SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router —RT1323-00

I’ve been using the SKIL 14 Amp Plunge and Fixed Base Router Combo, and it is an excellent router set for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. The plunge base is well-designed and smooth, allowing precise depth control, while the fixed base provides stability for edge work and consistent cuts. The digital speed-controlled motor is a standout feature, letting the user fine-tune RPMs for different materials, which improves accuracy and finish quality. Overall, this combo offers great versatility, reliable performance, and outstanding value for the price, making it one of the best router kits I’ve used in its category.

After comparing compact routers from Bosch, Ryobi, and others, I landed on this Skil model—and I’m glad I did. I’ve used it for hinge mortises in hardwood doors and clean 45° cuts on cabinet doors, and it handled everything smoothly. For a compact, entry-level router, it feels surprisingly capable and confidence-boosting to use. QUALITY & PERFORMANCE: - Battery, charger, and bits included so you can start immediately. - Comfortable, compact design that’s easy to control for detail work - Built-in LED light makes a real difference when lining up cuts - Strong battery life for multiple tasks - Solid performance without paying pro-tool prices CONS: - The battery doesn’t “click” when inserted, which feels odd at first—but it stays secure and hasn’t caused any issues. Overall If you’re a DIYer or hobbyist looking for a reliable, easy-to-use compact router, this one punches well above its weight. Excellent value, dependable performance, and a great tool for light to moderate woodworking.

I've been woodworking and building for 60+ years. Lots of tools; lots of brands. SKIL was never at the top of my list.... ....it is now. They have seriously elevated their game. Loaded with features not found on much more expensive brands: soft start, RPM control (0-25,000), LED lighted clear base, vacuum port, safety light so you remember to unplug before changing bits., Heavy-duty, solid build, no undue vibration. Very ergonomic; feels balanced, not awkward. Would prefer the two-wrench method of changing bits, never cared for having to hold down a button, but that's just me. These features at this price is hard to believe. Great router. Just ordered another! Having said that, the seller page states 2HP, but the box states 1.75 HP. (10 amps = about 1.61 HP +/-) That's fine, no complaint there. Just sayin'. Plenty powerful enough for any project.

I own around 7 routers and I would say this one is excellent value. For what I do I don’t like spending time changing router bits so I just have multiple routers with different bits ready to go. Only other battery powered type I have is Ryobi and so far this is better quality. I built this custom guitar using mostly this Skil router for main cavities. I only have 2 complaints about it but they are not a big deal. First is the plastic base shape. The rounded side should extent out more because if that falls into a template cavity hole which happened to me on the largest cavity, it can damage your project or template. I usually replace the base on routers anyway. Second thing that happened bothers me more but is something you just need to be aware of. After charging the battery I put it back in and the router light turned on and stayed on which was unusual. I put the router in my template and turn it on and nothing happens. Right as I start to pull it out to check what’s happening the router starts after delay which was both dangerous and also damaged my template which upsets me. If you change battery you need to expect possible router delay for starting. Overall it’s great value

