Home >> Construction Tools >> Routers
Home >> Construction Tools
Milwaukee 5616-24 2-¼ Max HP EVS Multi-Base Router Kit Includes Plunge Base and BodyGrip Fixed Base | List Price: $454.00
Discount Price: $209.99
 |
|
Brand: Milwaukee
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - Precise macro/micro depth adjustment systemto 1/64 increment, 3 metal depth scale and adjustable pointer
- Premium plunge system with four-point Oil Impregnated PM Bushing design
- 6-Position(1/8 increment) adjustable metal turret stops for precise, multiple-pass routing
- Tough, machined aluminum motor housing and base
- Quick release motorallows adds the convenience of pop & drop quick base changes,passing motor between bases
A Terrific Package--on a par with Festool [Posted on 2008-08-28]
I got this a couple of weeks ago and have since put it through its paces in various hand-held modes. In short, I really, really like this router. In fact, I like it as well as I do a Festool router I bought earlier this year.
Things I like (in no particular order):
(1)The router has clear sub-bases (either acrylic or polycarbonate, I'm not sure which). Furthermore, it comes with two sub-bases, one designed for the Porter-Cable industry standard template guides & one with a larger hole suitable for various larger bearing-guided bits. It also comes with a base-centering guide which is useful for attaching the template-guide sub-base so it is centered. The centering guide seems to work well and easily for me, but this is a purely subjective opinion since I do not have ready access to the type of metrology equipment necessary to determine exactly what lack of centerdness is due to placement of the sub-base, and what is due to a plethora of other possible contributing factors.
(2)It is extremely quiet--about on a par with my Festool (note, I do NOT have equipment to measure decibel output, so this is purely subjective).
(3)The dust-collection attachment works well---actually better than that on my Festool---again, subjective opinion.
(4) The collet nut uses two wrenches instead of a push-in collet lock and single wrench like the Dewalt 625, ELU, and Festool routers. I've got several of the latter, but frankly find the push-in collet lock system clumsy to use and more of a knuckle-buster than using two wrenches.
(5) It is equally adept at both plunge routing and as a fixed base router. This actually came as a pleasant surprise to me since I thought it would inevitably be compromised for either one use or the other. The depth adjustment is smooth operating, exhibited no discernible sign of back-lash, and provides easy to track adjustment in 1/64 inch increments. Again, this is my subjective opinion.
(6) The soft-start and variable speed are nicely done, in my opinion.
(7) Milwaukee kept many of the positive features of their older routers---flat topped base for easy bit changing and superior long split collet (much like what you'd find in the metal working industry).
(8) The router motor is superbly easy to change from one base to another. This, along with the flat top, actually provides another huge convenience. To wit, changing bits on plunge routers has always been an awkward and unpleasant chore, frequently leading to a busted knuckle or two. Now those of you who are less clumsy and more nimble than I may not care about this, but the ability to quickly and easily take the motor of a plunge router out of its base so you can change bits without all of the hassle, why it's just heaven! And of course, since it's so quick and easy to extract from the fixed router base as well, it just makes sense to do that when changing bits as well.
(9) Vibration is remarkably low. Again, I have no way to measure this, so it's just my subjective opinion.
Things I do NOT like:
(1) The case is really, really, really, really horrible. When opened, it falls apart at two seams (hinges?) and is liable to dump the router and other contents on the floor if you're not careful. Furthermore, getting the router along with its two bases properly configured inside the case to fold it back up is something you'll enjoy only if you're an octopus. Thankfully, I don't particularly need or want a case for it, so the case will be going to the re-cycling center ASAP. If a case is important to you, better consider building your own. Did I mention that the case is a nightmare from hell? Thankfully it's not an important component.
(2) The depth adjustment, at 1/64 inch, is not fine enough. Both Festool and Porter Cable do much better than that (1/256th inch for PC and 0.1mm for Festool--which is about the same as the PC). I definitely think this is one area Milwaukee could have done a bit better on. But I knew this going in.
(3) Only collets available are 1/4 and 1/2 inch. I sometimes use 3/8 inch and 8mm shank router bits. Since I don't like using collet adapters (more opportunity for run-out), I'll be forced to use one of my other routers in those cases.
(4) The on-off switch is not conveniently located. Perhaps my hands are just too small, but I have to take one hand off the handle to turn it on or off. I prefer being able to reach up and turn a router on/off while keeping both hands on the handles.
Final comments:
The negatives are pretty insignificant for the most part, and certainly out-weighed by the positives. All-in all, this is a really terrific router package. Since I just love my Festool router and like this one about as much, that's saying something!
