cordless trim router question

[Bill Carey]

I read the review in FWW that compared the Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi and Rigid cordless trim router but didn't see any info on which of them, if any, accept standard guide bushings. And a quick bing search ddin't help. Anyone have experience with a cordless trim router that DOES accept standard guide bushings?

TIA.

[Ray Newman]

Maybe this will help. I looked on the DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi, and Rigid tool sites for any information on the standardized PC template guide bushings for their compact/trim routers.

Finding none, I looked at the manufacturers'' instruction manuals for the cordless tools. The DeWalt DCW600B compact router manuals says on page 10 that the round sub-base will accept the "universal template guides." The others made no mention of accepting the universal/standard bushings.

This surprised me, but maybe I missed it. I looked on the Woodhaven site for any add-on sub-bases that will accept the universal bushings. Found a sub-base for trim/compact routers, but it is "two handed" . Might be able to cut it down for what you need or it will/would work without any modifications??

https://www.woodhaven.com/collections/bushing-plates/products/woodhaven-8310-porter-cable-310-bushing-plate

[William A Johnston]

Bill,

I have the Ryobi laminate trim router and I just went to the shop and checked and it will NOT accept a guide bushing. The backside of the plate is angled where a normal bushing would fit. Don't know why.

Bill

I've had Ryobi tools for ma

[Derek Cohen]

I have the Makita RTO700CX3. The plunge base takes the same template guides as the models 3612/C and 3600BR.

This is a photo I pinched from the web ...

https://www.routerforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80066&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1418827045 (https://www.routerforums.com/attachments/guide-bushings-templates/80066d1418827045-makita-rt0701c-pc-bushings-makita-kit-3.jpg)

The owner of this set was able to fit a generic bushing set ..

https://www.routerforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80074&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1418827235 (https://www.routerforums.com/attachments/guide-bushings-templates/80074d1418827235-makita-rt0701c-pc-bushings-template-guides1.jpg)

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Bill Carey]

Thanks Ray - didn't think of looking at the manuals. Guess it'll be the DeWalt.

[Bill Carey]

I really wanted to go cordless but the DeWalt is 170 for the tool, and then another 100 for a single battery and charger. I have a Makita 3705 trim router that's maybe 20 years old. Works great, and I don't think the round over bit has ever been taken out of it. But no guide bushing. So maybe corded since it's for 1 project. That Makita set up is only 220, and accepts the standard bushings, as you say. And it comes with a nifty little bag to boot - who could ask for more.
417067
So much for cord cutting...........

[Jamie Buxton]

I have a DeWalt 611 trim router. It is corded. Like the cordless DeWalt Ray cites, the 611's baseplate for standard template guides is an extra-cost option. I hadn't realized that until I built myself into a corner expecting I could use the 611 with template guides. Instead of waiting for the optional baseplate to ship in, I made my own baseplate. I used quarter-inch baltic birch plywood. I might have spent an hour doing it. It was easy. So here's my suggestion: build a new baseplate for your Makita 3705 which will accept template guides. It will be lots less expensive than buying a whole darn router set just to get the template guide capability.

[Edwin Santos]

Another vote here for making your own baseplate that will accept PC guide bushings. It is easy to do and you can buy polycarbonate (Lexan) reasonably on Amazon or other online sources. In this way you can make any router accept template guides.

BTW, making specialized baseplates is a good way to unlock all kinds of capability from your router. If you'd like guidance or step by step instructions, look into a book called Router Magic by Bill Hylton.

Edwin

[Carl Beckett]

I have the Makita cordless. It takes an adapter to accept standard bushings. (I bought the adapter separately but some kits come with it)

I have both the plunge base and regular base

It looks like the exact same tool as Derek shows, just a cordless version

A nice tool and I really like the cordless feature, has become my go to router (unless hogging material then I bump up to the PC). Especially smaller detail work.

If you want I can check the details on the adapter PN

[Rich Engelhardt]

I have the DeWalt 611PK - both plunge and fixed base compact router(s) I also have the Makita cordless compact - just the fixed base at present.

I love them both - and I'm having just a devil of a time parting with the DeWalt in favor of going all cordless with Makita stuff.

