SKIL RT1322-00 Plunge and Fixed Router Combo Review

The SKIL RT1322-00 bundles a 14 amp motor with both plunge and fixed bases—a corded combo aimed at hobbyists and budget-conscious woodworkers who want two routing modes without buying two separate tools. This review walks through the LCD speed guidance, electronic feedback, and where a SKIL combo honestly competes with premium two-base kits.

Router combos exist because woodworkers actually use both modes. Fixed base excels at edge profiling, dadoes with an edge guide, and table mounting. Plunge base owns mortises, stopped grooves, and template work where you need to drop the bit into the cut under control. The RT1322-00 puts one 14 amp motor on both bases, which is the sensible budget architecture: one power unit, two personalities, one case clutter problem solved.

SKIL rates the motor at 2.5 horsepower class on 14 amps—numbers you should read as marketing shorthand, not physics homework. What matters in the shop is whether the motor holds speed when you push feed rate. Electronic feedback is the feature SKIL highlights for that job: the router tries to maintain RPM as load increases instead of surrendering the moment you hit hard maple. Pair that with soft start so the tool does not leap out of your hands on power-up, and you get manners closer to modern mid-tier routers than old scream-on-start models.

The LCD speed control display is the headline convenience. Select bit type and material and the router suggests a speed setting—a helpful crutch when you are learning or switching between plywood and hardwood frequently. Experienced users will still override the suggestion based on bit diameter, cut depth, and ear-feel, but beginners benefit from a visible starting point instead of guessing dial positions. Think of it as training wheels that you can ignore once your scrap-bin confidence catches up.

Plunge base daily use feels familiar if you have routed before: set depth stops, plunge smoothly, lock when needed, and climb out of the cut without lifting on a spinning bit. Fixed base swaps are the reason combos win shelf space—edge work and table setups without buying a second motor. The live tool indicator lights when the router is plugged in, a small safety nudge in shared garages where someone might bump the switch. Unplug when changing bits; the indicator does not replace that habit.

Where SKIL trades away prestige is fit, finish, and long-term refinement compared with premium brands. Knobs may not feel as glassy, bases may not mate with every third-party accessory without fuss, and the motor noise profile is corded-shop honest rather than whisper-quiet. For many home shops building tables, shelves, and trim packages, that compromise is acceptable. For full-time cabinet shops routing eight hours daily, durability and micro-adjustment luxury may push you upmarket.

Accessory reality check: verify collet size, included guides, and whether your router table plate accepts this motor before you plan a full table build around it. Combos ship with bases, not every jig in the universe. Edge guides, bushings, and table lifts are their own purchases. Read the box contents against your project list so you are not mid-mortise with the wrong guide system.

Compared with buying separate fixed and plunge routers, the combo wins on storage and motor cost. Compared with a single compact trim router, it wins on power and plunge depth. Compared with a premium two-base kit from Bosch or Milwaukee, it wins on accessibility and loses on polish. That triangle defines the RT1322-00 buyer.

Verdict: the SKIL RT1322-00 is a capable corded plunge-and-fixed combo for hobbyists and DIYers who want real routing range without premium-brand receipts. Buy it when you need both bases and appreciate LCD speed guidance. Pass if you demand top-tier table integration or already own a motor you love on a lift.

Who it's for

Home woodworkers, DIY furniture builders, and budget-minded makers who want plunge and fixed routing from one motor. Great for first serious router combo or as a shop workhorse that does not need Festool-level prestige.

Who should skip it

Skip if you need cordless site routing, a dedicated compact trim tool only, or premium table-lift integration without adapter hunting. Production shops may prefer heavier-duty platforms with richer accessory ecosystems.

LCD speed presets in practice

Use suggested speeds as a starting point, then adjust based on chip color, sound, and finish quality. Hardwoods and large bits want slower settings; small round-overs in pine tolerate higher RPM. Always prove settings on scrap first.

Setup & everyday use

Swap bases with the motor unplugged, install bits with wrenches fully seated, set depth on scrap, and route with steady feed pressure. Let soft start do its job—do not fight the ramp. Unplug for bit changes even with the live indicator present.

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