Last Updated on January 1, 2024
Sign-making is a skilled trade that requires precision and accuracy. A plunge router is essential for creating intricate designs and smooth edges on wood and other materials. The right plunge router can enhance sign-making capabilities and allow you to take on more complex projects. Let's discuss the top 10 plunge routers for sign-making in 2023 and discover the features and benefits that set them apart.
Comparison Table Chart for Best Plunge Router For Sign Making
Check out this list of the best plunge routers available for sign making, and start creating stunning signs today!
| No | Product | Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MNA 90 Degree V Groove and Round Nose Router Bit Set | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Dremel 335-01 Rotary Tool Plunge Router Attachment | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | KOWOOD Tongue and Groove Set of 2 Pieces 1/4 Inch Shank Router Bit 3 Teeth Adjustable T Shape Wood Milling Cutter | 9.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Yakamoz 6Pcs 1/4" Shank Carbide 90 Degree V-Groove and Round Nose Groove Router Bit Set 3D CNC Signmaking Lettering Engraving Cutter Woodworking Carving Cutting Tool | 9 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Hammerhead 10-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Woodworking Router Kit with Parallel Guide and Vacuum Adaptor – HAPR100 | 9 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Rockler Router Letter Template Set (3-3/8” - 99 Pieces) – State Park Font Letter Router Template – Interlocking Sign Making Templates w/ Letters | 8.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Milescraft 1201 Base Plate/Bushing Set for Routers | 8.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Exqutoo 3Pcs 1/4" Shank Carbide Round Nose Groove Router Bit Set Template Router planing Head Set with Ball Bearing Engraving Router planing Head Wood Cutter Woodworking Tools Carving Cutting Tool | 8.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | HERMIT TOOLS 7 in 1 Butterfly Inlay Template - Router and Decorative Templates for Woodworking | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 10 | Rockler Router Letter Template Set (2.25” - 99 Pieces) – State Park Font Letter Router Template – Interlocking Sign Making Templates w/ Letters | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Review of the 10 Best Plunge Routers for Sign Making Enthusiasts
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best plunge routers for sign make, specially designed for sign making enthusiasts. Find your perfect tool here!
Read Also: 10 Best Plunge Routers With Dust Collection
1. MNA 90 Degree V Groove and Round Nose Router Bit Set
- American industry classification C3 Carbide.
- MNA Signmaking router bit set is the perfect way to get into Signmaking in a big way.
- MNA Signmaking router bit featuring perfectly balanced for smoother cuts.
- Fit for all types of wood material, such as MDF, hardwood, softwood, and particle board.
- Universal 1/4” shank is compatible with all major router instruments, also fit to CNC machine.
2. Dremel 335-01 Rotary Tool Plunge Router Attachment
- Fits model 275, 285, 395, 398; 100, 200, 300 and 400 Series; 3000, 4000, 4200, 8200 and 8220
- Quickly converts rotary tool to plunge router; plunge lock-in handle; 2 depth stops for rapid depth adjustments.
- Plastic and metal construction
- Includes plunge router attachment, edge guide, circle cutting guide, mounting wrench, manual
- 6 by 5-1/2 inches; 1-year warranty
3. KOWOOD Tongue and Groove Set of 2 Pieces 1/4 Inch Shank Router Bit 3 Teeth Adjustable T Shape Wood Milling Cutter
- DURABLE STEEL BODY – Boasting alloy blade, balanced craftsmanship and a solid hardened steel board these woodworking tools can withstand some heavy duty use and the test of time.
- USE OF SAFE – The 1/4 inch shank bits provide greater stability and less vibration during use.
- WIDELY APPLICATIONS – These tongue and groove router bit set is truly versatile for your extra convenience.
- EASY TO STORE AND CARRY – The included wooden case is sturdy and makes storing the high-quality router bits convenient while in-between jobs or DIY home improvement projects.
- VERSATILE TOOL SET – Includes 2 Pieces 1/4 Inch Shank Router Bit Set, easily accomplish a wide range of tasks.
