The DEWALT 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base and Plunge Router Combo Kit with Soft Start features a 2-1/4 hp, 12 amp electronic variable speed motor that delivers ample power to rout smoothly through the toughest hardwoods. A versatile kit, both a fixed base and plunge base are included, giving you 2-tools-in-1 to tackle a wide range of applications. Providing superior accuracy, the micro-fine depth adjustment ring provides precise depth adjustments in 1/64 in. increments and adjusts vertically for a constant switch/cordset location. Loaded with ease-of-use, comfort and convenience features for increased job productivity, this router has a heavy-duty, precision machined, die-cast aluminum base and motor housing for exceptional durability and low tool weight.
- Electronic variable speed with full feedback control for constant speed under load from 8000 to 24,000 RPM and a soft start to reduce startup torque for enhanced control
- Adjustable, tool-free steel motor cam lock allows quick depth adjustment and base changes
- Integral, through-the-column dust collection collects 95% of dust for superior bit visibility
- Quick release motor latches for fast and easy motor pack removal for bit and base changes
- Detachable cordset for convenient cordset serviceability and eliminates the need for a shorty cord motor pack
- Precision machined brass bushings and case-hardened steel guide rods provide a smooth and accurate plunge stroke
- Clear, LEXAN sub-base provides enhanced base durability and bit visibility and accepts standard template guide bushings
- Rubber overmold handles and low center of gravity design provide best-in-class comfort, balance and control
- Dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion for longer switch life
- Heavy-duty, precision machined, die-cast aluminum base and motor housing for durability and low tool weight
- Nickel plated motor housing for a smooth, long-lasting depth adjustment
- Convenient right or left switch and cordset location
- Self-releasing and long, 8-slotted collets for better bit retention and elimination of frozen bits
- Includes: 2-1/4 HP electronic variable speed fixed base and plunge router, DW618M motor oack, DW6184 fixed base, DW6182 plunge base, 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets, wrench, large hole sub base, vacuum adaptor and kit box
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Eldridge Bahringer (verified owner) –
The router is very smooth at lower speeds. It easier to use two wrenches for changing the bits. Swapping out the motor isn’t too bad.
Linnie Prohaska (verified owner) –
I haven’t used the router all that much yet. I had to hang some doors on a closet. I mpunted 2 2ft.widedoors. I bought the Ryobi hinge mortising jig and using the plunge base the mortises were as smooth as butter. I then made a quick jig and was able to mortise the door jamb also. I’ve also used the fixed base mounted to a table The bit height adjustment was nice and easy. I would definitely recommend this router.
Jaime Fisher (verified owner) –
Very much satisfied works as expected
Nicholaus Connelly (verified owner) –
Yet another great Dewalt Product with only minor drawbacks.The variable speed feature works in even increments of speed… not super slow or super fast like many others. The chuck lock actually locks in many positions, no need to spin the chuck 180 degrees to change the bit. Power cord is detachable and durable.The Plunge base works perfectly when used correctly however i would like to see an LED light either on the router motor or each of the bases it will fit into… any tool in this price range should come with lighting.lastly, the course and fine adjusting wheel is somewhat sloppy, the fine adjustments can easily be bumped or moved while working because it doesn’t lock. Minor complaint but the case it comes with is absolutely massive & honestly could be designed better for storage purposes. Very powerful, easy to use, Dewalt quality and support always helps.
Jonathon Boyle (verified owner) –
As an amateur in using this type of equipment I have found it easy and very effective.
Martine Turner (verified owner) –
Solid performer. Solid construction. Very smooth running and quiet. The soft start is great. Easy to set up and use. The quality is great as expected from Dewalt. I don’t expect to ever have to replace it. Great investment worth every penny. Shipped fast.
Oma Rutherford (verified owner) –
I got this a few weeks ago I have a project that requires 36 mortise joints . I have 3 routers but my plunge router is 3 1/2 pounds and too heavy for hand work. This router is a great mix of power and weight. I like the soft start so it doesn’t twist in your hands at start up. The vacume connection feature pointed me to this brand vs the competition it works well I’m about 25 mortise joints in and all the chips are contained although I do have to clean out the mortise 50% of the time before making another pass . To be fair I’m using a guide bushing and bit combination that doesn’t leave much room to suck out the chips In summary I’m very happy with the tool and would recommend it for sure
Maymie Mitchell (verified owner) –
I found this router to be very easy to use with plenty of power and as always the carrying case that dewalt provides makes it easy to transport anywhere. You wont regret purchasing this one!
