Firstly I am a builder not a backyarder so I know my tools.
This is the second Makita Router I have bought.
They were a good router which needed a new fence design which is dated and inaccurate.
I replaced the first one because the base broke at the point where the fence slide is secured to the base plate.
The fence rod then pushes the plastic base and makes the bottom of the base uneven and you can never tighten the fence rods properly.
This causes the fence to slip which ruins whatever you are routing.

So Makita brings out a new model...Read more

When it comes to a plunge router, more is more - power that is. You can get away with less than 1HP for regular drills, grinders, planers, etc, but for a router to work well without burning the material or itself, 1800W is a nice power rating.
I love this router; it's big, heavy and very stable, and it cuts very well. It's Makita "professional" grade so the build quality is also very good. All the features - height adjustment, height lock, switch, etc - work well and reliably. The plunge action is very smooth and well balanced with the router ...Read more