Dewalt DW621K router...help!

[Mac]

Hi all,

Does anyone own a Dewalt DW621K router?  I've found a good deal on one with a Dewalt router table, but hoped I could get some hands-on comments about how it performs. I also notice the dust extractor nozzle aims straight up in the air...right in the direction of my face; without a dust extractor, is this likely to be a nightmare, or can it be removed/turned?

Anyone help me out with this?

Cheers,
Mac

 

[dirtydeeds]

ive used one

it didnt have an electronic brake

end of

 

[dirtydeeds]

now ive had tools with electronic brakes (festool for instance)

if a tool doenst have one, im not interested

 

[Mac]

Hi Tom,

This is a really stupid question, I suppose, but why's that such a big problem? Is it a safety thing?

Mac

 

[dirtydeeds]

no question is stupid

a tool without an electronic brake is the same cant be put down safely till it stops

un braked, a 1/2 inch dewalt router takes 30 seconds to stop

a festool will stop in 2 seconds

you can (nearly) change a router bit in that time differnece

or

in that time differece you CAN unclamp one work piece AND clamp a second piece AND start routing it

 

[Mac]

OK, I see now. Thanks.

So this is yet another reason for me to go festool and not the cheaper route. I'm doomed, I suspect.

 

[dirtydeeds]

if a half inch router is a thing you rarely use

this minor flaw will not worry you in the slightest

i wont mention the OF1400 a lightweight 1/2inch router which is also a one hander with electronic brake

(made by festool  : )

 

[mastercabman]

TOM,      i never seen a router with electronic break.  Is that commons where you are?

 

[polarsea1]

Hi all,

Does anyone own a Dewalt DW621K router?  I've found a good deal on one with a Dewalt router table, but hoped I could get some hands-on comments about how it performs. I also notice the dust extractor nozzle aims straight up in the air...right in the direction of my face; without a dust extractor, is this likely to be a nightmare, or can it be removed/turned?

Anyone help me out with this?

Cheers,
Mac

It's not going to throw many chips out of the chute, it doesn't have a fan, it's made to have a vacuum attached - there is also an elbow that can be attached to the top of the chute. Mine doesn't take that long to spin down either. Festool routers are superior but if you can get a DW621 cheap they are a pretty good tool.

 

[Frank-Jan]

I like the electronic brake on the routers aswell, but there was a discussion about this a while back.
The US versions do not have them. (They don't have the B in the model name; for instance in Europe the TS55 ends with EBQ, in the US it's EQ, same goes for the routers)

I believe it was because of heavier wiring needed for the lower voltage, so there wouldn't be enough room in the tool's housing for it.

/edit: the 2200 does have a brake (ends with EB, Q is missing, I think the Q stands for the plug-it cord, and that it's missing because of the high power of the router)

 

[dirtydeeds]

not sure but i think that the european union is pushing hard for electronic brakes on all new tool designs

it makes sense on safety grounds and i have no gripe against the eu (like so many of my countrymen)

they arnt requiring old designs to be re engineered, so there are still a lot of tools out there that dont have them

the various makers/suppliers of what where originally elu routers for instance dont have to be modified

 

[PeterK]

I have had the DW621 for years. Great router in many ways but has a few quirks like most tools. Never failed me. Smooth, accurate, reliable, quality tool. It is Pat Warner's top rated router or was for many years. The latest ones may be made in Mexico as DW has moved alot of manufacturing there like the DW616-618 routers. My only real complaint on the 621 is the really small base - some sort of clear plastic base is a requirement to have any control. I used a base from Pat Warner. The dust collection is good - slightly less than the Festool. I do prefer my Festool routers (1010, 1400, 2200) and just recently sold my DW625 and gave my DW621 and 610 to my son. There are many routers that rank below the DW621 to me so if you get a nice price on one, I recommend buying it. The brake to me is no big deal as I lay the router on it's side normally. Never been an issue.

 

[Mac]

Thanks for taking the time to give your feedback Peter. Appreciate it.