DeWalt's 3-base router is an excellent woodworking tool featuring a motor with the power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods. You get a heavy-duty 2 1/4 HP (maximum motor HP) EVS fixed base/plunge router combo kit w/soft start motor.
Once in a while, we come across a tool that just makes us want to shut down the computer and hit the shop with renewed passion---and this is one of those tools. DeWalt has made such a fine router to begin with, but to package it with the bases you'd find yourself wanting later is a great move. The router itself has a super-smooth variable speed 2-1/4 -orsepower motor with a load range of 8,000 to 24,000 rpm and soft-start for virtually no twist. Kudos to DeWalt for giving this model a flat top and not the scalloped edge we've seen on their models before; this makes bit-changing a much better experience. For table use, the fixed base can't be beat. For freehand use, the D-handle offers unparalleled control and comfort. And of course, the plunge base is essential in any workshop, but we like this one for its integrated in-column dust removal (and it really works). An adjustable turret is great for repetitive work, and this turret's got five positions. We also like the placement of the plunge lock, right where you want it. For novice router-users, this is the perfect purchase; if you've been around the collet a few times, you still can't do better than this.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
DeWALT continues to impress:
I purchased this router to do speaker cabinet work and also to be part of a tool collective my friends created. After looking at the price point I wanted, this was the only real option on the list. We have used Plunge Base and the Fixed Base, but not the D-Handle (that I know of). The motor swapout, while very handy, is also rather difficult depending on the base it is in. The depth adjustments on the plunger are rather non-exact and require a lot of work to get it setup just right. The guide rails for... more info
As the Router Turns - Choosing a Kit... in a nutshell.:
So... I'll add my two cents. I too have wandered into the "choosing a router" soap opera. I had been happy with my Dewalt 1621, until I tried to use a template guide. For some reason, the collet isn't remotely centered on the base plate - making the router useless with a template guide. There seems to be no way to adjust the 1621's base plate - so off I went in search of a new router. The two kits I decided to choose from were the Bosch and the Dewalt. I read reviews of the Porter Cable, but... more info
dewaltrouter:
It will spoil you. The router is light, has a smooth 'wind-up speed, has fast/easy adjustments,is not too loud. The carrying case neatly houses everything-if you need to just throw the tool in the back of your pick-up or whatever. Truly, this is a real man's tool. Tom
Good but not Great, Buy good bits:
Ok, so I bought this after reading all the reviews. I've returned one and got another. In both cases I had a collet break. DO NOT USE CHEAP ROUTER BITS! I have determined this cased the breakage. The 1/4" broke using a Bosch bit. I noticed as I was putting in the bit it was tight, where as the Amana bit fit smoothly and the same for the Whiteside. Also I use a wrench for tightening instead of the push in. I feel I can get a better tightening of the bit using two wrenches. It accepts Porter Cable (PC)... more info