I don't know how well the router will hold up over time since I've only had it a couple of weeks. But if it is as sturdy as my other Milwaukee tools have been, I'm sure I'll be pleased. I can tell you that over-all the ergonomics of this router are far better than those of any other Milwaukee tool I've previously owned.
I noted one reviewer who lamented about no router tables being made that will work with this router. I believe just about any major manufacturer of router tables has one that will work. Woodpeckers router plate, for example, (which fits their router table, of course) can be had with a hole configuration that fits the Milwaukee 5619 router. But, since the 5619 and the 5616 use the same sub-bases and hence have the same sub-base hole pattern, you're golden! Basically, you may have to cross-reference and double check a few things, but finding a commercially made table set-up poses no problem. Additionally, many of us have built our own router tables and made our own plates. So go ahead and get yourself a table to fit this router (if that's what you want to do with it) and have fun!
Good fixed base,stiff plunge base [Posted on 2008-09-05]
I purchased this router combo in april to supplement my milwaukee table mounted router. First, the durable plastic case is large and everything fits inside nicely. The compact fixed base is comfortable and will be familiar to those who have used other milwaukee body grip routers. The plunge base feels robust but the plunge lever is very stiff. I thought that it may loosen after some usage, and it did improve gradually, but it made routing deep mortises a chore. Make no mistake, it works, it is just very stiff. Another issue involved the two milwaukee supplied 1 1/8 wrenches. One of the wrenches was forged incorrectly and would not fit on the collet. After a phone call to Milwaukee, a new wrench arrived a few days later. I gave this router 4 stars because it is powerful, has a excellent fixed base, decent plunge base, and a solid 5 year warranty.
Excellent value for a superior tool! [Posted on 2008-09-08]
This is the first router I purchased for my woodshop. I have used it on every project so far and absolutely love it!! When you grip this tool, you can feel the rigidity and quality right in your hand! I would highly recommend this tool to anyone, from the do-it yourselfer to the professional!
Beware of lemons [Posted on 2008-09-17]
After purchasing a Milwaukee Sawzall from Amazon and being very pleased with it, I was in the market for a router and was impressed with the Milwaukee height-adjustment design. My first purchase was a reconditioned 5615-81 1-3/4HP router. Although it was supposedly tested and inspected at the factory, there was a 3/4-inch long piece of metal rattling around inside the motor housing. It looks like part of a motor armature. Luckily, I discovered it before I plugged it in. It was fairly easy to remove, but Milwaukee quality control should have caught this.
Next, I decided to purchase this 5616-24 kit from Amazon. No rattle, but upon plugging it in and turning it on, there was a noticeable recurring vibration in the motor that increased with the speed adjustment. At the slowest speed, it pulsed about every half second and was strong enough that it would have disturbed cutting. The motor was also much louder than that of the 5615. I contacted Milwaukee Tech Support and they simply said that this was a variable speed unit with soft start, and deferred me to the local service center. Terrible.
Fortunately, Amazon customer service took the old one back and sent a replacement. The new kit arrived today and is smooth and buzz-free. Again, Milwaukee quality control should've caught the problem before shipping it out.
As for the rest of the kit, this and the 1-3/4HP kit are the best deal if you need both the plunge and BodyGrip bases and the clear sub-bases. The height-adjustment wrench and dust collector are of limited use to me. I still need to reach under the table to loosen the clamp before adjusting the height. The dust collector looks and feels really cheap. It is held in place by a U-shaped piece of metal which clamps to the edge guide holes. When using the edge guide, the U-shaped piece is removed and the collector is held in place by the edge guide rods. Speaking of edge guide, they should've included one, although the Milwaukee guide looks cheaply made. The gargantuan case will probably go into storage. The smaller case that came with my reconditioned router is much more handy.
The 1-3/4 and 2-1/4HP motors, bases, and accessories can be used interchangeably. If you look at the parts diagrams on the Milwaukee Web site, you'll see that the added height of the red cap is to accomodate the electronic module. The motor housings are the same, just a different armature and field. The soft start feature is more like a delayed start. After flipping the switch, just as you start thinking that the unit is defective, the motor comes on. There is still quite a bit of starting torque transferred through the grips.
The plunge base is excellent. Plunge is smooth and controls are well placed, and it comes with the 1-3/16 clear sub-base installed. My only gripe is the cheesy stop rod and stop screw. It looks like it was made in the same factory as the other router accessories.
very nice [Posted on 2008-10-06]
i recieved this router and was very impressed with the quality and control it was difficult to decide what brand to by but i finally decided to go with milwakee because it was one of the only ones made in the USA
Click here for more details and discount information...
|
){kind=link}