Maktec??

I don't use a router much but I do need one. My old router is beginning to give up the ghost and it's time to consider its retirement.
Has anyone been a user of Maktec? Have they been reliable? Are they just living on the Makita name?
Jim

The Maktec stuff is simply a low cost version of the equivalent Makita.....design is essentially the same but assembly is cheaper in China....and so are some of the components. Personally, I'd risk it.

There was Maktec routers on e bay a while back, they started at $190 buy it now and dropped to $170 buy it now,last time i looked they are back to $190.have a look on ebay don't know about the warranty if any offered..
:)Lloyd.

hi jim, maktec is owned by makita.
makita started to design and manufacture the maktec products because they could see a gap in the diy market.
it was a deliberate business strategy designed to take advantage of a market that gmc and ryobi had a strong hold on.

i have used other peoples maktec products onsite, including their routers, and they do the job ok.
they are certainly not the same build quality as a makita product, but they are close enough.

i would consider them a throw away item, but if you look after them and dont use them much, i am sure you would get years of use out of them.

but when it comes to routing, you really need a decent precision machine, i would highly recommend a makita, dewalt or hitachi router.

again, its different strokes for different folks, everybody has different priorities, so good routing and good luck!

regards, justin.

We have a Maktec trimmer at work, gets about 3 hours use a day for the last 2 years. Still going strong.

Cheers Scott

It's my understanding that the components used in the
Maktec range are the same as the Makita, assembled in the
same factories. They are basically recycling the old body moulds
thus saving the consumer the cost of the new model body designs.
At least that's the speil i got from my man at the local (independant)
powertool store. Assuming that's the truth then the Maktec range
or components thereof ,could be made in china, japan or america
if they are just being assembled in china they offer pretty good
value for money. I have one maktec, a belt sander, haven't had it
long but it's a beaut.

happy days
col.

Thanks for your input. Appreciate it, now I just have to try not to make the wallet hurt too much.
Jim

I have both the MT360 - 12.7mm Plunge Router and MT370 - 6.35mm Laminate Trimmer and they are used regularly. I am very happy with both.

I have 2 mt360 routers - one been altered to fit in a bench with above table adjustment, and the other is for hand held use. love them heeps of power, easy to use

I'm surprised how positive the feedback is. Thanks again.
Jim

Picked up a maktec today. Paid $220 less a few cents which I thought was worth it as I will have someone to shout at should it be necessary. Time will now tell.
Thanks for all the input especially Justin's detailed analysis. Couldn't afford to go the more expensive route though. (didn't intend a pun there)
Jim