Makita RF1101KITK 2-1/4 HP VS Router Kit includes Plunge Base, Edge Guide, Larger Hole Base Plate

List Price: $389.99

Features:

• Powerful 2-1/4-horsepower motor transfers quickly from fixed to plunge base
• Comes with 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets to accept large and small bits
• Variable speed control (8,000-24,000 RPM) to match the speed to the materials being cut
• Plunge capacity is 2-19/32 inches--with accurate depth-adjustment knob for fine tuning

Accessories:
Porter-Cable 42000 9-Piece Template Guide Kit	Rousseau 3510 Complete Router Table	Rousseau 3509 9-Inch x 12-Inch x 3/8-Inch Deluxe Router Base Plate	Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table	Rousseau 3003 Router Lift LS

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Router! Exaggerated value of the included bit set [Posted on 2002-02-06]
I own another router (Craftsman) that is satisfactory, but not very versatile. I was shopping for a new plunge router and found this combo kit with both a fixed base and plunge base. It arrived promptly at the door within a few days. I am very pleased with the router and it's overall performance. I am a young woodworker and sought lot's of input from magazines and freinds. All around this was an excellent purchase. The only down side to this specific kit is the exaggerated value of the included bit set....

IMHO: This is one great midsize plunging router. [Posted on 2002-02-18]
Some of the features I was looking for in the router:
1) More horsepower than the run of the mill 1½ routers and less than my PC-7518.
2) Plunge ability
3) Light and easy to handle, good grips and balance

Competing products: PC-690, Bosch 1617EVSPK, Dewalt DW610/DW621 series, many others.

[...].

PC-693PK 1½HP - This is a nice machine. Having had experience with the PC7518, I thought that this would be a good choice, but it didn't have a variable speed control. Although the price was one of the least expensive models I reviewed prior to purchasing.

Bosch 1617EVSPK 2HP - This was also a nice machine. It met all of the requirements above and was priced in the middle of the bunch. The Bosch was ¼HP less than the Makita. This was my second choice.

Dewalt DW610 1 1/2 HP/621 2HP- The Dewalt's come in two kits, the fixed base 1 1/2HP and the plunging 2HP models. If they could combine the two, they would have a winning combo. Nice machines, but didn't fulfill all of my requirements.

Makita RF1101KITK 2-1/4 HP -[...] this is an excellent machine, that comes with everything you need, except a router table. Since I already have one, this is no biggie. The kit comes with a fixed base, plunging base, variable speed control, router bit set and at this point you may want to read the manufacturers comments and features. Features I really like:
1) The soft start is excellent. My old craftsman (1 1/2HP) would jerk on start, so you had to make sure you were away from your work or you could nick it.
2) Plunging - This router has a nice plunging base. It's easy to install and setup.
3) Weight and balance - I find this router to be balanced well and it seems to be lighter than it really is.

IMHO: This is one great midsize plunging router. I have been using this machine since Christmas and feel that it was an excellent purchase [...].

Oh yeah [Posted on 2002-03-05]
This is it. I own a router that cost me about [money] and I can't even stand the thought of using it now that I have this one. The motor has plenty of power and I like the way it starts with out a sudden jerk. The router bits that came with it works great for me. They have 1/4 inch shafts and I prefer 1/2 inch but they do work great and seem to be quality made. I wasn't to interested in the case until I got done using the router for the first time and realized that I had a great place to store the router along with the manual, the router wrenches and the accessories including about 10 router bits. This saves me lots of time and if very convenient.

This router is worth the money so instead of wasting [money]like I did just buy this one and you won't regret it.

10 STARS!!!!!!!! [Posted on 2002-03-19]
Everywhere I went nothing but the best comments about this router. Now I see why. I previously had a craftsman 1 1/2 hp router. In one word...junk. But this router I could tell was high quality right when I opened the box. The plunge base is great. Easy to use and easy to set up. This set comes with a lot of useful items too. The case is very well designed and holds everything well. Even has extra spots to put bits and template guides. And did I mention quiet! This router makes half the noise of my Craftsman router and the slow start is a great feature as well. The variable speed is also one of the most useful features allowing you to match the speed to the material and bit size. The only thing remotely negative about this set is the switch location. An on off switch closer to the handle would have been better but this was not enough to bring my rating of this router down. Bottom line, if you are a hobby woodworker like me or a professional, this is a great router. you wont be disappointed.

No complaints but there are better o [Posted on 2002-07-27]
I really shouldn't complain here. This router is powerful and does a great job. The soft start is nice and it comes with a variety of accessories. But I just saw the Dewalt kit that's coming out. It blows the Makita away. The plunge has dust collection built in that is really slick. And it comes with a D-handle. Something I would really like to have. but it looks like Makita only offer their D handle with a motor. Gee I've got one of those already. Plus the Dewalt did better in a recent shoot out in one of the magazines. Cost savings I'm sure. For things like switch placement, and ease of use.

Oh and the bits that come with the 1/2" capable Makita are 1/4". Hold out for the Dewalt.

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