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Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP* Compact Router Kit

  • Based on 6,971 reviews
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Availability: Only 1 left in stock, order soon!
Fulfilled by Acme Tools

Arrives May 22 – May 25
Order within 22 hours and 9 minutes
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Style: Kit with 1-Base


Features

  • Variable speed control dial (10,000 - 30,000 RPM) enables user to match the speed to the application
  • Smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise settings
  • Slim and ergonomically designed body for increased comfort and control
  • Quick release cam lock system for easy depth adjustments and base removal/installation
  • Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load. Fits compact routers models RT0700C and RT0701C
  • Powerful 1 to 1/4 HP (maximum) Motor Delivers Improved Performance

Description

Makita's powerful 1-1/4 HP (maximum) Motor Delivers Improved Performance. The variable speed control dial (10,000 - 30,000 RPM) enables user to match the speed to the application. Our smooth rack-and-pinion fine depth adjustment system for more precise settings. It features a slim and ergonomically designed body for increased comfort and control. It has a Quick release cam lock system for easy depth adjustments and base removal/installation The Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load. It also has a Soft start feature for smooth start-ups. The Fixed base accepts industry standard template guides for convenience. It has a high visibility base design for improved handling and the performance base can be removed quickly to install other bases. The Heavy duty aluminum motor housing engineered for increased durability. The shaft locks for quick and easy bit changes. Its durable flat top design is added for convenience when changing bits. It has a non-marring high-durability base insert for increased work piece protection. It also has Easy-to-read depth scales Uses 1/4" shank router bits Double insulated.

Specs & Other Info

SpecificationDetails
ManufacturerMakita
MaterialBrass
Power SupplyCorded Electric
Product Size7 inches Width x 17 inches Height
Operating Voltage120 Volts
Weight3.9 Pounds
Horsepower1.25 HP
Max Speed30,000 RPM
Base ConfigurationFixed
Model NumberRT0701CX7
Origin CountryChina
Product AvailabilityCurrently in Production
Dimension CategoryOne Size
Color SchemeFactory Default
Design StyleKit with 1-Base
Package Count1
Handle Quantity1
Components IncludedCompact Router Kit with Fixed and Plunge Bases
Battery RequirementNone
Warranty Policy1-year limited warranty
First Release DateDecember 13, 2013

Frequently asked questions

The Makita RT0701CX7 Compact Router Kit comes with a 1-1/4 HP compact router, a plunge base, straight guide, wrenches, and a carrying case.

The Makita RT0701CX7 is designed to primarily use 1/4" shank router bits. It does not directly accommodate 1/2" shank bits without the use of an appropriate collet adapter, which is not typically included in the kit.

Yes, the Makita RT0701CX7 Compact Router offers variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the speed from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM depending on the application or the type of material being worked on.

To change bits on the Makita RT0701CX7, first ensure the tool is unplugged. Press and hold the shaft lock button to prevent the shaft from spinning, then use the wrenches provided in the kit to loosen and remove the collet nut. Remove the old bit, insert the new bit, then tighten the collet nut securely while holding the shaft lock button.

Top Amazon Reviews

🚀 Abunda's Overview

This is our summary and key points to consider based on customer reviews.


The product under review, a Makita Palm Router, consistently receives high praise from professionals and hobbyists alike for its durability, power, and versatility. Users admire the router's ease of use, smooth operation, and straightforward adjustments, making it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects. The consensus is that it offers great value, especially for those delving into more creative or intensive woodwork.

Pros

  • 🔧 Sturdy and powerful, suitable for long hours of operation
  • ✂️ Offers precision with easy depth adjustments and soft start feature
  • 🔩 Versatile, performing well in both light tasks and more demanding projects
  • 👌 Easy to handle and control, boosting user confidence and work quality
  • 💡 Comes with a speed control feature for tailored operation

Cons

  • 🛠 Some compatibility issues with aftermarket router accessories
  • 👜 Lacks a carrying case, posing a challenge for transport and storage
  • 📏 Missing attachments and tools that would enhance utility
  • 💸 Attachments and accessories can be relatively expensive

Should I Buy It?

If you're a woodworking professional or enthusiast looking for a reliable, versatile router that offers excellent value, this Makita model is a solid choice. Despite some minor compatibility issues and additional costs for accessories, its performance and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for a wide array of projects.


