Advice needed - Makita 3601B or Makita Green M363

Hello! I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I am about to purchase my first ever router and need some advice. I am in the Philippines and the tool selection here is sparse. The only routers I have found are the Makita 3601B and Makita Weekender/green M363. One is a D-Handle and the other is a plunge type and both are 1/2". Which is the better all around router? The price for these are roughly the same. Which would be the best value for the price (roughly 12 thousand pesos or about $240 US)

Thanks to all for your help and look forward to being a part of the gang!

Welcome to the forum BK.

What do you want to use the router for?

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Originally Posted by rsser

Welcome to the forum BK.

What do you want to use the router for?

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I will have to learn what all a router is capable of. I am a novice with wood but have built a few decks, a couple of smaller storage sheds and a pergola. Right now shaping edges and possibly adding pickup and tremolo cavities for my guitars would probably be where I would start but beings I have quite a bit of free time on my hands I will probably take it much further than that.

Beings I live in the Philippines and wood working equipment is not readily found I want to insure that I get the best all around router. Thanks!

well I'm no expert ... if you will do work requiring removal of stock starting within a surface you should go for a plunge router. Otherwise a fixed router might be better: more stable and better for table mounting.

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Originally Posted by BIGKAHUNA

Hello! I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I am about to purchase my first ever router and need some advice. I am in the Philippines and the tool selection here is sparse. The only routers I have found are the Makita 3601B and Makita Weekender/green M363. One is a D-Handle and the other is a plunge type and both are 1/2". Which is the better all around router? The price for these are roughly the same. Which would be the best value for the price (roughly 12 thousand pesos or about $240 US)

Thanks to all for your help and look forward to being a part of the gang!

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IMHO the plunge router is the best bet it can be used also in the router table.

Remember there is more that can be achieved with the router in the hand -held mode with the aid of the template guides.
Take a look on You Tube under Routing With Tom O'Donnell to find a collection of videos on routing with the aid of Template guides
Tom

Thanks guys for the input! Do you know anything about the Makita (Green) M363 Plung router? The 3601B has wonderful reviews but I cant find anything on the M363.

I haven't seen reviews of that model, but labels vary by market.

Can you post a pic?

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Originally Posted by rsser

I haven't seen reviews of that model, but labels vary by market.

Can you post a pic?

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I will as soon as I can. Thanks for the help!

I'm looking at the M363 (green 'Weekender') router too - trying to decide if it will suit my needs - which sound similar to yours. Sounds like the 'green' coloured Makitas are for DIY, and the blue for trade users - is that accurate?

Here's a link to the M363 that I'm looking at - any expert opinion on this would be appreciated!

PowerTool Shop: Makita M363 Router 1/2" [M363 weekender]

Matthew

Matt,

As our original poster will have found out by now, these two routers are poles apart but each has it's own use. In his first post he mentioned both shaping edges and creating cavities, two very different tasks. Overall, dare I say it (it hurts but I must) the plunge router will be more useful for him overall and, without knowing your own needs, probably you too. Search for Makita 3601B routers in here and you will see what I mean; they are a workhorse for edge moulding. Plunge routing requires a plunge router.

I'm more likely to use the router for creating joints (lap, finger, dovetail, mortise as well as rabbets for shelves etc) - probably not so much edge shaping work. I like the idea of creating 'v' channels into which I can glue an inlay band). A plunge router of 1650W with a 1/2" capacity should be adequate for that shouldn't it? It'll only get hobby use, and mainly with softer woods like kauri - although will do some rimu and matai - although I think they're still classed as soft when compared to Australian hardwoods!

There will be others on here way more experienced than I to give advice but it sounds like a plunger is the way to go. With one proviso; get a good one. My own experience tells me there are different levels of duty in the blue Makita range. I would choose trade quality and be comfortable with it, even second hand you won't regret it. Don't forget various templates, tracks and the all important bit collection too.

Sounds like good advice. The only issue I see is that the trade ones are typically more powerful and robust units - which means they're heavier and bulkier - something that may cause issues for home workshop use. The green M363 seems like a good option in that it's still 1/2", and 1650W - but doesn't have the size nor weight of the trade versions. It's also way cheaper - I guess you get what you pay though - it probably won't last as long.

You gets what you pay for.

Wrote a big speil, deleted the lot. There has been only one tool where I have been able to get away with (or been happy with) buying on a budget and that is a light duty domestic corded drill from Ozito. Any other tool I have purchased on a budget has been in vain. Quality will encourage you to do more.

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Originally Posted by matt1710

I'm looking at the M363 (green 'Weekender') router too - trying to decide if it will suit my needs - which sound similar to yours. Sounds like the 'green' coloured Makitas are for DIY, and the blue for trade users - is that accurate?

Here's a link to the M363 that I'm looking at - any expert opinion on this would be appreciated!

PowerTool Shop: Makita M363 Router 1/2" [M363 weekender]

Matthew

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Looks very similar to Makita Router 3612C.

The DIY version of this would be Maktec MT 360 ( the only difference is there's no variable speed on Maktec) Makita

The M363 Weekender shouldn't be much different with the Maktec version, in terms of spec.,and price. However, since it carries the name of MAKITA, then I suppose it has a slightly "higher grade" than the Mactec MT360, and half of the 3612C.

I've read an expert say that, one of the big different between the profesional power tools and its DIY version lies on the motor. (i.e. larger/longer motor armature, better fan system, metal hausing etc). Electric motor worst enemy is HEAT, thus proper design on motor is essential to prevent overheating that would damage the motor, hence the power tool.

Another thing to consider, how do you define a DIY worker or a pro ?
Again he explained: If you are using your power tool (router in this case), every day for at least 3 hours NON-STOP, then you'd better using the Pro.
But if you only use the router lees than 2 day in a week for couple of hours, not continuously, then the DIY version should prevail.

I suppose Maktec MT 360 and the Weekender may have similar motor design for DIY job.


Anyway,.... what I'm trying to say is:

These routers are superb Router on their respective job.
I have the Mactec MT360 for almost 2 years now, and it never disappoint me. The edge guide is excellent, the plunge action are ok, the template guide also ok.
I've tried the Makita 3612, and feels not much different..., may be the casing if better, fine adjustment made from better material, AND it carries a more prestige name...Makita !!

Therefor if Maktec is fine, then the Makita Weekender should be better, ++ .... remember, it carries the big name Makita !:B


One more thing I like to mention, regarding Makita brand, If you still find the tools that are made in Japan...., go for that one. Another expert suggest me once!
(Maktec is made in China..., the Weekender ?? Ha...ha... )


Regards,
Mich