DEWALT DW625 3-Horsepower Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

From the moment you get your hands on it, you'll appreciate the quality of this router. The handles offer total comfort and confidence as you guide this 11-1/4-pound beauty around. Its soft start means no jerking, even when you start it at its peak speed of 22,000 rpm (its bottom range is 8,000 rpm). The 15 amp motor is quieter than you'd expect in a router this size, and the rack-and-pinion depth adjustment DeWalt is known and loved for comes equipped with a magnified scale and a micro fine-adjustment knob. The plunge mechanism is smooth as silk--better than on routers twice the price--and it would serve perfectly in a table or for freehand work. The 625 comes with 1/2- and 1/4-inch collets, and when it's time to change the bit, you'll really appreciate the spindle-lock button; it's a big square with a finger depression, unlike most other routers that offer either two wrenches to wrestle with or a small, sharp spindle-lock pin that leaves a red dent in your finger. Other nice features: one side of the base is rounded and one is flat, and it comes with a dust-extraction adapter. This piece of machinery truly is as close to flawless as a router can get. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Amazon.com Product Description

The Heavy-Duty DEWALT DW625 EVS plunge router features a smooth running, powerful motor, variable speeds, and accurate depth adjuster for precise routing. The DW625's powerful 15-amp motor offers soft starts for smoother operation and variable speeds from 8,000 to 22,000 RPM. The rack and pinion depth adjuster, magnified scale, and micro-fine bit depth adjuster allow for ultra-precise routing each and every time. For added versatility, the DW625 offers 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet capacity, and it also includes a dust extraction adapter for a cleaner workspace. The built-in spindle lock button allows for easy, one-wrench bit changes for less downtime.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 7.5 inches ; 18 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 16.6 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: B000051WQW
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW625
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,477 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #34 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the power!, December 2, 2000

By 

Ken Ewald (Spring Branch, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW625 3-Horsepower Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

Anyone using this router to do hand held plunge routing better have a strong grip! It's powerful. Even with the soft-start technology, the torque is amazing.

The dust collection attachment worked great until it broke. I see why it's made of clear plastic, to enable viewing the bit at work, but it sure breaks easily, and I haven't found a glue that will repair it permanently. So, I'm now thinking about adding the 621 - 2hp unit to my collection because of it's built in dust collection system. DeWalt should do something similar to the 625.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but limited, May 13, 2002

By 

W Ferris (Cape Town South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW625 3-Horsepower Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I've had my DW625 about a year. I bought it because it was going to be my only router. I wanted a machine that was capable of doing just about everything a router should be capable of. Unfortunately, for me, the router is something of a mixed bag.

I am not at all disappointed with the power or handling characteristics considering the size of the machine. The 3hp motor effetely drives large bits. The low centre of gravity makes this big machine relatively easy to handle compared to other 3hp routers and the plunge action is very smooth. The on/off switch is convenient, although a switch which turns the machine off when released would be far safer. The plunge lock mechanism can be somewhat difficult to use for someone with smallish hands (for a guy), but I'm now used to it. The soft start and electronic control means that you don't get that jump when starting up and you get an even cut under varying loads. However, it's use under a router table can be rather frustrating.

I have made my own table with a 6mm (~1/4") supported acrylic surface. It's simple and should work well with the 625, especially with the fine adjuster, made for when the router is table mounted. However, even at 6mm the router cannot push the bits high enough at times. This is incredibly frustrating and it's tempting to overextend the bits in the collet, which isn't good for the collet, the bits or for safety. Using a 4mm slot cutter on multiple repeat pieces should be a breeze if you use a table with stops. Unfortunately my bit, of average length, does not extend far enough using the table due to the inadequate travel of the 625. Cutting 24 identical pieces topside then becomes infuriating.

I also recently wanted to do some template work. Most template guide adverts, including those shown here, say that the universal 1 3/16" template guides fit DeWalt routers with an adapter. I live in Cape Town and have been in touch with the local dealer and emailed DW in the USA, asking where I can get an adapter. So far, after numerous attempts to get an answer from DW, I have yet to receive a reply from the USA and the importers of DW here cannot get an answer from the UK. Getting good service with courtesy should be a consideration when buying anything. Lack of after-sales service would seriously make me consider options other than DeWalt should I be in market for a new router.

Overall I like the DW625, but it has serious limitations with regards to table mounting and using template guides.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BIG DW625- A Gentle Giant, November 5, 2003

By 

Mike Barnett - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW625 3-Horsepower Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

Before I committed the $$ to this router, I did a lot of online research. To say the least, there were some mixed feelings out there in cyberspace. The most frequent criticism of the 625 was its weight. "Now, hang on", thought I, "a target rifle is typically quite heavy. The reason for this is stability. Ergo, a heavier router will be inherently more stable, and easier to keep a good handle on, considering its torque!" Was I right (GLOAT!) The soft start really keeps this beast tamed, and I am amazed at how smooth the plunge stroke is. The depth stops and adjustments are easy to use and precise. I really like the infinite speed control, and the ability to change speeds "on the fly" - this keeps burning to a minimum, and, after more experience has been gained, I find that I have eliminated burning altogether (GLOAT # 2).

And, this thing has some POWER! I didn't want to rewire it!
The main reason I like that power is from a durability standpoint. I know that this horse is going to give me YEARS of service, which justifies its pricetag. And, because of the torque, the motor is heavily wound and has a stout shaft. Again, DURABILITY!

Overall, this is one of the best investments I've made in woodworking "toolage".