Click "MORE" to see links to tools and more! Watch Next: Klein ModBox Review - th-cam.com/video/H68EqHgSaqQ/w-d-xo.html Tools in This Video: M18 Battery / Free Tool Combo Deal - shrsl.com/4bl1e Milwaukee Router (Acme Tool) - acmetools.pxf.io/9g2bvY Milwaukee M18 Router (Amazon) amzn.to/47yWpje Milwaukee Combo Deals (when available) acmetools.pxf.io/m5kvRy M18 Router Combo Deal on Sale homedepot.sjv.io/xkqvE3 M18 Compact Router Plunge Base - acmetools.pxf.io/DKMmvo Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links, meaning if you buy something, we'll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this. Greatest Free Gift I've Ever Received: story4.us/731Woodworks
I started with the M12 cordless tools and when they introduced the new line of M18’s I bought every fuel tool that was marked down and I got the best money can buy at a reduced cost. My last purchase was the Milwaukee m18 cordless router and it is amazing tool.
I would love to see a review of the Milwaukee Accessories for this palm router there is a plunge base 48-10-5601 and an offset router base 48-10-5602. I have not seen any reviews for these accessories. I think this tool has been excellent and this was a great review.
Thanks for the review. Just got mine. At 2:50 you mention that at a glance you can't tell if the power switch is on or off. I did turn it on without a battery and when I inserted the battery it didn't start. You have to turn it off and then on to operate. Just mentioning as I think that's a good safety feature. Same would be if the battery ran out while operating and you didn't toggle it off first before replacing the battery,
I always check and tune a tool out of the box, took care of tightening the clamp. One of Milwaukee’s complaints of their full size corded routers was the switch, and that it was sealed. Milwaukee does quite well at putting power into a smaller lighter tool, with very ergonomic handling. Nice review and video Matt
Great overview of this tool. I've been using Milwaukee since the 70s, and I have upgraded a lot of my kit to their M12 platform. It's been fantastic. I do have a couple of Metabo HPT 18V tools, and they have a similar trim/router (Hikoki in JP). I'm going to take a closer look at that one and avoid buying another battery (tho the M18/M12 setup means I don't need yet another charger). As far as Milwaukee stuff goes, I've always found their ergonomics to fit my hands better than many of the others, which, as you mentioned, tend to be a little chunky/heavy. Anyway, thanks for posting. Now subbed.
Last week I bought the plunge base for the M18 Fuel compact trim router and it’s excellent. Aside from being able to plunge rather than drop the bit down at an angle as I normally do, I LOVE having the handles. Well made and I would recommend if you have this router
I just got one of these from HD, holiday sale, $250 for a 6 and 8 a battery set. I've only used it a little so far, and it is great. Just don't push it too hard, let the tool do the work. As far as the wobble at the end of your cut, just use a piece of stock the same depth as your piece and allow the opposite side of the base to run on top.
Thank you sir! In my ignorance I did not tighten that damn screw, and the vibration from the router made the knob turn ever so slightly. I've got the plunge base as well and it's perfect with that, but it's nice being able to use it just on its own. My only other complaint is that the grip portion uses some crappy glue and mine has begun sloughing off the housing of the router. Gotta reglue that, but I agree with you, this is a solid little machine.
I was recently gifted Milwaukee Fuel tools, and there is not one tool I have been disappointed with. I would even say they are the best tools I’ve used. This is coming from a dewalt fan boy. I haven’t used the router yet, but based off your review, I would say the router is probably just as good
Excellent review. I'm shopping for a new compact router and was considering a Rigid but will stick with Milwaukee (as I've already gone red - lol). Thanks!
Just got the Dewalt with the PowerStack 5Ah Battery/Kit for $300 Canadian and i love it. The housing has a bit of girth to it but it's a beast of a router. You can also get a plunge base for it as well so thats next on my list.
One aspect of the DeWalt which can be an issue is that with the small base and no screen on half of the base, it is possible to catch your fingers in the blade when it's running. I had a close call - swapping out the small base for a larger after-market one made it much safer to use.
