Milwaukee M18 FTR-0X FUEL Brushless Trim Router

In-Depth Look

The Milwaukee M18 FTR is a cordless trim router for edge profiling, trimming and small mortises away from a mains supply. Milwaukee describes its brushless motor as delivering the power of AC trim routers.

Speed

The POWERSTATE brushless motor runs from 10,000 to 31,000 RPM on a variable speed dial. Lower speeds suit larger cutters and some plastics, and higher speeds suit small cutters in timber. Check the cutter maker’s maximum speed before you start.

Plunge Base

The plunge base with three adjustable stop pins lets you cut a mortise in several passes at increasing depths without resetting the depth each time. Kitchen fitters use this for hinge recesses and lock pockets. The 0.4mm micro-adjustment helps repeat the same depth across a run of identical parts.

Fixed Base and Edge Guide

The fixed base is the usual set-up for edge profiling and template work. An edge guide allows routing parallel to an edge without a template. If you plan to use guide bushes, check which bushes fit the base plate before buying.

Collet Sizes

The M18 FTR takes 6mm and 6.35mm (¼ inch) collets, and kit listings include both. Check what is in the box, and match the collet to the shank of the cutter you are using.

Runtime

Milwaukee quotes a routing distance per charge on a 5.0Ah battery. Real runtime depends on the cutter, the material and the depth of cut.

Summary

The M18 FTR-0X is a bare-unit cordless trim router with a brushless motor, 10,000 to 31,000 RPM, a 50mm plunge base with three stop pins, 0.4mm depth adjustment, dual LEDs and an active brake.

How It Compares

This Milwaukee M18 trim router is sold as a bare unit, so the battery and charger are separate. It runs on the M18 platform and has a brushless motor. A speed dial covers 10,000 to 31,000rpm, with six settings listed by retailers. The collet takes 6mm and 6.35mm (1/4 inch) bit shanks. Plunge capacity is 50mm, and the plunge base comes with three stop pins for multi-pass mortising. Height adjusts in 0.4mm steps, two LED lights illuminate the work area, and an active brake stops the bit after switch-off.

Retailer listings mention two side fences and dust extraction attachments in the kit, and a sub-baseplate that accepts 31.75mm guide bushings. Listings differ, so check the kit contents and check which guide bushings fit.

A larger router such as the Trend T7 variable speed router takes on bigger work. If you already own M18 batteries, the Milwaukee M18 FID3 impact driver shares the same battery platform. Our cordless tool platform guide explains the thinking.

Common Questions

What is a trim router used for? Typical jobs are shaping edges, trimming laminate and cutting small recesses such as those for hinges. It is a smaller tool than a full-size router.

Should I use the fixed base or the plunge base? The fixed base suits edges and trimming. The plunge base lets you start a cut in the middle of a surface, and the stop pins let you cut to a stepped depth in several passes.

What does the 0.4mm micro-adjustment do? It moves the cutting depth in very fine steps. Try the setting on an offcut first before you cut the real workpiece.

Which collet do I use? Match the collet to the shank of the bit, either 6mm or 6.35mm. Never use the wrong collet for the shank.

What safety steps should I take? Wear eye and ear protection, and use dust protection. Remove the battery before you change a bit. Work against the rotation direction of the bit, and secure the workpiece. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a competent person where required.

Can I use it for hinge recesses? Hinge recesses are one of the small jobs a trim router is used for. A handheld chisel or plane can do the same work without a motor, so the choice depends on how many recesses you have to cut and how much control you want. Practise on an offcut and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check the kit contents before buying, because listings differ on the fences, dust extraction attachments and guide bushings that come with the tool. The battery and charger are separate, and the router works with batteries from the M18 platform.