No more Mickey Mouse routers for me

My biggest complaint with your typical router is hunting for the on-off switch while the machine is spinning a nearly-razor sharp bit at 10,000 rpms.

That's enough for anyone to say, "There's got to be a better way." Well, there is.

For most of my day to day routing tasks, I'll forgo the mouse-eared router and grab a D-handled router--a stroke of genius. Some bright guy probably stopped complaining and said, "Why not attach a circular saw handle on that contraption, make it easier to move?"

Presto, a better mouse trap was built. With your hand in a comfortable position, you're literally shaking hands with the router. The on-off switch is no longer playing hide-and-seek, it's a trigger beneath your index finger. It's more comfortable, easier to control, and I'm surprised I don't see more of them on job sites.

Technically, you're not supposed to use a router one-handed. But I'll tell you why this baby lets you.

There is a secondary handle on the front of the tool which gives you a considerable amount more control, which is really important when you need to make a climb cut (that's when you cut going in the same direction the bit is spinning). Climb cuts can be dangerous because the router will want to travel at the speed of the spinning bit. But, climb cuts are some times necessary. When you find yourself routing an especially hard wood, as you get closer to the end grain a climb cut can dramatically reduce the amount of tear out.

If I am plowing out datos, edging a board, or flush cutting a face frame, I've found a D-handled router is a natural extension of my arm.

And that is the highest praise I can give any tool.