I accidentally touched the spinning router bit on my dewalt, if there wasn't a bearing on the end of the bit my thumb would probably be half an inch shorter now. As it was I got a bruised thumb tip a scary shock and hopefully a safer mindset.
The Milwaukee Trim is a neat little router. Would be nice if it had handle like its big 2 1/4 hp brother. Keep in mind that the new track guide that you can get for the larger router also works with the trim router.
The consensus seems to be that the best are the DeWalt and the Bosch 1.25 hp (not the 1 hp). Particularly the Bosch seems to be a very good value as it is less expensive than the Dewalt. Most people that didn’t like the Milwaukee didn’t like that loose bolt that you discussed- it does seem that if you just tighten that up, probably a good choice. Ryobi appears to be widely regarded as the worst …
Thanks for the honest review on the router, although I've never questioned your integrity! I don't think anyone could pay you enough to post a fake one. I have a full size Kobalt router in a table. Do I really need a compact router for edge profiles and the like? I mean, is there any good reason not to take mine out of the table to do these types of things? I'm really, really new to routers. With a very limited budget I don't want to buy another power tool just for convenience. Thanks Matt! 😊😊😊
My first router was a Milwaukee corded 2.25hp model. I bought it, because it was a middle model, between the 1.25 and 3.0 hp models, felt like I could do more with it and not a lot of weight or torque. When I put it into my router tables, I determined I didn’t want to take it in and out all the time. So I decided to buy an additional one. The M18 Fuel came on sale, basically I got the router, two batteries, and a charger for the price of the router. I bought Cordell because it was easier to pull it out and use it. And I don’t do a lot of power routing, where the M18 works great. I recommend a second router, leave one in the table, and one for portable use. It’s worth it.
Does the Milwaukee have a plunge base? If not, the Dewalt may be the way to go. Would love to see if the newer (think it is "flat pack") Dewalt battery makes the weight more in-line with the Milwaukee. Also, would love to see what you think of the Makita cordless trim router, as it has a plunge base available. If you elect to review the new Milwaukee router, think you really need to put it side by side with the cordless Matabo HPT 2hp router at almost $200 less may be a better buy over the Milwaukee. Just a thought. Please keep up the reviews! Also, looking forward to a build video soon.
@@TheOutlawEffect Thanks for the quick reply!!! I looked on the Milwaukee web site and also on Amazon and did not see a plunge base listed anywhere. Do you have a link to where you saw the plunge base? To be clear, I'm talking for the cordless trim router you are reviewing. The lack of me finding seeing/finding a plunge base is the only thing keeping me from considering the Milwaukee. I really appreciate your videos and your help!
@@quargr I linked to it in my pinned comment and description for you. You can also buy it in a combo with the router with the plunge base and there's even a combo that has the plunge base, offset base, and standard base with the router. Acme tools has those bundles. I'm sure other retailers have them as well. Just search M18 compact router plunge base, and you should see them.
Do you think the miluakee would have the power to flush trim 18gage aluminum siding. Im an rv repair technician and i use a big corded router to cut out the windows sometimes and i would love to switch to somwthing smaller.but not sure if it would have enough beans.
One thing people should be aware of is that the Milwaukee comes with an edge guide, whereas the DeWalt does not and must be purchased separately. That matters to me
Great video again, would you have time to review some hercules tools from HF, they are budget friendly and have come a long way from when first started?
I am new to routers and just bought this Milwaukee. I have a question if the collet nut appears to do nothing to loosen the collet to allow me to insert a bit. The nut can be turned totally off without loosening the collet. I took it back to the big box store to have it replaced, but the replacement also have the same issue. Any input is much appreciated.
