DEWALT DW618K 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router with So Start Kit

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This fixed-base D-handle router from DeWalt has all the design features to make it a popular choice with woodworkers and professional carpenters for freehand routing. The tool's powerhouse is a smooth-running, 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower variable-speed motor with soft start and a spindle lock. It offers more than enough power to make precise, clean cuts in tough hardwood materials without bogging down. A micro-fine adjustment ring is used to dial in the height setting at 1/64-inch increments, so the motor itself doesn't need to be turned, and as a consequence, the position of the switch and cord doesn't change every time your cut-depth does. This same motor can be used with DeWalt's DW6182 plunge base or their DW6184 two-handle fixed base, and DeWalt has thoughtfully made motor removal and base changing a quick and easy, tool-free operation. As finishing touches, the toggle switch on the motor (switched on for operation and overridden by the locking trigger in the D-handle grip) is sealed against dust penetration, and the cord is fully detachable for use with other DeWalt bases and to protect it in storage. DeWalt's engineers and designers clearly spent a lot of time making sure this router package addressed every need a woodworker could have, and the result is a tool that stands with the best in its price range. This model includes a carrying case. --Brian Trinen

From the Manufacturer

DEWALT DW618K 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router with So Start Kit

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 15.8 x 9.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.8 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.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00006JKXC
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW618K
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,828 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to handle and versatile..., December 6, 2002

By 

"woodnmusic" (Upland, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW618K 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router with So Start Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

The DW618K is great router. I previously owed the DW621K 2hp Plunge router, which I wanted for the power and versatily in woodworking. However, I found it very bulky. THIS NEW ROUTER FROM DEWALT IS COMPACT ENOUGH THAT IT IS EASY TO USE, YET PACKS THE PUNCH YOU NEED FOR BIGGER JOBS. The versality of this machine is wonderful, being able to switch from the fixed base to plunge base very quickly. The heigth adjustment on the fixed base I have found easy and simple to use as well. Overall, great power tool...worth the money!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a very good router, March 12, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: DEWALT DW618K 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router with So Start Kit (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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One BAD-ASS Machine!, November 9, 2004

By 

Jamie Marsh "The Tool-Man-Ate-'Er" (MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DEWALT DW618K 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router with So Start Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I've been working as a carpenter for more than 18 years, and this is by far the best small router I've used. Not only is it powerful, but it's light, well-balanced, and operates smoothly. It's like having a giant shop router in the palm of your hand. If you're looking for a router, I highly recommend the compact and versatile Dewalt DW618K - it kicks ass at the job site.