Trim Router Reviews, Wood Router Reviews

Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Review

1165

Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

Review: Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

Power9

Features9.1

Quality of Cut8.8

Value for Money9.4

9.1 out of 10

What's Hot?

Small, lightweight and very easy to control, with a good range of accessories included.
1.25 HP motor is extremely smooth and quiet and makes it easy to use for extended periods. It's well balanced and doesn't try to twist out of your hands. Can easily be used one-handed.
Latch lock makes changing the base a breeze - switching in and out of the plunge and fixed bases takes no time at all.
Amazing value for money at under $100 and cheaper than the competition.

What's Not?

Does not come with an adapter to use "Industry Standard" Template Guides

Bottom Line The Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router is a fantastic little router. Like all trim routers, it's never going to take the place of a full-sized router, but the Makita RT0701C has its place in the workshop - it's small and lightweight and the motor is exceptionally smooth and quiet, making it very easy to use one-handed. The quick release cam lock system makes changing bases a matter of seconds and is also used for coarse depth adjustments. More precise depth settings are then made using the smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system. It's got a variable speed control dial (10,000 - 30,000 RPM) as well as electronic speed control and soft start - all in all, it's a hell of a lot of router for under $100.