Nothing like kicking a loyal customer in the teeth. There is a difference between quality control, that is leaving it to the customer for finding the flaws, and design issues. There is so much mark up in tools, that this crap is inexcusable. A lot of people are giving up on Dewalt and walking over to the Hercules line at Harbor Freight because of Stanley B & D pulling such abuse on customers. As for noise levels, a 3 db difference is twice as loud or soft, depending on which way you are going. The motors do not have to be noisy. It sounded like in both routers that they used an old Lux vacuum sweeper motor. I buy tools to make my life better and/or easier. I do not tolerate tools that argue with me. If I want a dose of arguing, I'll talk with an elected official. The sad thing is routers aren't heavy enough to be a good boat anchor. Good video.
Generally set the depth using a drill bit never trust the increments. Although the depth stop rod locking is major importance to me so thanks for your review I've used the old ones for years but now I'm thinking I'm not gonna go for the new one because of the depth stop
I wish I would have found this video before I acquired this router. The depth stop is a joke. You can watch the fine height adjuster move when you are routing. DO NOT BUY!
@@TheSnekkerShowjust wanted to add, my depth stop bar in the plunge router base for their trim models (dwp600) also has the same issue. And it's been on the market for a long time. I avoided using the plunge feature because I thought I was doing something wrong. No matter how much I tighten it, the stop kept sliding down and id over cut my piece. I wasted a few hundred dollars on materials, and my sanity. Now I finally know why.
Thanks for this great review! I was considering this to replace a 30 year old Bosch 1615EVS, which no longer has the depth stop Lost somewhere in the past when the 1615 became one with the router table. Plus, it would be nice to have a router larger than the DW621 to use with a track saw track. I also wanted dust collection. Well, I won't be purchasing the DWE625.
Gee Ben, I was so excited for this Router and after watching your video, I will hold off on the purchase. I hate tools that don't live up or fail to meet the mark of Quality. Thanks for your honesty assessment on the Dewalt DWE625 3HP Router. I do agree, newer is not always better & seeing the depth gage being flakey, I can see how disappointed you were as well. Please keep it up and post another video when Dewalt has remedy all of the flaws associated with this lame duck.
They took the fine height adjuster from the 621. That works perfect on mine. But this router is a joke. I use a digital height gauge on my routers and table. But use my micro fence on all routers. And micro fence base for detail work. My old 625 is still perfect.
Worst of all, its still corded. (My garage doesnt have enough open, accessible power outlets.) is it even brushless? I agree its louder than it needs to be compared to a cnc. I dont know if thats a cost saving mechanism or just markup. The bar with the round slider is a good concept, but the poor quality control ruins it. My dwp600 plunge router base has the same issue with the sliding bar. I thought i was just seeing things, and was making some noob mistake. What a shame. I might buy my first Milwaukee router because of this.
Stanley/B&D has truly let the bean counters control the engineering of their products. First they buy and discontinue the Porter Cable Routers, then replace them with products that simply don't measure up to the requirements of tradesmen. I'll stick with my Porter Cable 7518. Of course, Stanley/B&D don't maintain many repair parts for it, but bearings are available from SKF, etc. and even the fan is now a "Dewalt" part, so despite their saying it's obsolete, you can still get parts. Mine has seen year of use and is still going strong.
What an amazing and genuine review! Too bad I purchased the router prior to watching your review. I watched your review of the Triton TRA002 and decided on the DWE625; now I have buyer's remorse after watching your video. I am even scared to try my luck with the Makita Makita RP2301FC. Keep up the good work!
Great video! That height adjustment is a total disaster. What were they thinking? Curious how this compares with the Triton 3HP router that you tried out a while ago. Sounds like both models are "putting the K in quality" so to speak. #facepalm
PRO TIP: With the old school 625, try using your middle finger to lock the plunge depth lever. This keeps you from having to adjust your grip to use your thumb.
If there’s any doubt they don’t make them like they used to watch this video. Old 690’s in good condition are getting harder to find. Thanks for your commitment to the details that truly matter!
Fair comparison, I want it it's a beast...and router bit extensions...lol...um nooooo...I use set up blocks to get my final depth from 0, so that adjustment wouldn't bother me at all, fact I would only trust set up blocks on that...but can't have that movement...like what the....
