Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router

OverviewThe Makita RT0701CX3 compact router stands out in the palm router category, offering a blend of power and maneuverability that makes it particularly appealing for detail work and smaller routing tasks. At 1-1/4 horsepower, it delivers sufficient power for most trim and detail applications while maintaining excellent control.Key StrengthsCompact Design & ErgonomicsThe router's standout feature is its compact form factor. Weighing just 3.9 lbs, it's significantly lighter than full-size routers, making it ideal for extended use without fatigue. The slim body design allows for excellent grip and control, particularly important when working on detailed edges or in tight spaces.PerformanceDespite its small size, the motor provides impressive performance:- Variable speed control (10,000-30,000 RPM)- Smooth start-up feature prevents jerking on initialization- Electronic speed control maintains consistent RPM under load- 1-1/4 HP motor handles most trim and detail work effectively- Surprisingly capable with hardwoods like wenge, demonstrating robust power delivery- Performs reliably across both softwoods and dense hardwoods without bogging downBase SystemThe CX3 kit includes three bases, adding significant versatility:- Standard base for general routing- Plunge base for precise depth control- Offset base for edge work in tight spacesThe quick-release cam lock system makes base changes quick and tool-free.Precision Features- Easy-to-read depth scales- Fine depth adjustment system (0.1mm increments)- Smooth rack-and-pinion depth adjustment- Clear base for better visibility of work areaLimitations- Limited to 1/4" shank bits only- Depth adjustment mechanism can be slightly finicky, though manageable- Smaller base footprint requires more attention to stability- Dust collection could be betterNote: While initially one might expect limited performance in hardwoods, real-world experience shows this router handles dense woods like wenge effectively, making it more capable than its compact size might suggest.Value PropositionThe RT0701CX3 kit offers excellent value for its price point, particularly considering the inclusion of three bases. While it won't replace a full-size router for heavy-duty work, it serves admirably as a primary tool for detail work or as a complementary tool to a larger router.Final VerdictThe Makita RT0701CX3 excels as a compact router, particularly suited for detail-oriented woodworking tasks. Its combination of power, precision, and portability makes it an excellent choice for both hobbyist woodworkers and professionals needing a reliable trim router. The three-base system adds significant versatility, though users should be aware of its limitations for heavy-duty applications.

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We haven’t used this one yet, however, bought this because my brother has the same one and it’s great! This was a gift for my hubby! It is easy to use. Made well. Works well. We cut out and entire Christmas scene silhouette with my brothers. I used it myself , my hubby taught me first. I found it easy to use hold. Easy to use. Just have to take safety precautions. I like that it’s corded for power. Didn’t weigh too much. My hands were buzzing for a while after I was done.

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The tool seems like a good buy. My motto is you get what you pay for.

