JMG wrote in with a tip about Makita AU teasing with an image of the new Makita DRT50 compact trim router.
Here’s what we know about it thus far:
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It’s cordless, it has a brushless motor, and it appears to use the same base form factor as Makita’s corded compact router. There’s a variable speed control dial, a power button, and a lock/unlock button that might be used to prevent unintentional activation during transport.
That’s all we know so far. There’s a Coming Soon! The wait is almost over… message, but that’s for the Australian market. I’m guessing we’ll see a new Makita brushless router here in the USA, but when?
In the meantime, the new Ridgid brushless router is currently the only pro-level cordless router on the market.
First Thoughts
Can’t wait! It’s also good to see some competition in this space.
Routers are typically long-use tools that are not well-suited for being battery-powered. But with the growing popularity of high capacity battery packs, and lower costs of brushless motors (I’m assuming), it makes sense that we’re seeing some cordless models emerge – at least compact trim routers. For now?…
Are there any quick routing, cutting, or trimming tasks you’d love to use something like this for?
Thank you to JMG for the heads-up!
Randy says
While I’m not a remodel contractor these would be great for trimming laminnate or counter tops or anything where you are scribing material to fit, counter tops, stair parts, etc.
Rick Holder says
Hi, I made my own version a couple of years ago using the Makita 18v Die Grinder and trim router body. I have to say it is the most use bit of kit in the armoury. I use it for hinges, lock plates, chamfers, rebates, mouldings etc, great to see this new item from Makita. I should post some pics of my DIY versio. ?
PlasmaPod says
Would love to see it
Tony says
Anyone tried putting a tungsten burr in a router to make neat slots in steel tubing for lock keeps? Can a router bevel steel plate with the right bit? How about drilling tiles with a router and diamond bit?
Nigel says
Let me see the one you did . Il buy another off you
Toolfreak says
I’m still waiting for Bosch to come out with a cordless router, I think a mini 12V version would be an incredible addition to the market, but just getting into the 18V cordless routers would be good, too. The 18V Makita looks larger than I’d like for a “compact” router, but still, one handed operation is good. I wonder how well it handles with the weight of that big battery on top?
Corded is probably better for power and when using them in the woodshop, but a cordless router, much like a jigsaw or even those smaller circular saws and compact reciprocating saws, just works fantastic for small tasks or having to work in out-of-the-way areas where it’d be a hassle to run lots of extension cords. Cordless just makes it so easy to grab the tool, pop on a charged battery, and go get the job done. Corded stuff is more hassle, getting the tool, the extension cord, then having to go back and get another extension cord, then having to deal with a larger tool for a smaller job and keep the cord out of the way.
I’d pick up a smaller compact router if they come out with a good one, which is all I’d need for occasional beveling of edges and light trim work. I don’t really want to spend the money on a full size router for occasional use, or dedicate the storage space to it and the large case plus all the bits and accessories. Seems like Bosch of all companies could come out with one that fits in a L-Boxx with a tray, and have the other side for the batteries, charger, bits and an accessory kit.
Hopefully the Makita does make it to the U.S. and competes with the Ridgid and then maybe other companies will get into the mix and we’ll finally get a decent cordless router segment.
JMG says
Whenever it does hit the supply channel, I am hoping that they just jump right in and offer it in a kit form like the RT0701CX3 kit with all of the different trimmer bases. I have at least six trim routers currently, set up for various tasks, and if this cordless trimmer passes muster, I could see a minimum of three making their way into my kit. At the very least, the plunge base would be added as well, if a full kit is not offered.
Jake gamble says
They do make the kit with 3 bases. 1 plunge, 1 normal, and 1 tilt.
fred says
So far cordless routers have been a bit of a bust when it comes to applications for anything much beyond trimming and light-duty edging. This entrant doesn’t seem to be revolutionary – but might have a place for laminate trimming – especially it they offer some different bases for underscribing and seaming.
fred says
BTW – in the business from which I retired – use of trim routers (mostly Betterley and Bosch) probably peaked some years ago as we saw a decline in demand for laminate work – in favor of stone countertops for both kitchens and baths. Demand for solid surface countertops also seemed to have faded out in our customer base in favor of granite, marble, and even more exotic stone tops. Edging these materials – were not the job for a trim router’
Simon says
Could use a cordless router for hinges and face plates.
Keith Willsher says
Been doing that cordless for 20yrs still have 1 battery going strong since new
Keith Willsher says
I’ve had a great cordless router for at least 20yrs
19.2 porter cable router does hinges/bullnose/ even done worktops with fully charged batterys
Steven says
Have seen from Makita Australia that all accessories for the RT0700CX will be compatible with this!!
Allen says
Looks to be kinda top heavy to me.
Stuart says
The battery has to go somewhere. I’m thinking it’s better on the top than on side where it could affect the grip or balance.
Mike McFalls says
I am getting one as soon as they hit the US market. I currently have the corded makita trim router, which is 1 of the 2 corded power tools I own. It’s a great handheld router- and although it has its limitations with a 1/4″ collect; I’ve never felt limited or not completed a task because of it being a ‘trim router’. For my needs it’s been excellent. That said I am excited to replace it with a cordless model as this will leave me with 1 corded tool out of the ~45ish I own. Now Makita just needs to release a cordless finish sander and I am all set!
