Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base

I love this router. It is easy to think of it as a trim router, but like advertised, it is definitely better thought of as a compact router instead because of its versatility and power. I have been using it almost daily since it arrived and haven't had a single issue with it so far, and haven't come across many projects where I had to switch to a heavier router. I haven't done a lot of hardwood with it yet, but I have done quite a bit of work on 1/8 and 1/4" aluminum and it has chewed right through it when set on the proper speed and has a good bit in it. The biggest issue I have come across was of my own making, and that was that I bought the $99 basic tool option. My thinking was that I would probably be using it as a trim router and so I wouldn't need the plunge base. That was a big mistake because had I known just how solidly built and capable this thing was I would have just spent the extra money for the kit that included the plunge base, or better yet, just went ahead and spent the $199 for the kit with the router and all 3 bases /attachments, rather than having to order a plunge base separately for about $70 and $30-35 each for the tilt and offset bases. Plus the full kit also comes with dust ports and guide inserts etc, whereas I only got the tool and the standard base for the $99. That extra 39.99 or 99.99 for the upgrade packages is completely worth the money given the performance of this little powerhouse router.

I've got two of these, one is more than ten years old and this one is brand new. They work exactly the same, the build quality is excellent and the interchangable bases make it really versatile. I really can't fault it, if it had a light within the base to improve visability then that could be an improvement to make. Different woods need different speeds so if you get some burning go up a speed.

Ok, I'm impressed with this compact router. Powerful and the latching collar makes it a breeze to set the depth quickly. Just be careful if you are mounting this thing in a router table. I made the mistake of unlatching the collar and turn it to see if it would fit the adjusting cage on my router table. The router slide off the collar and bounced off the floor. Didn't hurt the router just made me grimace with humility at such a stupid clumsy act on my part.

This is a typical Makita tool. It is very well made and easy to use. I have a couple of larger routers but, needed one for some smaller, more detailed work and this unit worked perfectly. It is light, and very easy to maneuverer. I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it is, especially for a tool that is not known for quiet operation. Granted, it is smaller than my DeWalt but, still disproportionately quitter in my opinion. I highly recommend using the dust extractor available for this unit. It worked great. You can find it at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUUHMS0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Makita 195559-1 Dust Extracting Nozzle with RT0700C Fixed Base I almost forgot; There is a cordless version of this available too. Knowing Makita, I suspect it will perform just as well. I just don't like dealing with batteries that much although I do have a Makita cordless drill I use often and like it a lot.

Knocking off one star: In order to get the adjustment sleeve to hold its position out of the box, I had to tighten the little bolt on it-- actually a bit hard to grab because of its location, but still at worst a 5 minute inconvenience. What was a little more of a nuisance was that I was using it to round over a rather expensive cut of hardwood at the time, and the adjustment moved on me. Anyway, live and learn. So far, it woks well in all other respects. Appears reasonably well built. I think it's already taken one trip to the ground and I can't find any functional or even cosmetic damage. Plenty of power even working in woods north of 3000 janka.

Llevo varios meses utilizandola y realmente me ha impresionado su funcionamiento, solo tuve un pequeño problema al momento de utilizar una broca ruteadora, pero fue un error por no haberme fijado en el diámetro

Beautiful little machine. My first router. I’m a Makita user, I like how they design their tools. Very ergonomic, durable, precision tools. This little router is my first, and it is very user friendly and you don’t even need to read the instructions. The speed control is very good. And this machine just sings when you use it. Very nice operation.

Was using a carbide 3d router that was recommended when buying this machine. Has a 65mm spindle that fits perfect with no modifications needed. Uses the same collets, brushes, and same size wrenches for changing bits as the carbide 3d. Have used for about 20hrs so far with no problems, other than the spindle seems to get a bit hotter after frequent use compared to the 3d router. Overall seems to work great and is a perfect replacement.

Value for money

Su tamaño permite realizar trabajos en espacios reducidos.

Excellent condition router. Highly recommend. No complaints. Does the job it should. Just get yourself of good set of bits. Not the cheap ones. Cheap bits can burn out in few uses, I think. The router came with a jig. To make a straight line cut.

Muy bueno aun lo tengo funcionando..

Used on a CNC machine, router is strong and has good torque. Only issue is that after awhile the speed (RPM) dial will move during use because it becomes loose so you have to jam something in to stop it vibrating and changing speeds. I only have this issue because its used for hours at a time on a cnc.