DeWalt 1-1/4 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router

A compact router that punches above its size

I’ve spent a lot of time with compact routers, and this DeWalt compact router has become one I reach for without thinking. It’s small enough to steer one-handed, yet confident when you lean on it. The combination of a 1.25 HP motor, smart speed control, and excellent visibility makes it a reliable daily driver for edge profiles, hinge mortises, light dado work, and template routing.

Power, soft start, and speed control

On paper, 1.25 HP and a 7-amp motor don’t sound like much, but in practice the tool holds its own. The soft-start is noticeable—no wrist snap when you pull the trigger—and the electronic feedback keeps RPMs consistent under load. I ran chamfers and roundovers in white oak and beech at the mid-range speeds and didn’t hear the motor bog. For deeper cuts or larger diameter bits, you’ll still want to take multiple passes; this is a trim-class router after all. With small bits and laminate work, the high end of the 16,000–27,000 RPM range is smooth and clean, and dialing back the speed on resinous woods helps avoid burning.

Noise is reasonable for a compact router. It’s gentler on the ears than my full-size routers but still loud enough to warrant hearing protection.

Visibility and control

Visibility is excellent. The dual LEDs and clear sub-base aren’t gimmicks—they make it easy to track your layout line, especially in shadowy corners or when you’re tight to a template. The extended sub-base adds a touch more footprint than some competing trim routers, which improves stability when you’re balancing on narrow workpieces or the edge of a cabinet door.

The body shape and grip feel sorted. With the fixed base, the on/off switch and speed dial are easy to reach, and the motor housing sits at a height that’s comfortable for one-handed steering. I like that I can feather the pressure with my palm while pinching the base to keep a bit from wandering at the start of a cut.

Depth setting: precise and predictable

Depth control is where this router really shines. The fixed base’s adjustment ring gives fine, repeatable changes—you can sneak up on a fit in tiny increments, down to 1/64 in., and the motor clamp locks without shifting your setting. I’ve used it for fitting butt hinges where dialing in depth by a hair matters, and it does so without fuss.

The plunge base is equally dialed. Plunge action is smooth, the overmolded handles are grippy without being sticky, and the fine-tune adjustment rod lets you nail exact depth when you’re routing inlays or mortises. The 1.5 in. plunge travel covers most trim and cabinet tasks. Base changes are quick with the spring-loaded release tabs, so swapping between fixed and plunge is something I do mid-project without losing momentum.

Bit changes and collet quality

Single-wrench bit changes are genuinely convenient here. The spindle lock has multiple detents, so the lock engages where you need it, and the large, low-pressure button doesn’t fight you. The 8-slot 1/4 in. collet grips evenly and releases cleanly; I’ve had no issues with bits slipping or sticking, and runout has been minimal. If your work leans on large-profile bits or heavy stock removal, note that this router is 1/4 in. collet only. It’s not made for 1/2 in. shanks or big panel-raising profiles.

Build quality and longevity

The aluminum motor housing and bases feel robust, and there’s a “solid” note to the tool that inspires confidence. Over time, any precision router benefits from a bit of care. If you remove the motor from the fixed base frequently or spin the adjustment ring a lot, keep those mating aluminum surfaces clean and lightly waxed or hit them with a dry lube. It keeps the motion smooth and helps prevent galling between the collar and body—something I watch for on all aluminum-on-aluminum interfaces. Don’t overtighten the motor clamp; it doesn’t need a gorilla squeeze to hold position.

The 8 ft cord is flexible and long enough for bench work; on site I still end up on an extension cord, which is fine. I’ve had no thermal cutouts or electronic gremlins, and the speed control has been consistent across hardwoods, softwoods, and PVC trim.

Dust and accessories

Out of the box, there’s no dedicated dust port, so expect to chase chips with a vac nozzle when you’re inside a cabinet. There are aftermarket and OEM dust shrouds that help, especially on the plunge base, and they’re worth adding if you do a lot of template work or mortising.

The clear sub-base improves visibility but isn’t ready-made for standard template guide bushings. If you rely on Porter-Cable style guides for hinge jigs or inlay kits, you’ll need an adapter plate or an alternate base. It’s an extra step and cost I’d prefer not to see on a router aimed at fine work. An edge guide isn’t included in the kit either; again, available as an accessory.

On the plus side, the kit includes both the fixed and plunge bases, a collet wrench, and a soft-sided bag. Having the plunge base from day one adds real versatility.

In use: where this router excels

• Edge profiling: Roundovers, chamfers, coves, and small beads in hardwoods are easy, clean, and controlled. The LED lighting helps you watch tearout-prone grain.
• Template routing: With a top-bearing flush-trim bit, I’ve done curved drawer fronts and shelf nosing with crisp results. Electronic speed feedback keeps chatter at bay, and the extended base stabilizes narrow arcs.
• Hinge and lockset mortising: The plunge base plus fine-adjust is accurate enough for snug hardware fits. The action is smooth enough to keep the bit from diving.
• Dados and grooves: With a straight bit in the plunge base and an edge guide or track, shallow dados in plywood are clean. For deeper grooves in hardwood, multiple passes are still the name of the game.
• Plastics and composites: Dialing down speed on acrylic or PVC reduces melting and improves chip ejection.

Value and alternatives

In the compact, corded class, this DeWalt sits alongside stalwarts like Makita’s RT0701C and Bosch’s Colt. The DeWalt’s LED visibility and depth ring feel a touch more refined than most, and having a plunge base in the box pushes it up the value ladder. It may cost a bit more than bare fixed-base competitors, but considering the fit, finish, and electronic speed control, I’m comfortable with the price. If you don’t need a plunge base, you could save by going with a simpler setup, but you’ll give up versatility.

Limitations and wish list

• 1/4 in. collet only. That’s appropriate for this size, but it limits bit selection for heavy shaping.
• No included dust collection. It’s a miss for shop environments; plan on an accessory.
• Template guide compatibility requires an adapter plate. I’d like to see a base that accepts standard bushings out of the box.
• Keep an eye on the fixed-base collar surfaces. A touch of wax or dry lube goes a long way to prevent binding over time.

Bottom line

I recommend this compact DeWalt router. It’s a balanced, capable tool that delivers precise depth control, excellent visibility, and steady power in a package that’s easy to handle all day. The included plunge base broadens what you can do without stepping up to a mid-size router, and the electronic speed management makes results more predictable across materials. You’ll need to budget for a dust solution and a template guide adapter if those are part of your workflow, and remember that it’s a 1/4 in. machine built for finesse rather than brute force. Within those bounds, it’s a trustworthy, well-executed router that’s earned a permanent spot on my bench.