The members that have them, like them but they are few in number compared to other brands. That may be because of price. I don't see deals on Milwaukees as much as other brands. We've seen very few complaints about then over the 5 years I've been here,in fact, almost zero. The one complaint I can remember was one or two members who stripped the little nylon gear that can raise or lower the router when mounted in a table that is available in at least one model. That may have issue because the owners may not have used the tool properly too.

You could check Elaire Co. to see if they offer separate collets in those sizes, and there is one more company that I can't remember the name of but someone else might.Otherwise you'll have to buy reducer bushings. About $4 each at Rockler.

 

Scott, the Milwaukee 5625-20 router has lots of good features: plenty of power, comfortable handles and easy height adjustments. Everybody liked it during the 3+ hp router comparison testing. On the down side there is no dust collection available (that is a big problem) and the rubber strip designed to keep dust out of the through the table adjustment hole trapped the adjusting tool so the mounting plate had to be removed to free the tool. (simple fix - remove the rubber strip)

The handles are easy to remove for table mounted operation. The 5625-20 uses the PC 7518 mounting pattern so many plates are available that are pre drilled. You do have to drill the hole for the through the table adjuster. The routers collet takes 1/2" shanks so you must use reducer bushings for other shank sizes.

Moderator BrianS owns the 5625-20 used in the testing and I am sure he will weigh in with additional comments.

 

Welcome to the forum Steve . I'd compromise on the power a little and buy a Bosch 1617.

I really like a router that has dust collection , as do many here

 

why the 1/8''collet... what bits have 1/8'' shanks other than burrs...
that 1/8'' collet you are wanting to put in that router could be done only by finding a 1/4 x 1/8'' reducing collet...
and that would be very dangerous because of flying broken bits... often...
go w/ a palm router and a reducing collet instead if you really must.....

the 1/4'' collet.. it comes w/ one...


Specifications
Weight 11.8 lbs
Voltage 120V AC
Tool Warranty 5 Years
Cord Type 8' Fixed
Electronic Feedback Yes
No Load RPM 10,000-22,000
Amps 15
Construction Type Double Insulated
Max HP 3.5
Base 7 Inch Fixed 2 Handle
Depth Adjustment 1-21/32"
Collet Diameter 1/4"-1/2"
Dial Speed Control Yes
Height 9-1/4"

 

Hey Scott, welcome to the community..

I've got the big Milwaukee in my table. Have had it there since I bought it. I can't speak to its use as a hand held router, but I can tell you as a table mounted router, its one hell of a fine router. In the 6 years I've had mine, I've never had a problem of any kind. Always plenty of power, even on hard maple and hickory. Always a nice clean cut, but thats more the bits than the router. Noise is marginal as is heat buildup. Collets are of an excellent design. I have never had a problem getting a bit in or out of either the 1/2 or 1/4 in collets. I do routinely blow em clean. If she were to crap out on me tomorrow, I would not hesitate getting another exactly like it.

I"d take sticks advise on the 1/8" bits depending on what you may have in mind for their use....

 

Hi Scott. Welcome to our little corner of the 'net.

It is a really great router, and I'm sure you won't regret purchasing it. The only drawback, as was mentioned, was no dust collection. Not a big deal for me as I wear a dust mask whenever I use it anyway.

 

Welcome to the forum Scott.

 

G'day Scott. Welcome to the forum.

Good advice above....

 

I'd also check out the Triton TRA001. Same HP. design keeps dust out. I am older and don't want to hoist such a big tool around for freehand work, the Bosch 1617 or a Colt is good for that. Bosch does great dust collection-lots of options available. But Milwaukee seems to be pretty well built. My nickel's worth.

 

Welcome Scott, I had one in my old Rockler router table and loved it. I had the fixed base model and it is set up for table mounting and adjusting the height from the top. I had to drill a hole for the adjustment wrench,(hex style), and had to buy an aftermarket wrench. It has plenty of power, never failed and did a good job.

Herb