I have your nineties router in orange, from CMT. These are the last model Elu made before they went the way of the Dodo. I had the previous Elu model, and still have a smaller Elu from the eighties.
thanks for your video , totally agree that ELU design is totally the best ever . apart from the cable thing and i agree with you on it . Thanks for your videos
Remember that older DeWalt 625 and the earlier Elu version. Great heavy duty routers which I don't need now since not cutting mortices in joinery anymore. With slowest speed up 1,000 rpm to 9k, might that affect maximum diameter of router bit? Sound levels quite interesting - the new one sounds higher pitch, closer to a scream level to me compared to the older one sounded a bit lower frequency and more bearable: I'd guess the sound comes from the spinning collet which will be much the same for both machines regardless of how quiet or noisy the electric motors might be so a bit of rounding off the corners of the collet nut would affect sound level. Fantastic analysis of the 'precision' design and quality control, thanks.
Looks like dewalt are losing it , i looked at this new router today and came in search of a review because i liked it , think ill look for another older 625 again , if it ain’t broke dont fix it
I’m gutted I just bought one on Facebook marketplace (unused) without checking UA-cam for reviews first. Can see why they accepted my low ball offer now. Do you think there is much chance of Dewalt coming up with a solution for this model or just for future versions?
Tough break. You might try contacting Dewalt. I'm not sure if the factory warranty still applies if you're not the original owner, but it's worth a shot.
I just finished watching a review of the new trend T12 and suddenly saw a review of the new dewalt dwe625 and noticed that both routers are identical thinking that it is trend supplying routers to dewalt to have a new model to sell in the US market, or maybe they came in the same factory and brand them separately.
Very useful review. Thanks. You saved me from making an expensive mistake. I'm amazed by the poor quality of expensive tools these days - in the UK, this retails for about £350. At that price, I'd expect an all-metal construction for any geared part, and thorough quality control, rather than something that looks like it belongs in a children's toy. I've just bought a DWE7485 table saw, and had to return the first two due to build flaws and major deviations from flatness in the table top. The third one is OK though. What's happened to DeWalt? Have they been bought out or something? Have you reviewed the Makita RP2303 router? I'm interested to know if that is a reliable buy, as I seem to be running out of options otherwise.
I would love for some tinker to mod this router with a total replacement fix to the depth stop because I don't think the younger generation engineers do the kind of R&D before putting tools on the market. I have many new and improved tools that are not improved over the older models.
Spot on. Used them since they were Elu 277 in the mid 80s. Just bought one. what a load of CR*P. Dewalt have answered my complaint and assured me there is no known issue with the depth stop. W*nkers.
What possibly frustrated me the most is that I contacted them via numerous means about these issues, and couldn't find a single person who knew anything about the router or had one they could check to verify whether it was a widespread problem.
@@TheSnekkerShow The plan is to: set the coarse adjustment to full up. remove the internal part of the fine adjuster and replace it with a 6mm threaeded stock with a washer and three nuts on it to provide a depth stop that will never fail. Will be a ugly as hell but will save me time, money and iritation. p.s. always throw away the spring nut and caping nut on the riser stop it will slip and cost you money two nuts locked together will not fail.
@@Erik_The_Viking I have the Bosch 1617EVSPK Combo Kit that comes with a fixed and a plunge base and I like it. But the large 3+ HP plunge routers have disappeared from the Bosch Tools USA website so I presume that they're discontinued. Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) also has a large plunge router, model M12VE, that I'd like to see reviewed.
I’m Glad you made this video, because I’m looking to get a new router, and the Dewalt was the one I was looking at. Can you still get the older model? Thank You!!
I got the same Router sold by Trend as t14 and was wondering why 2 grooves i routed into 2 workpieces were of different depth, i was assuming the bit had slipped but it didn't seem like it, now im pretty sure it was the depth stop slipping through on the 2nd piece when i did a pass at final depth. I did not notice the reading being off as i usually usea drill bit or some other true measurement instead of a way too thick index line. Contacted Trend about this and waiting to hear back at the moment.
