DEWALT DW618 Router Review
Our verdict
The DEWALT DW618 brings 12-amp, 2.25 HP corded power with a 24,000 RPM speed spec to the fixed-base segment at $207.65, making it a capable step-up from the DW616 for users who need a higher power ceiling.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Woodworkers who want DEWALT's full-size motor spec with a published RPM and more amps than the entry DW616, without paying for a combo kit.
Skip if
You need a plunge base or want the DW618PK combo kit; at $55 more the two-base kit adds plunge capability for marginal extra cost.
- Power Source Corded Electric
- Voltage 120 Volts
- Amps 12 Amps
- Speed 24000 RPM
- Motor 2.25 Horsepower
- Weight 4.34 Kilograms
- Priced 55% above the category median ($133.82 across 48 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 1,352 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.8/5
1,352 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The DEWALT DW618 draws 12 amps at 120 volts and reaches 24,000 RPM with a 2.25 HP motor. At 4.34 kg it is a solid mid-weight router in DEWALT's corded lineup, sitting between the lighter DW616 and the full kit versions of the same motor.
With 1,352 reviews at 4.4 stars and 100 units sold per month, owner activity is moderate but steady. The 4.4-star figure is lower than the DW616PK and DW618B3 models, which may reflect buyer expectations at the standalone-base price of $207.65.
For users who want DEWALT's top motor spec in a fixed-base-only unit, the DW618 is the logical entry point. The step-up from the DW616 buys an extra amp, a higher HP rating, and a published RPM figure.
Pros
- 12-amp, 2.25 HP motor with a published 24,000 RPM speed spec
- Corded 120-volt power for consistent output during long routing sessions
- 4.34 kg weight balances stability and portability for table or handheld use
- Step up in power and spec over the DW616 at a mid-range price
Cons
- 4.4-star rating is the lowest among DEWALT fixed-base models in this batch
- Fixed-base only at $207.65; the DW618PK combo adds a plunge base for about $56 more
- 100 units sold per month is modest compared to the BOSCH 1617EVS at 300 per month
Specifications
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Amps | 12 Amps |
| Speed | 24000 RPM |
| Motor | 2.25 Horsepower |
| Weight | 4.34 Kilograms |
Performance notes
At 12 amps and 24,000 RPM the DW618 handles hardwoods, MDF, and detailed profile work with consistent power. The 2.25 HP rating matches the BOSCH 1617EVS. The 4.34 kg build is stable on a router table and manageable for handheld edge routing.
What buyers say
Owners cite reliable power and good depth adjustment as strengths. Some note that the relatively small price gap to the plunge-base DW618PK combo kit makes the standalone unit a less obvious purchase. Overall satisfaction is positive but not as emphatic as the higher-volume DEWALT kit models.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the DEWALT DW618 include a plunge base?
No. The DW618 is a fixed-base unit only. The DW618PK kit adds a plunge base and is listed at $263.62.
What is the top speed of the DEWALT DW618?
The listed specs show a maximum speed of 24,000 RPM with a 12-amp, 120-volt motor rated at 2.25 HP.
Questions about which DEWALT router is right for your work?
Email hello@toolgalaxy.com for a direct comparison from the ToolGalaxy team.