Routers Reviews

Great product. Installed in a bench dog cast iron table as an attachment to old rockwell/craftsman saw using a "Rousseau Plate" and a new MT12 Hitachi Router. Caveat.. takes longer to install then you initially think..to get it perfect... but works great. The steel "button" to cover the dust port in a router table setup is brilliant to keep the dust out. Not sure long term if the steel on steel threads will gum up with wood dust with the supplied grease, probably a "dry" lubricant will be better. Great product, reasonable price.

I bought the router raizer through Amazon and delivery was as promised. The Router Raizer was better than promised. I have a new Hitachi M12V that I was going to install in a Wolfcraft aluminum topped, ribbed router table. Installation of the Raizer on the router was very easy and helped by great phone support by Bob, who I understand is the owner also. He was especially helpful with my problem of getting the router installed in the table since none of the predrilled screw holes would fit the Hitachi. I also got the extender and it worked very well to allow bit changing above the table. There was no vibration and runout was only about .003". Few tools work as well as advertised, this one works better.

First let me say that most businesses can learn a thing or two from this company's support.
Bob is Awesome.
Second, Ignore what one of the reviewers said about loosing plunge height. That only will happen if you didn't follow the perfect EZ instructions and cut the main rod too short.
This is a fantastic, high quality product and if you use the router in the table, it's a must have. If you don't, it still makes height adjustment a breeze.
I will be getting a second one.

This is actually my first Milwaukee power tool and I was very impressed with the build, as well as fit and finish. The above table height adjustment is great and really seems to raise and lower the router much more smoothly than the Freud plunge base router I used to have. Seems much more powerful than the Freud also.

I give it five stars, but almost gave it 4 for not including a 1/4" collet. At the $300 or so price range of this router you would expect a 1/4" collet, which they want to gig you an additional $20 for.

I bought this router specifically for mounting in a router table. It has perform admirably in that role. It has ample power to spin large panel raising bits. It is capable of hogging through a raised panel cut with one pass but multiple passes give cleaner results. With the above the table adjustment I am able to change depth to withing 1/124" of precision.

I have only used this router mounted in a table, but the handles that came on it are well designed. Although the router is heavy, the handles make it easy to hold and I don't think it would be much of a stretch to use this router as a handheld.

Overall, this is an excellent machine.

I've owned this router for almost a year and mainly use it with my router table. A router of this magnitude is defintely made for those who want superior quality, power, and the abilty to handle the largest of router bits. Well worth the money, especially since this will be the last router I will ever buy.

I have not used the bits yet because the box I received from Amazon was not new (and they have not even made an effort to make it look like new: scratches, fingerprints, wood dust, two bits switched, one bit with a damaged tip). I appologize for writing this in the review section, but there's no other place to do it and I believe buyers should be aware of this. We got a new house and I ordered about one dozen products from Amazon's Tool department in the last couple of months; almost half of them were not factory-fresh when I received them. Amazon should change their policies, charge restocking fees if necessary, and sell open-box items as such.

As soon as received these bits last month, I made several cuts with each bit on scapes of 3/4" plywood, two species of hardwood and several species of softwood. Each of the bits cut flawlessly. They are a beauty to work with. Since that time, I have used used three bits several times and I contintue to appreciate the quality of the cut.

The storage box is solidly constructed and well designed, I appreciate the functionality of the tilt-out bit holders, the clear plastic window, the cutting profile etched in front of each bit and being able to hang the box on a wall.

One of the bits did have some rust on the shank, despite the package of desiccant that came in the storage box and I was unable to open the instructional CD that came with the set.

I think the versatility of the set would be improved if a core box bit of the same diameter was substituted for the cove bit that comes with the set. They both cut the same profile and the core box bit would give the extra flexibity of being able to make surface groves, for cuts such as pilaster flutes, etc.

This is a great starter kit. It has one of everything someone with no bits would probably want. The construction is great. The wall mountable case that they came in looks nice and protects the bits well.

I have only used a few of the bits, but they are flawless.

