Difference between DeWalt DW618PK and Makita RT0701C Compact Routers
A compact router is one of the most crucial tools when it comes to woodwork. You can use them to conceal joints as well as straighten crooked edges on lumber. Not only that, but you can also use these versatile woodworking tools to make all sorts of dados and mortices, among others in wood.
When it comes to making the right choice, it can often be challenging to choose from various quality products. DeWalt and Makita are two leading brand names when it comes to quality compact routers.
For DeWalt, we look at their famous DW618PK router, and for Makita, we examine their RT0701C router. When it comes to which one is better than the other, we need to delve deeper into their specifications, features, performance, and power consumption details.
Following is a comparison between DeWalt DW616PK and Makita RT0701C.
Differences between DW618PK and RT0701C
1. Motor Power
DW616PK
DeWalt DW618PK is not a weak tool. Hence its motor is as powerful as you can imagine for a device that handy. The 1.75 HP motor gives out 11Amps and 120 V, making it one of the ideal power tools in your toolbox. The motor specifications are not too strong so that the material in your hand is damaged by it, nor too weak that you cannot perform heavy-duty routing on any wood material. Due to its powerful motor, you can even use it for small metal cutting work as well as milling.
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RT0701C
Mikita RT0701C comes with a 120 V 6.4 Amps motor that rates at 1.25 HP. You can use the tool for boreholes, small jobs, and cut both hardwood and softwood.
The motor gets the job done, but it is not one of the powerful motors for routers out there. We can see that DW618Pk has a better amp-output as well as a good HP rating. An essential and unique feature of this motor is a soft start system, unlike DeWalt compact routers.
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This feature allows a small amount of torque to reach the router bit, and it gradually increases until you achieve the set speed. It makes the router safer to use, and it prevents damage to the substrate material.
2. Speed
DW618PK
DeWalt DW618PK has a single speed setting of 24,000 RPM. Even though there are no options to change the tool head’s speed, you can easily use it to trim and edge even the roughest of materials. Because of how it is designed to operate at a fixed rate, you can use various bits to work on multiple wood projects that require specific bits of different sizes: small to large.
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RT0701C
Mikita RT0701C comes with a variation in the speed range, i.e., it ranges from 10,000 RPM to 30,000 RPM. This speed range helps the user use it for various surfaces and materials, depending on their durability.
3. Ergonomics
DW618PK
DeWalt DW618PK came with rubber-molded handles and angled closer to the base control point. They dampen the unit’s vibration to a certain degree, and they also prevent your hands from slipping while routing. Its Lexan sub-base provides clear bit visibility, and it can work with standard template guide bushings.
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The router is corded, so it comes with an 8-foot cord set that offers better maneuverability. The cord set has a switch to switch from left to right or vice versa easily. The flat-top also increases the ease of bit and depth changes. The tool comes with a DW6184 fixed base, DW6182 plunge base, ¼-inch and 1/2 -inch collets, two wrenches, and a heavy-duty kit box for easy transport and storage.
RT0701C
Makita RT0701C has a clear base with an aluminum motor housing that effectively makes the tool lightweight and helps heat dissipation. The clear base supports handheld routing where you need to see the bit at all times for precision and quality work. The overall design is ergonomic and slim, and it fits nicely in hand. Using it for an extensive amount of time does not cause fatigue.
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4. Accuracy and Precision
DW618PK
DW618PK has features specifically built-in that make the router the best option with great accuracy and high precision. The unit comes with a sub-base concentricity gauge that secures bits to cut against the material accurately. The precision machines brass bushings and case-hardened steel guide tod’s help the user route better and even plunge them.
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DeWalt has placed an easy-to-adjust depth of the unit. The plunge base has a micro-fine depth adjustment of 5/128-inches per turn to provide precise and smooth routing. It is perfect to use on veneers and inlays.
RT0701C
RT0701C is engineered for precision, and it includes a smooth rack-and-pinion fine-depth adjustment system. It also comes with a quick-release cam lock system designed for easy depth adjustments and base removal or installation.
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You can also customize the model’s depth to any setting, and it does not limit the work to any preset depths. Its rubber grip is helpful to hold it better while working with it. The materials used to make the tool include aluminum, metal alloy, and pure copper, which are excellent choices to reduce dust and friction. The RT0701C uses ¼-inches shank router bits.
Conclusion
When it comes to DW618PK, the router has quick-release motor latches to remove the motor quickly. You can also easily replace bits and bases. The tool also comes with a through-the-column dust collection feature to capture about 95% of dust to enhance bit visibility while working.
RT0701C has a plunge depth of 0-35 mm, which allows the users to plunge at multiple levels. The crafting level done with this tool is exceptional, and it is one reason people recommend this product. It is affordable, and it does not compromise functionality. The router has double insulation, which protects the parts for longevity and safety.
While on some levels, DeWalt has better features and functionality, on the other hand, Mikita products are better in some additional features. The most common differential point between the two routers is the motor power and speed.
These two points should be the deciding factor for you: if you want to buy a pricier product but gives you a better finish, you can choose the DW616PK tool kit. Otherwise, if you go for the ergonomic, affordable option with multiple speed options, you can select the RT0701C router.