system and for the operation of the mechanism. The part provides for connection with a vacuum cleaner for quick cleaning of the working area, protection of the premises from dirt and dust. Dust bag with bag protects against clogging and overheating.

• Button lock

Accidental pressing can provoke an annoying mistake or ruin the workpiece. Fixing the button eliminates this possibility.

• Automatic protection

Prolonged use may cause the tool to overheat. Automatic protection blocks not only overheating, but also failure due to a short circuit.

• Accessories

The availability of a wide range of accessories for sale makes it possible to adjust the device for various types of manipulations.

Price

The average price is in the range from 18,000 to 23,000 rubles. Professional models cost over 30,000 rubles, the lower thresholds vary in the region of 10,000-15,000 rubles.

Application examples

• Flooring and ceiling lining

The lamellar unit simplifies the task as much as possible. The same thickness of the boards solves all problems. By setting the height of the cut along the thickness of the board and leveling the plane of the boards, you can move along the perimeter. Then, turning the boards over, remove the excess on the markers and trim the corners. The floor or ceiling will be perfectly flat and do not require sanding.

• Elimination of a defect without culling

Resin bag is a common occurrence in boards. To avoid culling, the place can be cut out with a boat cutter. Next, an appropriate insertion is made and placed in the sample. It remains only to grind the protruding wood and the large board is saved from ejection.

Errors when choosing

A common purchase error is a lack of understanding of the dependence of the insertion depth of the cutter and the position of the collet. The lower the collet, the deeper the stroke.
The thickness of the board determines the size of the position of the cutter in height, for this purpose there is an angular stop. It is important to remember that the scale with divisions may have an error, in some cases it requires individual correction.

Overview of the best keyway routers

Models worth up to 20,000 rubles

Makita PJ7000

The device leads the "buyers' choice" group in terms of the best build and power.

• with connection to a vacuum cleaner;
• there is a removable type dust collector;
• convenient case for carrying and storage;
• long warranty period 1 year;
• the optimal cable length is 2.5 meters;
• the presence of spindle lock;
• with a maximum cutter diameter of 100 mm;
• with front handle
• the availability of spare parts for sale;
• excellent accuracy;
• ease of use;
• there are video reviews on the network on how to use it;
• the possibility of purchasing online.

• individual users indicate the presence of play in the guides;
• no soft start.

DeWALT DW 862K

Milling cutter is an American brand known for its innovative high-tech tools.

• the presence of an accurate depth setting;
• with spindle lock;
• adapter for a vacuum cleaner;
• with a bag for shavings;
• case for transportation and storage;
• ergonomics;
• with a low noise level of 82 dB;
• the presence of a microlift;
• There is a carbide cutter included.

• not always on sale;
• without independent power supply.

Mafell LNF 20

The German quality of the brand, combined with the ergonomic design and the depth setting turret, made the model a popular one.

• suitable for milling both resin pockets and flat dowels;
• you can process wood, tile materials;
• installation of sizes for any standard lamella;
• the presence of an angle stop with fixation 90°, 22.5°, 45°, 67.5°;
• high reliability of fixing screws;
• with height adjuster;
• convenient suitcase;
• with disc cutter and socket wrench included;
• there is a bag for collecting small debris;
• long cable 4 meters;
• with socket for vacuum cleaner.

• missing.

Models from a domestic manufacturer

Interskol FMSh-100/710E

The budget model is ideal for beginner DIYers.

• smooth running of the plate;
• good speed;
• best price/quality ratio;
• easy to set up;
• ergonomic;
• with precise depth setting;
• there is a fix.

• not always available online.

Felisati RF100/710

The brand became the property of Interskol and holds a leading position in the sector of Russian manufacturers.

• the set includes an open-end wrench and with pins;
• there is a collection of chips;
• adapted to connect a vacuum cleaner;
• with a comfortable handle on top;
• design similar to "Makita";
• body material - high-quality, durable plastic;
• with motor power 710 W;
• with fast unwinding of the cutter;
• opening the casing in one movement;
• nozzle change is quick and convenient.

• high noise level of the gearbox;
• the stop of the sole has a weak fixation.

