Looking for a compact and powerful router that won’t slow you down? We’ve been trying out Milwaukee’s Cordless Compact Router, and it’s been a game-changer for our woodworking projects.
This nifty tool packs a punch with its 18-volt power and brushless motor. We love how it lets us work freely without cords getting in the way. The variable speed control is super handy, letting us adjust from 0 to 31,000 RPM to match our needs.
We found the router pretty light at just 2.9 pounds, making it easy to maneuver. The push-button switch is simple to use, and we like how compact it is overall. It’s been great for our trim work and small routing jobs.
One thing to note is that it doesn’t come with a battery, so you’ll need to grab one separately if you don’t already have a compatible Milwaukee battery. We think it’s worth it though, as it can cut up to 250 feet on a single charge.
Why Milwaukee’s Cordless Compact Router Is a Game-Changer
We couldn’t believe how easy it was to use this compact router. The cordless design lets us work anywhere without cords getting in the way. We love the power it packs – it can make up to 250 feet of cuts on a single charge. The variable speed control gives us more precision for different jobs.
It’s lightweight at just 2.9 pounds, so we don’t get tired using it. The brushless motor means it runs smoothly and should last a long time. We found it perfect for trim work and small routing tasks. The quick start and stop feature is really handy too.
While it feels a bit top-heavy when routing horizontally, overall we think this router is a great addition to any toolbox.
Brushless Motor Efficiency
We were impressed by the smooth operation of this compact router. Its brushless motor really makes a difference. We noticed it runs cooler and quieter than other routers we’ve used. This means we can work longer without the tool getting hot. The motor also seems to use less battery power, so we didn’t have to stop and charge as often.
We found it had plenty of power for our woodworking projects. The efficient motor helped us get more done in less time. It’s a big step up from older brush-motor models. While it costs more upfront, we think the brushless motor is worth it for the improved performance and longer tool life.
High Battery Capacity for Lengthy Projects
We love how this compact router keeps going and going. The 18-volt battery gives us plenty of juice to tackle big jobs without needing to stop and recharge. We’ve used it for hours on end while working on cabinets and trim, and it just keeps running strong.
No more getting interrupted mid-project to swap batteries or plug in. The long runtime lets us focus on our work instead of worrying about power. It’s great for jobsites where outlets aren’t always handy too. We can move around freely without being tethered to a cord. The battery life is seriously impressive for such a small tool.
Variable Speed Control Precision
We love how this compact router gives us full control over our projects. The speed dial is easy to adjust on the fly. We can slow things down for delicate work or crank it up when we need to remove more material quickly.
It’s great for both fine detailing and faster stock removal. The router maintains steady power even at lower speeds. This lets us work with a variety of materials without burning or tear-out. The variable speed really shines when working with different bit sizes too.
We can dial in the perfect speed for each application. It makes a big difference in the quality of our cuts and overall results.
Ergonomic Design for Comfortable Handling
We found this compact router a joy to use. Its small size and light weight of just 2.9 pounds make it easy to handle for long periods. The push-button switch is simple to operate, even with gloves on. We love how the tool fits nicely in our hands, reducing fatigue during big jobs.
The variable speed control is a nice touch. It lets us dial in the perfect speed for different tasks. While the battery on top can make it feel a bit top-heavy when routing horizontally, overall it’s well-balanced.
One small gripe is the base size. At 4 inches, it’s a bit small for some jobs. But for tight spaces, this compact design is a big plus. We appreciate how Milwaukee thought about comfort and usability when designing this router.
Fast and Easy Adjustments
We found the Milwaukee router’s adjustment features to be a real time-saver. The depth adjustment is smooth and precise, letting us quickly set the perfect cut depth. We loved how easy it was to change bits – just a few simple steps and we were back to work.
The base is also a breeze to remove when needed. These user-friendly touches made our projects go much faster. We didn’t have to fumble around with complex mechanisms or waste time on tricky adjustments. The router’s design clearly puts the user first, making our woodworking tasks smoother and more enjoyable.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been using this compact router from Milwaukee for a while now, and it’s really changed the game for us. Let’s break down what we loved and what could be better.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Cordless convenience
- Easy to handle and maneuver
- Quick start and stop feature
- Versatile for small to medium jobs
- Large base plate for stability
We were really impressed with how much power this little router packs. It’s perfect for those smaller jobs where dragging out a big corded router would be overkill. The cordless design is a game-changer, letting us work anywhere without hunting for outlets.