You fist loosen it, keep turning it until it stops then use the wrench and loosen it a second time, now you can pull the bit out and insert the new one in. It’s a safety thing
Your missing the best cordless router if them all The Metabo HPT 36V 1/2 plunge router Best router in our shop and on the job site U won't ever put it down
Do you recommend a particular brand of router bits? I did about 100 linear feet of 1/2 in deep groove cutting in pine and went through about four 5ah Milwaukee batteries. Bit was brand new and didn't burn anything but definitely hit some chattery spots in the grain that added significant load on the tool.
Well nothing specific persay...but the drill and driver and any other hidden gems they might have...im a small diy and dont have alot of money to invest...my shop is mostly put together with beginner tools and i was looking to up my game and i hardly see anyone post anything about hart...i love milwakee tools but they do hit hard on the wallet sometimes and i saw that hart and hypertought have similar tools as milwaukee and i was wondering if they would be something worth getting and tbh you are the only one ive seen that really gives a no bs review and says what they really think about the tools you review
Milwaukee warenty 5yr on the tool 3yr on the battery one of the better warenty , dewalt, ryobi, makita are all 3yr on both tool and battery. Not sure on the flex.
This is the only Milwaukee tool that sucked for me. I just threw it away after $1000s of work it ruined. I’m not questioning the honesty of TH-cam reviews but I’d encourage anybody looking to read up. Tightening that screw doesn’t solve the problem. I went through 3 units before I gave up.
🙄Stop being a big baby. Sorry, just being honest. Oh and clickbait would mean I tricked you into watching something that wasn't true in the title or thumbnail.
The balls on this dude to click on a video they claim not to enjoy just to criticize the creator. That’s a little weird bro, also, that’s like saying you wouldn’t read a book because of the title or cover art. Enjoy the content of the video and disregard the cover if you don’t like it. That being said, I love the honest review of the router.
Ima red boi at heart but on behalf of the rest of the red boiz we humbly decline this one. Nothing personal it just do be like that sometimes🤷🏽♂️ dewalt killed it with their compact cordless router and it sticks out like a sore thumb with the rest of my tools
I would like your opinion on Bauer from the poor boy perspective. Like if you make good woodcrafts but everyone is really into stoneworks the last few years so youve been getting bottom dollar when you sell, and all your tools were stolen by the tweakers next door so you gotta smash the piggy bank and reinvest in all new tools. FYI Bauer is red too, so you can get your fix 😂
Thanks, naw this channel lets me do more one off reviews of things like the 3D Printers, individual tool reviews that don't fit as well on 731 like the tool boxes etc.
Click "MORE" to see links to tools and more!
Watch Next: Klein ModBox Review - th-cam.com/video/H68EqHgSaqQ/w-d-xo.html
Tools in This Video:
M18 Battery / Free Tool Combo Deal - shrsl.com/4bl1e
Milwaukee Router (Acme Tool) - acmetools.pxf.io/9g2bvY
Milwaukee M18 Router (Amazon) amzn.to/47yWpje
Milwaukee Combo Deals (when available) acmetools.pxf.io/m5kvRy
M18 Router Combo Deal on Sale homedepot.sjv.io/xkqvE3
M18 Compact Router Plunge Base - acmetools.pxf.io/DKMmvo
Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links, meaning if you buy something, we'll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this.
Greatest Free Gift I've Ever Received: story4.us/731Woodworks
I started with the M12 cordless tools and when they introduced the new line of M18’s I bought every fuel tool that was marked down and I got the best money can buy at a reduced cost. My last purchase was the Milwaukee m18 cordless router and it is amazing tool.
I would love to see a review of the Milwaukee Accessories for this palm router there is a plunge base 48-10-5601 and an offset router base 48-10-5602. I have not seen any reviews for these accessories. I think this tool has been excellent and this was a great review.
