Metabo HPT, which recently announced the industry’s first full-size cordless router, has also just come out with a new 18V cordless trim router, M1808DAQ4.
The new Metabo HPT cordless trim router is said to offer the most control in its class and is a full 26% lighter than the competition (which is listed in the fine print as Dewalt’s DCW600B).
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The new trim router is compatible with Metabo HPT’s MultiVolt batteries, as well as their 18V batteries, which means you can choose between longer runtime or lighter weight.
It features a variable speed dial that can adjust between 10,000 and 30,000 RPM.
Features and Specifications
- Brushless motor w/ soft-start and brake
- Powered by 18V or MultiVolt batteries
- 1/4″ and 3/8″ collets
- Variable speed dial
- 10K – 30K RPM
- One-handed power/trigger system
- Ambidextrous base mounting option
- LED worklight
- Weighs 2.5 lbs without battery
The bare tool comes with both collets, a trimmer guide, straight guide, template, dust collection port, and collet wrench.
Having a test sample in-hand, the new HPT router does indeed have a lighter feel compared to competing models. I’m not quite sure how control can be measured, but this new trim router is easy to maneuver.
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Next to the speed dial is an on/off button, with a larger trigger button within comfortable reach of my finger. The router ramps up to speed with a soft-start, and stops on a dime with a second press of the trigger switch button.
Price: $149 for the bare tool
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Discussion
I have a lot more testing to do, but so far I’ve been pleased with the design of Metabo HPT’s first brushless trim router. It looks like this is also their first trim router, period, which released them from having to adhere to existing base or accessory form factors.
One thing that surprised me is that the router comes with a laminate trimmer roller guide type of attachment, which is usually a separate accessory that other brands sell for ~$25-30.
I don’t typically pair cordless routers with compact batteries, but this one works well with Metabo HPT’s compact batteries – I’ve used their 3.0Ah so far.
Do you have any questions while I work on the full review?
Intro Video
Here’s Metabo HPT’s quick intro/promo video:
Jared
Metabo HPT sure seems to be doing a good job lately. Innovative tools, good features, good pricing. They are really getting to a point where they could be someone’s primary cordless tool choice. (I still think they should have chosen a different name though).
Mohammad
Agreed…on both points. lol. They’re going in the right direction as far tool development by allowing them to be multivolt. Are these also compatible with the ac wall adapter?
Stuart
No, the MultiVolt AC adapter only works with MultiVolt tools and not 18V-specific products.
rob
All of my Metabo batteries say Mafell on them. All of my Hitachi-Koki batteries say Metabo on them.
When you license battery tech from Metabo because you don’t want to deal with the hassle of battery inventory and boat shipments and want to enjoy the benefit of exporting products without paying for approvals and certifications….yadda yadda…
Say you’re the loan rep for a European company in the USA and you sold your customer a fleet of cordless street sweepers or floor cleaners. You tell your customer to order a hundred Metabo batteries from another vendor…. because that’s the whole point of CAS from your end. Your customer orders 100 Metabo HPT batteries. Hilariousness ensues.
Do the new trim routers still have embossed lettering? I noticed they went to stickers on a lot of their products. Almost as if it dawned on someone that two seperate molds for everything kind of kills your bottom line. :0
Also ran, the new HiKoki tools are indeed pretty great. I’m looking forward to the new smaller 18 gauge, myself.
Stuart
Yes, the branding is embossed/molded into the housing with raised letters.
rob
How much does it cost them to go that route? Then again, Makita literally makes variations for every area code.
Harrison Gregoire
The most likely scenario is that they have interchangeable inserts for the logo section of the mold, that can be swapped out depending on the intended market of the production run. If you design the clamshell nicely, and keep the molds in good shape, you can hide the lines of the insert along a contour or crease.
One thing you might notice is that cheap tools tend to have a ton of extra creases, aesthetic details, as well as deep groves along the rubber overmolds. All these factors help mask the joints in the mold sections, thus the mold can be less precise, and even be used longer before the finish quality of the part begins to noticeably suffer.
Brands that take extra pride in their molds will often not let these constraints influence the physical and aesthetic design of their tools. Hilti for instance, (who partners with Panasonic in China on their cordless products) favours ‘simple’ design geometry, but is not afraid to run mold lines cleanly across a flat face if necessary, as their tooling allows for that level of precision.
All things being equal, a Hilti clamshell is more expensive to produce than say, an SBD clamshell based on aesthetics alone.
OldDominionDIYer
I’m not liking the all plastic adjustment sleeve seems… well, cheap and not intended to last. Otherwise a very decent entry.
Plain grainy
Acme is running a special deal on the METABO 36v multi volt router kit. Regular price is $399.00. Special deal includes an extra 4ah multi volt battery with kit purchase($399.00).
William Adams
What’s the diameter? 65mm?
Is there an option to run it on AC w/o (or in addition to) a battery?
One product design I am still impressed by was GRiD making their power bricks the same size/shape as their batteries, so if one wished, one could slot the power supply into the machine instead of the battery to make things a bit trimmer and lighter to carry.
Stuart
Yes, the motor measures 65mm across in diameter.
No, there’s no AC option.
William Adams
Is there a 3rd party AC adapter for these batteries?
One shaped to slot in as a battery, but which connects to wall power?
I’ve seen and affordable one for DeWalts, and (rarely) an expensive one for Makitas.
Stuart
Not that I know of. I generally turn a blind eye towards 3rd party adapters since they can comprise safety features.
Hank
How’s the dust collection, if you don’t mind sharing ahead of full review?
Tim
I have probably 40 different corded/cordless routers from everyone from HF to Festool.
This is my favorite trim router and the big plunge router is my favorite router overall.
I also have the 36v (overseas) tool body for this router but being able to use this with the small batteries when necessary is great.