Makita RF1101 2-1/4 HP* Router

A very sturdy and powerful router especially for router tables. After some 10 years the body holder became too slack so I had to tighten it. Not a big issue. For me it was too heavy to work without the router table.Recently the 1/2 inch chuck assembly broke and I cannot find a complete replacement assembly - just the inner part. So, to show you that I still like this product, I just ordered a whole new one - chuck assembly and all. Maybe that's what Makita wanted....

I will preface this review by saying that I have not put this machine to heavy use, I have not had the pleasure to, yet. I have, however, used it on several projects. This is basically an improved Porter-Cable 690. The soft start is a pleasure. The variable speed is a must. The locking mechanism can be finicky, as it can throw off your setting if you don't hold the base and motor when you clamp it down. This can be annoying, but I have learned to work around it. The base is the same as a PC 690. I made my own out of Lexan and drilled a 2" hole to allow the use of larger bits. As far as noise, every router is loud and I always use ear muffs. The collets can be a pain to loosen with the two wrenches, but in reality this is the best method and superior to a shaft lock despite being less convenient. If you orient the wrenches so that there is a small gap between them, you can just press them together with your hand and this will loosen the collet easily and prevent flying wrenches and chipped bits. I purchased mine late in 2009 and it was still assmebled in USA, though I imagine the parts were mostly made in Asia. One tip: the base and motor housing have some grease on them to facilitate movement and prevent galling, but as you know grease is a magnet for saw dust. I wiped most of it off and left on only a thin layer. I haven't had any problems with the Makita tools I own, and I would expect the same from this one!

Works like a champ

Love my Makita router with variable speed, soft start. Nice.

In brief, the weakness I noticed was the depth adjustment mechanism. Whereas this router is probably designed for trimming, I needed to do a very shallow groove, and adjusting depth was difficult.The depth is controlled by a knob which engages vertical teeth on the router casing. The problem is that the router is very loose in the casing until you close the clamp. So trying for tiny adjustments is difficult because the router moves so easily. I have another router where you adjust by twisting the motor and it spirals up or down. But there's a fair bit of friction so adjusting in small increments is easy.

As a long time user and lover of the PC 690LR I was hesitant to try anything different. I've done amazing things with the 690. It's always held up, never let me down. Like any tool that gets heavily used it needs basic maintenance, brushes, cleaning etc...When I started reading about the Makita with its variable speed and more powerful motor, I studied the design and knew it was something I needed to try. Coming from someone who does EVERYTHING on a router, I can firmly say it's awesome! Motor runs out smooth, built like a tank but light enough to throw around all day. It cant be compared to the 690 because it too is just as awesome, they're just different breeds of the same species. I like having both in my shop. Highly recommend!

Haven't got a chance to use it much but from what little I have, it is a GREAT router. Well built, quiet, and powerful enough to do more than what plan on using it for. It may be a little more expensive than comparable routers but I think that the Makita quality, versatility, and adaptability is worth it.

I made a stupid mistake with it attached to my CNC and created the smoke of death; however, before that sad moment, it worked like a charm. Highly recommend. I own a Bosch, Skil and Dewalt. This is by far my favorite router.