@@TheSnekkerShow It indeed is, I would guess its made by dewalt in Italy like many of their ELU based models are, got an old DW700 miter saw thats also made in Italy Update: Trend wants to collect the router and exchange it, i guess i'll take the plunge and try my luck again even though i think i wont be any better, i just hope it will not turn into a 6 month back and forth like it was with Triton and their TRA001
@@Rupain I got a Trend T4, their base model to replace my 30+ year old Bosch green POF500? that I could fit in a cheap drill press with a crude milling stand or carve away joists and noggins to take socket boxes or as single purpose Domino alternative using Peter Millard's jig. It was so badly finished, I took a few hours smoothing sharp edges and cleaning out screw threads, improved plunge smoothness. Then, first use, the on-off switch flew off and wouldn't go back. In warranty, Trend took it back and replaced with slightly newer version with 2-year warranty and no-start after unplugging. Trend customer services and website were excellent, unlike DeWalt. Noticed Trend and DeWalt gear very similar. Don't need 3HP level of power anymore and next (and final) router will be Bosch or Makita. Shame. Loved Elu kit back in the day
As with the review of the Triton TRA002, this is an excellent video and great guidance on whether or not to make a purchase. I've been surprised and disappointed in the complete lack of response from Triton so it will be interesting to see if Dewalt come back to you and provide a permanent fix/update to this router model. I own tools made by both brands and the ones I have are fine but it saddens me to see supposedly reputable brands produce inferior products whether due to poor design or poor quality control and manufacturing. Keep up the great work in helping us woodworkers avoid the turkeys amongst the tools. Hopefully, one day, the major brands will go back to producing quality tools more consistently. We need them to properly test & QA them before foisting them on their customers who can little afford to buy something not fit for purpose.
Nothing like kicking a loyal customer in the teeth. There is a difference between quality control, that is leaving it to the customer for finding the flaws, and design issues. There is so much mark up in tools, that this crap is inexcusable. A lot of people are giving up on Dewalt and walking over to the Hercules line at Harbor Freight because of Stanley B & D pulling such abuse on customers. As for noise levels, a 3 db difference is twice as loud or soft, depending on which way you are going. The motors do not have to be noisy. It sounded like in both routers that they used an old Lux vacuum sweeper motor. I buy tools to make my life better and/or easier. I do not tolerate tools that argue with me. If I want a dose of arguing, I'll talk with an elected official. The sad thing is routers aren't heavy enough to be a good boat anchor. Good video.
Generally set the depth using a drill bit never trust the increments.
Although the depth stop rod locking is major importance to me so thanks for your review I've used the old ones for years but now I'm thinking I'm not gonna go for the new one because of the depth stop
Another great review, thanks! Will hang on to my ‘90s 625 for a while!
I wish I would have found this video before I acquired this router. The depth stop is a joke. You can watch the fine height adjuster move when you are routing. DO NOT BUY!
If it's still under warranty, try to get it fixed or refunded.
@@TheSnekkerShowjust wanted to add, my depth stop bar in the plunge router base for their trim models (dwp600) also has the same issue. And it's been on the market for a long time. I avoided using the plunge feature because I thought I was doing something wrong. No matter how much I tighten it, the stop kept sliding down and id over cut my piece. I wasted a few hundred dollars on materials, and my sanity. Now I finally know why.
Thanks for this great review!
I was considering this to replace a 30 year old Bosch 1615EVS, which no longer has the depth stop Lost somewhere in the past when the 1615 became one with the router table. Plus, it would be nice to have a router larger than the DW621 to use with a track saw track. I also wanted dust collection. Well, I won't be purchasing the DWE625.
Whatever you do, don’t share this video. We need people to buy the remaining faulty ones so the amended designed ones come to the shelves sooner 😉
Gee Ben, I was so excited for this Router and after watching your video, I will hold off on the purchase. I hate tools that don't live up or fail to meet the mark of Quality. Thanks for your honesty assessment on the Dewalt DWE625 3HP Router. I do agree, newer is not always better & seeing the depth gage being flakey, I can see how disappointed you were as well.
Please keep it up and post another video when Dewalt has remedy all of the flaws associated with this lame duck.
I keep checking, thinking they might fix it, but I haven't seen any indications so far.
Great commentary as always, I appreciate your efforts! I hope one day you find the goldilocks router and the answer isn't "find it used"
I have a suspicion that it's going to be the Makita, but I'm feeling inclined to stick with my used one for now.
Great video and very thorough. I have one on order. --- love the comment that about the router whining like a Twitter employee --- Awesome!
They took the fine height adjuster from the 621. That works perfect on mine. But this router is a joke. I use a digital height gauge on my routers and table. But use my micro fence on all routers. And micro fence base for detail work. My old 625 is still perfect.
Worst of all, its still corded. (My garage doesnt have enough open, accessible power outlets.) is it even brushless? I agree its louder than it needs to be compared to a cnc. I dont know if thats a cost saving mechanism or just markup.
