makita M3601 Electric Router Instruction Manual

: June 4, 2024
: Makita

makita M3601 Electric Router

SPECIFICATIONS

Model:	M3601
Collet chuck capacity	6 mm, 1/4″ and/or 8 mm
Plunge capacity	0 – 35 mm
No load speed	27,000 min-1
Overall height	218 mm
Net weight	2.7 kg
Safety class	/II

Due to our continuing program of research and development, the specifications herein are subject to change without notice.
Specifications may differ from country to country.
Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2014

Intended use

The tool is intended for flush trimming and profiling of wood, plastic and similar materials.

Power supply

The tool should be connected only to a power supply of the same voltage as indicated on the nameplate, and can only be operated on single-phase AC supply. They are double-insulated and can, therefore, also be used from sockets without earth wire.

Noise

The typical A-weighted noise level determined according to EN62841-2-17:
Sound pressure level (LpA) : 89 dB(A)
Sound power level (LWA) : 100 dB (A)
Uncertainty (K) : 3 dB(A)

NOTE: The declared noise emission value(s) has been measured in accordance with a standard test method and may be used for comparing one tool with another.
NOTE: The declared noise emission value(s) may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.

WARNING : Wear ear protection.
WARNING : The noise emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared value(s) depending on the ways in which the tool is used especially what kind of workpiece is processed.
WARNING : Be sure to identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

Vibration

The vibration total value (tri-axial vector sum) determined according to EN62841-2-17:
Work mode: cutting grooves in MDF
Vibration emission (ah): 7.9 m/s2
Uncertainty (K): 1.6 m/s2

NOTE: The declared vibration total value(s) has been measured in accordance with a standard test method and may be used for comparing one tool with another.
NOTE : The declared vibration total value(s) may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.

WARNING: The vibration emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared value(s) depending on the ways in which the tool is used especially what kind of workpiece is processed.
WARNING : Be sure to identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).

EC Declaration of Conformity

For European countries only

The EC declaration of conformity is included as Annex A to this instruction manual.

SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Router safety warnings

Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the cutter may contact its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by your hand or against the body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
The cutter bit shank must match the designed collet chuck.
Only use a bit that is rated at least equal to the maximum speed marked on the tool.
Wear hearing protection during extended period of operation.
Handle the router bits very carefully.
Check the router bit carefully for cracks or damage before operation. Replace cracked or damaged bit immediately.
Avoid cutting nails. Inspect for and remove all nails from the workpiece before operation.
Hold the tool firmly with both hands.
Keep hands away from rotating parts.
Make sure the router bit is not contacting the workpiece before the switch is turned on.
Before using the tool on an actual workpiece, let it run for a while. Watch for vibration or wobbling that could indicate improperly installed bit.
Be careful of the router bit rotating direction and the feed direction.
Do not leave the tool running. Operate the tool only when hand-held.
Always switch off and wait for the router bit to come to a complete stop before removing the tool from workpiece.
Do not touch the router bit immediately after operation; it may be extremely hot and could burn your skin.
Do not smear the tool base carelessly with thinner, gasoline, oil or the like. They may cause cracks in the tool base.
Some material contains chemicals which may be toxic. Take caution to prevent dust inhalation and skin contact. Follow material supplier safety data.
Always use the correct dust mask/respirator for the material and application you are working with.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before adjusting or checking function on the tool.

Adjusting the depth of cut

Place the tool on a flat surface. Loosen the screw securing the stopper pole. ► Fig.1:
1. Stopper pole 2. Screw
Loosen the lock lever and lower the tool body until the router bit just touches the flat surface. Tighten the lock lever to lock the tool body.
► Fig.2: 1. Lock lever 2. Screw
Lower the stopper pole until it makes contact with the adjusting hex bolt. Align the depth pointer with the “0” graduation.
► Fig.3: 1. Depth pointer 2. Screw 3. Stopper pole Adjusting hex bolt 5. Stopper block
Raise the stopper pole until the desired depth of cut is obtained. The depth of cut is indicated on the scale (1 mm per graduation) by the depth pointer. Then tighten the screw to secure the stopper pole.
Your predetermined depth of cut can be obtained by loosening the lock lever and then lowering the tool body until the stopper pole makes contact with the adjusting hex bolt.

CAUTION: Since excessive cutting may cause overload of the motor or difficulty in controlling the tool, the depth of cut should not be more than 15 mm (9/16″) at a pass when cutting grooves with an 8 mm (5/16″) diameter bit.

AUTION: When cutting grooves with a 20 mm (13/16″) diameter bit, the depth of cut should not be more than 5 mm (3/16″) at a pass.
CAUTION : When you wish to cut grooves more than 15 mm (9/16″) deep with an 8 mm (5/16″) diameter bit or more than 5 mm (3/16″) deep with a 20 mm (13/16″) diameter bit, make several passes with progressively deeper bit settings.

