Accessories

Very powerfull motor. ps tighten you bits well
This router was installed into a custom router table that I built. It has power out of this world. I had a bit that was not tight enough, when i put this thing on the highest speed it just flew out literally about ten feet into the neighbors yard. in all it performs well, a word of caution you should tighten the lock mechanism before you start to use this unit otherwise it will shift in depth.

solid, workman-like machine
I debated about whether to give this router 3 or 4 stars. It is a low-frills package but it does what it is supposed to with little fanfare. In a way that makes it an ideal tool. It is not as quiet as the Bosch or as powerful as the Porter Cable monsters, but it works. I use it in a duplicating carver application so it is subject to lots of dust and extended run-times and I have yet to have any issues. A solid machine at a good price, like most Makita stuff, if you can find it by itself. Makita is pretty much selling it only as a package with other things anymore.

Now, if only getting it from Amazon was as hassle-free...

I think I'm in love!
I'm an industrial electrician in my 40th year in the trades. I think I know power tools very well and when it came time for a new router I was sure it would be a PC, Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Bosch. As I read the reviews for each of them I was less and less impressed and not sure what to do. I went over and over the reviews and then looked at the Makita. I liked what others had said and experienced and took a chance and ordered it. Price was not a consideration and would have paid whatever it took to get the best router. As I use a lot of powertools in my job, I'm very picky when it comes to selection. I won't compromise or skimp when it comes to tools. So, I waited in great anticpation for the router's arrival. When it came I felt it really looked the part of a very well engineered tool.
The mechanism to raise and lower is fantastic. It immediately went to my router table and I was in business in just a few minutes. I decided to just jump right in and went straight to cutting 3/8 grooves in select red oak.(lots and lots of grooves)
I was so impressed with the soft start and the machines ability to slow down and speed up as I pushed the stock. (some pieces more than 6 feet long) So if you are looking for a real horse in the router department I think you'll be quite impressed. I am so pleased to report on such a well designed tool. Good luck,
Jerry England

Repair shop again
I was happy at first with this router but its now in the repair shop for a second time with the same problem. After 6 months it broke and was fixed under warranty, now after a year its broke again. I would spend the money and get the PC..........Its the variable speed control that keeps going out. I am only a weekend wood worker and donot use this tool on a regular basis.At this price I would expect this tool to last awhile longer.

Nice Router, but cannot align base
I own both the Porter Cable 690 and the RF1101. I bought the RF1101 because of the poor locking mechanism on my "old" 690. The old PC690 uses the T-handle nut. I could not lock the 690 tight enough when I used it in my router table. The Porter Cable router would actually turn when I switched it on, thus changing the height. The RF1101 with it's better locking mechanism and soft start solved this problem. However, there are two items that I don't like about the RF1101. First, you cannot (easily) align the base. Mine is off by 1/32". I can align my PC 690 to within .01" in a few seconds. Second, the numbers on the scale ring are black on black. Try reading that under an enclosed router table. The PC 690 has white numbers. Not much of a complaint, but it is anoying. The "new" PC690 now has an improved locking mechanism, so it is on par with the RF1101. But Makita does make really good motors. It's a toss up, but I'm buying another PC690 for hand held template work since I know I can align the base.