Customer Reviews

DEWALT DW625 3-Horsepower Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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".

I bought my 625 about 6 months ago as my primary router to use in a home built router cabinet and occasional free hand work. Out of the box, I was impressed, the soft start is sweet, the plunge is smooth, on/off switch is convienent. One wrench to change bits is key, and it comes with 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets. I have done most of my work with it in the table which was easy to set up. I bouth a rasmuessen plate, then I photocopied the router base and punched holes in the paper for a template. Worked perfect. The only difficult part was that it did not come with bolts to attach to plate and the instructions did not list the size, so I had to take the router to a hardware store to find the right metric bolt.

I have made some raised panel doors with no problem, the variable speed is great to slow it down for the big bits. The three turret stop is nice except when mounted upside down, the stops have a tendancy to loosen and fall out, then get stuck in my dust collection and so on.

Using it free hand is no problem despite 14 pounds and 3 horses. The large handels and low center of gravity make it easy to control.

My only gripes are these.
1. I wish it would come with a collet extender for use in a table be able to remove the plunge so I could the bits a bit further in.
2. 4 or 5 turret stops would be nicer.

Thats it, other than that the router is perfect. If you don't have a router, this is the way to go, it has virtually no limits. My next one with the 621 for my free hand work and dovetails, but for now, this one dose it all.

I will say this router has plenty of power for woodworking, but I am in the solid surface market, and it works good with smaller bits, but the big bits, it seems a little under powered. All in all the plunge works good, and I like the design of the switch. I just wish they made a 3 1/2 hp.

I just ordered the Festool 2000 to replace it.

I was pleased with the quick shipping of this router - received it just a couple days after placing my order on Amazon.

However, the first time I used the router, it worked for less than a minute, cut in and out several times and then quit working altogether.

I took it to DeWalt's Factory Store/Repair Center in the Chicago area. They tell me they are "backed up" and it will be at least 2 weeks before they can repair the router.

I have a number of other DeWalt machines (planer, compound sliding miter saw and portable table saw). This is the first one to give me any problems - hope it isn't a design flaw.

I have had this router for 8 years now. I have one other large router, a top-of-the line Fein. I used to prefer the Fein, as it runs more quietly, has a nice on-off switch, and is lighter.

But now I'm leaning towards the Dewalt, for two reasons. First, while the Fein's on-off switch is easy to use, you can also accidentally turn it on if you set the router down on it. Not so with the Dewalt. The Dewalt also locks securely in the on position underneath a router table, while I've found that engaging the trigger lock on the Fein is troublesome when turned upside down.

The other reason--durability. Eight years without a repair! I've had to replace the collet lock mechanism on my Fein twice (it just broke). I use the Dewalt frequently, and haven't even had to change the brushes.

Now, I've read a complaint or two about the on-off switch, how it is cumbersome to use. I struggled with it for years, cursing the damned thing--only to realize in the end that I wasn't using it properly! You'll see from the photo--the switch is big on the top, and sort of lips over the handle, giving the impression that you should turn it on by pushing up on the lip. Not so! Turn it on by pushing from the round part, underneath the handle. Very easy and accessible.

While this is a heavy router, I've come to appreciate the advantage of heavy. Hey--you are buying a 3 hp router--this means you want to eat wood fast from time to time. And when you are really eating wood, that extra heft is nice--makes the thing stay put. I use it often for cutting circles. When you are cutting a circle, you get the grain of the wood at every possible angle. At some point, you are likely to get it in such a manner that the router may lurch. But this monster--well, it's more likely to stay put.

I like the depth adjustment; it has remained accurate and solid over the years. It's one of the easiest to use, as it has a little adjustable plastic piece that magnifies an adjustment bar.

My only caveat is that the base will only accept bits up to 2-1/2" diameter. Too bad for such a powerful router, which is capable of handling more.

I have the Dewalt 2 hp kit as well, with the 3 bases. If I had to choose only one router, I'd go for the 3 base kit (see my review). But, I like the 3-hp woodeating monster when I'm ready to chew big-time, particularly very hard woods, or when I need that extra wide base for increased stability, as when I'm cutting a glue joint for a tabletop. And after 8 years, the plunge action is still smooth as ever. This router may outlive me. I'm starting to love yellow.

This is an awesome piece of equipment. I have two other routers (not Dewalt) and although the job gets done with those, the DW625 router makes the job a lot easier. It makes you feel like a real woodworker and it makes you proud of the end results! As any tool, do not force it or abuse it. Follow the user's manual instructions always and you will enjoy your tool for years to come! This is a powerful tool--not a toy--so treat it with respect. Make sure you have adequate power supply from the power outlet, otherwise it will trip the breaker. I almost damage a raised panel lid I am working on because of a tripped power breaker. Other than that, I am very happy with my purchase and with my other Dewalt tool purchased long time ago. By the way, this was the first time using Amazon, and after this purchase I have completed two more purchases with ZERO (0) complaints. Amazon is a very reliable and secure way of doing Internet purchases. RECOMMENDED!

The quick release nut is now a constant release nut. The fine adjustment is poorly designed. When I tighten the knob to lock it down, the adjustment bar actually moves from where I set it--not good. In the full plunge position, the bit does not travel far enough out of the router. You should not have to raise a bit in the collet to expose the full profile. The power is fine, but I bought this to run a panel bit set. My panel cutter doesn't fit through the opening in the base, so I have to try to insert and tighten the bit in the plunge position. I suppose that last one is my fault for not checking that ahead of time.

I have owned this unit since 1999 and have used it strictly under a router table. I consider myself an intermediate level woodworker, usually spending 4-6 hours per week in my shop, much of that time at the router table. I have never had an issue with this machine. I have used it to route anything from small parts with the 1/4 inch collet to making raised panel doors with 3.5 inch rail and stile bits. The machine with its soft start and electronic speed control has never faulted on any type of cut. The one-wrench quick change collet feature is nice as well, seeing as how I have to remove the router from under the table to change bits. The fine depth adjuster is another must if you plan on mounting it to a table. The adjustment mechanism is very smooth and easy to operate. If I had any complaint at all, it would be the inability to place this unit into a router lift. Nevertheless, it has treated me well. You cannot go wrong with this router.