Makita 1/2" router (The BEAST in a box) a review of the iconic Makita 1/2" router
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I had a lot of guys contact me regarding the Makita router collet. In this video I will show you how to free up a jammed collet. Enjoy, Matt
• Router Collet Maintena...
Makita 1/2" router (The BEAST in a box) a review of the iconic Makita 1/2" router
"The BEAST in a box", the story of one of the worlds most iconic woodworking tools, the 1/2" Makita router
"The BEAST in a box" is a review based on my 25 years of using the legendary Makita 1/2" router.
The Makita 1/2" router a beautiful piece of kit for any woodworker, unstoppable, smoothly delivered power, stable cutting for perfect finished results.
I had a lot of guys contact me regarding the Makita router collet. In this video I will show you how to free up a jammed collet. Enjoy, Matt
th-cam.com/video/OPQxIWVQJpE/w-d-xo.html
Great video mate. I had a cheap 1/4 Makita back in the 90s and really regretted selling it. I am going to get this one on your recommendation, just because you are so passionate about it. A man can read these signs in another man. I know, from how you`ve said it, this router is good. Kind regards buddy.
@@thekarmafarmer608the Makita is still going strong today. I guess that is over 18 years of professional use
bought mine when i was 18 ,41 yrs later still going strong
That's awesome, thanks for commenting.
40+ years and still going strong that's fantastic.
Love your review! No back hand payment sale pitch. Just a good review! Gonna buy one. Thanks.
Hey Richard thanks. I have been blasting through some work with the same router recently. Still going strong. Glad you like the review.
After a fair bit of head scratching and dithering I finally took the leap and paid out my 250 quid for this baby always remembering your review. What a beast. I don’t know exactly how heavy it is but I can say it is fvckin heavy. Everything on it feels chunky and solid. Even the edge guide is a thumping great solid bit of kit. I gave it a very quick run on some scrap softwood and it absolutely ate its way through the timber. Only minor gripe is that it came just in a a Makita cardboard group but that might be just the decision of the company I bought it from so I had to shell out for a Mak box for it. That aside, and just my first impressions, but I’m very happy indeed because I don’t see me having to replace this for the foreseeable future.
I think the fence on the newer versions is a massive improvement.
I am still using mine for all sorts of projects, still going strong, accurate a real treat to use.
I guess mine must be heading on for 18 years of professional use now, (something like that).
Thanks for supporting my channel. All the best with your upcoming projects.
Matt
@@Crooks103 cheers and btw I really enjoy and appreciate your videos and hope you keep on making them. All the best 👍🏻
Matt had two Makita cordless drills boxed and bits etc nearly ten years old now only thing I bought for them couple of nickel cadmium batteries, they just go and and go, my jigsaw the same, never had a router, not retired wife got a list going buy one tempted by Bosch, trend, de walt, but going with what I know, you guessed it, terrific video straight as you like, good on ya 👍🏻
Thanks, I had an old Makita router, just the router and casing left, no handles no plunge system. I took it to the repair shop, I thought the guy would laugh at me, but he was really happy to help, ordered the parts for me, grand total of £9. That Makita was back up and running no problem.
Thanks pal, nice review. Just picked one up for 140 with nothing missing. Primarily for worktops. I have had dewalt for yrs. Looking forward to giving this one a spin
Nice one, second hand £140 is well worth it
@@Crooks103 thats what i thought. Same case to. Not the smaller case that it only just fits in.
You're gonna be happy ☺️
Have one for 10 years, looks and works new
So much power
Looking to put a table on it, not sure how to mount it, 🤔 4 little screws don't seem right to hold the weight and torque
Rise and fall system for router tables: th-cam.com/video/RkGKGe4pkS4/w-d-xo.html
I am a huge fan of the Makita ½” router.
After 20+ years of using the Makita ½” router, I would recommend this to anyone.
To Purchase: amzn.to/2Sgzano
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
That’ll do for me. On my next shopping list for sure. Cheers for the review 👍🏻
Good investment. Glad you liked the content.
Just browsing around for how to get bottom bearing out of 3612br and came across your review. Nice to see a review of what now is a second hand router.. 3612C is still one of the best routers ever made in my opinion.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad you appreicate the videos. I did replace the bearing on an older Makita router. I didn't make a video at the time, but I think it is pretty straight foward, just take the bottom casing off and take it from there. I have another video showing how to sort out the chuck, (if you ever experienced that problem)
@@Crooks103 Thanks I'll check it out.
Is there a way of this running on the Dewalt track rail?
I have no idea about that. You could try making a track for it.
Personally I have never needed a track for a router, but I do use templates, such as the worktop jig.
I really like that Makita storage box. I don't think they ever sold these in Canada. The side handles would be nice as the macpaks do not have side handles.
I didn't think the box would last. When I first opened the package I was disappointed. It's naerly 15 years later now, still going strong, no cracks no splits, all the catches and handles function. Very satisfying.
You can build your own box something similar to what I have here for my drills.
th-cam.com/video/GSJ3X0cg2ps/w-d-xo.html
Best
Matt
I own 3 of these routers . I fit Corian worktops and these routers you cant fault
I am producing anew video (door joinery) this router is a beast, so versatile. Literally nothing has broken on the Makita router since I bought it 2006/2007.
I need a plunge router that has zero plunge play for accurately doing mortises. How is it on this?
I have never even considered this question. Once this router is set, it won't move. I can't fault the build quality at all.
You can check my stable door build video. I put the Makita router to good use.
th-cam.com/video/rY9JEnuzVcQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi, this router is absolutely best Makita have ever made, even rp 2300 and rp 2301 not good as 3612 is!
