TACKLIFE Plunge and Fixed Base Router, 30,000RPM Compact Router Kit, 6 Variable Speed Router Tool, 1/8" Flex Shaft, 1/4", 6mm Collets, Auxiliary Handle, Compass for DIY - PTR01A

Motivation:I was looking for a compact router since my current (Ryobi 1.25 hp fixed based) is usually attached to the router table and I wanted to have something on hand to make an occasional cut without having to take it out of the table and then putting it back. This router popped up in my search results, I read some reviews and decided to give it a try.Why 3 stars?Cons:1) random size of the depth tower (the thing underneath the depth gauge); see one of the pictures, I believe the step size is 5/322) The freehand attachment (which makes this into a trim router) is pretty much unusable (in fact they tell you to not use it with router bits in the manual).3) the nut/collet sits too close to the opening to use the upward spiral bit that comes with the router properly4) the circle jig attachment makes the router sit too close to the material thus exposing about 1/4-1/2 inch of the bit for cutting (you won't be able to make anything less than that) meaning that if you want to take a shallower cut then you will have to buy a much shorter bit (if one exists).5) No micro adjustment on the depth.6) The router at first had to be really pushed hard in order to plunge all the way down (like it had a stop along the way) but it seemed to have improved with more usage.7) The router bit seems to get stuck in the collet and, after loosening the nut, you have to jiggle it side to side before it is ready to come out.Pros:1) The vacuum port on the router works quite well and is able to extract most of the dust2) It was able to cut through pine, cedar and maple. (although a con is at quite small depths)3) You do get an edge guide and a circle jig which is more than you get with most routers although you could also make your own.How did I test?I made cuts with the 1/4 inch upward spiral bit that came with the router as well as a 1/4 inch straight bit that I had. The cuts were made in pine, cedar and maple (the only hardwood I had lying around). You can see the pictures with the cuts and the router bit used to make that cut. The first set of cuts was made by using the tower stoppers (so 5/32 inch deep).Pictures 1 and 2 are of making those cuts in pine on speed 4 (router has speeds 1-6). No issues.Pictures 3/4 are cedar. Again no issuespictures 5/6 are maple but on speed 3. No issuesPicture 7 is spiral but making a 10/32 or 5/16 inch cut (because I figured out that the depth tower steps were not 1/8 inch only after this cut). The router made a lot of very interesting noises and struggled with the cut. I tried to see if it would be easier at speed 5 but that just made it burn the edges. I also tried at speed 2 and that just made it seem like the wood was stopping the bit (you could see it slow down).Picture 8 is again 5/16 on pine at speed 4. The router struggled a bit but ultimately smoother than maple.Picture 9 is where I am showing that the step sizes are about 5/32.For the very final cut (not pictured) I was able to plunge it about 1/4 inch and make that cut in pine and that seemed to work much better with no struggle.Decision:* If you are looking for a router that can make plunge cuts at 5/32 increments then this is a good router. If you want to have precise control over your plunge depth then prepare to muck around with the depth gauge and depth stops or create a jig that can help you set the correct depth.* I did not try, but have concerns about how it would behave with 1/2 inch straight bit.* I do not think you could easily use a dovetail bit with this router unless you are creating dovetails in 1/4 inch thick stock.* I did not try any roundover/roman ogee bits but am guessing that it will be able to handle them as the amount of wood removed is less than with a plunge cut (usually).* I would say that only the plunge base and the circle jig are the only attachments that are of any use. The freehand is very hard to control as the base is plastic and much lighter than the router that sits on top of it making the whole thing top heavy (plus not sure what you would use it with as they tell you to not use router bits in it). The cord thing would be good for using it as a rotary tool but the handle is slippery plastic and I would strongly recommend putting something rubber on it to improve grip.* The circle jig puts the router nut where you lock the jig about 1/2 inch above your stock. Most router bits (straight bits) are at least 3/4 to 1 inch long meaning that your bit would be at least 1/4 inch or deeper in your stock. As I mentioned that the router struggled with anything where the depth was deeper than 1/4 inch so I do not know what your end results will be (like a burnt motor for example).* Finally most of the attachments, locking mechanisms are plastic. I do not know what happens in 6 to 12 months of regular use with this thing and if things will still lock down as tight as they do now when this thing is brand new.Is this a good beginning router?Maybe. If you are only using the plunge base and are diligent in not putting the router in too deep and are mostly working with softwoods (pine, cedar) or manufactured wood (ie plywood, hardboard, etc) then high likely yes. If you want a router/rotary tool combination then also yes.

I am pretty impressed with this router. I was concerned that it may not have the kind of power I needed to do my table edges. It does. It is also very lightweight for what it does and comes with a lot of attachments. The bits are sharp and seem to be a high quality steel. I like that the handle comes off because I have some tight space to work in. It is variable speed also, just like the ad says, and is exactly what I needed. Great Christmas gift to myself. The one meter wand is also handy for doing smaller cuts/groove/or cleaning.

If you have used a dremel, you already know how to use this. It's a superpowered dremel with extra features! My only problem was that due to probable user inexperience, we went through a number of broken bits (The smallest one that came with it didn't last a day!) before we found our groove (haha, pun intended!). This was purchased for a specific project that needed approximately a million plunge routed small lines on both sides of boards, and it fulfilled that need with flying colors. The additional accessories that come with it will make it quite useful for future projects. If I had one recommendation, particularly if you are going to be using a small bit...invest in a really nice one. And let the bit cool down periodically after bouts of heavy use!

I really liked this item when I first used it. The second time I used the flexible shaft line to shape a wine cork (it doesn't get much softer than that) the tip of the shaft that goes into the router base broke right off. There was no kink in the line and I was not bearing down hard on the cork.I contacted the manufacturer over a month ago and have not heard back at all. Not surprised. When I first received the router, I noticed a number of accessories shown in the user manual were missing, and I contacted them about it then, but never heard back.I am hoping the rest of the router lasts longer than the flex shaft, but am not holding my breath. I can understand poorly made products, but there is no excuse for rotten customer service!!!

The value seems unbeatable, especially for the versatility of all the attachments. However, I haven't used it much yet. I will update my review after more extensive application. Also, to the users that say it broke or makes strange noises, just return it for a replacement. You can't beat the price. I doubt the seller is gonna tell you "tough luck".

I bought this router to make an inlay in a small ring box. It worked perfectly. That is all I have used it for so far. I took one star off because it wasn't as smooth going up and down as I thought it would be and did feel super heavy duty like a more expensive router would feel, but for the amount of money it costs, it's a great bargain

Bought this router a few months ago and have only used it a handful of times on various projects. Yesterday the motor randomly burnt out on me after doing very simple, light work (1/4” circular indentions in a piece of soft wood). Initially I was super excited about this tool, but now I’m a little pissed. It should have lasted longer than a few months, esp with since I only used it a few times.

Read the instructions to the and make no assumptions.The tool it's self feels solid and includes practical accessories but falls short in execution.The supplied 1/4" bit is intended for drywall but pictures show them cutting wood with. The smaller bit is intended for cutting up to 1" according to the instructions but the bit snapped as predicted nearly immediately after beginning the cut. I tried to like this thing and believe tacklife can make some small changes but for now get a different router if you plan on cutting 3/4 mdf. Accessories seem like they would be useful albeit less than stellar quality.