Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've had my DW625 about a year. I bought it because it was going to be my only router. I wanted a machine that was capable of doing just about everything a router should be capable of. Unfortunately, for me, the router is something of a mixed bag.
I am not at all disappointed with the power or handling characteristics considering the size of the machine. The 3hp motor effetely drives large bits. The low centre of gravity makes this big machine relatively easy to handle compared to other 3hp routers and the plunge action is very smooth. The on/off switch is convenient, although a switch which turns the machine off when released would be far safer. The plunge lock mechanism can be somewhat difficult to use for someone with smallish hands (for a guy), but I'm now used to it. The soft start and electronic control means that you don't get that jump when starting up and you get an even cut under varying loads. However, it's use under a router table can be rather frustrating.
I have made my own table with a 6mm (~1/4") supported acrylic surface. It's simple and should work well with the 625, especially with the fine adjuster, made for when the router is table mounted. However, even at 6mm the router cannot push the bits high enough at times. This is incredibly frustrating and it's tempting to overextend the bits in the collet, which isn't good for the collet, the bits or for safety. Using a 4mm slot cutter on multiple repeat pieces should be a breeze if you use a table with stops. Unfortunately my bit, of average length, does not extend far enough using the table due to the inadequate travel of the 625. Cutting 24 identical pieces topside then becomes infuriating.
I also recently wanted to do some template work. Most template guide adverts, including those shown here, say that the universal 1 3/16" template guides fit DeWalt routers with an adapter. I live in Cape Town and have been in touch with the local dealer and emailed DW in the USA, asking where I can get an adapter. So far, after numerous attempts to get an answer from DW, I have yet to receive a reply from the USA and the importers of DW here cannot get an answer from the UK. Getting good service with courtesy should be a consideration when buying anything. Lack of after-sales service would seriously make me consider options other than DeWalt should I be in market for a new router.
Overall I like the DW625, but it has serious limitations with regards to table mounting and using template guides.
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DEWALT DW625 3-Horsepower Variable Speed Electronic Plunge RouterThe Heavy-Duty DEWALT DW625 EVS plunge router features a smooth running, powerful motor, variable speeds, and accurate depth adjuster for precise routing. The DW625's powerful 15-amp motor offers soft starts for smoother operation and variable speeds from 8,000 to 22,000 RPM. The rack and pinion depth adjuster, magnified scale, and micro-fine bit depth adjuster allow for ultra-precise routing each and every time. For added versatility, the DW625 offers 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet capacity, and it also includes a dust extraction adapter for a cleaner workspace. The built-in spindle lock button allows for easy, one-wrench bit changes for less downtime.
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