Looking for a reliable router to tackle your woodworking projects? We’ve been trying out the Skil Fixed Base Router, and it’s got some great features to share.
This tool packs a punch with its 10 amp motor, giving us smooth and precise cuts every time. We love the speed control dial that lets us adjust for different materials. The LED lights on the base are a nice touch too, lighting up our work area for better visibility.
The router feels sturdy in our hands, thanks to its die-cast housing and comfy grips. We appreciate the safety features like the soft start and power-on indicator.
It’s easy to set up with the quick-set screws for the edge guide. Plus, it comes with both 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch collets, so we can use a variety of bits.
Overview of the SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router
We’ve been using this SKIL router for a while now, and it’s become our go-to tool for woodworking projects.
The 10 amp motor packs a punch, easily handling tough materials. We love the speed control dial – it lets us adjust to different woods with ease. The LED lights are a nice touch, lighting up our work area clearly.
The router feels solid in our hands, thanks to its ergonomic design and die-cast housing. It’s versatile too, working with both 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch bits. We found the depth settings simple to use, and the micro-adjustment is great for precise cuts.
A few things we really like:
• Soft start for smooth beginnings
• Built-in vacuum port for less mess
• Comes with helpful extras like an edge guide
While it’s a bit heavy, the extra weight adds stability. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
Ergonomic Design
We found the SKIL router’s design to be really user-friendly. The shaped handles gave us a great grip, making it easy to control while working. It felt solid in our hands thanks to the die-cast motor housing.
We liked how the dual LED lights lit up our work area – it made seeing what we were doing much easier. The quick-set screws for the edge guide were handy too.
We appreciated the soft start feature, which made for smooth and safe operation when we turned it on. The weight felt just right – substantial enough to be stable, but not too heavy to maneuver.
Overall, the design choices made this router comfortable to use for extended periods.
Variable Speed Control
We love how the SKIL router lets us adjust the speed to fit different jobs. It’s got a dial that changes the RPM from slow to fast. This comes in handy when working with different materials.
For softer woods, we can slow it down. When we need more power, we crank it up. The control is smooth and easy to use. We found it helpful for getting clean cuts on tricky pieces.
It’s nice to have options instead of just one speed for everything. This feature makes the router more versatile in our workshop.
Integrated Dual LED Lights
We love the thoughtful design of this Skil router. The integrated dual LED lights are a standout feature. They light up the work area, making it easier to see what we’re doing.
This is super helpful when working in dimly lit spaces or on intricate details. The lights turn on automatically when the router is plugged in. We found this really handy – no fumbling for a switch.
The LEDs are bright enough to illuminate our work but not so bright that they’re distracting. They’re positioned well to avoid casting shadows.
This feature has made our routing jobs smoother and more accurate. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in usability.
Soft Start Mechanism
We love how this SKIL router eases into action. The soft start feature is a game-changer.
When we flip the switch, the motor revs up smoothly instead of jerking to life. This gentle start-up gives us better control and feels safer too.
It’s especially nice when we’re working on delicate pieces. The router doesn’t try to jump out of our hands at the beginning of a cut.
This makes our projects go more smoothly, with less chance of mistakes. We think new woodworkers will really appreciate this feature. It takes some of the nervousness out of using a powerful tool like this.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been putting the SKIL router through its paces, and it’s time to share our thoughts. This tool has a lot to offer, but it’s not without a few drawbacks. Let’s break it down.
Pros
- The 10 Amp motor packs a punch, making quick work of most routing tasks.
- We love the speed control feature. It’s great for adjusting to different materials.
- The soft start is a nice touch, giving us more control when we begin routing.
- The live tool indicator light is a handy safety feature we didn’t know we needed.
- It feels solid and well-built, with a comfortable grip that reduces fatigue.
- The router accepts both 1/4″ and 1/2″ bits, adding to its versatility.
- LED lights on the work area are a big plus for better visibility.
- The micro-adjustment feature makes it easy to set the perfect height.
Cons
- At 10 Amps, it might be a bit much for very small, precise work.
- Some users might find it on the heavier side compared to smaller routers.
- The lock button for bit changes can be a bit tricky when using it in a router table.
- It’s not compatible with 220V/50Hz power systems, so it won’t work in all countries.
- The guide bushing feature isn’t well-advertised, which might confuse some buyers.
