DEWALTRouter, Variable Speed, D-Handle, Soft Start, 2-1/4 HP (DW618D)

I am new to woodworking and had never used a router before. Based upon a lot of reading, I learned that three features are very important for making routing easy and safe for first-timers. The D-shaped handle, variable speed motor, and the on/off switch. That being said, I found this router to be perfect.This router has an on/off flip switch on the motor, but you start and control the speed of the motor with the trigger in the D-shaped handle. The point is, I don't have to take my hands off the handles to start the router and I can easily keep a good stable grip. Next, the variable speed trigger is nice as you can work the bit up-to-speed slow and easy. Other routers kick-on full speed and can "jerk" the router somewhat. Now imagine if you have to take your hands of the handle to start it AND it jerks when you start it. Not good. This router doesn't have either of those problems. I found the D-handle grip easy to manage, but people with small hands might find it hard to use. I really like the trigger lock for routing long pieces of wood.Comes with 1/2 and 1/4 collets which is very nice as it will accomodate most any size bit. The router comes with a spindle-lock so you only have to use one wrench to add/remove the collet. I didn't find this difficult to do.Documentation was very good. Clearly written by someone whose primary languange is English, not Chinese.I love this thing!

I started using it the first day upon arrival. The trigger on the D handle offers that extra bit of safety when using with jigs, like my latest focus of dovetails.My only discouraging experience is not getting both a 1/4 and 1/2 chuck in the box. I only got the 1/2 inch. Fortunately I still have both for my other Dewalt router that I use exclusively for the table mount. If I do what would be prudent I would order the missing one so I could have a spare.

Makes using the router easier

I return this thing within the first 20 minutes after I received. Vs dial won’t not turn. Also the dial it to small. Exchange it for the Makita D handle. Much nicer unit

Powerful and easy to adjust (I had a cheap (another brand) router before this one, and it was extremely difficult to adjust the cutting depth). A little on the heavy side for what I've been using it for, though (door hinges and latches), but it does a great job.

The router does what it's made for, and the soft start feature is nice. Two problems, the most significant first. The micro adjustment ring which raises and lowers the motor (and bit) frequently jams when trying to lower the cut. This is unacceptable for to free it you have to slide the motor out and wiggle the ring. At this point you have completely lost your initial depth, rendering the micro adjustment meaningless. For this reason alone I am returning it. Probably some graphite between the ring and the motor body would solve the problem, but it's DW's design problem not mine. A second minor annoyance is that if you I advertantly let up even a little on the trigger and immediately squeeze harder, I have to wait 3 seconds while the router does a complete shut down before it starts again.

Works like it is supposed to

If I only had one router, this one would be it, but since I have eight I’ll have to call it my favorite.