I used to recommend DeWalt products to everyone who would listen to me because the ergonomics are so superior. Lately, though, the quality has gotten so bad, I have a hard time doing that.
My suggestion is to skip all the reviews by people who just pulled it out of the box, and read the reviews by people who have used it for a while.
I bought the DW618PK through Amazon several years ago. After about the 10th use, the plastic spindle lock button broke. I didn't care too much because it was a pain to use, so I started using two wrenches instead.
Then, everything went into storage for 2 years (past the warranty period). Later, after about the 20th use, the motor died. It turns out that the magnetic ring on the armature fell apart (apparently, a common problem), but the pieces took out the windings on the armature, as well. I called a DeWalt repair shop for an estimate. They want $20 to tell me what's wrong and then there will be an hourly rate plus parts to repair it. Also, they are backed up for weeks with work. It will be about a month before they can get to it. It may cost as much as a new DW618 (for about $170 from Amazon), so I'm trying to decide if I should buy another brand, instead.
If it wasn't for the quality problems, I still like the ergonomics. The handgrips are comfortable and the dust collection on the plunge base is great - as is the detachable cord, the quick-release latch for the motor, and the centering tool used when changing the subbase. When it runs, the motor is a good, strong motor, and I especially like the ability to easily switch between 1/4" and 1/2" bits. The spindle lock could have been better designed and it is much easier to lock the bit in using two wrenches, instead. A real spindle lock would have been nice.
If ergonomics are important to you, then buy this one and cross your fingers. If you want reliability, look elsewhere.

(originally posted under dw618pkv - but applicable to this product as the dw618pkv is the same kit, but with a router bit set included).
I bought this router about 2 months ago, and waited before giving this review to get some time using it. I'm a new woodworker, having started about 9 months ago, so I only have used one other router (a craftsman) so I can't compare and contrast for you, however I have to say that I'm very impressed by this router.

Good features:

* depth is easy to set on both bases.
* Very powerful, no problems plunging into 3/4" oak.
* Very easy to handle - low center of gravity - handles are soft and form to your hands allowing good control.

Bad features:
* the through-the-column dust collection on the plunge base doesn't fit my vacuum (shopvac), but I suppose my vacuum could be non-standard.
* seems a little bit noisy, but I don't have much experience to compare it to.

I would definitely recommend this to any woodworker.

EDIT: 07/01/2006 After over two years and lots of sawdust later, I'm still very pleased with the dewalt router. In fact, I just bought one for my dad! I've since had the chance to see and use other routers, and I still believe this is the best! I have had 0 quality issues with this router. In fact this winter I even made raised panel kitchen doors (23 of them!) with this router and it held up like a champ. The trick is to slow down the big raised panel bit, and take multiple passes.

Great power, balence and design. I love how easy it is to swap out bases. I only wish I would of waited and bought the 3-base kit for the same price of the 2-pack.

I spent several nights reading reviews about various plunge routers with an open mind. I already owned an 15 year old 3612 BC Makita.I thought a 2nd router would be great for use on the Leigh Dove Tail Jig or a router table.Availability and repair centre also pushed me to Makita.
After reading all the faults and pluses
of other brands and models I came to the conclusion that there would be less opertational hassle with jig changes etc. by buying another Makita 3612-C .
I own maybe by default a number of Makita products but I am not loyal to any brand.
The new machine is quiter than the old model the soft start is nice but there is a reverse kick when shutting down.
The lock lever has changed locations and is still difficult to operate for samll fingered or arthritic folk. If I have the time I will try and modify this lever to suit myself.
Other reviewrs I believe stated that they had difficulty removing bits.You must unlock the spindle nut twice. I don't beleive this is in the book.My old model is the same. I tryed all bit and adpators with no problems.My old spindle wrench is much more robust than the tool suplied on the current model.Although its not a problem.
I found that tapping the wrech with many layers of tape stopped the wrech from putting nicks in the plunge posts when removing bits especially under the router table where things are tight and slip under pressure
The old Makita 3612-BR has built our kitcken, bathrooms plus my mothers kitchen and various other projects, aleast 70 raised panel doors in Oak, Cherry and Maple.
There are basically no bells and whistles a work horse I hope this ones lasts as long as the old 3612-BR.
I would love to try some of the other brands and models some day.I think reading these reviews is far better than reviews from Fine Woodworking etc.

