DeWalt or Makita?

[Spectric]

BUT now i also want the small cordless 1/4" - cant justify yet

Yes I have that router in the 110 volt version and a big reason was that it can take 8mm shank cutters which are going to be more rigid than the 1/4 so although it cannot replace my big 1/2 inch Dewalt for some jobs it can do a lot of the other jobs and is just so much easier to handle, plus it has variable speed unlike my old Bosch 600. The one accessory I have purchased for it is the big base from Benchdogs and this gives it a bigger footprint so helps stability and a set of there guide bushes with the centralising mandrel.

 

[Sideways]

Looks good but how much depth of cut do you lose with that two layer base ?
It looks like far more than a single plate.

 

[Spectric]

but how much depth of cut do you lose with that two layer base

Because it is a fixed base router and not limited by the plunge depth then I have found I can compensate for any base thickness by just moving the router body lower and with the guide bushes it is much easier to centralise with there cone being the opposite way round, ie pushed into the bush and not pulled. This means you can just remove the router to change from the cone to your cutter much easier than the normal way round.

What you need to allow for in the overall cost are the router bits, you could just use your existing 1/4 cutters but I think that 8mm shanks will give that bit more in rigidity so a worthwhile investment and Wealdons do have a good range in 8mm shank.

 

[Bingy man]

I too changed from dewalt to Milwaukee and have no regrets. I’m happy with the performance of all the cordless I have apart from the circular saw ( 18 v ) which does seem to struggle especially with wet / damp fence panels . So as soon as there is a tool or deal on offer I’ll grab it - I now have 2 normal chargers and 2 fast chargers. Several of my drills etc came with 2 batteries and I have purchased a couple of spares so should I buy a bare tool there are plenty of batteries to go round .. I don’t think there is much between the likes of bosch, makita , dewalt and milwaukee and even hilti . The weight and balance is also important as using a heavy drill above your shoulders all day is hard going ..

 

[mg123]

Its an age old question that a lot of people get hung up on.
Personally I'm with (and have a bias for) Makita. But if you're set on dewalt or makita, you can't go wrong with either, check the current offers, decide what you really need/want and go for it.

Makita seem to have the largest range from the big players, which is what swung me that way.
They also do the "best" multi tool with their Starlock dtm52z. They're more expensive for the blades due to the fitting (I'm still weighing up this item myself), but the reviews are highly positive.

I'd also consider Bosch and Milwaukee as they both come highly recommended

 

[Bingy man]

I too changed from dewalt to Milwaukee and have no regrets. I’m happy with the performance of all the cordless I have apart from the circular saw ( 18 v ) which does seem to struggle especially with wet / damp fence panels . So as soon as there is a tool or deal on offer I’ll grab it - I now have 2 normal chargers and 2 fast chargers. Several of my drills etc came with 2 batteries and I have purchased a couple of spares so should I buy a bare tool there are plenty of batteries to go round .. I don’t think there is much between the likes of bosch, makita , dewalt and milwaukee and even hilti .