DEWALT DW618B3 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base and Fixed Base
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of DEWALT DW618B3 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base and Fixed Base
Customer Review: 3 base router
Summary: 5 Stars
I have not yet used all three bases, but the standard base has worked great. I am very pleased.Customer Review: An upgrade from PC
Summary: 5 Stars
I started out with the bar set pretty high, my first real router was a Porter Cable 693 Variable Speed, fixed and plunge base kit. That is a fantastic router, but I wanted a little more power and a pistop grip base.
I went back and forth on getting the new PC 890 series kit, but ultimately, the Dewalt went on sale and I just could not resist. It is tough to imagine for me, but I like this route better than the PC 693, which is practically bullet proof.
The motor is relatively quiet, but everyone should be wearing hearing protection in the shop anyway, so noise shouldn't be a big factor.
One of my favorite features is the soft start. The PC has soft start, but the Dewalt actually has a 1/2 second to a second delay from the time you pull the trigger to when the motor starts spinning. This threw me at first, I am used to hitting the switch, and having the motor start immediately, but I like the delay. Accidentally hit the trigger on the pistol grip base, and if you don't hold it down, it won't fire up.
The base is smoother going over wood that the Bosch pistol grip router I have. The Bosch is going to be a permanent dovetail router going forward.
The single wrench bit change is very nice, easy to use, you just need to position the motor in the base where you can get your finger to it.
I did not receive the chisels that were advertised with the router kit, but a quick email to Tool Crib, and then a call to Dewalt and they were on the way.
Without a doubt, I would suggest that anyone needing a true full use router kit purchase the Dewalt. Why no one else has a fixed, plunge and pistol grip base kit offering is beyond me, but the competition is missing out.
If you need it, buy it, you won't be sorry.
Customer Review: Another Terrific DeWalt Router!
Summary: 5 Stars
I want to second everyone's positive comments about the DeWalt 618 router kit. My second router was a Porter Cable 690 (still sold under various incantations) purchased 20 odd years ago. It was a solid workhorse and is still going strong under new ownership. I mention this because I believe one cannot fully appreciate how wonderful a machine the DeWalt 618 is without some use of a beastly predecessor or two.
The 618's soft start is a very real blessing. Do not purchase a router for handheld use that does not have this feature. The motor runs smooth and quiet. The design of the motor housing allows the switch to remain in the same location, regardless of the height of the bit. Another outstanding feature, especially if mounted in a table. The knobs are fat and comfy on the fixed and plunge bases and the location of the motor provides a low center of gravity. Another very real blessing.
A collet lock allows for easy bit changes. The lock is spring loaded so it cannot be accidentally left positive and the machine turned on. There are two collet nuts and wrenches so bit changes may be accomplished in the traditional manner if desired. The bases all accept Porter Cable bushings, generally the most popular. My only peeve with this machine are the base screws, which have torx heads, ilo phillips. Go figure.
The plunge base is the real star of the trio, in my opinion. The plunge action is smooth and controlled. Not jerky and sticky like the Porter Cable 7529 that I owned briefly. I have the plunge base mounted in my Leigh FMT and the base performs flawlessly in this tasking. (It requires use of the Leigh mounting rods, it is not a direct bolt on.) The dust collection when used in a hand held configuration works OK. The hose connects to the top of the right plunge rod housing, which keeps the hose up and out of the way. The plunge set up, fine tune and turret stops are all intuitive in their set up and work well in operation.
Overall, I am very happy with this router and highly recommend it to anyone. It is compact, powerful and very user friendly.
Customer Review: As the Router Turns - Choosing a Kit... in a nutshell.
Summary: 5 Stars
So...
I'll add my two cents. I too have wandered into the "choosing a router" soap opera.
I had been happy with my Dewalt 1621, until I tried to use a template guide. For some reason, the collet isn't remotely centered on the base plate - making the router useless with a template guide. There seems to be no way to adjust the 1621's base plate - so off I went in search of a new router.
The two kits I decided to choose from were the Bosch and the Dewalt. I read reviews of the Porter Cable, but the reviews seemed negative enough that they dissuaded me from considering it.
First, I took the Bosch kit home. Things to know:
A.) The kit I had was the 1617(whatever) router. This particular router is not compatible with the Bosch D-handled base. This seems to be a magnificent marketing failure. It means that if you want to use the D-handled base, you're going to have to buy another "motor" - the 1618(whatever).
B.) The Bosch fixed base router uses an awkward (in my opinion) three position depth setting. As the motor slides into the base, you can stop at one of three detents. Once you have picked a detent, a "fine setting" allows you to to move up or down from that particular position. Bottom line: You have to guess which detent will get you the depth you want (if it is close). If you're wrong, then you will have to completely reset the "fine adjustment" and move to a different detent.
C.) Bosch doesn't include the centering cone - essential if you are going to use template guides.
D.) They still don't seem to be using a sealed switch. The complaints about the switch, and Bosch's seeming indifference, were a deal-breaker. Who wants to have to deal with such an obvious deficiency in a product? The placement of the switch is also marginal at best. Unless you're a Horowitz, you're going to have to let go of a handle to flip the switch.
E.) The Bosch vacuum attachment is a piece of plastic that seems, in my opinion, apt to break in the sometimes clumsy hands of a tradesman. It doesn't fit the standard shop vacuum. Then again, none of the tools I own fit a standard shop vac... what *is* with that?!?
F.) The depth adjustments on the Bosch seemed like afterthoughts, in my view. The fine adjustment isn't easy to turn or read.
Now to the Dewalt:
A.) The Dewalt comes with a D-Handled base. The motor fits beautifully in all three bases.
B.) The Dewalt motor smoothly spirals downward into the fixed base. This makes setting the depth a much simpler prospect than with the Bosch. Loosen the base, twist one way to go up, or the other to go down. I fine adjustment provides, well, a fine adjustment.
C.) Dewalt includes a centering cone.
D.) The switch is sealed and well placed. You can engage without letting go of the router.
E.) The Dewalt Plunge Base includes a built-in, indestructible, Vacuum attachment. A marginal piece of plastic *can* be put on, but may not be necessary. In my case, I'm routing foam, yes, foam, and the vacuum worked great without the plastic attachment.
F.) The depth adjustments on the Dewalt were nothing to write home about, but they were better, in my view, than what Bosch offered. They put some thought into them, at least.
Last word: I have read the other reviews concerning exploding magnetic rings. We'll see... On the upside, Dewalt offers a 3 year warranty. Bosch does not.
Customer Review: Best buy out there
Summary: 5 Stars
You can not find it cheaper. If you are thinking then buy it. I looked and amazon has it the cheapest and delievers faster than anyone!