Accessories

Best Router In Its Class
I was in the market for a new router after a failed attempt at using RotoZip (Junk: Broke after using the first bit). I gave my Sears router that I had since college to another college kid who lived across the street, so I was looking for the very best router I can find to replace it. After reading the reviews, I settled on DW618PK, but I didn't like its feel, so I exchanged it with this one. This seems smoother than DW618 but it might only be my perception. There's only 1 amp difference (DW618 12A, DW616 11A) between the two motors, and I can't tell the difference in power. Now this thing rocks. I'm getting a free D handle base as a promotion, and with it I have a finger trigger (something you can't normally have with a multi-based router because the handle is separate from the motor) made possible due to removable power cord for this router. I also purchased the edge guide, and the case which some people say is too big is just right because there's a place to keep this edge guide in it with even a clip on the lid to hold the bars. There's also a place to hold both 1/4" and 1/2" router bits, and I also can fit a circular cut jig in the case as well. Now when I need a router, all I need to do is just grab this case, because everything I need is in it (!). Plunge base comes with a vacuum attachment and accepts a 3/4" hose (it also comes with a centering jig for alignment). You'll need an adapter for most shop vac (1 1/2" to 3/4") to interface with this base. Edge guide also has vacuum attachment and for this I didn't need any adapters.

This is a complete system, and for me it was perfect. I'll be using the fixed base for a router table, D handle base to do the edges (with edge guide), and a plunge base to cut holes. Each setup can be used with dust collection system (fixed base on the router table will have vacuum on the fence) which alliviated the mountain of dust that spread everywhere when I was using my old router. Highly recommended.

More than a little disappointed
I bought this Dewalt router to replace a Craftsman that must be 20 years old at least. The pre-Ryobi Craftsman, which I bought almost like new at a yard sale for $13, uses no-longer-available brushes and I was afraid it would quit mid-job so I looked for a new state-of-the-art replacment. Hah! If there is such an animal, it's not the Dewalt.

The Craftsman has a nice bright work light built in (so nice), a "trigger" on/off switch on the handle (so convenient), and a one-wrench bit changing system (not great, but I like it). Rated at only 8 amps, it nonetheless has plenty of power.

The Dewalt has none of these wonderful features (except the power - but not much more that I can notice), and I can't see that any advances have been made since that old Craftsman was made. Yeah, it's nice having the plunge base, but I know how to do plunges without that if I have to. And the Dewalt surely will last for years...but so what? I don't like the thing. It just wasn't designed with the care and forethought of my old Craftsman.

I'm gonna use the Craftsman until its brushes give out, and then I guess I'll have to, unhapplily, get used to the Dewalt.

A good solid router combo
I have Porter also, and this DeWalt one works as well if not better. Very easy to change the motor, adjust, etc.

Routing Made Easy
I bought the Bosch 1617EVSPK 2-1/4-Horsepower Router Combo and was impressed until, after approx 5 hours of light usage it simply quit on me. I've been wanting a second router to dedicate to under a table, so I decided while my Bosch was in the shop to pick up this DeWalt. I'm really happy with it; the only feature I prefer in the Bosch is the soft start; the DeWalt tends to give a little jump when it's switched on. The next model up has more HP and I believe incorporates the soft start feature. As far as HP, I don't miss it, though I've not really thrown anything too solid at it. My impression is that it could handle most medium-sized routing tasks with ease.
The plunge base is the smoothest I've come across and the motor itself feels solid. A router is essentially a pretty simple tool, and the DeWalt keeps it simple. Switching between bases is easy, depth adjustment is easy and intuitive. Also a concentricity guide is included, which Bosch sells as a seperate accessory.
All told, I've found this router kit a pleasure to work with and a great value. I have to agree with a previous reviewer, though: the case is maybe a little unnecessarily humongous.

Super router
What a great router. I purchased a Porter-Cable 2hp plunge router 97529 and thought it would be great. Boy was I wrong, junk, that's all I have to say about that thing.
Although this router is 1 ¾ hp it acts like the big boys. I've used this router with a 3" panel bit on maple and it worked fine. The plunge base is very smooth and the locking leaver works well. Even if male hormones dictate the purchase of a more powerful router, don't, this is all you need.