Customer Reviews

DEWALT DW616 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed Base Router

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have owned 4 different DeWalt routers which I enjoyed despite limitations that I found in all of them (weight, power, ease of use, etc.) I still, however considered the previous DeWalt routers to be superior to both Porter Cable and Bosch routers.

When DeWalt came out with their new 1 3/4 and 2 1/4 hp routers with multiple bases to compete with PC, I had to try them.

I decided on the 1 3/4 hp, as I have their 2 hp, and have never liked the weight of the unit. It always felt cumbersome doing light work. Upon receiveing this little router, I mounted the fixed base underneath one of my router tables, and kept the plunge base out for travelling work. Here are my impressions:

1.) This has plenty of smooth power to run virtually anything you fire its way. I was able to smoothly run a cabinet panelling bit through MDF (I would not dare to do so through hardwood that is what the 3hp router is for). On sit I ran 3/4" roundovers, 3/4" straight fluted bits, etc. without incident. This router has the power to do almost anything you need on site, and can run most bits you need in a router table.

2.) The changing of the motor from base to base takes a couple of times to get used to, but is smarter than the current Porter Cable model. Changing router bits requires two wrenches, however, the detachable cord and flat base allow it to rest in a flat and stable position.

3.) They made the base compatbile with Porter Cable bases so most of the base attachments you can buy for PC also work with the DeWalt.

Bottom line is I got rid of all other routers I owned except for the DeWalt 3hp (for panelling), and have two fixed bases mounted under Rockler router tables, one plunge and one fixed base for on site work, and a total of 5 motors to put wherever I need them. It has truly been a universal fit for all of my routing needs!

I was after a good all-around router. I had already had the DW621. (their 2 hp electronic plunge router) I sold it a while ago, and I wanted a budget replacement that would have flexibility down the road. The Porter-Cable 690 series is the most popular in this area, but they have made some changes recently that I didn't like; going to a rocker switch in lieu of a toggle switch, for instance.

The switch in this one is the toggle switch, which protrudes more and is easier to find without looking. Also, it is dust sealed with a rubber fitting, so dust isn't a factor. Porter*Cable was just trying to save a couple cents per router by using a cheapo rocker switch. Bad call. When there's a router bit spinning at 24,000 RPM and you're holding the router with one hand while you look for the switch, you don't want to have to look or feel around too much to turn it off, especially in case of emergency.

Like the PC 690, this DeWalt has a flat top, which you set the router down on when changing bits. Unlike some other routers, this one requires the use of two wrenches for changing bits instead of having a shaft lock button and one wrench. I don't mind taking the extra few seconds to use the two wrenches, both of which are included. Actually, two identical wrenches are provided. They are thick, stamped steel, and are either tempered or just naturally have a black finish. Each wrench has each size needed - 19mm and 22mm.

The motor unit is easily removed from the fixed base by unlatching the main latch in the back, (a simple cam latch) pressing in on the quick release latches with one hand and lifting out the motor unit with the other hand. Then, if you have another base, such as the D-handle or plunge base offered for this router, you just drop it in. This flexibility was a big selling feature for me.

To adjust the depth of cut, unlatch the main latch in the back (the motor unit is still kept from falling out with the quick release latches) and turn the black adjustment ring. Below the black adjustment ring is a depth ring, which is held in its position by a nice, firm friction fit. It isn't loose, and doesn't feel like it would ever wear out. Many of the edging type router bits won't require the use of this, because you set them by eye. But some of the depth cutting operations such as cutting dadoes can use this.

See in the Amazon photo, the two holes in the front of the base? Those are for an edge guide, for routing parallel to the edge of a board. This edge guide isn't included, it is about a $33 accessory. I'm sure they did this to limit the cost of the router to the magical $99 mark. Works for me!

The handles are a nice, ergonomically-shaped rubber material. Bosch uses wood (classy, but the router is 60% more money) and Porter*Cable uses phenolic, which is more brittle.

The router includes 1/4" and 1/2" collets, for whatever bits you happen to have. If you haven't bought bits yet, spend the very few extra dollars and get 1/2" shank bits. They are stiffer and will not chatter as easily as the 1/4" ones.

The bottom plate that came with my router wasn't quite big enough to use with the largest bit I had; only by a bit. So I mounted the bit way out, turned the router on, and slowly rotated the depth ring until it had cut itself some clearance.

I really like the design of this router. DeWalt put a lot of thought into it. I had two previous DeWalt tools, the DW621 router and a 1/2" corded drill. They were both very well thought-out. That was part of what steered me towards this.

The one thing I really don't like about it is the safety certification. It is CSA, not UL. That means CSA (Canadian Standards Association) tested it to the UL standard. They also tested it to Canadian requirements, which is fine, but I don't believe they do as thorough of a job to US standards. DeWalt did this to save money and time to market. The Porter-Cable and most other big name tools are UL Listed. (look for the "UL-in-a-circle-mark on the ratings label)

If I had it to do again, I would deal with the cheezy rocker switch and go with the Porter-Cable, because they haven't cheaped-out on safety certification. They're still using the more expensive, American-based company.

I purchased this router for two reasons:
1) I was tired of taking my Bosch router in and out of my router table and wanted to dedicate a router to the the table
2) I wanted a router with a clear base that would accept Porter Cable style guide bushings so that using various jigs would be easier

The other router in my shop is a Bosch 1617 and I'll compare it to the Dewalt.
Bosch pros:
The height adjustment is easier to micro adjust
There is more room between the motor and base for removing bits
The two wrenches and collets are a little easier to manage.

Dewalt pros:
Clear lexan base is great for seeing what's going on
Base accepts Porter Cable guide bushings
I like the feel of the rubber handles

Although the Bosch is 2 1/4hp and variable speed, I find that the Dewalt has plenty of power for most routing and the single speed is fine for most of the routing that I do; dovetails, mortising, edge profiles, small bits mostly (I raise panels on my 3hp Shaper)

Both routers are great and I can't choose between them. I like each for different reasons. Good luck with your choice.

Got this router for one thing - to trim some Pergo flooring tongues that were poorly formed. Turns out, with some careful measuring, I had to trim .007" from the front side, and the same from the back side. There was too much "barb" on the Pergo.

Anyway... got the router, went down to the local tool store and got a cheezy router table that, at least, had real t-slots in it and set up a fixture to do that bare, little bit of trimming. Combined cut was only .014", which is just a tad under 1/64 inch. So think in terms of 1/128 inch trims on each side of the tongues.

Worked like a charm. Floor went down easy. Cuts were absolutely precise. Measured the centering pin, zero runout on it. Collets that came with the router also ran true. Jeeze? What more could ya want?

Cant comment on the power or such - this was strictly a setup for one job with a lot of material going thru the router, but not much being taken off.

I purchased this router mainly to mount under the new router table that I just completed but also intend on using as a regular router. I am replacing an old router that I have always been frustrated with not being able to get the plate centered well enough to not have to worry about keeping it lined up perfectly on a staight edge. That said I was looking forward to have the centering tool that was mentioned in the description of the product. Apparently they have dicontinued the centering tool as part of the deal, it is still refered to in the manual but it is not in the box. Other than that, what little time I have had to use it I think it will be a great tool for years to come.

I have several routers and this replaced my 610 model that I used so much, but I built a new table so I used a base that needed a new router so I got the 616. I could have got the 618 but I really did not need the extra power. I have used the 1 3/4 HP routers for years and do most of my work with oak so keep a sharp bit and you will have no issues. Get one use it and enjoy!