The cordless Makita is such a pleasure to use. There's never a worry about a cord hanging up on something. Powerwise - the Makita beats heck out of the DeWalt, even though they are both rated 1.25 HP.
The DeWalt plunge base takes the standard PC bushings.

Eventually I plan to pick up a plunge base for the Makita. When that happens, I'll probably get rid of the DeWalt....maybe....it's tough to get rid of something you really, really, really like.

[Mike Goetzke]

I really wanted to go cordless but the DeWalt is 170 for the tool, and then another 100 for a single battery and charger. I have a Makita 3705 trim router that's maybe 20 years old. Works great, and I don't think the round over bit has ever been taken out of it. But no guide bushing. So maybe corded since it's for 1 project. That Makita set up is only 220, and accepts the standard bushings, as you say. And it comes with a nifty little bag to boot - who could ask for more.
417067
So much for cord cutting...........

I have the Makita set and it's definitely a 5-star tool.

[andy bessette]

Really don't see the need for cordless.

[Bill Carey]

Really don't see the need for cordless.

Just a personal preference, really. Cords irritate me for some reason. But then so does country music and cat videos. Go figure....................

[Kyle Iwamoto]

IMO the Li Ion batteries and the brushless motors have changed the tool world. Not saying they compare to the power of a corded tool, BUT the freedom of being cordless is pretty good to have. I have quite a few DeWalt 20v tools, and collecting more..... They make a really good tool. I'm sure the Milwakee tools are generally better, but more pricey. I started with the DW's and have many batteries. Once you have at least 3 batteries, having a charged battery should never be a problem.
Just picked up the brushless jigsaw. Not having a tail on a jigsaw is really a nice thing if you making lots of turns.

[Bill Carey]

Finally broke down and ordered the cordless Makita
417101

More than I wanted to spend but the feedback here was pretty high on it. And if all goes well, the little project that prompted me to go looking in the first place will more than make up for it.

Thanks for all the feedback Gents - very helpful - as usual.

[Derek Cohen]

Bill, I think that you did well. I have the corded version - would like the cordless, largely for the built-in light and extra power, although I am not convinced it would make much difference for the use to which I put it ... which is mainly clearing waste from hand sawn dovetail sockets. Since dust control is important, the router is still "connected" ... unless Makita or someone can come up with hose-free dust collection! :)

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Mike Goetzke]

Really don't see the need for cordless.

Sounds like you have never tried one???

Just one example: I had 3 MFT style slabs that I needed to chamfer about 180 dog holes (both sides) and several slots and edges that needed rounding ( both sides). Didn’t want to rout the MDF in my garage/shop so took the slabs into the back yard and completed everything on one 4.0AHr battery! Nice to not have a cord to drag out or get in the way.

FYI - as mentioned above batteries today have the power to replace many conventional corded tools. Three years ago I replaced all my gas lawn tools with battery power (including lawn mower) and haven’t looked back.

[Jim Becker]

Bill, I doubt you'll ever regret investing in a quality tool!

[Carl Beckett]

Double check whether the standard insert adapter plate comes with that kit. You 'might' need to order that separately

I think once over the sticker shock, you will enjoy using that tool.

(I like the cordless router for the same reasons that I like cordless drivers/drills, although Derek has a point that dust collection still requires a connection... unless you just use it in a stiff breeze...)

[johnny means]

Just a personal preference, really. Cords irritate me for some reason. But then so does country music and cat videos. Go figure....................
You need top take that dirty talk elsewhere. 😂

[Bill Carey]

Got the router delivered today, made template for the little hinges I'm using and blasted thru 10 or so setups in no time. It is a very nice tool, with better balance than I thought it would have with the battery on top, and of course not having a silly cord is a real treat. Came with the plunge base, and a guide for the fixed base and one for the plunge base. It was delivered in a huge case - maybe 14" square with a fabric tote inside the plastic case, both of which are already in storage in the basement. Only drawback was the price, which was about one and half times more than a box of my favorite cigars, but as Jim says: the most expensive tool is the one buy cheaply, and often.

Appreciate all the info from you folks. Now where is my Johnny Cash album..........