Customer Reviews

Milwaukee 5615-21 1-3/4 Max-Horsepower BodyGrip Router Kit

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After reading all the non-plunge router reviews I could find, and looking at each model in local stores, several tool features sold me on this unit. It helps living in a large metropolitan area, as numerous local stores sell professional-grade routers.

1. This is the only mid-sized router I could find that is designed to be controllable with one hand, with quick access to the off/on switch using your right thumb. (If you hold the router in your left hand, the switch won't be in the right place for your thumb.) This is important to me, because when routing dovetails, I hold a vacuum hose in my left hand, and the router in my right hand, so a two-hands-needed router won't work.

2. Router bits stay in the precise center of the base, even when bit depth is adjusted. This may sound pretty basic, but this is the only (non-plunge) router I could find where this was true. E.g., in ALL of the units I looked at where height adjusts via the motor assembly screwing into the base, the router bit shaft is hardly ever in the very center after you tighten the motor housing clamp. While this may not be critical for most router applications, it is whenever using template guides. E.g., to make dovetail joints or use door hinge templates.

3. Router is relatively light and easy to handle.

4. Model 5615-21 comes with a well-designed case and a clever built-in removable router base (click on customer photos above). There is no need to remove the bit from the router - as it is protected from damage while sitting right side up on the base, either with the base in the case, or with the base removed from the case. The case provides outstanding tool protection and has extra space around the tool for storage. Model 5615-20 is JUST the router - no case and no router base.

Soft-start was not important, although that would have been a nice plus. In fact, fast stopping of the bit would have been even more useful - i.e., it takes several seconds for the bit to stop after switching the tool to off.

I bought this router primarily to use with a Leigh 24" dovetail jig, although it's used for other purposes. It hasn't been used enough to testify to its longevity, but so far, it's just what the doctor ordered. The micro-adjusting screw is perfect for doing dovetails or door hinge routing, where you're typically moving the bit in or out, but 1/100" at a time. As with any well-designed router, you can set it upside down, because nothing sticks out.

Owning 5 routers of various types, I can assure you that there is no "perfect" router for all purposes. For example, I use a 3 hp plunge unit in a large router table - it's soft-start and variable speed, with plenty of power for those super-large panel door cutters, and bit changing needs but ONE wrench from the table top - because the tool's drive shaft can be locked. This Milwaukee unit needs TWO wrenches (included) to change bits; and while it's amazingly simple to insert or remove bits with the router sitting on a bench, that wouldn't be so if it was under a [router] table. Besides, it would be underpowered and too high-speed (for large bits).

The reviewer whose unit vibrated too much might have had a defective router - mine hardly vibrates at all. If I sit my router flat on a bench (with no bit), and turn it on and let go, it just hums, doesn't wander at all - and runs smooth as silk, although it's hardly quiet.

Since through dovetails need two routers to be set up (for productivity), I'm thinking of buying another one of these...

After using this new Milwaukee router, I have to say the it is truly the most well balance and comfortable router I have ever used. Why did it take so long for someone to thing of a body grip design? The ease of adjusting the depth is second to none and it cuts flawlessly. Even though I don't mount this under a table, once again Milwaukee has solved the problem of having to go under the table to adjust the depth by making a hole that you can then use a tool to adjust the depth from on top. Can't wait to see if they will come out with some bigger ones.

The new Milwaukee Body grip router is simply an idea that was way past due. I had an out-dated router that used a setscrew against the router sleeve to hold position. Extremely frustrating and inaccurate. So I went out looking for a new router. Then one day I found the Milwaukee body grip router. I immediately knew that it was the router I must have... 3 things sold me on this router, the no spin adjustment mechanism, the easy flip-over clamp and the body grip feel. I really didn't like how the Porter Cable router requires you to spin the router body for adjustment. I do alot of table routing and didn't like the idea that the switch would be in a different location for each height. The large flip-over locking level provides plenty of tightening power to prevent movement, although I don't do any aggressive cuts. Lastly the feel of the body grip... I salivate when I think about how good this router feels. I have always found routing with 2 hands to be awkward or clumsy. The body grip on this router is so comfortable that I'm routing all of my dovetails, (ironically on my P/C jig), with one hand. And the switch is right there at my thumb for easy operation. You just get a very good fit with this router, it's like a "good handshake."

Other notes... The router has very good power, and very little vibration. The screw mechanism for height adjustment is very smooth and accurate and doesn't move when the locking level is released. The wider opening makes tightening bits slightly easier. The base is not designed for 1 3/16" templates, so you will need to buy an additional base for template work. Also be aware if you already have a router table, the mounting pattern of many routers vary from one manufacturer to another.

Overall... Nice job Milwaukee - I love it...

This is my third router, but my first one from Milwaukee. I love the compact design and the palm grip, it makes free-handing a breeze. I bought this design specifically for that purpose and it absolutely delivers.
I've read a review or two talking about excess vibration. I have had no hint of this with mine. While I was breaking it in, I let it sit on the case-bottom stand that it comes with(another cool design, by the way) and to check it's stability, I backed my hands off for a bit. The thing barely even rotated. Solid as a rock.
I also love the height adjustment on this guy. I'm used to a PC plunge router and the Milwaukee is a joy in comparison!
The only two features I wish it had are a spindle lock so you don't have to use two wrenches and variable speed to give it greater vesatility.
I highly recommend the 5615 if you are looking for a small, easy to manage, easy to adjust freehanding router.
I have no intention of putting it upder a table so you'll have to rely on other reviewer's experience there.

