Customer Reviews

Milwaukee 5615-24 1.75-Horsepower Multi-Base Router Kit Includes Plunge Base and BodyGrip Fixed Base

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I went in to buy a Bosch and found this kit. This is a great tool. I am an intermediate woodworker-it is a hobby of mine. My daughter is a TA in woodshop at her school so maybe it runs in the family. Have used other routers. I love the palm grip. Gives you great control. Changing out the the bases is a snap, no tools required. The other routers I have used in the past require two wrenches to change bits so it was easy on this tool. The micro adjustment for depth works very well. Power switch is right where it should be. First Milwaukee tool for me. Only minor annoyance is that the case is huge. Overall, I am very pleased.

This is the second router I have owned in all my years of carpentry, and I can tell you that this one is a MUST HAVE! Yes, I have read about the case being too big, but I LIKE IT. Finally somebody saw the wisdom in making a case that doesn't require a rocket science degree to get all the pieces of the router kit to fit back into. The 5615-24 is a very solid performer and a router to be proud of. Ok, there are MORE expensive routers and MORE powerful routers than this, but for everyday carpentry enjoyment, that is hassle-free--give this little jewel a try. I think you'll be impressed.

This is the first router I've owned, although not the first I've used, so interpret my comments in that light. I've been impressed with how well-built and easy to use this tool is. The height adjustment works well, changing bases is easy, and all the features seem to work as designed. Changing bits is a two-wrench operation but for my uses that's not really an issue. The case is sturdy, and has storage for all kinds of accessories, including many that don't come with the kit. The case is huge, however, so be prepared to give up some serious space in your workshop

This router is a powerful piece of equipment, quite versatile and rugged. The plunge feature is smooth and easy to use; highly ergonomic in design. The fixed base is comfortable and easily handled with one hand using a small round over bit. Instructions are easy to read and follow. The carrying case, however, is large and cumbersome, difficult to store. Looking forward to years of good service from this high quality product.

I've been needing a good dependable router to add to my collection of usable power tools. Thank Goodness for the Amazon Reviews to help me in the selection process. Although I am not a professional wood worker, I wanted something capable of more than merely occasional projects. I've already used this one and gotta say it is the best and easiest to use router I've ever owned. Yes, the case is big - yada yada. But look at all the storage availability inside. Not only does this case protectively nestle the router and both bases, but also has provisions for many different accessories. Allows you to keep your router and all your accessories in one convenient location. Would I recommend it? Hell Ya!

Just recieved the Milwaukee router today and have been using it for several hours now. Since this is the first router I have ever owned, and never having used one before, I have been learning as I go. I am one who typically goes to the owners manual when all else fails. However, I did browse thru the manual to help familiarize myself with the parts of the router.

With a 1-3/4" hp motor the router seems to have more than enough power. I am cutting 3/4" wide slots in 3/4" plywood the full depth. Since I am still new with routers I am making my cuts in four passes, thus not a real big load. The router has a relatively simple (3 step) process to lower the bit for each pass. The router is well balanced, and with a 6" base is stable. When not using it, the router can actually be turned upside down and stood on it's top. The router requires the use of two wrenches (provided) to change bits, but it is really quite easy.

The rocker switch is recessed (a little) to help prevent accidentaly turning it on, however, it can still be switched on by accident if you aren't careful. Once after changing a bit, I noticed it was "on" before I plugged it in (thank goodness). The second time I accidentally bumped the switch while trying to change the depth (that time it ruined a piece of wood). I guess the important part of running this router (or any power tool) is to PAY ATTENTION!!

Alot of the reviews on this product almost list the oversized case as a negative, I don't think so. Yes it is a large case, but with all types of storage space for bits and accessories. Where better to store these than in the case with the router.

I am using a small framing square as a guide for the router. By keeping the guide on the left side of the router the bit actually pulls into the guide, making the cuts tremendously easier. With the 6" diameter base, I simply set the guide 3" left of where I want the cut and 3" past the end. I'm gonna try to put up a picture of my setup.

Overall, I do recommend this router. Plus at the Amazon price I feel that I got a really great deal. If not for the slight hazard of the on/off switch I would have given this a 5-Star rating. I will try to add more to this review when I do more, like with the plunge base

The 5615-24 is the 8th router I've owned (Craftsman 9 amp, Freud FT2000E, Milwaukee 5625, Bosch 1617, Hitachi M12VC, Freud FT1700, and PC690). It's an extremely well built router. The motor is very strong for it's 11 amp rating, and is plenty strong for most applications. It's smooth and reasonably quiet. The Body Grip feature is terrific, and the plunger is smooth and easy to operate. The springs in the plunger legs are hidden in the cylinders so there's no plastic covers to deal with, plus the same plunge base also fits the MW5616 (variable speed router). The sub-base will accept the standard PC bushings, and includes both 1/2" and 1/4" collets, as well as a dust port. There are no above table bit change capabilities, and bit changes require two wrenches (old school). It's an all around excellent basic router if you don't need variable speed, but an outboard speed controller can be added to this router. It's also been a bonafide bargain at recent sale prices.

This is my first router (now I won't die without ever trying one!) and this kit is very high quality (except for the first one I received which had a warped height adjustment rod - lack of quality control? Amazon replaced it immediately without hassle), much more substantial design and construction than the comparable Craftsman model I looked at. One negative that I was aware of before I purchased it is the lack of speed control and soft start which makes it harder to use in plastic or with very large bits and causes it to jump a bit when first turned on (I'll probably purchase an external speed control for the few times I'll work in plastic). The height controls are easy to use, the "bodygrip" base (one of my deciding factors in buying) gives me good control over the base, the multiple plunge height turret gives more "stops" than most other brands. The case is very big (although I've got a bunch of accessories in it) and now that I have made and use an oversize, offset base with the fixed base, it won't fit into the case anymore. The adjustment screws for holding the edge guide rails are under the base and require a torx driver and not very convenient -- I would prefer "wing" head bolts on top. All in all, I'm quite pleased with my purchase. I purchased this router for edge shaping but now that I have studied routers a bit, I found that it will do an amazing number of things with wood, plastic and even soft metal. I'm looking forward to trying some fancy joints in upcoming projects

This is the first Milwaukee tool I've ever owned, and it is a well built machine. I've only been routing soft wood, but it has done everything I've asked it to very well. Not sure if hardwoods will present an issue with the horesepower rating. The only features I miss are a soft start, and a "D handle" base. It also would have been nice if they included the torx wrench I needed to attach the subbase or edge guide. As an amateur, I sure would have appreciated more directions in the box. This tool definitely is built solid for precision work. Fine depth adjust is a little cumbersome because you must unclamp the motor from the base, then dial a little, then re-clamp the two together. I didn't have any trouble getting the depth I wanted, but you can't stay in your crouched position focusing on the wood when you have to unclamp/clamp to make the tiny change. I've routed hinges for doors, dados and rabbits for shelves, beveled edges, everything came out great. If I had twice as much money on hand, I would have splurged on another tool, but I don't think my projects would have come out any better or any easier. Price dropped to just over one Benjamin after I bought it, which makes it even more appealing. Case is huge, but I like it. Keeps it protected, and organizes all the bits and bushings and edge guide that I bought.

Overall a solid product, but I did run across one issue. I mounted the router under a router table and after only two days of use, dust rendered the on/off switch useless. I checked the resistance across the switch and it was jumping all over the place. I took the tool apart and vacuumed it out well to recover it functionality, but it was surpising to have such an issue.