Makita RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router, Fixed Base

Replacement router for my 6 year old cnc, which shows how well it works since I run several projects a month. No complaints, just felt it was time to replace.

I've got two of these, one is more than ten years old and this one is brand new. They work exactly the same, the build quality is excellent and the interchangable bases make it really versatile. I really can't fault it, if it had a light within the base to improve visability then that could be an improvement to make. Different woods need different speeds so if you get some burning go up a speed.

Beautiful little machine. My first router. I’m a Makita user, I like how they design their tools. Very ergonomic, durable, precision tools. This little router is my first, and it is very user friendly and you don’t even need to read the instructions. The speed control is very good. And this machine just sings when you use it. Very nice operation.

Was using a carbide 3d router that was recommended when buying this machine. Has a 65mm spindle that fits perfect with no modifications needed. Uses the same collets, brushes, and same size wrenches for changing bits as the carbide 3d. Have used for about 20hrs so far with no problems, other than the spindle seems to get a bit hotter after frequent use compared to the 3d router. Overall seems to work great and is a perfect replacement.

Knocking off one star: In order to get the adjustment sleeve to hold its position out of the box, I had to tighten the little bolt on it-- actually a bit hard to grab because of its location, but still at worst a 5 minute inconvenience. What was a little more of a nuisance was that I was using it to round over a rather expensive cut of hardwood at the time, and the adjustment moved on me. Anyway, live and learn. So far, it woks well in all other respects. Appears reasonably well built. I think it's already taken one trip to the ground and I can't find any functional or even cosmetic damage. Plenty of power even working in woods north of 3000 janka.

I have used multiple other palm routers in my remodeling career. This one beats them all. Great feel, power, and sturdy. Love the depth adjustment, beat thew heck out of flaky depth adjustment on some of the other well known palm routers. I am even using this a cnc router that runs for hours at a time. Absolutely ZERO issues. I now own 3 of these and have given as gifts to my woodworker friends.

I purchased this trim router because of the great reviews and because Makita brand tools always deliver. Power is great, fits nicely in your hand, and it's weighted perfectly for easily control. You can use it as a standard router as long as you use smaller bits. The base hole is 1.25" so I would not use any bit over 1". Only cons I have - No attachments included except for the guide. - Attachments are expensive. Plunge base attachment costs almost as much as the router. - No tool bag included. Cheapest Makita tool bag on amazon is at least 16 bucks. Not a huge issue but when you have a lot of tools it helps to keep track and easily find them on a job. I used a generic tool bag for the router and even thought it was marked with permanent marker, it took me a while to find it. Sounds a bit stupid but when you use these tools everyday it makes a huge difference.

I run this router in a CNC machine in my garage in Texas. It's 90-100 degrees in my garage right now, this machine runs for 5-9 hours at a time without complaints. It's a beast, 10-30k speeds eats wood for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have used it on pine, walnut, oak, mdf it doesn't care, it needs to eat. I have owned it for a while now and purchased replacement brushes, but have not needed to use them yet. I would not hesitate to purchase this router again if needed based on performance so far. Some of the jobs I do require extended run times that are far longer than the typical manual use of this router. It doesn't care, it keeps going. The Army Veteran plaque is like a 6 hours carve on the CNC with a change of bits around 3 hours in. I have dozens of them made. If you're hesitating on a purchase of this router because of longevity, don't be, it won't let you down.

I bought this compact router from Makita thinking I’d do some light edge profiling. LIGHT. What actually happened is I blacked out for three hours and woke up surrounded by perfectly radiused scrap wood. This router is 1-1/4 HP of chaotic woodworking energy. You pick it up like, oh cool, small router. You turn it on and it’s like: “HELLO. I AM HERE TO MAKE YOU OVERCONFIDENT.” Flush trimming? Done before you finish blinking. Decorative cuts? Cleaner than a hospital hallway. Small joinery? It volunteers. Tight spaces? It squeezes in like it owes somebody money. This thing doesn’t cut wood — it humiliates it. Ergonomics? Fantastic. Balance? Chef’s kiss. Vibration? Basically nonexistent. It feels like the router equivalent of a samurai sword. Just smooth, controlled violence. Now let’s talk about the real issue: I cannot be trusted with this tool. I routed: • Scrap wood • Already routed boards • A piece of wood I was holding just to feel something • Something that absolutely did NOT need routing My shop now looks like a showroom called “Edges: The Reckoning.” This router gives you danger confidence. You start saying things like: “Yeah, I’ll freehand that.” “Sure, let’s add a profile.” “Why not build a bench?” “I should probably start a woodworking YouTube channel.” Next thing you know it’s 11pm, you’re covered in sawdust, your coffee table has decorative bevels, and your spouse is asking why the cutting board has racing stripes. Also — this router ruined other routers for me. I pick up my old one now and I’m like: Look at this weak little thing. Disgusting. Downsides? • Makes you irresponsible • Encourages unnecessary projects • Causes spontaneous chamfers • Will absolutely convince you that you’re better at woodworking than you actually are Final verdict: Small router. Huge attitude. Zero mercy. 10/10. Would buy again. Would defend in court. Would let babysit my projects.

Value for money

Su tamaño permite realizar trabajos en espacios reducidos.

I love Makita… tools that do the work so you can do the job and take all the credit for something that looks like the pro’s did it. It’s not all about the tool, but certainly when it comes to Makita the brand stands alone when it comes to quality ,design and performance. This panel trimer is the “cat’s meow” as far as im concerned and I would buy it again, but know i will never have to…. thanks for delivering to my distant location..

Muy bueno aun lo tengo funcionando..