Makita RF1101 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router

• MLCS 8377 Router Bit Set with Carbide tipped, 1/2-Inch Shank, 15-Piece
• Incra MITERV27 Miter V27 Miter Gauge
• Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.7 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router with Edge Guide
• Kreg SML-C125 1-1/4-Inch No. 2 Coarse Screw (1000-Pack)
• MLCS 9167 Safety Push Block and Stick Package, 5-Piece

After many hours I finally decided on this Makita RF1101 2-1/4 HP router. Also the cuts are much more precise with little to no play in this Makita spindle.I am very pleased with many of Makita's products, this router continues that tradition. It still worked well though.The cutting I have done since installing this router is very nice. When you are doing plastic name tag engraving that is not good.I did much research on the net and especially on Amazon.com reading multiple user reviews and comparing specs. I have a small CNC router table (17" x 17" x 3") that had a Dremel Advantage on it.

It is pleasant to run because even cutting at 14,000 RPM it is still much quieter than our old Dremel Advantage. The Dremel did a nice job for us for several years, but there was always some play in the spindle. This is overkill for what I need, but I liked the features of variable speed, constant RPMs while cutting, and soft start (not really uncommon features in a router this size).When I unpacked the router I was a little surprised to find the outside of the router has "coarse threads" up it to adjust for height in the base. GREAT ROUTER. That made for a non-ideal situation for putting a mount around this router to attach it to our CNC machine.

We cut moulding, dados, chamfer edges in also many different type of materials and it has performed above expectations. One is mounted onto a CNC router which we use to carve our custom wood signs and the latest one is fit into a Grizzly cabinet maker tablesaw. We are professional custom sign maker and have purchased two of the RF1101 routers within the last two years. The duty of use of the one in the CNC machine is fairly high; we cut oak, PVC, HDU, you name it and this router has performed extremely well even with large "V" bit (2.25" OD ). We would definetely recommand this tool as it will perform flawlessly and be very dependable.Belmeade Signswww.belmeadesigns.com The other in the tablesaw is doing an awesome job as well in running quiet and smooth.

This router was installed into a custom router table that I built. in all it performs well, a word of caution you should tighten the lock mechanism before you start to use this unit otherwise it will shift in depth. It has power out of this world. I had a bit that was not tight enough, when i put this thing on the highest speed it just flew out literally about ten feet into the neighbors yard.

It is a low-frills package but it does what it is supposed to with little fanfare. A solid machine at a good price, like most Makita stuff, if you can find it by itself. I use it in a duplicating carver application so it is subject to lots of dust and extended run-times and I have yet to have any issues. I debated about whether to give this router 3 or 4 stars. In a way that makes it an ideal tool. Makita is pretty much selling it only as a package with other things anymore.Now, if only getting it from Amazon was as hassle-free. It is not as quiet as the Bosch or as powerful as the Porter Cable monsters, but it works.

I won't compromise or skimp when it comes to tools. It immediately went to my router table and I was in business in just a few minutes. I decided to just jump right in and went straight to cutting 3/8 grooves in select red oak.(lots and lots of grooves)I was so impressed with the soft start and the machines ability to slow down and speed up as I pushed the stock. I liked what others had said and experienced and took a chance and ordered it. (some pieces more than 6 feet long) So if you are looking for a real horse in the router department I think you'll be quite impressed. When it came I felt it really looked the part of a very well engineered tool.The mechanism to raise and lower is fantastic. I'm an industrial electrician in my 40th year in the trades.

I went over and over the reviews and then looked at the Makita. Price was not a consideration and would have paid whatever it took to get the best router. I think I know power tools very well and when it came time for a new router I was sure it would be a PC, Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Bosch. I am so pleased to report on such a well designed tool. As I read the reviews for each of them I was less and less impressed and not sure what to do. As I use a lot of powertools in my job, I'm very picky when it comes to selection. Good luck,Jerry England

So, I waited in great anticpation for the router's arrival.