I've had my Milwaukee BodyGrip router for a few weeks now and finally fired it up today. I bought it because of the ability to adjust the bit depth from the base plate, because I plan to do mostly table routing. A review in Fine Woodworking sold me on it. I at first thought the BodyGrip feature to be rather gimmicky, then I put it to the test. I had to route a 1/2" dado in plywood for a joint. I normally use a steel bar clamped to the work for a guide, but in this case I was not able to clamp the bar (need more clamps!). I used another board as a clamp for the guide bar, which I held in place with one had while guiding the router with the other. It was a shallow dado, so it seemed safe enough. The router was smooth as silk, and I felt completely in control with one hand. I don't recommend one-handed routing, but in a pinch the Milwaukee BodyGrip came through. I can't wait to build a router table for it!
Overall I feel it was a great purchase. The quick-release lever for the base makes adjustment and bit changing quick and easy; you'll never want to mess with a T-nut and a rotating body again! Every aspect of this tool shows quality. This will set the standard for the next generation of routers.

I first saw this router about a month ago while browsing in a local store for some other items. I was very impressed with the
look, feel and design of this router. I especially liked the height adjusting mechanism and easy too use lever lock. My spouse was informed about my interest by my son and I received it as a gift for Christmas. I installed it in my router table to give it a trial test and noticed what I considered excessive vibration when the unit reached full speed. After some investigation I found that the I.D. of the tapered collet holder had a run out of .005" to .006" when checked with a dial indicator. Operating the unit with the collet and nut removed significantly reduce the vibration. I took the unit back to the store where purchased to return it and also check a different one for the runout. The second one also had the same amount of runout. Since I didn't want to want drill new holes in the plate of my router table I purchased a Porter-Cable router that had the same mounting hole locations. It makes more noise than the Milwaukee but none of the vibration. I checked the runout on the Porter-Cable and it was zero. I was quite disappointed with the poor quality of the Milwaukee collet holder since the rest of unit is very well made.

This is my 3rd router purchace and in general I am pleased with my choice. The Router it's self is great and the depth of cut adjustment system is the best I have ever seen and I have looked at every router I could find. The quick release clamp is perfect and the twin screw adjustment has almost no play(apx..004") with the clamp loose. The fact that the router is supported by the adjustments even when mounted in the table is my favorite feature. Now what I do not like. The case is a joke, no bit storage, the bottom falls out when you open it, the engineers really dropped the ball here. The only other thing it needs is variable speed. This would be the perfect table router if it were either variable speed or at least a six speed!!

This is a wonderful router. As with all Milwaukee tools, build quality is off the charts. I have not seen better on any power tool. The new 'Body Grip' design works very well. I think that it is the most natural way to hold a router this size. The height adjusting mechanism is top notch and very straightforward. The minute adjustment is very nice. The hex bolt adjustment is a very welcome addition. It allows the ability to raise and lower the router while in a router table from the top of the table. I expect to see this feature appearing on most other routers in the near future. It may not be as versitile as aftermarket adjusters, but at $200 and up, it fits the bill for the price. The case has a removeable base that is a nice place to sit the router during work. It has an opening for an installed router bit, so you can sit it there instead of having to set it on your workbench upside down. Speaking of the case, its real downfall is the lack of storage. I expected a place for the wrenches and the extra collet, but there are none. There is only a slot to store paperwork. The only other shortcoming of the router is the lack of a variable speed option and the lack of accessories. I expect a plunge base, edge guide and a variable speed options in the near future. This is a tough tool that is as good for general work as an other out there in the same price range. I think that the unique features, such as the Body Grip design, height adjustment, and router table adjustment, put it over the top.

I was in the market for a router and examined several brands. After checking them out I found that the Milwaukee was the easiest for me to use. I've had very good luck with Milwaukee tools and this router is no exception. When I examined the router everything on it made sense and was easy to understand. The height adjustment was the easiest I'd seen. The router came with both 1/4" and 1/2" self releasing collets and a hard shell storage case. This is a great piece of equipment. I use it all the time making projects out of oak and it always easily does the job. This is the first router I've owned, and I wasn't sure how well I'd be able to use one. This router is so easy to use and it has allowed me to turn out such nice results that my confidence level has risen dramatically. Just like all my other Milwaukee tools it's built solid. If you need a router you can trust this one.

I am a professsional Trim Carpenter with my own business. I focus on high-end creative carpentry and custom trim work. The Milwaukee 5615-21 1-3/4 Max HP Router is the workhorse in the router catagory. I have run the router for 8 hour periods for several days in a row fluting wood columns, crown mould blocks, ect. It holds up to the high demand of my business. I will not own another router. My hat is off to the design engineer on this one, ergonomics is at its best for wrist and hand fatigue.