I’ll give this trim router and kit a 4 rating based on the price point and feature combined. It’s a very good value. At $200, you get a lot of bases and guides all of which are usable. They are lower end bases with less refined features and not as good as some of my Bosch or Porter Cable bases and guides. If I was using this trim router and needed to change set-ups often, I would not be happy with the bases and guides. Ignoring price, it would get a 2.5 rating due to the lower end bases, but you’d have to spend at least 2X the money to get all these bases with better features.Here's the good and the bad.• First I should mentioned that factory support is top notch and you can talk to someone on the phone! What a novel concept today. They will send you out parts ASAP if you have a problem. This is a MAJOR good point.• The bag that comes with it is very nice indeed. Lots of storage for bits, tools, etc., and is very well made. Has a removable segmented center that holds the motor and attachments and pockets galore. It’s hard to describe in detail, but it is really nice. Now if you are going to a lot of job sites and it’s going to get rough treatment, you’d probably prefer a hard case like that Porter Cable uses. While this has nothing to do with the router’s quality and use, it’s worth mentioning.• The motor itself seems very well made, runs smoothly and starts softly. Some reviewers have said theirs burned up on the first use or ran roughly. Rough running I’d chalk that up to a bad manufacturing batch (or possible bad collet – see below). I noted that many that said they burned theirs up described their application as running a dovetail bit or similar. That is rookie error. You can’t expect a 1.25 HP router to run something as long and large as a dovetail bit where you need a full size router at over 2 HP. Of course you’ll burn a small trim router up under such load. If you are going to run a larger bit in this, you must go very slow (may burn your work piece) or take multiple partial cut passes.• Collet problem - My biggest gripe was that the supplied ¼” collet was bad, which made the router almost unusable. Its inner bore was around .015” too large, so it was only getting a line contact pinch on the bits. Due to this problem, it was impossible to get the collet to hold longer bits tight and they would constantly go loose and walk up out of the collet. At that point, it would immediately start vibrating and felt rough. (No, the bit wasn’t bottomed out.) I ruined 3 bits and tried tightening the collet down way too tight before I inspected it closely enough to figure out the problem. The local warranty center is getting a new collet in which should fix this issue. (If the second one still isn’t toleranced right, I’ll have to get an aftermarket collet from Elaire Corp which is about $25. I know theirs are good.)• Motor clamp locks on the various bases – You may have to fiddle with the tightness adjustment of these locks to get them set correctly. None of mine were right from the factory. They were all just a bit too loose and would let the motor slip. Only took a few minutes to get these set correctly. Don’t go too tight though, as the lever is just stamped sheet metal.• Plunge baseo The threads on the female internal nut of the depth adjuster were faulty. The symptom was that it took a gorilla grip to turn the knob sometimes, but other times seemed fine. Makita sent me out a replacement part right away no questions asked.o The base height lock lever isn’t as secure as I’d like and can let loose under vibration if you don’t have it very tight. Once you have it slip on you, you won’t make the error a second time. (Again, price point is in mind here.)• Offset base – This is one of the primary reasons I bought this kit, as I needed this option at the time. It’s a bit fiddly to put on, but once you figure it out, it isn’t bad. Like all offset bases (that I know of), it has no depth adjustment. So in order to set depth, you’ll have to shim the base and/or move the bit in/out of the collet. This one does not have a quick release for the bit, so it’s a challenge to get your bit set. I also noted it gets warm pretty quickly, but since this is used mostly for backsplash area cutting on counters, it isn’t running for long periods of time. (Again, price point is in mind.)• Edge guide is usable, but has no micro adjuster. So don’t expect to get precision adjustments by turning a knob. It’s just a wing nut to tighten it down and it’s a bit wobbly to boot. It’s usable, only with great care and patience. Personally, if I’ve got to do edge guide work, I’m going to be using my full-size Porter Cable router with its precision adjustment edge guide.• Standard base – The depth adjustment is very coarse and pretty much unusable, so a depth adjustment is really just manual on this base. It’s a simple rack and pinion design, not a screw with micro adjustments like you find on higher end routers. Again, the whole kit is $200, so no whining.• Tilt Base – I’ve not had the opportunity to use the tilt base on a project yet. But I’ve noted a couple of potential drawbacks. It has the same depth adjustment as the standard base, so consider it a manual depth setting. There are no detents on the angle settings, so you’ll have to make sure you have a good angle setting tool or jig to get your angle set correctly. I’ve never had an angle base before, so perhaps they are all this way?• All the thumb screws on the various locks and adjusters are plastic, so don’t get carried away tightening things down. In time, they are going to break. Again, price point.You can get good precision work out of this kit even if the bases don’t have super great adjustments, if you have patience and this isn’t your first time at the rodeo. If you are somewhat new to routers, you might want to go for a unit with just the base you need that has higher precision adjustments or be prepared to learn some old school adjustment methods. If you want a bit better set-up and all 4 of these base types, you’ll have to buy something like a Bosch trim router and the bases as separate items, which will cost you probably double the cost of this kit. It’s very hard to argue with that $200 price. It’s a great value and reasonable quality.Only buy this router kit if you need a trim router specifically and need at least 3 of the included bases. If you need a first and only router and don’t need a small trim router, buy a full size 2+ HP router that has both ¼” and ½” collets with a standard and plunge base.