DW618PK or Milw5616-24 Router Kits

[Larryl]

I have come down to these two-2.25hp router kits, I believe I would be happy with either but would like to hear the members pros/cons on each. I like the feel of the Milwaukee fixed(palm grip) in my hand and the above table adjustment standard. However, I also like the overall feel of both the fixed and plunge bases of the DW, also the built-in dust collection. Your view and comments are welcome as I doubt that LOML will let me have both.

[LarryG]

Because no one else has answered, I'll tell you what little I can, and because we're namesakes.

I have no experience with the Milwaukee other than repeated fondlings of the fixed-base model in stores. I too really like the palm grip concept and if I didn't already own more routers than any one man needs, I'd surely buy it. Actually I will probably buy it someday anyway.

The display models of the DeWalt kit have also suffered their share of manual abuse at my hands. The feel of the plunge action is arguably the slickest/smoothest/lightest of any on the market: I think it may be a tad better than that of the Bosch 1617, which also excels in this area. One thing I really like about the DeWalt kit is that the routers and bases are physically small and should be easy to manage. Their feel in my hands seems much better than my Bosch, which I find a bit big and bulky, especially with the plunge base fitted. FWIW I do own a DeWalt 616, the single-speed, fixed-base version of the 618. Mine is dedicated to dovetailing and for that job I like it really well -- again, the small size and low center of gravity are assets. As highly regarded as the Bosch 1617 is, if I had it to do over, at the same price I would choose the DeWalt 618.

I also have a DW621 plunge router, which has similar dust collection to the 618 plunge base. It works anywhere from so-so to surprisingly well, depending on the type of cut being made.

Router guru Pat Warner is very high on the 618. (Then again, he likes most of the Milwaukee models pretty well, too.) Somewhere on his web site he mentions that the DeWalts have excellent electronics. I bought my 621 mainly on his recommendation and it has become my favorite router.

So. This probably sounds like a DeWalt commercial, which is not my intent; I just happen to own two of them and like both. But, as mentioned, I do like the look and feel of the fixed-base Milwaukee so yours is a tough choice!

[Larryl]

Larry, I really appreciate your assesment of the two routers. I seem to have formed the same opinion of them that you have. I am recovering from a shop fire and trying to rebuilt with a little better tools than I had. I think it may come down to the above table adjustment on the Milwaukee. Or, I may close my eyes and point to both and order the one closest to my finger.

[fbrend123]

Larry, I have the 618 kit that I bought about 2 years ago. I like it very much, but haven't used it a lot, since I have too many other irons in the fire. I don't really have anything to compare it to except for an old Black & Decker with a 1/4" collet that is more or less permanently mounted on my BT3000. When I finally build my "ultimate" router table, I hope to mount a 3.5 hp Milwaukee 5625-20. Just my two cents' worth.

[jhart]

Larry, I bought the DW618 kit a couple of years ago after doing a fair amount of comparison of brands in various stores. The decision boiled down to the Bosch or DW and I went with the DW as I felt the plunge action was slightly smoother than the Bosch and I liked the feel of it. Big improvement over an older Craftsman. Craftsman is not permanently fixed under my router table. Good luck on making the choice. Haven't tried or used the Milwaukee, but have read some good reports on it.

[Mr__Bill]

I have the Milwaukee, got it about a year ago, before the plunge base was available. The two base kit is now available from Amazon.Amazon link.

The Milwaukee got a top rating from Pop. Woodworking a while back. I like the body grip and it works well in the router table. This is the first router that I have used that feels like a real tool. I think it's the soft start and the firm positive feel to the base lock and controls that gives me that feel.

Like all routers it makes a lot of noise but the high pitch whine is not as bad as the others I have used. Or, I am just going def at that pitch. I do use double hearing protection with it.

It slides in and out of the base with ease and has through the table height adjustment. Uses two wrenches so there is nothing to wear or slip in the router when tightening the collet, and it comes with both 1/4 and 1/2".

Disadvantages: No dust collection, it does not come with the Milwaukee detachable power cord that some of their tools have, so you have that long cord under your router table. On the plus side, the long cord is great for hand held work.

Bill, these are my opinions and I'll stand by them until I change my mind!

[Tom Slick]

I haven't used either but I have repaired a Milwaukee and it was built very well internally if it helps any.

[GregW]

I haven't actually used either of these routers, but HDT has the 5616-24 dual base kit on sale for $180 with free shipping right now..looks like a pretty good deal to me

http://www.heavydutytools.net/Script...?idproduct=563

[Knottscott]

I really liked the feel of the BodyGrip on my MW5615, and it was extremely stout for it's amp rating. All the MW routers smack of quality construction. The 5616 kit offers what the 5615 lacked...VS and a plunge base. I haven't tried the plunge base for the MW but have read glowing reviews about it. I believe "Sarge" has one and is very happy with it. If I were in the market for a dual base kit, the MW would definitely be at the top of my shortlist.