Cons
- Can feel top-heavy when used horizontally
- Only comes with a 1/4″ collet
- Might not replace a full-size router for big jobs
While we love this tool, it’s not without a few drawbacks. When we’re using it sideways, the battery on top makes it feel a bit unbalanced. We also wish it came with more collet options out of the box. For really big routing jobs, we still reach for our full-size router.
Customer Reviews
We’ve been blown away by the positive feedback on this compact router! With over 3,500 ratings and a stellar 4.8-star average, it’s clear that users love this tool. Many reviewers praise its power and ease of use, noting it outperforms even some corded models. We found the quick start and stop feature particularly handy.
The larger base plate is a big plus for stability, and the battery placement on top gives it great balance for vertical work. While it can feel a bit top-heavy when routing horizontally, that’s a small trade-off for its cordless convenience.
A few users mentioned issues with units stopping mid-project, but these seem to be rare cases. Overall, we’re impressed with how this little router handles small jobs with ease. It’s a hit with both DIY enthusiasts and pros alike.
Conclusion
We’re really impressed with Milwaukee’s compact cordless router. It packs a punch for its size, making our woodworking projects a breeze. The battery-powered design gives us freedom to work anywhere without cords getting in the way. We love how easy it is to adjust and use, even for tricky cuts. While it can feel a bit top-heavy when routing horizontally, the power and convenience more than make up for it. For small to medium jobs, this little router is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a versatile, powerful tool to add to your workshop, we think you’ll be very happy with this Milwaukee router.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the M18 compact router for a while now, and we’re excited to share some answers to common questions. This handy tool has quickly become one of our favorites for various woodworking tasks. Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about this nifty little router.
What projects is the Milwaukee M18 Compact Router best suited for?
The M18 compact router is great for small to medium-sized woodworking jobs. We’ve found it works well for:
- Edge profiling
- Trimming laminate
- Making dados and grooves
- Light mortising
- Sign making
- Small inlay work
Its compact size makes it perfect for tight spaces and detail work. We love how easy it is to maneuver, especially for jobs where a larger router would be too cumbersome.
Can the Milwaukee Cordless Compact Router be used with any router bit shank size?
This router is designed to use 1/4″ shank router bits. We’ve found plenty of bit options available, so this hasn’t been a problem for us. The 1/4″ collet is standard for compact routers and works well for most small to medium-sized routing tasks.
What accessories are compatible with the Milwaukee M18 Compact Router?
We’ve used several accessories with our M18 router:
- Edge guide
- Dust collection attachment
- Plunge base
- Offset base
- Trim base
These add-ons have really expanded what we can do with the router. The dust collection attachment is especially useful for keeping our workspace clean.
How does the battery life of the Milwaukee Cordless Compact Router compare with other models?
The battery life on this router is impressive. Milwaukee claims it can make up to 250 feet of cuts per charge. In our experience, we’ve been able to complete several small projects on a single charge. The exact runtime depends on the type of wood and the depth of cut, but we’ve been pleased with its endurance.
What are the primary features that set the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Router apart from other routers?
Some standout features we’ve noticed:
- Brushless motor for longer life and more power
- Variable speed control (0-31,000 RPM)
- Compact size and lightweight design (2.9 lbs)
- Quick depth adjustment
- LED light for better visibility
- Compatible with M18 battery system
We really appreciate the power-to-weight ratio. It’s surprisingly strong for such a small tool.
Is a router kit available for the Milwaukee Cordless Compact Router, and what does it include?
Yes, Milwaukee offers a kit for this router. While we’re reviewing the bare tool version, the kit typically includes:
- M18 Compact Router
- M18 Battery (usually 5.0Ah)
- Charger
- Carrying case
- Basic accessories (like a straight edge guide)
The kit is a great option if you don’t already have M18 batteries and chargers. For those of us already in the M18 system, the bare tool works just fine.
