Makita Expands Cordless Woodworking Line with a Highly Anticipated Plunge Router
The Makita GPR01 40V max XGT Cordless Plunge Router joins an elite group of mid-range routing options that rely on a battery for power. Offering a significant step up in power to supplement the GTR01 trim router, it fills a gap in Makita’s expanding cordless woodworking lineup.
Be sure to check out our top picks for the Best Cordless Router!
Makita 40V max XGT Cordless 2 1/4 HP Plunge Router Performance
- No-Load Speed: 8,000 – 25,000 RPM
- Speed Modes: 5
- Collet: 1/2 in.
- Plunge Capacity: 2-3/8 in.
- Motor Type: Brushless
Speed and Power
Makita’s 40V max XGT battery powers a 5-speed brushless motor that delivers 8,000 – 25,000 RPM to the bit. Electronic speed controls help keep those RPMs steady under load with power equivalent to a 2 1/4 horsepower router.
| Speed Setting | Speed |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8,000 RPM |
| 2 | 12,500 RPM |
| 3 | 17,000 RPM |
| 4 | 21,000 RPM |
| 5 | 25,000 RPM |
A built-in soft start ensures those horses accelerate with confident control while a soft stop helps prevent damage to your workpiece.
Even though Makita’s power level matches that of its main competitors, look past that for a moment. The GPR01 uses its power to offer a wider speed range. Take a look:
| Max HP | Speed Range | Plunge Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V Max DCW620 | 2 1/4 HP | 11,000 – 23,000 RPM | 2 3/4 |
| Makita 40V max XGT GPR01 | 2 1/4 HP | 8,000 – 25,000 RPM | 2 3/8 in |
| Metabo HPT 36V M3612DA | 2 HP | 11,000 – 25,000 RPM | 1 31/32 in |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2838 | 2 1/4 HP | 12,000 – 25,000 RPM | 2 1/2 in |
A 1/2-inch collet secures router bits, and the plunge base has a range up to 2 3/8 inches. As we expect, there’s also a 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch adapter for use with smaller bits.
For runtime, you can expect up to 260 linear feet of routing using a 4.0Ah battery.
The 18V LXT system hasn’t seen this level of router (and we haven’t heard any rumors that it will). With tools like the GPR01 plunge router, the 40V max XGT system is rounding out as the go-to platform for woodworkers who want a fully cordless shop.
With tools like the GPR01 plunge router, the 40V max XGT system is rounding out as the go-to platform for woodworkers who want a fully cordless shop.
Kenny Koehler, PTR Editor-in-Chief
Makita 40V max XGT Cordless 2 1/4 HP Plunge Router Design Notes
- Model: Makita GPR01
- Power Source: Makita 40V XGT battery
- Weight: 7.1 lbs (bare tool), 9.3 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Tool Height: 9.5 in.
Size and Weight
The Makita GPR01 weighs in at 7.1 pounds as a bare tool, 9.3 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, and stands 9.4 inches tall. If you want to shave off a little weight, you could always go with a 2.5Ah battery, which drops the total weight to 8.75 pounds.
Ergonomics
As plunge router ergonomics go, Makita didn’t stray too far from the norm. The GPR01 features two large pommel grips, draped in a generous amount of textured rubber overmold.
One of my favorite features is the power button and trigger on the plunge handle (the lock-on button is also on the handle). If you haven’t used a router with this design before, it keeps the vital controls within thumb’s reach, resulting in minimal hand movement while you’re using the tool. You have the control that comes with keeping both hands on the tool at start-up and shutdown, making for safer and more convenient operation.
Plunge Depth Adjustments
Like the tools’ ergonomics, Makita equipped this router with a fairly standard set of micro and macro depth adjustments. It also sports an adjustable 3-stage plunge depth stop carousel, a plunge depth gauge, and an upper limit stopper for fast and consistent results.
AWS Connectivity
Another noteworthy feature is that the Makita GPR01 is AWS-ready. By adding the AWS chip and connecting it to an AWS-enabled vacuum, the system automatically turns the vac on and off, reducing shop noise and extending the cordless vac’s runtime. Keep in mind that the AWS transmitter (198901-5) is sold separately.
Additional Highlights
- Quick release cam lock system for depth adjustments and base installation
- Dual LED lights
- Aluminum base
Makita 40V max XGT Cordless 2 1/4 HP Plunge Router Price
You can get the Makita GPR01 plunge router as a bare tool for $359—a price that’s in the same range as DeWalt and Milwaukee. As usual, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
For accessories, there are some specifically for this model, plus it’s compatible with the same accessories as the RP2301FC corded unit and the AWS chip.
The Bottom Line
The Makita GPR01 40V max XGT cordless plunge router delivers Pro-grade performance in a fully cordless package, rivaling and even surpassing many of its competitors in key areas. With its broad speed range, competitive power output, and excellent ergonomics, it’s clear Makita designed this tool with serious woodworkers in mind.
As we initially said, the Makita GPR01 fills a crucial gap in the 40V max XGT lineup. Up until now, Makita’s only plunge routers were tethered to an outlet, but now the GPR01 positions itself as a top-tier option for those ready to invest in a cordless workshop. For Pros looking to break free from cords without compromising performance, this router is a compelling choice.
