DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router vs Makita RT0701C Compact Router

The DEWALT is the only router here with a half inch collet, which opens the whole bit catalogue and is the one thing that cannot be added later. The Makita is the best of the compacts, with the widest speed range and the lightest body.

DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router

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The only router here that takes half inch shanks, which is the difference between some of the bit catalogue and all of it.

• Ships with both 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets, so large-diameter bits made only in half inch shank will fit.
• A half inch shank grips over a much larger area, so it deflects and chatters less than the same profile in quarter inch.
• 2-1/4 HP from a 12 amp motor with electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM and soft start.
• The low 8,000 RPM end is what large bits need, since big cutters must be run slower to keep rim speed sane.

• Considerably larger and heavier than the compact routers here, and awkward for one-handed edge work.
• The fixed base version needs a separate plunge base for mortising, which is a further purchase.
• Horsepower is quoted rather than a continuous output figure, in common with the category.

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Makita RT0701C Compact Router

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The best of the compact routers on speed range and weight, and honest enough to label its horsepower figure as a maximum.

• A 10,000 to 30,000 RPM variable range, the widest here, so small bits get the speed they need and larger ones can be slowed.
• At 3.9 lb it is the lightest tool in this comparison, which matters for one-handed edge work.
• Makita publishes the collet size, speed range, amps and weight plainly in one spec table.
• Accepts a range of aftermarket bases, which is why it is the compact router most often fitted to jigs.

• 1/4 in. collet only, so large-diameter bits are permanently out of reach.
• Makita lists Maximum Horsepower 1-1/4 HP on a 6.5 amp motor, which is a peak figure rather than continuous output.
• Fixed base as supplied, so plunge work needs a separate base.

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Side by side

The bottom line

Our overall pick is the DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router - The only router here that takes half inch shanks, which is the difference between some of the bit catalogue and all of it. Choose the Makita RT0701C Compact Router instead if edge profiling, laminate trimming, hinge mortises and jig work, which is the large majority of what routers are used for.

Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Wood Routers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).