DEWALT DW621K 2-Horsepower VS Electronic Plunge Router Kit with Carrying Case and Universal Edge Guide

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Offering stand-out performance and providing convenient, built-in dust collection, the DeWalt DW621 2-HP plunge router is both powerful and well-balanced for precision performance. Variable engine speed ranging from 8,000 RPM to 24,000 RPM with an electronic control that maintains speed during tough cuts means you can use a broad range of bits without the burning delicate woods or getting bogged down. For added convenience, you can set your desired depth quickly and accurately using a rack-and-pinion height adjustment system. This professional router includes long, precision-machined collets in both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch sizes, a vacuum adapter, a universal edge guide featuring fine fence adjustment, a template guide bushing adapter for use with universal, 1-3/16-inches guide bearings, a wrench for efficient bit changes, and a heavy-duty kit box for easy storage and transport.

From the Manufacturer

DEWALT DW621K 2 HP VS Electronic Plunge Router Kit with Carrying Case and Universal Edge Guide

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15.8 x 11.4 x 9.8 inches ; 13.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 16.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00005QX31
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW621K
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #92,238 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Taking the plunge, the DeWalt 621., December 25, 2002

By 

iwoodknot "iwoodknot" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW621K 2-Horsepower VS Electronic Plunge Router Kit with Carrying Case and Universal Edge Guide (Tools & Home Improvement)

Let me start by saying I don't believe a "perfect tool" exists, but the DeWalt 621 is close.

I admit, I'm not a spontaneous person when it comes to buying larger ticket item tools. This was no exception approx 18 months ago. I insist on good research. I tried to consider every possible use, quality, ergonomics, company reputation and overall long term investment along with price. First stop was here at Amazon.com, next Workbench Magazine (March/April 2001 issue, page 44.), followed by hands on inspection at local shops including Home Depot, Sears, Rockler and Tool Mart.

Out of a half dozen choices it came down to the DeWalt 621 or Porter Cable 7529. I did not like the electronics issues that plagued the P.C. (Porter Cable), and the fine depth adjustment rod is difficult to turn due to its very close proximity to the router body. Overall quality, ease of use and power were the priorities for my choice and then price. I would have gladly paid ...more for a mid-size router, if I felt it was truly better. I've heard from local woodworking shops that P.C. has addressed the electronics problems with the 7529 but with the higher cost (and weight) and lower usable power, the 621 was still the better choice. I decided to buy mine at Amazon.com as I did not have to pay shipping/handling or tax and I was assured of quick delivery. The base price here was competitive with other websites and stores and I received the edge guide attachment free.

When I received shipment the first thing that went through my mind was "Oh no, what happened!?" The outer shipping box had a huge 4" diameter hole in the right lower corner. Fortunately the router was encased in it's own box toward the rear of the shipping one. I immediately unpackaged and plugged it in. It's soft start electronics smoothly and quickly brought the router up to speed. The only noise heard was the soft whoosh of air from the motor's fan. It was music to my ears. Wheeew was the sound we both made!

I am a woodworder first and plastic/metal fabricator second. I wanted to really put this machine to test under a significant load. I am in the process of fabricating a 4" mini-table saw with a solid aluminum table top and needed to route two 1/8" deep by 1/2" wide miter grooves. Now obviously this is not likely to be recommended by DeWalt, but as I said, I wanted to test this machine under heavy load. A 1/2" shank ,1/2" straight carbide bit was fitted and the work began. The 621 sliced through the top without a whimper, slowing of the motor or excess vibration. The first wood project was a 1/4" roundover of redwood stock for some custom stackable shelves. The roundover was so effortless I thought I had missed the stock and had to turn off the machine and feel the edge with my finger to believe I had actually cut the surface. I was pleasantly surprised, the edge was perfect. Next job. 1/2" dados (using undersized plywood straight bit) to create tight fitting shelves in a birch cabinet followed by 1/2" x 1" deep mortises for tenon joints on a seperate redwood stand. The power and precision of this machine is impressive and with the lighter weight makes it nimble in the hands unlike the P.C. tank. The rack-and-pinion depth adjustment worked superb as did the three position turret, although six stops would be better. With power locked on and plunge raised, the 621 barely moved on my tabletop, a testament to it's ball bearings and smoothness. The fat spindle lock button was easy to use and much appreciated by my fingertip (and knuckles for those unfortunate without this feature).

The 95% efficiency regarding this routers ability to clear dust and woodchips you may have read is absolutely true! The large steel plunge rod (actually a hollow pipe) on the left of the machine is a cleverly designed vacuum tube (In this case different is better. Good job DeWalt!!). Attached to my shop vac, the suction works so well I have even used it to clear some of the excess dust on the table produced from my other machines. I just lightly pass the router over the dust and chips instead of detaching the vacuum hose from the router or blowing it away using my lungs.

As I said earlier I don't believe in any perfect tool and this router does have a few quirks. The base is different from most routers. Having two parallel straight edges gives it a smaller total surface area but also allows for easier edge guiding. The power switch is unusual to use and more complicated than a simple lever but is designed for safety as is the P.C. 7529 and like the P.C. just takes some getting use to. The plunge lock is also different from the others but easy to use without having to remove any fingers from it's grip so as to activate a lever.

The Pro's:

**Impressive Macro/Micro plunge adjustments
**Truly functional vacuum system (It really [has power]!)
**Smooth electronic controlled startup/feedback with ample power
**Good spindle lock and collett design
**Good quality of fit/finish

The Con's:

**Unusual base design with smaller surface area
**Unusual power switch (Designed for safety, but so has the P.C. 7529)

Summary: Maybe I like the 621 based on its ample merits or maybe because it's yellow color reminds me of my Tonka truck as a boy? It's definitely a very good tool. Or is it just an adult toy? Hmmm....

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good router that keeps getting better, March 21, 2002

By 

Bob Lewis (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW621K 2-Horsepower VS Electronic Plunge Router Kit with Carrying Case and Universal Edge Guide (Tools & Home Improvement)

I recently purchased the DW621 to replace a two year old DW621 that was stolen. I use the DW621 as a hand-held router

Lo and behold, the new router is different. The plunge springs are softer making it easier to control during plunge cuts.

The switch has been redesigned with a more positive lock. With the older router, it was too easy to bump the switch off.

The plastic chip guard has been redesigned and is much more effective.

The bushing holder is easier to install and fits better.

Both routers have variable speed and soft start. The balance point of the router is to the left of the bit making it less 'tippy'. The motor is quiet and smooth. The power is deceptive.

I replaced the stolen DW621 with a new DW621 because out of all the tools in my shop, the Dewalt feels the best in my hands.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Visability and excellent Dust Shoot, February 11, 2002

By 

Roger L. Conway (Palm Springs, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DEWALT DW621K 2-Horsepower VS Electronic Plunge Router Kit with Carrying Case and Universal Edge Guide (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have found the DW 621 easy to use and quick to set debth of plunge. It is easy to see what you are doing and the dust shoot really helps. The Plung spring is a little week and the trigger takes some getting use to, other wise it represnts good value and it should enjoy the durability of my other Dewealt tools.