Review Summary-
Features-
- Micro-Adjustment Dial
- Macro Adjustment Button
- Includes dust collection adaptor
- Tool Free Spindle Lock
- Variable Speed Dial
- Dual LED Lights
- Optional offset base and plunge base available separately
Specs-
- 10,000 to 31,000 RPMs
- ¼ inch collet for standard bits
- 250 feet of Capacity on a 5.0 battery
- 1.5 inch range on bit adjustments
The Bottom Line-
“Milwaukee produces a compact router packed with power with their first generation Cordless Router. With solid power, run time and features that allow you to dial in precise measurements, this router will be a solid addition to any tool collection. “
Full Review-
About the Tool
Milwaukee Cordless Router Review
Routers aren’t a new tool, in fact they’ve been around a long time with significant evolultion over the years. With a lot of options for routers, with corded, high power, routers mounted in tables it can be a lot to weed through.
One type of router that has really taken center stage in recent years is the compact router. For a huge portion of users, a compact router is a great option to consider when you don’t want the bulk of full-size routers, and the job at hand just doesn’t require it. Today, these compact routers are likely your most used router. And now we have added Cordless Compact Routers that users will love, giving extra versatility and maneuverability.
Standout Features
MILWAUKEE CORDLESS ROUTER REVIEW
Milwaukee’s Cordless Router runs on the well-loved M18 battery platform. On the 5.0 Ah battery, Milwaukee estimates this router will provide 250 linear feet of use.
Adjustable speed dial allows users to go from 10,000 to 31,000 RPM’s to be used on a wide range of materials from hardwood, to OSB, plywood etc.
LED lights allow improved visibility in use. These are particularly helpful when ensuring the perfect height and adjustments. These project below the bit, keeping incredible visibility.
Milwaukee included two adjustments, both a Micro dial for precise tuning of up to 1/64th of inch, and a macro-adjustments to make swift work of larger adjustments. Total range for the M18 Router is 1.5 inches.
One huge thing Milwaukee manages to really excel at is the dust collection adapter. Routers are particularly messy tools, and they did a great job adding an easy to attach dust collector adapter that picks up an impressive amount of debris in use.
Milwaukee included additional accessories for more versatility with this router as well. Additional bases, Both Offest Base and Plunge Base will be available to purchase soon.
Value
MILWAUKEE CORDLESS ROUTER REVIEW
Bare tool, the Milwaukee Cordless Router comes in at 179.90 at The Home Depot. This is very competitive to the industries other cordless routers. For users on the M18 battery platform, this tool is a no brainer.
My Thoughts
MILWAUKEE CORDLESS ROUTER REVIEW
Very few tools hold quite the same affection as a router does for me. I have several in my shop and all are used for varying applications. When looking at Cordless Routers, there are a few on the market that really come to mind, Makita’s, DeWalt, and of course this new model from Milwaukee. They are all great contenders but a few small things about the Milwaukee may push you in its direction.
Milwaukee did an exceptional job of creating a router that is compact but still very heavy duty. Compact Routers have limits, and those should be respected in expectation, but this router surprised me with how much it could do given it isn’t designed to compete with a 2-3 Hp Router. It is no slouch on power and is more than capable of tacking any job a corded compact router can. No matter the wood, hard or soft, it really just mowed right through the job without hesitation. Run time is great too, something we can thank the M18 lineup of batteries for providing.
Milwaukee also did a great job with the adjustments on their router, offering both macro and micro adjustments to dial in your routing to perfection. The micro adjustment knob is specifically something I was impressed with, matching that of much larger routers in terms of precision.
Milwaukee devised an easy to change bit system as well, providing an easy to use, but very secure collet and lock system. I was definitely a fan of the included accessories, specifically the dust collection which works fairly well despite routers being generally messy tools. It is easy to attach and detack when needed, and the dust collector attachment also provided a secondary benefit, allowing the bit to be fully enclosed. I liked this a lot, as compact routers require a wrap around grip, and this offers an extra layer should your hand slip.
Milwaukee kept things tight and capable in their M18 Cordless Router. In terms of a first-generation launch, Milwaukee really blew this out of the water. This router operates very smooth, and offers the key features for users needing power, performance and precision to make it an excellent option for virtually every user.
Thanks for the info Sarah! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
Having now tested the Dewalt, Ridgid, Makita & Milwaukee, do you have a preference for one over the others? I do plenty of normal things that all can handle but I also like to route out inlays & custom designs in the center area of boards. I realize some of these might not advertise being able to do that without a plunge adapter, but I have found (at least with the Ridgid) that I’m able to carefully bring it in at a slight angle and then continue to design w/o using the adapter. Any thoughts? I don’t currently have a battery platform that I need to stick to, as my other cordless tools are less expensive options so this will be one of my first bigger brand purchases and I can always use battery adapters if needed in the future. Thanks in advance!
I have loved really all of them! I think the DeWalt has slightly more power, and I really love the D-shaped base. For me, that edges it out a bit for my use! I will say the Milwaukee has excellent fine adjustments- so that would be a point for them! I reach for the DeWalt the most and have found it to be overwhelmingly capable on hardwoods. I stick to Freud Bits and it never lets me down.
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Wow. she is working so cool. I loved