Best Router for 80 Lower in 2023: Most Durable

You may struggle to make an excellent finish on an 80 lower receiver. But if you use a compact router, it will be easy to make an excellent finish to the inner cavity of 80 lower receivers like AR-15 or AR-308.

However, a typical router can’t convert your receiver blank into a functional one, and you couldn’t even use it for multi-purposes effectively.

So, considering, we’re here to review the top 5 best routers that you may opt for your 80 lower assuredly.

We’re also going to review a buying guide for the best router for 80 lower to help you buy the best one. So, let’s get started.

5 Best Routers for 80 Lower Reviews 2023

Considering the buying guide we mentioned above, we have enlisted here the best router for 80 lower to help you pick the suitable one. Let’s go through these routers for 80 lower reviews and choose the perfect one that meets your criteria best.

1# Fixed Base Variable Speed DEWALT Router

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: DEWALT
• Horsepower: ‎1.25 HP
• Power Source: Corded
• Voltage:120 Volts
• Size: ‎Full Size

If you’re looking for one of the most powerful routers for your toughest applications, the DEWALT DWP611 might be the best option.

It comes with a 1.5 HP motor and a variable speed control feature that ensures the maximum bit speed for finishing the inner cavity of various tough surfaces.

This router tool is designed with dual LEDs and a clear sub-base that makes it easy to operate for your clear visibility.

If you compare the power and performance of this compact router to the other models in the market, then undeniably, this provides optimum performance.

Besides, this fixed base router tool is designed with a low contoured grip closer to the work surface, ensuring comfortable use and amazing control.

What is more, its 1/4 inch collet ensures better bit contact with the bit shaft than traditional routers and allows less vibration and a strong grip on the bit.

Considering all the features, we recommend this DEWALT DWP611 as a fantastic DeWalt tool for your collection, especially to mill 80% lower.

Highlighted Features

• Ensures optimum visibility
• Excellent variable speed control feature
• Designed with a powerful motor
• Ease of bit change

Downsides

• The router and bits may become hot
• The vibration eventually may cause the switch to turn off itself.

2# Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: Makita
• Horsepower: ‎1.25 HP
• Power Source: Corded
• Voltage:120 Volts
• Size: ‎‎0 Size

The Makita RT0701C is a compact and performance-intensive router with a visible display and many advanced features.

Its (10,000 to 30,000 RPM) variable speed control dial lets you perfectly match the speed of your application.

Besides, this compact router is designed with a smooth rack and pinion fine depth coordination system so that you can use this tool for more precise settings.

Its light and ergonomically designed body give you more comfort and control when you use this tool.

Moreover, the high visibility base of this compact router for 80 lower gives you easier handling, and you can instantly remove that base to install other bases.

This Makita RT0701C router comes with a 1.25 horsepower motor and double insulated heavy-duty aluminum motor housing to get better durability than other models in the market.

To sum things up, the Makita RT0701C is an outstanding router that combines higher performance and reliability blazingly.

So, we can recommend this compact router as the best router for 80 lower receivers at a reasonable price.

Highlighted Features

• Slim and ergonomically designed body
• Comes with a quick-release cam lock for easier installation
• Very easy to hold
• Easy depth adjustment
• Maintains constant speed

Downsides

• Requires dust shield
• Requires adaptor for the template guide

3# PORTER-CABLE 4.5-Amp Single Speed Router

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: PORTER-CABLE
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Power Source: Corded-electric
• Voltage:120 Volts
• Material:‎ Plastic

If you’re looking for one of the sharpest and fastest precision routers for various applications, including 80 lowers, the PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 can meet your criteria.

It comes with cast aluminum fixed base and extra-large locking clips that let a quick motor release and a depth adjustment.

This 4.5-Amp single-speed router is the best option for trimming materials such as laminate, and you can use this tool as an ideal option for intricate designs and art applications.

Its depth ring allows very quick and accurate bit height adjustments, and its spindle lock button lets you change single-wrench bits easily.

Overall, the PORTER-CABLE PCE6430 is an amazing little router/ trimmer, and it’s much easier to handle than other full-size routers.

So, considering all its features and performance, we highly recommend you use this tool as the best router for 80 lowers and other applications assuredly.

Highlighted Features

• Comes with extra-large locking clips for quicker course depth adjustments
• Built-in LEDs are excellent and bright
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Has a powerful 4.5 -Amp motor
• Designed with cast-aluminum fixed base
• Provides very accurate bit height adjustments

Downsides

• The depth collar may start to slip occasionally.
• The base doesn’t stay tight enough.

4# BOSCH 1-Horsepower 5.6 Amp Electronic Variable-Speed Palm Router

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: BOSCH
• Horsepower: ‎1 HP
• Cord Length:10 Inches
• Voltage:120 Volts
• Motor Speeds:16000 – 35000 RPM

Featuring 1 horsepower and 5.6 Amp motor, variable speed from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM, and a versatile bit changing system, the Bosch PR20EVS Router tool is an excellent choice for those looking for a smaller router for their light-duty work.

You will get a straight edge guide of how to lead this router up to 3-5/8 inches from the edge or along the edges of the workpiece.

It also comes with an angled cord exit to keep the cord out of the way when working on the wood.

