A compact router is a time-saver when you’re doing precise work shaping wood. Compact routers excel at making cut-outs, joints, chamfers or bevels, and decorative surface designs. This best-selling router from DeWalt comes as an independent tool or in a kit. Let’s see which one is the best for you.
DEWALT DWP611 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router with LEDs
Popular Mechanics called the DeWalt DWP611 one of the best compact routers in 2013. They liked its size and easy-to-use levers, buttons, and dials. It has collected hundreds of positive reviews at retail sites. We love to talk about top power tools, and this definitely fits into that category. The router also fits into the palm of your hand for great control.
This part of the review focuses on the DWP611 that does not come in a kit, or with a plunge base. (See the description below regarding the complete kit of the DWP611PK.) It comes with a fixed base only. The D-shape base is clear so you can see what you’re cutting. It accepts universal template guides. The twin LED lights mounted on either side give good illumination to the work-piece below.
The DWP611 is capable of very precise depth changes down to 1/64th of an inch, but it’s also very powerful for its size. It has a 7Amp, 1.25Hp motor that can handle hardwoods and maintain a steady speed through the cut. The soft start feature reduces the risk of damaging your work-piece.
There is also variable speed control with a dial at the top of the router. It’s located right above the power button. (The on/off switch is covered by plastic to protect it from dust. Some people say this makes it hard to use.) The no-load speeds range from 16,000 to 27,000rpm, and each mark on the dial corresponds to an increase of about 2200rpm.
Since this is a compact router, it has a ¼” diameter collet with a large spindle-lock button for bit changes. There are 12 detents so you can lock the bit shaft into just the position you want. Use the wrench included in the box to remove the collet.
The maximum depth without the plunge base is 1.5 inches. Look below to learn about the plunge base included in the full DWP611PK kit.
More features of the DeWalt DWP611 compact router
- DeWalt offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
- Aluminum motor housing and base with impact-resistant plastic make it durable but lightweight
- Weighs 4.6 pounds
- Comes with a wrench and instructions
DEWALT DWP611PK 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact Router Combo Kit with LEDs
The DWP611PK kit comes with the DWP611 compact router and a plunge base. The plunge base extends the capabilities of the router up to 2 inches of depth.For more information about the motor and fixed base, see the review above.
It’s not hard to switch from the fixed base to the plunge base. The spring-loaded tabs that release the motor are large enough to make them easy to find and use. Once the motor is in position, the clamp design holds the motor in place.
The plunge base has a precise depth scale and marker. The lever locks the router into the depth setting you choose. The base’s turret stop makes stepped plunge cuts simple. It has five step settings.
The rubber overmolded handles on the plunge base give it a nice non-slip grip in the palms of your hands. The aluminum base helps it stand up to greater stress than just the fixed base alone.
More features of the DeWalt DWP611PK compact router combo kit
- DeWalt offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
- Aluminum motor housing and base, impact-resistant plastic
- Combined weight of the DWP611 and plunge base is 6.2 pounds
- Comes with wrench, standard fixed base, and instructions
Recommendation
The DWP611 with just the fixed base is a very useful tool capable of depths down to 1-1/2” inches. It won the recommendation of Popular Mechanics for being one of six best compact routers in 2013. They had absolutely no bad things to say about it. If you don’t need any greater depth for your woodworking projects, get the DWP611.
The DWP611PK includes the motor and fixed base and a plunge base for the motor. If you need to shape depths down to 2 inches, get this kit.
Click here to purchase DEWALT DWP611 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase DEWALT DWP611PK on Amazon!