Customer Reviews for DEWALT DW618B3 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base and Fixed Base

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: Excellent router at a good price
Summary: 4 Stars

I bought this because in my small workshop I find that I use the router more and more with each new project. After using a Craftsman 1/4" collet router for years, I decided I wanted a 1/2" collet router and a plunge router, too. This router kit was the answer.

The good: The router is easy to install in each of the three bases. It is easy to adjust the depth of cut. It is easy to adjust the speed. The cordset is removable, which is nice. The best part, though, is how it performs. Even with a cheapie router bit set, it cuts clean without chatter. My old router could never do that. With *good* bits, it's even better.

The bad: There aren't too many bad things about it. I wish it had a spindle lock. The spindle can be held in place by a button you hold in while loosening the collet nut, but it doesn't lock. If it does, I haven't seen how.

A final note -- since this has three bases, you can put one fixed base in your router table, and still have a fixed base and a plunge base at your disposal. Something to consider if you're wavering between the two base and the three base kit.

Customer Review: Excellent router kit!
Summary: 5 Stars

I picked up this router kit about two months ago and I have not looked back since. The motor has plenty of power for just about any handheld operation. I don't know that I would mount this unit in a router table though. The Hitachi M12 is more equiped for that duty. Switching bases is quick and simple and the micro adjustment ring allows for accurate height adjustment on the fixed bases.
This router kit would be a great shop addition for any beginner or even a seasoned pro!

Customer Review: Good but not Great, Buy good bits
Summary: 3 Stars

Ok, so I bought this after reading all the reviews. I've returned one and got another. In both cases I had a collet break. DO NOT USE CHEAP ROUTER BITS! I have determined this cased the breakage. The 1/4" broke using a Bosch bit. I noticed as I was putting in the bit it was tight, where as the Amana bit fit smoothly and the same for the Whiteside. Also I use a wrench for tightening instead of the push in. I feel I can get a better tightening of the bit using two wrenches.

It accepts Porter Cable (PC) stuff so that' a plus, but if I had to do it again I think I would spend more and get a PC. Good news is PC service department seems to be great, I have another collet on it's way.

Customer Review: Good tool - 3 year warranty is very limited
Summary: 4 Stars

Got the kit with three bases to be able to handle varied set ups. I made an adapter plate to mount the fixed base to one side of my table saw. I really like that the motor can be easily switched between bases so the fixed base stays on my table saw all the time and I can pull out the motor for other work with the D-handle or the plunge base. Also really like the detachable cord--it connects cleanly and solidly with ease and gives me the confidence when switching bits that nothing will go wrong (yes, I actually unplug it to switch bits, call me paranoid). It has been a solid tool for light to moderate use in my home workshop.

Now, about that "3 Year Limited Warranty". I bought it in Sept 2006 (this review is in Jan 2009). I'm working on a countertop project. In the middle of the work I start it back up for another pass with the D-handle and I hear a crack and some bits flying inside. I removed the top cover to see if I could see anything, and sure enough a small magnet ring that sits right under the top bearing has broken--a part one inch in diameter that probably costs about a dollar. I have handled this router with care and respect (I have a variety of tools that I have owned for several decades, I take care of them and I keep them) and this part is INSIDE the enclosed housing. This is unfortunately when I discover by calling DeWalt's customer service that the "limited" warranty counts this failure as "normal wear and tear" and thus is not covered. My local service center guy informed me yesterday that it will take at least 2 weeks to get the part and fix it and that it will cost at least $50 + parts. So, what would count as a manufacturer's defect? Would I have to have forensic evidence to somehow prove that there was a crack in some internal part originally? I am left feeling like the 3 year limited warranty is effectively meaningless to consumers. Mind you, this is not just meant as a rant. I have had good luck with most of my DeWalt tools and I generally prefer them for their build quality and value. This is now my first experience with their service system and alas it will certainly make me take a closer look at those blue and red tools on future purchases. Hope that's worth two cents...