4. Yakamoz 6Pcs 1/4″ Shank Carbide 90 Degree V-Groove and Round Nose Groove Router Bit Set 3D CNC Signmaking Lettering Engraving Cutter Woodworking Carving Cutting Tool
- 3Pcs 90 Degree V-Groove Router Bits – 1/4″ Shank, Cutting Diameter: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, Cutting Height: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″.
- 3Pcs Round Nose Groove Router Bits – 1/4″ Shank, Cutting Diameter: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, Cutting Height: 1/2″, 25/32″, 25/32″.
- V-groove & Round-groove router bits are great for grooving in many workpieces in woodworking projects for sign making or adding decorative accents to furniture and plaques.
- Premium C3 micro-grain tungsten carbide blades with Anti-Kickback design increased strength and utmost resistance for long life use.
- Specifically design for CNC and other automatic table-mounted portable routers.
5. Hammerhead 10-Amp Variable Speed Plunge Woodworking Router Kit with Parallel Guide and Vacuum Adaptor – HAPR100
- Variable Speed – Control dial to provide variable speeds for different applications
- Fast Micro-fine Bit-depth Adjustment – Simple and accurate at any plunge setting
- Adjustable Turret Stop – Control bit-depth range by adjusting turret stop
- Integrated Spindle Lock, Wrench on Board – For fast router bit changes
- Vacuum Adaptor – Connect to vacuum or shop vac to keep a clean workspace
6. Rockler Router Letter Template Set (3-3/8” – 99 Pieces) – State Park Font Letter Router Template – Interlocking Sign Making Templates w/ Letters
- Rockler Sign Making Template Kit: This redesigned interlocking router letter template set helps to produce professional signs with ease! Our sign making tools are 3-3/8” tall & the kerning spacers ensure perfectly even letters every time! Requires 5/8” Signmaker’s Carbide Router Bit (sold separately).
- Router Sign Templates Includes: This templates for signs kit has 99 pieces of letters, numbers, symbols, & kerning spacers.
- Interlocking Design: These letter templates for routing are interlocked by sliding adjacent grooves together.
- Convenient Size Making Wizard: Simply enter your sign word or phrase and the wizard will create a custom routing plan including a visual guide to the sequence of router templates needed and the number of passes required to rout the letters.
- Kerning Provides Consistent Letter Spacing! This adjustable kerning allows wood router template letters with top or bottom-heavy shapes to overlap each other’s space, eliminating awkwardly large spaces.
7. Milescraft 1201 Base Plate/Bushing Set for Routers
- Durable guide bushings maintain consistent alignment with any router template shape
- Turn-n-lock technology features fast tool free guide Bushing exchanges on most routers
- Includes 8 common bushing sizes: 5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16”.
- Includes top hat adapter to convert other metal bushings into turn-n-lock quick change bushings
- Tough polycarbonate BasePlate can be modified with a drill or file to fit nonstandard routers
- Please refer to product manual for router combability
8. Exqutoo 3Pcs 1/4″ Shank Carbide Round Nose Groove Router Bit Set Template Router planing Head Set with Ball Bearing Engraving Router planing Head Wood Cutter Woodworking Tools Carving Cutting Tool
- [SIZE] Shank Diameter: 1/2″ Cutting Diameter: 1/2″, 3/4″,1-1/8″; Cutting Depth:5/8″, Total Length: 2-1/4″, 2-3/8″, 2-1/2″.
- [MATERIAL] Premium C3 micro-grain tungsten carbide blades, solid hardened steel (45+Hardness) bodies with Anti-Kickback Design, for long-lasting performance, Silver induction brazing for maximum strength and durability, Body: Solid Hardened Steel.
- 3.[TOOLS AND FIXTURES] Fits most mortising JIGS, For both table mount and handheld ROUTER.
- [APPLICABLE SCENE] Suitable for plywood, wooden door frames, wooden window frames, cabinets and boxes, solid wood, MDF, particleboard, etc.
- [Feeding Speed]: 5-8M/Min; [Spindle Speed]:18000-24000RPM, please select the correct casing size and use low speed!.
9. HERMIT TOOLS 7 in 1 Butterfly Inlay Template - Router and Decorative Templates for Woodworking
- All-in-one design, easy to collect and save space，More operating space and fault tolerance.
- Template guides you to creating perfect butterfly cuts and corresponding inlays quickly and with ease.
