Router purchase-Dewalt or PC?

[BarryC]

I'm looking at buying a router combo package. Either the Dewalt DW618B3E for $279 or the PC895PK for $265.
What are your thoughts/experience with these tools?

Thanks-

Barry

[mschrank]

Welcome to the Forum! I think you're going to get a good response on this...and likely get about an equal number of proponents for either of your choices.

I don't have experience with either the DeWalt or P-C, but may I suggest a third alternative you might not have considered: The Bosch 1617EVSPK kit. Amazon has it for $218, plus a 10% off deal going right now. Several members here (including me) have and like this setup.

You can actually get it a bit cheaper if you don't mind reconditioned (same warranty, like new, $180.00)

[drumpriest]

I have the Bosch. I didn't really check out the dewalt too much, but I think the Bosch is superior in a few ways to the PC. Smoother plunge, 1/8" incriment stops for the plunge base, all around great router.

[jhart]

I picked up the DeWalt 618 a couple of months ago during Amazon's sale and so far I'm extremely happy with it. I did quite a bit of running around and checking out the Bosch, PC's and some others and ended up going with the 618. I really liked the feel of it, thought the plunge action was every bit as smooth as the Bosch (at least it was on the store models I tried) and the overall package (B3E) gives you everything you need.

Tough to go wrong on any of those. They all have their good points.

[scorrpio]

I got DW618B3E and I love it. Getting it for $224 with a 20% coupon especially made it a no-brainer. One thing though - that kit case is HUGE!!! I went on week-long trips with a suitcase that was smaller. Make sure you dedicate a good chunk of shop space to store it.

[Bruce Cohen]

I purchased the Dewalt 618 PK when it first came out, and I dont regreat it at all.

Cuts thru just about anything with hesitating.

only two rather picky comments:

1. as scorrpio mentioned, the case is really supersized, well designed to hold what you get and then some, molded places for an edge guide and tons of stuff. Of course, you can always empty the case and use if for luggage, it even has a hole to lock the case.

2. I not sure about the dust collection system built into the plunge base, in this case it doesn't suck (therefore it sucks). I hook it into my 16 gal shop vac. and it still leaves a bit to be desired..

These are really minor rants. The router has served me quite well.

Parts are easly obtainable, I got a second fixed vase which always stays connected to the router table of my 3100, no more changing out bases.

No matter which router you buy, spend a bit more and get good bits in 1/2" shanks if you can. I've had very good performance with both Katana and Whiteside bits. I find that even if I have to save up for something better, its worth it in the long run. After all, I wonder just how of you actually use all of those 60 something bits that come in the lower price sets. Also, I always spray my bits after cleaning them with a brass brush with "Dricoat". It appears that the stuff really does work.

Best of luck,

Bruce

[JimD]

I would also agree you should consider the Bosch including the "Craftsman" red one that Sears sells (sometimes it is cheaper and appears to be identical except for badging and color). I have seen several reviews where they rank the Bosch the best(in one I remember it was tied with the PC 890).

I have the older PC690 - actually two with 4 bases. If you can get it significantly cheaper I think it is still a pretty good option. The key feature the 890 PC has that the older one does not is the ability to change height from above the table when using the router in a router table. The Bosch does not have this. If that is important to you, the extra money for the 890 series probably makes sense. My router table has a lift so it was not a factor for me. There is also 1 amp difference in the motors. I do not think that is significant but others may not agree. I have seen the PC 690 kits for around $200. Sears sometimes sells the BOSCH kit with their name on it at this price, however. The last PC 690 I bought was a couple years ago and was three bases and a variable speed soft start motor for $200.

I like another statement I have read in more than one review of mid sized router kits. They are all pretty good. I do not know about the Hitachi but would probably give it the benefit of the doubt (never seen a review) but the Makita, DeWalt, PC, and Bosch all seem to be good enough there is no reason to switch once you start with one. I tend to make these sort of decisions on price. If it's close, then I would go with the reviews and get the Bosch or newer PC.

Jim

[mschrank]

The key feature the 890 PC has that the older one does not is the ability to change height from above the table when using the router in a router table. The Bosch does not have this.
Jim

Just to clarify, you can adjust height on the Bosch from above the table...although you will need this base.

[drumpriest]

The newer Bosch kits come with that base standard. Mine came with that base, and can do above the table height adjustment.

[bigsteel15]

The newer Bosch kits come with that base standard. Mine came with that base, and can do above the table height adjustment.

It is the same as the standard fixed base.
Mark me down as another vote for the Bosch.
Although I also own a Triton and intend to mount that in my table. I bought the Bosch for HH use and may make a second installation option for quick change-outs.

[bigstick509]

Dewalt

I have had my 618 for about 3 years now and have no complaints. The only draw back that I have come to find out is PC will match up with more router lifts then the Dewalt.

[jhart]

The above posts about the size of the case for the DW 618 package are right on. Couldn't believe the size when the package arrived. Took everything out, put the case over in the corner and put all the parts in a plastic storage box with a cover under my router table.

The case is so big that I had to look for a special spot in my shop to open it fully. Thought that was stupid , so went with the storage box. Easy to get at and everything fits in one place.

[scorrpio]

Well, the case is sized to accomodate all 3 bases (fixed, plunge, D-handle) no matter which base currectly holds the motor. There is also space for edge guide, and all the accessories (dust port adapter, extra sub base, wrench, concentricity gauge, both collets, etc) Not that big of an asset if it stays in the shop, but for those doing on-site work, a case like that is great for transporting the kit around.

[LarryG]

A slightly different Bosch.

There's another variant to the Bosch kit that Mike recommends: the Bosch 1617EVSPKE (the only difference is the final "E"). This kit has the same motor cylinder and two bases, but adds a larger selection of included accessories. For some reason, amazon.com often prices this kit lower than the 1617ESVPK kit that comes with less stuff.

Unfortunately, if you click the above link you'll see that the item is currently unavailable, probably because these kits were on sale last week for $161.76, which minus the current 10% discount sent them out the door for only $145.58. (Although I didn't really need another router, I ordered one of these mainly because that price was just too good to pass up, based on the many favorable reviews I've read here and elsewhere on the 1617. It's supposed to be delivered today.)

So you ->just<- missed an excellent deal. If you're not in a big hurry to buy a router, you might want to wait to see if this kit becomes available again. Last week's price is the first time I've ever seen them that cheap, but they have often been down in the $200 range. But even if the price was exactly the same as the 1617EVSKP, the 1617EVSPKE would be a better deal since it includes a lot more stuff.

[JimD]

Larry brings up a good point. When I got my last PC690 the nicer micro-adjustable edge guide was "free" if you mailed in a card to PC. It is normally close to $50. You are probably going to want an edge guide so pricing it with the router is a good way to look at it. These non-obvious costs can be significant. Template guides are pretty cheap but 2 or 3 of those is still equivalent to the price difference between these kits at times.

Jim