I am just starting to setup my woodworking shop in my garage for my new found hobby of woodworking. Hence, I am also shopping for new tools. My low funding restricts me to purchase just one router that will do it all. I think getting a 3.25 horsepower is a safe choice for me in order to have sufficient power in anticipation of unknown future projects. I was really tempted to buy the Hitachi M12V because of its unbeatable price. Although the reviews on it were also great, I stayed away from it because of its alarming common two flaws: 1. the plunge shafts that stick and; 2. the variable switch that turns by itself. Also, Green color is great for elegant sedans to add a sporty look on it but not on power tools. Having said all of those, I got the 3612C finally and have no regrets whatsoever. The power is awesome and it is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Variable speed is always set to no. 1 (9,000 rpm) for it does all the jobs in my shop very well. It is safer on the bits and to me too! My apprehension on the 3612C's maneuverability (because of its heavy weight) completely disappeared when I first used it by hand. It gave me perfect coves and roundovers considering this is my first time to use a router. I am new to woodworking but I am having a great time learning. Bit changing was not a problem. I thank the guys for their helpful reviews (posted on 7/17/02 and 1/15/05) on unlocking the secrets of easy bit removal. There is nothing I can say about this router but praises. I made the right decision on buying it. Happy routing!

After a lot of research, I chose this router for a homemade router table. I bought a Rockler brand aluminum plate specifically made for it and the holes lined up perfectly (my biggest worry for a router plate). The Rockler plate (www.rockler.com part # 62282) is aluminum and perfectly flat and fuctions well on and off the table. It also is wider than the router enabling you to pull the router out of the table without twisting or turning it. The adjustment knob on the router works well under the table and I like the one wrench bit changing system. I've seen better plunging systems out there as far as the plunge lock is concerned but I don't use it at all anyway as this works great in the table. The powerful 3.25 HP and adjustable speed and this Makita can't be beat! The soft start is incredibly smooth and the machine is relatively quiet also. The price is about $100 less than equally powered routers and I still think the Makita blows the rest away.

I received the router, awesome! Unfortunately, there are two minor little complaints; I also own a bosch router table (RA1181 model). This is a very nice table with very nice features. Unfortunately, it doesn't have holes among the wide variety of possibilities to bolt up to this table. I would check this first to make sure that if your intent is to use on a table that it will bolt up. I must now either drill my own holes, look for an adapter or see if the manufacturer has a newer plate that has holes to bolt this router to the table. The only other possible complaint is that this router is a bit heavy but for table mounting, this is it. Other than the router table issue (which I am not sure who I have to thank for missing this) and a weight issue outside of the table, this router is worth it.

We have three at work. Talk about work horse. We even us it to route 3/4" ply and 5/4" lumber, over and over. Our newest is three years old, and besides the electric cable no work has been done to any of them. They do 1/8" coves to flush triming 5/4 to steel, even aluminium and they don't skip a beat. We push ours beyound any limit any designer of the tool had eve thought it would be used and it has with stood. If you want a router that can handle anything then buy this one.

It's a Porter Cable, isn't it? I'm picky about the tools I buy, I try to buy the very best on my budget, but I haven't had any Porter Cable tool in my hands that wasn't a good one. Made in America, and that still means something to me.

First off, this isn't made for handheld use if you plan on doing a lot of freehand work. Get a smaller, say 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 HP for that. I bought the plunge instead of the fixed base just in case I needed one in a pinch. At 21 pounds and with all the torque of a small diesel engine, it's somewhat of a chore to handle with any precision. I mounted mine on a router table and trust me, it will cut through anything you throw at it with ease. If you run large panel raising bits like I do, make sure you get the 7539 (variable speed) instead of the 7538. It will run these better at a slower speed. When you start up a 3 1/4" bit it sounds like a helocpter is hovering overhead. Much better and safer at 10 to 13000 RPM. Since I had already invested lots of $$$ in router bits, mounting this on a router table only made sense to me.

