Nothing adds a personal touch to a woodworking project than unique signs that stand out. And what’s a better way to add the marking than with the best router for sign making?
The most efficient model features an ergonomic design to offer the best grip. Even more so, it should feature a rubberized handlebar for a more comfortable hold.
A router powered with a 6.5 to 15 AMP motor is sufficient to make signs even on the hardest wood. You also should consider the variable speed, making sure your option lies between 10,000 and 30,000 RPM.
Even depth adjustment is just as important, and a router that includes this system allows you to make signs with the utmost precision.
Best Router for Sign Making Reviewed
In this guide, we’ll look at four of the best routers for sign making that you can start using right now.
Let’s get to it.
1. Makita RT0701C Compact Router
Art gets easier and better with Makita RT0701C. Build for beginners and pros artists, this compact router allows you to get creative with all your DIY projects.
With full speed control in your hands, Makita RT0701C will get you to complete your routing needs with utmost precision.
Makita gives this router a perfect touch in terms of design. They’ve used an aluminum housing, which makes it durable enough for any kind of project.
Add to this the ergonomic construction for proper grip and easy handling and what you get for the price is a compact router that’s no doubt easy to use.
Makita RT0701C has a variable speed control system that gives you the option to turn from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.
Combined with the pinion fine depth adjustment and smooth rack, adjusting the height between the router and wood is easy and getting the kind of precision that you need is possible.
It’s quite impressive that you don’t have to remove the router from to replace the bits. The tilting mechanism allows you to switch bits fast and get back to your artistry work. If you wish to detach the base, simply press the quick release cam lock.
You will love this sign making router because it can curve on any type of wood. All you have to do is to use the speed variant feature and appropriate bits to get the kind of precision that you need.
Pros
- Available in 3 variants
- Includes a quick release cam that allows for depth adjustment
- Aluminum housing helps to enhance the durability of the unit
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t feature LED light system
2. DEWALT DWP611PK Variable Speed Router for Sign Making
DEWALT DWP611PK router is what you need to convert a boring piece of wood into a fine work of art. Gong for under $200, this model is feature-packed quite well to justify the price.
Not only does it feature LED lights, but it also includes a plunge base and a great HP and RPM range that make signs making easy and fun.
DEWALT DWP611PK features a single-wrench bit changing system, which allows you to switch between bits without the need to detach it from the wood. With the help of LED lit base, you can route signs with precision because you’re seeing exactly what you’re doing.
The RPM of this router is in the range of 16,000 and 27,000. That’s enough to give you the best quality and precise cuts. It doesn’t matter if the wood is hard or soft.
Such an RPM range makes the sign making process so easy that you don’t ever have to worry about signage complexity.
One thing to note before buying the DEWALT DWP611PK is that it heats up quickly. And given that too much heat can burn up your wood and cause wear and tear, it’s best to take a break in between sign marking so you end up doing a decent job.
Pros
- The LED lit base allows you to see what you’re doing and ensures precision
- The base is made of aluminum for strength and durability
- Has a plunge base that gives you more control while enhancing precision
Cons
- You’ll have to buy the dust collection accessories separately
- Heats up rather too fast
3. Bosch GKF125CEN Palm Router Tool
With an aluminum base and rubber molded grips, Bosch GKF125CEN comes across as a durable router that you can use with ease without worrying about hand fatigue. Expect this model to last longer even when put to frequent use under pressure.
Bosch GKF125CEN RPM insanely high. Falling in the range of 16,000 and 35,000, which is the highest we’ve seen so far, this model can spin really fast and get that sign making job completed fast.
This is good for all bits, but you can expect the results to be more refined with small bits at high RPM.
You will love working with Bosch GKF125CEN because it allows you to adjust the depth of system for a more precise and refined work of art.
With the adjustment system, you get a more accurate height for your project, and this one’s is much better than what you get from other brands.
At 1HP, the Bosch GKF125CEN isn’t the most powerful router in the brand’s collection, but it does perform really well for the price point. It also doesn’t have LED lights, so you won’t see what you will be doing if you use it in a space with low light.
Pros
- Higher RPM
- Base is made of aluminum for strength and durability
- Rubber grip ensures comfort especially during extended use
Cons
- Has a lower horsepower and therefore unsuitable for heavy duty tasks
- We wish it included LED lights
- Would have been better if the base weren’t fixed
4. AVID POWER Compact Router with Fixed Base
AVID POWER, a compact router with a fixed base, might be the missing piece in your sign making setup, and for good reason.
It’s the only router on this list that includes a ton of additional accessories, so you get a complete bundle that makes creating signs on your woodwork quite a breeze. Currently going for under $100, this is the most budget friendly bundle you will ever come across.
Apart from the router itself, you also get a basic wrench, five router bits of different sizes, two carbon brushes, a roller guide assembly, and a storage bag for all the accessories.
Many sign routing projects go wrong because the routers used don’t have LED lights. AVID POWER doesn’t want you to make that mistake.
That’s why it integrates two LED lights, which are bright enough to allow you to get a better view of exactly what you’re doing. In fact with these lights, you’re able to see whether you have the right depth for your carving.
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Pros
- Features LED lights that lets you see better so you can get precise sign
- 6 speed settings let you choose the most convenient working space for you
- The quick locking system makes the height of the unit easy to adjust
- Includes additional free accessories
- Features a 6.5-amp motor that powers the machine well enough to dig even through tough wood surfaces
- Has an RPM range of 10,000 to 32,000
Cons
- AVID POWER router makes a lot of noise when it’s in use
- It heats up really quickly, so it’s not reliable for long hour jobs
An important thing to consider when looking for the best router for sign making is heavy-duty construction. Never pick a router simply because it looks good to the eyes. Instead, consider the build, making sure it’s made of heavy-duty materials such as aluminum for strength and durability.
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