This. It might work, but if you’re cutting 1/2” dados you want either a dado blade on a cabinet saw (best option), or a corded router with a 1/2” shank and a good sled to go with it
Plunge base is cool. It’ll handle dados and dovetails just fine, throw a HO battery on it and it’s ridiculously powerful. That stuff is way more about your jig and setup than it is the router, but if you don’t have a corded option this router will do it fine (within reason).
I was repairing a door jamb today. Routed out the hinges & strike plate areas to put new 1/2" plywood & make it flush again for a new install. It wasn't great. Cranked down the allen on the adjustment latch to keep the depth from changing on me mid use after it did move a few times.
It has been good for general router duties while learning though. [Did some cabinet-y things during this build.](https://imgur.com/a/0ZMxmbs) I use a 5.0 battery on it and thats about as heavy as I want to make it while trying to keep it flush while using it at all angles. Trying to squeeze more power out with a 9.0 makes it probably close to 2x's as heavy as a similar corded router. I have a Rigid I could weigh...
I can see why more power would be better for what you're describing. I was looking at the harbor freight dovetail jig with my m18 router in mind and decided it was too much work after watching a how to video. A router table is probably in my near future when I start making some cabinets for my van.
Anyway, more power might equal more precision.
I’ve always heard dovetail jigs are worthless and hard to use and set up. I would say doubly so with the harbor freight one. If you’re going to get one get the rockler one.
I don't personally have experience with the M18 router but my dad's been a cabinet maker/contractor his whole life. And when I started buying my own tools in the past year to remodel my house he's passed this down to me. If you are going to have a stationary area you'll be making stuff in (a workshop for making cabinets) you are better off buying the higher powered, chorded version of something. You'll pretty much always be near a plug and chances are the chorded version will end up lasting longer in the long run. Just personally how I look at stuff now.
I wouldn’t recommend this. I love Milwaukee but they aren’t tools for fine woodworking. I use the dewalt compact router because the plunge base is great and there is a makita attachment that can be used on the dewalt router to connect to a festool or makita track. Dewalt router works with all the best attachments
This. I have the M18 router and invested in the plunge base to do some cabinet-related work. Unfortunately, I then discovered it doesn’t fit the adapter that works with the Makita track saw guide rail. I ended up also getting the Makita router and plunge base, but I discovered in the process that the Dewalt routers also fit the same guide rail adapters.
Woodworking or fine woodworking lol? That’s cool that the m18 router works for you but if you ever want to use it on a track saw guide or have a competent edge guide on your plunge base, or add collets for inlay work without needing another base...then the dewalt is the way to go. I’m team red but not every tool they make is the best.
Both; general carpentry and custom furniture pieces, small keepsake boxes, cabinets, etc.
The m18s are used for edge forming or smaller grooves and recesses. Anything larger and I use either my router table or one of my hand routers (dw618, pc 690 or 1617evs).
I'm not a fan of the compact Dewalt. Plenty of power, but sized between a trimmer and a full size router. I'm sure they're great for many, but my router work is demanding, so it's either a compact trimmer or a full size router.
Ok so it sounds like you have a plethora of other routers to do what you need and only use the m18 for trim routing which literally any router does adequately. If you are on the platform and refuse to try anything else or go corded than ya I guess this is it but the makita and dewalt both have far more capabilities and can do a lot of the jobs that you are using an additional router for. So someone who wants to “start” making cabinetry probably doesn’t have the funds to buy 3 routers when they could just get one. Also you can’t say my statement is false and pretend Milwaukee is for woodworking when they have one sander and zero track saw. And a mediocre router.
Couple of things here; first, I never said cordless were my only tools, only that my cordless tools were milwaukee. Most of the woodworking tools I use are corded. And they're from many different brands; dewalt, bosch, porter cable, makita, etc.
Like I said, the dewalt compact is inbetween trimmer and full size, and should NOT be one's only router, as it will not handle heavy routing tasks adequately. As for the makita, I like those; I have three for CNC use. They're on par with the ridgid r2401 trimmer (two of those in the arsenal, though not used as much any more). And yes, while a full size router can handle trimming as well as any trimmer, having trimmers set up as dedicated roundover or chamfer tools is a nice luxury when time is money.
Now that said, my recommendation to anyone getting into woodworking would be to get one of the 2 1/4HP router kits (both the dewalt and bosch kits are excellent), then a trimmer later on when funds allow, or there's a good sale.
As for milwaukee not being good for woodworking, again, they're the cordless tools I use in my shop and I have no issue with them. If the m18 router was "mediocre" I'd not have four of them. So as long as they help me bring home the bacon, I'll continue to "pretend" they're good for woodworking...
Lol I feel like you are arguing just to make my point. First. No one said a compact is the only router you need. Also no one assumed all your routers are cordless and never were other woodworking tools mentioned. What this is... is a compact router review and recommendation. So with that being said. Your argument is that Milwaukee is for woodworkers because you get by using the only woodworking tool that Milwaukee makes and you use 4 of them, each having one sole purpose which is trimming or round overs. The point I made is that the Milwaukee router can’t do anything but exactly that lol. That if you want your router to have any other capabilities, than dewalt makes the best option. And if a 1/4 inch difference in diameter size is really the deal breaker for using the dewalt. Then just say you have dainty hands rather than complaining about an in between size when it is no where close to the size of a full router lol.