Its rugged aluminum fixed base is designed for long-lasting, solid, and precise control. Besides, this wood router features unique finger support pockets for additional stability, so when trimming edges, you can easily handle it.

Moreover, this PR20EVS compact router is featured a quick and precise depth management system that allows both micro and macro adjustments. Its fast clamp system lets the motor be easily moved or adjusted from the base.

However, if you opt for an enhanced bit capacity and versatile bit changing system router that lets you instant bit change, we highly recommend the Bosch PR20EVS Router as the best router for 80 lower.

Highlighted Features

• Versatile bit changing system for a quick and easy bit change
• Angled cord design to keep the cord out of the way while working
• Ensures durability and stability
• Quick clamp system for ease motor installation
• Has air vent that keeps the router cool

Downsides

• The power switch lacks a dust cover
• It doesn’t have side handles

5# BOSCH Plunge Router with a Variable Speed

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: BOSCH
• Horsepower: ‎2.25 HP
• Material: Metal, Plastic
• Voltage:120 Volts
• Motor Speeds: 8000 – 25000 RPM

Here is another BOSCH wood router you can go ahead to finish 80% lower that’s the most powerful router on our list.

It comes with a 2.25 horsepower plunge and a 12 Amp motor that delivers 25,000 RPM speed.

It is a router tool combo kit that you can use for your broad range of applications, including edge forming, precise bit plunging, laminate trimming, slot cutting, and dovetail cutting.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK combo router kit includes a fixed base, a RA1166 plunge router, and other required accessories, and with the combination of them, this compact router tool provides all in one versatility.

It is built for precision on every routing project providing accuracy and high-quality work.

This compact router kit has a resettable depth indicator to provide fast and precise bit depth adjustment.

Its rounded hardwood handles on its fixed base provide optimum control of this tool, which can be an excellent addition to your router table.

Apart from being the best router for 80 lower, the Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit is the best option for cutting various materials, and we highly recommend it.

Highlighted Features

• Comes with a super powerful motor( 12 Amp)
• Ensures a constant speed throughout the cut
• Designed with dust seal for enhanced protection
• Smart hardwood handles maximize use control
• 2 In sub-base opening feature for easier template loading

Downsides

• Lacks of an arbor lock
• The c-ring seems loose

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Router for 80 Lower:

Especially when it comes to the best router for 80% lower, you must consider some important features that an 80% lower router should have.

So, try to consider these features before buying the best router for 80 lower for your firearm.

Power

To bore or mill through the metal perfectly, you need to consider a router with a powerful motor. In this case, you must avoid routers with less than 1 horsepower.

Otherwise, drilling over the tough and resilient material will be quite hard. So, to finish 80 lower for your firearm with enough power, you have to look for the routers that come with a powerful motor.

Router Type

The second important factor that plays an important role when you want to drill 80 lower is that you must consider the router types before buying.

You may find miscellaneous types of 80% lower routers in the market, including plunge base, fixed base, and combo routers.

• Plunge Base Router

Plunge base routers are best for handling miscellaneous tasks, and they are ideal for professionals. While using these routers, you can adjust the depth settings.

The plunge base routers are the best option for center cuts on various surfaces, but you require some experience.

• Fixed Base Router

If you have no previous skills using the routers, then the fixed base routers are ideal for you as they are designed with a secure mechanism. Besides, these routers are perfect for those who want accuracy while cutting straight lines.

But the problem with the fixed-based routers is that you won’t be able to adjust the depth once you set the depth over. The fixed base routers are not ideal for over-cutting or gouging tasks.

• Combo Router:

Combo routers are ideal for those who need changing bases regularly while finishing 80% lower. Overall, the combo router is the right choice if you want to get both a plunge base and a fixed base router.

Motor speed

The motor speed is the third important factor you should focus on before buying the best router for 80 lower.

You should look for the routers that come with variable speed control dial so that you can adjust the speed following your project.

Besides, the RPM range of the routers for 80% lower should be from 10,000 – 30,000.

FAQs

1. Can I Mill an 80 Lower without a Jig?

To finish 80 lower faster and easier, you may use a jig. But you can also mill through the 80% lower without a jig.

You need to memorize the dimensions you want to mill and drill with accuracy. But it’s quite tough for the non-experienced person, but you can achieve it with proper practice.

• Can I Finish an 80 Lower with a Drill Press?

A drill press isn’t designed to finish 80% lower, but you can lightly use it for finishing your 80% lower. But it will be a tough and tedious process. So, it will be better to use a router to finish your80% lower perfectly.

• Do I Need to Serialize My 80% Lower?

As 80% lower isn’t considered a firearm, you don’t require serialization. But as the laws are different in different countries, you should go through the law of your country whether you have to serialize your 80% lower.

• What Extra Accessories do a Compact 80 Lower Router come with?

Usually, a compact 80 lower router comes with extra accessories, including guides, wrenches like shaft wrench and collet nut wrench, router bits, chip shields, collet chucks, carrying case, and LED lights.

Final Verdict

After long research, I have reviewed the top 5 best routers for your 80 lower that are great in quality and performance.

So, you can choose any of our reviewed routers as the best router to finish your 80% lower, especially if you want a precise and powerful router for your future firearm.

Before leaving, my best recommendation overall is for the best router for 80 lower: Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo.