Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This router is exclusively used in my router table due to it's size and power. I *LOVE* the variable speed and soft start. You can run the big bits at much slower speeds and not get vibration or burning. Bit changing is straight forward (equipped with shaft lock), and they never jam (I use 1/2" shank only). There is NO REASON WHATSOEVER to pay more money elsewhere for any other 3+ HP router, or even a shaper - short of a factory production line.This is a tool that I will enthusiastically encourage anyone to buy, without any shortcoming at all - A GREAT TOOL VALUE.

Fine router. Hefty, with lots of power. The turret/adjustment system could be a little more refined.

I was having problems with bit removal, too, until I realized the trick (maybe I even read the instructions.) Loosen the nut, turn it by hand in the same direction a few more times, and you will feel the collet nut tighten again. Loosen it with the wrench a second time and the bit releases. No problem.

I must admit after having posessed the 3612(see review) for as long as routers have been around, the 3612C was an unopposed choice. It has the same ergonomics and weight which is quite comfortable. On the other hand the variable speed and the same powerful motor makes it just what is needed for those large bits when fitted in a table.If you are looking for a router without frills and no pretentions of being anything but a work horse that will give you years of efficient, trouble free service this is what you need.

After a lot of research, I chose this router for a homemade router table. I bought a Rockler brand aluminum plate specifically made for it and the holes lined up perfectly (my biggest worry for a router plate). The Rockler plate (www.rockler.com part # 62282) is aluminum and perfectly flat and fuctions well on and off the table. It also is wider than the router enabling you to pull the router out of the table without twisting or turning it. The adjustment knob on the router works well under the table and I like the one wrench bit changing system. I've seen better plunging systems out there as far as the plunge lock is concerned but I don't use it at all anyway as this works great in the table. The powerful 3.25 HP and adjustable speed and this Makita can't be beat! The soft start is incredibly smooth and the machine is relatively quiet also. The price is about $100 less than equally powered routers and I still think the Makita blows the rest away.

I am just starting to setup my woodworking shop in my garage for my new found hobby of woodworking. Hence, I am also shopping for new tools. My low funding restricts me to purchase just one router that will do it all. I think getting a 3.25 horsepower is a safe choice for me in order to have sufficient power in anticipation of unknown future projects. I was really tempted to buy the Hitachi M12V because of its unbeatable price. Although the reviews on it were also great, I stayed away from it because of its alarming common two flaws: 1. the plunge shafts that stick and; 2. the variable switch that turns by itself. Also, Green color is great for elegant sedans to add a sporty look on it but not on power tools. Having said all of those, I got the 3612C finally and have no regrets whatsoever. The power is awesome and it is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Variable speed is always set to no. 1 (9,000 rpm) for it does all the jobs in my shop very well. It is safer on the bits and to me too! My apprehension on the 3612C's maneuverability (because of its heavy weight) completely disappeared when I first used it by hand. It gave me perfect coves and roundovers considering this is my first time to use a router. I am new to woodworking but I am having a great time learning. Bit changing was not a problem. I thank the guys for their helpful reviews (posted on 7/17/02 and 1/15/05) on unlocking the secrets of easy bit removal. There is nothing I can say about this router but praises. I made the right decision on buying it. Happy routing!

This router works great. I am impressed with its power, accuracy and noise level. The delay startup is great. The only thing I wish it had would be an internal light.

I bought this for use in my Bosch router table when I decided to upgrade it with the Router Raizer. The combination cost me just a bit more than the hulking machinery type raisers.

In the table it has all the power I need for hardwoods. The installation of the raizer was complex but went well with the excellent instructions. Lack of soft start not a problem in this application. Noise level is quite low considering the power.

Breaking down the router to install the Raizer left me impressed with the fit and finish of the parts. Although I have not used it as a handheld I think it's an excellent buy.

Bit removal is easy with the single wrench and shaft lock button. The insert for 1/4" bits works just fine.

Great value for the money.