Makita 2-1/4 H.P. Router RF1101

Pros: Power, fit & finish, flexibility, durability
Cons: no power switch on handle, bulky case

This is another excellent power tool from Makita. I own a mixed bag of power tools from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Craftsman, and others. Certain brands have reputations for making the best of a certain tool (i.e. Milwaukee’s corded drills and sawzalls), ...

Pros: well made, ergonomics good, provided accessories complete. QUIET!! enough power
Cons: no dust collection provided, baseplate needs to go.

I purchased my Makita 1101 (plunge base version) to replace a very disappointing Porter Cable 890 (oh, boy, what a disaster that "tool" was. but that is another review) I was very pleasantly surprised. well made, good finish to the whole tool. The ...

Pros: soft start, quiet, plunge capability, handles 1/2" and 1/4" bits, nice handles, variable speed
Cons: difficulty in removing bits after use

Excellent product. Variable speed is nice and soft start is a plus. In addition, the unit only produces about 80dB of noise, which is much less than others. Have not used the plunge capability much yet but seems to operate smoothly. I do have ...

Pros: PLENTY OF POWER. MAKITA QUALITY
Cons: WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE A POWER SWITCH ON THE HANDLE

I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS ROUTER IN THE "KIT" VERSION. THE KIT CAME WITH THE PLUNGE BASE, CASE AND A FEW OTHER ACCESSORIES. I'VE USED IT MANY TIMES AN I'M VERY SATISFIED WITH IT. IT HAS A SOFT START FEATURE AND VARIABLE SPEED WHICH IS NICE. I CONSIDERED OTHER ROUTERS PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE AND DECIDED ON THE MAKITA. I BELIEVE MAKITA MAKES A GREAT PRODUCT AND OWN MANY OTHER MAKITA TOOLS. THE ONLY THING THAT WOULD MAKE THIS ROUTER BETTER WOULD BE AN ON/OFF SWITCH ON THE HANDLE.

Pros: Smooth soft start. Good plunge action. Variable speed and good power. Very durable.
Cons: Wood handles get a little loose. Better owners manual with more detail would be nice.

I have owned the kit with the plunge base for 4 years now and it has been very good. Variable speed works great. The plunge base works very well. Works great under a router table as well. Only complaint is the handles get a little loose and need to be tightened on occasion. This was my first router so I wish the instructions in the manual were better. I also was expecting the edge guide and dust collection to come with the kit.