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

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Featuring a 12.0-amp motor that delivers variable speed performance from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM, the DeWalt DW618 2-1/4-HP fixed-base router offers all the power and versatility that professionals demand. Soft start provides an extra-smooth finish and helps ensure that this tool even performs well when working with the toughest hardwoods. With a micro-fine depth adjustment ring, you can count on accurate adjustment in 1/64-inch increments, while a clear, Lexan sub-base ensures durability and visibility. The included sub-base concentricity gauge enhances accuracy even further by helping you maintain bit concentricity, and long, eight-slot collets that are self-releasing provide excellent bit retention for dependability. A steel motor cam lock and quick-release motor latches make adjustments and base changes tool-free, fast, and easy when you need to switch tasks, and a unique, detachable cordset helps keep this tool easy to service. This router also provides over-molded, rubber handles and a well-balanced body for increased operator comfort and control. The unique switch and cordset configuration allows you to keep the switch in your right or left hand, while a flat top and spindle lock further increase the ease of bit and depth changes. The switch is also dust-sealed for durability. Kit includes motor pack, DW6184 fixed base, 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, two wrenches, sub-base concentricity gauge, vacuum adaptor, and heavy-duty kit box for easy transport and storage.

From the Manufacturer

Featuring a 12-amp motor that delivers variable speed performance from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM, the DeWalt DW618 2-1/4-HP fixed-base router offers all the power and versatility that professionals demand. Soft start provides an extra-smooth finish and helps ensure that this tool even performs well when working with the toughest hardwoods. With a micro-fine depth adjustment ring, you can count on accurate adjustment in 1/64-inch increments, while a clear, Lexan sub-base ensures durability and visibility. The long, eight-slot collets are self-releasing to provide excellent bit retention for dependability. A steel motor cam lock and quick-release motor latches make adjustments and base changes tool-free, fast, and easy when you need to switch tasks, and a unique, detachable cordset helps keep this tool easy to service. This router also provides over-molded, rubber handles and a well-balanced body for increased operator comfort and control. The unique switch and cordset configuration allows you to keep the switch in your right or left hand, while a flat top and spindle lock further increase the ease of bit and depth changes. The switch is also dust-sealed for durability and longevity. Kit includes DW618M motor pack, DW6184 fixed base, 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, wrench, and is backed by DEWALT's 3 year limited warranty.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.5 x 7.2 inches ; 10 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 10 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00006JKXB
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW618
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,294 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #16 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice router, January 23, 2005

By 

Illya Kuryakin (I'm now living in Desnogorsk) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have to admit I REALLY like this router. It has that high-quality-durable-well made feel that we all look for and appreciate in a tool. There is nothing "cheap" about the DW618. I've had an old Craftsman router literally since I was a kid and it got the job done but I needed a more powerful machine with a 1/2" chuck for various tasks I'm faced with while building our new house. This included having to flush-trim 32 feet of 1-1/8" T&G plywood. It was hard work (of course) even for the 12-amp motor of the DW618 and I blew the power line's 20-amp circuit breaker at least once. Nevertheless, it got the job done, something that would have been impossible for my other router. The soft start feature is fantastic. The ergonomics are great. The overall quality is first rate. And the price is reasonable. However, it IS NOT perfect. Number one irritation was the center hole in the plastic base was too small to use a 1/2" round over bit!!! I'm still blown away by this idiotic nonsense. DeWalt sells a base with a bigger hole, but why should I have to spend money for something that obviously should have been included? I ended up having to make my own base out of Bakelite because I could not afford to wait for a new base to come in the mail. Naturally, it wasn't hard to make, but it was very irritating. Another thing I don't like about this router is there is a significant amount of free-play in the height adjustment system. This is really a shame on such an otherwise high quality tool. Therefore, rather than for very precise work like cabinet making, I think this router is best used in the construction trades. Lastly, I don't like the push-button collet lock. I would prefer that it used the two-wrench system. This is a powerful router that uses big, nasty cutting tools. I DO NOT want one coming loose. If I had it to do over again, I'd consider the Bosch 1617EVS-46 as it seems to address all of my complaints. Nevertheless, I'm very happy with my DeWalt. I can't imagine a more rugged router.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a very good router., February 15, 2005

By 

Scott Pointon "Former Marine, Librarian, Wood... (Crest Hill, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I debated between this router and the comparable Bosch model for a while before finally choosing the DeWalt. Three things sold me on this router: the depth adjustment ring, the easy motor removal, and the power.

After using it in my router table I can say that all three of those features are absolutely top notch. I really like the depth adjustment ring - this makes changing bit height in my router table VERY easy and precise (no more spinning the motor housing). The easy motor removal is a plus too - all you do is release the motor lock (one handed I might add) and then squeeze the quick release tabs on each side of the motor housing to cause the motor to slide right out of the base. Thats it - it could not be simpler.

As for power, I have not tried to spin any huge bits in this thing, but I have used some serious ogee bits in white oak, poplar, and pine. In every case, the motor handled the cuts in one pass without bogging down at all and the cuts were super smooth and burn free (I use Freud bits). In my experience, the electronic variable speed works very well.

The only drawback of this tool (and the reason I am not rating it 5 stars) is that I find the bit changing to be cumbersome. I have an older Ryobi router with a fantastic spindle lock that allows you to "lock" the spindle and then use both hands for the bit change. On this DeWalt, there is a spindle lock, but it consists of a spring loaded button that must be held in WHILE you are turning the wrench with the other hand. I feel this could have been designed better.

Overall, this is a great tool at a fair price. If I could do it all over again I would buy this same router.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great router....till it broke, November 8, 2005

By 

D. Herbst (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable-Speed Fixed-Base Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

Had this router for 3 years...used it on avg 3-4 days/week for moderate tasks. I thought overall it was a great tool until first, a bearing went bad, then about 6 months later the fan attached to the motor armature and the piece securing the collet to the body broke into pieces during a slight chamfer cut in clear, soft REDWOOD! It's going to be $100+ to fix it, and I, like another reviewer above, didn't know whether to have it repaired or buy a different tool. However, after reading the other negative reviews and reports of motor failure, I am convinced that this tool doesn't belong in a professional woodshop.