DEWALT DW618D 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed D-Handle Router with Soft Start

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 DW618D 2-1/4 HP router with D-handle base 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, DW6183 D-handle base, 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, wrench, sub-base concentricity gauge, vacuum adaptor, and heavy-duty kit box for easy transport and storage.

From the Manufacturer

DEWALT DW618D 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed D-Handle Router with Soft Start

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.5 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.3 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: B00006JKXG
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW618D
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,147 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #76 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars DeWalt DW618D D-Handle Router, March 29, 2003

By 

R. Davidovich (Mississippi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW618D 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed D-Handle Router with Soft Start (Tools & Home Improvement)

I'm a home woodworker and wanted to by a new D-handle router with the latest features. When DeWalt's new line of routers came out, I sprung for the 2-1/4 variable speed model. I'm not a router expert, but loved it from the get-go. It's very comfortable and managable, easy to hold and route with one hand. The detachable cords are a great feature. I just love the variable speed, makes me feel like a pro using this router! Now, I'm also a mechanical engineer and I can be fairly critical with a tool purchase. This DeWalt router does come with a case. And it should, it's a beautiful tool, and I like to keep it that way. The collet lock button is in the most awkward location, hard to get at with even my slender fingers. I think it could have been oriented in a more open direction. And there are no clear plastic side shields to snap in place to limit the extent of sawdust that this router can kick out. My old Sears router has this feature. Would these things have prevented me from buying the router had I done a hands-on before buying? Probably not. I still think DeWalt makes great tools. They just don't take it to 100% to give the woodworker all the creature features. But for all I know, maybe some of these issues exist with other brands of routers at the same category/ price. Knowing things like this ahead of time will at least prepare you for some of the unexpected things that you can probably still accept and claim it as a good purchase as I did.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this Router, June 8, 2005

By 

Islander (Long Island,NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DW618D 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed D-Handle Router with Soft Start (Tools & Home Improvement)

I've owned this DEWALT DW618D router for about 5 months, and I have to say I love it. I've used it on several projects and it works very well. The 2 1/2 HP is plenty strong, and the D Handle fits very comfortable in my hand. At first I was disappointed It didn't come with a case. But now I'm glad, usually the case is to big and takes up to much room..

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect router for first-time woodworker, February 22, 2011

By 

R. EARLS "r.e." (Overland Park, Kansas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DW618D 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed D-Handle Router with Soft Start (Tools & Home Improvement)

I am new to woodworking and had never used a router before. Based upon a lot of reading, I learned that three features are very important for making routing easy and safe for first-timers. The D-shaped handle, variable speed motor, and the on/off switch. That being said, I found this router to be perfect.

This router has an on/off flip switch on the motor, but you start and control the speed of the motor with the trigger in the D-shaped handle. The point is, I don't have to take my hands off the handles to start the router and I can easily keep a good stable grip. Next, the variable speed trigger is nice as you can work the bit up-to-speed slow and easy. Other routers kick-on full speed and can "jerk" the router somewhat. Now imagine if you have to take your hands of the handle to start it AND it jerks when you start it. Not good. This router doesn't have either of those problems. I found the D-handle grip easy to manage, but people with small hands might find it hard to use. I really like the trigger lock for routing long pieces of wood.

Comes with 1/2 and 1/4 collets which is very nice as it will accomodate most any size bit. The router comes with a spindle-lock so you only have to use one wrench to add/remove the collet. I didn't find this difficult to do.

Documentation was very good. Clearly written by someone whose primary languange is English, not Chinese.

I love this thing!