Looking for a reliable router that can handle all your woodworking needs? We’ve been trying out the SKIL Fixed Base Router, and we’re excited to share our thoughts.
This router packs a punch with its 10 amp motor and 2.0 horsepower. We found it easy to control thanks to its ergonomic handles and speed adjustment feature. The LED lights at the base are a nice touch, making it easier to see what we’re doing even in dimly lit areas.
We like that it comes with both 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch collets, giving us flexibility in our bit choices. The soft start function is great for safety, and the power-on indicator lets us know when the tool is ready to go. It’s also nice to have a built-in vacuum port for keeping our workspace clean.
While we love its power, we did notice it can be a bit heavy for longer projects. But for most tasks, it’s a solid choice that gets the job done well.
Bottom Line
If you need a strong, versatile router for your woodworking projects, the SKIL Fixed Base Router is a great pick. Its mix of power and features make it a valuable addition to any workshop. Check it out on Amazon and take your woodworking to the next level!
Overview of the SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router
We recently got our hands on the SKIL router, and we’re excited to share our thoughts. This tool packs a punch with its 10 amp, 2 HP motor. We love the speed control feature, which lets us adjust for different materials. The soft start is a nice touch, making our routing smoother and safer.
The LED lights on the base are super helpful for seeing our work area clearly. We appreciate the live tool indicator that lights up when it’s plugged in – it’s a great safety feature. The router feels solid in our hands, thanks to its die-cast housing and comfy grips.
One thing we really like is that it works with both 1/4″ and 1/2″ bits. It comes with some handy extras too, like an edge guide and dust adapter. While it’s a bit heavy, the power makes up for it. Overall, we think this SKIL router is a solid choice for both newbies and pros.
Speed Control Dial for Precise Operation
We love how this Skil router gives us full control over our projects. The speed control dial is a standout feature. It lets us adjust the router’s speed from 0 to 25,000 RPM. This is great for working with different materials. Softer woods need slower speeds, while harder materials require faster speeds. We found it easy to dial in the perfect speed for each job. The soft start function is also really nice. It ramps up the speed slowly, giving us better control when we start cutting. This makes our projects safer and more precise. The speed control definitely helps us get cleaner cuts and better results overall.
Ergonomic Design and Durable Construction
We love how comfortable this router feels in our hands. The shaped handles give us a solid grip, making it easy to control during long projects. The die-cast motor housing is tough and built to last. We’ve used it for hours without getting tired.
The SKIL router’s design isn’t just about comfort. It’s practical too. The clear sub-base lets us see our work clearly. The built-in vacuum port helps keep our workspace clean. We also like the quick-set screws for the edge guide – they make setup a breeze.
This tool feels solid and well-made. It’s not too heavy at about 7.7 pounds, but it’s sturdy enough for big jobs. We’re impressed by how it stands up to regular use in our workshop.
Innovative Dual LED Work Lights
We love how SKIL thought of everything with this router. The dual LED lights at the base of the motor are a game-changer. They light up the work area so well, we can see exactly what we’re doing. No more squinting or straining our eyes in dim workshops. It’s like having a mini spotlight right where we need it. This feature really helps us make more precise cuts and avoid mistakes. The lights are bright but not blinding, and they don’t get in the way at all. We found this especially useful when working in tight spaces or on detailed projects. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in our workflow.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been putting this SKIL router through its paces, and it’s time to share our thoughts. Here’s what we found after using it for various projects:
Pros
- Powerful motor: The 10 Amp, 2.0 HP motor tackles tough jobs with ease.
- Speed control: We love being able to adjust the speed for different materials.
- Soft start: This feature gives us a safe, controlled start every time.
- Live tool indicator: The light-up feature when it’s plugged in is a nice safety touch.
- Solid build: It feels sturdy and well-balanced in our hands.
- Versatile bit compatibility: Accepts both 1/4″ and 1/2″ bits.
- LED work lights: These make it easier to see what we’re doing.
- Easy bit release: The collet design lets go of bits smoothly.
- Micro-adjustment: Fine-tuning the cutting depth is a breeze.
Cons
- Weight: It’s a bit heavy, which can be tiring during longer jobs.
