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Trim Routers
Makita RT0702C vs Bosch GKF 18V-8
Side-by-side comparison — specs, price, and expert verdict
Specs Comparison
SpecificationsMakita RT0702CBosch GKF 18V-8
- Power
- 710W / 6.5A
- 18V / 12V
- Collet Size
- 1/4 in / 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
- 35mm
- 25mm
- Weight
- 1.8 kg / 3.9 lbs
- 1.1 kg / 2.4 lbs (bare)
- Cordless
- ✗
- ✓
- Battery Platform
- —
- Bosch 18V / 12V
- LED Light
- ✗
- ✓
- Soft Start
- ✓
- ✓
- Price
- $139
- —
Which Should You Buy?
Makita RT0702C
The gold standard for corded trim routers. Silky smooth operation, excellent ergonomics, and rock-solid build quality. The one most professional woodworkers reach for.
Pros
- + Exceptionally smooth and quiet operation
- + Best-in-class ergonomics — fits perfectly in hand
- + Rack-and-pinion depth adjustment
- + Very precise depth control
Cons
- − Corded only — no battery option
- − Slightly more expensive than budget options
- − Only 1/4" and 3/8" collets (no 1/2")
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