Models worth over 20,000 rubles

Bosch GUF 4-22A

The milling cutter from the global manufacturer is distinguished by quality and technical characteristics.

• high speed;
• with a large maximum diameter;
• connects to a vacuum cleaner;
• there is a fix;
• no problems with accessories;
• high reliability;
• online order available.

• not found.

VIRUTEX AB111N

The Spanish-made tool is designed for making grooves for flat dowels and is suitable for all types of wood, chipboard.

• any connection of the manufactured embedded element - plane, angle, "mustache";
• the presence of a system of electronic maintenance of revolutions under load;
• stops have a design that allows you not to make accurate measurements, but to adjust the angle and height;
• with three-position swivel stop;
• with chip removal;
• can be used to remove wood defects using additional accessories;
• with a hard-alloy disk in a set;
• with quick setting of the groove depth;
• vacuum cleaner adapter;
• case for storage, transportation;
• service keys.

• no.

Milwaukee PJ710

The professional tool from the American company Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation has a recognized quality and high technical characteristics.

• used for precise, accurate manipulations on chipboard, soft, hard wood;
• high power electric motor;
• reliable design;
• the support platform is equipped with anti-slip pads;
• the presence of a spindle lock ensures quick replacement of the cutter;
• with ergonomic switch;
• has a depth limiter;
• 6 positions of the immersion depth regulator during plunge;
• mortise angle adjustable at 22.5°, 45° and 67.5°;
• sufficient cable length of 4 meters;
• complete with paper dust collector;
• the presence of a chip deflector;
• with clear scales and markings.

• the price is above average.

budget class

DIOLD SHRE-0.9

A household tenon cutter is used when cutting slots, grooves, gutters, grooves and joints.

• works on wood, plywood, ICE boards;
• permissible temperature range -15°÷35°С;
• are used with a disk cutter with a diameter of 100 mm;
• operating voltage 220 V;
• 2 protection class on double isolation;
• the maximum groove size in depth is 14 mm;
• 5 years warranty.

• without electronic speed control;
• no connection to the vacuum cleaner;
• there is no backlight.

Hilda 760

An excellent Chinese-made model is available for purchase on Aliexpress.

• good engine power;
• cutter diameter 100 mm;
• removal key is included in the kit;
• cutter thickness 3.94 mm;
• with a mounting hole 22 mm;
• with a heavy load on the tool, you can use a branded cutter, which is available for free sale, in order to avoid rapid blunting;
• the presence of an emphasis with a variable position;
• ruler with division 0÷40 mm;
• lock for changing the angle;
• there is a stubborn revolver;
• the presence of spindle lock;
• ergonomic handle holder;
• with a fast set of revolutions;
• low noise level;
• without shaft vibration;
• chip bag and outlet pipe.

• the question of durability;
• requires getting used to the trigger switch located at the position of the index finger.

The best keyway routers
	Cost up to 20,000 rubles
1	Model	Power consumption, W	Output power, W	Rotation, speed, rpm	Milling, depth, mm.	Weight, kg
	Makita PJ7000	710	960	11000	20	2.5
	Dewolt DW 862K	600	335	10000	20	3
2.	Models of a domestic manufacturer
	Interskol FMSh-100/710E	710	-	9000	20	2.8
	Felisati RF100/710	710	-	9000	-	2.8
3.	Cost over 20,000 rubles
	Bosch GUF 4-22A	620	360	10000	22	2.4
	VIRUTEX AB111N	900	-	10000	20	2.9
	Milwaukee PJ710	710	-	10000	19	2.9
	Mafell LNF 20	750	-	9800	19	3.1
3.	budget class
	DIOLD SHRE-0.9	900	-	11000	-	3.1
	Hilda 760

Conclusion

A lamellar milling cutter is a universal hand-held electrical device with which recesses, holes and channels for fasteners are made, as well as figured trimming and cutting a quarter in bars. The device is in demand in home workshops and furniture workshops. The market is widely represented units of domestic and foreign production.You can choose models with wide functionality and battery power, which will maximize the scope of work, the capabilities of the master. Prices range from budget class to professional expensive tools. The offer will satisfy any requests, it remains only to make the right choice.