Makita 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.

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.

I love Makita as a brand, so happy to pay a bit more especially as i have many 18v batteries. This is a great trim router. changing the bit is simple and locking the depth is quick and solid. I like that there is a safety on/off incase I forget to remove the battery when changing bits.

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

The Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router has been a game-changer in my woodworking projects. This versatile tool offers precision and power in a compact design. Unlike other routers I've used, the Makita XTR01Z operates smoothly, thanks to its brushless motor technology. Whether I'm trimming edges, hollowing out grooves, or crafting intricate designs, this router delivers consistent and clean results. One thing that sets the Makita XTR01Z apart from other routers is its cordless convenience. I no longer have to worry about finding a power outlet or dealing with tangled cords. The 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery provides ample runtime, allowing me to work on my projects without interruptions. Another standout feature is the ergonomic design of this router. It's comfortable to hold and easy to control, even during long hours of use. The variable speed control allows me to adjust the cutting speed to suit different materials and tasks, ensuring precise and efficient woodworking. In terms of durability, Makita has always impressed me, and the XTR01Z is no exception. It feels robust and well-built, capable of handling the demands of professional woodworking. Plus, the easy-to-change bases make it a versatile tool for various applications. Overall, the Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact Router has become an indispensable tool in my workshop. Its performance, convenience, and durability have made my woodworking projects more enjoyable and efficient. If you're a woodworking enthusiast or professional, I highly recommend giving this router a try.

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

I can honestly say that it’s one of my favorite tools in the shop after living and working with it for a couple of months. For comparison, I have the comparable Dewalt (corded compact), a full size Craftsman router, and a beefy full size Porter Cable router. The short version is, I always find myself reaching for this Makita. It has all the capability of the Dewalt, with a better height adjustment, but without the annoying wire. The three tools that I have long avoided out of frustration of dealing with power cords have been router, jigsaws, and circular saws. This tool’s small form factor, power, battery, and versatility have given me a whole new appreciation for routers. I find myself looking for reasons to use this thing. For the better part of two weeks, I was putting keyhole hanging slots in anything I could find. I also tend to reach for this before the jigsaw or the sander. Especially when cutting holes or rounding corners/edges. It is lightweight and easy to handle which translates to smoother cuts and edges. The battery power is more than enough for most everything that I do. Unless I’m doing a plunge cut into some really hard Wenge or Burl Walnut, this thing handles most of what I need. I have never had a battery quit in the middle of a project or cut. That said, I only use 5 or 6 ah batteries in this tool and always check battery levels before beginning a cut. But I have yet to need to change a battery in the middle of a project. Love this router and I use it quite often! Highly recommend!

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.