Milwaukee announced a new M18 Fuel cordless router, 2838-20, which they describe as “a complete replacement for a corded mid-sized router.”
The router delivers 2.25 peak horsepower, with Milwaukee also emphasizing its control, comfort, and runtime.
There are two bases available for use with the router motor – a fixed base, and a plunge base.
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The router motor features a variable speed dial, from 12,000 to 25,000 RPM, and over two inches of travel with both macro and micro-adjust knobs. It also has a dual LED worklight.
A guide rail adapter is available separately, 48-11-2838.
Key Specs
- Collet Sizes: 1/4″, 1/2″
- Weighs 8.8lbs (tool-only)
- 10.9″ length x 10.5 height (tool-only)
- 12,000 – 25,000 RPM
- Variable speed
- Spindle lock
- Dual LED light
- Dust collection shroud
With respect to runtime, Milwaukee says that the mid-sized router provides best-in-class run-time with up to 225 linear feet per charge, when routing 5/8” roundovers in pine.
The kit, 2838-21, comes with the router motor, plunge base, fixed base, 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets, XC 6Ah battery, rapid charger, tool bag, dust shroud, edge guide, collet wrenches, template base.
A bare tool is also available, 2838-20, bundled with the fixed base.
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Price: $349 tool-only, $599 for the kit
ETA: September 2023
Discussion
There are very few cordless mid-size routers on the market. You can get a lot done with a compact 1/4″ trim router, but there are a lot of times and tasks where a 1/2″ router is more suitable, whether for its power, typically wider base, or router bit compatibility.
I have warmed up to trim routers over the years, not so much because of their size, but because of the convenience modern cordless versions offer.
With the new M18 Fuel cordless router, it seems that tool users don’t have to choose between power and cordless convenience. I am extremely eager to see if Milwaukee’s new mid-size router can truly serve as a corded replacement.
Chris
The tool only version only comes with the fixed base.
Did you happen to get the price for the plunge base by itself?
Mike
I think it is $150 and the guide is $120
Big Richard
You would be correct. See the “Add Accessories” on the bare tool’s page – https://www.toolnut.com/milwaukee-2838-20-m18-fuel-1-2-router.html
Chris
Thanks.
Chris
Thanks.
Stuart
Im seeing the same preorder prices as Mike – $149 for the plunge base and $119 for the guide rail accessory.
fred
Nice that they offer both fixed and plunge bases. The price seems high compared to the Metabo-HPT 36V plunge router that is selling for around $200 for the bare tool:
https://www.amazon.com/Metabo-HPT-MultiVoltTM-Cordless-Plunge/dp/B0B5M5T1ZG/ref=asc_df_B0B5M5T1ZG
and $419 or less for a kit – with free added battery:
https://www.acmetools.com/metabo-hpt-36v-cordless-plunge-router-kit-2-1-4-hp-m3612dam/717709028258.html
Doug N
Love that router. Plus it has the power switch on the plunge handle, which is great for convenience and safety.
John
I have a lot of routers, stopped counting at 15 or so. Unless a large router is going to be mounted under a table, I see little reason for fixed base routers in this size. I have the Metabo HPT cordless 1/2″ router, and it is a permanently mounted plunge which can used as fixed or plunge. Giant Makita 3-1/4HP I have is a plunge. Every Festool is a plunge. Hand held large fixed based router is just odd to me. I have several Bosch Bosch MRC23EVSK (had to look up the model #), fixed base one in a table, other one stays in the plunge base for handheld use. Small palm routers are great for fixed base, round overs, chamfers etc where you lock the height for years on end. Just my experience from decades of use, what do I know.
Doug N
Agree but router kits like this are nice in that I can attach the fixed base to a table and swap the motor back and forth with the plunge base.
fred
I agree about the fixed base thought. – but I would put this router in the intermediate class. In this size the fixed base might be handy for spinning larger edge trimming bits beyond the capability of a smaller cordless tool. But the plunge base (offered as an option) – probably should be standard equipment with the fixed base offered as an option. Of course, this would raise the base price and give the marketing gurus agita.
Large 2-1/2 to 3-1/2Hp routers have their place in a router table – especially for spinning larger diameter bits. But my Porter Cable 7539 (3.25Hp plunge) router has never seen a router table (I have a Bosch 2.25Hp router motor mounted in my table lift). I’ve used the big PC router to hog out dados, and cut curved edges on butcher block, other solid wood tops and decks. Creating a round Ipe deck – would probably not be a task for which I’d select any cordless router that’s available today.
BigTimeTommy
Agree, it’s probably just so they can sell the plunge as an add on.
