A router lets your true creativity come out. It can take a normal piece of wood and turn it into something beautiful. When it comes to fine woodworking, a router is one of those tools that is a must. This brings me to the Dewalt DW618 Router Review.
Dewalt DW618 Router Review Overview
The Dewalt DW618PKB Router is more than just the unit. We will jump into everything that comes in the kit in a bit. First, let’s take a step back. The router dates back to 1915. The story is interesting and would recommend reading it on Wikipedia. Lucky for us, Oscar and his son lost a contract with the railroad and now our lives are easier for our woodworking project.
I use routers all the time and own a couple. I have a cordless router, a full-size router, a palm router and this Dewalt router that I am using in my Bosch Router table. So let’s take a closer look at this router and why I went with this router for my router table and plunge needs.
Dewalt DW618 Router Review Features
The Dewalt DW618PKB is powered by a 2-1/4 hp, 12 amp motor that is designed for power and speed. The base is a die-cast machined aluminum which means a lither weight router and more durable.
The tool features a soft start and has an electronic variable speed to help maintain speeds under loads. The speed ranges from 8,000-24,000 rpm.
One feature I have not seen on a router, which I am a huge fan of is the detachable power cord.
The router uses a dust-sealed on/off switch. I like how the top is protected for accidental shutoffs while using the tool.
The router features a micro-fine depth adjustment which allows the user to make 1/16″ changes.
The router comes with two collets, a 1/4″ and 1/2″.
The sides are designed with a rubber over-mold handle.
The plunge base also features a micro-fine depth adjustment of 5/128″.
Dewalt DW618 Router Review Performance
I love the power but most importantly, I can’t believe how quiet the router is. I am going from an old Porter Cable router which was awesome, but it just got to the point it broke down. The router was extremely loud so it’s nice going to a quiet router that can perform.
So far I am loving this router. The router is quiet and powerful. I have it attached to my Bosch router table. I see some people have had problems with the build quality such as motor or ring breaking. I have about three hours on the router and so far it has been awesome. I used it for my 4×4 banisters, some custom trim, and a picture frame.
I also love being able to easily take the router from the base on the router table and use the plunge base.
I gave it a 3.5 star for quality, not because I have had any issues, but going online, I am seeing people having problems. However, most people are going to complain about an issue than give praise.
Dewalt DW618 Router Review Value
You can pick the Dewalt DW618PKB up on Amazon for about $190. You can pick it up for cheaper if you don’t need the plunge base. For my use, $190 is an awesome deal.
I love the power and love being able to attach it to my router table when needed. However, if I need to plunge with the router, I can leave the base attached and just use the plunge without having to unscrew a base.
Dewalt DW618 Router Review Wrap Up
Overall I love this router. The router is powerful and quiet. The plunge is smooth and easy to work with. I have nothing to complain about except I am a little cautious since I have seen others have some problems with the unit. However, that does seem like it happened rather quickly when they started using it. Since I have two hours of use and no issues, I am sure my router is solid.
Just wondering am I reading this wrong or was it a mistake? first you say the router has variable speed later your article indicates you wish it had variable speed. I’ve been router shopping recently found your article to be very interesting just got confused at that point. thought I would ask the source
My mistake and thanks for bringing that to my attention. When I wrote this article, I had an older router I was also using and the older router didn’t have variable speed. The Dewalt does have electronic variable speed.
I had my old DW router for a “long time”, I expect nothing less from this one, or somebody’s going to get an ear full.
DOES NOT COME WITH HALF INCH COLLET AS ADVERTISED!!!! LIES. THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE BACK IN STOCK. I BOUGHT MINE AT HOME DEPOT AND I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THEY LIED TO WHEN BUYING THIS COMBO!!! IT DOES NOT COME WITH THE HALF INCH COLLET!!!!
My Home Depot gave me a $50 discount because the 1/2” collet was missing. There are several options on Amazon for 1/2” collets that fir the DW618 for far less than $50, so I’m happy.
I have used this router for the past two years without issue. It came from Home Depot with two bases and a 1/2″ and 1/4″ collet. It is quite and very smooth. Fit and Finish is outstanding. I use it with a Bosch router table with no issue however with the fixed base there is a small amount of free play when unlocked during height adjustment. A lift kit would cure that issue. 5.0 rating from me on this router.
I am on my second power cord and it’s starting to cut out as well. I contacted DeWalt about this the first time and they did nothing, $55 for a new power cord. I think I’ll look at a different router instead.