Compact Router for Casual Use

Always wanted a router for around the house use and it seems that a compact router is the way to go (routing out hinges, casual woodwork, etc.)

 

Looking at the Dewalt DWP611

 

Question: How does it compare to the Bosch Colt? (Bosch fan here, but it seems the Dewalt beats them with this model.)

 

Question: How useful is a plunge base for a compact router such as this? What practicle applications would it be needed?

 

Thanks.

Haven’t used the Dewalt but the Variable speed Colt is awesome. I’ve heard the Dewalt is a good machine. The plunge base brings the palm router to a new level with added control.

i never owned the Bosch Colt – i went straight up with the model and bought the 1617EVSKP because i needed the plunge version and a bit more HP.

 

Since you are a Bosch Nut like you said, give it a try for the Colt.

cant really say anything to the dewalt router – just that is has 1/4 more hp 😀

I like the Dewalt router. It gets the job done.

Truthfully Chad, six to one half dozen to another. I think that the Bosch Colt variable and the Dewalt are universally liked as is the Makita compact too. I really like the way the Dewalt feels in hand but I haven’t used it but man that plunge base for it really is sweet. I am currently in the market for a small compact and all three of these…and yes the Festool OF1010 are in the running. I have a gift card from my Mother in Law for a 100 at Woodcraft so I might get the Festool because it is less than a hundred bucks more with that card than all three models with the bases and I’m already in the line with dust control and the edge guide feature for the 1010 is crazy but I still might go another route. That’s why I haven’t bought it yet.

The plunge base is a really nice feature to have. I currently only have a fixed based router and while it gets the job done there has been a handfull of times where a plunge router would have made things easier.

There is also a plunge base for the Colt as well.

How smooth and accurate is adjusting the measurements on the colt?

Would I miss not having LEDs or a clear base?

its smooth and accurate man – you talk about bosch 😛

you dont need LED at a router, thats not really important.

clear base? if you prefer one, make your own one out of plexi glass 😛

analog_gamer wrote:

There is also a plunge base for the Colt as well.

How smooth and accurate is adjusting the measurements on the colt?

Would I miss not having LEDs or a clear base?

I think they are both very accurate..

I got a lot feedback from costumes that they love the LED went they are working with dark wood or MDF/HDF.. So I will say you will miss it..

But you can try the DEWALT in EU it is 30 days don’t know about the US, and if you don’t liked it you can return it..

KWC wrote:

But you can try the DEWALT in EU it is 30 days don’t know about the US, and if you don’t liked it you can return it..

Homedepot and lowes are 90days 😛

I don’t have experience with either but here is my thoughts anyway..

my feeling is that most people use the colt so your gonna get the most feedback about that.

I did a little digging and it seems that the Dewalt has the best actual feedback and features.

I’ve read that the Colts depth adjustment is crude and difficult to dial in perfectly.

Man I just want too many tools right now…. Dewalt/Bosch compact router, Bosch orbital sander, and Bosch jigsaw….

Man I just want too many tools right now…. Dewalt/Bosch compact router, Bosch orbital sander, and Bosch jigsaw….

everyone starts with his first tool 😛 and then it gets more – specially when you are a TIA member haha

analog_gamer wrote:

Man I just want too many tools right now…. Dewalt/Bosch compact router, Bosch orbital sander, and Bosch jigsaw….

Brother, this is just the beginning!! Buckle up for a long ride 🙂 buying tools will never end!

Its just one of those things that there is this secure sense that, “I may not use it much but I got it when I need it.”

And besides, why buy junk when the tool can make or break the project.

That’s my motto. I would agree with KWC on the light too. Having an LED in a dimly lit area is very helpful. Not required just nice to have. More important is DC as it keeps the path clear for you to see. Oh and one more thing. Cordless is great to have one or two or whatever lines of as the batteries in most lines are now compatible. AC powered tools it’s not that important. Each is its own stand alone tool so having a Dewalt here, a B&D there, a Milwaukee over there and a Makita in hand isn’t a problem. It’s when you have a Dewalt drill and a Makita impact that things get a little confusing.

Well I checked both out tonight and came back with liking the Bosch more. Seems like I can actually dial it in better (with the measurements on the barrel.Typical Bosch quality with simple and clean lines. Also, plastic carrying case.

Man these things are small. Can I still do glue joints and tongue and groove? How thick a piece of wood can I go

M not sure what kind of tongue and groove your doing but the collet size on the compact routers are normally 1/4″ soooo……

You can get tongue and grove bits with 1/4 shank but you will likely have to make the cut in several passes somehow.

These smaller routers are great for flush trimming nosing, small roundovers, shallow cuts like to mortise a hinge or light details like a small v grove in a panel.. when you start wanting to remove more material you can do it but you have to make several passes, increasing your cut depth each time.

Ah, after crunching the numbers, the Bosch 1617 is more versable and would be an ideal “router” for my collection.

Thanks for all the help and from me purchasing something that would be under-utilized or worse, sold later on.

thats the one i have. but i bought the kit: 1617EVSPK at lowes for 180

Scratch it. I bought the Dewalt DWP611pk due to it having an acrylic base and led lights. After going back and forth between it and the Bosch, seemed more people liked it more. I’ll have to get used to the adjustment dial but should work out fine.

I think you will be happy with your purchase. Remember it was your decision and your money, Dewalt makes great tools. So does Bosch. So win win for you!

you cant go wrong with either one – it get the job done and you def bought a quality tool

Well, I just received it in the mail (Dewalt DWP611PK) and it is a fantastic little machine. Love the plunge base from the get-go (some have complained about the release lever) I find it to be smooth and efficiently designed.

 

The measurement dial will take some time getting used to, and of course the LED lights with acrylic base is what really makes this compact router shine.

 

Heck, even the small bag they include isn’t have bad (all my bags and cases are more for storing when not in use rather than transportation methods.)

 

Might have a new favorite tool competing with my Fein Multimaster.

 

Thanks everyone, very cool forum.

Glad your here Analog Gamer

Congrats analog I’m gonna have to check that out I have a older ridgid router that’s pretty beefy so a compact one sounds nice.

grats on your new tool analog