Makita RT0700CX3J Review

A compact router is one of the most frequently reached-for tools in any professional woodworking shop. But a single fixed base limits what the tool can do — you can trim edges and profile surfaces, but you cannot easily work in corners or on angled surfaces. The Makita RT0700CX3J solves this by including not one but three interchangeable bases in a single comprehensive kit: a standard straight base for normal edge work, a tilting base for angled routing, and an offset base that lets you rout right into corners where a standard base cannot reach. Combined with Makita's proven 710 W motor, electronic speed control, soft-start, aluminium body, and a Makpac case filled with accessories including copy rings, guides, collets, and dust extraction fittings, this is the definitive compact router system for the professional who needs maximum versatility from a single tool.

Selecting a multi-base router kit means evaluating not just the motor but the versatility that each base adds. The standard straight base handles edge profiling, laminate trimming, and surface grooving. The tilting base allows the router to be angled relative to the workpiece, enabling chamfered edges, angled grooves, and work on sloped surfaces that a fixed vertical base cannot achieve. The offset base positions the motor to one side, allowing the bit to reach into corners and along edges where the standard base body would collide with adjacent surfaces — invaluable for routing close to walls, inside cabinet frames, and around obstacles. Together, these three bases transform a compact router from a single-purpose trim tool into a versatile routing system. The 710 W Makita motor with electronic speed control, soft-start, and aluminium body provides the power, precision, and durability that 645 reviewers have validated at 4.6 out of 5 stars. The Makpac case and comprehensive accessory kit — copy rings, parallel guide, flush guide, dust extraction fittings, multiple collets — make this a complete professional routing system straight out of the box.

This review examines the Makita RT0700CX3J Multi-Base Router Kit, evaluating the 710 W motor with electronic speed control, the three interchangeable bases and their applications, the comprehensive accessory kit in the Makpac case, and how the complete system performs for professional trim routing, corner work, angled routing, and detail woodworking.

The Makita RT0700CX3J is built around the same 710 W motor as the popular RT0700C compact router, with electronic speed control, soft-start, and an aluminium body for heat dissipation and rigidity. The motor delivers up to 30,000 RPM with variable speed to match the RPM to the bit diameter and material. The electronic speed control maintains the set RPM under cutting load, preventing the speed drop that causes poor finish. The soft-start circuit brings the motor up to speed smoothly. The shaft lock enables quick, tool-free bit changes. The motor unit detaches from the bases quickly, allowing the operator to switch between the three base configurations in seconds.

The three interchangeable bases are the defining feature of this kit. The straight flush base is the standard configuration for edge profiling, laminate trimming, surface grooving, and hardware recessing — the workhorse setup for most routing tasks. The tilting flush base allows the router body to be angled relative to the base plate, enabling chamfered edges at custom angles, angled grooves, and work on sloped or curved surfaces. The offset flush base positions the motor off to one side, allowing the bit to reach into corners and along edges where the body of a standard base would collide with adjacent surfaces — invaluable for routing close to walls, inside fitted cabinets, and in tight corners. Each base provides the same precision depth adjustment and stable reference surface.

The accessory kit is exceptionally comprehensive. Two copy rings (different diameters) for template-guided routing. A parallel guide for straight edge-guided cuts. A flush guide for trimming. Dust extraction fittings including a suction elbow and vacuum cleaner connector for clean operation. A side handle for additional control during heavy cuts. Multiple collets (6 mm and 8 mm/0.315 inch) for bit compatibility. Spanners for bit changes. Everything packs into the included Makpac case with custom moulded inserts that hold each component securely. This is not a bare tool with a couple of accessories — it is a complete professional routing system.

In professional use, the multi-base system extends the router's capability far beyond what a single-base tool can achieve. A kitchen fitter can use the straight base for trimming worktop edge banding, the tilting base for creating angled chamfers on custom end panels, and the offset base for routing hinge recesses in door frames that are already fitted close to walls — three tasks, one tool, no compromises. A furniture maker can use the straight base for edge profiling, the tilting base for angled decorative details, and the offset base for routing in tight internal corners of cabinet frames.

At approximately 363 € for the complete kit in a Makpac case, the RT0700CX3J represents Makita's premium multi-base offering. Customer satisfaction is outstanding: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 645 reviews, with a bestseller rank of 40 in Power Milling Machines. The comprehensive review count provides strong statistical confidence in the tool's performance. Weighing 6 kg including the complete kit in the Makpac case, this is a substantial system. For the professional carpenter, joiner, kitchen fitter, or furniture maker who needs maximum routing versatility from a compact platform, the RT0700CX3J is the kit that covers every base — literally.

The Makita RT0700CX3J is the definitive professional multi-base compact router system for carpenters, kitchen fitters, joiners, and furniture makers who need maximum versatility — straight, angled, and corner routing — from a single, proven motor platform backed by 645 positive reviews.