DEWALT DW621, Great freehand router…..
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Great freehand router… unfriendly table router
The electronic motor control in this router is a great feature… it ensures constant RPMs at any load. I’ve never had it overheat. The overall size is much smaller than most other routers. The plunge depth adjustments are extremely accurate… down to 1/128th inch!And contrary to another reviewer’s assertion that a clamp is necessary to keep the switch on, there is actually a trick locking switch. It takes a bit to get used to but is easy after some practice, and it will stay locked under a router table. Also I’ve found all the parts to be very sturdy… I don’t know how someone could break a handle unless they were trying.Here are the gripes:* The router base (fiberglass?) is not well machined… mine was off center a bit so that a corner of the base extended beyond the metal base.* The base is totally non-standard… you won’t find any “universal” kits that fit it, and Dewalt accessories are not found in most local hardware stores.* To use it in a table you’ll need to make a custom base, and find some 4mm (if I remember correctly) metric screws, of just the right length. There are a few randomly placed 6mm utility screw holes on the base, but they are not centered around the router… their mostly on one side, so it wouldn’t be a very secure mount. Instead you have to remove the existing base and use tiny 4mm screws. In the end, it’s not easy to switch between table mounting and freehand.* The spindle lock button is difficult to depress (the spring is too strong) and located in a tough spot. So it’s difficult to hold the lock while weilding the wrench to change bits.* The plunge spring is well balanced against the weight of the router for freehand work, but is tough to fight against when mounted upside down in a router table. A plunge/non-plunge switch would be nice to disengage the spring (or maybe reverse it?).* When I attached a vac to the cool dust collection port it howled like a banshee! The length of the hollow plunge tube is pretty short and sets up for some ear-piercing harmonics when air passes through it. I couldn’t find a way to dampen it much… even putting my finger in the intake hole didn’t change its tune much.The end result… great freehand router… unfriendly table router.
Update (2/5/2012): This item is currently on sale here for the lowest price I’ve seen.
The featured review for this product, DEWALT DW621 2-Horsepower Plunge Router Tools & Hardware, was written by Christopher Janicki.
The average rating for this item is out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.
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Tags: 325 routers, fixed-base routers, plunge routers, router, routers, triton, unclebilll, woodworking
Posted on: March 28, 2010
Filed under: Reviews
Reviews (3)
Al the Pal
March 3rd, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Great Router with Few Shortcomings
This router has a number of great features that make it a good choice for hand-held operations. The smooth plunge and easily operated downlock, combined with a reliable depth stop, allow repeated plunge cuts with great accuracy. The soft start won’t jerk the tool out of your hand. The included 1/2″ and 1/4″ collets allow the use of almost any domestic router bits. The through the column dust collection is an innovation, but I have yet to use that feature. The speed control is a roll switch that is easy to use. It has a numbered scale rather than RPMs, which would be more helpful.I did have some problems when I mounted the router in my table. I purchased a Rousseau base plate, which was difficult to mount due to the narrow rectangular base plate screw pattern on the router. Most after-market base plates mount more easily on round based routers. I also discovered that one of the tapped holes in the router base frame was stripped except for about one turn at the bottom of the hole. The screws are also metric, which are difficult to find out here in the sticks. I ended up drilling and tapping the holes for #10-24 machine screws which I had available. The factory baseplate would no longer work with the bigger screws, so I made several custom bases out of Lexan, including a round one for use in a dado jig. When mounted in a table, the standard depth adjuster is nearly useless. You will need to get the fine depth adjuster accessory that operates on a screw rather than having to press against a spring. When using a large diameter bit, I had to remove the plastic dust shroud and it broke as it was removed. I bought a new one but have not installed it, as it is really only needed when using the through the column dust collection.Despite the problems I had, I would still call this a great tool, but once I have the budget, I will buy a different router just for table mounted operations. This tool really shines in the hand-held mode and it’s narrow base will let you get close to posts or other obstructions if you are using it on decks or stairs. It has plenty of power for any bit that can be used freehand.
Jonathan Peck
March 11th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Sweeeeet!!!
The reason I bought this model was for the built-in dust collection through the handle. This one feature alone sets the Dewalt appart from the others. Truly a well designed piece of equipment, and good bang for your buck.Pros:Soft start will not jerk the router out of your handsSmooth Plunging actionGreat dust collection, easy clean up.Well balanced and just the right weightHas variable speed controlRack and Pinion depth control is easy/fast to set and use.Constant speed under loadPlenty of power at 2 H.P. I like the squared sides on the base. Great when using jigs and fences.Comes with 1/4″ and 1/2″ colletsThe start switch is located on the handle so you never have to take your hands off the routerPlunge lock is also in the handle… very nice.Cons:The two step start switch takes some getting used to.The router must wind down to a low RPM before re-start. While this can be annoying sometimes, it is bound to increase brush life.You don’t need to buy the fine height adjuster. Save your $$The edge guide is O.K., not great. But it came as a free accessory.Overall: I truly enjoy using this router. I recommend this model for hand help operations.
Christopher Janicki
March 13th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Great freehand router… unfriendly table router
Rated 4 stars.
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