  • Light and easy to work with
Style: Kit with 1-Base
Needed a small router when my other brand let smoke out of it after just a few uses, decided to pick this one up, glad I did, it is nice, small, easy to handle and functional. Seems to be built good and solid. Looking forward to using it.
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024 by richards1155 richards1155

  • Great kit
Style: Kit with 3-Bases
Has about everything you need for many uses, well made, nice case to store everything.
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024 by Mike

  • love this thing, great deal!!!
Style: Kit with 1-Base
At 30 I've only recently discovered the existence of the amazing tool that is the wood router. I'm a musician that has recently got into customizing/upgrading my own guitars, and watched luthiers on youtube build their own instruments out of a router. I'm also a DIY'er in general around the house. And finding out about the router was like pandoras box of creation for me! Last month I bought a Dremel 4300 which I partly bought for doing some light routing. I gave it the task of making some custom drawer/cabinet faces for my bathroom. Well, the Dremel was not up to the task (it sucks for any serious routing). So I decided I was gonna bite the bullet and buy a proper wood router. I educated myself on this tool, and decided that I wanted to get a combination fixed base/plunge router. I went to every avenue and excessively researched these things for the best bang for my buck. Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, eBay, and here, comparing models. I was shocked to see the brick and mortar stores (especially HD and Lowes) have a pretty limited selection of wood routers and accessories. The cheapest in-store deal I could find was Lowes Dewalt combination fixed and plunge base router at $200, not including tax. That was a little too high of a price of an entry point for me. Then I ran across this Makita. I love Makita products. The price almost sounded too good to be true for a combination fixed base/plunge router. I ordered it. I quickly learned how to use setup the tool and I absolutely love it! I made my first cut doing some trim on scrap wood and was blown away. This thing is a wood-cutting beast. Using some cheap project lumbar from HD, I started crafting my own bathroom cabinetry. This thing just effortlessly cuts through wood. It's very easy to control, it doesn't violently start up (which I heard some are bad for). I love that it has a speed control. I leave it on the highest setting (which I heard is best to do), but the fact that it even has that is pretty awesome for the price. And my first set of router bits, I bought a nice kit in Harbor Freight (with coupon) for $30 bucks. They work exceptionally well with this Makita. I used for the plunge attachment and fixed based for doing trim. Honestly, I just love this thing, it's my new favorite tool! It's so fun and amazing the stuff you can make with this. It just takes a little patience and creativity. The tool came with a straight-edge guide for the fixed base which I found kinda useless. Some of the pictures of it in-action show a straight edge guide for the plunge base. I wish it came with this, but it's hard for me to balk for the price. The last thing, it would have been nice if it came with a case like other Makita products, too, but that's also not something to balk at. This is a great tool. I think it's an excellent buy for both entry-level woodworkers like me and more experienced users. And I see it being something that could actually save you money over time if you're into home remodeling as well. I'm definitely going to be using this to craft my own trim, railings, doors, and other things around the house. Highly recommend this router, definitely one of the coolest tools I've bought in my adult life! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2020 by Eddie B. Eddie B.

  • Solid little router
Style: Tool
It's got a great motor; very reliable and good power. It's a convenient small size and very easy to adjust and change router bits. Pair it with a good quality bit for best outcome (of course).
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024 by Derek F.

