DEWALT DW618PK 2-1/4 HP Variable Speed Fixed and Plunge Base Router Kit

I originally purchased to use free hand but have since paired with a router lift so I don't use the plunge attachment at all. It seemed to work fine but I don't have much to say about it. I use the router all the time with both quarter and half inch collett bits. I have yet to find wood this can't work. Solid, versatile tool.

This router has been a very reliable workhorse in my workshop. It has now found a more permanent home in my router table. Collets are fine and hole bits without slippage, accessories are excellent. The only gripe I have with this router is the depth adjustment on the fixed base. Since the depth is adjusted via a collar articulating with a spiral that traverses along the sides of the motor, this frequently binds on the sawdust and chips produced while working. Not a big deal until you need to adjust your depth again, so I took off 1 star. Otherwise an excellent machine.

I really wanted to like this router, but so far it has been nothing but frustration. The sub-base for the plunge base is too small to accommodate many of my 1/4” bits. Fine, I can use the fixed base, but then you lose the dust extraction feature. I may be returning this and getting the Bosch kit.

I have this combo set of fixed and plunge router. Maybe 5 years old. I only use it in my hobby shop a few times a year. Most of the time it works great. This week when I was using a quarter inch twisted spiral cutter the bit worked it way up (using it on a router table). I stopped the motor, the bit had moved up more than 1/4 inch. The first time I tightened it using the lock on the motor and a wrench. The second time I tightened it with two wrenches. The bit moved up over 1/4 inch. The third time the same, the bit moved up. I could easily turn the nut on the collet with my fingers all three times after I shut it off. The nut threads are not stripped.