I hate to keep asking tool questions, I'm sure you get them constantly and get sick of them, but here's another one.
From all I've read, the DW 621 looks like sort of an unofficial industry stardard for the mid-level router. What other machines in and around this level/economic range would you recommend?
Bosch 1617 EVS Porter Cable 690
I have the DeWalt and like it much better now that I have a Pat Warner
Ed snipped-for-privacy@snet.net
There are none. I use a DW 610 for fixed base routing. I have the PC 690 kit and I only use the router in a table with a foot switch attached. I have the Pat Warner bases for all my routers.
Personally, I dislike the 621 because I find the ``on'' switch to be annoying to use. I have tried it twice at tool shows and each time I feel as if I am going to turn the handles the wrong way and have the ``plunge'' jump right out at me. To turn it on and lock, if I remember correctly, you have to push in, shift down and pull back to get it in the locked position. The DeWalt guys at the booth agreed that is was a somewhat intricate series of manuevers (sp?) for what you are doing, but ``you'' get used to it.'' For my money, you should not ``have to get used'' to something as basic as turning it on. I have a Bosch.
"Lowell Holmes" wrote:
Larry Levinson Talking up to the vocal ... LLevinson*Bloomberg.net (remove the star etc ....)
How do you feel about having to let go with one hand to get to the on/off switch on top of the routers? Ever picked up a D handle and accidently pulled the trigger - the torque kick'll get your adrenaline going big time. How do you feel about getting your thumb over to the to lock lever once you've plunged the spinning bit into the wood?
The 621 has soft start so start up torque kick is minimal, locking the plunge is less than one eighth of a turn on the left handle. The on trigger pulled in with your trigger finger and the interlock which must be pushed down with your thumb becomes second nature after a practice dado or two. The interlocked on/off switch makes it almost impossible to start the router by accident.
Changing bits with a single wrench because the 621 has a shaft lock "button" is mighty handy, especially when the 621 is mounted upside down in a router table - AND only one wrench to lose rather than lose either one on a PC and you're screwed.
Two flat sides on the base, at two different distances from the center of the bit, is handy - IF you pay attention. The only drawback is that the base is narrower than on PCs and initially seems tippy - again 'til you've cut a couple of practice dadoes.
The plunge mechanism is silky smooth and done WITHOUT removing either hand from the handles. The motor is much quiter than the PCs but still requires hearing protection. The fine depth of cut adjustment is a dream compared to the PCs. The variable speed is also nice, especially in a router table spinning a larger diameter bit.
The 621 is not a PC and, IMHO, that's a good thing.
just my two bits
charlie b
I agree it is not perfect, but it is far superior than to some others.
When looking for a router I picked up assorted models in the store. I could not figure out how to safely hand a router with one hand, flip a toggle switch with the other while a bit is hanging out now turning at 25,000 rpm.
In my table, I is OK as a different switch is used to activate it. Not the way to do it in my hands though. Ed snipped-for-privacy@snet.net
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.