Makita 3612CX1 3-1/4 HP Plunge Router

by Makita

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This tool's powerful 15-amp motor 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. An electric brake means you'll stop that bit where you need to. Set your routing depth with the convenient lock lever, or you can even preset for three plunge depths. The package comes with a 1/4-inch collet sleeve, two wrenches, and a 1/2-inch collet cone. Other features include:

• 0 - 2-3/8" plunge depth capacity for easy penetration into workpiece
• All ball bearing construction for long tool life
• Shaft lock for quick and easy bit changes
• Soft start feature for smoother start-ups
• Top handle depth adjustment to set desired routing depth
• Chip deflector keeps chips away from the operator
• Uses 1/4" and 1/2" shank router bits
• Double insulated

Specifications:

• Collet capacities: 1/2" and 1/4"
• Plunge capacity: 0 - 2-3/8"
• No load speed: 9,000 - 23,000 RPM
• AMPS (115V): 15.0
• Maximum horsepower: 3.25
• Overall height: 12-3/4"
• Weight: 13.2 pounds

Standard equipment:

• 1/4" Collet sleeve (763803-0)
• 1/2" Collet cone (763622-4)
• Wrench (#8; 781213-9, #24; 781210-5)

Product Details

Product Manual [205kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.8 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: B0002ZFY68
• Item model number: 3612CX1
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,793 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makita 3612CX1 3-1/4 HP Variable Speed Plunge Router, November 7, 2005

By 

T. Stevens (CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Makita 3612CX1 3-1/4 HP Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I received the Makita 3612CX1 from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. Since then, I have cut a few half-blind dove tails with it on a PorterCable Omnijig. It feels well, cuts well and is loaded with nice features such as the soft start and electronic brake. These 2 features enhance the router's utility in combination with templates and machines such as the Omnijig.

The router is also fairly quiet and is lacking that high pitch scream that other routers have. This makes it a lot easier on the ears. This router is going to serve 100% above the table, while my other 2 routers are being dedicated to the router lifts.

I strongly recommend this router, especially if you are only going to have one general purpose router.

Pros:

1) Same as 3612C, but packaged differently for $40 less.
2) Low pitch noise and quieter than my 10-year old single speed Makita 3612 router.
3) Soft start which keeps it from jumping off of jigs.
4) Eletric brake shuts down faster so it can be removed from jigs quicker without taking a bite out of them. Makes multiple cuts faster.

Cons:

1) The coupon for the router bit set is an inconvenience. Amazon should ship the bitset with the router or supply it themselves. Have to find another vendor to order the bit set from.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very versatile router, great value..., October 26, 2005

By 

Erol (Fairfield, CT USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Makita 3612CX1 3-1/4 HP Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

You can like different routers for different reasons. I had two of the fixed speed version of this router. One got stolen, I replaced it with the variable speed version and I love it for these reasons:
1. It is very quiet even at highest speed for a 3-1/4HP router. In fact it is much quieter than the fixed speed version of the same router at the same speed.
2. It is relatively small and light for its power. It is not a light router, you will have to use with two hands always. But I can do delicate edge treatments with small bits with no issues. It is powerful enough to mount under the table when you need to. That's why I think this is a very versatile router.
3. Plunge action is very smooth and capacity is good. 3 step debt gauge works fine although I use it rarely since the router is powerful enough to do most cuts in one pass.
4. Fit and finish is great. You can tell it is a well-made tool when you hold it. Power cord is long and soft - does not stay coiled when you are using it.
5. You can lock it down using the height adjustment mechanism - not the plunge lever- and it acts like a fixed based router. Therefore you do not have to change bases from fixed to plunge. You always have both at your fingertips. That's why prefer this over the multiple base combo kits.. another reason why I call this a very versatile router.
6. Also the 3-piece door bit set came with the router, not a coupon. The bits are very high quality. Thick carbide tips, nice bearings. Nice wooden box.


Here are some negatives you should consider- but these are not enough for me to give it a lower rating:
1. The plunge lock lever is metal and you have to push it down with the side of your index OR middle finger. With lengthy use, this may hurt your finger. I screwed a small bent extension to mine so that I push it down with tips of my two fingers and it works wonderfully.
2. It does not have a case.

If I lose one of my routers, I would buy a another one of these without a question.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Router / Good Deal, August 1, 2005

By 

DJS (Indiana,USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Makita 3612CX1 3-1/4 HP Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

You can't go wrong with this router,it has the power,the speed control and a brake!The price is darn good compared to the price I could have got it for locally,the cream on the cake is the free door assembly cutter set worth $150.The set did not come with the router,but after a phone call to the supplier and proof of purchase and serial number of the unit,they said they were waiting for them coming in and would send the set to me as soon as possible.It has been a few weeks now but low and behold I have had the E-mail confirmation that the set is on it's way.I have one minor niggle with the router,the rubber button cover to the spindle lock is a bit of a loose fit and can easily come off, apart from that,I have always liked Makita power tools and this router model and past generations of it has stood the test of time. I am a professional carpenter and cabinet maker with 36 years in the trade.