Thanks for the review. Just got mine. At 2:50 you mention that at a glance you can't tell if the power switch is on or off. I did turn it on without a battery and when I inserted the battery it didn't start. You have to turn it off and then on to operate. Just mentioning as I think that's a good safety feature. Same would be if the battery ran out while operating and you didn't toggle it off first before replacing the battery,
I always check and tune a tool out of the box, took care of tightening the clamp. One of Milwaukee’s complaints of their full size corded routers was the switch, and that it was sealed. Milwaukee does quite well at putting power into a smaller lighter tool, with very ergonomic handling. Nice review and video Matt
Great overview of this tool. I've been using Milwaukee since the 70s, and I have upgraded a lot of my kit to their M12 platform. It's been fantastic. I do have a couple of Metabo HPT 18V tools, and they have a similar trim/router (Hikoki in JP). I'm going to take a closer look at that one and avoid buying another battery (tho the M18/M12 setup means I don't need yet another charger).
As far as Milwaukee stuff goes, I've always found their ergonomics to fit my hands better than many of the others, which, as you mentioned, tend to be a little chunky/heavy.
Anyway, thanks for posting. Now subbed.
Last week I bought the plunge base for the M18 Fuel compact trim router and it’s excellent. Aside from being able to plunge rather than drop the bit down at an angle as I normally do, I LOVE having the handles. Well made and I would recommend if you have this router
Thanks for sharing
I just got one of these from HD, holiday sale, $250 for a 6 and 8 a battery set. I've only used it a little so far, and it is great. Just don't push it too hard, let the tool do the work.
As far as the wobble at the end of your cut, just use a piece of stock the same depth as your piece and allow the opposite side of the base to run on top.
Thank you sir! In my ignorance I did not tighten that damn screw, and the vibration from the router made the knob turn ever so slightly. I've got the plunge base as well and it's perfect with that, but it's nice being able to use it just on its own. My only other complaint is that the grip portion uses some crappy glue and mine has begun sloughing off the housing of the router. Gotta reglue that, but I agree with you, this is a solid little machine.
Got this same router free with the 2- 5.0 battery kit last week. Just waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Can't wait to try it out
I was recently gifted Milwaukee Fuel tools, and there is not one tool I have been disappointed with. I would even say they are the best tools I’ve used. This is coming from a dewalt fan boy. I haven’t used the router yet, but based off your review, I would say the router is probably just as good
I've been using that router for a while now, and have been very satisfied ... next on my list is the table saw... thanks for the review and God bless
You think it would have the power to cut 18 gauge aluminum siding?
Just got one of these for free thanks to your Black Friday list . It’s real comfortable.
Great review Matt thanks for sharing
Excellent review. I'm shopping for a new compact router and was considering a Rigid but will stick with Milwaukee (as I've already gone red - lol). Thanks!
Just got the Dewalt with the PowerStack 5Ah Battery/Kit for $300 Canadian and i love it. The housing has a bit of girth to it but it's a beast of a router. You can also get a plunge base for it as well so thats next on my list.
Loving the the new channel. Regarding the 2Hp router review, yes please, who does not want to see another Milwaukee router review. 🤣
lol thanks!
I would love for you to review the Craftsman router I do not have it I've been looking at it because I am in the Craftsman battery line
i got the ryobi one found it on clearance for like 40 bucks have 0 complaints i only use it like once every few months has plenty of power
Looking at a big box store's sale on Milwaukee tools. 2 batteries and a charger for $200.00 and one free tool. grabbing the router as my freebie!
One aspect of the DeWalt which can be an issue is that with the small base and no screen on half of the base, it is possible to catch your fingers in the blade when it's running. I had a close call - swapping out the small base for a larger after-market one made it much safer to use.
I accidentally touched the spinning router bit on my dewalt, if there wasn't a bearing on the end of the bit my thumb would probably be half an inch shorter now. As it was I got a bruised thumb tip a scary shock and hopefully a safer mindset.
Great video, I’m happy I’ve bought the Milwaukee router now
I’m a Milwaukee guy through and through!! Come on over Matt you won’t be disappointed
The more I buy, the more I like em 🤣
New channel, new excellence‼️🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼
I have the Ryobi and I have the same issue with being top heavy. I think I am going to switch to the mil
The Milwaukee Trim is a neat little router. Would be nice if it had handle like its big 2 1/4 hp brother. Keep in mind that the new track guide that you can get for the larger router also works with the trim router.
