New Router..Milwaukee 5615-24?

[Scoly2803]

I've been waiting to buy a new 2.25hp router primarily for dovetails. Will Use it for tails and a Hitache 2.25 for pins. Should I just get this Mil. and be happy. 1.75hp seems like it would be plenty and I have both bases for the Hitache so it could be used for other purposes.
Have to use PC template guides with my dt jig so will the Milwaukee take the PC adapter?
Anything negative I should know about the 5615?
Thanks
Steve

[dbhost]

Just FWIW, I am not sure how to do it other than frequent checking of Amazon, but I know there are bots you can use to watch certain items and flag you when the price drops to, or below a certain point...

I have 2 Hitachi KM12VCs, I was watching for them to go below $130.00 when I got in on a lightning deal for $99.00...

The Milwaukee may be an excellent router, I do not know personally, but I CAN tell you I REALLY like having a pair of the same router. All the controls and everything are the same, exactly where I expect them to be etc... I have a B&D router as well that simply does not get used. If I had the $$ to do it again, I would grab another M12VC (the KM12VC missing the plunge base) and keep it dedicated to the router table.

[Mr__Bill]

The Milwaukee is a great router. Solid and reliable, easy to adjust the depth of cut and firmly locks in place. The body grip design actually makes one handed use a possibility and with the above table adjustment it's great in the router table. It comes with two real cast wrenches, variable speed and soft start (5616 only). It is by far the best router I have used.

The PC sub-base plate fits the router, 3 machine screws to hold it on. Milwaukee also makes a plate that has the hole for guide bushings.

The most interesting thing about the router is that it doesn't make a whiney sound when used, the pitch of the sound is noticeably lower and not so annoying.

I have the 2.25 hp router and have been thinking of getting the 1.75 hp for hand held use and leave the big one in the table.

There is a lot to be said for having all the routers the same brand, but some day you have to move up to the big boys and now is the time to make the switch. A few days ago there was a thread about using the right tool for the job. the Milwaukee is defiantly the right tool.

Bill,
I don't have a financial interest in Milwaukee other than what I have spent on their tools and I've never lived in Milwaukee, I'm just a fan of solid build tools.

[Mr__Bill]

Just FWIW, I am not sure how to do it other than frequent checking of Amazon, but I know there are bots you can use to watch certain items and flag you when the price drops to, or below a certain point...

Another way to do it is to put the items you lust for on your cart and then check it daily, the new pricing will be flagged. Only problem is it's only for the item in the cart and not all versions of the same item.


Bill.

[dbhost]

Another way to do it is to put the items you lust for on your cart and then check it daily, the new pricing will be flagged. Only problem is it's only for the item in the cart and not all versions of the same item.


Bill.

I've even been constantly checking Reconditioned Sales for the KM12VC, and M12VC, they haven't had recons on them in a year and a half. They should drop them as an item if they never have them...

[vaking]

The Milwaukee is a great router. Solid and reliable, easy to adjust the depth of cut and firmly locks in place. The body grip design actually makes one handed use a possibility and with the above table adjustment it's great in the router table. It comes with two real cast wrenches, variable speed and soft start. It is by far the best router I have used.

The PC sub-base plate fits the router, 3 machine screws to hold it on. Milwaukee also makes a plate that has the hole for guide bushings.

The most interesting thing about the router is that it doesn't make a whiney sound when used, the pitch of the sound is noticeably lower and not so annoying.

I have the 2.25 hp router and have been thinking of getting the 1.75 hp for hand held use and leave the big one in the table.

There is a lot to be said for having all the routers the same brand, but some day you have to move up to the big boys and now is the time to make the switch. A few days ago there was a thread about using the right tool for the job. the Milwaukee is defiantly the right tool.

Bill,
I don't have a financial interest in Milwaukee other than what I have spent on their tools and I've never lived in Milwaukee, I'm just a fan of solid build tools.

Now you got me confused.
This technical specification taken from Amazon seems to say that this is a single speed router.
Minimum RPM: 24000 Maximum RPM: 24000
You are saying it has a variable speed.
Can you please confirm it's variable or do you have a different model?
For table use variable speed is a deal breaker, although I don't know if 1.75 HP is enough for table use anyway.
Thanks,

[Knottscott]

Steve - I have both the MW5615-24 fixed/plunge kit, and the Hitachi M12VC fixed base. I also have the Freud FT1700 and MW5625 for table use.

The only draw back of the 5615 is that it's single speed. It's built like a tank and runs very strong for it's 11 amp rating. The HP ratings don't mean anything. The plunger is excellent. I sold my first 5615 to pay for the bigger 5625, and recently repurchased the 5615-24 combo kit because I missed having it around.

The M12VC was a steal on a refurb for $67 shipped. It's lighter and a bit quieter than the 5615, plus it has the variable speed. I don't think it's quite as ruggedly made as the MW, but I don't think the PC or Bosch are quite as rugged as the MW either...which is not to say that any of the others aren't well built. I sold my Bosch 1617 in favor of the Hitachi because it's lighter and was easier to use on dovetails.

It really boils down to what you like the feel of, what you want to do with it, and what features are most important to you. IMHO, you can't really go wrong with any mentioned in this thread so far.

[Mr__Bill]

Now you got me confused.
This technical specification taken from Amazon seems to say that this is a single speed router.
Minimum RPM: 24000 Maximum RPM: 24000
You are saying it has a variable speed.
Can you please confirm it's variable or do you have a different model?
For table use variable speed is a deal breaker, although I don't know if 1.75 HP is enough for table use anyway.
Thanks,

Apparently I was the one confused. I have the 5616 and it's variable speed I just extended that to all their routers. You and Knottscott are correct the 5615 is not a variable speed router. I have to assume then that it also does not have the soft start feature, something that I really like as it keeps the router from twisting in my hands and lets me work a bit longer before my wrists give out. That said, unless you have a need for the VS at $104 it's a steal, the plunge base alone is $90 and a collet is about $20.

Bill, living in a fog..

[Scoly2803]

Thanks for all the replies. May just jump on the Mil.
Have the 5625 in my table and have been very happy with it.
dbhost
I'm with you on the convenience of the same router but, like you I got my Hitache at a ridiculous low price. Have been watching for a recon at a deal and have been unable to find one.
Knottscott and MrBill
Thanks! Really nice to get feedback from owners. Single speed isn't really a concern at this time. Have a variable for hand held. Just want to be sure the 1 3/4hp would handle the dovetail duties without a problem. From what you say it has the power.
Thanks again.
Steve

[SARGE..g-47]

I have the Milwaukee 2 1/4 HP Combo Steve. I sold a DW 621 and a Bosch to get it and those aren't bad routers. I have been running a Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP 5625 for 7-8 years. So.. the Milwakees are all hosses IMO. The 1.75 without variable should be fine for DT's but.. if you are going to run big bits you need the 2 1/4 HP IMo with variable to slow it down. But you stated you had a 5625 I believe so you can run the bit bit with it. The 1.75 should be fine for your use.

[tseavoy]

My new MW 5615 came just today and I spent a couple hours playing with it. At first it seemed a little disappointing because I was so used to my old Sears router. Also it came mounted to the plunge base which took some time to figure out. After putting it into the fixed base, things got better.
I probably won't use the plunge base nor the 1/2" collet much for the work I do, but they are there.
The case is huge, so I just took the fixed base router out and put it on the shelf. The case and plunge base will be put in the loft to get it out of the way.
One feature for those using a router table is that the depth adjustment can be done from the top of the table using a 3/8" socket on an extension.
I'm sure it has plenty of power for me. It is a very solid tool.

Tom on Marrowstone