I have the 618 package and I love this router. I think it is the most comfortable free hand router out there. Also have the Dewalt trim router. But I have a Porter-Cable 7518 router mounted in my Incra table. All in all I have had zero router issues for over 10 years. Money well spent.
Absolutely! I've only had this router for a little over a year, but I definitely use it all the time, and it still works as well as the day I bought it! I do wish I had gotten the 618, but the 616 is definitely a great value as well, haha.
I just bought the DW168 with the plunge base and these are all the instructions I needed to get started. It also looks like I made the right decision. One trick I learnt is not hold one wrench in each hand to tighten but put them close to each other so you can hold both in one hand and then you just have to squeeze both. Much easier to control.
Thanks a ton for watching! I'm glad the video helped you get started! The 618 is definitely an amazing choice! Making this review and doing some research helped me realize I should have gotten that version instead, haha. That is a great tip! I do that most of the time! I just felt that grabbing the two wrenches individually would help anyone watching the video understand the motion a little but more.
Great video like how u broke everything down into detail really answered alot of qs I had first time buyer picking this up as a new hobby really digg it
Thanks for watching! I would honestly go with Diablo router bits, if you're really trying to make something nice and precise. The problem is that they can be a little pricey! I have a starter kit off of Amazon listed in the description. I've been using this kit for two years or so, and it has held up pretty well! The bits will get dull after heavy use, but it's a good place to start.
Mine only came with one of those black collet things . They said that’s how it is. I see you got 2. I thought the one works with both bit sizes if I remove the 1/4 inch insert ? Yes or should I be calling dewalt ? Home Depot only said no what I have is correct .
That's a great question! All of the ones I've seen have came with both sizes. I would try to find your product on the Home Depot site and see if the product description says it should come with both. If so, you might be able to get one straight from DeWalt
@@ReviewsMadeSimple it’s not at all clear. Going to call dewalt on Monday. Can you do me a favor and see if a 1/2 inch bit fits the nut if you remove the 1/4 insert and let me know and see if it looks the same as the nut that’s 1/2 inch.
As far as I know, it will not work with 3/8" bits; they may sell those separately. This specific mode doesn't have a dust port, but some of the attachments online do (the plunge base, for example!) 😁
Prior to buying it, I really wanted to know a little more info about it. I noticed there weren't too many videos, so I figured I should share. Thanks for watching!
on the dewalt 618 there is a spindle lock on that router too :) i prefer to use a single wrench rather than nuckle busting my nuckles with two wrenches dewalt 616 has no spindle lock although the spindle lock can be easly mounted by removing 3 screws on the body of the router @1:32 and reattaching the spindle lock on to the router motor it's self :)
Thanks for this video, it was great. I don’t see your other Channel you mentioned you’d put in the description. Do you mind snaring that information? Thanks 😊
Oh my goodness, I totally forgot to throw the link in the description. It has been updated now! haha. Thank you for catching that! 😊 The channel can be found here: th-cam.com/users/makingmadesimple
on the dewalt 618 there is a spindle lock on that router too :) i prefer to use a single wrench rather than nuckle busting my nuckles with two wrenches dewalt 616 has no spindle lock although the spindle lock can be easly mounted by removing 3 screws on the body of the router @1:32 and reattaching the spindle lock on to the router motor it's self :)
It reaches a point where it can't be tightened anymore. I usually stop right before that point. As you use the tool, you'll become accustomed to the feeling 😃.
the dewalt 616 router has no soft start due to its's single speed motor. the dewalt 618 has soft start so you don't have to worry about the tool jerking away from you when you start the motor on :)
Hi everyone! What choice did you end up going with? What was most helpful about this video? What else would you like to have seen? What would help this comparison?
Hi I got this router and am still confused. You’re a great explainer (😆 I’m sure that’s not the best word, but I’m trying to say you are great), please help me understand how to properly adjust the depth better. It appears as if I’m off base a bit, might I have messed up? Or perhaps it juts out while turning on. I dunno. Looks like you’ve just gotten started (of course you are reviewing but I need YOU to teach LOL), I’m going to give it a go but I bet you could have made me understand this better. All the best, you have a great presence. Thank you.
