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The Base change is straightforward and painless. I purchased this router with some apprehension because of all the great reviews I was reading on tool websites about the Bosch routers. I have used the Bosch on the job and liked it's performance but it just didn't meet my expectations of what I was expecting in a router. When running through wood you can move quickly with no bogging down. I'd love to mention something I felt needed improvement but I haven't run into any short-comings as of yet and can only shower praise to the this tool. The Milwaukee exceeded the Bosch in every category.
The Plunge base has release and depth adjustments in easy reach and moves smoothly weather you are applying even pressure to both sides or just to one side. Let me say those reviews must have been sponsored by Bosch as this router is a joy to work with. Bits are changed with two wrenches (supplied) and takes no time at all. Holding the tool you can tell by the heft that it is going to pack more power. The start-up is smooth and effortless. The case it comes with feels sort of empty as there are a multitude of slots for additional accessories.
No regrets.
This router is by far the smoothest running and most powerful router I have used. This router is awesome. I have bought cheap routers in the past, they last a couple of years then they break. The variable speed dial on the router makes it easier to handle. This router is very solid and built very well, it should last me many years.
On the other hand, the P-C does have dynamic braking so it stops very quickly when it is turned off and it has a much better soft start feature. Just set the bit on the work surface, set the depth plunger, then rotate the "step" beneath the plunger and cut an 1/8" at a time so you don't get chip buildup interference.
A new Armature/Shaft Assembly was $110.00 and several weeks to get, so I decided that the best course of action in order to be able to continue with my kitchen cabinets was to purchase a new plunge router. This Milwaukee 5616-24 KIt was an excellent choice.
Milwaukee 5616-24 2-¼ Max HP EVS Multi-Base Router Kit Includes Plunge Base and BodyGrip Fixed BaseI found recently that my Porter-Cable Plunge Router had a slightly bent shaft. Also, since I am cutting numerous blind dados, the 1/8" step and repeat feature is great.
The P-C did not have a removable cylindrical motor assembly so it was a pain to install and remove it from my Bench Dog Router Table when I needed to use it freehand and I had to tie down the switch when using it as a table router. With the Milwaukee, I leave the fixed base on the router table and just switch the motor to the plunge base when I need to do freehand work.
The collet setup on the Milwaukee is better than the P-C. That said, the Milwaukee is a superior tool.
The depth adjustment mechanism on the Milwaukee 5616-24 only moves the depth control rod. I also have used the fixed base. The reason being the microadjustment knob moves both the bit and the depth control rod. I specifically wanted a new router that had a better method of selecting the plunge depth.
The only Bosch feature I think I prefer is the shape of the base. Since I prefer to use a fence instead of a guide attachment, the flat part of the base allows you to keep the router in the same position (i.e. I often cut tenons of various sizes and having two plunge routers set to different depths allows me to finish the parts faster. This simplifies the process and allows quick depth changes. It was very easy to remove the motor from the plange base and install it in the fixed base.
I have not used it mounted in a table so I can not comment on those features. Making fine adjustments requires several steps, not just moving the microadjustment knob. Another feature I like about the Milwaukee is it has two springs to suppport the plunge base. through the entire cutting motion.
I purchased the Milwaukee 5616-24 to supplement my Bosch plunge router. Regardless of the base the router performed well. I like the soft start and the motor seems to have plenty of power. It has a D shape rather than being completely circular. This would prevent the bit from making a smooth controlled entry into the work piece. This is not a large advantage, because the base centering cone that comes with the Milwaukee does an excellent job. Although my Bosch's manual claims adjusting the depth is easy, adjusting to a specific depth within a.010 inch tolerance requires too many test cuts.
Although the router rotated slightly while I moved it along a fence, there was no noticeable undulation in the resulting edge. The single spring in the Bosch plunge router often allowed the unit to bind when plunging. The Milwaukee's plunge base is much easier to control. It does not rotate). To date I have only used it to build one table, but I am very pleased with its performance.
I am very pleased with the tool. I needed a router for a furniture project and, based on reviews I found here, selected the Milwaukee 2616-24 router. It has plenty of power for the many cuts I am making and the bit appears to be centered (I can turn the router around and there is no difference in where the bit cuts). It comes with a fixed base and the plunge base. I have only been using the fixed base so far on my project. So far, so good. I look forward to trying out the plunge base on my next project.
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