DEWALT Router, Plunge Base, 10-Amp, 2 HP (DW621)

I know it is heresy to say this, but I bought this router for situations where my Festool OF1400 didn't work well.The handle set-up on the Festool is best when you are standing over it; when you want to sit down level with the router, the handle and power switch are clumsy. I like the knob-handles on each side of the router, and the on/off switch at my fingertips.I modified an EZ Pro mortise and tenon jig to compensat for their jig's weaknesses, and now have a M&T jig worth bragging about (like I'm doing right now). Anyway, I bought the DW621 to use with the jig in a project the required 72 mortises and tenons. The Dewalt was great. Very happy with the purchase.The router is well balanced, with plenty of power. Plunge mechanism is smooth, and depth of cut setting is something I wish Festool would copy. Seriously. It's imperial (not metric) scaled, and set by a positive dial, with fine adjustment. Dust collection is great...on par with Festool.As a plus, the rod spacing happens to be within 1 or 2 mm of the Festool, so I can use the Festool track and guide and fine adjustment.It could use a different, wider base plate. An easy fix.I highly recommend this tool.

I'm a professional furniture maker and I use this router primarily for mortising operations as well as cutting tenons, with a tenon cutting jig. After owning this router for more than a year I'm very pleased with it.In this review, I am comparing it to the Festool 1400 EQ (which retails for $600) I find it just as capable and comfortable and actually better in some ways:Depth Control:The depth stops have a standard turret configuration, Allowing you to set 3 separate depths, which is very handy for deep plunge cuts that need to be done in several passes. Again, I find the dewalt design better than the Festool 1400 EQ. On that tool, when you released the thumbscrew securing the depth stop the rod would just fall, and you would lose your setting (very annoying). This DeWalt model has a rack and pinion adjustment that stays in place when the thumbscrew is loosened. Also, it has a rotary depth adjustment knob that can be calibrated relative to your current depth (super useful!). Then there is the fine adjustment knob at the top of the depth rod, for dialing in a that last 1/32".Dust control:Dust collection is integrated into the plunge mechanism and works even better than the Festool. The freely pivoting vacuum port is located on the top of the tool, keeping hoses up and out of the way, plus it fits festool 27 mm vacuum hoses perfectly. The only downside is that this port prevents you from resting the tool upside down when changing bits, however, it is detachable.Base:The base accepts an edge guide. The dewalt brand edge guide (which I highly recommend getting) is easily adjustable and has a detachable dust shroud that greatly aids in collecting dust when edge routing. the base is also compatible with template bushings, which is pretty standard for a router in this class.The spindle lock works well, allowing you to only use one wrench. however the Festool 1400 EQ has a ratcheting mechanism that is even easier.Like other reviewers have mentioned: the plunge mechanism is sometimes sticky. Some Teflon spray helps. This is annoying but not a deal-breaker. The power lock switch takes some getting used to. Likewise with the plunge lock knob. However, once you get accustomed to them, using them becomes second nature. I've never found the power cord to be too short in my experience. One thing that would make this router even better is if it had LED lights near the collet to illuminate your work better.This router design was once produced by Elu, a legendary Swiss manufacturer of power tools was bought by black and decker (parent company of Dewalt). While the fit and finish of this incarnation might not match the original, I find it to be a very well designed router with lots of refinement.2 year update:I'm still using this router in a regular basis. It's still a great router. I love the flat sides of the base. Makes it very compatible for creating jigs. Highly recommended.

The dust collection is excellent when connected to my shop vac. Easy to use.

The vacuum attachment is the best of all routers with a vacuum attachment, IMO. Also it is light enough and yet powerful enough to do MOST jobs perfectly. The exception is large router bits, which I have NEVER been comfortable with using a router. Just too dadgummed dangerous. I believe the shaper SHOULD be used instead for large cutter routing/shaping.I am very pleased to say that I am using this router in an "over and under" arm router table, set up for pin routing; where the "pin" is a precision ground 1/4" or 1/2" stainless steel rod; installed in either the upper or lower router mounted routers. The beauty of the Dewalt 621 is that it fits and works perfectly when mounted "under" a table top* in a pin router set up. IE: EVEN when the router's height is not locked by the knob, it is still quite stable; because of the larger than normal post and very tight tolerances. I use a home-made** latching/unlatching "foot pedal" to raise and lower the router; through a series of wooden levers and pivots mounted under the table.The precision height adjuster on this router is perfect* for that application. And again, one could not ask for a better dust collection system. A very NEEDED and often absent feature on MOST routers.I highly recomment this product; even though it does have a slight problem in non standard mounting holes; and a flimsy base. But that withstanding, I am very high on this router.* Note: This router is NOT suitable (IMO) as an "over" arm router in a pin routing setup. But "under" the table it is a jewel.** I copied the table height adjusting mechanism from an old pin router table designed by Woodhaven that is no longer manufacturered. But I am greatful to the owner of this fine company for sending me a drawing of how he "latched" and "un latched" using one's foot when locking the height of the router; for both hands free pin routing.