I'm very flattered by this comment, thank you so much! This is a little tricky to explain without visuals, but I'll definitely do my best! I usually just set my router down on a flat surface (while it is unplugged, for safety) and I unlatch the safety clip on the back side. After that, turn the black dial over until the tip of the router is touching your work surface. Think of this as 0 inches deep, since the router bit is on the surface. From there, find the little arrow above the DeWalt logo and turn the yellow dial until the 0 hits the arrow. Now, when you turn the black dial, the yellow dial should follow it, marking out the amount of movement from that 0 position. Since you manually reset the depth by making sure the tip of the router bit touches your work surface, any movement beyond that should also be marked out after resetting the yellow dial as well. I hope this makes sense. Thank you so much for watching, and for the kind words!
Wow, that sounds good… I’m reading this after I gave up but I saved a copy to see if I can make it work in the next week or so. The black dial is very hard to turn, maybe it needs WD40!? Well, again thank you I think you got my problem figured out. G’night.
@@VeryMaggs I definitely agree with you on that - that black dial is definitely difficult to turn! My suggestion is turning the router so that it's either sideways, or even upside down. This will take the weight off of the metal base and allow you to turn it that much more easily!
everybody goes to the complicated part but no one tells you how to adjust the depth, so this tutorial is a basic not basic advanced but medium level , review , unbox or get you dizzy about the topic ...
Hi Muhammad! It depends in which one you're looking for. I discussed two in the video, but I left links in the description for each product. The DW616 was around $130 when I purchased it.
Sorry ... and maybe I don't know what I'm talking about here ... BUT .... hey, those are NOT router table mount holes you point out, They are only holes intended accept lock screws for a guide fence!!!! Also, from a design standpoint, it would be a lousy design to use only two holes to mount a nearly two hp device ... unside down!! And these are small holes to boot. To all: As near as I can determine .. this router is NOT intended to be used upside down ... or .. to function as a table router!!!! There is simply NO obvious means of mounting the unit to a table top. Again, the holes this guy refers to as mount holes ARE NOT.
So, you know half of what you're talking about. And you're correct about one thing, I misspoke; those two holes are not mounting holes, although I did use them as such. The actual mounting holes are on the bottom of the base. They are in the shape of an 'x', which gives a more even and safe distribution. Nearly any modern router can be used upside down, paired along with the appropriate mounting hardware. Saying otherwise completely disregards the existence of modular and customizable router tables. You're right about the two mounting holes, and I'll update my details. But your claim about the router's inability to safely/effectively function upside down is very inaccurate.
I went to the comments to see if anyone noticed this. These are for the guides indeed and not safe to mount the router with only two screes on the same side. I lost faith on this video after this and he should correct this and make a video comment on that part.
I have the 618 package and I love this router. I think it is the most comfortable free hand router out there. Also have the Dewalt trim router. But I have a Porter-Cable 7518 router mounted in my Incra table. All in all I have had zero router issues for over 10 years. Money well spent.
Absolutely! I've only had this router for a little over a year, but I definitely use it all the time, and it still works as well as the day I bought it! I do wish I had gotten the 618, but the 616 is definitely a great value as well, haha.
I just bought the DW168 with the plunge base and these are all the instructions I needed to get started. It also looks like I made the right decision. One trick I learnt is not hold one wrench in each hand to tighten but put them close to each other so you can hold both in one hand and then you just have to squeeze both. Much easier to control.
Thanks a ton for watching! I'm glad the video helped you get started!
The 618 is definitely an amazing choice! Making this review and doing some research helped me realize I should have gotten that version instead, haha.
That is a great tip! I do that most of the time! I just felt that grabbing the two wrenches individually would help anyone watching the video understand the motion a little but more.
What a concise overview, thank you, about to use my DW616 now.
