Makita is on a roll this week, releasing several new tools to the market. This time it’s the new RT0701C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router. The new Compact Router is also available in a kit (RT0701CX3), which is the only way to buy a router like this, as it comes with a plunge, tilt, and an offset base for a wide range of routing applications. Compact routers serve a great need in the woodworking and carpentry business – proving a very portable and controllable way to do simple bevels, laminate jobs, etc, that would be a bit more of a pain with a full-sized tool.
Now, we don’t recommend compact routers for anything heavy-duty – the added weight and bulk of a serious router is always going to outperform when you’re doing some serious projects.
Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Features
What’s impressive about Makita’s solution is that they managed to engineer a 1-1/4 horsepower motor into a compact solution. And they also added real detail features like rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment. Even with all this power and flexibility, the Compact RT0701C Router is actually the size and weight of many laminate trimmers. In addition to a powerful motor, the 1-1/4 horsepower RT0701C includes a variable speed dial control that carries the RPMs between 10,000 and 30,000 and lets you customize the router for multiple applications.
Additional performance features include electronic speed control to maintain constant speed under load, and a very welcome soft start feature for smooth start-ups. The RT0701C is also double-insulated with a heavy-duty aluminum motor housing for increased durability.
The tool has an easy-to-read depth scale, which makes the precise rack-and-pinion depth adjustment even more useful. A quick-release cam lock system makes it easy to remove or install the high-visibility base.
Additional features include a slim and ergonomically designed body that weighs only 3.9 lbs., with a durable flat top design so you can flip it over when changing bits. The base can also be removed quickly to install other bases, and the shaft lock is engineered for quick and easy bit changes (uses 1/4″ shank router bits). The RT0701C includes the tool, 1/4″ collet, 3/8″ collet, straight guide, template guide, dust nozzle – straight base, and two wrenches.
The Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit includes all of the RT0701C accessories, but adds a plunge base, tilt base, offset base assembly, dust nozzle, side handle, trimmer guide assembly, and a cool tool bag to store everything. The plunge base has a full 0″ – 1-3/8″ plunge depth capacity for easy penetration into the workpiece, and an easy-to-use fine depth adjustment with 3 preset depth stops for added precision. The tilt base provides routing at different angles with positive stops at 30° and 45°. Additionally, the offset base allows for routing in hard-to-reach areas like boards that are close to a wall.
Clearly, the Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router is targeted towards professional tradesmen of all types: woodworkers, furniture makers, craftsmen, cabinet makers, deck builders, boat builders, and more. This is a tool for those looking for a full-power compact routing solution.
Makita RT0701C/RT0701CX3 Specs
- Collet capacities: 1/4″, 3/8″
- No load speed: 10,000 – 30,000 RPM
- Power: 6.5A, 1-1/4 HP
- Overall length: 7-7/8″
- Weight: 3.9 lbs.
- Includes: Tool, 1/4″ collet, 3/8″ collet, straight guide, template guide, dust nozzle – straight base, 13mm, wrench, 22mm wrench, all RT0701C accessories, plus a plunge base, tilt base, offset base, dust nozzle, side handle, trimmer guide assembly, tool bag
