When it comes to woodworking, specifically routing wood, there are famous brands that immediately come to mind; DeWalt is among them, and it’s pretty obvious why. DeWalt is the brand that manufactures some of the best wood routers and other machines that cater to wood projects in the industry. But for now, we’re going to focus on one of their popular wood routers, which beginners and professionals like to have in their workshops: DeWalt’s DW616PK wood router.
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In this article, we’re going to provide you with an in-depth review of DW618PK. Read on to find out what this unit has that makes it perfect for your workpieces.
Dewalt Router Table – DW616PK Review
The DeWalt DW616PK Combo-Base Router is a 2-in-1 router that can either be fixed-base or plunge-base to provide you efficient performance towards your projects. The router is powered by an 11-amp motor that releases 1.75 HP. It’s also ergonomically designed to help you feel comfortable with woodworks, even when you’re dealing with the roughest and most complex workpieces. We’re going to discuss more features in the sections below. With these general features and the others that we have yet to tell you, DeWalt guarantees that this combo kit is the next big thing for your shop.
About the Brand
DeWalt started its journey in the early 1920s to introduce the first woodworking device. Since the success of the brand, DeWalt continued to work its way up into the power tool industry, releasing and manufacturing high-quality electrical power tools. Throughout the years, the company made adjustments and extended its products to provide tool services across different niches. Up to this day, DeWalt remains to be one of the top brands in the industry that’s known for its superior-quality products.
Features
Speed
This wood router has a single speed setting of up to 24,000 RPM. While it lacks the variable speed function, this unit still has the capability to rout the roughest kinds of materials smoothly. The maximum speed of the DW616PK also allows you to use different types of bits, so you can work on various wood projects that require a specific size of bits, from small to large.
Power
Equipped with a motor of 11 amps that kicks a maximum of 1.75 HP, the DeWalt DW616PK can easily handle even the toughest workpieces and wood materials. The unit doesn’t come with a Soft Start feature, so you would have to brace yourself when turning the router on and handle it with great strength until you get used to the initial torque and speed.
Ergonomics
The DW618PK is developed with highly ergonomic features to help you work with comfort on your hands. The handles of both of the router’s bases are rubber-molded and are angled closer to the base’s control point. This feature would slightly cancel the vibration made by the unit as you work, and you won’t have to worry about your hands slipping while you’re routing.
Another thing that adds to its ergonomic factors is its clear, LEXAN sub-base, which provides you clear bit visibility as well as works with standard template guide bushings. The router also has a detachable 8-foot cord set that provides you with better maneuverability, and won’t need a separate short cord motor pack. Additionally, it has a switch and cord set location on either side to let you have the switch on either of your left or right hand.
Accuracy and Precision
To ensure that the router only routs with great accuracy and high precision, DeWalt included features that address these factors. To start, the unit comes with a sub-base concentricity gauge to secure that the bits are accurately cutting against the material. The router also uses precision machined brass bushings and case-hardened steel guide rods to have accurate and even plunge strokes.
Height adjustments are critical in making the machine cut with high precision; with this in mind, DeWalt developed the unit to have easy-to-set depth adjustments. The plunge base of the DW616PK has a micro-fine depth adjustment of 5/128 inches per turn to provide you with precise and smooth routing on materials like veneers and inlays. Lastly, the router has a flat top and an adjustable tool-free steel motor cam lock for easier bit and depth adjustments.
Durability
DeWalt ensured that the DW616PK is durable enough to last long, even with extreme usage levels. Its motor housing and bases are made of heavy-duty, precision machined, and die-cast aluminum to guarantee its durability; the materials that build the router also make the unit light to handle during work. In addition to this, the clear, LEXAN sub-base of the device also makes the router extra durable.
Additional Features
When it comes to base changes for DW616PK, you won’t have a hard time; the router comes with quick-release motor latches that remove the motor quickly and with ease when you need to change bits and bases. The unit also has eight slotted collets that are self-releasing, which are responsible for extending bit uses and getting rid of frozen bits. Lastly, DW616PK has a through-the-column dust collection feature to capture about 95% of dust to enhance bit visibility while working on your wood project.
Price and Warranty
The DW616PK is available on Amazon for Less than your average router table. We recommend this wood router if you’re looking for a combo base router with great features on a slightly budget-friendly price.
As for its warranty, DeWalt gives such a great deal for their customers. If you purchase this unit on one of their authorized stores, you’ll get three years of limited warranty; this means that DeWalt would repair any defect or faulty quality on the router for free, three years upon the purchase date. However, the warranty doesn’t cover when the router becomes defective due to abusive use and normal wear. DeWalt also provides one year of free service to maintain and replace any worn out parts because of regular use, anytime within the first year of purchase, without charge.
On top of those, if you’re not completely satisfied with your wood router, you can return it to DeWalt within 90 days upon your purchase for a full refund.
Final Remarks
The DeWalt DW616PK is certainly one of those wood routers that even professionals can turn to. For its features and warranty services, the wood router is a must-have for your workshop and wood projects.
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