REVIEW: The NEW Milwaukee M18 MIDSIZE Cordless Router

Just released, the new Milwaukee M18 Midsize Cordless Router. In this video we take a closer look at the tool, run some tests, and I give you my thoughts on the tool.
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[@brianhall9019]

Great review. I was hoping to see something soon on this. I knew when it was announced I’d be buying it, but I still always look at reviews. I really enjoy you channel and you do fantastic work. Keep it up.👍

[@KyleHohn]

6:00 to address your minor complaint about there not being enough thumb screws. The guide rail adapter, which is much better than the included edge guide, actually comes with extra thumb screws! They’re hidden underneath the rubberized handles. Edit: I just opened the plunge base and it also had a pair of the thumb screws in a little bag.

[@nwisparky2740]

This is definitely on my list to purchase. This kit plus the track saw guide attachment they offer which works with both Milwaukee cordless routers. 👍

[@steffendetrick]

I bought the new track compatible guide that also works on their trim router which is what I bought it for. It’s been really nice. They did a good job on it. It’s got two cams on it with two anti-tip cams as well to lock it into the track. It’s completely adjustable. I was using a 3-D printed track adapter previously and this is obviously far superior because of the cams It fits perfect. It’s also compatible with Milwaukee, Makita Festool and powertec tracks.

[@Dan-ol2rd]

Great review, would have loved for you to review the track guide they made for this as well. Thanks.

[@oldtireman4665]

Solid review, exactly as I’ve come to expect. A trip to the hardware store should be able to turn up two small bolts with the same thread pattern as the lock down screws.

[@billboy7390]

Great review. Try using spiral bit to help with dust extraction.

[@coolbugfacts1234]

I wish other companies would steal Festool's quality of life features. To me, the OF1400 is so convenient with the ratcheting collet, easy dust collection attachment, toolless template bushing attachment, microadjust edge guide with dust collection, and a million other things that even though it's corded, it's just a joy to use.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Agreed, You can't beat the OF1400.

[@dp1381]

The Festool edge guide is also fantastic because of the micro-adjustment and dust chute. I routinely mount my OF1400 upside down with the edge guide to use as a mini router table and the dust chute on the edge guide does a great job.

[@OmarGarcia-bi7jq]

Excellent review 🎉

[@commentsboardreferee7434]

Love your channel and I've learned a lot. One suggestion - add an additional continuous piece of wood to the edge guide so you don't get the snipe at the end of the cut.

[@dirtychevyful]

Nice video! Can you do a video discussing the lumbers you use for stain grade? I’m assuming you use poplar most of the time on paint grade but curious about stain grade

[@nathangardner772]

Looks nice but I’ll probably wait for a makita or festool. If you have any emtek hardware coming up it’d be nice to see a full install with that router, instead of the door morticer.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Super interesting, the brushless motor is a win because all other routers eventually need brushes changed out. Also worth noting; this is more innovative than the long awaited tracksaw… I find that weird personally

[@hoists1829]

Great product👍👍👍👍

[@seanmahoney2231]

interesting review thank you

[@aaronbanion2620]

I just got mine 3 days ago. That dust chute will actually fit both ways. You just have to pass it through the front with the hose connection side in first. I was able to use it with the edge guide and vac hose attached.

[@histguy101]

I have the m18 trim router and was interested in this, but was a bit shocked at the price and what you get for it. The bare tool has no plunge base and the kit for $600 has no guide, which is an additional $120! I've also been using the Hitachi/Metabo 36v 2 1/4hp plunge router and its pretty impressive, can handle large dado cuts, large tongue and groove bits, etc no problem

[@Cousin.Justin]

Welcome back

[@patrickcowan8701]

At the end of the dado it always finishes wild with those edge guides, use a long scab board screwed to the edge guide.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I do, I was just doing a quick test run.

[@peterdesmidt8742]

I've had the corded version for years. It worked well. I really like how you can hold it securely one-handed. Unfortunately, the last time went to turn it it, it wouldn't start.

[@troyqueen9503]

Sounds like a reason to add another router to the collection 😅

[@shawnh3742]

I got mine a week ago glad to hear it was wroth it ! I Haven't had a chance to use it yet

[@kuki3069]

Hi. Can u please tell me if u can do joint on 40mm worktop pls. That all I need one for and don't want waste money for other router i dont need . Thx 4 help.

