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
[amazon box=”B00E7D3V4S,B0046A8V6A,B00004TKHV,B0049ZFUK2″ template=”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:
[amazon link=”B00E7D3V4S” title=”Makita RT0701C 1.25 HP Compact Router”]
[amazon box=”B00E7D3V4S”]
- Ease of Use
- Design Quality
- Performance
- Warranty
5 stars
We rate the ease of use 5 stars because of the handheld design and the cam lock system.
4 stars
We rate the design quality 4 stars because of the ergonomic design and durable, lightweight materials.
5 stars
We rate the performance 5 stars because of the 1.5hP engine and soft start system.
2 stars
We rate the warranty 2 stars because the short 1-year warranty only covers certain parts.
- Lightweight, durable, and ergonomic design
- Powerful motor with soft start feature
- Affordable
- Excellent technical features
- Versatile
- No adaptor for the template guide
- No dust shield
- Motor drops when the base is unlocked
[amazon fields=”B00E7D3V4S” value=”button” button_text=”Buy Now on Amazon”] [amazon link=”B0046A8V6A” title=”Porter-Cable 450 1.25 HP Compact Router”]
[amazon box=”B0046A8V6A”]
The Porter-Cable 450 Compact Router features a compact design that maximizes comfort and control. It is a palm router and weighs just over 4 pounds, allowing you to hold it easily in your hand. It has flared base arches to provide an easy reference point as you work. The eight-slot, 1/4-inch collet is easy to adjust, and the contoured gripping surface provides maximum control and comfort because it is set low on the router's center of gravity.
The Porter-Cable 450 Compact Router has a powerful 1.25hP motor that achieves a no-load speed of 27,000RPM. It is housed in aluminum to keep the motor cool and includes a soft-starting feature that maintains the motor's speed while cutting. The clamping mechanism and depth ring ensure that the motor remains locked in place during use, while quick-release tabs make it easy to move the motor from fixed to plunged bases. Onboard electronic feedback reduces twist at start-up and maintains motor speed throughout your cut.
The Porter-Cable 450 Compact Router offers features such as an adjustment ring that can control changes in bit depths to within 1/64-inch. It also includes a spindle-lock button and 12-position spindle lock, increasing the accuracy of cuts.
- Ease of Use
- Design Quality
- Performance
- Warranty
3 stars
We gave the ease of use 3 stars because, while it is ergonomic and lightweight, changing bits and settings can be cumbersome.
4 stars
We gave design quality 4 stars because of its durability and ergonomic design.
3 stars
We gave the performance 3 stars because it does not include variable speeds.
5 stars
We give the warranty 5 stars because it includes a 3-year limited warranty and 1-year service contract.
- Powerful motor with soft-start feature
- Lightweight, ergonomic, and durable
- Easy base changes
- 3-year limited warranty
- Plunge and fixed base included
- No variable speeds
- No side handles
- Weak adjustment ring
[amazon fields=”B0046A8V6A” value=”button” button_text=”Buy Now on Amazon”] [amazon link=”B00004TKHV” title=”Bosch 12 Amp 2.25 HP Variable-Speed Router”]
[amazon box=”B00004TKHV”]
The Bosch Variable-Speed Router features an ergonomic design. This palm router is heavier than the other routers, weighing 11.25 pounds in total. The router has two rounded hardwood handles on either side for comfortable gripping and maximum user control. It is built with an aluminum base for durability and aluminum motor housing, which helps to reduce the risk of the motor overheating. The power-button is dust-sealed, increasing durability. The collet accepts both 1/4" and 1/2" bits, and the router comes with a fixed base.
The Bosch Variable-Speed Router includes an extremely powerful 12-amp, 2.25hP soft-start motor that makes it perfect for professional or heavy-duty jobs. It spins at a variable rate of 8,000RPM-25,000RPM and is powered by a 10-foot cord. It includes speed-control technology to monitor and maintain the user's desired RPM, providing consistent performance.
One great feature of the Bosch Variable-Speed Router is the micro-fine bit-depth adjustment, which has a range of one inch and accuracy to 1/64-inch, allowing for fast and accurate changes. Built-in Constant Response Circuitry allows the router to keep a constant speed throughout the cut. It also includes a chip deflector to keep cuts visible and clean.
- Ease of Use
- Design Quality
- Performance
- Warranty
3 stars
We gave ease of use 3 stars because users report difficulty changing bases and bits.
4 stars
We gave design quality 4 stars because of the ergonomic design despite its weight.
5 stars
We gave performance 5 stars because of the powerful motor with variable speeds.
2 stars
We gave the warranty 2 stars because it only includes a 1-year limited warranty.
- Powerful soft-start motor
- Variable speeds
- Durable design
- Good technical features
- Heavier than other routers
- Difficult to change bases
- Adapter for template guide not included and hard to find
[amazon fields=”B00004TKHV” value=”button” button_text=”Buy Now on Amazon”] [amazon link=”B0049ZFUK2″ title=”DeWalt 1.25 HP Max Torque Compact Router”]
[amazon box=”B0049ZFUK2″]
The DeWalt 1.25 HP Max Torque Compact Router is a good mid-sized palm router. Both the router base and motor housing are made of machined aluminum for durability and engine cooling. Though it comes standard with the fixed base, you can order it as a kit with the plunge base included for an additional cost. It includes a clear sub-base and dual LED's for maximum visibility and over-molded rubber handles with the plunge base for a secure, comfortable grip.
The extended 8-slot collet accepts 1/4" bits. The router weighs 4.6 pounds with the fixed base and 6.4 pounds with the plunge base, making it lightweight enough for easy maneuverability.
The DeWalt 1.25 HP Max Torque Compact Router has a 1.25hP, 7-amp, cord-powered motor that includes the soft-starting feature with full-time electronic feedback, allowing the user to maintain motor speed throughout the cut. It includes a variable speed of 16,000RPM-27,000RPM, making it optimal for changing applications.
The DeWalt 1.25 HP Max Torque Compact Router includes such features as a spindle lock button and multiple shaft-lock detents that allow for comfortable bit changes with a single wrench. Some features that are only included with the fixed base include an adjustment ring that allows the user to control bit depth changes to within 1/64", a clamping mechanism and depth ring to lock the motor into position, up to 1.5" of depth travel, and spring-loaded release tabs for a quick base removal.
The plunge base has a fine-tune adjustment rod to provide precise depth setting, and it allows up to 2" of depth travel. The motor can be transitioned easily and quickly between plunge and fixed bases.
- Ease of Use
- Design Quality
- Performance
- Warranty
4 stars
We gave the ease of use 4 stars because of the easy bit changing and technical features.
3 stars
We gave the design quality 3 stars because of the collet and absence of handles.
5 stars
We gave the performance 5 stars because of the powerful motor and variable speed.
5 stars
We gave the warranty 5 stars because it comes with a great 3-year limited warranty.
- Lightweight, ergonomic, and compact design
- Powerful motor with variable speed
- Excellent visibility
- Plunge base combo kit
- 3-year limited warranty
- No sturdy storage case
- Collet is 1/4" only
- No side handles
[amazon fields=”B0049ZFUK2″ value=”button” button_text=”Buy Now on Amazon”] 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.
