DEWALTDW618PK 2-1/4 HP EVS Fixed Base/Plunge Router Combo Kit with Soft Start

I have been using this kit for a few months now and I completely love it!Pros:~ Excellent quality! People love to complain about Dewalt's products no longer being produced in the US, but I find no signs of that effecting quality in my purchases so far. I own several new Dewalt tools and they are very well built and packaged. Dewalt has responded to criticism by now returning some manufacturing to the US and actually branding their tools "Built in the USA with GLOBAL MATERIALS", but frankly in my experience the tool quality seems totally fine (produced in the US or otherwise).The action on the plunge base is smooth and easy. The adjustable height stops have a clean positive click for each stop. The handles are sizeable and comfortable to use. Even the toggle switch has a feeling of solid quality. Everything considered, this just feels like a substantial well made tool.~ Soft start motor is perfect. An added benefit of the soft start is it makes this tool less scary to use for the inexperienced newcomer since it doesn't come screaming to life the second you hit the switch.~ It has the all the required accessories for a kit in this price range: 1/4" & 1/2" collets, dust collection shroud, included wrench, hard case for storage, adjustable speed, etc.~ I love that the power cord is detachable at the base. I have found with nearly every power tool I own, that interface--where the cord enters the tool-- ALWAYS eventually becomes the point of failure. Sometimes it takes years, sometimes it takes months, but this system will prevent that. The included cable is pretty durable, but if you were to damage it somehow, you can easily just purchase another and swap it out, no mess, no fuss. EVERY POWER TOOL SHOULD USE A SYSTEM LIKE THIS, PERIOD.Cons:~ I think the dust collection shroud is a bit wimpy. It is just a small plastic piece and I often find it a bit clumsy to attach. Once attached however, it does work well.~ Would be nice perhaps to include the edge guide. Even if that raised the price slightly its fine because I see this as being a router KIT and so many routing operations are well served with the edge guide. The hard case already includes a space for it, so why not include it for a few extra bucks.~ Their claim that the solid base allows for 1/64" adjustments is frankly bogus. There is a large collar threaded onto the motor shroud and by turning that you are supposedly able to make 1/64" adjustments. There is just no way, and that isn't even a knock against the tool they just shouldn't say it in the description. If you need perfect 1/64" adjustments, you would never expect to get that from a collar threated to something like 0.5"/turn. Its just not that accurate for repeatable cuts, but it also shouldn't be, that's why its a fixed base. You might be able to get it with the plunge base, but I bet not even there could you make repeatable 1/64" cuts just on the basis of the measuring guide. You would have to make test cuts to actually ensure you got that level of accuracy. Its not a router lift, its a hand held router.In summary, I love this router and both bases. The motor size makes it big enough to tackle most any jobs within reason and still compact enough that it remains versatile for edge routing.

I love this router! Never had a router before and I don't know how on earth I lived without one. Upon reading all the reviews, I was down to this one and the Bosch. So far, I've used the fixed base with some roundover bits to smooth edges on my son's IKEA bed and on my DIY workbenches in the garage. The router has worked very well. I've only taken the RPM up to 3 (goes to 6). I never felt like the tool needed more power. It's truly amazing to see this baby work.The fixed base height adjustment works pretty well. Just loosen the "snap clamp" and turn the big dial to adjust. Once it's where you want it, snap the clamp back in to secure it. I've probably done about 50 linear feet with this thing so far and no abnormal behavior from the fixed base or router motor. The smooth start is nice! The case it comes with is pretty large, but appears well-made. There are places inside to hold everything, including both sizes of bit chuck and the wrench.The router motor has a built-in lock for the shaft, so you only need one wrench. It takes a bit of getting used to, however. I found that I would grip the motor with my left hand, while letting my left thumb do the work of holding in the locking button. I would then use the wrench with my right hand to tighten or loosen the chuck. I do wish DeWalt would make the spring for the locking button just a bit weaker. It's on the stiff side, but perfectly usable once you get used to it.So far, no real issues with this router. Nice job DeWalt!

Amazing device. Adjustable RPMs, plunge routing, strong and consistent power. I fitted one mount to my router table, and I keep the plunge router for when I need to do some intricate details. No matter how you use it, this device is prepared for the task. I've been able to route 3/4in grooves in Red Oak with no problem in only one pass (not advisable, but I wanted to know what this baby could do), it's motor seems to be able to take on any challenge. All the parts showed up on time, and in great condition. One small drawback is the case. There are some hollow areas and I've had to fish the wrench out of there on more than one occasion, but I just stopped using the case one I had my router table set up.Great product, as to be expected of a DeWalt. I would and do use this product on a regular basis.

The DW618PK is a great product. It's a well-designed workhorse. Please note that I was troubled when I ordered the 618PKV and received a box marked 618PK. But the difference between the two is merely the included set of 5 router bits, and the bits were in the PK box.The router itself is a fixture in many workshops, and it has been reviewed extensively, so I'll tell you about the bits. Of course, they're HSS, not carbide tipped, and they're all 1/4 inch shank. Included in the set is :-- 1/4 inch straight bit (no pilot), 2 straight flutes-- 90 degree 1/2" V-groove (no pilot, of course)-- Flush trim bit (piloted of course), 1/2" dia x 1/2" cutting surface, 2 straight flutes.-- 3/8" round over with a 1/2" pilot, 2 shear flutes-- 5/32" Roman ogee with a 3/8" pilot, 2 shear flutes. It's like a deep ellipse ogee with a thick fillet.The pilots are bearing pilots. The bits all have low hook angles. And they're all low clearance safety bits, with bulky bodies and small pockets in front of the cutters. And of course they're painted DeWalt Yellow.So the bits are nothing to write home about. It's unlikely they'll be worth much to you; I'm more likely to chuck them in the trash than in a collet. As a general rule, if you use your router enough to justify its cost, you'll spend more in bits than you did on the router itself. A pro doesn't need these bits, and if you're new to woodworking, don't assume you'll get very far with these guys. One good carbide-tipped straight bit is worth more than this collection of five.