- Butterfly inlay template makes 7 different size inlays from 1 11/16″ x 1″ to 4 3/4 ×3 7/16.
- Constructed of ¼” thick, clear hardened-acrylic for durability and easy viewing.
- For decorative detail, covering blemishes, and stopping cracks from progressing on Table tops and Chests.
- Use with the Router inlay kit or other similar kits.
10. Rockler Router Letter Template Set (2.25” – 99 Pieces) – State Park Font Letter Router Template – Interlocking Sign Making Templates w/ Letters
- Rockler Sign Making Template Kit: This redesigned interlocking router letter template set helps to produce professional signs with ease! Our sign making tools are 2.
- Router Sign Templates Includes: This templates for signs kit has 99 pieces of letters, numbers, symbols, & kerning spacers.
- Interlocking Design: These letter templates for routing are interlocked by sliding adjacent grooves together.
- Convenient Size Making Wizard: Simply enter your sign word or phrase and the wizard will create a custom routing plan including a visual guide to the sequence of router templates needed and the number of passes required to rout the letters.
- Kerning Provides Consistent Letter Spacing! This adjustable kerning allows wood router templates letters with top or bottom-heavy shapes to overlap each other’s space, eliminating awkwardly large spaces.
A Guide to Selecting the Ultimate Plunge Router
If you're a woodworking enthusiast or a professional carpenter, you understand the importance of having the right tools in your workshop. Among the essential tools is the plunge router, a versatile and indispensable tool for creating intricate designs, mortises, and more. However, with a plethora of options available on the market, selecting the ultimate plunge router can take time and effort. This guide will discuss the main factors to consider when choosing the perfect plunge router for your needs, ensuring that your investment is satisfying and productive.
1. Power and Motor
The first factor to consider when selecting a plunge router is its power and motor. Plunge routers typically come in a range of horsepower options, with 1.5 to 3 HP common for most tasks. The router's power will determine its ability to handle different materials and the ease with which it can make deep cuts. A higher horsepower router is preferable for heavy-duty tasks, while lighter projects may require less power. Assess the motor's speed as well; higher RPM (revolutions per minute) routers are better suited for precision work.
2. Variable Speed Control
A good plunge router should offer variable speed control. This feature allows you to adjust the router's speed according to the type of material you're working on and the bit you're using. Lower speeds suit larger bits and harder woods, while higher speeds work well with smaller, softer ones. Variable speed control ensures versatility and precision in your woodworking projects.
7. Brand Reputation and Reviews
When investing in a plunge router, it's advisable to go for well-established brands with a positive reputation in the woodworking industry. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from fellow woodworkers can provide valuable insights into the router's performance, durability, and overall quality.
8. Budget
Finally, consider your budget. Plunge routers come in a wide price range, and while it's tempting to go for the most expensive option, choosing one that meets your needs without breaking the bank is essential. Determine your budget and find the best router within that range that offers the required features and quality.
FAQs
1: Can plunge routers be used with different router bits for diverse sign designs?
Yes, plunge routers are highly versatile and can accommodate various router bits. This allows you to experiment with different bit profiles to achieve diverse sign designs.
2: How do I maintain and care for my plunge router to ensure longevity?
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your plunge router's longevity and optimal performance. Regularly clean the router's base and bit to remove wood residue. Lubricate moving parts according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Please inspect and secure any loose screws or bolts, and ensure the motor brushes are in good condition. Store your router in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting. Following the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines will help keep your plunge router in excellent working condition.
3: Can a plunge router be used by beginners in sign making, or is it better suited for experienced woodworkers?
Plunge routers can be used by both beginners and experienced woodworkers. Many models come with user-friendly features, such as ergonomic handles and easy-to-use depth adjustments, making them accessible for those new to sign-making. It's recommended that beginners start with simpler projects and gradually progress to more complex designs as they become familiar with the tool. As with any power tool, following safety guidelines, wearing appropriate protective gear, and practising scrap material before working on the final sign project is essential.
Conclusion
Selecting the ultimate plunge router for your woodworking projects involves carefully considering factors such as power, speed control, base type, depth adjustment, bit compatibility, dust collection, brand reputation, and budget.