In June 2007, to complement its award-winning and innovative line of BodyGrip fixed base routers, Milwaukee introduced its new heavy-duty plunge base, featuring design elements sought after by many woodworking professionals. Now you get these two great bases in the Milwaukee 5615-24 Multi-Base Router Kit.
Performance Characteristics:
The motor is a powerful 1-3/4 MAX horsepower, 11.0 amp Milwaukee made motor that runs at 24,000 RPM no load. If you plan on working hard maple all day, you may want to upgrade to a larger motor. But for most woodworkers, I find the power is more than adequate for both soft and hard woods.
This router comes with a 1/4″ and 1/2″ collet, so you’ll be able to use any of your bits with it.
One thing I particularly like about this router is the unusually smooth operation. I have experienced much more vibration on some other brands. Since a certain amount of that vibration is transmitted through the bit, you can expect a more precise cut with this router than many others.
Depth adjustment controls are reliable and precise. The 2-7/8″ plunge depth is more than I would need for my projects, and the plunge mechanism works great.
Unfortunately, the power switch is not sealed against dust. However, the vacuum cleaner attachment is very nice and should help keep dust in your work area to a minimum.
One more performance-enhancing feature is the two transparent sub-bases, which really improve the visibility of your work. And the sub-base concentricity gauge really helps to accurately center the jig guides.
Convenience Features:
If you’ve ever had trouble making height adjustments on a table-mounted router, you know what a pain in the neck it can be. One of the most convenient design features of this router is that the fixed base has a hole through which you can adjust the height, while it is mounted on the router table.
The necklaces are very easy to change. However, changing the bits requires the use of two wrenches (which are included).
Depth adjustment controls are easy to operate.
Base changing is quick and easy, with no tools required.
The owner’s manual provides a pretty good level of detail. It is logical and easy to follow.
Now for that controversial carrying case… It’s sturdy, does a good job of protecting the router, and is HUGE. Now, if you’re short on space in your workshop, you might not like it. I personally like to have enough room in there for my bits and other accessories, so they all stay together. Less likely for a distracted guy like me to lose them.
Comfort features (ergonomics):
My personal favorite in the ergonomics department is Milwaukee’s patented BodyGrip® feature, which allows you to hold the router firmly in the middle with either hand, while holding the handle on the opposite side with the other hand. This really gives a feeling of positive control.
This router feels well balanced, not too heavy, and the smooth operation certainly helps your comfort level after using it for a while.
And lastly, the grips are comfortable and the controls seem to be right where they should be.
Security features:
When it comes to safety, this unit’s double-insulated construction is of course the industry standard for preventing electrical shock.
One item that could be improved is the power switch. Although it is somewhat recessed, it is still possible to inadvertently hit it, so caution is advised.
Overall though, this is probably one of the most secure routers out there because it’s so well balanced and runs smoothly. This means better operator control than with some competing routers which are quite clunky.
Reliability and guarantee:
For those of you looking to buy American products, I’m sorry to disappoint you. This router is made in China, which probably explains why the price is so low. But take a look at the competition. How many of them offer a 5 year warranty like the one in Milwaukee? If you find one, let me know, okay?
By the way, while I haven’t needed them so far, I’ve heard that Milwaukee’s customer support is great, should you run into a problem.
Recommendations:
If you’re a professional woodworker who plans to do heavy daily use of your router, I needn’t tell you that you’ll have to spend much more than this. You will probably buy the 3+ HP routers with variable speed.
On the other hand, if you’re not working with a lot of hard maple, you’d probably be pretty happy with this router and the money you saved. It has some great features and a lot of power for the money. And with two bases and two clips, it’s like getting two power tools for the price of one.
Now that’s what I call Value!