Makita M3601 Plunge Router, Red/Black, 1/4/3/8-Inch

Used repeatedly to cut door locks and hinges in my last rental. Just as good as all my other expensive Makita (blue) tools, but a LOT cheaper. Watch out Screwfix/Erbauer!

This is not really a review as such as I have just received this Makita router and only powered it on to confirm it is working.In this review I wanted to clarify what comes in the box as standard.1. Router with 6mm collet installed (this will not accept 1/4" router bits and 6mm ones are harder to find and selection is not as good as 1/4" or 1/2"). My advice here is to order Makita part 763637-1 which is the correct /4" collet for this router. I got got it from Amazon for 9.5 GBP (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00080BJRA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)2. There is a straight guide3. There is plastic shield to protect from chips4. 3 years warranty - no card or anything but you can register it not longer than 30 days from date of purchase on Makita websiteWhat was not in the box and according to the manual should be is the vacuum adapter.There is also no spanners to undo and re-tighten the collar (size 13 and 22 spanners needed).I have purchased it via Amazon warehouse deal for 40 GBP which is basically cheaper than the Parkside Lidl offering so it was a no brainer even if to factor the fact that you need to get an extra collar for it as it comes with 6mm one only.From initial dry run test I can see three things that are not perfect (not sure how much will they affect DIY performance other than hopefully only causing small annoyances as I have never owned or operated a router before)1. The plunge operation is not smooth. It happens because my tool is a bit loose on the shafts and that causes them to slightly jam depending on the angle and force applied to plunge the router. If you do it right it is smooth and even if you don't it will go down but in a jerky type of movement. I will maybe try to apply some dry non-stick grease to shafts to see if it would address the problem.2. The implication of slight play in sliders / body interaction is that when you set the depth stop and reach it, due to the fact that it is only limiting the movement on one side along one of the two slide columns it causes the body and in effect the router bit to tip slightly to one side (maybe 0.5 - 1 mm). It tips to the side where there is no depth stop as the play allows that side to plunge a tiny bit deeper as the physical limiter mechanism is on the other side.3. No slow start of the motor (as advertises) means there is a kickback on startup.Also what is worth to mention is that points 1-3 also apply to current fully fledged Makita teal corded router (Makita RP0900X/2) which costs around 180 GBP.All in all at the price I have paid and occasional use I think it is a steal. Other than play at the sliders it feels very well put together and robust. Makita tool at supermarket prices. Whats not to like?

I wasn't impressed with this budget Makita router. You can buy much better for another £20.

Missing the 1/4 inch collet, which is delaying my project by days, The box seal was broken, and a bit missing. Upset by this. Also, does not have a UK plug on it, which is not the end of the world, but somewhat frustrating. A warning of this on the product description would have helped.