Steffen
I also guess that depends on what type of work you do. I get the impression that you’re a woodworker I’m a contractor with a cabinet shop. And while I agree if you’re using your router to do chamfered, edges round rovers, etc. a palm router is the way to go but for fieldwork when you have to cut larger Dados into especially into hardwood or you’re using a flush trim bit to cut a sink in to butcher block, etc. a fix base can be very useful and jobs like those can be too much for a palm router . I know framers that use half-inch routers to cut out sheathing with a flush trim bit on a fixed base. Having the option to switch between a fix base, and a plunge base is definitely an advantage.
Jason
Interesting they didn’t wait for tomorrow to announce
Stuart
It was announced last Monday. I anticipate it will be available for hands-on demos.
Robert
Stuart, I think a word is missing in:
“ and over two inches with both macro and micro-adjust knobs”
Maybe you meant to say:
“ and over two inches TRAVEL/ADJUSTMENT/MORE-THAN-DEWALT with both macro and micro-adjust knobs”
Stuart
Thanks – sorry – it read 2 inches of travel, but lost a word somehow. *fixed*
MichaelT
That rail adapter looks like a high quality piece, especially compared to the primarily plastic Makita bit. Good on Milwaukee to make the adapter work with both the trim and 1/2 router, especially if that wasn’t a compromise to usefulness.
Koko The Talking Ape
Yes, but does that rail adapter work only with Milwaukee rails?
Rob
The Milwaukee rails that look identical to Festool rails? Methinks myself and my exotic Mafell rails will be in the minority of people that need to worry about compatibility.
MichaelT
I’m hoping it works with Makita rails and router 😉
TomD
I wonder if the bases are compatible with the corded router – I suspect they aren’t.
Rd412
I’m curious about the rail guide I just got into Milwaukee for the track saw and a few of the m12 tools. So I just bought the tool only track saw. Do you think other track that are compatible with the track saw will be compatible with the router guide? Or can I save a bunch of money not buying a new router and guide just for that feature. Or look for a 3d printed type of thing.
Scott F
Guide* rail adapter, underneath 3rd photo before Key Specs.
One day I’ll need a router, and when I do I assume it will be this one versus the M12. I’ve always looked when sales come around but never needed one yet, so don’t know much about them – look forward to seeing the opinions from those here.
MFC
Do you mean the m18 trim/compact router? I don’t think Milwaukee has an m12 router.
Stuart
Thank you, *fixed*.
Compact routers do have their benefits, such as lighter weight.
Richard
How likely is it this will fit on a festool rail?
Steve L
Milwaukee is following, not leading. They designed their track saw to work on Festool and Makita guide rails – anyone who already had a track saw could buy a Milwaukee and “save money” by using their Festool or Makita rails. Smart move by Milwaukee.
There are some differences between Festool. makita, and Milwaukee guide rails. I would not try to make a cut using rails from different brands bolted together.
So I expect the Milwaukee router to work on Festool and Makita rails. But Milwaukee on Milwaukee might have a few small advantages.
fred
I’ve had a corded Festool 55 for years. Bought some of their longer (1900mm and 2700mm) rails because I found their connectors to be so finnicky as to be nearly worthless. Might have done things differently today (aftermarket connectors are better) and Makita rails are cheaper. I bought a Makita 40V track saw for one of my children – and they’ve used it on my longer Festool rails (with a new anti-splinter strip) and the combination seems to work fine.
I also bought a Mafell 91B702 tracksaw for another family member and they use it with the crosscut Mafell track that came with the saw. But they bought less expensive Bosch tracks for longer cuts. There seem to be plusses and minuses associated with both the Bosch and Mafell tracks – but costs certainly favor the Bosch.
William Adams
Is there an accessory which plugs into the battery connector and plugs into the wall, allowing one the option of long, uninterrupted cuts?
What is the diameter of the body of the router itself?
Ben
Can’t answer the body diameter question – regarding the accessory question, I believe Metabo’s Multivolt system is the only one out there at the moment that has something like that. Link below was posted earlier by fred.
https://www.amazon.com/Metabo-HPT-MultiVoltTM-Cordless-Plunge/dp/B0B5M5T1ZG/
Daniel Julian
I’m very interested in this router. I have the current M18 router and it gets crazy hot. I typically were a mechanics glove while operating but often times have to set it down because it’s burning my hand thru the glove. I’ve also had it stall because of overheating when using larger bits. Any idea if the existing plunge base will fit the new router??
Stuart
The motors and bases are not interchangeable or cross-compatible between the two M18 models.
Jason
Sure wish Milwaukee would make a plunge base for my monster 3-1/2 HP 5625-20 router!