- Lock button: When using it in a router table, holding down the lock button can be annoying.
- No case included: We wish it came with a storage case for easier transport.
- Learning curve: The depth adjustment takes some getting used to.
- Fixed base only: Some users might prefer a plunge base option.
We found the SKIL router to be a solid tool for most woodworking tasks. Its power and features make it a good choice for both beginners and more skilled DIYers. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the pros definitely outweigh the cons in our experience.
Insights from Customer Reviews
We’ve dug into what real users are saying about the SKIL router, and there’s a lot to like! Many folks praise its solid build and great balance. The soft start and variable speed are big hits too. Users love the easy bit ejection system and the LED lights that make work areas brighter. The micro-adjustment feature gets a thumbs up for precise height settings.
A few small gripes popped up. Some users found the lock button a bit tricky when changing bits in a router table. Also, it’s not made for use outside the US due to voltage differences.
Overall, buyers seem really happy. The router’s power, ease of use, and thoughtful design features make it a solid choice for both newbies and pros. It’s a tool that seems to live up to its promises and price point.
Safety Features and Ease of Use
We found the Skil router to be very user-friendly. The soft start feature was great, giving us better control when we turned it on. We liked the live tool indicator light that told us when it was plugged in. This made us feel safer using it. The speed control let us adjust for different materials, which was handy. We also appreciated the ergonomic handles. They gave us a good grip and made it comfy to use for longer jobs. The router felt solid and well-made in our hands. While it worked smoothly overall, we did notice the lock button was a bit tricky to hold down when changing bits. Despite this small issue, we felt the safety features and ease of use were strong points of this tool.
Conclusion
We’re impressed with the SKIL router. It’s a solid tool that feels great in our hands. The soft start and easy bit changes make our work smoother. We love the LED lights for better visibility. It fits well in router tables too. The power and adjustability are just right for most jobs. While it’s not perfect, the pros far outweigh the cons. For DIYers and pros alike, this router is a smart choice. It’s reliable, versatile, and well-priced. We think you’ll be happy with it in your workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the SKIL router for a while now, and we’ve gathered some common questions to help you out. Here’s what you need to know about this handy tool.
What features does the SKIL Fixed Base Corded Router RT1323-00 offer?
The SKIL router comes packed with useful features. It has a strong 10-amp motor with 2 horsepower, which gives it plenty of power for most jobs. We like the speed control dial that lets us adjust from 0 to 25,000 RPM. The soft start is great for safety, and the LED lights on the base help us see our work better. It also has a clear sub-base and can use both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch bits.
How does the SKIL RT1323-00 performance compare to other routers in its class?
We’ve found that this SKIL router holds its own against other models in its price range. It has enough power for most home projects and some light professional work. The speed control is a big plus, letting us work with different materials easily. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, it gets the job done well for most routing tasks.
Can the SKIL Fixed Base Corded Router RT1323-00 be adjusted for different routing depths?
Yes, it can! We’ve found the depth adjustment on this router to be user-friendly. It has three coarse depth settings, which is handy for quick setups. For more precise work, there’s also a micro-depth adjustment. This combo makes it easy to get the exact depth we need for our projects.
Is there a plunge base available for the SKIL Fixed Base Corded Router RT1323-00?
As far as we know, SKIL doesn’t offer a plunge base for this specific model. The RT1323-00 is designed as a fixed base router. If you need plunge routing capabilities, you might want to look at other models or brands that offer that feature.
What are the main differences between the SKIL RT1322-00 and the RT1323-00 models?
We don’t have specific information about the RT1322-00 model to compare with the RT1323-00. SKIL doesn’t seem to list the RT1322-00 in their current lineup. The RT1323-00 is their current fixed base router model with the features we’ve discussed. If you’re looking at an older model, it’s best to check SKIL’s website or contact them directly for accurate comparisons.
How user-friendly is the manual for the SKIL RT1323-00 router?
In our experience, the manual for this router is pretty straightforward. It covers the basics of setup, operation, and maintenance. We found it easy to follow, with clear diagrams and step-by-step instructions. It’s not too technical, which is great for beginners. If you’re an experienced woodworker, you might find it a bit basic. Still, it’s a good reference for safety info and specific features of this model.
