Milwaukee Compact Router

Navigating the world of compact routers, I recently had the opportunity to put the Milwaukee Compact Router (model 2723-20) through its paces. As a seasoned woodworker, I’ve used my fair share of routers, both corded and cordless, and I was eager to see how this tool would stack up. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

First and foremost, the Milwaukee Compact Router is powered by a brushless motor, delivering up to 31,000 RPM. This is a significant feature for a cordless tool, as it brings performance close to what you’d typically expect from a corded counterpart. The tool’s variable speed control, ranging from 10,000 to 31,000 RPM, allows for precise adjustments based on the material and bit being used, ensuring optimal performance and finish quality.

One of the key advantages of this router is its cordless nature. Not having a cord to wrestle with provides a level of freedom that cannot be overstated. It's incredibly liberating to move around a piece of work without tripping over cords or dealing with snagged cables. The compact size and lightweight design, at just 2.95 pounds, make it easy to maneuver even in tight spaces. This router fits comfortably in one hand, allowing for greater control and precision, which is particularly beneficial for detailed work.

The router's build quality is another highlight. Milwaukee has a reputation for durable and reliable tools, and this compact router is no exception. The unit feels solid and well-constructed, with a robust housing that should withstand the rigors of job site use. The LED lights integrated into the base are a thoughtful addition, providing excellent visibility of the work area, which is especially useful in dimly lit environments.

Adjusting the depth on this router is straightforward, thanks to the micro-adjust dial and macro-adjust button. The micro-adjust dial allows for precise depth settings, while the macro-adjust button facilitates quick, rough adjustments. This dual adjustment system ensures that you can get the router set up exactly how you need it without a lot of hassle. However, I did notice that the depth lock knob could be a bit more user-friendly. It requires a bit of finesse to ensure it stays locked, which might be a minor inconvenience during extended use.

Dust collection is often an overlooked feature in many tools, but Milwaukee has included a dust collection attachment with this router. While the attachment works well and fits snugly, it's held in place by a single thumb screw. This design could be improved as it feels somewhat insecure and has the potential to come loose during operation. Despite this, the dust collection system does a commendable job of keeping the work area clean, which is always a plus.

In terms of power, the Milwaukee Compact Router doesn’t fall short. Whether I was making grooves in hardwood flooring or performing intricate trim work, the router maintained its performance without bogging down. The torque is impressive, making it suitable for a variety of applications. I even tackled some heavy-duty tasks, such as creating 1/2" round overs and rabbet cuts in maple, and the router handled them with ease.

One minor issue I encountered was with the edge guide. While it’s functional, it feels a bit flimsy and requires constant attention to ensure it doesn’t detach during use. This could be a point of frustration, especially when trying to achieve consistent, accurate cuts. Additionally, the edge guide cannot be used simultaneously with the larger sub-base, necessitating frequent swapping between the two, which can be a nuisance.

Battery life is always a concern with cordless tools, but the Milwaukee Compact Router performed admirably in this regard. Using a 5.0 AH battery, I found that the router provided ample runtime for most tasks. However, the unit does become a bit top-heavy with the larger battery, which can affect balance and control, particularly during one-handed operation.

One of the standout features of this router is its ease of use. The tool is intuitive, with controls that are easy to understand and operate. Bit changes are quick and hassle-free, thanks to the well-designed collet and spindle lock system. The tool includes two wrenches for this purpose, making the process smooth and efficient.

On a more critical note, I did experience some issues with the router's depth holding mechanism. There were instances where the depth adjustment slipped slightly during operation, which can be problematic for precision work. Tightening the tensioning screw helped, but it also made the adjustment lever more difficult to operate. This is an area where Milwaukee could improve the design to ensure more reliable depth settings.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Compact Router is a powerful, versatile, and well-built tool that offers the convenience of cordless operation without sacrificing performance. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the dust collection attachment and edge guide design, these are outweighed by its many strengths. The tool's power, ease of use, and thoughtful features make it a valuable addition to any woodworker's toolkit.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Compact Router? Absolutely. Its performance, coupled with the freedom of cordless operation, makes it an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. If you’re already invested in the Milwaukee M18 battery system, this router is a no-brainer. Even if you’re not, the benefits it offers in terms of power, precision, and convenience make it well worth considering.