Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh feels the force of the Makita 40VMax Router XGT RP001G
A router is a tool that requires a lot of power. When cordless tools became more popular, I recall thinking if there will ever be a cordless router that will be as good as a corded version. I’ve now got my first ever 1/2” cordless router in my hands, which is the Makita 40VMax Router XGT RP001G. I was excited to see how this performs and whether it would convince me that cordless routers are just as good as corded versions.
Considering it is a 1/2” router, at just 3.3kg it has a lightweight design. Although this goes up to 4 – 5.2kg, depending on the battery size, this adds enough weight behind it to make it stable when in use, which is what I prefer. Thanks to this 40V XGT Li-ion 5Ah battery, it gives incredible power to cut in and through the material with ease. It features a variable speed control, from 1 to 5, which allows you to go from 8,000 to 25,000rpm.
This is great for when cutting into different materials as it is important to set the appropriate speed to get the best finish. It has a cutting plunge depth of up to 60mm, which can be locked, giving it the capability to cut through thicker materials, such as worktops, or even when cutting a mortice for a mortice lock.
It’s a robust machine, yet still possessing plenty of finesse with its soft start function for a smooth start to minimise start-up shock and potential damage to the workpiece. When making continuous cuts, the trigger can be locked preventing you from tiring your finger, as well as ensuring a constant unbroken speed for the cut.
Then the brake ensures it comes to a sudden stop, which is a great safety feature. Another safety feature is its anti restart function, preventing you accidently starting the machine when picking it up or moving it around. This lock/unlock button needs to be pushed before the trigger to start the machine.
The built-in job light is illuminated, making it clear as day as to when the router is in the unlocked position, and automatically locks if unused after a few seconds. It can also be manually locked at any time. As we all know, routing can cause a lot of dust so, to reduce this, there is a dust collection attachment that can be connected to your dust extractor.
This allows for greater visibility, smoother gliding over the workpiece, increased longevity of the cutting tool and reduced clean up time when it’s time to put the tools down. In addition, this router has Makita’s Auto-start Wireless System (AWS) which communicates with the dust extractor to automatically power on or off, when the router starts and stops.
Finally, this Makita 40VMax XGT RP001G router works with all the usual accessories, including straight guide, fine adjusting straight guide, template guide and trimmer guide. Similarly, this cordless router works just as well as any other corded router – if not better. This is because being cordless means there are no leads to trip you up or restrict your mobility, which is an issue with corded routers. I’m also particularly impressed with the smoothness of this Makita motor, having balanced a £1 coin on top of it, whilst running it at full speed, while making a cut!
For more information on the Makita 40VMax Router XGT RP001G visit RP001G – 40VMax Router XGT®.