Vito Corwin (verified owner) –
This is a very powerful router , can’t ask for any better.
Miles Flatley (verified owner) –
Great router. Worked well, I used this on 3/4″ plywood. I made the mistake of putting the motor in the plunge base with the adjustment ring on. I jammed it so much that I had to destroy the plunge base to get the motor out. At least I can still use it with the fixed base router
Jace Hackett (verified owner) –
I have this router in my router table and it has been great. I use both 1/4 and 1/2″ shank bits and have done some raised panels with it. It has plenty of power and the speed adjustment is easy to change depending on the bit and type of wood. I would recommend this router kit.
Ivah Schaden (verified owner) –
Bought this router set a little over two months ago. I played with it a couple of times until this weekend, when I got it out for a small project. I basically needed a one inch deep (half in wide) dado run along the length of an 8 ft 4×4. I made a number of passes to reach this depth and then the motor started to sputter and arc. On my first project and the brushes were going bad. I left the router alone for the rest of the day and then switched it on in my kitchen and the router housing lit up (sparks everywhere). I promptly registered the warranty and then noticed there was a 90 day money back guarantee, so I decided to return it instead of getting it replaced. I actually love the profile of this router and the feel of it in my hands, but after a problem with so little use, I could not convince myself to just have them order me a new one.After speaking with my grandfather who has worked in the construction industry all his life, I learned something new about DeWalt. I can’t speak for all of their products, but apparently there are a number of them that DeWalt will recondition the motors on and then turn around and sell as NEW. It’s no longer hard to figure out how/why mine had issues so quickly being so lightly used. It’s very possible I would have a different experience if I had just replaced it with the same unit, but I just didn’t feel like taking the chance.One other note, I wasn’t too impressed with the adjustment ring. I found it difficult to be very precise.
Otis Gleichner (verified owner) –
Product far exceeded my expectations
Bridie Brekke (verified owner) –
I bought this about 6 weeks ago, and am glad I decided on this Dewalt, it’s very easy to use, and powerful to cut through a few different materials. Takes a minute to get used to the depth settings and adjustments, but once you do, you’ll love it. Obviously I have no longevity report, but Dewalt then not to disappoint.
Gaston Bergnaum (verified owner) –
Review from a DIYerGreat router. Worked well, I used this on 3/4″ plywood. I made the mistake of putting the motor in the plunge base with the adjustment ring on. I jammed it so much that I had to destroy the plunge base to get the motor out. At least I can still use it with the fixed base router .The grips are very comfortable and I had full control of the router, I did not feel it getting away from me.
Blanca Beier (verified owner) –
Easy to use. Works great!
Joanny Torp (verified owner) –
I really like the router. I especially like the soft start feature. I used my dad’s router years ago and that thing runs away from me. This router is very easy to control. I should have gotten it sooner.
Jeanie Rutherford (verified owner) –
I just got this router about a week ago, and was so excited to start working on some projects I’ve had penned for some time now. I was doing some light routing on wood, and absolutely was falling in love with this router as it was cutting so smooth and effortlessly. On the third day of use, while in the middle of routing on wood, the speed control sort of just shorted. I had been using it on the setting of 3, and suddenly, without any catalyst, I heard a very soft click (in the motor), and the motor instantly went to full throttle. I’ve tried everything (unplugging, letting it sit for a day, etc.) and it appears the speed control is toast. The router still functions, but is now on-off. No more speed control, which really sucks as I’m doing fine detail work on a soft wood, and the high speeds can/will burn the wood. I will be calling to get a replacement.I would give this better ratings if I hadn’t had this problem, as everything else about this setup I love. I didn’t tank the review (on the other side) because I’m expecting this is simply a rare manufacturing flaw, and not common.
Vesta Kunze (verified owner) –
Fun and professional results.
Damaris Conroy (verified owner) –
I’m a DeWalt fan and I buy pretty much only DeWalt power tools. I’m using this router in a Kreg router table. I like the router for it’s power and smooth start. Changing bits is easy. My only complaint is that the bit height adjustment is stiff (I added some graphite powder and that helped) and more serious the bit height changes slightly (~1/32″ ?) when you apply the clamp to fix the height. This is poor design, I was surprised because I have never been dissatisfied with DeWalt design before. Anyway, this just means a bit of tweaking to get the height right. I have not used it as a plunge router.