Makita 40V XGT Routers & Trimmers
Makita 40V router kits are for clean, controlled trimming and routing when you cannot be tied to a lead on fit-out or snag work.
When you are hanging doors, scribing worktops, or trimming laminate on a live job, a cordless router saves you dragging extensions through finished rooms. Makita XGT routers and trimmers bring proper power and runtime for daily site use, with solid depth control and bases that stay true. Pick the right base and cutter size for the work, then crack on.
What Jobs Are Makita 40V Routers Best At?
- Trimming laminate worktops and breakfast bars on fit-outs where a clean edge matters and you do not want a lead dragging across finished units.
- Routing hinge gains, lock rebates, and strike plates on door sets when you need repeatable depth without the wobble you get from a tired corded trim router.
- Flushing lipping and edging on MDF and ply panels in workshops or on site, so you can take proud edges down tight without tearing the face.
- Cutting cable channels and shallow rebates for trims and beads during second fix, especially when you are moving room to room and speed is everything.
- Cleaning up cut-outs and openings on install day, where a compact Makita XGT router lets you do tidy corrections without hauling bigger kit upstairs.
Choosing the Right Makita 40V Router
Sorting the right one is simple: match the router size and base to the work you actually do, not the odd job you might do once a year.
1. Trim router or full size router
If you are mainly breaking edges, trimming laminate, and doing light hinge work, a trim router is the one you will carry and actually use. If you are cutting deeper rebates, running bigger cutters, or routing all day in thicker timber, step up to a larger body router for stability and control.
2. Base type and adjustability
If you are doing doors and repeatable depth work, prioritise a base with solid fine adjustment and a depth stop that does not creep. If you are doing edge work and trimming, a compact fixed base keeps it light and easy to steer one handed.
3. Battery and runtime expectations
If you are only doing quick trims, you can get by on smaller packs, but do not expect miracles. If routing is a daily tool for you, run higher capacity XGT batteries so the router stays consistent under load and you are not swapping packs mid run.
Makita 40V Router FAQs
Is the Makita 40V any good?
Yes, for trade use it is a proper step up when you are pushing cordless kit harder, especially for tools like a router that can bog down on heavier cuts. You still need sharp cutters and sensible passes, but the platform is built for higher load work and longer runtimes than lighter cordless setups.
Is Makita 40V replacing 18V?
No, it is not a straight replacement. Makita 18V LXT is still everywhere on site for day to day drilling, fixing, and general work. XGT 40V is the heavier duty line for higher demand tools and longer shifts, so most trades run both depending on what the job needs.
What is the best Makita cordless router?
The best one is the one that matches your work. For edge trimming, lipping, and quick fit-out jobs, a compact trim router is usually the most useful because you will actually carry it room to room. If you are routing deeper rebates or using larger cutters regularly, go for a bigger, more stable router body and run higher capacity batteries so it stays consistent.
Does Makita make a 40 volt multi tool?
Yes, Makita has XGT 40V max multi tools in the range. Just make sure you are buying XGT batteries and chargers for it, because 40V XGT and 18V LXT packs are not interchangeable.
Are Makita XGT router cutters and accessories universal?
The battery platform is XGT, but cutters and guides depend on the router and collet size, not the voltage. Check the collet size and the base compatibility before you order cutters, guide bushes, or jigs, especially if you are swapping between trim and full size routers.
Who Uses Makita 40V Routers on Site?
- Chippies and joiners doing first and second fix, because a Makita 40V router makes hinge work, lipping, and edge profiling quicker and more consistent.
- Kitchen fitters and shopfitters who need clean trims and scribe work in finished spaces without leads, adaptors, and trip hazards everywhere.
- Maintenance teams and snagging crews who want a grab-and-go trimmer for quick corrections, especially when access is awkward or the job is spread across multiple rooms.
How Cordless Routers and Trimmers Work for You
A router is only as good as its control. With cordless, the key is keeping the base stable, the depth repeatable, and the cutter matched to the job so it does not bog down or burn.
1. The base controls the finish
The base rides the work and keeps the cutter square, so a rigid base and smooth adjustment gives you cleaner edges and more accurate rebates, especially on doors and laminates.
2. Cutter size dictates the load
Small cutters for trimming and edge breaks stay easy to handle and keep the motor happy. Bigger cutters and deeper passes need a steadier router and sensible feed rate, otherwise you will feel it snatch and the finish will suffer.
3. Cordless power is about keeping speed consistent
With a Makita XGT router, the point is not just no lead, it is holding a steady cut when you are moving around site. Use sharp cutters and take sensible passes and it will cut cleaner and run cooler.
Makita 40V Router Accessories That Save Time on Site
The right add-ons stop rework, keep the cut clean, and make the router easier to control when you are working in finished spaces.
1. Router cutter sets and replacement cutters
Sharp cutters are everything for a clean finish, especially on laminate and MDF where blunt bits burn and tear the face. Keep a small set for edge profiles and a couple of straight cutters for rebates so you are not bodging it with the wrong shape.
2. Guide bushes, edge guides, and straight guides
These keep the router tracking true for hinge recesses, rebates, and straight runs, so you are not freehanding and then filling mistakes. If you do doors regularly, a guide setup pays for itself fast.
3. Dust extraction adaptors and compatible hoses
Routing makes fine dust that gets everywhere and ruins the finish on fit-out jobs. A proper adaptor and a decent extractor connection keeps the line visible and saves you an hour of clean-up at the end.
4. Spare XGT batteries and a fast charger
If the router is part of your daily kit, one battery is asking for downtime. Keep a second pack on charge so you can finish a run properly instead of stopping halfway through an edge.
Shop Makita 40V Routers at ITS
Whether you need a compact trimmer for edge work or a heavier duty Makita XGT router for regular routing, we stock the full range in the key kit types. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get back on the tools without waiting around.
