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There are a lot of good routers on the market; I rate this one superior. I mounted it in my table and made some different-depth test cuts in scrap hard wood. This router has no vices whatsoever. It is exceedingly powerful as you would expect from 3.5 HP, has adjustments for variable speeds, an easy bit-change mechanism, etc., but the least expected plus is how quiet it is, about the same as a drill press believe it or not. As I made deeper cuts, it did not seem to affect performance in the least.
In order to install it in the benchdog table you must remove the handles. I probably would buy it again, I gave it 4 stars due to interaction with the table Once in the table the t-wrench to raise and lower the bit does not work. The tools are cast not forged as most routers have. Hard to delimit.As far as power, this is a real horse.
The router is well built and solid. Clearly one must remove it from the table to change bits. As I expect to only use this router in the table that is not a big deal, but still an annoyance. Very heavy tho. I purchased this router to go with a benchdog table saw router table.
It is a little difficult at times loosening the collet. I dont like the settings on the height gage either.
The removable handles makes table mounting a lot easier. Impressive. I needed it for making raised panels so it is mounted under a table. Soft start is great when starting up large bits. And this one is no exception. Milwaukee makes the best power tools hands down. Lots of power, motor runs absolutely smooth, no rotor vibratation. Thru table height adjustment using the t-wrench is a super feature.
This does allow me to make all height adjustments from above the table as well as making all bit changes above the table and thus eliminates the need for the expensive adjustable mounting systems. My router is mounted on a cast iron table saw extension wing with a Bench Dog aluminum plate. Speed controls are easy to adjust from below on the extension wing, but if you are opting for an enclosed table, I would suggest a separate speed control. Very heavy built and would not recmmend use as a hand held router. The C- handles are easily removed if more room is need under the table for mounting. I did have to drill a 9/16" hole in the plate for use with the T-handle wrench.
With limited space in your shop, this is the router for any table mounted job you can throw at it. Incredible power and far superior over the Porter Cable 3.25 HP table mount routers. This router was designed for use with raised panel bit sets and other router bits over 1.5" diameter. This router and a set of quality raised panel bits does have the power to make single pass cuts, allthough I recommend panels to be cut in two passes.
Simply the best - Milwaukee does it again. Attached under a Bench Dog cast iron table, I finally have the king of router tables.
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