We were looking for some new woodworking tools and came across a Skil 14 amp router with a fixed and plug-in base for less than $150. Skil generally offers us a lot of quality and performance for the price, so let's bring it in to see if it's worth adding to your store.
advantage
- Includes fixed base, plug-in base and parallel rails
- Electronic control panel on top lets you change speed on the fly
- Preset modes help inexperienced woodworkers tune in to the correct speed
- Excellent drill line-of-sight with LEDs to illuminate the work area
- Robust routing performance, even with larger bit
- Comfortable handle design
- Great Value $139.99
shortcoming
- The center hole in the base is not big enough to use a drill bit larger than 1 1/4"
Skill 14 Amp Router Performance
This Skil router offers 2.5 horsepower and draws 14 amps at speeds from 10,000 to 25,000 RPM. The electronic control panel on top makes it easy to change the speed. Just press the + or – button to get the desired speed.
While experienced woodworkers know how to get up to speed, if you don't have that much experience, Skil offers some friendly help. Press the "Settings" button and you can choose the drill style, drill size and settings for hardwood, softwood or plastic material. Once you select them, the router chooses the recommended speed for that combination.
If you find that the speed is not right at first, you can change the speed on the fly without turning off the motor first.
Using a quality milling cutter such as the 10 piece RBS010 from Bosch, we achieved excellent results with confident edge strength and formed the routing we did.
Key Features and Design Notes
Skil includes both a fixed base and a drop-in base in this set, which is convenient. Both include all the macro and micro adjustments you need to get just the right depth for the material you're working on.
They also provide excellent sightlines for your drill, and LED lights keep your work area visible.
The router can handle 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch shank bits. To switch to a smaller shank size, you'll need to insert the 1/4" adapter that came with the kit into the 1/2" collet, then install the drill. They are not completely separate chucks.
The bottom plate center opening is a bit small. You can use drill bits up to 1 1/4" without any problem. Anything over it and the drill will hit the open side.
We took the largest round drill bit we normally use and gently pushed it through the base to enlarge it. This worked, although it did have to be cut very close to the other holes around the center of the insert base.
When routing, you want to keep your eyes on the bit and the material, and the Skil does a great job of making sure you don't think about the handle. The handles on both bases are comfortably shaped and perfectly positioned.
full feature set
- 14 amp, 2.5 hp motor
- Includes fixed and plug-in bases
- Adjustable speed LCD display
- electronic speed control
- slow start
- Live tool indicator light
- LED light around chuck
- Three coarse and one fine depth adjustment settings
- Standard drill replacement with spindle lock and collet wrench
- Includes 1/4" Collet Adapter
- Includes dust collection adapter
This Skil Router combo includes a fixed base and a drop-in base, duster adapters for both bases, parallel rails, 1/2" collet and 1/4" collet adapter. You can get it for $139.99 on Amazon or other Skil retailers.
the bottom line
This Skil 14 amp router fits perfectly into the general purpose category and comes in a multipurpose package thanks to the included stationary and plug-in bases. You'll still need a handheld router at some point, and some of you will need a more powerful model. However, the RT1322-00 covers a wide range of routing needs and is a good entry model. It's certainly also suitable for budget-conscious professionals.
Skil 14 Amp Router Specs
- Model: SKIL RT1322-00
- Collet size: 1pc 1/4″ and 1pc 1/2″ collet
- No-load speed: 10,000-25,000 rpm
- Power: 14 Amps
- Height (inches): 10
- Length (Inches): 9-7/16
- Weight (lbs): 12.2
- Width (inches): 6
- Warranty: 1 year warranty
- Price: $139.99