Woodworking Tools

DEWALT D-Handle Router DW618D

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The first thing that strikes one when just looking at this router is huge  yellow “D” shaped handle. The DEWALT DW618D is a bit unique looking but was specifically designed for easy in accomplishing certain jobs. The large “D” shaped handle which includes the on/off swithch (which can also be locked in the On position). For anyone doing hand routing jobs, this unit is an edge above most others when it comes to actually holding the router. Lets not minimize that role. Imagine if you doing an edge job on a counter and trimming laminate or rounding an edge, it is VERY simple to make an imperfect cut, especially if you don’t have a good grip on your tool. DeWalt makes it easy with this tool by providing a large, easy to hang on to handle, AND an opposing smaller black round grip to make the woodworker will have all the gripping power needed.

 Lets talk a bit about the tool it’self. The version we tested was a fixed base unit, which means the depth control is set manually for each cut. We liked the idea of the micro adjustment which even gave us control of 1/64 inch adjustment. This will accommodate even the most fussy woodworker. Changing the bits in this tool means lifting the motor from the base, which, with the quick release clips made the job quick and easy. We also liked that the spindle “locked” into position so we could change bits with just one wrench.

Another important point on this router is that it does come with both ¼ inch and ½ inch collets, further the collets are what we call eight finger collets which means better grip on router bits.

 We did not try this unit it a router table, DEWALT has other routers more suited to table use, not that this unit could not be used in a table but it has been specifically designed for “job site” work and that is how we tested it.

The DW618W is a 12 amp router, rated at 2 ¼ horsepower (at maximum load, which is how all router manufactures are now rating their tools). At over 8 pounds, this router is a good solid tool because typically you do want some weight in a router to perform smoother cuts.

 All in all we found this a good solid router, not outstanding just a good solid tool for anyone doing a lot reno or job-site work.

DEWALT DW625 EVS Plunge Router

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We were a bit anxious to get our hands on the DEWALT DW625 EVS Plunge Router for a couple of reasons, first of all it boasts a 3 horsepower motor, which is about what you would expect from a 15 amp unit, and this is a plunge router, which is what we prefer given a choice.

 We used this router both on and of the router table and found it easy to use and very capable of anything we challenged it to do. We liked the soft start feature, which in a 3 hp unit is very nice. I means when you start the tool it doesn’t try to jerk it out of your hand every time you start the unit up, a very nice feature and a good safety feature too.

 The DEWALT DW625 EVS Plunge Router uses a variable speed motor which runs between 8,000 and 22,000 rpm. Useful for doing a wide variety of jobs. We found the rack and pinion mechanism for moving the router up and down to be smooth and move. We also like that the scale on sliding ruler was magnified somewhat for easier viewing. We also wondered what this scale and magnifier would look like after a few months of use, would the dust start masking the scale? Then we surmised a bit of blown in air would probably solve the problem.

This unit also incorporates a multiple level preset height adjustment scale and micro adjustment mechanism that would ensure as accurate a depth cut as one would ever likely need. We did use the dust extractor attachment that comes with the router and found it fairly easy to attach and very helpful for keeping dust and chips in check

The DEWALT DW625 EVS Plunge Router comes with both ½ inch and ¼ inch collets, which we would have expected as other DeWalt units come with these as well. As usual the eight finger collets grabbed our bits tightly and made sure even when we challenged the router to so tough jobs, the bits did not slip. Changing bits is easy with the DeWalt spindle lock mechanism and one wrench, even when the unit is positioned in a router table.

The DW625 EVS is a heft 11 pounds, no lightweight when it comes to routers so using this router free hand, although it worked fine, we felt it’s best and most useful home would be in some sort of a router table.

 As with all DEWALT routers we have tested, this unit is also capable of using guide bushings, which DEWALT declares as “standard size” … what ever that means? There are a number of different guide bearing sizes so we are not sure what they are referring to as “standard size guide bushings for template work”.

 All in all we really liked this unit, we liked the smooth action, the power and easy of use both in and out of a router table, this is definitely one we would recommend.

Bosch Table Saw Model 4100-09

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Although this unit can easily be classified as a portable tables, which are often skeptical about, we loved this Bosch table saw. The Bosch 4100 comes as a basic “worksite table saw”, that is, you put it on a couple of saw horses or some other sort of bench, or you can purchase an optional two-wheel portable stand.

Lets talk first of all about the saw itself. Although the actual table top is not that large (22” x 29”) it is still a good useable size. One of the features that sets this unit apart from some of it’s competitors is the ripping fence. This unit has a very good, accurate fence system. And if it goes our of alignment, it is easy to re-set it. The quick-lock system of the fence holds if firmly in place and is also and adjustable feature. You can snug the fence down by adjusting the tightness level that suits you best.

Next we looked a blade changes, because as you know, we almost never use the blades that are supplied with tables saw, not even this Bosch. We discovered that after raising the blade to get better access to the 5/8 arbor nut, the locking mechanism was lever that locks the blade so that the wrench can be used to release the arbor nut holding the blade. The wrench for changing blades is conveniently and securely attached to the side of the table saw.

After changing blades, we decided to rip some wood and lowered the blade to about half a tooth above the level of the stock we were going to cut. The raising and lowering of the blade is very smooth, yes this was a new saw and yes it had little sawdust accumulated yet, but we still felt extra care had been taken with the internal mechanisms.

When we first started the saw it was immediately evident that this unit was also equipped with a “soft start” circuitry. The 110 volt, 15 amp motor brought the blade came up to speed quickly but did so in a controlled fashion. We like the new blade guard and splitter system. In the past, and with other models some of the blade guards have been rather cheesy, seems they were only installed so the manufactures could boast they had a blade guard or that they were there simply go observe some local law. Not so with the blade guard on the Bosch 4100, this is a whole new design that doesn’t get in the way (at least most of the time) and it is solidly built with anti kick back design.

We then performed some cross cuts using the mitre gauge supplied with the saw, and again it performed seamlessly on the ¾ inch plywood we were using for testing.

Lets take a moment now to talk about the optional stand that is available for this saw. At first glace, the stand appears like it will be insufficient for the saw, but not so. When the table saw is mounted on the stand, not only do you get excellent mobility, you also get a saw that can be stored vertically … and easily. The mechanism that allows the stand to fold and unfold is quick and easy to operate and when the saw is set up in its cutting position, despite the fact it is sitting on a couple of wheels, the table saw is very stable.

In conclusion, we loved this saw. It was accurate, easy to operate and powerful enough to do most jobs a woodworker would need. Additionally if you are working in a confined space (aren’t we all) the Bosch 4100 when equipped with the folding stand takes up less space and provides an easy to fold out option. I dare say, if you have ever wished for two table saws in your shop for those times that changing blades becomes a nuisance, the Bosch 4100 would make an excellent addition to any workshop