The SKIL cordless palm router marks SKIL’s first serious entry into the cordless trim router market. In this SKIL RT1430B Router Review, we’ll take a look at this compact router for woodworking that is surprisingly capable and priced significantly below most competitors. But can a budget-friendly router really compete with the big-name brands? After putting it through its paces, I’m impressed by what SKIL has delivered—though it’s not without its quirks.
👉 Check current pricing for the SKIL RT1430B
💡 If you’re shopping in the budget category, you’ll probably appreciate my list of 30 woodworking tools under $30 that punch above their weight just like this router.
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About SKIL
For those unfamiliar, SKIL isn’t a newcomer to the tool world. Founded in 1924 with the first handheld circular saw, SKIL was once a dominant pro jobsite brand. Today, under the Chervon umbrella (the same company behind Flex and Ego), SKIL has evolved to serve small woodworking shops and DIY woodworkers with value-oriented tools that don’t sacrifice performance.
Specifications at a Glance
- Motor: Brushless, 1 HP
- Speed Range: 15,000 – 30,000 RPM (6 speed settings)
- Weight: 2.5 lbs (bare tool), 4.1 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Height: 6.5 inches
- Depth Adjustment: Minimum 1/64 inch increments
- Base Opening: 1.3 inches (33.5mm)
- Dust Port: 1.25 inches
- Battery: 20V PWRCORE system
- Runtime: Up to 260 feet of pine cuts with 4.0Ah battery (using 3/8″ roundover bit)
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
First Impressions: Lightweight Champion
The first thing you’ll notice about this SKIL cordless palm router is how impressively light it is. Among all the cordless routers I’ve tested, only the Craftsman matches its bare-tool weight. This makes it incredibly comfortable for extended routing sessions and easy to maneuver in tight spaces—essential features for a compact router for woodworking.
But does lightweight mean underpowered? Not in this case. SKIL claims 1 horsepower, and while most cordless routers mysteriously omit their power specs, SKIL doesn’t, and it delivered in my real-world testing.
Motor Performance: Better Than Expected
A brushless trim router motor offers plenty of advantages: more power, longer runtime, less heat, and virtually no maintenance. The variable speed control (15,000 to 30,000 RPM) puts it on par with routers like the Milwaukee 2723 and Flex FX4221.
To test the actual power, I ran my standard palm router test: cutting a ½” × ½” rabbet across a two-foot sapele board. The SKIL RT1430B router performed admirably, beating budget brands like Ryobi and Hercules while trailing premium options like Flex and DeWalt. For a router at this price point, that’s impressive performance, making it a strong contender for best budget cordless trim router.
The One Missing Feature: There’s no spindle brake, so the bit takes a while to stop spinning after you power down. However, this is common among budget-friendly routers, so it’s not a deal-breaker.
Design and Ergonomics: The Good and the Quirky
The Base: Modified D-Shape
Most modern routers feature a D-shaped base—and for good reason. The flat side offers stability, while the round side runs smoothly against straight edges. The SKIL has a D-shape with a twist: a cutout on what would normally be the round side.
This cutout exists for their edge guide attachment, and the edge guide interface is one of the best I’ve tested (second only to Flex). It attaches quickly and easily, and the screw stays in the guide when not in use—no lost hardware, no screws in your way.
The downside? If you prefer running the round edge of your router against a fence (like I do), the cutout means you’ve lost that option. It’s a trade-off that some will love and others will miss.
Base Opening: At 1.3 inches, the opening accommodates standard guide bushings without needing an adapter plate—a nice plus. However, some larger router bits won’t fit, requiring you to remove the base plate entirely.
The Barrel and Grip
The metal barrel is textured for grip but lacks any rubber overmolding. While I would’ve appreciated some cushioning, it’s not uncomfortable, and the texturing does provide adequate grip. The compact size feels good in the hands, and the tool remains well-balanced even with the included 4.0Ah battery.
Bit Changes: Pretty straightforward with a spindle lock button and wrench system. Unlike some routers, there aren’t two flat sides on the collet which would also give you the option to use the two wrench method—but the spindle lock button works great so I didn’t miss it.
Depth Adjustment: Simple and Effective
SKIL uses a center-stack adjustment mechanism that’s proven and reliable. Unfasten the latch, push the side button for macro adjustments, and use the dial for micro adjustments as small as 1/64 inch. It’s intuitive, accurate, and easy to dial in precisely.
The Quirk: The router has directional arrows on the micro-adjustment dial…but they’re comically tiny. You’ll need to squint to see them. Not a functional issue since I never look at them anyway, but it’s amusingly half-hearted.
The On/Off Switch: My Favorite Feature
This simple, tactile click switch is perfection. Many expensive routers use rubber or neoprene covers that make the switch harder to use—supposedly for a “premium feel.” Give me this straightforward switch any day. It includes proper safety features too: if you install the battery while the switch is on, the router won’t start until you cycle the switch.
