The tilt base for a handheld router tool allows a router secured therein to be tilted equally in opposite directions from a position in which the rotational axis is normal to the underlying base plate and workpiece. The tilt base includes two opposed tilt clearance areas formed in the lower skirt portion thereof, with two depending opposed pivot attachment lugs or ears separating the two tilt clearance areas. A base plate includes a pair of opposed upstanding pivot attachment fittings, to which the pivot attachment lugs of the router base attach. The base plate may be formed of opaque, translucent, or transparent material, and includes an elongate slot for cutting bit clearance when the router is tilted. The operator of the tool may quickly and easily adjust the tilt angle of the router and its base to provide angled or beveled cuts in a workpiece as desired.