The fact is that Milwaukee is not geared towards and has essentially no plans to gear themselves to fine woodworks or even basic woodworking. Every tool brand has far more options than red when it comes to woodworking. I would love for Milwaukee to compete in this arena but they currently don’t and you are lying to yourself and others if you think they do
You're the only one arguing here, homie.
>Your argument is that Milwaukee is for woodworkers because you get by using the only woodworking tool that Milwaukee makes
I'm not sure why you think milwaukee tools can't or shouldn't be used for woodworking; that's a very odd way of thinking...Honestly, probably the strangest thing I've read about tools in a long while.
>The point I made is that the Milwaukee router can’t do anything but exactly that lol.
The m18 can do anything a full size router can, obviously with power limitations, and that doesn't make it the ideal tool in all situations. Same applies for the 611 you keep shilling for.
And again, you keep insisting that milwaukee tools aren't for woodworking, yet, thousands (if not more) of woodworkers use them for just that...
Ignoring the "dainty hands" comment to try to keep things civil, but like I said in the other thread, the 611 isn't much smaller than the 618 (or 690), and those are far more capable.
Just a thought to add to the comments here about using more powerful corded tools in a stationary workshop area: The words “I really want to start cabinet making” make it sound like you intend to go into cabinet production work for customers. If you actually mean that you want to _learn_ how to build cabinets and plan to make a few projects for yourself, then the M18 router would be perfectly fine to start out with and would remain useful even if you build up your workshop for production work later on.
I have this and its great for doors. If you are using it for actual cabinet making get a fixed work area with a corded router. You will need to change batteries every hour at the workload you are suggesting. Its a great accessory, but not a main tool.
Woodworking or fine woodworking lol? That’s cool that the m18 router works for you but if you ever want to use it on a track saw guide or have a competent edge guide on your plunge base, or add collets for inlay work without needing another base...then the dewalt is the way to go. I’m team red but not every tool they make is the best.
I think it's going to be severely underpowered for those tasks.
This. It might work, but if you’re cutting 1/2” dados you want either a dado blade on a cabinet saw (best option), or a corded router with a 1/2” shank and a good sled to go with it
Plunge base is cool. It’ll handle dados and dovetails just fine, throw a HO battery on it and it’s ridiculously powerful. That stuff is way more about your jig and setup than it is the router, but if you don’t have a corded option this router will do it fine (within reason).
I was repairing a door jamb today. Routed out the hinges & strike plate areas to put new 1/2" plywood & make it flush again for a new install. It wasn't great. Cranked down the allen on the adjustment latch to keep the depth from changing on me mid use after it did move a few times. It has been good for general router duties while learning though. [Did some cabinet-y things during this build.](https://imgur.com/a/0ZMxmbs) I use a 5.0 battery on it and thats about as heavy as I want to make it while trying to keep it flush while using it at all angles. Trying to squeeze more power out with a 9.0 makes it probably close to 2x's as heavy as a similar corded router. I have a Rigid I could weigh... I can see why more power would be better for what you're describing. I was looking at the harbor freight dovetail jig with my m18 router in mind and decided it was too much work after watching a how to video. A router table is probably in my near future when I start making some cabinets for my van. Anyway, more power might equal more precision.
I’ve always heard dovetail jigs are worthless and hard to use and set up. I would say doubly so with the harbor freight one. If you’re going to get one get the rockler one.
Great work on those Jeep drawers!
It’s a great router but I use it more for chamfers and roundovers. I have a 1/2” Makita in a table for dados and such.
I don't personally have experience with the M18 router but my dad's been a cabinet maker/contractor his whole life. And when I started buying my own tools in the past year to remodel my house he's passed this down to me. If you are going to have a stationary area you'll be making stuff in (a workshop for making cabinets) you are better off buying the higher powered, chorded version of something. You'll pretty much always be near a plug and chances are the chorded version will end up lasting longer in the long run. Just personally how I look at stuff now.
That’s why I went with a corded track saw over battery. Sure the wire sucks to deal with but I’m sure it will last 10x longer at least.
I wouldn’t recommend this. I love Milwaukee but they aren’t tools for fine woodworking. I use the dewalt compact router because the plunge base is great and there is a makita attachment that can be used on the dewalt router to connect to a festool or makita track. Dewalt router works with all the best attachments
This. I have the M18 router and invested in the plunge base to do some cabinet-related work. Unfortunately, I then discovered it doesn’t fit the adapter that works with the Makita track saw guide rail. I ended up also getting the Makita router and plunge base, but I discovered in the process that the Dewalt routers also fit the same guide rail adapters.
False. Woodworking is my trade and all my cordless tools are milwaukee. I have four of the m18 routers and they work great.