[@stevebengel1346]

Been waiting for the 1/2" cordless router for a while now, but im totally invested in the DeWalt battery platform, sooo... Guess ill have to wait a wee bit longer 😂

[@bpalm5411]

Has anyone tried this on Advantech subfloor yet? That’s mainly what I use my corded Makita router for and have been waiting for a cordless replacement.

[@zman783]

I have two full size 3 1/4 corded routers but I don’t need wireless in this size because I am always on a vacuum line anyways. The trim router is fine cause I opt for the smaller lighter router because it’s a small round over or chamfer cut and very little dust. What about you guys?

[@Freddie2598]

Spencer have you used this with hardwood yet ? Does it seem to have good power without bogging down and causing burn marks ?

[@bengonzalez5355]

Any idea if the screw pattern on the base is universally compatible with aftermarket bases like the jasper circle cutting bases?

[@NextLevelCraftworks]

Thanks for showing us this amazing new router. Milwaukee is really stepping it up with all the woodworking tools theyve been releasing. What is your favorite impact driver right now?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I was using M12 impacts for a while but then I went back to dewalt 20v. I like the power of the larger battery platform compared to the M12. I haven't tried any of the M18 impacts though.

[@user-vn6hi2bi3g]

A recomendation from you who makes his living using wood working hand power tools is good enough for me I will buy this Milwaukee router for my home shop. Ray Stormont

[@christopherlafreniere7141]

My Bosch is battle warn but I do love cordless.

[@AshleeWainwright]

Spencer what is the max depth you can cut? Because before it was released I was told you couldn’t do 40mm worktops 1 1/2 ish lol I want one only if it definitely cuts worktop. Cheers

[@roylbates4155]

I noticed the bit walks at the end of the rabbit with that stamped metal guide.

[@rcbcarpentry2522]

I noticed the same thing with the split edge guide. how can something so basic like that make it through their testing and trials

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Everyone knows that you need to add a continuous piece of wood to the guide, that's why they put the holes in it. I was just doing a quick demo.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Everyone knows that you need to add a continuous piece of wood to the guide, that's why they put the holes in it. I was just doing a quick demo.

[@henrypeisch5289]

@@InsiderCarpentryno mercy. Lol.

[@steffendetrick]

@@InsiderCarpentry the DIY Roy. Or he’s just a DeWalt guy looking for reasons to hate it.😂

[@baraksinz2937]

Can you use the cordless router body in the bases of their nearly identical corded model? 🤔

[@fizzyfeetsmith2131]

Hikoki (metabo HTP) were the first. Probably 12 months before Milwauke made one.

[@dacyphaa]

Be interested in how long the battery lasts, how much grunt it would carry passing through oak etc... please do another video! I'm on dewalt so would need to spend £780ish for a couple of batteries and a charger

[@DGALVIN45]

I'm heavily invested into the Metabo HPT line up. Never been disappointed. Their 36v Cordless Plunge Router (M3612DA) is the best I've used 💯

[@baraksinz2937]

It’s definitely a great tool, but one thing the Milwaukee has on my Metabo HPT is the fixed base. Another feature I prefer on the Milwaukee is the lock lever engages upon release.

[@histguy101]

​@@baraksinz2937It feels like the M18 is more like a 1/2" version of their trim router, which is fine, but even with this, you don't get the plunge base unless you buy the kit. The Hikoki has the advantage of being a true plunge router with a trigger on the handle, and lock lever by your thumb. You can trigger it on, plunge, lock, unlock, and trigger it off all while you have your two hands securely and comfortably on the handles

[@seymourscagnetti1413]

Makita should make a 1/2" capacity cordless router. If they do, it will probably be an XGT 40 volt.

[@williammaxwell1919]

Does it adapt to or come with a lefthanded grip?

[@peternatoli2555]

Spencer, how was the balance feel of the plunge base? I notice that the base of the plunge pillars does not line up with the base circumference. Does this make for a clumsy feel?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I'm not too picky, it felt fine in the hands to me.

[@jannehelminen7851]

I really hope Milwaukee have fixed the plunge base. In trim router the plunge mechanism have so much side to side wobble when pushed down it's basically unusable. I have tried four different units and all had the same issue. I changed the plunge unit one time and then contacted Milwaukee but they never responded me.

