Makita 195559-1 Dust Extracting Attachment, Routers

I’ve made my share of freehand passes with a compact router only to watch a fine cloud of MDF dust coat everything within reach. After one too many cleanup sessions, I added Makita’s dust attachment for their 1-1/4 HP compact routers to my kit. It’s a simple molded piece that bolts to the fixed base and gives you a small port for a vacuum hose. It does exactly what it sets out to do: capture the mess at the source well enough that routing becomes far cleaner, safer, and more pleasant.

Setup and compatibility

I used the attachment on two routers in my shop: a corded RT0701C and the cordless XTR01. Installation is straightforward. The shroud aligns with the fixed base and secures with a single machine screw. There’s no fussing with plates or adapters on the router side, and it doesn’t require removing the factory sub-base. The install took me all of two minutes the first time and less than a minute once I knew the orientation.

It’s designed for Makita’s compact fixed base. If you’re running a plunge base, expect to use a different solution; this one doesn’t carry over. With the fixed base, I didn’t run into clearance issues with standard straightedge setups. If you use specialty jigs that occupy the same mounting point, you’ll want to check compatibility, but in typical edge routing and dado work, there’s nothing in the way.

Dust collection performance

How well it works depends on your vacuum and your cut, but the attachment noticeably reduces airborne dust and chips across common tasks. I evaluated three scenarios:

• Edge profiles (round-overs, chamfers): On edge passes, the attachment captures the majority of fines and a good portion of chips. With a lightweight hose and decent suction, I ended most passes with only a small trail of chips near the workpiece. The big win is the reduction of airborne dust that would otherwise end up in your lungs or on every surface in the shop.

• Grooves and dados in sheet goods: This is where the shroud shines. Routing 1/4" and 3/8" grooves in MDF and plywood, chip evacuation was efficient, and the work area stayed visible without constant pausing to clear debris. MDF will always challenge any dust collection, but with this setup, the fine dust stayed largely contained.

• Mortising and deeper passes: On deeper cuts, especially with wider bits, more chips escape—no surprise there. Taking multiple light passes improved collection, and orienting the exhaust port to favor the vacuum helped as well. You won’t get table-saw-level capture, but it’s a meaningful improvement over running bare.

One practical observation: pairing the attachment with a small-diameter hose (rather than a 2-1/2" shop-vac hose) made the biggest difference in real-world usability. Less hose weight means smoother, safer passes and better seal at the port.

Hose and port considerations

The port is on the small side—appropriate for compact routers—so plan for adapters. If your shop vacuum uses a 2-1/2" hose, you’ll need a step-down coupler or a short length of smaller hose to bridge the gap. I had the best results using a lightweight 1–1/4" or 27 mm hose with a rubber cuff. Friction-fit adapters work, but adding a wrap of tape or a clamp can prevent accidental disconnections when the hose snags.

If you want to minimize drag, a few options help:
- Use a short, flexible hose section at the tool end, then connect to your main hose.
- Suspend the hose overhead or off a boom arm to take weight off the router.
- Keep the hose length reasonable; long runs reduce suction.

Because the port size isn’t marked on the attachment, it’s worth measuring yours and matching an adapter before your first job. Once you’ve got the right fit, the setup becomes grab-and-go.

Build quality and durability

The attachment is a single molded piece of durable plastic. It’s not brittle, and it has enough give to survive the occasional bump without cracking. After a stretch of use—routing MDF, pine, and birch ply—it shows minimal wear. The finish on my units remained smooth, which keeps chips from hanging up inside the chute.

The part secures with one screw, and that simplicity is welcome. However, a single fastener can loosen over time. I noticed the screw backing off slightly after a couple of long sessions. A small drop of blue threadlocker solved it. If you prefer a hardware fix, a machine screw with a nylon-insert nut (where applicable) keeps things put without cranking down excessively.

Limitations and quirks

• It’s designed for Makita’s compact fixed base. If your workflow relies on the plunge base, you’ll want a different accessory.
• The port size isn’t labeled, which makes adapter selection a small guessing game the first time around. Have a universal rubber adapter handy and you’ll be fine.
• A heavy, stiff shop-vac hose can make the router feel awkward. The attachment can’t fix hose ergonomics; you’ll get the most out of it with a lighter, more flexible hose.
• On aggressive cuts with wide bits, some chips will still escape. That’s the nature of handheld routing. Multiple lighter passes will improve capture.

None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re good to understand before you set expectations.

Best uses and practical tips

Where this attachment has earned its keep for me:
- MDF shelving grooves and dados, where fine dust control matters most.
- Edge profiles on assembled cases, where cleanup time quickly adds up.
- On-site installs with the cordless router, keeping client spaces cleaner.

A few tips that improved results:
- Take lighter passes. Suction keeps up better, and visibility stays higher.
- Orient the port so the hose routes naturally away from your body and the workpiece edge.
- Pair your vac with a bag or pre-separator to maintain airflow and avoid filter clogging during long routing sessions.
- Check the mounting screw periodically. A quick snug prevents vibration from loosening it.

Value

Makita’s compact routers don’t include this attachment out of the box, which is a shame, because the accessory adds real day-to-day utility for a relatively small cost. The part isn’t flashy, but it’s purpose-built, fits properly, and saves time on cleanup while improving safety. In a field full of universal add-ons that kind of-sorta fit, having a dedicated, well-fitting option is worth it.

Recommendation

I recommend Makita’s dust attachment for anyone using their 1-1/4 HP compact router with the fixed base, especially if you work with MDF or do frequent groove/dado work in sheet goods. It installs quickly, fits securely, and—paired with a reasonably strong vacuum and a lightweight hose—captures a substantial share of dust and chips right at the source. Expect to sort out an adapter for your hose and budget a drop of threadlocker for the mounting screw. Beyond those minor setup chores, it’s a simple, effective upgrade that makes handheld routing cleaner and more comfortable without getting in the way.