The DeWalt DW616 and DeWalt DW618 are pitted against one other in this fight of the greatest router kits. If you’re new to woodworking, or better yet, wood routing, and you’re not sure which fixed base router you need, we recommend one of these kits in this article post.
Both routers will give you the biggest bang for your bucks! However, the question is, what’s your use case?
A fixed base router is the best solution for trimming edges and producing high-quality joints. Compared to the plunge router, it is also the most precise since it can be simply installed on a router table and adjusted according to specifications to match your demands.
If you don’t have time to read the whole article and wait until the end to find out who won, the DeWalt DW618 is the most excellent combination kit you can buy. This is because it is more durable, and it also outperforms it in terms of speed and raw power.
Before we start our detailed debate on ‘DeWalt 616 vs. 618’, here is a quick rundown of the features of these two machines!
| Product | DeWalt DW616 | DeWalt DW618 |
| Dimensions | 10.75 x 9.25 x 7.25 inches | 10.75 x 9.5 x 7.25 inches |
| Weight | 6.23 pounds | 10 pounds |
| Color | Yellow | Yellow |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
| Horsepower | 1.75 | 2.25 |
| AMPS | 11.0 AMPS | 12.0 AMPS |
| Batteries Required? | No | Yes (Not Included) |
| Special Features | Fixed base | Fixed base |
| No-load Speed | 24,500 RPM | 8,000-24,000 RPM |
| Power Source | Corded | Corded |
| Warranty | 1 Year Free Service Contract, 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, 3 Year Limited Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty |
DeWalt DW616 Fixed Base Router
With the DW616, like with every other DeWalt tool, you can anticipate a high-quality product. This router will not disappoint you if you desire convenience and functionality in one package.
The ergonomic design, along with the router’s low vibration level while in operation, will save your hand from becoming exhausted soon.
According to toolsinstitute, it’s impossible to overlook this router’s power. It includes an 11 AMP motor with 1.75 HP, allowing you to cut any wood with ease. One of its underappreciated advantages is the dust-sealed switch, which keeps the device clean while working on your woodwork.
It is also simple to operate, and even first-time users will rapidly get used to it after a few hours of operation. You may be confident that this router is well worth the investment.
Additional Features
- DEWALT offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year free service contract to replace damaged components, and a three-year limited warranty.
- There are 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets included, as well as a sub-base concentricity gauge, two wrenches for bit changes, and a handbook.
- Compatible with DEWALT’s optional D base
Pros & Cons
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| It’s affordable. | A little bit noisy. |
| Ensures higher quality. | There is no built-in lighting. |
| Highly reliable. |
DeWalt DW618 Fixed Base Router
The DeWalt DW618 comes up to the reputation DeWalt has been holding for decades now. This router is popular among beginners and experienced ones since it’s so simple to use.
Even those with some greater router expertise will like this kit. It has exceptional durability, adaptability, and upgraded features to make flawless cuts.
That’s why the DeWalt DW618 router kit is an excellent choice for individuals who are new to routers but will want a more complex and flexible alternative in a year or two. Though this isn’t the greatest solution for all professional applications, it’s ideal for more experienced amateurs.
Additional Features
- DEWALT offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year free service contract to replace damaged components, and a three-year limited warranty.
- Soft startup
- There are 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets included, as well as a sub-base concentricity gauge, one double-ended wrench for bit changes, and a user handbook.
- It has a 10.5-foot-long power cable
- Compatible with DeWalt’s optional D base.
- Lexan sub-base for enhanced visibility
Pros & Cons
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| It has a strong engine. | There is no instruction supplied. |
| It has a metal base. | Slipping is an issue. |
| The grip is comfortable. | |
| The clean-cut |
What’s The Difference Between DeWalt 616 vs. 618?
DeWalt is a well-known power and hand tool brand used in construction, manufacturing, and woodworking across the globe. The router is one of DeWalt’s most popular tools. The DW618 and DW616 are two of their most popular router models.
If you’re still not sure about which of these two unique DeWalt routers to buy, keep reading. The complete specs of each model are included to help you determine which router will best fit your requirements. We’ll also declare a winner in each category.
So, let’s get started!