William says
Being a DIY/Hobbyist I don’t have much need for this, but I said the same thing about cordless Circular saws and now I’ve got one.
Dillon Corr says
Once you get a router you will be SHOCKED how much you use it…. making a drawer or set of shelves is much more “in reach” and looks so much better without square edges.
jtr165 says
Have to agree, although I’m not sure if William is saying he doesn’t have any need for a router in general, or a cordless unit…
Either way, bought a Dewalt Compact corded model a few years ago. Definitely only a ‘hobbyist’ as far as wood working goes, but it is easily one of my most used tools.
glenn says
I have to disagree with you Stuart about routers being long use tools, wel,l perhaps in my case at least. I typically only use router to make round hole. For a speaker in MDF of motorcycle gauge in aluminium, many of which I have made with the old cordless brushed Ryobi router.
It has done the job reasonably well but the lack of fine adjustment was its biggest flaw which has now been addressed in the latest version as well as Ridgids latest release.
fred says
@glenn
That’s why they make all sorts of different routers – and you can pick one for the kinds of work you do. If you are doing fine inlay work – that StewMac modified Foredom H.28 handpiece that Stuart posted about on February 20th – might be up to the task. I bought one – and with one of my 1/6 HP SR motors I hope to be using it quite a bit. At the other end of the spectrum if you’re edging granite countertops then maybe a 220V Red Ripper – like what we had in the shop – is what you need. Compact woodworking routers and trimmers have become popular because not everyone needs to a production machine capable of hogging out lots of wood in a single pass – and a compact machine is often easier to maneuver. The applications you talk about are a case in point.
glenn says
Meant ‘ well’ and MDF ‘ for a’
glenn says
You make a good point as always Fred. Horses for courses as the old saying goes.
Nathan says
Top heavy is better than sideways heavy I do believe.
Sort of like the lock feature but don’t know it’s necessary.
Great idea for a trim router glad to see one is real. Expect everyone to have one in 3 years.
I don’t know you’d ever see a cordless full router and I don’t know I’d want one.
Brad says
I doubt anyone would bother with this to replace a router in a lift or other table setup, but it seems like it would be very convenient for many handheld jobs. I rarely use my router table/lift combo for under-table routing anymore anyway; I’ve found that I get a far better performance in both under- and over-table routing using a shopsmith that I upgraded to the digital variable reluctance (DVR) motor and dual tilt; it ends up with a quiet, almost vibration-free experience, as well as an enormous aluminum work surface that I’ve never seen a traditional router table able to equal. In other words, I could see getting by quite nicely with no hand-held routers other than smallish brushless one…maybe Bosch could bring out at 12V version.
Battery weight matters, but that’s offset by the convenience of not having a cord to catch on a corner (sometimes causing a rough pass or requiring a stop/start) or otherwise cause awkwardness. My old corded drills are still better than the cordless models I’ve used, but routers are an area where plastic toys from across the Pacific are almost always going to out-perform anything made 30-40 years ago, and old router build quality hadn’t really established itself by the time planned obselescence became the tool industry’s predominant business model.
If anyone gets a crack at a brushless one, I’d be interested to know about whether there’s less vibration, and how that impacts the cut. Some routers are better than others, but even the “best” could stand to take a big step up by reducing vibration. I’d thought that brushless would make for a smoother motor in almost every application, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with sanders–at least, it doesn’t look like they’ll compete with pneumatics for smoothness anytime soon. I don’t necessarily expect a professional milling experience, but it’d be nice to step up from what handheld routers (even top flagships) currently offer.
Last thought: is there anyone who has repatriated router manufacturing to the USA? The most recent info I’ve seen is that Ryobi makes theirs in South Carolina, but I’m not sure if that’s still the case, and if anyone else has joined the show.
fred says
One way to help with the cord snag issue is to plug into outlets/cord reels overhead in the shop. We also used to have several pneumatic tools that were attached to overhead hose reels – you would pull them down when needed.
On a jobsite – draping the router cord over your right shoulder also could help keep it out of the way.
fred says
In a totally different class – but the Red Ripper Stone routers are made in the USA. The variable speed model sells for close to $4k
Fire Inspector says
Guys, I have preordered mine with an expected delivery date of June 2017 in Australia. I have a Ryobi cordless trimmer/router and yes it is top end heavy due to the battery and I expect the new Makita to be the same. I have a Makita RT0700CX with all the different bases. I look forward to using the bases with this cordless router and retire Ryobi.
ART says
Can’t wait to buy one. I will use it to hang doors with my trend hinge jig.I have a 110v version with all bases, so I will use it with plunge base.Have a cordless planer so I will not use a main power any more .
Roy Watkins says
When is it due out in the uk
PlasmaPod says
Australian Apprentice cabinetmaker here just got my trimmer in Australia and decided to snap a few pics of it and whats included for ya
http://imgur.com/a/tJ06I
Chris suart says
I’m a contract carpenter in the uk on new build housing I have modified a porter cable cordless router to accept makita 18v batteries. It is a fantastic router and perfect for my hinge and lock jigs, but this new router from makita does look good.
Stephen B says
I have just bought a new palm router, which I love small but powerful tools is d definitely the new things you come light easy to use and very accurate however I would like to put my new machine in a case do they make one and can I get one