Absolutely. I am still using this router after 14 years now, still as good as the day I bought it.
Glad you like the content
Matt
Hi, thank you for the video.
I bought router bits of 1/2" shank they're 40-70mm diameter and the same length, what is the power in watts
Need for using it safely and accurate??
Mine is 1200w but I think it is not enough. Thanks in advance.
You mean the rmp?
I have some larger cutters, I start with a lower speed setting. I hope that answers your question.
If in doubt safety first always
@@Crooks103 thank you.
I mean the power,it seems to me that the bit is big for the power supply in watt,it need to be maybe more than 2000w router power, others it will make the process not accurate,and maybe get heat the bit quicker, for example in hard wood. or as you said it depends on the RPM?
Can anybody point me to the right makita router for flattening slabs of hard wood, predominantly small tables/chopping boards? Which model, accessories etc? Thanks 🤟🏻
I use the same router.
th-cam.com/video/HxamrjZH9ZU/w-d-xo.html
Hi Nice review m8 iam just looking for a new 1/2 router for the normal jobs but also for the router table. Ive just bought a new trend as I've got all the jigs and table to find out you can't use on a table which I can't believe so will have to send back so I will now stick with makita as every tool I have is makita and should have nown better so any recommends as to what model please chaps. 👍
I think Makita only do one model 1/2" router. Currently around £270. I am still using this same router, nearly 4 years later. Still going strong, accurate as you like.
Glad you found the video helpful Kelvin. Thanks for supporting my channel.
Matt
Pleasure matt with out reviews we can be sold some thing no good like this trend so yes been looking at this model and can get one for £250on offer so thanks for advice. 👍
I'm in the market for a 1/2" router to use with a kitchen worktop jig. The only other project I can see right now is cutting noses on staircase boards...maybe some window ledge work. I noticed you also reviewed a Silverline router and hence my question for you is how you feel the Makita compares to the Silverline for these sort of jobs? Is is up for the job or should I just cough up for the Makita (which I was expecting to do...)? Thanks, Richard
Hi Richard.
Up to you. The silverline is capable for the money, if you are not using a router for daily professional use, the silverline should be enough.
I would buy the Makita, if I expected to use it for several years, (I had one well over 20 years), if you want to work to a consistently high level of accuracy, if you require high level of quality.
A further consideration is absolutely use new/sharpened router bits at all times. This will improve the performance and outcome of your final cut.
The Makita 1/2" router is a beast, you can buy a second hand unit on ebay.
Alternatively the Hitachi M12, is a quality piece of equipment with an incredible price tag.
If it were my money, I would go with the Makita 1/2".
Hope you find this helpful.
Matt
Thanks Matt. I'll likely go Makita. To be honest I'm not sure of all the jobs I may be able to use it for as these days I seem to buy tools for just 1 or 2 jobs (we're converting 80sqm of ground floor garage into living accommodation ourselves). Generally all tools get used for a lot more than they were bought for mind you, I just don't see it at the outset. Unfortunately buying secondhand in France where I live isn't as easy as the UK...indeed, many of our tools are UK supplied as it's generally cheaper. I'd noticed the Hitachi and it's very competitive price - will take another look. Thanks loads.
thank you for the review. Is this is the only router you have? I read a review where the reviewer recommended the best router you can afford and to start with the cheapest bits and upgrade those as you use them. So Bosch seems to be the competitor but as my only router I am thinking this is my best choice. It is also the most expensive. So what does everyone think? Is this a good only router.
The Makita 1/2" router is one router I can recommend. I never used a similar sized Bosch router, I can not comment on how good it may be or how it compares with other brands.
For router cutters, the advice you were given is pretty sound. The Trend pack I show in the video has been a good basic set up for the site or workshop, something similar to that should get the ball rolling.
I use 1/2" twin flute cutters for a lot of my machining. You might want a few extra of those. Matt
@@Crooks103 many thanks, very sincerely.
can you used a router guide bushing on this Router ?
Yeah sure you can. I am not sure whether a new Makita router comes supplied, but mine did not. Strangely enough my older Makita router did.
Looks like you still need to buy it separately, I am sure you can shop around for a deal.
amzn.to/2JhHvr4
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I have the 3612c is the spring clips all that holds the bushings in
Very professional review and your advises are just incredible! Thank you very much for your post !
Glad you liked the video. Appreciate your comments. All the best. Matt
Ive had this machine 10+ years very powerful my box finally died last year. I would like a lock on switch for the power over just having trigger but not essential. I’ve always just used the makita collet in the stock base I get good accurate results on my worktop joints. This model is made in Japan not China which I believe a lot of the new makita stuff is
The early models had an on/off switch. I sold one of those it must have been over 20 years old. Great pieces of kit. I think the Japanese manufacturers take immense pride in their products. Glad you like the video. All the best, Matt.
In America they sale it without the case. What a drag.
You can make your own case. Good little project, I will give it a go later.
I have probably the original Makita 3612 240Vac router, no variable speed just an on/off switch. Absolute beast when turned on, if you're not strong and have a good grip it will literary twist out of your hands.
Yep, have it 40 odd years, retired now still use it on occasions have added an external 4000W 10-220V AC SCR Voltage Regulator so I don't burn kitchen counter tops.
Love it never sell, certainly not a tool for pussies.
Yeah. I really appreciate the soft start feature. The older models are still awesome, I repaired one for £9, a few years back. Awesome piece of kit
Coming to the end of your woodworking career??? You can't be more than forty five.
I am doing my own projects these days, a different pace.
@@Crooks103 You've another thirty Years left in you easily, can't beat the smell of timber, 👍😁🔨🌲🇮🇪