Guide

Palm router or oscillating tool: what each one does

A router shapes edges. A multi-tool cuts and sands where nothing else fits. Here is which job goes to which tool, and how to set each one up.

A woodworker in safety glasses guiding a red TEENO router along a board

Two tools

Shape or cut?

A palm router spins a bit at high speed and shapes the wood it touches. Round over a tabletop, chamfer a shelf, trim laminate flush, cut a shallow groove or a hinge recess. The 1.25 HP Palm Router does this with a 1.25 HP, 6.5 A motor and a six-speed dial.

An oscillating tool swings a blade back and forth a few degrees, thousands of times a minute. It plunges into a wall, cuts flush against a floor and sands into corners. The 20V Oscillating Tool runs from 8,500 to 21,000 OPM with a 4° swing.

Neither one replaces the other. If your project is mostly edges, get the router first. If it is mostly repairs and remodeling, get the multi-tool.

Router setup

Bits, collets and speed

  1. 1

    Match the collet

    Our router takes 1/4 in and 6 mm shanks, and both collets are in the kit. It does not take 1/2 in bits.

  2. 2

    Set the depth

    Use the scale on the clear base. Take deep cuts in two or three shallow passes.

  3. 3

    Pick the speed

    Lower speeds for large bits and hardwood, higher ones for small bits and softwood.

  4. 4

    Feed direction

    On an outside edge, move the router counterclockwise, so the bit pulls into the work.

Multi-tool blades

Which blade cuts what

  1. 1

    Straight blade

    Plunge cuts in wood and drywall, and flush cuts under door casing.

  2. 2

    Segment blade

    The round blade, for long straight cuts and grout lines.

  3. 3

    Scraper

    Old caulk, glue and vinyl off a floor.

  4. 4

    Sanding pad

    A triangle pad that reaches into corners. The kit has sanding sheets in mixed grits.

In the shop

Chips fly from both

A router throws chips, and a multi-tool throws dust and bits of whatever it cuts. OSHA’s rule for workplaces asks for eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.133 The same habit makes sense in a garage.

Hook up the dust hood on the router to a shop vac, and clamp small parts before you rout or cut them, so both hands stay on the tool.

Side by side

Palm router or oscillating tool

ComparedPalm routerOscillating tool
PowerCorded, 6.5 A, 1.25 HPCordless, 20 V
SpeedSix speeds8,500 to 21,000 OPM, six speeds
In the kit15 bits, two collets, guides26 blades, pads and sheets
Better choice whenYou shape edges and cut groovesYou plunge-cut, flush-cut and sand corners

Questions

Questions about routers and multi-tools

Can a palm router cut a dado for a shelf?

A shallow one, yes. With a straight bit from the 15-piece set, the 1.25 HP Palm Router cuts a dado in 2 or 3 passes. For deep dadoes, a full-size router does it in fewer.

Can an oscillating tool cut a hole in drywall for an outlet box?

Yes. A straight blade plunges into drywall, and the 20V Oscillating Tool has 6 speeds, so you can start slow on the mark.

Sources