• Variable speed (8,000 - 24,000 rpm) 2-1/2 hp router

• Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load; soft start feature for smooth start-ups

• Rugged aluminum motor housing with small 3-1/4-inch diameter for easy handling; durable flat top design for stability when changing bits

• Includes 1/4 and 1/2-inch collets and 2 wrenches

• Tool is 8-3/4 inches tall and weighs 7.9 pounds; 1-year warranty

The 1101 has more HP (2-1/4 vs. 1-1/2) Has Variable speed, A much nicer locking mechanism (Lever lock vs. oversized wing nut). The motor will not fall out of the base when the locking lever is opened (vital for router table use) and is quiet making use anywhere nicer. Makita uses the same baseplate size and screw hole arrangement as the PC 690, so it fits all PC bases and router table inserts (They put user convience over their own egos here). It is very light for its size and with the narrow waist, can be used one handed.

Over all it shows what can be done to update a classic... even if the classic is from another company!

88 of 97 found the following review helpful:


WHAT A ROUTER!!!  Oct 31, 2000 By JAMES MILLS
I HAVE BEEN USING MY NEW MAKITA RF1101 FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW,OH MY GOODNESS WHAT A ROUTER. I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT ON THE FIRST JOB. I BUILD HIGH END CUSTOM FURNITURE IN MY SHOP IN LUBBOCK TEXAS AND I HAVE ALL MAKES AND TYPES OF ROUTERS INCLUDING THE MAKITA 3601C WHICH IS THE LITTLE D HANDLE ROUTER THAT SO MANY WOODWORKERS HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH, ANYWAY, THIS NEW MAKITA IS POWERFUL WITH A 2 1/4 HP MOTOR I RAN IT IN GOOD HARD MESQUITE AND IT NEVER LOST SPEED NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I WAS RUNNING IT ON. I ALSO TRIED IT ON SEVERAL OTHER JOBS WITH DIFERENT WOODS AND FOUND IT TO BE JUST AS GOOD. IF I COULD OWN JUST 1 ROUTER I KNOW IT WOULD BE THIS NEW MAKITA. ALSO I WENT AND BOUGHT THE MAKITA RD1101 D HANDLE VERSION. THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST 2 ROUTERS THAT I OWN. I OWN 9 ROUTERS BEFORE THESE 2 NEW MAKITA'S AND I FEEL THAT THE DUST WILL SETTLE ON THOSE 9. THIS IS THE FIRST ROUTER THAT I HAVE EVER FELT THIS WAY ABOUT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR FIRST ROUTER THIS IS IT. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR ANOTHER ROUTER BUY THIS ONE. I FEEL SURE THAT YOU WILL SOON AGREE WITH ME ABOUT THESE NEW ROUTERS FROM MAKITA

28 of 28 found the following review helpful:


Refreshing new tool  Jul 08, 2001 By Mike Hembree
As a cabinetmaker of 25 years, Porter cable routers have stood the test of being the best, until now! A Makita rep gave me a two week trial period with this new router to see if he could sway me away from Porter Cable.I went into the shop skeptical. From the first time I hit the start switch, I knew they had something different here. It was quiet, the soft start was fantastic, and it had tork. I put it through some vigorous tests and I was impressed. I dont know how much the variable speed would come into play for me, because on high speed it ran smooth and flawless. The router bit shaping the wood made more noise that the router motor. What a joy!

15 of 15 found the following review helpful:


Another excellent Makita product  Jul 06, 2001 By Michael B. Wilson
I've got both the rf and rd models, and they perform very well. The rf1101 is mounted in my router table, and performs flawlessly every time. One of the best features of this router is how easy and quick it is to change the height. It's as simple as loosening a buckle and rotating. There is also a fine adjustment lever. Not very loud. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:


I think I'm in love!  Jul 02, 2005 By J. England
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

See all 25 customer reviews on Amazon.com