If you are getting into woodworking and construction in general, then there are many different tools that you need to be familiar with. Two very useful tools are routers and Rotozips (aka spiral saws). They are similar tools indeed, but not quite the same.
Let’s determine what exactly these two tools are, what makes them similar, and what makes them different. Our goal is to help you be able to determine which of these two tools you may need for specific jobs.
Routers and Rotozips: The Basics
Before we start talking about similarities and differences between routers and Rotozips, we should first take a look at what each of them is.
What Is a Router?
First, we have the router, which is a very commonly used tool in woodworking. This is a specific type of power tool that features a rotating blade (that can come in many types and shapes). There is then also a base past which that rotating blade extends past.
What we are talking about here are handheld routers that have the blade affixed to the bottom. Technically speaking, there are also router tables, which feature a table through which the router blade protrudes upwards from the bottom.
The router is designed to rout or hollow out a section of material. You can create holes, grooves, rabbets, and more using a router. With the right type of router bit, a router can also be used to form exterior curves and shapes on pieces of wood. Most routers are used for woodworking, although there are special versions that may also be used for plastic and even metal.
There are several different types of routers.
What Is a Rotozip (Spiral Saw)?
A Rotozip (Rotozip is just a brand name of spiral saw), is actually quite similar to a router. In fact, many people would call this tool a miniature router. A spiral saw is a relatively small handheld tool that features a tool and a spinning blade.
Now, unlike with many other cutting tools out there, the blade on a spiral saw looks like a spiral, or in other words, it more or less looks like a drill bit you would see on your power drill.
Of course, unlike a normal drill bit, the thread on the blade of a spiral saw is extremely sharp. It spins at high speeds and has the ability to make small and accurate cuts. Spiral saws are generally used to cut holes or openings into drywall and other fairly soft materials.
However, with the right kind of blade, you may also cut into wood, plastic, and other harder materials. You can then also get special discs and other attachments for cutting metal, and even sanding discs for sanding wood. However, cutting drywall, especially cutting openings into it, is where the Rotozip shines.
Similarities of Routers and Rotozips
Now that we know what both routers and Rotozips are, let’s figure out what similarities they share.
1. They Are Both Usually Handheld
Generally speaking, both routers and spiral saws tend to be handheld. They’re not overly heavy and are fairly easy to maneuver. There are some differences to take note of, but in their most basic forms, both are handheld and portable.
2. They Both Have The Same Blade Action
One defining feature that both of these tools share is that the blades function in the same ways. Now, the blades do generally look quite different, but they do have the same action. In other words, on both tools, the blades spin just like a drill bit. Although the shapes and designs of the blades may differ a bit, both spin in a circle like a drill bit. This is unlike any other kind of circular saw, jigsaw, or reciprocating saw out there.
3. They Can Work on Interiors and Exteriors
Because these tools have drill bit-like blades, they can be used to work on the exterior of wood without cutting through to the edges, such as for making holes and hollows. They can also both be used to work on the exterior of wood, such as for rounding edges, although a router is definitely better suited to this task than a spiral saw.
4. They’re Usually Corded Tools
Although you may find battery-powered options out there, both are typically powered by a cord.
Differences Between Routers and Rotozips
Now that we’ve looked at the major similarities between these two tools, let’s figure out what makes them stand apart.
1. Routers Usually Have Bases
Rotozips are more like drills in the sense that they are freehand. The only thing guiding these tools is yourself. On the other hand, a router usually always has a flat base for support. This is ideal, as it makes the router much easier to guide. On that note, with a router, you can also set specific blade depths past that base, something that a spiral saw doesn’t allow for.
2. You Can Get a Router Table
Rotozips are always small handheld tools, and routers often are too. However, you can get large table routers or plunge routers that are stationary.
3. Routers Are Mostly Used for Wood – Overall Versatility
The materials that these saws are primarily designed to work on are also different. Routers are almost always used for wood, and rarely anything else. On the other hand, spiral saws are typically used for drywall. However, where spiral saws shine is that you can also attach metal cutting discs, sanding discs, and other attachments, making spiral saws a bit more versatile in this sense.
4. Rotozips Are Smaller and Lighter
If you need something small, lightweight, and portable, the Rotozip is definitely the better of the two, as routers are a bit heavier and more cumbersome.
5. The Blades Look Different
Spiral saw blades usually always look like sharpened drill bits. They’re thin and long. On the other hand, router bits may be much shorter and thicker, and also take on a variety of different shapes (depending on the routing task at hand).
6. Their Intended Tasks Are a Bit Different
Spiral saws are generally designed to cut holes and openings out of drywall. Routers are designed to cut small holes, hollows, grooves, or rabbets out of wood. Routers are also ideal for rounding the outer edges of wood, something that a spiral saw is not ideal for.
Router vs. Rotozip: Which of the Two Should You Use?
If you are working with drywall, especially if you need to cut openings into it, then a Rotozip is what you need. If you are cutting holes or hollowing out wood, then a router is going to be your tool of choice.
Summary
As you can see, although these are similar tools, routers and Rotozips feature some significant differences that make them useful for different tasks.
How Do Routers and Rotozips Compare with Other Tools?
See how routers compare with: Dremels | Forstner bits | jigsaws | table saws | wood shapers
See how Rotozips compare with: jigsaws