We found the SKIL router to be a solid tool for most woodworking projects. Its power and features make it a good choice for both beginners and more skilled users. While it has a few minor issues, the pros far outweigh the cons in our book.
Performance in Action
We put the SKIL router through its paces, and it really impressed us. The 10 amp motor packs a punch, making quick work of our routing tasks. We loved how smooth and accurate our cuts were, thanks to the soft start feature.
It’s a breeze to adjust the speed for different materials. The live tool indicator is a nice safety touch – it lights up when the router’s plugged in, keeping us alert.
The router feels solid and well-balanced in our hands. Its ergonomic design made long routing sessions comfortable. We found the depth adjuster and locking mechanism easy to use, giving us precise control. The LED lights on the work area were super helpful for seeing our cuts clearly.
One small gripe: the lock button needs to be held down when changing bits, which can be a bit annoying. But overall, this SKIL router delivered great performance for our projects.
Customer Reviews
We were impressed by the positive feedback from users of this Skil router. With over 1,000 ratings and a 4.7-star average, it’s clear many folks are happy with their purchase.
Users praise its solid build and powerful performance. The soft start feature and easy bit changes are big hits. Many like how it handles in a router table too.
The depth adjustment and locking mechanisms get high marks for ease of use. The LED lights are a nice touch for better visibility. Some users noted it’s a bit heavy, but that adds to its stability. A few mentioned it can be tricky to adjust when mounted upside down.
Overall, buyers seem to feel they got good value. The router handles both light and heavy-duty tasks well. Just keep in mind it’s made for US voltage if you’re outside North America.
Conclusion
We’ve had a great time putting the Skil router through its paces. This tool packs a punch with its 10 amp motor and user-friendly features. We love the soft start and the handy bit ejection system. The LED lights are a nice touch for better visibility.
While it’s a bit hefty, that solid feel gives us confidence during use. The micro-adjustment feature is super helpful for precise cuts. It’s versatile too, accepting both 1/4″ and 1/2″ bits.
We found it works well both handheld and mounted in a table. There are a few minor quirks, like having to hold the lock button when changing bits in a table setup. But overall, we think this Skil router offers good value and performance for both DIY enthusiasts and more experienced woodworkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the SKIL Router for a while now, and we’ve gathered some common questions people ask about it. Let’s go through them to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your projects.
What are the main features of the SKIL Fixed Base Corded Router?
The SKIL Router packs a punch with its 10 amp, 2.0 HP motor. It has a speed control dial that lets us change the speed from 0 to 25,000 RPM. We love the dual LED lights at the base – they really light up our work area. The soft start feature is great for safety, and there’s even a power-on indicator light. We find the handles comfy to hold, and the die-cast housing feels solid.
How does the SKIL Fixed Base Router compare to other models in its price range?
We think the SKIL Router offers good value. It has features we’d expect in pricier models, like speed control and LED lights. The 2.0 HP motor is strong for its price point. We’ve found it performs well against other routers in this range, especially with its depth adjustment system and included accessories.
Can the SKIL Fixed Base Router handle both soft and hardwood materials?
Yes, we’ve used this router on both soft and hardwoods with good results. The speed control helps a lot – we can slow it down for softer woods and crank it up for harder ones. The 2.0 HP motor has enough power to cut through most woods we’ve tried. Just make sure to use the right bits and take it slow on tougher materials.
Is the SKIL Fixed Base Router RT1323-00 suitable for beginner woodworkers?
We think this router is a good pick for beginners. It’s not too complicated to use, and the soft start feature makes it less scary to turn on. The clear sub-base helps us see what we’re doing, which is great when you’re learning. The included edge guide is also handy for newbies.
It’s powerful enough to grow with your skills but not so fancy that it’s hard to learn on.
What are the warranty conditions for the SKIL Fixed Base Router RT1323-00?
We checked, and SKIL offers a 3-year limited warranty on this router. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. It’s always a good idea to keep your receipt and register your tool.
The warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear or misuse. If you have any issues, contact SKIL customer service for help.
How easy is it to change bits on the SKIL Fixed Base Router?
Changing bits on this router is pretty straightforward. It comes with both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, which is nice. We use the included wrench to loosen the collet, swap out the bit, and tighten it back up. The process is quick once you get the hang of it.
Just make sure the router is unplugged when you’re changing bits for safety.