  • Great Price point. Has some issues that can be overcome. I highly recommend.
Style: Kit with 3-Bases
I’ll give this trim router and kit a 4 rating based on the price point and feature combined. It’s a very good value. At $200, you get a lot of bases and guides all of which are usable. They are lower end bases with less refined features and not as good as some of my Bosch or Porter Cable bases and guides. If I was using this trim router and needed to change set-ups often, I would not be happy with the bases and guides. Ignoring price, it would get a 2.5 rating due to the lower end bases, but you’d have to spend at least 2X the money to get all these bases with better features. Here's the good and the bad. • First I should mentioned that factory support is top notch and you can talk to someone on the phone! What a novel concept today. They will send you out parts ASAP if you have a problem. This is a MAJOR good point. • The bag that comes with it is very nice indeed. Lots of storage for bits, tools, etc., and is very well made. Has a removable segmented center that holds the motor and attachments and pockets galore. It’s hard to describe in detail, but it is really nice. Now if you are going to a lot of job sites and it’s going to get rough treatment, you’d probably prefer a hard case like that Porter Cable uses. While this has nothing to do with the router’s quality and use, it’s worth mentioning. • The motor itself seems very well made, runs smoothly and starts softly. Some reviewers have said theirs burned up on the first use or ran roughly. Rough running I’d chalk that up to a bad manufacturing batch (or possible bad collet – see below). I noted that many that said they burned theirs up described their application as running a dovetail bit or similar. That is rookie error. You can’t expect a 1.25 HP router to run something as long and large as a dovetail bit where you need a full size router at over 2 HP. Of course you’ll burn a small trim router up under such load. If you are going to run a larger bit in this, you must go very slow (may burn your work piece) or take multiple partial cut passes. • Collet problem - My biggest gripe was that the supplied ¼” collet was bad, which made the router almost unusable. Its inner bore was around .015” too large, so it was only getting a line contact pinch on the bits. Due to this problem, it was impossible to get the collet to hold longer bits tight and they would constantly go loose and walk up out of the collet. At that point, it would immediately start vibrating and felt rough. (No, the bit wasn’t bottomed out.) I ruined 3 bits and tried tightening the collet down way too tight before I inspected it closely enough to figure out the problem. The local warranty center is getting a new collet in which should fix this issue. (If the second one still isn’t toleranced right, I’ll have to get an aftermarket collet from Elaire Corp which is about $25. I know theirs are good.) • Motor clamp locks on the various bases – You may have to fiddle with the tightness adjustment of these locks to get them set correctly. None of mine were right from the factory. They were all just a bit too loose and would let the motor slip. Only took a few minutes to get these set correctly. Don’t go too tight though, as the lever is just stamped sheet metal. • Plunge base o The threads on the female internal nut of the depth adjuster were faulty. The symptom was that it took a gorilla grip to turn the knob sometimes, but other times seemed fine. Makita sent me out a replacement part right away no questions asked. o The base height lock lever isn’t as secure as I’d like and can let loose under vibration if you don’t have it very tight. Once you have it slip on you, you won’t make the error a second time. (Again, price point is in mind here.) • Offset base – This is one of the primary reasons I bought this kit, as I needed this option at the time. It’s a bit fiddly to put on, but once you figure it out, it isn’t bad. Like all offset bases (that I know of), it has no depth adjustment. So in order to set depth, you’ll have to shim the base and/or move the bit in/out of the collet. This one does not have a quick release for the bit, so it’s a challenge to get your bit set. I also noted it gets warm pretty quickly, but since this is used mostly for backsplash area cutting on counters, it isn’t running for long periods of time. (Again, price point is in mind.) • Edge guide is usable, but has no micro adjuster. So don’t expect to get precision adjustments by turning a knob. It’s just a wing nut to tighten it down and it’s a bit wobbly to boot. It’s usable, only with great care and patience. Personally, if I’ve got to do edge guide work, I’m going to be using my full-size Porter Cable router with its precision adjustment edge guide. • Standard base – The depth adjustment is very coarse and pretty much unusable, so a depth adjustment is really just manual on this base. It’s a simple rack and pinion design, not a screw with micro adjustments like you find on higher end routers. Again, the whole kit is $200, so no whining. • Tilt Base – I’ve not had the opportunity to use the tilt base on a project yet. But I’ve noted a couple of potential drawbacks. It has the same depth adjustment as the standard base, so consider it a manual depth setting. There are no detents on the angle settings, so you’ll have to make sure you have a good angle setting tool or jig to get your angle set correctly. I’ve never had an angle base before, so perhaps they are all this way? • All the thumb screws on the various locks and adjusters are plastic, so don’t get carried away tightening things down. In time, they are going to break. Again, price point. You can get good precision work out of this kit even if the bases don’t have super great adjustments, if you have patience and this isn’t your first time at the rodeo. If you are somewhat new to routers, you might want to go for a unit with just the base you need that has higher precision adjustments or be prepared to learn some old school adjustment methods. If you want a bit better set-up and all 4 of these base types, you’ll have to buy something like a Bosch trim router and the bases as separate items, which will cost you probably double the cost of this kit. It’s very hard to argue with that $200 price. It’s a great value and reasonable quality. Only buy this router kit if you need a trim router specifically and need at least 3 of the included bases. If you need a first and only router and don’t need a small trim router, buy a full size 2+ HP router that has both ¼” and ½” collets with a standard and plunge base. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2020 by Scott Myers

  • Love this router!!!
Style: Tool
I have used multiple other palm routers in my remodeling career. This one beats them all. Great feel, power, and sturdy. Love the depth adjustment, beat thew heck out of flaky depth adjustment on some of the other well known palm routers. I am even using this a cnc router that runs for hours at a time. Absolutely ZERO issues. I now own 3 of these and have given as gifts to my woodworker friends. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024 by TexCowart

  • Great tool
Style: Tool
It's a very handable tool. Good power.
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024 by Octavio

  • Great trim router with lots of power
Style: Tool
I purchased this trim router because of the great reviews and because Makita brand tools always deliver. Power is great, fits nicely in your hand, and it's weighted perfectly for easily control. You can use it as a standard router as long as you use smaller bits. The base hole is 1.25" so I would not use any bit over 1". Only cons I have - No attachments included except for the guide. - Attachments are expensive. Plunge base attachment costs almost as much as the router. - No tool bag included. Cheapest Makita tool bag on amazon is at least 16 bucks. Not a huge issue but when you have a lot of tools it helps to keep track and easily find them on a job. I used a generic tool bag for the router and even thought it was marked with permanent marker, it took me a while to find it. Sounds a bit stupid but when you use these tools everyday it makes a huge difference. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2023 by Wizard124

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