Great video like how u broke everything down into detail really answered alot of qs I had first time buyer picking this up as a new hobby really digg it
Thanks for watching! I tried to focus on all the information that I looking for I actually got one!
thank you. I have this with the plunge base. I agree with your review. It is very sturdy and I love having the choice between collet sizes.
I'm glad you agree! I love this tool! I do regret not getting the plunge base though, that would have been nice!
Very nice review. We have this exact model. Which brand router bits do you recommend?
Thanks for watching!
I would honestly go with Diablo router bits, if you're really trying to make something nice and precise. The problem is that they can be a little pricey! I have a starter kit off of Amazon listed in the description. I've been using this kit for two years or so, and it has held up pretty well! The bits will get dull after heavy use, but it's a good place to start.
Mine only came with one of those black collet things . They said that’s how it is. I see you got 2. I thought the one works with both bit sizes if I remove the 1/4 inch insert ? Yes or should I be calling dewalt ? Home Depot only said no what I have is correct .
That's a great question! All of the ones I've seen have came with both sizes. I would try to find your product on the Home Depot site and see if the product description says it should come with both. If so, you might be able to get one straight from DeWalt
@@ReviewsMadeSimple it’s not at all clear. Going to call dewalt on Monday. Can you do me a favor and see if a 1/2 inch bit fits the nut if you remove the 1/4 insert and let me know and see if it looks the same as the nut that’s 1/2 inch.
Will it work for 3/8" bits?
Does it have a dust port attachment optional accessory?
As far as I know, it will not work with 3/8" bits; they may sell those separately.
This specific mode doesn't have a dust port, but some of the attachments online do (the plunge base, for example!) 😁
Thanks! Just what I needed!
Prior to buying it, I really wanted to know a little more info about it. I noticed there weren't too many videos, so I figured I should share. Thanks for watching!
DW618 has variable speed so you can slow down large bits, like panel raising bits, and for harder exotic wood.
Oh man, even more reason to get it! It has so many perks!
on the dewalt 618 there is a spindle lock on that router too :) i prefer to use a single wrench rather than nuckle busting my nuckles with two wrenches dewalt 616 has no spindle lock although the spindle lock can be easly mounted by removing 3 screws on the body of the router @1:32 and reattaching the spindle lock on to the router motor it's self :)
Thanks for this video, it was great. I don’t see your other Channel you mentioned you’d put in the description. Do you mind snaring that information? Thanks 😊
Oh my goodness, I totally forgot to throw the link in the description. It has been updated now! haha. Thank you for catching that! 😊
The channel can be found here: th-cam.com/users/makingmadesimple
Can you attach guide bushings?
on the dewalt 618 there is a spindle lock on that router too :) i prefer to use a single wrench rather than nuckle busting my nuckles with two wrenches dewalt 616 has no spindle lock although the spindle lock can be easly mounted by removing 3 screws on the body of the router @1:32 and reattaching the spindle lock on to the router motor it's self :)
Ooooh, I see what you mean! That's actually a very nice feature! I always have to hope I don't hit myself with the wrenches, haha.
Nice review. Thanks
So how do you judge the tension on the collet?
It reaches a point where it can't be tightened anymore. I usually stop right before that point. As you use the tool, you'll become accustomed to the feeling 😃.
the dewalt 616 router has no soft start due to its's single speed motor. the dewalt 618 has soft start so you don't have to worry about the tool jerking away from you when you start the motor on :)
Ooooooh, that would be nice!!! I had no clue. Thanks for the info! Maybe I'll upgrade one day, haha
Since DeWalt doesn't offer this model in 220v I think the Bosch GOF1600 it's a better option...🤷
I would replace the Phillips head screws with some star head screws.
Great call, I'll likely do that soon! :)
Does exist in 220v model???
I haven't seen a 220v version 😕
Hi everyone! What choice did you end up going with? What was most helpful about this video? What else would you like to have seen? What would help this comparison?