Stopper block

The stopper block has three adjusting hex bolts which raise or lower 0.8 mm (approx. 1/32″) per turn. You can easily obtain three different depths of cut using these adjusting hex bolts without readjusting the stopper pole.
► Fig.4: 1. Depth pointer 2. Screw 3. Stopper pole 4. Adjusting hex bolt 5. Stopper block

Adjust the lowest hex bolt to obtain the deepest depth of cut, following the method of “Adjusting the depth of cut”.
Adjust the two remaining hex bolts to obtain shallower depths of cut. The differences in height of these hex bolts are equal to the differences in depths of cut.
Turn the hex bolts to adjust the depth. The stopper block is also convenient for making three passes with progressively deeper bit settings when cutting deep grooves.

NOTE : When using a bit having total length of 60 mm (2-3/8″) or more, or edge length of 35 mm (1-3/8″) or more, the depth of cut cannot be adjusted as previously mentioned. To adjust, proceed as follows:

Loosen the lock lever and carefully adjust bit protrusion below the tool base to the desired depth of cut by moving the tool body up or down.
Retighten the lock lever to lock the tool body at that depth of cut. Keep the tool body locked at this position during use. Since the bit always protrudes from the tool base, be careful when handling the tool

Adjusting the lock lever

The locked position of the lock lever is adjustable. To adjust it, remove the screw securing the lock lever. The lock lever will come off. Set the lock lever at the desired angle. After adjustment, tighten the lock lever clockwise.
► Fig.5: 1. Lock lever 2. Screw

Switch action

CAUTION : Before plugging in the tool, always check to see that the switch trigger actuates properly and returns to the “OFF” position when released.

To start the tool, simply pull the switch trigger. Release the switch trigger to stop.
► Fig.6: 1. Switch trigger

ASSEMBLY

CAUTION : Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before carrying out any work on the tool.

Installing or removing the router bit

Insert the bit all the way into the collet cone and tighten the collet nut securely with the two wrenches. Use the correct size collet cone for the bit which you intend to use.

To remove the bit, follow the installation procedure in reverse.

► Fig.7

CAUTION: Install the router bit securely. Always use only the wrench provided with the tool. A loose or overtightened router bit can be dangerous. CAUTION : Do not tighten the collet nut without inserting a bit. It can lead to breakage of the collet cone.

Changing the collet cone

Country specific

NOTICE: Use the correct size collet cone for the bit that you are going to use.
NOTICE: Do not tighten the collet nut without installing a bit, or the collet cone may break.

► Fig.8 : 1. Collet cone 2. Collet nut 3. Bit
To change the collet cone, loosen the collet nut and remove. Replace the installed collet cone with desired collet cone. Reinstall collet nut.

OPERATION

Set the tool base on the workpiece to be cut without the router bit making any contact. Then turn the tool on and wait until the router bit attains full speed. Lower the tool body and move the tool forward over the workpiece surface, keeping the tool base flush and advancing smoothly until the cutting is complete.
When doing edge cutting, the workpiece surface should be on the left side of the router bit in the feed direction.
► Fig.9:
1. Workpiece
2. Bit revolving direction
3. View from the top of the tool
4. Feed direction

NOTE: Moving the tool forward too fast may cause a poor quality of cut, or damage to the router bit or motor. Moving the tool forward too slowly may burn and mar the cut. The proper feed rate will depend on the router bit size, the kind of workpiece and depth of cut. Before beginning the cut on the actual workpiece, it is advisable to make a sample cut on a piece of scrap lumber. This will show exactly how the cut will look as well as enable you to check dimensions.
NOTE: When using the straight guide or the trimmer guide, be sure to install it on the right side in the feed direction. This will help to keep it flush with the side of the workpiece

► Fig.10:
1. Feed direction 2. Bit revolving direction 3. Workpiece 4. Straight guide

Straight guide

The straight guide is effectively used for straight cuts when chamfering or grooving.

► Fig.11

To install the straight guide, insert the guide bars into the holes in the tool base. Adjust the distance between the bit and the straight guide. At the desired distance, tighten the wing bolts to secure the straight guide in place. When cutting, move the tool with the straight guide flush with the side of the workpiece.
► Fig.12:
1. Guide bar 2. Clamp screw 3. Straight guide
If the distance (A) between the side of the workpiece and the cutting position is too wide for the straight guide, or if the side of the workpiece is not straight, the straight guide cannot be used. In this case, firmly clamp a straight board to the workpiece and use it as a guide against the trimmer base. Feed the tool in the direction of the arrow.

► Fig.13

Dust nozzle set (country specific)

Use the dust nozzle for dust extraction. Install the dust nozzle on the tool base using the thumb screw so that protrusion on the dust nozzle fit to the notch in the tool base. Then connect a vacuum cleaner to the dust nozzle.
► Fig.14:
1. Dust nozzle
2. Thumb screw

► Fig.15

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged before attempting to perform inspection or maintenance.

NOTICE: Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.

To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other maintenance or adjustment should be performed by Makita Authorized or Factory Service Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.