One of my favorite tools is the router. I love being able to add fine details to a great woodworking project. A router lets you take a rectangle piece of wood that is a little boring and sup it up to make it look like an expensive piece of wood that was done by a seasoned woodworker veteran. There are different types of routers such as fixed or plunge routers, but today we are going to talk about trim routers. So let’s jump into the Metabo HPT Cordless Trim Router.
Metabo HPT Cordless Trim Router Overview
Metabo also recently released a cordless fixed/plunge router, which you can see in the video below to learn more about it. As you would expect, not everyone needs or wants a bigger router. So that is where a trim router comes into play. And now Metabo HPT has a cordless trim router for your fine detailing needs.
Check out the Metabo Fixed/Plunge cordless router.
Metabo HPT Cordless Trim Router Features
This is Metabo HPT’s first cordless router, model M1808DAQ4. The router only weighs 2.5 lbs. and will accept both 1/4″ and 3/8″ shanks. The router also features a brushless motor for longevity and run time.
The kit comes with a 1/4″ and 3/8” collet, trimmer guide, straight guide, template, dust collection port, and a bit wrench.
The router can be powered by any of the Metabo HPT batteries or even the MultiVolt battery for more power.
Not all trim routers have a thin body, but Metabo HPT designed this with one of the thinnest bodies we’ve seen which means it’s easier to handle and control.
The router has a safety feature so a user doesn’t accidentally turn it on. Just press the button and the router wakes up and is ready to go.
Just above this push button is the variable speed dial which has speeds from 10,000 to 30,000 rpm.
Once the unit is powered on, Metabo HPT designed it with a push-button switch to turn the router on and start the bit spinning. For me, this is one of the most comfortable and best positioned on/off switches I’ve seen on a trim router. You can turn the router on with one hand and still have complete control of the router and your work.
As with other routers, this has a clamp lever to adjust the base quickly and easily.
The base is clear so you can easily see your working area.
The two LED lights do an awesome job of lighting up your working area.
Metabo HPT Cordless Trim Router Performance
For me, I love this Metabo HPT Cordless Trim Router. I like how thin the body is and I can easily grab and control the router. I like the fact that the base is clear so I can easily see my working area, plus the LED lights do an awesome job at lighting up the area. The variable speed allows me to fine-tune the router to my project which is a huge plus.
Setting the depth is smooth and easy. One of my favorite features is the placement of the on/off switch. No more do I have to mess with using two hands when starting or stopping the router. I can easily turn on or kill the power with my finger and I still have control over the router and my project.
One huge advantage that everyone can agree on is the cordless features. It’s so nice not having to deal with a cord getting in the way.
Metabo HPT Cordless Trim Router Value
As of this article date, the router is new and not on shelves. The launch date is early August 2021. So if you are reading this after, you can click on the link to check out more about the router.
You can buy this on Amazon for $150. For me, this is a decent value. I like the power, the versatility, and the control. So for $150, it’s worth it, especially if you are already in the Metabo HPT line and have a battery and charger.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line, Metabo HPT created an awesome cordless trim router. The router is built tough, easy to work with, and versatile. Not sure what else you want in a trim router but this is giving the competition a run for their money.
