Milwaukee continues to expand their M18 line with a new cordless M18 Fuel 1/2″ router. This cordless router goes beyond compact routers to provide similar power as larger mid-size 2.25 HP routers. Let’s check it out below.
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Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2″ Router – Features
As was mentioned at the outset, most of the cordless routers we have today are trim routers. They are valuable for their portability but if you wanted something with more power, you’d have to go corded. Of course, Metabo HPT was one of the first brands to come out with a cordless router with performance similar to a corded 2.25 HP router. Milwaukee is now following suit with their own mid-size router with 2.25 HP performance as well. They call it the M18 Fuel 1/2″ router.
I find it a little strange that they call it a 1/2 inch router. I’m not exactly sure why they called it that but it’s most likely due to the fact it can use 1/2″ shank router bits. Routers are usually called/described by their horsepower rating. But often times, the smaller trim routers may only accept 1/4″ shank bits. So that’s a possible reason why this model is named a 1/2″ router rather than by its HP rating.
Milwaukee does make it very clear that this model has the ability to generate 2.25 peak HP making it a cordless replacement for a mid-size corded router. This gives it the performance to do far more than a trim router can. It can generate between 12,000-25,000 RPM with variable speed dial. Milwaukee says this “battery powered router delivers the fastest routing speeds with less bog down under load for clean, precise cuts and more material removal per pass.”
As a baretool, this router comes with a fixed base as shown above. The fixed base has a “BODYGRIP” handle strap for easy one handed use.
There’s also an optional plunge base. This base is included if you get this router as a kit with HO XC6.0 ah battery.
A micro adjust dial is built into the body of the router for use with either base for easy micro adjustments.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2″ Router – Runtime
Milwaukee says this router can cut up to 225 linear feet of 5/8″ roundovers in pine per charge when used with a High Output XC 6.0 ah battery pack.
Other features include dual LED lights for better cut visibility and a spindle lock to change out bits.
There’s also an optional guide rail adaptor for use with Milwaukee’s guide rails for straight cuts.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2″ Router – Pricing & Availability
This new 1/2″ router will be available in September 2023. It is priced at $349 as a baretool and $599 as a kit. The kit comes with the router and fixed base, plunge base, HO 6.0ah battery, rapid charger, and tool bag.
M18 FUEL™ ½” Router Baretool (2838-20)
- Collet Sizes: ½”, ¼”
- Weight (tool-only): 8.8lbs
- Length (tool-only): 10.9”
- Height (tool-only): 10.5”
- Maximum Speed (RPM): 25,000
- Minimum Speed (RPM): 12,000
- Variable Speed: Yes
- Spindle Lock: Yes
- Fixed Base: Yes
- Dust Collection: Yes
- Dual LED Light: Yes
Kit (2838-21) Includes:
(1) M18 FUEL™ ½” Router (2838-20), (1) Fixed Base, (1) Plunge Base, (1) M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ XC6.0 Battery Pack, (1) M18™ & M12™ Rapid Charger, (1) Contractor Bag, (1) ½” Collet, (1) ¼” Collet, (1) Template Base, (1) Dust Shroud, (2) Spindle Wrench, (1) Edge Guide
Accessories (Available Separately):
- Plunge Base (48-10-2838)
- Guide Rail Adaptor (48-11-2838)
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