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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. No problems until six months ago when my 1/2" collet just crumbled between my fingers. 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. There went the other collet. Hmm. Looked all over online for a replacement -- not easy to find -- and in the meanwhile used the collet from the other machine. 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.
Bought the router about a year ago. Magnetic ring. Just started using it on a regular basis a few weeks ago, and sure enough. it broke. This tool is a P.O.S. Don't buy.
Ergonomically, it's small but solid, very nice feel. But others have had motor burn-out problems. Yes, it can happen to you. I have also had a problem others have complained about, the pin on the collet lock coming loose from the plastic button that holds it, and getting stuck in the shaft. Indeed it is. Especially at lower speeds, it is sooo quiet.One cool thing about it is that if you remove the plastic base plate, it will accomodate bits up to 3-1/4".
This is larger than any router that I have, and I have 4. Is 2-1/4 hp enough for a bit that big. This router has some features that set it apart in the fixed base router category. You shouldn't be making such a cheesy collet lock, and the quality control on the motors seems to be lacking. I have had mine working hard for 8 months now, no problems. From the complaints, it seems that if you are amongst the unlucky few that get a bad one, in most cases it burns out almost immediately, while it's still under warranty. But that said, if you are amongst the majority that get a good motor--it's actually a GREAT motor, quiet and solid.
The height adjusts fairly easily, and the ring you turn is graduated in 1/64" increments.Now, it's good to look at complaints about this router. The variable speed is nice because you can slow it down, which greatly reduces wood burns and saves you sanding time later on. I remedied mine with a few drops of superglue on the pin, on the end where it goes into the button. I have used it to cut out box miters with a mega-bit, and it does the job in two passes on hardwoods, eating out a good deal of wood in the process.I usually have mine mounted under a router table. First, the motor. End of problem.So, from me, it gets 4 stars, because--hey, Dewalt. Remedy your collet pin problem, and this is a solid, quiet, powerful, versatile, ergonomic router that is such a pleasure to use.
I have 4 pieces of Dewalt tools and this is the first piece that I review as near junk. Back to the depot. The best part about it was that it only took 3 screws to remove the whole lock mechanism that will give you better access to using two wrenches.
You have to be Hercules to push the pin in and hold it in while trying to tighten the collet. The unit gave out over the coarse of about 30 minutes of ON time over a weekend. The spindle lock is useless with plastic piece attached to a metal pin.
Of coarse Dewalt only provided one wrench so you have to use your own.The more serious problem was that the motor has a lightenig storm inside it brushes. Then if you DO press it in hard enough to tighten collet it has a habit of being bound and not releasing. Absoluite junk design that certainly won't last a weeks worth of work.
The thing sstarted squeeling like a banshee and then it started slowing down in easy material. Maybe get a Hitachi instead.
No lack of power for my needs. I like the feel of this router in general, it fits my hands better than some others, is quiet for a router especially comparing it to my old Craftsman.
The first one has been in use exactly one year, mostly in the table. I now have two of these.
It is no problem to remove but it will be nice to do other cuts and not disturb my setting on the one in the table. It was purchased in a kit with three bases.
I just added the second one to be used in either the plunge or d-handle bases so I can leave the "old" one set up in the table. The soft start is especially nice.
My other Dewalt tools are tough & durable.
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