A Review of the Makita RT0701C: What You Need to Know

makita rt0701c 1.25 hp compact router

Whether you are a professional construction worker, a handyman, or just a DIY homemaker, you know how important it is to have a good variety of tools in your toolkit. There are many well-known tools that are considered staples for a toolkit, one of which is a router such as the Makita RT0701C. This router is a great addition to any toolkit and will make your woodworking tasks easier and faster. In this article, we will provide an in-depth review of the Makita RT0701C and compare it to similar routers on the market to help you decide if it is the right router for you.

Comparison Table

What Is the Makita RT0701C Router?

The Makita RT0701C is a handheld router that is used for construction or home projects. This power tool is used to rout, or hollow out, an area in hard materials like plastic or wood. This versatile tool is mainly used in woodworking projects for decorative moldings and cabinetry. It can cut fancy patterns, edges, and grooves.

How It Works

The router consists of a motor-driven electric spindle. Router bits- which come in many sizes, shapes, and forms- are attached to the spindle, which turns at very high speeds and removes wood rapidly. Since the Makita RT0701C is handheld, the spindle is activatedsimply by pushing down and holding the trigger as you guide the direction of the spindle.

Uses

This router can be used for various projects involving plastic, wood, and other materials, though you don't want to use it on harder materials like metals due to the small size and engine. Typically, handheld routers like this one are used for cutting smaller pieces of material for more delicate tasks. It can be used to trim wood flat, profile edges, recess hinges, cut grooves and joints, drill holes, and many other jobs. The diversity of router bits make it one of the most versatile assets you can have in your toolkit. 

Product Specs

Design

The Makita RT0701C is small and handheld, weighing only 3.9 pounds. It features an ergonomic design that provides maximum comfort and stability. The shell is made of a durable metal alloy while the motor housing is made of aluminum, which helps the motor run cooler by dissipating heat. It comes in a pleasing teal color that will make it easy to find when mixed among other tools in storage.

This unit also offers the option of purchasing with or without a plunge base. It is shipped with a fixed base by default for straight cuts and edge trims, and you can purchase the plunge base for boring holes. This does increase the price, but you are able to accomplish more tasks with this one tool with the additional base. The collet is made for 1/4" router bits, though it can accept 3/8" bits as well.

Performance

The Makita RT0701C has a 120 volt, 6.5 amp engine that allows you to reach a maximum of 30,000RPM. It is rated at 1.5hP, which makes it powerful enough for general purpose routing. One feature that makes this router stand out is the soft start system, which ensures that the motor's torque is minimized and gradually reaches maximum speed. This provides smoother operation, makes the router safer to use, and minimizes potential damage to your material.

Technical Features

One of the greatest things about the Makita RT0701C is the abundance of features it offers. One of the most notable is the variable speed dial, which lets you manually control the speed of the router from 10,000RPM to 30,000RPM. Using this feature, you can adapt the router speed to whichever material you are using.

The electronic speed load feature delivers a linear speed, contributing to excellent accuracy in the cuts. The rack-and-pinion has a smooth depth adjustment of up to 1-3/8" when using a plunge, and this depth is even greater when using the fixed base. Using the cam lock system, you can easily and quickly switch out bases.

Pricing

The Makita RT0701C can be purchased with the standard fixed base for around $100. If you include the optional plunge base, it increases the price by around $40-$50. This router can be purchased on online retailers like Amazon and eBay; it is also available in home stores like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Lowes.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare:

Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router
  • Variable speed control dial (10,000 to 30,000 RPM) enables user to match the speed to the application
  • Smooth rack and pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise settings
  • Slim and ergonomically designed body for increased comfort and control
  • Quick release cam lock system for easy depth adjustments and base removal/installation
  • Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load
  • Ease of Use
  • Design Quality
  • Performance
  • Warranty

2 stars

We rate the warranty 2 stars because the short 1-year warranty only covers certain parts.

PROS

  • Lightweight, durable, and ergonomic design
  • Powerful motor with soft start feature
  • Affordable
  • Excellent technical features
  • Versatile

CONS

  • No adaptor for the template guide
  • No dust shield
  • Motor drops when the base is unlocked
PORTER-CABLE Router, Compact Fixed/Plunge Combo Kit, 7-Amp, 1-1/4 HP (450PK)
  • Compact, lightweight design of PORTER-CABLE router enables comfortable and assured control in any routing application
  • Durable 1.25HP motor delivers the power to meet the toughest applications
  • Soft-starting motor features full-time electronic feedback that maintains motor speed through the cut
  • Adjustment ring enables controlled bit depth changes to within 1/64-inch
  • Large, low-pressure spindle lock button allows for comfortable, single wrench bit changes

Design

Performance

Technical Features

  • Ease of Use
  • Design Quality
  • Performance
  • Warranty

3 stars

We gave the performance 3 stars because it does not include variable speeds.

PROS

  • Powerful motor with soft-start feature
  • Lightweight, ergonomic, and durable
  • Easy base changes
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • Plunge and fixed base included

CONS

  • No variable speeds
  • No side handles
  • Weak adjustment ring
BOSCH 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router
  • FIXED BASE: threaded holes for mounting to router table positioned in common 3-hole pattern; includes RA1161 fixed-base with system for adjusting bit height from above a router table
  • DURABILITY: aluminum construction makes this one of our most durable wood routers yet with wooden handles on a fixed base and a soft grip handle on a plunge base
  • EASE OF USE: rounded hardwood handles maximize user control; microfine bit-depth adjustment
  • CONVENIENT: with the built-in constant response circuitry, our 1617EVS wood router will maintain a constant speed throughout the cut, so you get cleaner, more accurate results
  • 12 AMP MOTOR AND ADJUSTABLE SPEED DIAL: user can set the optimal speed (8,000-25,000 RPM) for more or less power

Design

Performance

Technical Features

  • Ease of Use
  • Design Quality
  • Performance
  • Warranty

2 stars

We gave the warranty 2 stars because it only includes a 1-year limited warranty.

PROS

  • Powerful soft-start motor
  • Variable speeds
  • Durable design
  • Good technical features

CONS

  • Heavier than other routers
  • Difficult to change bases
  • Adapter for template guide not included and hard to find
DEWALT Router Fixed/Plunge Base Kit, Variable Speed, 1.25-HP Max Torque (DWP611PK)
  • Durable 1.25HP motor of DEWALT router delivers the power to meet the toughest applications
  • Variable speed control feature of DEWALT plunge router enables bit speed to be optimized for changing applications
  • Soft-starting motor features full-time electronic feedback that maintains motor speed through the cut
  • Dual LED's and clear sub-base ensure maximum visibility in operation
  • Adjustment ring enables controlled bit depth changes to within 1/64-inch (fixed base only)

Design

Performance

Technical Features

  • Ease of Use
  • Design Quality
  • Performance
  • Warranty

5 stars

We gave the performance 5 stars because of the powerful motor and variable speed.

PROS

  • Lightweight, ergonomic, and compact design
  • Powerful motor with variable speed
  • Excellent visibility
  • Plunge base combo kit
  • 3-year limited warranty

CONS

  • No sturdy storage case
  • Collet is 1/4" only
  • No side handles

Conclusion

Overall, we give the Makita RT0701C a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It has a durable, lightweight, and ergonomic design with a powerful engine for its size, has great technical features, and a low price tag. Though it may not be the best choice for the heavy-duty or professional user and has a short warranty, it definitely goes above and beyond for its purpose and is an invaluable tool in any home toolkit.

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Categorized as General