Customer Reviews

Makita RF1101KIT 2-1/4 HP Industrial Router Kit

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I needed a new router (or two), so I could keep my old router hooked up to a jig all the time. I was looking for a powerful and compact plunge router and a D-handle router in a combination kit with ¼ and ½ inch collets, and variable speed. I could not find any such kits.

In the past, the only corded tools I would purchase were Milwaukee or Porter Cable brands, but the Makita RF1101KIT 2-1/4 HP Industrial Router kit changed that.
Formerly, I used Makita brand for cordless tools exclusively. I have a Makita 9.6v drill that I used professionally, every day for two years and never had a problem. That drill is was purchased in the spring of 1986, and still works fine. It is now part of my collection of many Makita cordless tools, all of which are professional quality tools.

Since Makita offered a 2-¼ Router kit that has enough power to handle most of the bigger bits I use, and Milwaukee and Porter Cable didn't, it was an easy choice, but I still wanted a D-handle router.

Makita's Parts suppliers also offer a RD1101 2-1/4 HP D-Handle Router base that works fine with the RF1101 kit. The base is pricey, but not as bad as purchasing another router. **For safety reasons, it is advisable that you shorten the router power cord, or buy the cord for the rd110. This cord plugs into the D-handle base (Makita D-handle power supply cord AWG#16-3-0.7 - Part Number: 565055-7). This cord costs less than an average 25ft extension cord.

With the d-handle base added to the router kit, I now have three bases and don't have to spend the money for three different routers. The standard router base resides in my router table all the time. The D-handle is used for all fixed base routing, as well as a remote switch for the router table (until I purchase a bump type). The plunge base is used for plunge type work like mortises, stop dados.

The 1100 and 1101 series routers are very well built. The collets swap out quickly and also make stuck router bit shanks a thing of the past. You do need to use two wrenches that are provided to change bits and collets. I see this as a plus. A spindle lock or shaft lock type bit changing setup (what I had on my first router), puts too much stress on the router's shaft or arbor, which can weaken the shaft.

Other positives:
* This router has it is quiet for a router in it's amperage range.

* The kit comes with an extra clear base plate; I use it as a template to make other base plates.

* The dust collection is as good as it gets for a router. Although the dust collection attachment is clear, it does make it hard to see what happening around the bit. I hook it up to my Fein vacuum that automatically starts up with the tool, and it does pickup a large amount of saw dust, especially with upward spiral bits.

* The base uses standard Porter-Cable style template guides and is compact, but stable.

* An edge guide is also provided

* The soft start feature is a luxury that stops me from flinching and putting a death grip on the handles every time I start up.

* The router is light but solid, with out a lot of plastic.

* The plunge base has a turret style stop that allows plunges to be done incrementally in three steps.

I am so pleased with this router, that I have purchased other Makita corded power tools (LS1010 sliding compound miter saw, and four different sanders), all of which are top quality professional tools.
**** Update: June 2011 *****
This Router is still going strong. It has no trouble spinning large bits when in the router table. The other routers just sit and collect dust.

I am a professional architectural millworker and furniture maker with 30 years experience. I have had many routers, almost every brand made over the years. I put many hours on my routers and have 11 routers right now including Porter Cable, Hitachi, Ryobi, DeWalt, Bosch, Fein and Makita. I own 2 RF1101s, one a kit with the plunge base. The RF1101s are my favorite routers that I have ever owned. I love the quietness of them, they have plenty of power when needed, good balance and weight, and they are very rugged. One of mine is mounted in my shop made horizontal slot mortiser. I can actually hear the radio or someone talking while using it in most woods. Even with a 1/2 inch spiral bit into maple making a 4 inch long slot 1 inch deep (not all at once) I can use it at about half on the dial and cut clean slots effortlessly. The other is my favorite shop plunge router (over another older Makita, an Hitachi, and two Porter Cables).
If you only buy one router this is the one to get. The only router that I have seen with better dust collection is the DeWalt with the collection through the handle, but I would still much rather have the Makita for its power and ruggedness.

Most people when they need a good router just assume that the big boys (DeWalt/P-C/Bosch) are the big boys for a reason and buy one too. They are good routers but each has its own "personality" that must be matched to the job and many times these big boys are not the best nor the most useable.

The Makita RF1101KIT is truly an underdog that shines bright in the shop (unless you are a very picky perfectionist). The 2-1/4 HP motor is absolutely smooth, powerful and QUIET, as far as routers are concerned. The variable speed is also simple and smooth. The motor, the HEART of any router, is sure to last a long time in this Makita if you don't abuse it.

