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Until their recent 18×2 tools started turning heads, Makita hasn’t seemed to get a lot of credit in the US. But over here in Australia, Makita has completely dominated the power tool scene for decades, cordless and electric (Note: Milwaukee cordless has drawn level in recent years). Makita have almost had a monopoly on woodworking tools such as circular saws, planers and in particular routers.
So it comes as no surprise to me that Makita have released a truly spectacular cordless router/trimmer, (in USA) the XTR01Z ($149, bare) & XTR01t7 ($399, Kit with plunge).
The XTRo1 is a brushless 18V 1/4″ unit, modeled closely on their electric trimmer. And make no mistake about it, is has the power of an electric trimmer too. Our testing included deep 3/8″ trenching and full depth rebating, not only in pine but also in hard Kwila timber. The router has overload protection, but you’ll struggle to make it kick in.
Its features are as follows:
- 5-step variable speed 10,000 – 30,000 RPM
- Simple base removal for bit change
- Quick-change depth adjustment
- Twin LED lights (that do an excellent job)
- Separate safety and power buttons
- Metal body
- Dust shroud
A plunge base and an offset base are also available for this tool.
But it is not a perfect tool. The screw for attaching the dust shroud is inexcusably long. It has far too many threads, so that it takes much too long to fix or remove.
The second drawback is a double edged sword. The super easy depth-locking mechanism allows gross adjustment in the depth, and such an easy base removal. But is also makes it rather difficult to achieve accurate fine depth adjustment. The best way to achieve a fine adjustment is to lay the unit on it’s side so that the weight of the tool doesn’t work against the user.
Overall, I think this is one of the best cordless tools out at the moment.
For more information on these routers and all the Makita Cordless Tools, check out Ohio Power Tool or give their pro staff a call at 800-242-4424.
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