XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router

As others might have said, the first thing to keep in mind is that this is a smaller, compact, 18-V cordless router. Depending upon the material being cut, you will have to play with cut depth and cut feed to make sure you do not overload the router. Having said that, I enjoy the heck out of this "small" tool and truly appreciate it's lightness and size, even with the battery mounted. I am not a professional finish carpenter, more of an enthusiast. I do, however, appreciate ease of use, quality and great results in and from my tools. This router meets all of those. It's lightness contributes to its maneuverability and controllability, and takes a little getting used to at first. I have found the build quality of the router to be very good and expect it to last a number of years. I have used to it to build shelving, small cabinets and in the repair of picture frames. So far so good, but remember I am not cutting thousands of inches of oak or maple a year. I am interested in seeing its performance using templates and hope that it's weight will provide great control. I have found that great cutters make up for some of the lack of "beefiness" in the router. Cheap cutters, poor results. Overall, if you are willing to take light (shallow) cuts and use slower feed speeds, I would recommend this Makita compact router. I am very pleased so far!

The Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Brushless Compact Router is essentially the cordless version of the Makita RT0701CX3 1-1/4 hp compact router, except it has a brushless motor. In fact, the accessories (bases, dust collection, etc.) for both power tools are completely interchangeable. From a features perspective, the XTR01Z checks all the right boxes: - Excellent ergonomics and smooth operation - Above average battery life - Electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor (matches torque and rpm to application) - Soft start - Wide rpm range (10,000 - 30,000) - Ample power (for a cordless compact tool) - Included 3/8" collet - Available plunge / tilt / offset bases - Optional* dust collection (*included with some of the earlier models) The separate lock/unlock and power buttons are a great safety feature, to avoid unintentionally powering on the router and gouging the workpiece... and your fingertips at the same time. There is even an optional accessory (Makita 194579-2 Router Guide Rail Adapter) that integrates the XTR01Z with Makita track saw guide rails. Despite all its great features, the depth adjustment is annoyingly clunky, because the depth release lever must be in a certain position (just partially open) to allow movement in small increments, else the force of gravity causes the motor assembly to drop down to the base (or base down to the motor if inverted) when the lever is fully open. Since there is nothing to maintain the current depth setting upon releasing the lever, an inordinate amount of trial-and-error is required to obtain a greater or exact depth. Here, Makita should have provided some type of braking or resistance mechanism on the pinion knob or a secondary (micro-adjustment) knob; at the very least, a small spring to preload the depth release lever and maintain the correct open position for fine adjustment would have been helpful. In this regard, if cutting mortises for door hinges, strike plates, etc., the Ridgid R86044B 18V Cordless Brushless 1/4" Compact Router, with its excellent threaded rod depth adjustment, would be the tool of choice since it allows the required cutting depth to be "dialed-in" quickly and easily, although it does lack some of the power and refinement of the Makita. Another minor complaint is that the bottom opening in the base has just barely enough clearance for a guide bushing (Porter-Cable type) lock nut if so configured, although this annoyance only applies to template or other offset routing applications that depend on a guide bushing. In conclusion, Makita XTR01Z has a stellar feature set, and if you overlook the awkward depth adjustment and some other minor issues, it's perhaps the best cordless router available today. Please see the attached photos for additional information and commentary.

Okay, I had some reservations getting a router that is battery powered. I no longer have any of those. What a great little variable speed router. Little because it is a one handed if you are that brave. The depth adjustment is really slick and easy to use. This packs plenty of power. The batteries are great and the charging system is very well thought out. The work lamp on this is actually useful. Must be on for the tool to operate, but has a separate switch, so you only go to spinning when you are absolutely ready. I am very impressed with this and more so impressed with the though that went into this for the user. Well done. I am now a makita convert. I have not attempted any super large jobs with this yet. But everytime I use this, I am getting more confident with it. I have yet to run into any under power issues, or even needed to change battery during a job. The plunge adapter is a very cool little bonus. This is a great router set. Works great and is fun to operate and easy to use.

I bought it for work and am confident it will last for years. Everything is well thought out and convenient. Top quality! I've already completed one project with this router, and it works perfectly! I highly recommend Makita to everyone.

Good option for smaller jobs but not for extended usage with bigger cuts. battery life is not great on hard woods like maple. Does not replace the corded router but is a handy size and weight

I'm very happy with this compact router. It has plenty of power and is much less cumbersome than my larger corded Dewalt plunge router. At this point, it's my go-to router and I only use the Dewalt when I'm working on an especially hard wood, I need the plunge feature, or if the depth of the cut is especially deep and I want to make fewer passes. If anything could be improved about this router, it would be that Makita could add at least one more, larger base plate that would be helpful for stabilizing the router for edge trimming. Also, a square shaped base plate would be a great add-on as well since for a few projects that is a better shape. Ultimately, I'm making a variety of plates myself and it's no deal breaker.

Best Buy of the year for me. Works great for signs

Good quality

Love it

Excelente herramienta

The Makita lithium-ion router is a great, robust tool. It feels solid in hand, delivers smooth performance, and has the reliable build quality you’d expect from Makita.

I've been using laminate trimmers and routers for over 30 years and this Makita 18 volt trimmer is hands down the best. From routering shapes on timber, trimming laminate or cutting in door hinges, this machine is so compact and versatile.