Black and Decker RP250 Plunge Router Review

Plunge routers are an essential piece of woodworking equipment. However, there are a plethora of bases for these that can be used for everything from inlay to signage.

Read on for the best plunge routers on the market and the information you need to make an informed purchase.

Plunge Router Features to Consider

You’ll need to get down to the nitty-gritty of things to get a handle on things. When making your tool selection, be on the lookout for the following considerations.

Infinite Speeds

You’ll need a router with variable speeds if you plan to do a lot of serious woodworking. Finding the correct RPM for the workpiece often means experimenting with different bits and speeds when using a router.

It’s not a necessity. If you’re working with readily available MDF or pine lumber, most will be fine, even if you don’t have control.

Port for vacuuming

Routers produce a significant amount of sawdust, dispersed throughout the workspace and onto the cutting workpiece. Using a shop vac and a vacuum port is the ideal solution to this problem.

However, you must ensure that the adapter is the correct size for your vacuum before using any. Some work better than others. A new adapter might be necessary if your current one isn’t working correctly.

Circuitry for Electronic Feedback

A router’s EFC is a game-changer, unlike the EFC found in most electric tools.

When you use a router, it’s essential to keep it running at a constant speed, and the sophisticated circuitry that goes into it ensures that the torque you apply when cutting is constant.

If you’re going overboard, your router won’t get bogged down, and variable RPMs will be more accurate.

An ECF plunge router will help you make smoother cuts in woodworking because of its consistency.

Spindle Lock

Spindle locks make it much simpler to swap out router bits. You had to use two wrenches and frequently break your knuckles to change things up in the old-style hold.

A spindle lock secures the router’s central shaft by pressing a button. When you need to insert the next bit, you can save time and effort by using spindle locks, which only require a single wrench.

There’s no excuse for not finding one of these on a modern router. Even though they can be a point of failure on a router, it’s rare, to begin with, if you’ve chosen a high-quality model.

Adjustment Above the Table

An above-the-table adjustment is required if you use a router table.

When used in a router table, it can be adjusted to the desired height by simply inverting it. If you don’t, you’ll have to crawl under the table every time you need to make a change.

You need not be concerned if you only intend to use a router free-hand. If you change your mind, you may want to search for it anyway.

Compatibility of Router Tables

If you’re willing to make your base plate and table, you can mount any router on a table.

Choosing a commercial table means ensuring the base plate can be used with your router, which most people do. Most plates have a list of compatible models that can be easily accessed.

Top Pick


Black and Decker RP250 Plunge Router Review

The B&D RP250 plunge router is an entry-level tool. It is one of the most popular routers on the market because it is sold in department stores.
BD claims to have a router that performs as well as a full-priced model. The company, of course, had to make some sacrifices to get there.
It’s surprising how much the variable speed selector elevates the overall experience at this price point.
Aside from the lack of a soft start, the RP250 is fully equipped to deliver high-quality results.

Product Description:

The newest addition to my woodworking tools is this Black and Decker RP250 10-AMP 2-and-a-quarter-inch variable-speed plunge router. When it comes to plunging routers, the Black & Decker is a top choice because of the superior features it offers.

When compared to other high-quality routers in its price range, this one is a clear winner. It’s a reliable workhorse of a router, and its performance will keep it in heavy rotation in any workshop.

Features include the 10 AMP motor and progressive start mechanism to enable greater manipulation and pinpoint accuracy.

Along with the router, you’ll get a 1/4-inch collet and wrench, an adjustable parallel edge guide, and a guarantee that covers two years.

This is the best available router for the money, and it’s fantastic.

PLUNGE ROUTER

The RP250’s dive motion was impressive. Throughout the plunge, spring resistance is practically constant. Each router has a thin plastic dust cover that doesn’t improve its appearance. Spring covers are RP250’s weakest feature.

Depth is possible. When fully plunged, the collet reaches the workpiece, allowing over 2 inches of depth. This plunge router has the same plunge lock lever as others.

DUST SHROUD

The bit above the table is protected by a pre-installed dust shroud on the RP250. The shroud is transparent plastic and has a built-in dust port to collect the resulting dust. When used with a vacuum attachment, the RP250 does an excellent job of collecting dust from the bit’s upper surface. The tight chamber in which the bit spins is ideal for collecting dust. As a bonus, it also picks up a fair amount of dust that accumulates beneath the work surface.

ADJUSTMENTS

Without the shroud, the router spews dust. Clear plastic shields the operator from dust. This function is for folks who’ve never used safety glasses. How quickly a woodworker removes protection depends on their competence.

RP250 includes an edge guide. The handbook is rudimentary yet well done. The router setup takes seconds. The guide works. This guide makes accurate parallel cuts on workpieces.

Product Specifications
Max Speed 27000 RPM
Amperage10
Plunge Depth2
Collet Size1/4 inch
Weight10.7 lbs
Warranty2-year
Key Features
  • An ornamental cut can be made from the center of the material using a plunge router.
  • Superior power is provided by a motor rated at ten amps.
  • The gradual start function provides more precise results and greater control.
  • Collet and wrench included, adjustable parallel edge guide included
  • A two-year guarantee.

Pros

  • Variable speed collecting of fine dust
  • A powerful motor.
  • Motor housing with a substantial foundation
  • Spindle lock
  • Template cuts for decoration or projects like door hinges

Cons

  • A depth stop’s range is constrained.
  • The handles are too small for hands of ordinary size.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):

What is a plunge router?

A plunge router uses spring-loaded arms to pull the engine and the bit off of a workpiece. When routing wood, the router must be lowered into the material so that it may cut it. With a spring-loaded plunge router, the router can be positioned in a stationary position. Using this method, you can begin routing by pressing down on the board like a drill and digging a hole in the middle. Using this method, you can start in the center of your board and gradually eliminate a small portion of it while you work on your creative project. The depth of the dive is also provided via a gauge limiter.

Conclusion:

Black & Decker RP250 2-1/4-Inch Variable Speed Plunge Router has all the functionality of a fixed-speed router and more. Its unique design allows you to start carving from the center of a piece of wood, allowing you possibilities for detailed cut-outs, inlays, and more. The router may also generate decorative edges.

This plunge router’s 10 Amp, variable speed motor (8000-27,000 RPM) delivers adequate power for demanding applications. Its progressive start feature allows for precise, risk-free operation.

The tool’s design prioritizes user-friendliness, featuring a spindle lock for fast, painless bit changes and a depth scale and SIGHTLINE base for visibility and control.

The ergonomic trigger switch with a lock-on button and contoured chip shield edges make workdays safer. The router features a 1/4-inch collet and wrench..!