There is a lot to like about this Skil router: it has electronic variable speed control with an easy to use programmable LCD, soft start, both fixed and plunge bases, 14 amp motor, 1/4" (using adapter) and 1/2" collet, three LED lights that turn on and off automatically, vacuum attachments for both bases, and an edge guide that can be attached to either base. Also, both bases can be attached to a router table and the height adjustment can be done from the top of the table with a special tool. I looked at Bosch, Dewalt, Ryobi, Makita, Porter-Cable, Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi), Kobalt, Milwaukee, Chicago-Electric, etc. and this one had all of the features that I would ever need for DIY projects without forking out over $200. However, there is some confusion about it as well. The first issue that I encountered with it was when I tried to use a Porter-Cable style template guide bushing and was astonished when the bushing would not fit (see photos). The center holes in the plastic sub base plates on both the fixed and plunge bases are slightly too small for the 1-3/16" diameter bushing to fit properly. Apparently others have experienced the same issue and some reviews go so far as to state that the sub base plates were not designed to work with template guides. I’ve spoken with Skil’s customer service and they were not much help either. I was this close to returning the router because the particular project that I’m working on required a template guide and there was no other option. I looked at aftermarket base plates like Powertec, Rockler, and many more. The problem is that this router is so new that none of the aftermarket base plates list this or any other Skil router as compatible. That is, until I did a google search of the numbers printed on the fixed and plunge base plates. It turns out that Skil must be using a crappy mold from an old Sears Craftsman router to make the sub base plates for this router because the numbers match part numbers for the 315 175 040/050/070 Sears Craftsman routers. I purchased a Powertec 6-1/2" Universal Router Plate (Model No. 71369) and as you can see from the photos, the screw holes line up with the hole pattern ‘D.’ This makes it much easier to use Porter-Cable style template guide bushings. However, there are a few small issues. First, if you use the Powertec plate on the fixed base and want to use the router’s vacuum attachment, then it will not work properly because the provided Skil sub base plate has six ~1" holes around the center hole that allow the wood chips to be pulled into the vacuum, whereas the Powertec plate does not have these holes. Second, if you want to use the Powertec plate on the plunge base and utilize the flat edge of the base to follow a straight edge, then you won’t be able to because the Powertec plate is round. Of course, one option is to buy two of the Powertec plates, one for each of the router’s provided bases, and just cut off the excess part along the flat edge of the plunge base. Another option is to simply make your own custom base plates. However, I found that the sub base plates that come with the router will work with Porter-Cable style template guide bushings with a little effort. The way that I get them to pop into the center hole is to take the plate off of the base, put the bushing in the hole, place the part of the bushing that sticks up (see photo) down on the edge of something flat and rigid (e.g., edge of counter top), and then gently push down on the plate until the bushing pops into the plate. I was able to do this with the sub base plates on both bases with each of the template guides that I bought (as a set) from Harbor Freight Tools (see photos). I have to say that I am quite pleased with this router and highly recommend it to anyone looking for the most common features of modern routers without breaking the bank. I recently used it to cut some very precise and clean notches in a beam that I am building for a swing set (see photo). I needed the notches to be within a 1/32" and the router did not disappoint. I plan on buying an Amana 3/8" collet adapter so that I can use some 3/8" shank bits and making my own custom base plates. I’ll update this review when I do. Update July 27, 2020: I have a few 1/2" shank router bits and have not had any problem with them fitting in the 1/2" collet. I don’t have digital calipers to show you the exact size, but so far this has not been an issue for me as it has been for other reviewers.

Great powerful router. I paired it with some Whiteside router bits and it cuts hard and softwood butter smooth.the dust collection is also quite good. The digital screen and settings are extremely helpful. I just input bit type, size and wood type (soft/hard) and then it gives me the correct speed that I should run on the bit. It also comes with all the peripherals (1/4" collet and edge guide) that are sold separately with other higher end routers. The cons of this router would be that when the product was delivered - the box was pretty beat up. I would recommend getting the amazon box to pack the router box for better albeit a little more protection. When i first used the plunge base it was a bit catchy where it wouldnt retract smoothly, but i suspect this might have been due to the rough delivery. After a bit of use the plunging became smoother but not perfect. At this price this is definitely a great, if not perfect router for a passionate hobbyist wood worker like myself. Would highly recommend.

I have no doubt that this router package is a quality product with excellent features. My first effort to use it was met with an immediate disappointment. I tried installing a 1/2" round over bit and to my surprise I couldn't. The base plate opening being too small to accommodate its largest diameter. I use several round over bits and the 1/2" is nearly the smallest. Does anyone know what additional base plates will fit this router? Found a Milescraft base plate that fit which has a larger opening for the bit. Very happy with my purchase.

Vast improvement over my 1970-something era Black & Decker... though it lasted forever (still works). Plenty of power and love the plunge function. Most recently used it to flatten a large slab with a 2.5" bit in a router sled, and it never even hesitated.