Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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...
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Product Description:
120 volts AC/DC; collet diameter: 1/4" to 1/2"; net weight: 8.8 lbsExclusive BodyGrip design - a comfortable rubber grip wrapped around the router's base with an adjustable, custom-fit handstrap that allows for left and right-handed operation Exclusive linear depth adjustment system with above-the-table access, 100% sealed ball bearing construction, two over-molded side handles and durable machined aluminum motor housing and base Features a 1-3/4 maximum horsepower (11 amp, 24,000 RPM) Milwaukee motor to give the user the upper hand in all but the heaviest of cutsImpact-resistant carrying case with integral RouterStation
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