These are the industry standard, expensive but worth it. If you don't mind paying a little extra, this should last the average woodworker a lifetime.

I was happy at first with this router but its now in the repair shop for a second time with the same problem. After 6 months it broke and was fixed under warranty, now after a year its broke again. I would spend the money and get the PC..........Its the variable speed control that keeps going out. I am only a weekend wood worker and donot use this tool on a regular basis.At this price I would expect this tool to last awhile longer.

I debated about whether to give this router 3 or 4 stars. It is a low-frills package but it does what it is supposed to with little fanfare. In a way that makes it an ideal tool. It is not as quiet as the Bosch or as powerful as the Porter Cable monsters, but it works. I use it in a duplicating carver application so it is subject to lots of dust and extended run-times and I have yet to have any issues. A solid machine at a good price, like most Makita stuff, if you can find it by itself. Makita is pretty much selling it only as a package with other things anymore.

Now, if only getting it from Amazon was as hassle-free...

I'm an industrial electrician in my 40th year in the trades. I think I know power tools very well and when it came time for a new router I was sure it would be a PC, Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Bosch. As I read the reviews for each of them I was less and less impressed and not sure what to do. I went over and over the reviews and then looked at the Makita. I liked what others had said and experienced and took a chance and ordered it. Price was not a consideration and would have paid whatever it took to get the best router. As I use a lot of powertools in my job, I'm very picky when it comes to selection. I won't compromise or skimp when it comes to tools. So, I waited in great anticpation for the router's arrival. When it came I felt it really looked the part of a very well engineered tool.
The mechanism to raise and lower is fantastic. It immediately went to my router table and I was in business in just a few minutes. I decided to just jump right in and went straight to cutting 3/8 grooves in select red oak.(lots and lots of grooves)
I was so impressed with the soft start and the machines ability to slow down and speed up as I pushed the stock. (some pieces more than 6 feet long) So if you are looking for a real horse in the router department I think you'll be quite impressed. I am so pleased to report on such a well designed tool. Good luck,
Jerry England

Like many of the reviewers, I bought the 690LR so I didn't have to remove my 3-1/4hp from the router table. Also like other reviewers, I think the on/off location is terrible, but workable (hense the 4*'s). I owned a 1-1/4hp Craftsman with a sliding on/off at the top, so I am used to the problem. For the reviewer who is concerned about 'not being careful'(!) perhaps the optional 'D' handle base with its trigger in the handle would make on/off a more comfortable experience. I need this router mostly for dados and edging with ogee, round-over, etc. on large or odd shaped pieces; and this machine plows through materials effortlessly.

Nothing needs to be said about Porter-Cable quality, but I will... it is outstanding. This is an excellent router for the needs I have stated. The P-C 690LR router is well worth the money and would make an outstanding primary router for the average homeowner's requirements. I have no hesitation recommending this machine.

If you want to push the bigger panel raising bits you are going to need a router table and a router with more ummph... 3 or 3+hp is my recommendation! And... wear hearing protection. Check out Peltor #H10A Professional Earmuff Hearing Protectors.

Very good all around unit. Bit changes and depth control are not issues at all. Why anyone would put the on/off switch in a position where you have to take one hand off the unit is a good question most have noted. Not a good choice for a table set up, mine was intended for hand use only.

I started off w/this router thinking I would have to upgrade in a few years. I couldn't have been more wrong. Unless you make a living building custom cabinetry, this is all you need. It offers both 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets and can handle every router bit you care to chuck. I used everything from 1/4" collet round-overs to 1/2" collet rail and stile bits. I use mine on a very robust router table (Rockler) as well as hand held operations. I know people who have had the old 690 (toggle switch and less Hp) for almost 20 years and those routers are still performing as if they were new. This is just my opinion, but if you're serious about woodworking this machine is a must.

