Do I need a "D" handle for a router?

[Louis Brandt]

Hello,
I'm still trying to decide which router to buy, and I'm still torn between the Bosch 1617EVSPK and the DeWalt 618PK. Since the DeWalt is available with a 3 base kit and the Bosch is not, would I be better off with the DeWalt? My real question is, what router operations need a "D" handle? I really don't understand what purpose the "D" handle serves, so I'd just like to know whether it's something that I need to consider.
Thanks,
Louis

[Joe Unni]

Louis,

For what it's worth I've the DeWalt 618PK. For hand routing I actually prefer the d-handle - it feels as though I have more control.

Good luck,
-joe

[Jamie Buxton]

I use routers a lot, and have never felt any need to have a D handle. To me, two symmetrical grips feels fine. I think the D handle is just one of those things that some people like, and others don't -- y'know, like vanilla ice cream versus chocolate.

[Bill Hoyer]

I've had both a Bosch and a DeWalt router for more than ten years and have had no trouble with either piece of equipment...except for a start switch that went haywire on the DeWalt after 4-5 years. All three of my routers get used 4-5 times a week, and I clean them up after each day's usage.

Regarding the D-handle, I've always enjoyed using two hands (and arms) when I operate a router without a router table. If I were to use a router one-handed, I'd probably have some sore muscles and tremror shortly after I turned the power on.

Bill

[Ronald Thompson]

I am much more comfortable with the D handle router. You keep both hands on the tool at all times. Trigger turns it on and off. I threw the toggle base into a table. Turn it on, run the wood, turn it off. Both hands on the wood or both hands on the router.
Ron

[George Heatherly]

I feel more comfortable with a D handle also. Like others have said, it lets you turn the router on and off without taking one of your hands off the router.

[Jim Becker]

I also happen to like the D-Handle for edge work and the trigger grip is quite comfortable to me. It's also the right choice when you have to "one-hand" it for certain operations.

[Jim Thiel]

...one of those things that some people like, and others don't -- y'know, like vanilla ice cream versus chocolate.

That must be the craziest thing to be typed, ever.

As for the D, I don't like them. I suppose it's more like some folks like asparagus dipped in molasses, some don't.

Jim

[dan moran]

the dewalt kit is the first router ive ever owned, -ive used other peoples routers, but thats neither here nor there-- but tell you the truth the d-handle is the only base ive used with the thing.. i feel like i have better control with it for the edging/flush trimming w/templates that ive used it for than i would with the 2 knob variety..

i mean- the thing feels just like the dewalt 378 framing saws ive used for years, and that goes a long way towards my piece of mind..

just the opinion of an(hopefully) ex-framer who's (hopefully) moving on to finer things..

[Rob Wright]

D-handle for sure! I can't live without the easy on-off and great stability. I mounted the fixed base in the table, use D for hand routing, and have the plunge for mortising etc. Like I said the best thing is the easy on-off! $0.02 for free - Rob

[Mike Henderson]

I like the D handle for non-table use also. You don't use a D handle router with only one hand - maybe that misunderstanding is why some people don't like them:) . In fact, the big advantage of a D handle router is that you always have two hands on the router because you can turn it on and off with the trigger on the D handle. With many non-D handle routers, the on/off switch is in a place where you have to take one hand off of a handle to operate the switch (example: PC690 which has the switch on the top of the motor).

Soft start routers are not as bad as the old fast start routers, but when you're only holding the router with one hand, the startup torque can twist it out of your hand, causing damage to the work or yourself. It certainly won't happen often, but it only has to happen one time to send you to the emergency room.

Mike

[Burt Waddell]

I also prefer the "D" handle router. It is used much more than any other router for hand held applications. I get a better feeling of control with the "D" handle.

[Tim Malyszko]

I use the D-handle exclusively when routing dovetails on my Akeda jig. The on/off trigger is very handy. When I bought my 618pk kit, I didn't think I would use the D-handle base either, but of all the bases, it's the one I use nearly for everything.

[Scott Rollins]

I have both Routers. I use the closest one for whatever task I have at hand, but prefer the Bosch. The Bosch is a little louder, but the dust collection is excellent when paired up to a good shop vac. I use the Bosch fixed base if the cut requires precision. The adjustment is backlash free and very precise either in a table or on the workpiece.

[Dan Forman]

I have a D handled Bosch, mainly for the trigger switch, so that I could turn it off easily whilw maintaining two hand control. I like the router just fine, but if I were doing it again, i'd probably go for, or at least check out, the Milwaukee 2 base 5616-21. While the Milwaukee kit lacks a D handle, it does have a unique body grip, which allows easy access to the switch without needing to remove a hand from the router, and comes with the plunge base. I was unable to get the Bosch in kit form with the D handle, and a plunge base is expensive to buy seperately.

Popular Woodworking has a review of two base router kits in the current issue (June), and gave the Milwaukee kit the Editors Choice award. Might be worth checking thae article out before you buy. I have no complaints about the Bosch router, other than it's not available in a kit with the D handle and a plunge base.

Dan

[Rob Russell]

I have the PC690 with a D-handle base and plunge base. I can't imagine wanting just the normal 2-knob base - I really like the control the D-handle gives you.