#1. Design & Ergonomics
The DeWalt DW616 is one of those fantastic tool manufacturers that offers a small, handy, and economical design.
In DeWalt 616, the tool’s exterior is covered with a metal casing to reduce the intensity of vibration. This may compromise the router’s ergonomics, but it will increase the carpenter’s performance compared to competing machines.
The capacity of the average carpenter to operate the instrument without becoming weary or having painful hands may be extended. Many carpenters will be persuaded by this feature, particularly those who are elderly and cannot handle the extreme vibrations of other equipment.
Another notable feature of this machine’s design is that its switch is relatively closed, preventing dust from entering the engine block and extending its longevity.
On the other hand, in terms of design, DeWalt DW618 is one of the best hand saws available. With two rubber-molded grips connected to the router and slanted in such a manner that the control point is significantly closer to the base plate, the DeWalt 618 router gives a superior grip.
Because your hands will feel safer and more comfortable while handling the equipment, the handle provides outstanding ergonomics to this model. The gadget is also intended to be incredibly small and lightweight, making it easy to handle around the wood.
Winner: DeWalt DW618
#2. Motor Power
The DeWalt 618 and the DeWalt 616 are not on the same page when it comes to motor power.
The engine on DeWalt 616 has a horsepower of 1-3/4 and a current of 11 AMPS, making it capable of handling the high-intensity labor needs of professional carpenters.
It also has a small control ring for fine acceleration control. The product’s longevity is further enhanced by the special Nikken coating on the product cover.
The primary motor on DeWalt 618 has a power of up to 2-1/4 HP and 12 AMPS. This machine can handle the toughest and thickest timbers with ease.
This incredible machine also has a great speed range, ranging from 8000 to 2400 RPM. All you have to do now is turn the dial to the appropriate speed. This easy action will significantly assist you in regulating what you’re doing.
Winner: DeWalt DW618
#3. Precision
Both wood routers have been shown to have good precision and accuracy while routing at a set depth. The DeWalt 618 and DeWalt 616 offer a micro-fine depth adjustment technology that allows users to control and alter the bit depth quickly and easily.
These machines include a micro-fine adjustment that delivers an exact 1/64 accuracy and a broad range of 1-inch. The bracelet is quite simple to use and may be modified quickly.
Furthermore, the precision of circular cuts is greatly enhanced using concentric measurement equipment. With this functionality, you may anticipate precise and clean cuts from a solid routing procedure.
Winner: Tie
#4. Safety / Features
With DeWalt 616’s built-in adjustment ring, you may be sure of its precision. Furthermore, the manufacturer has created rubber handles for user convenience, also appropriate safety precautions.
Despite this, the handle is far away from the saw, providing users confidence in the safety of the saw in instances when hardwoods are being sawed, and the saw blade may be broken. The DW616’s sub-base, of course, assures parameter visibility, giving users more control.
On the other hand, the DeWalt 618 includes a soft start motor block, only seen in high-end routers. While this boot mode isn’t flawless, it’s enough for one-handed use of the system.
This tool, in particular, has a fixed base that rotates 360 degrees to provide the optimum cuts and depth. That’s why this routing saw may be utilized for various tasks.
Winner: DeWalt DW616
#5. Price
The price difference between DeWalt routers is not more than $30-35 (based on where you’re buying from); nonetheless, what we consider here is what you’re getting for your money!
The DeWalt 618 offers superior ergonomics and greater motor power than the DeWalt 616, but it loses out because of its slower motor speed. The DeWalt 616 is a more affordable option; however, it lacks ergonomic features. Its speed, long-lasting design, and features make up for it.
Winner: Tie
Final Verdict
If you want a router that will survive even after many usages, search for one from a reputable manufacturer. DeWalt is a dependable brand for producing durable, high-quality power tools that any DIY enthusiast or experienced carpenter will find valuable and straightforward to use.
So, whatever these two DeWalt routers you select, you can never go wrong since they can handle even the most demanding task needs.
If you’re a professional who often utilizes a fixed base router, the DEWALT DW618 has the most significant features, including soft start, one-wrench bit changes, and variable speed control.
Otherwise, the DEWALT DW616 single-speed fixed base router is a good choice for infrequent routing jobs or works that don’t need regular bit changes or a wide variety of speeds.
