Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router

I can honestly say that it’s one of my favorite tools in the shop after living and working with it for a couple of months. For comparison, I have the comparable Dewalt (corded compact), a full size Craftsman router, and a beefy full size Porter Cable router. The short version is, I always find myself reaching for this Makita. It has all the capability of the Dewalt, with a better height adjustment, but without the annoying wire. The three tools that I have long avoided out of frustration of dealing with power cords have been router, jigsaws, and circular saws. This tool’s small form factor, power, battery, and versatility have given me a whole new appreciation for routers. I find myself looking for reasons to use this thing. For the better part of two weeks, I was putting keyhole hanging slots in anything I could find. I also tend to reach for this before the jigsaw or the sander. Especially when cutting holes or rounding corners/edges. It is lightweight and easy to handle which translates to smoother cuts and edges. The battery power is more than enough for most everything that I do. Unless I’m doing a plunge cut into some really hard Wenge or Burl Walnut, this thing handles most of what I need. I have never had a battery quit in the middle of a project or cut. That said, I only use 5 or 6 ah batteries in this tool and always check battery levels before beginning a cut. But I have yet to need to change a battery in the middle of a project. Love this router and I use it quite often! Highly recommend!

The Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Brushless Compact Router is essentially the cordless version of the Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 hp compact router, except it has a brushless motor. In fact, the accessories (bases, dust collection, etc.) for both power tools are completely interchangeable. From a features perspective, the XTR01Z checks all the right boxes: - Excellent ergonomics and smooth operation - Above average battery life - Electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor (matches torque and rpm to application) - Soft start - Wide rpm range (10,000 - 30,000) - Ample power (for a cordless compact tool) - Included 3/8" collet - Available plunge / tilt / offset bases - Optional* dust collection (*included with some of the earlier models) The separate lock/unlock and power buttons are a great safety feature, to avoid unintentionally powering on the router and gouging the workpiece... and your fingertips at the same time. There is even an optional accessory (Makita 194579-2 Router Guide Rail Adapter) that integrates the XTR01Z with Makita track saw guide rails. Despite all its great features, the depth adjustment is annoyingly clunky, because the depth release lever must be in a certain position (just partially open) to allow movement in small increments, else the force of gravity causes the motor assembly to drop down to the base (or base down to the motor if inverted) when the lever is fully open. Since there is nothing to maintain the current depth setting upon releasing the lever, an inordinate amount of trial-and-error is required to obtain a greater or exact depth. Here, Makita should have provided some type of braking or resistance mechanism on the pinion knob or a secondary (micro-adjustment) knob; at the very least, a small spring to preload the depth release lever and maintain the correct open position for fine adjustment would have been helpful. In this regard, if cutting mortises for door hinges, strike plates, etc., the Ridgid R86044B 18V Cordless Brushless 1/4" Compact Router, with its excellent threaded rod depth adjustment, would be the tool of choice since it allows the required cutting depth to be "dialed-in" quickly and easily, although it does lack some of the power and refinement of the Makita. Another minor complaint is that the bottom opening in the base has just barely enough clearance for a guide bushing (Porter-Cable type) lock nut if so configured, although this annoyance only applies to template or other offset routing applications that depend on a guide bushing. In conclusion, Makita XTR01Z has a stellar feature set, and if you overlook the awkward depth adjustment and some other minor issues, it's perhaps the best cordless router available today. Please see the attached photos for additional information and commentary.

I've been needing a router like this. Up until now my only routers were an old corded DeWalt (large, with plunge base) and a big Triton, also with a plunge base (intended for use with a router table). Both are extremely powerful and also extremely unweildy. So much so that I procrastinate or even skipped routing on projects where I could talk myself out of the need for it. No more with this little guy. I already have a pretty substantial investment in Makita battery-powered tools, and have quite a few batteries, so this seemed a natural choice. I can't compare it to other compact "palm" routers, but after using it for a recent project, I'm extremely pleased. It feels very solidly built, performed the cuts I needed easily (I didn't tax it; I used multiple passes with my more aggressive bits). It's very quiet compared to my other two routers, but I still wear hearing protection just as a matter of course. The balance was very good. The base feels very stout and stable. Adjuments are easy as is popping off the base and changing bits. All in all I'm super happy with this purchase and I know this little guy will get lots of use. Final note: Kudos to Amazon on the quick delivery. I got this free with Prime the very next day after ordering it, which was perfect as I was ready to use it on my project.

The Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router has been a game-changer in my woodworking projects. This versatile tool offers precision and power in a compact design. Unlike other routers I've used, the Makita XTR01Z operates smoothly, thanks to its brushless motor technology. Whether I'm trimming edges, hollowing out grooves, or crafting intricate designs, this router delivers consistent and clean results. One thing that sets the Makita XTR01Z apart from other routers is its cordless convenience. I no longer have to worry about finding a power outlet or dealing with tangled cords. The 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery provides ample runtime, allowing me to work on my projects without interruptions. Another standout feature is the ergonomic design of this router. It's comfortable to hold and easy to control, even during long hours of use. The variable speed control allows me to adjust the cutting speed to suit different materials and tasks, ensuring precise and efficient woodworking. In terms of durability, Makita has always impressed me, and the XTR01Z is no exception. It feels robust and well-built, capable of handling the demands of professional woodworking. Plus, the easy-to-change bases make it a versatile tool for various applications. Overall, the Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router has become an indispensable tool in my workshop. Its performance, convenience, and durability have made my woodworking projects more enjoyable and efficient. If you're a woodworking enthusiast or professional, I highly recommend giving this router a try.

Used this to route closet doors for roller catches, and it handled the job well. I love Makita as a brand, and this router doesn't disappoint on power, the brushless motor delivers fast, accurate cuts, and the variable speed dial (10,000-30,000 RPM) makes it easy to match the speed to the material. The dual LED lights are a nice touch too, helping visibility right at the bit. Being part of the 18V LXT battery system is a big plus if you're already in the Makita ecosystem, since you can share batteries across tools. My main gripe is the height adjustment. It could be much better, there's no easy way to make small, fine adjustments, once you loosen the clamp, the whole mechanism will slide, making it tricky to dial in precise depth.

Very handy and lightweight. Easy on the arm.

Nice size for precision cutting. love that the light illuminates the cut and I don't have to balance my big router on the edge of a board

I'm very happy with this compact router. It has plenty of power and is much less cumbersome than my larger corded Dewalt plunge router. At this point, it's my go-to router and I only use the Dewalt when I'm working on an especially hard wood, I need the plunge feature, or if the depth of the cut is especially deep and I want to make fewer passes. If anything could be improved about this router, it would be that Makita could add at least one more, larger base plate that would be helpful for stabilizing the router for edge trimming. Also, a square shaped base plate would be a great add-on as well since for a few projects that is a better shape. Ultimately, I'm making a variety of plates myself and it's no deal breaker.

Love it

Fit the battery and away with no trailing leads , useful work light but bare in mind the base plate as supplied is small , ok for a quick light work but will be ordering a plunge adapter for more stability

Excelente herramienta

The Makita lithium-ion router is a great, robust tool. It feels solid in hand, delivers smooth performance, and has the reliable build quality you’d expect from Makita.

I've been using laminate trimmers and routers for over 30 years and this Makita 18 volt trimmer is hands down the best. From routering shapes on timber, trimming laminate or cutting in door hinges, this machine is so compact and versatile.