[JIMMIEM]

I have the DW618.....I got the 3 base kit. I mounted it in my DIY router table. I have an extra fixed base which is permanently mounted in the table top. I use the router both freehand and in the table but most of my work is done with the router in the table. I have also read that mounting the DW618 router upside down is not a good idea because of the direction of air movement. I've had the router for almost 20 years. Just recently the magnet ring broke. A new OEM magnet ring cost less than $3 and is a very easy fix. Also, there was virtually no dust inside the router when I opened it to replace the magnet ring. In the table I have routed a lot of MDF and Red Oak.
I am a DIYer and other than a Makita compact router and an old Sears router I have no experience with other mid-sized routers.
I didn't see a lot of complaints about the magnet ring but would be interested to read them. Could you provide some info on where you saw the articles. Thank You.

 

[JIMMIEM]

I’ve had problems with the DW625 Speed controllers going out, but I haven’t heard this on the 618

Was it the Speed Controller or the Magnet Ring?

 

[JIMMIEM]

Speed controller..I've replaced it twice in one and now the other needs it..
View attachment 403815

Thank You.

 

[JIMMIEM]

I went back searching today and didn’t find as many as I did during my previous late night searching. Here are a few that I found again.

Buyer Beware - DW618 not suitable for router table

Dewalt 618 Router Problem

Dewalt 618 router

Recommendation on a new router under $150

Thank You. Good luck with your decision. I'm just wondering why using the router in a table would adversely affect the magnet ring. I called DeWalt and they could not provide any insight. I called an authorized repair facility and didn't have any luck there either. I still use the router in the table and will continue to do so.

 

[JIMMIEM]

@Kevtron

My best guess and the trivia I can provide you is from the one I repaired for a individual allowed it to vibrate too much. I am not sure what year his was.

From the conversation I had with him during the repair was that he never change the speed no matter what size bit he would be working with.

I believe if it had been handheld he would have attempted to figure out how to solve the problem because of it vibrating..

cleaning / maintenance.
the amount of dust on the inside tells me that he didn't do at all. using either the vacuum or compressed air or leaf blower to blow the dust out.

dust collection seems to be a rarity and not a normal operating procedure. for a lot of the routers I have worked on.

also when doing the search for broken magnets as there seems to be 2007 through 2012 the most common time frame of magnets as being broken. so I'm not sure if the problems are stemming from misuse or poor quality parts used during that time. also note that is the information is limited to only the people who took the trouble to write about and submit it the forums.

I have 2 of the 618s bought a used one to be relegated the lift in the router table.

also I bought an extra used Base to go into a fixed base plate as my router table and a d handle which I don't use a lot but it is very convenient to have.

good luck with the new router.

When you replaced magnet rings in DW618s do you remember which direction the magnet ring collar faced? The reason I asked is that when I replaced mine there was a piece of the magnet ring still on the shaft and the collar faced down and rested in a groove. The schematics I have seen show the collar facing up.
Thank You