DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router

$297 $149
(as of 22/07/2010 03:54 - info)
Buy Now amazon
  • 12 Amp motor with variable speed and three bases for versatility and reliability performance
  • Micro-fine depth adjustment ring for 1/64-inch adjustments and precision results
  • Ergonomic design, detachable cordset, and quick-release motor latches for convenience
  • Weighs 7.2 pounds for easy handling
  • Includes motor pack, fixed base, sub-base centering gauge, 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, wrench

Featuring a 12.0-amp motor that delivers variable speed performance from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM, the DeWalt DW618 2-1/4-HP fixed-base router offers all the power and versatility that professionals demand. Soft start provides an extra-smooth finish and helps ensure that this tool even performs well when working with the toughest hardwoods. With a micro-fine depth adjustment ring, you can count on accurate adjustment in 1/64-inch increments, while a clear, Lexan sub-base ensures durability and visibility. The included sub-base concentricity gauge enhances accuracy even further by helping you maintain bit concentricity, and long, eight-slot collets that are self-releasing provide excellent bit retention for dependability. A steel motor cam lock and quick-release motor latches make adjustments and base changes tool-free, fast, and easy when you need to switch tasks, and a unique, detachable cordset helps keep this tool easy to service. This router also provides over-molded, rubber handles and a well-balanced body for increased operator comfort and control. The unique switch and cordset configuration allows you to keep the switch in your right or left hand, while a flat top and spindle lock further increase the ease of bit and depth changes. The switch is also dust-sealed for durability. Kit includes motor pack, DW6184 fixed base, DW6182 plunge base, 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, two wrenches, sub-base concentricity gauge, vacuum adaptor, and heavy-duty kit box for easy transport and storage.

Routers

5 Reviews

  1. J. Castille says:
    Posted July 2, 2010 at 12:00 am | Permalink

    Bought the router kit (DW618PK) so I didn’t have to take my router out of my router table when I needed a router without the table. I had it for two years but since I usually use my table router and I was in an accident that laid me up for 8 months, I only used it twice. The first time was alright. The second time, which was two years after I bought it, I burnt the motor. When I installed a bit using the “spindle lock button”, I didn’t notice that it stayed locked in the shaft after tightening the bit. When I turned it on, it shook and smoked before I turned it off after about 5 seconds. It still ran but sounds like a gas motor running on about 1/2 of the cylinders. Seems a new router wouldn’t have a spindle lock with a spring that is so weak, it can’t retract a little pin. Now I am faced with a decision as to whether I want to buy a new motor for $140 so I don’t lose the fence and plunger or just trash the whole thing after using it for a total of less than 15 minutes and buy another Bosch. Dewalt was once a good tool but I am now replacing my tools with Bosch tools as they fall apart. If I do buy a new motor for it, it will be the last Dewalt I buy. From now on, my first choice is Bosch. Dewalt has let it’s quality go down and it’s prices go up.

  2. Nathan Speer says:
    Posted June 4, 2010 at 12:00 am | Permalink

    I bought the DeWalt as a replacement for a DW618 router that burned-up prematurely. It was about 14 months old with only light use. I replaced it with an identical one because I had accessories to fit it. The new one did not work. I had to take it to the repair shop right out of the box. Brushes were installed incorrectly. I have to baby this router. It sparks excessively. The DW618 seems to suffer from poor engineering and quality control. Brings the total DeWalt product line into question in my mind. I will not buy another.

  3. James F. Petrowski says:
    Posted December 21, 2009 at 12:00 am | Permalink

    When I first purchased the dewalt router, I used it a few times in pine and enjoyed the soft start and the power. I did notice that the sealed package it came in was missing a centering ring and a 1/2 inch collet. I shoud’ve taken it back to home depot then. I also noticed in the beginning that when I tried to place the motor into the plunge base, the base is made too tight- even after making sure it was unlocked and as loose as possible. I’m still having a HUGE amount of trouble putting the motor in and out of the plunge base (I thought it would wear out a little).

    Two years later now, I just started another project on pine. The motor started to slow/smoke and make a noise as if metal was falling into the motor housing and was being ground up. I was not pushing the router hard. I let it cool, but still no improvement the next time.

    My most recent project involves oak, and this time I can’t get the collet tight enough to keep bits in. The mechanism to change bits is hard to use and very difficult to tighten. I’m getting a different router this time, maybe an old porter cable, but I’ve heard bad reviews on the new ones.

  4. G. Davis says:
    Posted November 11, 2009 at 12:00 am | Permalink

    Seemed like the perfect Router by research. It arrived today. I used it to make two simple 1/4″ cuts. Tried to make three (third side of a piece of pine) it would not turn on… no way to bring it back to life at all, so, I returned it to Amzon. I’ll see how they handle the return. I now find on another site a warning about this specific product (DW618) that it has crashed on others unexpectedly after just a few uses.

    UPDATE: Amazon processed the return and refund extremely fast. Great marks for Amazon… still disappointed with Dewalt router.

  5. Debbie A. Morgan says:
    Posted June 19, 2009 at 12:00 am | Permalink

    I have used my DeWalt 618 for three years now and liked it enough to also purchase the cheaper 616 so I could use them interchangeably without having to pull one from the router table if I wanted to do something freehand. No problems until six months ago when my 1/2″ collet just crumbled between my fingers. Hmm. Looked all over online for a replacement — not easy to find — and in the meanwhile used the collet from the other machine. Went to rout some molding just now to finish up a filing cabinet which I really need to get out of the shop and poof! There went the other collet. Nothing so frustrating as being out of a tool in the middle of a job on a rare day off with no parts in sight! Good machine otherwise, though.


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