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The router itself is very smooth and balanced and with the D handle very easy to control.until the nut loosened anyway. I called customer service and they shipped me a new one.so the real test will come next time it is used. Now if the new collet and nut hold up the next time I use it I'm sure all will be well. I purchesed this router to cut aluminum doors for new locks. Using a special carbide router bit the locking nut continued to loosen and apparantly the collet was defective.
At first I was disappointed It didn't come with a case. The 2 1/2 HP is plenty strong, and the D Handle fits very comfortable in my hand. But now I'm glad, usually the case is to big and takes up to much room. I've owned this DEWALT DW618D router for about 5 months, and I have to say I love it. I've used it on several projects and it works very well.
The collet lock button is in the most awkward location, hard to get at with even my slender fingers. But for all I know, maybe some of these issues exist with other brands of routers at the same category/ price. It's very comfortable and managable, easy to hold and route with one hand. Probably not. I'm a home woodworker and wanted to by a new D-handle router with the latest features.
I still think DeWalt makes great tools. I just love the variable speed, makes me feel like a pro using this router. They just don't take it to 100% to give the woodworker all the creature features. Knowing things like this ahead of time will at least prepare you for some of the unexpected things that you can probably still accept and claim it as a good purchase as I did. I think it could have been oriented in a more open direction. My old Sears router has this feature.
When DeWalt's new line of routers came out, I sprung for the 2-1/4 variable speed model. Now, I'm also a mechanical engineer and I can be fairly critical with a tool purchase. Would these things have prevented me from buying the router had I done a hands-on before buying. I'm not a router expert, but loved it from the get-go. And there are no clear plastic side shields to snap in place to limit the extent of sawdust that this router can kick out. And it should, it's a beautiful tool, and I like to keep it that way.
The detachable cords are a great feature. This DeWalt router does come with a case.
I am always interested in Great products despite the brand yet Dewalt makes it hard not to be biased Dewalt tools have power, nice features and the all important accuracy. The only downside is the price.
So try the Milwaukee, I think you'll agree its great, but lacks the power. It's rather expensive but worth the cost.
I have the Milwaukee D Handled router and I think this is the first serious contender. I don't think anybody serious about woodworking will be disappointed.
Milwaukee is.cheaper so it all really comes down to what the intended use is. The Milwaukee is fantastic with all of its well thought out features, but it lacks the power of this 2 1/4Hp beast.
This router is no exception.
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