Thank you for your reviews!
Could you review the Bosch corded trim routers?
My milwaukee tools are good, but i wish you would review router tables!! Thanks ! Lora
The consensus seems to be that the best are the DeWalt and the Bosch 1.25 hp (not the 1 hp). Particularly the Bosch seems to be a very good value as it is less expensive than the Dewalt. Most people that didn’t like the Milwaukee didn’t like that loose bolt that you discussed- it does seem that if you just tighten that up, probably a good choice.
Ryobi appears to be widely regarded as the worst …
Thanks for the honest review on the router, although I've never questioned your integrity! I don't think anyone could pay you enough to post a fake one. I have a full size Kobalt router in a table. Do I really need a compact router for edge profiles and the like? I mean, is there any good reason not to take mine out of the table to do these types of things? I'm really, really new to routers. With a very limited budget I don't want to buy another power tool just for convenience. Thanks Matt! 😊😊😊
You don't "need" a compact router if you have another one, it's more convienence.
My first router was a Milwaukee corded 2.25hp model. I bought it, because it was a middle model, between the 1.25 and 3.0 hp models, felt like I could do more with it and not a lot of weight or torque. When I put it into my router tables, I determined I didn’t want to take it in and out all the time. So I decided to buy an additional one. The M18 Fuel came on sale, basically I got the router, two batteries, and a charger for the price of the router. I bought Cordell because it was easier to pull it out and use it. And I don’t do a lot of power routing, where the M18 works great. I recommend a second router, leave one in the table, and one for portable use. It’s worth it.
The router was my first Milwaukee tool as well
I would like to see a head to head with this compact router and the new milwaukee 1/2in router
I like the larger base- the Ryobi bit my finger as it is so small
Good video , informative
I am a huge Red Tool fan, I currently have 6 of the M18 routers I use for my sign carving business.
That’s awesome, dumb question, why do you need 6 of them?
@@psfanboy79, As I said I use all of them in my sign carving business
@@midstaterustics4507 I was being We Todd Ed and didn’t read your comment correctly
Great review!
Could you make tongue and groove with it in pine plank for a ceiling?
Does the Milwaukee have a plunge base? If not, the Dewalt may be the way to go.
Would love to see if the newer (think it is "flat pack") Dewalt battery makes the weight more in-line with the Milwaukee. Also, would love to see what you think of the Makita cordless trim router, as it has a plunge base available.
If you elect to review the new Milwaukee router, think you really need to put it side by side with the cordless Matabo HPT 2hp router at almost $200 less may be a better buy over the Milwaukee. Just a thought.
Please keep up the reviews! Also, looking forward to a build video soon.
Yes, they have a plunge base available. Thanks!
@@TheOutlawEffect Thanks for the quick reply!!! I looked on the Milwaukee web site and also on Amazon and did not see a plunge base listed anywhere. Do you have a link to where you saw the plunge base? To be clear, I'm talking for the cordless trim router you are reviewing. The lack of me finding seeing/finding a plunge base is the only thing keeping me from considering the Milwaukee. I really appreciate your videos and your help!
@@quargr I linked to it in my pinned comment and description for you. You can also buy it in a combo with the router with the plunge base and there's even a combo that has the plunge base, offset base, and standard base with the router. Acme tools has those bundles. I'm sure other retailers have them as well. Just search M18 compact router plunge base, and you should see them.
Do you think the miluakee would have the power to flush trim 18gage aluminum siding. Im an rv repair technician and i use a big corded router to cut out the windows sometimes and i would love to switch to somwthing smaller.but not sure if it would have enough beans.
Can you tell me what the 2 washers are for that comes with is? Thank you
One thing people should be aware of is that the Milwaukee comes with an edge guide, whereas the DeWalt does not and must be purchased separately. That matters to me
Great video again, would you have time to review some hercules tools from HF, they are budget friendly and have come a long way from when first started?
Which tools are you interested in?
