196094-2 Compact Router Plunge Base

If you want a plunge base for your Makita compact router, get this one, not the clones. Clones are bad, this is good. It is that simple. The more complex answer… this is well made and is put together with quality parts and tolerances. It will work well for plunge work. The fine adjustment it a clever bit of design that works well when you are trying to fine tune your depth. I know some people have indicated mixed opinions on it, but my experiences has been quite good. I think it comes down to experience with various designs and understanding the tolerances of cutting wood. It fit nicely on my router and adjusts well overall. The locking mechanism works well.

I’m just getting into electric/battery powered tools, so I’m new to this stuff. It has been a long time since I was in Jr high wood shop class trying to remembering how to use these things. But I think I have it down, well and especially with this new router base. It really makes using the router much easier and safer, compared to the base that my mini router came with. This new base allows me to plunge the router into the material without having to make any adjustments, just downward pressure. The old base that came with the router was not very easily adjusted. You had to loosen a clamp, set your depth and then retihgten the clamp, although accurate, it was not as simple as this new base. The new base’s depth adjustment screw is so easy to use, and also has three adjustments so you can gradually get down to your final depth in the material. The three adjustments make it easier, as you don’t have to do it all in one go, but can be gradual, so as not to overheat the router. All in all very impressed with this tool, as with most Mikita tools that I have so far. Just wish this came separate instructions so I wouldn’t have to guess on how something works if I lost the router’s instruction booklet.

Very good quality

Solid plunge base and makes your makita router more versatile. Base locks down tightly and the plunge is very smooth. Micro adjustments work and is smooth also. Very well built plunge base.

For the Makita mini router, there's no getting around having this. Some router bits are too big for the plunger that's included with the tool, which is ANNOYING, but understandable. Impressive precision, easy to use and still fits in the small tool bag I use to hold the tool and accessories.

I own several of these small routers for my home woodworking hobby shop. I have two Makitas (corded and cordless). Two Dewalt cordless and, the Bosch Colt corded. I have plunge bases for all three. So I feel I can be objective in my critiquing this plunge base. I purchased this plunge base to go along with the recently purchased XTR01Z 18v cordless Makita router. I got the plunge base on sale for about $15.00 less than Amazon's usual price (Usually $80.00). I got the router with the special deal here on Amazon where you get the tool free with purchase of the battery/charger starter kit. Right off the bat, I had to return the first plunge base, Amazon was great, exchanged it for a second base. More on why I exchanged in the Cons section of my review. Pros The router fits well in the plunge base. Doesn't feel as if it will shift or move, during plunge actions. Fairly easy to use, lightweight, not bulky or awkward. Fairly smooth plunge action. Interchangeable between the cordless and corded models. The depth rod has a macro adjust push button feature-easy to use. It has a micro adjust knob, which is easily accessible, and a great feature to dial in your depth of routing. Cons Plunge lock on the first base purchased was not smooth at all, and would not hold. Several times while testing it, the plunged base would pop back up on its own, unless you really cranked down hard on the locking mechanism. (Had to use TWO hands). Then that made releasing the lock extremely difficult. Second base was much better, no accidental plunge release as of yet. The body of the cordless router goes into the plunge base with the battery perpendicular to the front/back of the base, meaning the bottom of the battery interferes with the micro adjust knob at the top of the depth rod. This doesn't apply to the corded model. It is an inconvenience, yet can be worked around, but it is most definitely a hassle. I have seen on YouTube some models where the router body battery is in line with the base, removing this issue. I just couldn't seem to find if that is the kit model, only sold in Europe, an older version of the base, or what have you. So be aware of this-as there may be different versions. Makita sells an adapter which can be attached to the plunge base. This is so a Porter Cable style guide bushing can be used for pattern routing, dovetail routing in a dovetail guide, etc. It is an add on feature which runs around $20.00, imho, this should be included. Get yourself a full set here on Amazon which includes the adapter, the guide bushings, and lock rings, for about the same price. Lastly, there are three depth stop turrents, set at preset distances, with screws to micro adjust those preset depths. Those are a great feature to have. However, there is no bottoming out flat spot to zero out the router bit. My Bosch and Dewalt plunge bases do have that. In conclusion, love the router, so far. Like, but don't love the plunge base. I would purchase it again, as I like the ability to have plunge action with the cordless router. Hope this helps.

This Makita plunge base fit their XTR01 18v portable router perfectly. Previously had tried the lower cost knockoff (KIMGU) and discovered that it would not house the Makita router into the opening due to not accommodating the orientation pin properly. In this case the authentic Makita plunge base was the best solution.

Best thing I have purchased for my router, it increases stability and accuracy. Really good build quality, and the straight sides work great to reference against jigs and guides.