DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router with So Start

List Price: $297.00 Discount Price: $169.95

Features:

• 2-1/4 HP (max. motor HP), for smooth routing in toughest hardwoods
• Electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,000 rpm
• Micro-fine depth adjustment ring in 1/64" increments
• Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock
• Includes fixed base router, 1/4" and 1/2" one-piece self releasing collets, wrench, large hole sub-base, and sub-base concentricity gauge

Accessories:
Kreg PRS3020 True-FLEX Featherboard - Twin Pack	CMT 800.505.11 13-Piece 1/2" Shank Router Bit Set	Dewalt DW6913 Router Edge Guide with Fine Adjustment and Vacuum Adaptor	Rousseau 3509 9-Inch x 12-Inch x 3/8-Inch Deluxe Router Base Plate	Quick-Grip Quick Change 518QCN 18-Inch Bar Clamp/Spreader

Customer Reviews:

DeWalt quality is going downhill [Posted on 2006-05-16]
I used to recommend DeWalt products to everyone who would listen to me because the ergonomics are so superior. Lately, though, the quality has gotten so bad, I have a hard time doing that.
My suggestion is to skip all the reviews by people who just pulled it out of the box, and read the reviews by people who have used it for a while.
I bought the DW618PK through Amazon several years ago. After about the 10th use, the plastic spindle lock button broke. I didn't care too much because it was a pain to use, so I started using two wrenches instead.
Then, everything went into storage for 2 years (past the warranty period). Later, after about the 20th use, the motor died. It turns out that the magnetic ring on the armature fell apart (apparently, a common problem), but the pieces took out the windings on the armature, as well. I called a DeWalt repair shop for an estimate. They want $20 to tell me what's wrong and then there will be an hourly rate plus parts to repair it. Also, they are backed up for weeks with work. It will be about a month before they can get to it. It may cost as much as a new DW618 (for about $170 from Amazon), so I'm trying to decide if I should buy another brand, instead.
If it wasn't for the quality problems, I still like the ergonomics. The handgrips are comfortable and the dust collection on the plunge base is great - as is the detachable cord, the quick-release latch for the motor, and the centering tool used when changing the subbase. When it runs, the motor is a good, strong motor, and I especially like the ability to easily switch between 1/4" and 1/2" bits. The spindle lock could have been better designed and it is much easier to lock the bit in using two wrenches, instead. A real spindle lock would have been nice.
If ergonomics are important to you, then buy this one and cross your fingers. If you want reliability, look elsewhere.

Great Tool [Posted on 2006-09-28]
I purchased the DW618PK with the d handle, plunge base, and fixed base. I use it freehanded and also mounted in a Rockler table. Most of my use is with Cope/Stick bits. I have not had any problems with it since purchasing over 2 years ago. I route on average about 200 feet of cope/stick parts per/mnth. So I am not an industrial user.

For those of you with negative reviews, can you recommend a better product?

I like my Dewalt tools! [Posted on 2007-01-14]
I now have two of these. The first one has been in use exactly one year, mostly in the table. It was purchased in a kit with three bases. I just added the second one to be used in either the plunge or d-handle bases so I can leave the "old" one set up in the table. It is no problem to remove but it will be nice to do other cuts and not disturb my setting on the one in the table. I like the feel of this router in general, it fits my hands better than some others, is quiet for a router especially comparing it to my old Craftsman. The soft start is especially nice. No lack of power for my needs. My other Dewalt tools are tough & durable.

Smoked motor and junk spindle lock [Posted on 2007-04-30]
I have 4 pieces of Dewalt tools and this is the first piece that I review as near junk. The spindle lock is useless with plastic piece attached to a metal pin. You have to be Hercules to push the pin in and hold it in while trying to tighten the collet. Then if you DO press it in hard enough to tighten collet it has a habit of being bound and not releasing. Absoluite junk design that certainly won't last a weeks worth of work. The best part about it was that it only took 3 screws to remove the whole lock mechanism that will give you better access to using two wrenches. Of coarse Dewalt only provided one wrench so you have to use your own.

The more serious problem was that the motor has a lightenig storm inside it brushes. The unit gave out over the coarse of about 30 minutes of ON time over a weekend. The thing sstarted squeeling like a banshee and then it started slowing down in easy material. Back to the depot. Maybe get a Hitachi instead.

great fixed base router (with a caveat!) [Posted on 2007-09-12]
This router has some features that set it apart in the fixed base router category.

Ergonomically, it's small but solid, very nice feel. The variable speed is nice because you can slow it down, which greatly reduces wood burns and saves you sanding time later on. Especially at lower speeds, it is sooo quiet.

One cool thing about it is that if you remove the plastic base plate, it will accomodate bits up to 3-1/4". This is larger than any router that I have, and I have 4. Is 2-1/4 hp enough for a bit that big? Indeed it is. I have used it to cut out box miters with a mega-bit, and it does the job in two passes on hardwoods, eating out a good deal of wood in the process.

I usually have mine mounted under a router table. The height adjusts fairly easily, and the ring you turn is graduated in 1/64" increments.

Now, it's good to look at complaints about this router. First, the motor. I have had mine working hard for 8 months now, no problems. But others have had motor burn-out problems. From the complaints, it seems that if you are amongst the unlucky few that get a bad one, in most cases it burns out almost immediately, while it's still under warranty. I have also had a problem others have complained about, the pin on the collet lock coming loose from the plastic button that holds it, and getting stuck in the shaft. Yes, it can happen to you! I remedied mine with a few drops of superglue on the pin, on the end where it goes into the button. End of problem.

So, from me, it gets 4 stars, because--hey, Dewalt! You shouldn't be making such a cheesy collet lock, and the quality control on the motors seems to be lacking. But that said, if you are amongst the majority that get a good motor--it's actually a GREAT motor, quiet and solid. Remedy your collet pin problem, and this is a solid, quiet, powerful, versatile, ergonomic router that is such a pleasure to use.

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