Burned Dewalt 618 router - need recco for replacement

[Poobah]

My trusty router was doing fine with the 3.5 inch panel cutter up until it started smoking, lol. I was making 3 passes minimum to get to full depth. The reviews on Amazon indicate the Dewalt may have some reliability issues.

I have a Jessem router lift that can only handle the 3.5 inch diameter routers, so I think I am limited to 2.25 hp routers (wish I could get a 3.5 hp router though).

Even though I have the 3 base pack for the Dewalt I am not so sure I want to just replace the motor. I've tried a Bosch 618, but it is not nearly as powerful (the panel cutter stopped the router on settings 1 and 2 and I feel a little nervous using 3 = approx 14k RPM on that large bit).

So far my thinking is to get the PC 890 (probably with a plunge base since I need that occasionally).

Any thoughts?

[Tom Slick]

I'd add Milwaukee to your list, they are built very sturdy.

[Bill in Buena Park]

What was the wood you were cutting, and is the carbide on your bit sharp?

If you want an economical router for mounting in your lift, one of the following might work for you. I've raised plenty of panels on mine, and only stalled the electronic speed control once due to overfeeding. But wait for a sale - usually 20 - 25% off.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...2&blockType=G2

[Poobah]

Was cutting 3/4 inch red oak. Almost made it through 3 20x30 panels making 3 passes (the router died with 4 inches to go before my final 1/16 inch or less pass to clean things up). The cutter is sharp, was brand new out of the box and it's a CMT/Sommerfeld panel cutter so not exactly HF quality.

Maybe I just overworked it, but still kind of dissapointing. Wasn't feeding it real fast as far as I know and the router didn't sound particularly bad/stressed (although I am not that experienced so I could be wrong).

Will check out the Sears option, thanks.

[pelligrini]

Might check ebay and craigslist too. Every once in a while I'll look for a second motor for my 618 set. One to keep in my Jessem and the other for hand use. I'll see them pop up from time to time.