Milwaukee 1/2 Cordless Router 2838-21 | Tool Review

Milwaukee M18 ½” cordless router 2838-21 | Tool REview

For me, the most exciting feature about this router is that its more powerful than a trim router, boasting 2-1/4 HP, and it allows for either a ¼” or ½” collet. The higher 2-1/4 horsepower and larger 1/2-inch shank are better suited for heavy-duty routing jobs with larger bits. Additionally, I prefer using ½” router bits because they resist deflection better than a 1/4-inch shank bits. Larger shank router bits are especially important when using a long bit, which is subject to greater deflection, and when using a piloted bit, with a bearing.

First Impression

At first glance this router appears to be well made, with a robust aluminum housing, well placed controls, levers, and smart rubber over-mold. It’s plunge mechanism and adjustments feel solid, buts lets break this router kit down further and discuss it in detail.

Features

• 2.25 peak horsepower
• ¼” or ½” collets
• Plunge base with 2.5” of travel height.
• Fixed base [Diameter 6”]
• Edge guide
• Dust collecting shroud.
• 6-step depth turret provides quick, depth adjustments at 1/8” increments.
• Depth rod has a micro-adjust knob allowing 1/4” adjustments in 1/64” increments.
• Macro-adjust button provides fast adjustments throughout the 2” of total fixed base travel.
• Variable speed dial from 25k to 12k
• Weight w/ 6.0 Ah battery 8.8 lbs. [6.2 lbs. without battery]
• Height 10.5”

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[troothhertz]

I want my companies to stock all Milwaukee products from next year.. in South Africa. I have watched loads of products... Total detailed presentation.. good points about the lining up base plate and extra screws...❤

[clutteredchicagogarage]

I have the m18 trim router, and I like it. I have the plunge base with it, which is great.

The one issue with the m18 trim router is that the micro adjust moves from the vibration of the router in the fixed base if you don’t tighten the clamp a lot. In order to prevent the micro adjust slop, you have to tighten the clamp so much that you can possibly crack it. Milwaukee could have improved that, and the adjustments on the 1/2 inch look way more solid. The edge guide on the trim router also doesn’t mount very firmly.

Still, i like the dust shroud on the trim router. The brake is instant. The trim router is very powerful for a small trim router. I think the tool is good overall. I may at some point try to put just a dab of locktite on the adjustment to try to eliminate how it can move from router vibration. The plunge base is quite solid though.

This 1/2 inch router seems awesome. I wouldn’t mind just buying an extra set of thumb screws. I like torx and allen screws more than Phillips, but I might replace the stock ones with something that works well with other bases.

I may get this router for bigger routing work. I would love the stability and capability of 1/2” shank bits for deeper routing or when you really need to hog out a lot of material.

[aaronbanion]

If you purchase the plunge base separately from the router bare tool, it will come with 2 additional set screws in the plunge base kit. However it's about $30 more to do it that way.
Great overview by the way!

[toolman]

What I like about your reviews is before I watch I already know it’s going to be good.

[NWGR]

Thanks for the review Rob. This will be added to my shop arsenal very soon. I'm moving more and more towards cordless tools for most general woodworking tasks.

[JohnVanDeVoort]

Great and thorough review. I didn't see it mentioned in the video, but if anyone is looking for the rod diameter (for guide fence attachment), it is 9/32" (7mm). I purchased this router and measured the rods with a micrometer. Just thought it helpful, in case anyone else was curious about third party accessories (such as the Woodpeckers Multifunction Router Base). The holes/rods are the same size as my Porter Cable 890 router with fixed/plunge base.

[Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

Definitely looks high quality and better built than the 36v Metabo but the Metabo is available for $180 bare tool, so I'm not sure the Milwaukee is quite worth double. Now I'd just like to see them go the other direction and make a 12V router with a body similar to a drywall cutout tool. Basically a cylinder with a collet and an adjustable base. I have used my Bosch 12v router for way more than I expected, but it doesn't have the ergonomics that it appears to. An M12 router with minimal features that most of us would dedicate to 1/8-3/16" roundovers, small profiles, and hinge/striker mortises, would definitely be a big seller, especially paired with the M12 HO batteries. I also think they can easily make a M12 brad nailer, but that's a different story. Nice review sir, thanks.

[jamanjeval]

I really wish they would have made dust collection less of an apparent afterthought. I really like how the festool has the hose connected vertically instead of that awkward and fragile adapter on this Milwaukee.

[danieljulian]

just bought this router and got the plunge base separately. the plunge base came with a separate metal U-bracket and 2 thumb screws! guess Milwaukee listened to your recommendation!

[Jinzo]

How about using an upcut router bit for dust collection purposes? I found out when using a fence, template guide or a guide of some sort that does not require bits with bearings; It greatly improves dust collection.

[michaelmiller]

My dad had "flat head" screws, and then the cost cutting that made the screws and the screw drivers such that they stripped out. Then came the Phillips screws, and well the story repeats. Now I prefer torx head screws and bits. But noticed the other day a twisting of my bit. The industry keeps trying to solve self induced problems. Make something quality and it just works.

[ckcuev]

Rob I did a review of this router on my channel ce tool den. I agree with you on the dust collection being not very good. I may have a way to improve dust collection but haven"t done it yet. Will have to experiment. Otherwise this is a great router and worth it as it's the only one of it's kind that has a fixed and plunge base. the metabo hpt at this time is only a plunge base.

[steffendetrick]

I picked this router kit up a couple weeks ago with the track edge guide. The track compatible edge guide works great definitely recommend picking up especially if you’re already into a track saw it had the tracks.

[Spills]

The fact its beastly and cordless is the main draw for me....its the reason I try my darndest to use my milwaukee trim 1/4 inch router o=ver my corded if I can help it....but its pricey....as it should be for such a dependable tool line....if I have the $$ at some point though....its going to get thrown at milwaukee since I already have so many batteries cause they constantly bundle them....I really want it damn it lol

[ghettohey]

Would really love to see full in depth video about charging and maintaining lithium batteries especially when using and not using batteries, for long term storage, batteries bought new, etc

[AuralioCabal-nlgi]

That Milwaukee 1/2Cordless router is awesome, one THING missiing is Dust outlet that is mounted on machine? Not sure but the new Dewalt 1/2cordless might have it on their router built IN

[williamcooper]

Great review, Rob! Looks like a great tool.

[chipped]

Fantastic review Rob!
Have a love/hate relationship with the Makita cordless activate button.
So bought the Milwaukee which I love, then 2 months later this was announced 😮.
Very pricey with less than seller dust collection.

Am in Metabo (not hpt), Milwaukee and Makita platforms, so unless neither of the other 2 brands come out with one, this will be joining me in '24.
I have a piece of plywood on brackets, that switches out with tablesaw that will become an on-site router/assembly table.
1/2 is definitely better system, still have my first cordless PC (the original cordless from the 90's) but a little too top heavy.

[chdinct]

Nice review. I don’t really need this router, but damn, your review makes me want one. Already have 6 routers including an old, heavy Elu, a corded PC trim router, the Makita cordless trim router (couldn’t wait any longer for Milwaukee to make one) a Bosch 1/2” router with fixed and plunge bases, and 2 Festool OF 1400s (one permanently mounted in my router table). But none of them are 1/2” and cordless so I guess that’s enough logic to buy the Milwaukee since I’m heavier invested in the M18 platform, LOL.

[dylandempsey]

Anything that the OF1400 still wins on? Dust collection looks easier on the 1400 and not sure if this will work with the lr32 system