Billy Chambless
11-22-2006, 5:59 PM
This is a pretty appropriate first post for me, since I discovered SMC while doing a Google search on plunge routers. After researching the four contenders available nearby (Dewalt 618, Hitachi KM12V, Bosch 1617EVS, and PC 893), I was leaning strongly toward the DeWalt -- especially after reading several threads here and what Pat Warner has written about it on his site.
My local Blue Borg has the DW618PK (fixed + plunge base) for $229 with a $40 rebate, which sounded good, but the Orange Borg had the DW618B3E (fixed, plunde and D-handle, plus edge guide) for $279 and a $50 rebate. SWMBO and I pounced on that today (early Christmas for me, and she might get her bookcases by Christmas now *g*).
So... thanks to SMC collectively for helping me choose -- although I don't think any of the four would have been a mistake. ;) My first impression is good. The manual isn't all that great, but the hardware itself is well enough designed that most operations are easy to figure out, imo.
And it sure cuts better than Dad's old Craftsman!
My local Blue Borg has the DW618PK (fixed + plunge base) for $229 with a $40 rebate, which sounded good, but the Orange Borg had the DW618B3E (fixed, plunde and D-handle, plus edge guide) for $279 and a $50 rebate. SWMBO and I pounced on that today (early Christmas for me, and she might get her bookcases by Christmas now *g*).
So... thanks to SMC collectively for helping me choose -- although I don't think any of the four would have been a mistake. ;) My first impression is good. The manual isn't all that great, but the hardware itself is well enough designed that most operations are easy to figure out, imo.
And it sure cuts better than Dad's old Craftsman!