Power Tools Reviews
Milwaukee 5616-24 2-¼ Max HP EVS Multi-Base Router Kit Includes Plunge Base and BodyGrip Fixed Base
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 Forget The Ear Plugs! Milwaukee 5616-24....Quiet, smooth, user friendly.....What can I say, except, it's better than I expected. GREAT !!!! Put the fixed base under the router table, and use the plunge base for free hand work....Haven't used it much yet, but it slips in and out of the bases so quick & easy, (Quicker than finding, and inserting wrench), I haven't worried about the above the table height adjustment yet. Will have to drill a hole to accomodate wrench if I decide to use it. The micro adjust knob makes height adjustments in a snap too... Milwaukee brings home the Gold on 1st attempt... I've had problems with my Bosch combo.. (older maganesium base.. switch.. 1/2" collect wouldn't insert.. etc.) and sold it. My DW 621 is a good plunge router after adding a large base, but I occassionally would rotate the plunge release on the left handle and the router would spring up while in the middle of use. Maybe just me but annoying and costly mistakes were sometimes made. I have had a Milwaukee 5625 under my router table for 5 years and I wouldn't consider anything else but that "hoss". I noticed that Milwaukee had just introduced a plunge router and it came in a kit with that Body Grip fixed base I have used and love. I took a chance based on my experience with the 3 1/2 HP 5625 and sold the Bosch Combo and the DW 621. Ordered the Milwaukee Combo and it arrived. Started a new bed the following week-end with the Combo getting the call on mortices.. non through dadoes.. intricate joints and with an 1 1/2" over-head bearing template bit used to trim the outline on legs for the foot and head that were 1 1/2" oak after cutting the line just outside 2 mm on my bandsaw. The results and my opinion based on 35 years of wood butchering are: Milwaukee nailed the plunge on the first try adding a complimenting plunge to their already proven Body Grip. Motors easy to switch.. bit removal quick and easy.. robust as big brother 5625.. smooth plunge.. power with the 2 1/4 HP.. good dust control attachment.. excellent balance and the best feeling router I have had the pleasure of having in my hands in 35 years. They took a long time to deliver a plunge to compliment their already robust line... but it was indeed worth the wait at my shop....! John Thompson... Sarge One great router package I got the router for my birthday based on the review in June 07 Popular Woodworking. The machine is fantastic. The body makes the router feel much smaller and handle much easier than its 2-1/4HP would suggest. You can easily work single handed if you want with smaller bits. The rubber body and grips offer a positive feel and are very comfortable. The plunge action is smooth and the plunge lever is right at your fingertips. The switch can be reached with both hands on the router, although with the soft start it's not necessary. The case will keep everything clean when not in use and offers lots of storage for 1/4" and 1/2" bits along and a set of template guides. Highly recommended. Forget The Ear Plugs! Milwaukee 5616-24....Quiet, smooth, user friendly.....What can I say, except, it's better than I expected. GREAT !!!! Put the fixed base under the router table, and use the plunge base for free hand work....Haven't used it much yet, but it slips in and out of the bases so quick & easy, (Quicker than finding, and inserting wrench), I haven't worried about the above the table height adjustment yet. Will have to drill a hole to accomodate wrench if I decide to use it. The micro adjust knob makes height adjustments in a snap too... | |||||||||