The stable flat top makes bit changes fast and easy but the stamped steel wrenches could use a overhaul. They are somewhat loose on the collet nuts and seem "soft," like you could spread them out if you half-heartedly tried. The base is identical to the P-C 690 and takes all the P-C assessories perfectly, which saves some money and time as everyone makes their accessories to fit a 690. No ultra-expensive, model-specific marketing ploy.

The fixed base is where my biggest beef is. The PLASTIC ring that has measurement graduations on it, helping in precise adjustments, is absolute CRAP. The measurements are very hard to see and the ring is way too loose, making small adjustments a hit-n-miss attempt. Moreover, one TWO models I have seen, including my own, one or two of the skimpy, thin plastic tabs that barely hold the ring into the aluminum base have broken off and allow the ring to fall off when you swap the motor and it no longer stays where you rotate it, making it useless. I have taken mine off and just adjust height like a pro does, with a ruler or spacers. Very poor design Makita... FIX IT!

The plunge base is one of the best. Not as smooth as the DeWalt but far better than the P-C, probqably equal to Bosch. It lifts the motor smoothly with springs but is easily dropped down and set. The control lever is OK but not the most ergonomic in placement. It does lock very securely so it won't move as you use it. The rotating plunge set wheel mounted on the base is very secure and substantial, not loose like Bosch and DeWalt. It has multiple adjustments... almost too many. I really like the plunge adjustments and this is one of the big selling points for me. The dust shroud works good if you want it.

The edge guide/fence? Hmmmm. It works but very cheap and cheezy. Just plain stamped steel and some steel rods... very basic. I wouldn't trust it on anything needing precision lines. The micro-adjust P-C guide is much better and fits prefect.

Finally, the case. It is a GREAT CASE with stash points for all your goodies, as well as some 1/4" and 1/2" bits. It also holds the router and bases securely. It is tough and should last as long as the router.

All in all, I'm glad I bought the Makita. It is quality, very durable and isn't something everyone out there has.... YET! But just like any router out there, as the various reviews show, nothing is PERFECT. This will be so as long as people have habits, ideas and opinions... The Makita comes darn close though... DARN CLOSE!

I am just a weekend woodworker, this is only a hobby for me. and after quite a bit of research, I decided on the Makita RF1101Kit. After a few months of use, I am very pleased. It has plenty of power for someone like me. It is very versatile. The bases included line up the same as porter cable, so it fits almost any aftermarket accessory (router table, other base plates, etc.) with ease. I bought a router table and monuted the fixed base to it and leave it there permanently, and then use the plunge base for my free hand work.

The router is much quieter than any other I've heard. It has adequate power for all of the woods I've used (red oak, poplar, etc.), and comes with a myriad of useful accessories. I couldn't be happier with my selection to this point. Get yourself a quality set of bits, and this router will serve you well.

This is one fine router! It has a nice soft start feature which is truly soft. the noise level is low, well at least as low as you can get with a universal motor zipping along at 24,000 rpm. it is the quietest mid-level router I have used. While important, these features are truly secondary to what really matters in a router: the finished product. The vibration is nearly non-existent, which translates into silky smooth cuts. Couple this with a quality bit from Freud, Amana, or CMT and you are truly in business.

This kit comes with a fixed base and a plunge base. I use the fixed base for the most part and have found it to be up to the usual Makita level of quality. My only reservation about this base is the rudimentary height adjustment system. Once an adjustment is made, the action of closing the locking lever will often cause a minor change in the setting. This leads to a sort of trial and error method, which can be time consuming. Not being a professional, however, time is my least valuable asset. If I had to worry about time, it might be a problem, but then if that were the case, I could justify a shaper.

The plunge base included the kit is as smooth as the rest of this tool. The plunging action is nice and silky, and the lock/release lever is perfectly positioned. The method of securing the motor in the plung base is another time consuming affair (relatively speaking) it requires the use of **GASP** a phillips screwdriver.

All in all, I don't think anyone would be dissatisfied with this router kit. A quality system from a quality company! Having said all that, it must be noted that this particular market segment is highly competitive, with many outstanding router kits available in this price range. With such a dizzying array of permutations, it would be hard to make a bad purchase.

I ordered the kit from Amazon.com on the 23rd and it arrived, via their FREE shiiping on the 26th!!!

