makita rf1101

Overall Rating: ( 5 reviews )

1. ( 3 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 19 2005

   I debated about whether to give this router 3 or 4 stars. It is a low-frills package but it does what it is supposed to with little fanfare. In a way that makes it an ideal tool. It is not as quiet as the Bosch or as powerful as the Porter Cable monsters, but it works. I use it in a duplicating carver application so it is subject to lots of dust and extended run-times and I have yet to have any issues. A solid machine at a good price, like most Makita stuff, if you can find it by itself. Makita is pretty much selling it only as a package with other things anymore. Now, if only getting it from Amazon was as hassle-free...

2. ( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 3 2005

   I'm an industrial electrician in my 40th year in the trades. I think I know power tools very well and when it came time for a new router I was sure it would be a PC, Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Bosch. As I read the reviews for each of them I was less and less impressed and not sure what to do. I went over and over the reviews and then looked at the Makita. I liked what others had said and experienced and took a chance and ordered it. Price was not a consideration and would have paid whatever it took to get the best router. As I use a lot of powertools in my job, I'm very picky when it comes to selection. I won't compromise or skimp when it comes to tools. So, I waited in great anticpation for the router's arrival. When it came I felt it really looked the part of a very well engineered tool. The mechanism to raise and lower is fantastic. It immediately went to my router table and I was in business in just a few minutes. I decided to just jump right in and went straight to cutting 3/8 grooves in select red oak.(lots and lots of grooves) I was so impressed with the soft start and the machines ability to slow down and speed up as I pushed the stock. (some pieces more than 6 feet long) So if you are looking for a real horse in the router department I think you'll be quite impressed. I am so pleased to report on such a well designed tool. Good luck, Jerry England

3. ( 4 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jun 20 2005

   I was happy at first with this router but its now in the repair shop for a second time with the same problem. After 6 months it broke and was fixed under warranty, now after a year its broke again. I would spend the money and get the PC..........Its the variable speed control that keeps going out. I am only a weekend wood worker and donot use this tool on a regular basis.At this price I would expect this tool to last awhile longer.

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