Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Porter Cable is in big trouble with this router. Makita has copied (borrowed) the best of the features that make the PC 690 the standard in mid-sized routers and added lots more.

The 1101 has more HP (2-1/4 vs. 1-1/2) Has Variable speed, A much nicer locking mechanism (Lever lock vs. oversized wing nut). The motor will not fall out of the base when the locking lever is opened (vital for router table use) and is quiet making use anywhere nicer. Makita uses the same baseplate size and screw hole arrangement as the PC 690, so it fits all PC bases and router table inserts (They put user convience over their own egos here). It is very light for its size and with the narrow waist, can be used one handed.

Over all it shows what can be done to update a classic... even if the classic is from another company!

I HAVE BEEN USING MY NEW MAKITA RF1101 FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW,OH MY GOODNESS WHAT A ROUTER. I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT ON THE FIRST JOB. I BUILD HIGH END CUSTOM FURNITURE IN MY SHOP IN LUBBOCK TEXAS AND I HAVE ALL MAKES AND TYPES OF ROUTERS INCLUDING THE MAKITA 3601C WHICH IS THE LITTLE D HANDLE ROUTER THAT SO MANY WOODWORKERS HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH, ANYWAY, THIS NEW MAKITA IS POWERFUL WITH A 2 1/4 HP MOTOR I RAN IT IN GOOD HARD MESQUITE AND IT NEVER LOST SPEED NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I WAS RUNNING IT ON. I ALSO TRIED IT ON SEVERAL OTHER JOBS WITH DIFERENT WOODS AND FOUND IT TO BE JUST AS GOOD. IF I COULD OWN JUST 1 ROUTER I KNOW IT WOULD BE THIS NEW MAKITA. ALSO I WENT AND BOUGHT THE MAKITA RD1101 D HANDLE VERSION. THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST 2 ROUTERS THAT I OWN. I OWN 9 ROUTERS BEFORE THESE 2 NEW MAKITA'S AND I FEEL THAT THE DUST WILL SETTLE ON THOSE 9. THIS IS THE FIRST ROUTER THAT I HAVE EVER FELT THIS WAY ABOUT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR FIRST ROUTER THIS IS IT. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR ANOTHER ROUTER BUY THIS ONE. I FEEL SURE THAT YOU WILL SOON AGREE WITH ME ABOUT THESE NEW ROUTERS FROM MAKITA

As a cabinetmaker of 25 years, Porter cable routers have stood the test of being the best, until now! A Makita rep gave me a two week trial period with this new router to see if he could sway me away from Porter Cable.I went into the shop skeptical. From the first time I hit the start switch, I knew they had something different here. It was quiet, the soft start was fantastic, and it had tork. I put it through some vigorous tests and I was impressed. I dont know how much the variable speed would come into play for me, because on high speed it ran smooth and flawless. The router bit shaping the wood made more noise that the router motor. What a joy!

I've got both the rf and rd models, and they perform very well. The rf1101 is mounted in my router table, and performs flawlessly every time. One of the best features of this router is how easy and quick it is to change the height. It's as simple as loosening a buckle and rotating. There is also a fine adjustment lever. Not very loud. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.

I'm an industrial electrician in my 40th year in the trades. 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. As I read the reviews for each of them I was less and less impressed and not sure what to do. I went over and over the reviews and then looked at the Makita. I liked what others had said and experienced and took a chance and ordered it. Price was not a consideration and would have paid whatever it took to get the best router. As I use a lot of powertools in my job, I'm very picky when it comes to selection. I won't compromise or skimp when it comes to tools. So, I waited in great anticpation for the router's arrival. When it came I felt it really looked the part of a very well engineered tool.
The mechanism to raise and lower is fantastic. 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. (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. I am so pleased to report on such a well designed tool. Good luck,
Jerry England

This is the first router I have owned, but only one of several I have used in the past. This router is by far steps above the others. It is very quiet even under load. The soft start is a wonderful feature also. The powerful 2 1/4 hp motor is very strong,so hold on tight when you have the rpms set high. I've used it in both solid cherry and solid oak and have had no problems with coves, flutes,ogees etc. I bought the two handle model, on second thought the D handle might prove to be a better choice. Of course that is a matter of choice. I think this router is great compared to the others on the market today. I would definitely purchase it again. Good luck! and safe routing.

I purchased this abought 6 months ago. I use it mostly in a bench dog router table. I purchased the bench dog router lift kit and plate came with screws to mount router to router lift kit made by bench dog (cast iron model). Lined up perfectly. Router has plenty of power even with 2 1/2" raised panel bit. Router has special feature were it automatically boost's the power when cutting material to keep rpm of motor at same rpm cutting or not cutting. Collets automatically release bit and I have never had a bit get hung in collet. Great router and I would recomend to any one looking for a well built and powerfull router to use nay size bit they please. A++++++++++++

I have the "D" handle variant of this machine and the base plate does not have good alignment. The bottom plate is attached by three screws and they fit loosely and making the bottom plate concentric with the motor axis is nigh on impossible. If you need the router to line up precisely with a fence this will screw you up.

For freehanding the router is great, the motor strong and quiet.

The up and down mechanism could use some refinement, probably only tooo loose in the loose position.

I have been using this router for the last four months. It is quiet, powerful, and very easy to adjust. In comparison to my PC 7529 I must admit that I use the Makita more often as it is lighter and faster to setup. My PC has a definite place and is a sweetheart of a router but I only use it now for plunge cuts and very precise cuts.

All in all, I really enjoy the Makita and would recommend it to anyone.

I debated about whether to give this router 3 or 4 stars. It is a low-frills package but it does what it is supposed to with little fanfare. In a way that makes it an ideal tool. It is not as quiet as the Bosch or as powerful as the Porter Cable monsters, but it works. 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. A solid machine at a good price, like most Makita stuff, if you can find it by itself. 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...