DEWALT DW618PK 12-AMP 2-1/4 HP Plunge and Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router Kit

by DEWALT

• 2-1/4 hp, 12-amp electronic variable speed motor provides the power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods
• Comes with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets for improved versatility and bit retention
• Depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64-inch increments and adjusts vertically
• Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock makes depth adjustment and base changes quick and solid-locking
• Integral, through-the-column dust collection collects 95% of the dust and provides superior bit visibility
• Item does not come with a centering tool

Product Description

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Featuring a 12 amp variable-speed, soft-start motor, the DEWALT 2-1/4-Inch Fixed-Base/Plunge-Base Router Combo Kit is packed with smart design features that make routing easy. Depth adjustment and base changes are tool free, and integrated dust control keeps work spaces clean and improves cut line visibility.

2-1/4-Inch EVS Fixed Base Plunge Router Combo Kit with Soft Start At a Glance: Versatile two-in-one setup with powerful 12 amp motor Soft start, electronic variable-speed control from 8,000 to 24,000 rpm Quick, easy bit and base changes Comfortable handle for optimum accuracy Backed by a three-year limited warranty

Kit includes a router, sub base, and depth adjustment ring.

Powerful and Accurate with Variable-Speed Control
The 2-1/4-horsepower, 12 amp motor allows the router to cut through the toughest hardwoods. The router's electronic variable-speed trigger lets you select from between 8,000 and 24,000 rpm for specific applications. And because this system employs full electronic feedback, you can trust the router to provide constant speed under load. In addition, the motor's soft start reduces start-up torque for optimum control.

The router's fixed base features a micro-fine depth-adjustment ring that provides precise bit adjustments in 1/64-inch increments. Because the ring--not the motor can--turns to adjust bit depth, a constant switch/cordset location is maintained when you are using the router in a table. This minimizes difficulty in turning the unit on and off and keeps operation consistent.

The plunge base features an adjustable five-position turret stop for use when making repeated plunge cuts. The easy-to-reach plunge-release lever and switch keep control at your fingertips during routing.

Quick, Secure Base and Bit Changes
The clear, LEXAN sub-base offers optimum bit visibility and base durability, and it accepts standard template-guide bushings to make application-specific setups easy. Also, a sub-base concentricity gauge is included. If you insert this into the collet prior to bit installation, it will help you center the sub-base relative to bit location when making your cut line off of the side of the base.

Moreover, the sub-base and other included bases are designed to make both base and bit changes easy. Quick-release motor latches allow for fast and easy motor-pack removal, while a spindle-lock button allows for single-wrench bit changes. The fixed base also offers a flat top, so the router can be set upside down for easy bit and depth changes. Additionally, long, self-releasing, eight-slotted collets provide improved bit retention and prevent bits from jamming.

Built for Consistency and Durability
Routing applications produce a lot of dust, which can result in extra wear and tear on electronic parts. That's why this system features a dust-sealed switch that protects against dust ingestion for longer tool life. Other components that contribute to the tool's overall consistency and durability include heavy-duty metal housings, precision-machined brass bushings, and case-hardened steel guide rods on the plunge base.

Comfortable Operation with Integrated Dust Control
Each base features comfortable rubber over-molded handles and a low center of gravity for improved balance and control and reduced user fatigue. The base also has a patented through-the-column dust-collection system. This allows a vacuum to be attached to the router without blocking your line of sight.

In addition, this router kit offers you the ability to work with the switch and cordset on either your left or right side. Also contributing to this setup's usability is a detachable cordset that can be easily serviced. A shorty cord motor pack is not required if you opt to place the motor can in a D-Handle base.

The DW618PK DEWALT 2-1/4-Inch EVS Fixed Base/ Plunge Base Router Combo Kit with Soft Start is backed by a three-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
DW618M motor pack, DW6184 fixed base, DW6182 plunge base, 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, wrench, sub-base concentricity gauge, large-hole sub-base, vacuum adapter, and kit box.

Everything stays safe and secure in the durable kit box.

