DEWALT DW618B3 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base and Fixed Base
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List Price: Our Price: $249.55 You Save: $228.87 (48%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $219.60 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of DEWALT DW618B3 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base and Fixed Base
Customer Review: This package is a winner!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was shopping for a new router I liked the DeWalt multi base package. It offers a Plunge base that is really easy to use. I've used the standard base two times this week arready. Each base can be changed in about 30 seconds. The router itself is really easy to set up and changing bits is a breeze. I also use the router moter with my EzLift router plate on my router table. Don't blink twice, this is a killer product! Buy it!Customer Review: Well worth the great price
Summary: 4 Stars
Very versitle tool with plenty of power at a great price. Each of the base holders have good balance and feel, powered by a very smooth and quite motor.Customer Review: What I bought because Milwaukee didn't have a plunge router yet.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was working on a rocking chair with a million slats that required a mortise on each side and decided that the old Skil plunge router wasn't up to the task. I was disappointed that Milwaukee still hadn't introduced a plunge router (I had even written to them) so I ordered this kit instead. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and power of the motor. All the parts fit well and the centering devices actually worked! A good deal all aroundCustomer Review: Workhorse But Poor Depth Control and Weak for Raised Panels
Summary: 4 Stars
I've used the Dewalt 618 for over three years now and it has gotten a good workout in my woodworking shop on a variety of cabinet, furniture and wooden toy projects using a wide range of woods but lots and lots of red oak and hard maple. Having an extra base to leave attached to my Rousseau router table insert makes this unit most handy. I use the D-handle base for most off-table work and rarely pull out the plunge base. The ease of insertion and removal from the "fixed" base makes this router the most user-friendly of any I own.
On the downside, the router depth adjustment system provides at best only coarse precision. Depth adjustment is a sloppy affair requiring trial and error since each time you clamp the compression collar shut the router body will often cant slightly which can change the router bit depth by about 1/32" or more (especially for larger diameter bits if you are using the outer edges for depth measurement). Almost always the depth of the bit prior to clamping the compression collar shut will be different than the "clamped shut and ready to run" depth.
Unfortunately the Dewalt 618 series are NOT listed as being compatible with the popular "Router Raizer" height adjustment system by Router Technologies (621 & 625 OK, 618 nope). I've since stopped using my Dewalt DW618 router in the router table and now use only a 3-1/2 h.p. router with easier in-table depth adjustment capabilities. The Dewalt DW618 is used now only for non-table work and it does these jobs very well.
Also, the depth indicator ring is worthless since it is so loose that it spins around and around during normal operation and doesn't remain linked to the depth control ring.
The router works as advertised with good speed control, a complete range of accessories and enough power for short runs using even large diameter raised panel bits on oak (with shallow cuts). Note, however, that larger production runs (like when making multiple oak panels for cabinet doors) will cause this router to overheat and shut-down until the motor cools enough to resume operation. I'd recommend a larger h.p. router if you regularly run large bits for moulding or raised panels.
I'd buy it again for use as a free-hand router but wouldn't recommend it for table router work unless all of your work is light duty.
Customer Review: design
Summary: 5 Stars
The balance is good , so easy to handle and guide.
Changing from the three bases could not be any easer.
It has removable power cords, so there is no tangling or cords
I have had a lot of router in my day, i believe this is the best.
I have the 3 - 1/2 Horsepower also but it is so big and bulkie, i mounted it the my router table and will leave it there and use it for a stationary tool.