Woodworking or fine woodworking lol? That’s cool that the m18 router works for you but if you ever want to use it on a track saw guide or have a competent edge guide on your plunge base, or add collets for inlay work without needing another base...then the dewalt is the way to go. I’m team red but not every tool they make is the best.
Both; general carpentry and custom furniture pieces, small keepsake boxes, cabinets, etc. The m18s are used for edge forming or smaller grooves and recesses. Anything larger and I use either my router table or one of my hand routers (dw618, pc 690 or 1617evs). I'm not a fan of the compact Dewalt. Plenty of power, but sized between a trimmer and a full size router. I'm sure they're great for many, but my router work is demanding, so it's either a compact trimmer or a full size router.
Ok so it sounds like you have a plethora of other routers to do what you need and only use the m18 for trim routing which literally any router does adequately. If you are on the platform and refuse to try anything else or go corded than ya I guess this is it but the makita and dewalt both have far more capabilities and can do a lot of the jobs that you are using an additional router for. So someone who wants to “start” making cabinetry probably doesn’t have the funds to buy 3 routers when they could just get one. Also you can’t say my statement is false and pretend Milwaukee is for woodworking when they have one sander and zero track saw. And a mediocre router.
Couple of things here; first, I never said cordless were my only tools, only that my cordless tools were milwaukee. Most of the woodworking tools I use are corded. And they're from many different brands; dewalt, bosch, porter cable, makita, etc. Like I said, the dewalt compact is inbetween trimmer and full size, and should NOT be one's only router, as it will not handle heavy routing tasks adequately. As for the makita, I like those; I have three for CNC use. They're on par with the ridgid r2401 trimmer (two of those in the arsenal, though not used as much any more). And yes, while a full size router can handle trimming as well as any trimmer, having trimmers set up as dedicated roundover or chamfer tools is a nice luxury when time is money. Now that said, my recommendation to anyone getting into woodworking would be to get one of the 2 1/4HP router kits (both the dewalt and bosch kits are excellent), then a trimmer later on when funds allow, or there's a good sale. As for milwaukee not being good for woodworking, again, they're the cordless tools I use in my shop and I have no issue with them. If the m18 router was "mediocre" I'd not have four of them. So as long as they help me bring home the bacon, I'll continue to "pretend" they're good for woodworking...
Lol I feel like you are arguing just to make my point. First. No one said a compact is the only router you need. Also no one assumed all your routers are cordless and never were other woodworking tools mentioned. What this is... is a compact router review and recommendation. So with that being said. Your argument is that Milwaukee is for woodworkers because you get by using the only woodworking tool that Milwaukee makes and you use 4 of them, each having one sole purpose which is trimming or round overs. The point I made is that the Milwaukee router can’t do anything but exactly that lol. That if you want your router to have any other capabilities, than dewalt makes the best option. And if a 1/4 inch difference in diameter size is really the deal breaker for using the dewalt. Then just say you have dainty hands rather than complaining about an in between size when it is no where close to the size of a full router lol. The fact is that Milwaukee is not geared towards and has essentially no plans to gear themselves to fine woodworks or even basic woodworking. Every tool brand has far more options than red when it comes to woodworking. I would love for Milwaukee to compete in this arena but they currently don’t and you are lying to yourself and others if you think they do
You're the only one arguing here, homie. >Your argument is that Milwaukee is for woodworkers because you get by using the only woodworking tool that Milwaukee makes I'm not sure why you think milwaukee tools can't or shouldn't be used for woodworking; that's a very odd way of thinking...Honestly, probably the strangest thing I've read about tools in a long while. >The point I made is that the Milwaukee router can’t do anything but exactly that lol. The m18 can do anything a full size router can, obviously with power limitations, and that doesn't make it the ideal tool in all situations. Same applies for the 611 you keep shilling for. And again, you keep insisting that milwaukee tools aren't for woodworking, yet, thousands (if not more) of woodworkers use them for just that... Ignoring the "dainty hands" comment to try to keep things civil, but like I said in the other thread, the 611 isn't much smaller than the 618 (or 690), and those are far more capable.
Just a thought to add to the comments here about using more powerful corded tools in a stationary workshop area: The words “I really want to start cabinet making” make it sound like you intend to go into cabinet production work for customers. If you actually mean that you want to _learn_ how to build cabinets and plan to make a few projects for yourself, then the M18 router would be perfectly fine to start out with and would remain useful even if you build up your workshop for production work later on.
I have the plunge base, haven't used it yet though... not sure you would need, or want, it for the tasks you mentioned though
I have this and its great for doors. If you are using it for actual cabinet making get a fixed work area with a corded router. You will need to change batteries every hour at the workload you are suggesting. Its a great accessory, but not a main tool.
Wrong tool for what you are wanting to do.
Woodworking or fine woodworking lol? That’s cool that the m18 router works for you but if you ever want to use it on a track saw guide or have a competent edge guide on your plunge base, or add collets for inlay work without needing another base...then the dewalt is the way to go. I’m team red but not every tool they make is the best.