Product Description

115-DW618PK Features: -Motor provides the power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods.-Micro-fine depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64'' increments and adjusts vertically for a constant switch/cordset location.-Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock makes depth adjustment and base changes quick and solid-locking.-Quick release motor latches for fast and easy motor pack removal for bit and base changes.-Detachable cordset offers cordset serviceability and the ability to use the same motor pack for all bases.-Clear, LEXAN sub-base provides enhanced base durability, bit visibility, and accepts standard template guide bushings.-Electronic variable speed motor provides the power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods.-Electronic variable speed with full feedback control for constant speed under load from 8,000-24,000 rpm and soft start to reduce start-up torque for enhanced control.-Spindle lock to allow for one wrench bit changes.-Rack and pinion depth adjuster, with micro-fine adjusting allows quick, accurate set ups.-Only plunge router with built-in dust extraction through the column, removes 95pct of the dust.-Micro-fine depth adjusts in increments of 1/256'' for extreme accuracy.-Rack and pinion depth adjuster, magnified scale and micro-fine bit depth adjuster provides fast and accurate depth settings.-Phosphorous bronze bushings provides a smooth and accurate plunge.-Spindle lock button allows one-wrench bit changes.-Dust extraction adapter for cleaner work sites.-Guide Bushing adapter plate accepts standard guide bushings for template work.-One piece motor shaft and spindle ensures perpendicularity and accuracy.-Price is for 1 Each. Includes: -Sub-base concentricity gauge included to ensure bit concentricity for best-in-class accuracy. Color/Finish: -Full wave electronic variable speed motor with soft start runs at 8,000-24,000 rpm with constant speed under load to ensure a quality finish in all materials.-Full w

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

250 of 254 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands Down - Best of Breed Router Kit November 15, 2002

By Scott Fairchild

Color Name:NA

I invested a lot of time when deciding which router kit I wanted and finally chose the DeWalt model. I chose from a short list of the top-selling kits below, all of which I actually used in a real test environment:

* Makita RF1101KIT (w/free edge guide and dust collection)
* Porter-Cable 693VSPK (w/free edge guide, no dust collection)
* Bosch 1617EVSP
* DeWalt DW618PK edge guide

When all is said and done, All are very well-built machines by reliable manufacturers. I did not choose the Porter Cable because of the tool-required change from base to base as well as the lower power and lack of soft-start. The Bosch lost because of the flimsy edge guide they offer (currently free) and the tendency for dust to really collect near the bit and block your view.

It came down to the Makita and the Dewalt, and both performed VERY well, and had everything I asked for (micro adjustment, easy motor change, soft start, 2.25HP, easy-plunge control etc.) At first, the Makita had the "edge" :) because it came with the free edge guide, and the DeWalt cost ($) more. However, I finally decided on the DeWalt because the dust collection was truly integrated with the unit (the Makita's was a separate, but included, plate you attached), and that's what pushed it over the edge. The only other real difference was the DeWalt has a removeable power cord, which wasn't a deal-maker, but is nice.

Other than the slight heaviness (The Bosch was the lightest), I am completely pleased with my purchase as it works just awesome. When all is said and done, the DeWalt was the most expensive, because you have to buy the edge guide separately, but besides that, the DeWalt is the winner.

94 of 95 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a trade up! Great value for an excellent router. November 5, 2002

By Michael

Color Name:NA

This is a great deal. I have wanted to trade up from my Craftsman router for a while. I was considering purchasing the DW621, but when I saw this combo kit was coming out I decided to wait to get this kit.
Having waited for a few months to get this new tool, I played quite a bit this weekend. I just purchased a new house and I wanted to make some moldings. So this weekend on worked on a 3 piece chair rail for the dining room. I had no problem mouting the router on a Rousseau plate and mounting it in my homemade router table (without the plunge base attached).
I had never done moldings before and I was very pleased with the results. This router has ample power and control. I had to make multiple passes but the feed rate while slow was acceptable, and I never felt like the work was out of control. (Also, the finished product was a lot cleaner than with my previous router - but the I was also using significantly more expensive router bits.)
The plunge base was similarly easy to use, though I only made a few sample cuts. I have no complaints with the plunge mechanism. The soft start is also a great feature.
I am very pleased with my purchase. For an extra (Money) (over the DW621), I got both a fixed base and a plunge router. I know serious woodworkers have multiple routers, but I don't have the budget for that. I had wanted a fixed base since I mostly use the router in the table. However, I also wanted at least a 2 HP router in order to do molding (though I wouldn't recommend using this for great quantities of molding). This router kit gave me the best of both worlds. Given the small cost for two bases and the 2 1/4 HP, this is a great deal for those of you who can also get by with a single router. Now, I can also have a plunge router when I need it.

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars ITS WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY!!!! February 28, 2003

By Justin Dennis

Color Name:NA

After having this router for about two months now I have been able to completely shop-test it. I recommend this router system to anyone who is looking for a router. The soft start feature is a must(the router does not try to fly out of your hands when turning on or off). The variable speed is perfect for cutting through hard or soft woods, and is easy to control even in the middle of routing. DeWalt has completely designed a universal routing system with the fixed base and the plunge base, switching the motor is easy and completely accurate. I suggest to anyone on getting the 2-1/4HP DeWalt router system over any other router system out there for the dependable and accurate routing this system offers. It is worth the extra money! I would suggest on ordering the DW6913 Universl Edge Guide with Dust Collection which fits perfectly with both bases and is remarkable to use. DeWalt has made another high quality woodworking product to use with the woodworker in mind. Highly recommended!!!!