Makita 3612C 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Router

by Makita

Product Description

This Makita plunge router has a powerful 15 Amp motor that delivers 9000 to 23,000 RPM for smooth, clean routing. The soft-start feature means no more zipping across the workpiece. You'll get more precise routing with the variable speed selection knob. There's also an electronic speed control for constant speed under load. U.S.A.

Product Details

Product Manual [1.11mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 15 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000223JI
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 3612C
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #163,200 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power machine, February 9, 2000

By 

Dennis Spires (Western Nebraska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Makita 3612C 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

Boy does this machine have power. I have the square base and don't have soft start but am real happy with everything else. I cut out stair steps with this big old boy and never lack power even with a large bit. You haft to hold onto it when starting it. Now I have it in the router table all the time and use it with the 1/2" dia. shaft bits so in hard wood the bits don't chatter. It really has been good for me and I'll be working it for a long time. I've made a bedroom set, 3 china hutches,matching buffet,computer desks, cabinets and all out of oak. Used it on some american elm and hard maple also. I use other brands at work and have this one in my home shop with 3 other brands.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ay Caramba, March 26, 2001

By 

"rob_weiner" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Makita 3612C 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

This tool has had consistent accuracy, ease of use and power to burn. It was in great shape right out of the box, and has been running smooth ever since. I saw some comments about a kick at start up but I think the start up is plenty smooth especially for such a big tool. I have used it for plunging 1" bits into cross-grain and it just flies. I can not think of a bad thing to say. If I lost it somehow, I would buy another just like it.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Super Nova, November 15, 2005

By 

Sam Wales "Sam Wales" (Toronto Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Makita 3612C 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I spent several nights reading reviews about various plunge routers with an open mind. I already owned an 15 year old 3612 BC Makita.I thought a 2nd router would be great for use on the Leigh Dove Tail Jig or a router table.Availability and repair centre also pushed me to Makita.
After reading all the faults and pluses
of other brands and models I came to the conclusion that there would be less opertational hassle with jig changes etc. by buying another Makita 3612-C .
I own maybe by default a number of Makita products but I am not loyal to any brand.
The new machine is quiter than the old model the soft start is nice but there is a reverse kick when shutting down.
The lock lever has changed locations and is still difficult to operate for samll fingered or arthritic folk. If I have the time I will try and modify this lever to suit myself.
Other reviewrs I believe stated that they had difficulty removing bits.You must unlock the spindle nut twice. I don't beleive this is in the book.My old model is the same. I tryed all bit and adpators with no problems.My old spindle wrench is much more robust than the tool suplied on the current model.Although its not a problem.
I found that tapping the wrech with many layers of tape stopped the wrech from putting nicks in the plunge posts when removing bits especially under the router table where things are tight and slip under pressure
The old Makita 3612-BR has built our kitcken, bathrooms plus my mothers kitchen and various other projects, aleast 70 raised panel doors in Oak, Cherry and Maple.
There are basically no bells and whistles a work horse I hope this ones lasts as long as the old 3612-BR.
I would love to try some of the other brands and models some day.I think reading these reviews is far better than reviews from Fine Woodworking etc.