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Trim Routers
Makita DRT50Z vs Bosch GKF 18V-8
Side-by-side comparison — specs, price, and expert verdict
Specs Comparison
SpecificationsMakita DRT50ZBosch GKF 18V-8
- Power
- 18V LXT
- 18V / 12V
- Collet Size
- 6mm + 8mm
- 1/4 in + 1/2 in / 6mm + 8mm
- Speed
- 10,000–30,000 RPM
- 13,000–26,000 RPM
- Variable Speed
- ✓
- ✓
- Plunge Depth
- 40mm
- 25mm
- Weight
- 1.8 kg / 4.0 lbs (bare)
- 1.1 kg / 2.4 lbs (bare)
- Cordless
- ✓
- ✓
- Battery Platform
- Makita 18V LXT
- Bosch 18V / 12V
- LED Light
- ✓
- ✓
- Soft Start
- ✓
- ✓
- Price
- $199
- —
Which Should You Buy?
Makita DRT50Z
Makita's cordless answer. Impressively quiet at only 78 dB, with a 40mm plunge depth that beats most competitors. If you're on the Makita 18V platform, this is the obvious choice.
Pros
- + Very quiet — only 78 dB
- + 40mm plunge depth — deepest in class
- + Brushless motor
- + Compatible with plunge and tilt bases
Cons
- − Battery sold separately
- − Heavier than corded Makita RT0702C
- − Premium price for the cordless convenience
Bosch GKF 18V-8
The lightest cordless trim router on the market. Accepts both 1/4" and 1/2" collets — rare for a compact router. The spindle lock switch makes bit changes a one-wrench operation.
Pros
- + Lightest in class at only 1.1 kg
- + Accepts 1/4" and 1/2" collets
- + One-wrench bit changes with spindle lock
- + 12V or 18V battery compatible
Cons
- − Lower power than 18V competitors
- − Shorter battery runtime with 12V batteries
- − Less established than Makita/DeWALT in this category