1. This is the most quiet router I have ever heard in my life. I can turn it on, and while it is running wide open on the highest speed setting, I can carry on a conversation with my wife when she is standing right next to me, speaking in the same tone we were before I turned it on. This is while the router was in my hands right in front of me, imagine how quiet it is when mounted in the table!

2. Fit and finish is second to none. Swapping bases is a snap. Although you do need to tighten one screw when you drop it in the plunge base. The fixed base uses a snap buckle like the PC 690. The single screw is not a pain at all, but it could have been a little nicer.

3. The motor has a HUGE flat top on it, so when you change bits you simply stand it on the motor and it stays all by itself. The nicest system I have seen yet.

4. The plunge base it "almost" as smooth as the Dewalt. I say almost because I do not think ANY router will EVER be as smooth when plunging as the Dewalt is, but this is smoother than the PC buy a noticable amount.

5. The soft start option is very nice for getting both hands on the router to get down to buisness. Having it closer to the handles would have been nice, but with the soft start it is not an issue.

6. Adjustability of the plunge base is second to none. The turret spins as freely as you could ever ask. 1 complete revolution of the adjuster makes a 1/64th change in bit heighth. And if you press in the button on the adjuster you can make huge incremental changes in a snap, and then return it back to the 1/64th settings for fine tuning.

7. Accesories galore. It came with the nicest single case that holds both bases I have seen yet. It also came with a 6 peice Makita bit set, a clear chip shield that just snaps in place, a bolt on clear dust collection port, an extra base that is see through, all of the wrenches and both collets.

I would recomend this Router to Anyone who wants the best tool on the market. This one tool will do everything anyone could ask of a router, and with the deal Amazon.com is offering, it is the cheapest 2+HP router you can purchase.

All in all, I give this a perfect 10....

This is a terrific routher, but beware! After about a minute or so of use I felt some chatter in the 1/2" spiral bit I was using. I checked to make sure the bit was secure in the collet -- it was -- but I discovered the collet body was coming unscrewed from the armature shaft! (The collet body is the piece that accepts the 1/2" and 1/4" collets and is supposed to stay put when you change collets or bits). I tightened it back on with a hefty screwdriver and a collet wrench and cautiously went back to work....

Once again the collet body started to come loose, but before I could shut off the motor the collet body (with collet and bit still attached) flew off the armature shaft and whacked me in the groin - OUCH!!!

Fortunately the bit didn't impale me, but let me tell you, I was VERY lucky to hobble away with the family jewels intact.

Again, I re-attached the collet body and this time used some high-strength thread locking compound to hold it all together. This was several weeks ago, and so-far, so-good. The router has been a thing of beauty ever since.

So...
1. Make sure you check that your router arrives fully assembled so parts don't fly off unexpectedly. In addition, the package arrived with a troublesome rattle that turned out to be some other loose parts floating around in the case.
2. Stop IMMEDIATELY if you feel or hear abnormal vibration or chatter.

I also recommend replacing the stock baseplate with the PC690 baseplate (about $11) since it's easier to center the PC baseplate due to the flathead vs. panhead screws. At least Makita makes this router so it can be used with the baseplates and jigs I made for my old PC690! That was a very smart thing for Makita to do.

Quiet, Powerful, and Flexible. This router will do it all. I have been been very pleased with the quality of this product, and would recommend it to anyone looking for both a fixed and plunge base router solution!

The Best Router quality tool from Makita...Period

I looked at Porter Cable 890, Bosch 1617EVS, Dewalt DW618PK

Routers and finally decided on the Makita because of the Quiet, Powerful, and Flexible. This 12 amp, electronic variable speed router combo kit provides constant speed under load from 8,000-24,000 rpm and soft start to rout smoothly through the hardest of materials. If you only buy one router this is the one to get. This router will do it all. I have been very pleased with the quality of this product, and would recommend it to anyone looking for both a fixed and plunge base router solution!

This has to be one of the best routers out right now. Makita makes great power tools, and their routers and trimmers are no different. I know most people are skeptical of buying a router without the Bosch or Porter Cable name, but Makita deserves some major credit for the RF1101 Kit 2.

Not only does this router have the variable speed and soft-start, but it is the quietest in its class @ 81 db, and it has 2.25 HP. Again, I would recommend Makita for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable router with all the options of a Bosch EVS 1617 or PC.

Also, check out Makita's 3707FC laminate trimmer!