[@thomasnn]

Looka very nice. I have the milwaukee trim router which im really happy with. Whats the use case for a 1/2 inch router with a battery? Roofing? Outside construction work? I see little upside to the cordless feature if soing work indoors; Usually you will removing so much material that you need the vac hooked up anyways, and since a dust bag wouldnt work on a router like it does with a tracksaw, im not sure if cordless even solves a problem. For the trim router it makes more sense, since the vac hose can easily pull on the router since it is very light weight

[@henrypeisch5289]

It’s always nice to get a new toy. But you make the best argument for corded. Definitely a job site tool and not needed in the shop, IMO. The plastic dust port might have a few pieces of duct tape holding it together after a few uses. Some guys are more careful than others. But it’s nice to have a tool that you can drop on a subfloor and not worry about it. A corded tool requires less bending when placing on the floor unless you take your shop bench to the job site. But who does.

[@bpalm5411]

We use 1/2in routers in framing all the time. Routing out rough openings for windows and doors, as well as stairwells and such in the subfloor. The cord tends to always be in your pathway. This is an instant buy for me if I can be sure it has enough horsepower to get through subfloor.

[@cjsawinski]

How’s battery life? I know it will vary with different batteries… but how bout roughly with a 5amp/hr?

[@peternatoli2555]

Hi again Spencer. Further to my comment on the balance of the plunge base, may I ask for a report when using it for work on a leigh or other jig. Do you have a Leigh isolock setup? This is one of the main reason I want the device for. How easy is it to change directions in small ways whilst maintaining downward pressure, like on a metal jig? Many thanks.

[@peternatoli2555]

@@spencerlewis1. what does lucky winner mean Spencer.

[@williammaxwell1919]

With the clear plastic sawdust vacuum collar ~ opportunity for someone to 3D print an aftermarket collar designed to provide the same minimum dimension of the vacuum hose, with the throat cross-section area being the least only where it plugs into the vacuum hose? This would have to take into consideation that excessively increasing the mouth and throat area before this may coupling may reduce vacuum efficency.. It's not that hard to understand basic aerodynamics of vacuum hoses, but why is it so hard for manufacturers to take "opperational issues" into account when delivering a product to market?

[@ninedivines9655]

I know it is apples and oranges, but how does the Milwaukee compare to the Festool OF 1400 router in terms of precision?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

The edge guide from festool is more refined. Otherwise the basics are the same.

[@vw_mods_4711]

Just wondering about guide bushes what ones does it use please?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It is setup for any standard set of guide bushings.

[@vw_mods_4711]

@@InsiderCarpentry many thanks

[@rawstarfan]

Was just about to ask the same question. I was wondering if it was compatible with the bosch router bushings

[@Ibanezed210]

Do you have a router table, and if so, which model is it?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I have an Incra router table. I almost never use it.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

What I don't like about this, and the rest of Milwaukee's plunge bases is that their locks work the wrong way. With DeWalt, and Hitachi you freely plunge and lock when and where you want to.With Milwaukee and Bosch you need to push down the release lever all the time while plunging. This really matters if you use plunge routers like I do which is as drill presses. If you want to put a row of holes in a bookcase holding this lever down is a pain in the ass.

[@henrypeisch5289]

Maybe get yourself a drill press. You could then complain that it has glitches…when you try to use it as a router.

[@h2s142]

Except if you are using a track adapter for your router that wont work for your drill press

[@henrypeisch5289]

@@h2s142 humor.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

@@henrypeisch5289 I have a very nice Delta drill press. It's a pain in the ass to use when I'm trying to drill a row of holes on something 8 feet long. With a plunge router and a template it's effortless and super accurate.

[@henrypeisch5289]

@@satamanschmidt3428 well maybe I deserved it. A little voice said “don’t joke with shop guys”.

[@patattack1919]

Is it just me or once ya get to half inch you want the trigger on your handle? I really hope they do a full size router that ticks that box

[@histguy101]

The Hikoki cordless 2 1/4hp has the trigger on the handle. It's a necessity imo to have that control at your fingertip

[@mattmayes599]

Wonder why in the US it comes with a bag and outside the US it comes with a Packout container?

[@andrewacton5885]

I dont understand whats taken so long. I have the 36v metabo plunge router and its awesome! But its plunge only. Why is this the only other cordless 1/2" option?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

My guess is that midsize cordless routers don't have a huge market size.

[@dacyphaa]

I wish dewalt would hurry up and bring a 1/2 cordless out

[@WombleUK]

I been looking for a 1/2" cordless router & I am already heavily invested in Milwaukee M18 platform. But I want to get my hands on one of these to see how it feels as they have put the plunge base lever arse about base on the wrong side, literally every router I owned & that's a lot has the level on the right hand side so I think having it on the wrong side will drive me insane. Milwaukee keep doing stupid stuff like this, like with the stupid direction change button on the M12 assembly screwdriver instead of the direction change just above the trigger which EVERY drill/driver has.

