It’s no surprise that router combination kits have become popular. Purchase one of these kits, which come with a fixed base, a plunge base, and a single motor that fits both, and you end up with two routers for not much more than the price of one.

Joining the pack of combo-kit makers (see FWW #173, pp. 50-55, or companion link below), Milwukee has introduced model 5616-24. With its 2-1/4-hp, 13-amp, variable-speed motor (adjustable from 10,000 to 24,000 rpm), the Milwaukee is a powerful, versatile tool that can handle just about any cutting challenge. The motor has a soft-start feature that helps reduce startup kickback, and a constant-speed feature that maintains rpm, even when the bit has to work extrahard, such as when it hits a knot or gets fed a little too fast.

To get a sense of the router’s power, I installed a 1/2-in.-dia. straight bit set for a 1/2-in.-deep cut. Using a long fence to guide the tool, I made several long plow cuts in hard maple. The motor showed no inclination to bog down. Some plunge routers have the annoying tendency to stick a bit when plunged, especially when one handle gets more downward pressure than the other.

The Milwaukee was a smooth plunger, even when I applied downward pressure unevenly. The Milwaukee is comfortable for use in a table. The bit height can be adjusted from above, but you have to lock the setting from under the table. However, doing so does not shift the bit height—as it does on some routers.

With its smart, comfortable design, I’d recommend the Milwaukee 5616-24 to anyone looking to buy a router combo kit. For retailer information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

Photos: Thomas McKenna and Kelly J. Dunton

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