Makita RT0700CX2 vs. Bosch GKF600

[Jelly]

Basically I want a router specifically for inlay work; I'm quite happy using hand tools for nearly every task, but for the price of the specialised hand-tools for making detailed inlay, I'm thinking that a palm router/laminate trimmer may well be more economical as well as easier.

I've had good experiences with (blue) Bosch and Makita tools at work, so I don't really have a brand preference; The Selling point of the Makita is the variety of bases available which would make more veratile in terms of the work i could do... The selling point of the Bosch is that screwfix sell them for under £100; making the makita over twice as much.

To muddy the waters, I could purchase the basic Makita for pretty much the same price as the Bosch; with the option to get the extra bases later if I found the need for them. Equally, the Bosch appears to share a form-factor with the US-Market Colt, making me think that it would be compatable with the Plunge Base add-on for the Colt.

Finally, will I actually need a plunge base or would starting the cutter and rocking the router down into the workpiece be an appropriate way to circumvent the need for a plunge base?

 

[eribaMotters]

I bought a Bosch nearly a year ago. I have an old variable speed Elu 177E in a router table for heavy work and a DeWalt 1'4 fixed speed for lighter bench work. I wanted a small single handed unit for removing arras edges and running light pencil beads. The Bosch does these light jobs very nicely. I also turned out one of the many [I'll never use them all] bases and set in an old bush from an early Elu 96. With this set up it is nice for cutting in hinges with the aid of simple home made jigs. Only thing thats a bit of a pain is getting used to the rise and fall of the motor unit in the body.
I do not think you would be disappointed if you bought one, but cannot comment on a comparison with the Makita. In the photos I have seen of this it does appear to be a more substantial piece of kit, but is this a good thing when considering what you are buying it to do?

Colin

 

[Jelly]

I thought long and hard about the extra functionality, and decided to go Makita... then went to look at them after work, picked up the Bosch and fell in love with it; just fitted nicely in my hand and is very nimble which is exactly what I require of it really.

Realising that next friday is payday, and I'm not skint yet... I bought it there and then.

I've been doodling (for want of a better word) in offcuts with a 3mm bit for at least half an hour, I'm wondering if it could take a burr from a die grinder for even finer cuts...

I think I'll have to fabricate something that attaches to the guide mounting and holds a little pen torch pointing at the bit, for even illumination working to a line.

 

[Jelly]

Ok, a few hours (not constantly) of playing about in and the collet failed, with sparks and the bit embedded in my benchtop... I'll be going in asking for at the very least a replacment collet tomorrow; I ordered a replacement just in case, but it won't be here for a week or so.

Oh well, I'll chalk that one up to bad luck.

 

[chippy1970]

Only just spotted this thread, I bought the Makita a while back just needed a small router for door hinges etc, rather than leaving my festool laying around on site. I didn't expect much for £99 but its really good quality. The motor sounds really nice , smooth start and not too noisy. Used it to trim some shelf edging the other day and it was great, nice and easy to use with one hand.

 

[Jelly]

I bumped into the area manager for makita recently at a special demo event run by a local builders merchant, and spent about 15 mins playing with their offering... It's a much more versitile little tool, and well worth the money (i very nearly bought one at cost+10% there and then) but for my specific purpose, there's really nothing in it between the makita and the bosch...

If I was using powertools more frequently, I'd definately plump for the makita, it's versitility far outweighs the extra weight.

 

[mickthetree]

I do like the feel of the Bosch, but the Makita is a solid little machine too. I think the £100 offer at screwfix is for the router alone isnt it? IE doesnt come with all the various bases available?

Did you get your collet sorted?

 

[Jelly]

I do like the feel of the Bosch, but the Makita is a solid little machine too. I think the £100 offer at screwfix is for the router alone isnt it? IE doesnt come with all the various bases available?

Did you get your collet sorted?

Yeah, screwfix replaced the whole unit; and now I have a little bag with some spare collets in which should see out the life of the tool.

The £99 deal is just for the motor unit, fixed base, and some fences and guides.