[@sydneydalpe7818]

Hi, what is this kit part number?

[@uglyashelful]

Metabo HPT was out for a while

[@creedlake]

I just bought this router the other day I want to start doing signs now I’m thinking about buying that attachment. I don’t know if it’s worth it for what I’m going to use it for.

[@rawstarfan]

Hey did you buy it. What router bushings are compatible with it?

[@Simonfrios]

I never got why you Need a fixed base when you Have a plunge base that does the same thing, but better.

[@gekke.gein24]

With the fixed base you can handle it with just one hand

[@Simonfrios]

@@gekke.gein24 maybe with this router but not others. But honestly one handed use is not a good idea with any router bigger than palm sized.

[@TunaSoda]

I would rather have a lighter unit with a cord than to carry a large battery with the unit while routing, maybe that's just me lol or does it need to be portable so I can go route stuff in the woods somewhere? :)

[@histguy101]

Or just outside. A few weeks ago I made oak stair treads with a cordless plunge router, and did 1" tongue and groove and all the bull-nose outside. By the end of the day I was on my 2nd battery and knee deep in shavings, and I just blew them all away in seconds with a leaf blower. It saves time not worrying about dust collection and all the cleanup that would've caused indoors.

[@prototype3a]

Only two knobs being included is such a bean counter thing to do. I hate it.

[@davids8493]

I agree. It probably would cost them 8 cents a piece to include them.

[@aaronoconnor606]

Not the 1st hikoki/ metabo HPT has had one out for over 2 years

[@aaronoconnor606]

The nice thing about this one vs the metabo hpt. Is the rail guild adapter I have the corded version of that router a real like the hand strap and rubber overmolding

[@baraksinz2937]

He did say first from one of the major power tool companies.

[@aaronoconnor606]

​@@baraksinz2937are you trying to tell me Metabo HPT is not a major manufacturer? They are Hitachi been around longer then milwaukee they make good tools are more affordable then milwaukee and have lifetime warranty.

[@brandonbennett127]

"Really nice edge guide" should be said loosely

[@michaelv6873]

Can anyone recommend a very good 12” mitre saw blade for my dws779 in the $100 price range tyvm

[@henrypeisch5289]

Forrest in Clifton NJ had a promo if you are an Amazon prime member. Might be close to your budget with the discount. Not sure if it’s still going on and not sure of their current lead time however. If you get one, you will be happy with it.

[@michaelv6873]

Thank you, everything I’m seeing is currently $200-300 unfortunately, maybe I missed it idk, can u send a link tyvm

[@Icantball67]

I know what you mean about the small opening through which to try and suck saw dust. The little vacuum attachment that comes with the m18 jigsaw is USELESS! I’ll stop short of making the same judgement with this tool and vac setup as I haven’t used it or seen it in person.

[@bldrmtnman]

no amazon link?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Amazon doesn't sell very many Milwaukee products, especially newer releases.

[@bldrmtnman]

or any link where this router can be had. I've looked around, seems scarce...@@InsiderCarpentry

[@Ibanezed210]

If you were able to buy 2 for the price of one........Christmas is around the corner

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

I'd just pus some wing nuts on the base without locking screws.

[@coachwalrus3158]

When you heading in the new building

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Very soon. Just wrapping up this project then I can officially make the move.

[@justinrehms4530]

Not sure on price but guessing $400 ish. I am though disappointed in the locking lugs since I’m sure they’re 5 cents if that to make but yet couldn’t add an extra set for the plunge base even if it bumped the consumer price $5? When are tool companies ever going to actually listen to wood workers/ carpenters on anything? I’d say fire the QC person for not doing their job.

[@histguy101]

$600 if you want the plunge base. Additional $120 if you want the edge guide

[@rcbcarpentry2522]

Noticed the split edge guide messes up the last inch of the pass

[@troyqueen9503]

Needed a support piece, but for demonstration it worked.👍

[@InsiderCarpentry]

It was just a quick demonstration.

[@warrenthompson3896]

Milwankee we call it in Aussie 😂😂😂

[@vrva3138]

Whole kit it $690

[@nationsnumber1chump]

Craftsman router has had that for decades. Just not wireless

[@davids8493]

I agree. I have a Porter-Cable 19.2 volt set that I have had for a long time.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Like I said in the video, they didn't reinvent the wheel, they just made a good router design cordless.