I just got a call from my buddy to come over and check out his new toy. When I got there I was suprised to see this in his garage. First thing I wanted to do was give him the 3rd degree for not building one himself, but before I spoke I took a look and tried it out. He got the the fully loaded one with all the bells and whistles. Spent something well over half a grand on the thing.

I like bench dog products. They are well made and serve their purpose well. This particular table sold here is sparse but good, not great. It is rigid and the fence is very well laid out, very adaptive. It is the back-bone to this entire setup.

With that being said...I feel that purchasing this table is like throwing money out the window. Anyone who enjoys routing likes precision carpentry. If you are capable of making a raised panel door than you are more than capable of building a far superior arrangment than what is offered here.

No mobile base, no drawers, no dust collection downdraft, no electical hookups just to name a few. WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR? I will tell you, a $40 prefab box you could buy from Home Depot with an above average fence.

Pick up a copy of the book Router Magic and see what a real router table looks like. For $100-150 depending on your wishlists, you can give yourself a weeklong project and a much better setup. Plus with the extra money you save you can buy yourself a whole other router like the Hitachi MV12 and still have some change on your pocket to buy a set of good profile bits.

No offense to Bench Dog. LIke I said, I like their products, but give me a break on this rediculous price.

I would give 3.5 stars if I could. It is a precise tool and will suit anyone who wants to make accurate passes. I just can not believe what you get for the money.

I just assembled and began using my Bench Dog "Complete Router System" this past weekend. First, I think the price is too expensive, but compared to other router tables it is a good bargain. I think all router tables are too expensive for what you actually get.

After you buy - the wheels (which are needed unless you never want to move the table), the drawers (which are also needed because otherwise the space below the chip collector is just wasted, and a different Pro Plate that takes Rousseau Base Plate inserts, you are close to $600 pretty fast.

When I was putting it together I kept thinking it was going to end up flemsy and I would have to be careful with it. Turns out it was designed pretty well and fully assembled it is rock solid.

I didn't have any problems with warped parts or holes not pre-drilled correctly. I was just missing 3 #8 - 5/8 wood screws which was ok, I had plenty.

So, in spite of all this . . . I am still giving it 5 stars because in the end it is a great table with a great fence and it is fun to use. I think Bench Dog should add $50 to the price and include the wheels and drawers.

This is my table of choice, and has become the m]basic for my version of the world's most expensive router table. Not because of what you get here, but what can happen to a routing addict when they get carried away. If reviewed the component pieces seperately, and on my original purchase I included the base wheels and bottom drawers, but needed accessories in my view.

This is a good, solid table which while do all basic operations perfectly. It is easy to assemble with little opportunity for a mistake, although the instructions are a bit vague at times. You aren't likely to feel dissatisfied once it is in use, either.

My real issue with the set is that the fence is really the weakest part. It is adequate, but lacks lock-in precision. I need all the help I can get, and eventually put in an Incra fence. But I have a use for small repeatable operations such as finger joints require.

No precision fences are cheap, but there are less expensive variantions than the Incra, so I would recommend shopping around a bit before you bought the complete package. For the price, however, this is as nice a professional table as you are likely to find.

This is a good product. It is stupid easy to get put together and on the router. The nicest part isn't even a feature of the guide but the router case, it has slots for the guide arms and a whole for the head molded in. That's convenient. The only thing I wish it had was longer arms. I'd be happy with a couple more inches. Better yet, if it came with 4 pieces that could screw into one another, getting twice the length. But otherwise it's great, holds to the side of the work piece and stays true.

This is a good product. It is like "all other" edge guides; it must be adjusted and double checked if you are doing precision work. I would recommend its use with Dewalt routers.

I have used routers for over thirty years. And during that time I have used edge guides at times. This edge guide is better than most for two reasons. First it has a fine adjust to get precision cuts. And second it has a dust collection which connects to a shop vac to clear the work area so you can see what you are doing. I have used it on several projects now and am very happy with it.