DEWALTRouter, Plunge Base, 10-Amp, 2 HP (DW621)

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

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 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.

I looked at a lot of routers before buying this. Let me save you a lot of time and tell you that this is the one to get. The only flaw is that it does not have a light.I was considering a Festool since I am already invested in that line and because their routers are well reviewed. But I just couldn't justify paying that much. The main reason I was considering the Festool was for the dust collection. But let me tell you that the dust collection on this is AWESOME. No exaggeration. I routed a groove and it sucked up maybe 99% of the dust. Routing a dado may not be as effective since there is an entire side exposed and there is no shroud around the bit (like Festool has).It's also very perpendicular. I routed a groove then routed an overlapping groove to make it wider. If the router is not perpendicular then there is a ridge at the overlap. This had little to no ridge.Only con is that there is no light. Not a dealbreaker but it's more important than you think. It can be difficult to see what you're doing since the dust hood hinders some of your view.Also, I purchased separately the accessory that allows you to attach the router to a track. It works well. I had to put some tape underneath to eat up some slack, but now I can route in a straight line with no play at all. Be sure to get that accessory if you have a track.I would absolutely buy it again.

I bought this for the dust collect and am not disappointed. Yes, the power switch is a little quirky but once you get used to it this router is such a pleasure to use. It captures nearly 100% of the dust while routing. For context I also have a classic Porter Cable fixed base and Makita trim/plunge routers. The Makita has the vacuum hook up but hardly captures anything. If you’re thinking of buying the green tool for the dust collection (like I was), save your money and get this one!