Additional Features
- LED Light: A single LED illuminates when the router powers on, improving visibility in dim work areas
- Soft Start: Prevents damage to your workpiece by gradually ramping up to speed
- Dust Port: 1.25-inch connection for dust collection
What’s in the Kit?
The SKIL 20V router kit (RT1430B-10) includes everything you need to get started:
- SKIL 20V Brushless Compact Router
- 4.0Ah PWRCORE 20 Battery (huge plus—Ryobi’s comparable kit only includes 2Ah)
- 60W Charger
- Spanner wrench
- Edge guide with holes for auxiliary fence attachment
- Dust shroud
- Bonus: 3-piece router bit set (¼” straight, ⅜” roundover, ½” laminate trim)
The inclusion of router bits is unusual and welcome. The charger and battery alone would cost over $100 separately, making the kit an excellent value proposition.
Pricing and Value
The SKIL RT1430B router undercuts major brands like DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Makita by a significant margin. It’s even cheaper than Kobalt and Ryobi. You’ll only find lower prices from Harbor Freight brands like Hercules and Bauer—and the SKIL outperforms those options.
👉 Check current pricing for the SKIL RT1430B
Who Should Buy This Router?
Perfect for:
- DIY woodworkers and hobbyists
- Small woodworking shop owners looking for value
- Anyone already invested in SKIL PWRCore 20 tools
- First-time router buyers
Consider alternatives if:
- You require pro-grade features like spindle brakes
- You prefer running the round edge of your base against fences/straight edges
The Verdict
The SKIL 20V Brushless Cordless Compact Router won’t dethrone routers costing twice as much—and it doesn’t claim to. What it does offer is surprisingly capable performance in a compact, affordable package. The brushless motor delivers legitimate power, the kit includes genuinely useful accessories, and the overall design is thoughtful (even with a couple of quirky details).
For the money, it’s very hard to ignore. If you’re a weekend woodworker, DIY enthusiast, or someone looking to add a cordless router to your small woodworking shop without breaking the bank, the SKIL RT1430B deserves serious consideration. It’s proof that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality.
Pros: Excellent value, genuinely powerful brushless motor, lightweight and balanced, great kit contents, innovative edge guide design
Cons: No spindle brake, modified base limits some techniques, minimal grip comfort features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SKIL 20V router worth it?
Absolutely, especially if you’re a DIYer or hobbyist woodworker. The SKIL cordless palm router delivers performance that punches well above its price point. In my testing, its power outperformed other budget brands like Ryobi and Hercules while costing less than premium brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee. The SKIL 20V router kit is an exceptional value—you get a 4.0Ah battery, charger, edge guide, dust shroud, and three router bits for the mid $100 range. That battery and charger alone would cost over $100 separately. For a small woodworking shop or weekend projects, this is one of the best budget cordless trim routers you can buy.
How powerful is the SKIL cordless router?
The SKIL RT1430B router features a 1-horsepower brushless motor with variable speed from 15,000 to 30,000 RPM. In real-world testing, it performed better than I expected for its size and price. When cutting a ½” × ½” rabbet across a two-foot board, it was noticeably faster than Ryobi and Hercules routers, though slower than premium options like Flex and DeWalt. It handles soft and medium-density woods with ease. In hardwoods, it works harder but still gets the job done—typical for any compact trim router. For the money, you’re getting more power than this router’s size and price would suggest.
What battery does the SKIL 20V router use?
The SKIL cordless palm router uses the SKIL PWRCore 20 battery system. The kit comes with a 4.0Ah battery, which is a significant upgrade over competitors—Ryobi’s similar kit only includes a 2.0Ah battery. According to SKIL, the 4.0Ah battery provides up to 260 feet of cuts in pine using a ⅜” roundover bit. If you already own other SKIL PWRCore 20 tools, your existing batteries will work with this router. The PWRCore 20 system is compatible across SKIL’s entire 20V cordless tool lineup, making it easy to build out your collection without buying multiple battery platforms.
Can it use ¼-inch shank router bits?
Yes, the SKIL RT1430B router accepts standard ¼-inch shank router bits—the most common size for trim routers and the type you’ll find for most routing applications. The router actually comes with three ¼-inch shank bits in the kit: a ¼” straight bit, a ⅜” roundover bit, and a ½” laminate trim bit. However, keep in mind that the base opening is 1.3 inches, which accommodates most standard bits and guide bushings. Some larger-diameter bits may require you to remove the base plate entirely, but this is common with a number of its competitors as well. For typical trim routing, edge work, and most woodworking tasks, the ¼-inch collet will handle everything you need.
Looking for more SKIL router options? I’ve also reviewed the SKIL Fixed and Plunge Base Router Kit, a perfect do everything router.