Hi I got this router and am still confused. You’re a great explainer (😆 I’m sure that’s not the best word, but I’m trying to say you are great), please help me understand how to properly adjust the depth better. It appears as if I’m off base a bit, might I have messed up? Or perhaps it juts out while turning on. I dunno. Looks like you’ve just gotten started (of course you are reviewing but I need YOU to teach LOL), I’m going to give it a go but I bet you could have made me understand this better. All the best, you have a great presence. Thank you.
I'm very flattered by this comment, thank you so much!
This is a little tricky to explain without visuals, but I'll definitely do my best!
I usually just set my router down on a flat surface (while it is unplugged, for safety) and I unlatch the safety clip on the back side. After that, turn the black dial over until the tip of the router is touching your work surface. Think of this as 0 inches deep, since the router bit is on the surface. From there, find the little arrow above the DeWalt logo and turn the yellow dial until the 0 hits the arrow. Now, when you turn the black dial, the yellow dial should follow it, marking out the amount of movement from that 0 position. Since you manually reset the depth by making sure the tip of the router bit touches your work surface, any movement beyond that should also be marked out after resetting the yellow dial as well.
I hope this makes sense. Thank you so much for watching, and for the kind words!
Wow, that sounds good… I’m reading this after I gave up but I saved a copy to see if I can make it work in the next week or so. The black dial is very hard to turn, maybe it needs WD40!? Well, again thank you I think you got my problem figured out. G’night.
@@VeryMaggs I definitely agree with you on that - that black dial is definitely difficult to turn! My suggestion is turning the router so that it's either sideways, or even upside down. This will take the weight off of the metal base and allow you to turn it that much more easily!
@@ReviewsMadeSimple
I really appreciate your help! Thanks again!
Samurai carpenter has a video on a plexiglass jig for routers
Nice! I'll have to look into that!
@@ReviewsMadeSimple yeah it looks pretty simple to make and it looks convenient to actually have.
Wish Dewalt sold this in Europe
That'd be nice!
everybody goes to the complicated part but no one tells you how to adjust the depth, so this tutorial is a basic not basic advanced but medium level , review , unbox or get you dizzy about the topic ...
I went pretty in-depth as to how it's done at about 2:19. I can elaborate more, if you still don't get it?
Pric
Hi Muhammad! It depends in which one you're looking for. I discussed two in the video, but I left links in the description for each product. The DW616 was around $130 when I purchased it.
Be careful here those are not Phillips head screws they are star head screws so use your tools accordingly
These are definitely phillips head screws. They do wear down over time, which may change their appearance a little. But they are phillips.
Sorry ... and maybe I don't know what I'm talking about here ... BUT .... hey, those are NOT router table mount holes you point out, They are only holes intended accept lock screws for a guide fence!!!! Also, from a design standpoint, it would be a lousy design to use only two holes to mount a nearly two hp device ... unside down!! And these are small holes to boot.
To all: As near as I can determine .. this router is NOT intended to be used upside down ... or .. to function as a table router!!!! There is simply NO obvious means of mounting the unit to a table top. Again, the holes this guy refers to as mount holes ARE NOT.
So, you know half of what you're talking about. And you're correct about one thing, I misspoke; those two holes are not mounting holes, although I did use them as such.
The actual mounting holes are on the bottom of the base. They are in the shape of an 'x', which gives a more even and safe distribution.
Nearly any modern router can be used upside down, paired along with the appropriate mounting hardware. Saying otherwise completely disregards the existence of modular and customizable router tables.
You're right about the two mounting holes, and I'll update my details. But your claim about the router's inability to safely/effectively function upside down is very inaccurate.
I went to the comments to see if anyone noticed this. These are for the guides indeed and not safe to mount the router with only two screes on the same side. I lost faith on this video after this and he should correct this and make a video comment on that part.
That power cord is utter BS.
Why do you say that? 😱
Craftsman is much better Router
I'm glad! Same company, so I'd have to imagine that it can't be all that different.