@@TheOutlawEffect circular saw and any other wood related hand power tools...thanks
Please review the 2 hp. Milwaukie
I am new to routers and just bought this Milwaukee. I have a question if the collet nut appears to do nothing to loosen the collet to allow me to insert a bit. The nut can be turned totally off without loosening the collet. I took it back to the big box store to have it replaced, but the replacement also have the same issue. Any input is much appreciated.
You fist loosen it, keep turning it until it stops then use the wrench and loosen it a second time, now you can pull the bit out and insert the new one in. It’s a safety thing
I’d like to,see an honest review of Harbor Freight’s Hercules line of cordless tools.
Noted! Thanks!
I'm open to tools from either manufacturer. Color doesn't matter to me. It's a matter of the tool in relation to it's function.
5:44 he said “gal/girl like myself”???
Please do this with the DeWalt palm router 👌
Big thanks from Ireland
Noted! Thanks!
Your missing the best cordless router if them all
The Metabo HPT 36V 1/2 plunge router
Best router in our shop and on the job site
U won't ever put it down
Where is the Makita 😢
Do you recommend a particular brand of router bits? I did about 100 linear feet of 1/2 in deep groove cutting in pine and went through about four 5ah Milwaukee batteries. Bit was brand new and didn't burn anything but definitely hit some chattery spots in the grain that added significant load on the tool.
I like Whiteside bits.
how about reviewing some hart tools?
Thanks, any particular tools you'd be interested in?
Well nothing specific persay...but the drill and driver and any other hidden gems they might have...im a small diy and dont have alot of money to invest...my shop is mostly put together with beginner tools and i was looking to up my game and i hardly see anyone post anything about hart...i love milwakee tools but they do hit hard on the wallet sometimes and i saw that hart and hypertought have similar tools as milwaukee and i was wondering if they would be something worth getting and tbh you are the only one ive seen that really gives a no bs review and says what they really think about the tools you review
You know when it’s on because the light comes on.
Became best friends with your text bot 😂
Not a bot lol….Well the first reply is but after that it's me lol
Milwaukee warenty 5yr on the tool 3yr on the battery one of the better warenty , dewalt, ryobi, makita are all 3yr on both tool and battery. Not sure on the flex.
This is the only Milwaukee tool that sucked for me. I just threw it away after $1000s of work it ruined. I’m not questioning the honesty of TH-cam reviews but I’d encourage anybody looking to read up. Tightening that screw doesn’t solve the problem. I went through 3 units before I gave up.
The v12 Bosch router
It's unreal to me. That routers come with circle shaped bases.
Things like this click baity title and thumbnails are exactly why I stopped watching your videos. Sorry - just being honest.
Them why did you watch this one?
🙄Stop being a big baby. Sorry, just being honest. Oh and clickbait would mean I tricked you into watching something that wasn't true in the title or thumbnail.
The balls on this dude to click on a video they claim not to enjoy just to criticize the creator. That’s a little weird bro, also, that’s like saying you wouldn’t read a book because of the title or cover art. Enjoy the content of the video and disregard the cover if you don’t like it. That being said, I love the honest review of the router.
Dewalt fanboy
Can you show us the "click bait" you are talking about?
Smaller hands 😂😂
Ima red boi at heart but on behalf of the rest of the red boiz we humbly decline this one. Nothing personal it just do be like that sometimes🤷🏽♂️ dewalt killed it with their compact cordless router and it sticks out like a sore thumb with the rest of my tools
I would like your opinion on Bauer from the poor boy perspective. Like if you make good woodcrafts but everyone is really into stoneworks the last few years so youve been getting bottom dollar when you sell, and all your tools were stolen by the tweakers next door so you gotta smash the piggy bank and reinvest in all new tools. FYI Bauer is red too, so you can get your fix 😂
Really like the new channel. Are you going back to more woodworking and less tools on 731 Woodworks?
Thanks, naw this channel lets me do more one off reviews of things like the 3D Printers, individual tool reviews that don't fit as well on 731 like the tool boxes etc.