Customer Reviews

Makita RF1101KITK 2-1/4 HP VS Router Kit includes Plunge Base, Edge Guide, Larger Hole Base Plate

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The first router I've purchased, although I've used many others before. I was going to buy the Porter Cable 693 with the two bases, but liked the variable speed, increased power, and new technology of this router. Starts up very smoothly and has plenty of power. Comes with a very nice case and all the extras mentioned. Although, I think (dollar amount) is a bit of a stretch for the value of the bits. I was concerned because this was my first Makita purchase (I don't like their blue plastic), but this router doesn't use the same plastic as their other products. Overall, well worth the money and seems very durable.

Some of the features I was looking for in the router:
1) More horsepower than the run of the mill 1½ routers and less than my PC-7518.
2) Plunge ability
3) Light and easy to handle, good grips and balance

Competing products: PC-690, Bosch 1617EVSPK, Dewalt DW610/DW621 series, many others.

[...].

PC-693PK 1½HP - This is a nice machine. Having had experience with the PC7518, I thought that this would be a good choice, but it didn't have a variable speed control. Although the price was one of the least expensive models I reviewed prior to purchasing.

Bosch 1617EVSPK 2HP - This was also a nice machine. It met all of the requirements above and was priced in the middle of the bunch. The Bosch was ¼HP less than the Makita. This was my second choice.

Dewalt DW610 1 1/2 HP/621 2HP- The Dewalt's come in two kits, the fixed base 1 1/2HP and the plunging 2HP models. If they could combine the two, they would have a winning combo. Nice machines, but didn't fulfill all of my requirements.

Makita RF1101KITK 2-1/4 HP -[...] this is an excellent machine, that comes with everything you need, except a router table. Since I already have one, this is no biggie. The kit comes with a fixed base, plunging base, variable speed control, router bit set and at this point you may want to read the manufacturers comments and features. Features I really like:
1) The soft start is excellent. My old craftsman (1 1/2HP) would jerk on start, so you had to make sure you were away from your work or you could nick it.
2) Plunging - This router has a nice plunging base. It's easy to install and setup.
3) Weight and balance - I find this router to be balanced well and it seems to be lighter than it really is.

IMHO: This is one great midsize plunging router. I have been using this machine since Christmas and feel that it was an excellent purchase [...].

Even with 21/4 HP, plenty to easily raise a panel with a 3 inch horizontal bit, this router is quiet! Quieter than my household vacuum, with plenty of power. The softstart feature is great. My old Craftsman router made me cringe every time I used it, it was so loud (an important factor when you live in a co-op apt.), and went out of adjustment quickly. Easier to handle than the Craftsman, too. Easy to use, and the two bases are great..the fixed for the router table, the plunge for freehand. I agree that the bits are not worth [the price], plus they are 1/4" shank, but the package is still a great value. The suitcase (the case is that big) is well designed, and a great way to keep this jewel protected. I love this thing! Makita has a winner.

I bought this at local tool shop, sorry Amazon needed it that day. Was looking at the PC combo, but bought Makita since most of my other tools are Makita.

I could not be more pleased with router. Its damn quiet an cuts like a hot knife through butter... smooth... almost too smooth. The one thing which was a bit flimsy was the edge guide. But it worked well, its justa bit clumsy to adjust.

I bought this for myself about 2 months ago and let me tell you I couldn't be happier. Like some of the other reviewers I was doing my research and looking at the PC because of the combo pack. This would be my first router and I wanted something that would get me off to a good start with a lot of flexibility. In the woodworking magazines they were giving this one high marks so when I saw this great combo I decided to get it. I haven't been disappointed at all. I love the slow start, it's easy to handle, plenty of power, and the combination of fixed and plunge bases gave me that flexibility I was looking for. If you combine the router itself with all the little details like the sturdy case, dust port, set of basic bits, and edge guide (Ya, this piece could be better but it's still not terrible) I don't think a weekend woodworker could ask for more. In my humble opinion I don't think anyone could make a better "my first router" set. Thanks for hitting the bullseye on this one Makita. I'm going to be taking a much closer look at your products when I'm looking for the next addition to my shop.

After doing some exhaustive research (Dewalt, PC, Bosch), I bought this router. It is a great value for the money. The soft start is great, plenty of power and the router is very quiet (relative to other routers). I am using Freud half inch bits and the performance of the router is excellent. Router is well balanced, the dust port is very useful and the best of all, getting both the fixed base and plunge base. I think this router will be a great companion for a long time to come. A minor thing, but the box is great - nice touch.

This is it. I own a router that cost me about [money] and I can't even stand the thought of using it now that I have this one. The motor has plenty of power and I like the way it starts with out a sudden jerk. The router bits that came with it works great for me. They have 1/4 inch shafts and I prefer 1/2 inch but they do work great and seem to be quality made. I wasn't to interested in the case until I got done using the router for the first time and realized that I had a great place to store the router along with the manual, the router wrenches and the accessories including about 10 router bits. This saves me lots of time and if very convenient.

This router is worth the money so instead of wasting [money]like I did just buy this one and you won't regret it.

I really shouldn't complain here. This router is powerful and does a great job. The soft start is nice and it comes with a variety of accessories. But I just saw the Dewalt kit that's coming out. It blows the Makita away. The plunge has dust collection built in that is really slick. And it comes with a D-handle. Something I would really like to have. but it looks like Makita only offer their D handle with a motor. Gee I've got one of those already. Plus the Dewalt did better in a recent shoot out in one of the magazines. Cost savings I'm sure. For things like switch placement, and ease of use.

Oh and the bits that come with the 1/2" capable Makita are 1/4". Hold out for the Dewalt.

I own another router (Craftsman) that is satisfactory, but not very versatile. I was shopping for a new plunge router and found this combo kit with both a fixed base and plunge base. It arrived promptly at the door within a few days. I am very pleased with the router and it's overall performance. I am a young woodworker and sought lot's of input from magazines and freinds. All around this was an excellent purchase. The only down side to this specific kit is the exaggerated value of the included bit set....

After much agony and review of fixed based/plunger kits, I decided on Makita. Order was placed on Saturday, shipped on Monday and arrived on Friday. This a smooth operating and powerful machine. It is quiet for a router, much more than my less powerful Craftsman. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. I have installed the fixed base in my home built router table. So far, it has exeeded my high expectations for quality and finish. The included case has plenty of room for bits and accessories.
Makita has done an excellent job of providing a better product than the PC ( 1 1/2 HP ..) and Bosch ( 1 3/4 HP ...). The added carbide bits are a bonus, although I have not used them yet and cannot comment on their quality.
Thank you AMAZON.COM for fast delivery of this tool and my previously purchased Powermatic table saw.