The bar with the round slider is a good concept, but the poor quality control ruins it. My dwp600 plunge router base has the same issue with the sliding bar. I thought i was just seeing things, and was making some noob mistake.
What a shame. I might buy my first Milwaukee router because of this.
Thank you sir, unfortunately new is not necessary improved
Thank you, you saved a lot of people.
This is a rebrand of the Trend T12.
I wish I knew what goes on behind closed doors when these decisions are made.
Stanley/B&D has truly let the bean counters control the engineering of their products. First they buy and discontinue the Porter Cable Routers, then replace them with products that simply don't measure up to the requirements of tradesmen. I'll stick with my Porter Cable 7518. Of course, Stanley/B&D don't maintain many repair parts for it, but bearings are available from SKF, etc. and even the fan is now a "Dewalt" part, so despite their saying it's obsolete, you can still get parts. Mine has seen year of use and is still going strong.
The 7518 is a solid router.
What an amazing and genuine review! Too bad I purchased the router prior to watching your review. I watched your review of the Triton TRA002 and decided on the DWE625; now I have buyer's remorse after watching your video. I am even scared to try my luck with the Makita Makita RP2301FC. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the feedback. Do you notice the same issues with your router?
@@TheSnekkerShow Unfortunately, yes. The sad part is I love the power and ease of cut of this router. I hope DeWalt comes up with a solution soon.
@@ngufon3890 I am planning to buy the Makita one(rp2301fc). Are there any issues with it ? I hear it's a great router.
@@kaeshur92 did you buy that one or have you seen the Makita RP2303FCJ, is that a good router?
Great video! That height adjustment is a total disaster. What were they thinking? Curious how this compares with the Triton 3HP router that you tried out a while ago. Sounds like both models are "putting the K in quality" so to speak. #facepalm
It makes me wonder if the decision to release a new model was an effort to improve the design, cut costs, or both.
PRO TIP: With the old school 625, try using your middle finger to lock the plunge depth lever. This keeps you from having to adjust your grip to use your thumb.
Good idea. Now, I'll be using my middle finger for both routers. Just differently.
If there’s any doubt they don’t make them like they used to watch this video.
Old 690’s in good condition are getting harder to find.
Thanks for your commitment to the details that truly matter!
690 is not in the same power category as these routers. I have 3 690’s.
Is possible to fix this problem with dept-kontrol in any way? I buy yesterday this model and today seen your video 😢
I've been meaning to come up with a solution, but time hasn't been on my side. You're still under warranty, though, if it was bought new.
New subscriber here. Checking your channel out because I like to make an build stuff.
Fair comparison, I want it it's a beast...and router bit extensions...lol...um nooooo...I use set up blocks to get my final depth from 0, so that adjustment wouldn't bother me at all, fact I would only trust set up blocks on that...but can't have that movement...like what the....
I have your nineties router in orange, from CMT. These are the last model Elu made before they went the way of the Dodo. I had the previous Elu model, and still have a smaller Elu from the eighties.
thanks for your video , totally agree that ELU design is totally the best ever . apart from the cable thing and i agree with you on it . Thanks for your videos
Yah I bought it and the deapth stop bar has ruined some projects. Disapointed in Dewalt.
Found a supplier that still has the DW625 New. Ordered.
Remember that older DeWalt 625 and the earlier Elu version. Great heavy duty routers which I don't need now since not cutting mortices in joinery anymore. With slowest speed up 1,000 rpm to 9k, might that affect maximum diameter of router bit? Sound levels quite interesting - the new one sounds higher pitch, closer to a scream level to me compared to the older one sounded a bit lower frequency and more bearable: I'd guess the sound comes from the spinning collet which will be much the same for both machines regardless of how quiet or noisy the electric motors might be so a bit of rounding off the corners of the collet nut would affect sound level. Fantastic analysis of the 'precision' design and quality control, thanks.
Looks like dewalt are losing it , i looked at this new router today and came in search of a review because i liked it , think ill look for another older 625 again , if it ain’t broke dont fix it
Thx, you saved me a lot of frustration and ~ 500 €.
9:17 lol
I was just about to ask if they’ve corrected this issue but just seen it was posted 8 days ago 😕🤔
They have been made aware of the issues, so hopefully, a correction is pending.
@@TheSnekkerShow👍
Festool of2200 eb is the best router on the market no questions asked
I’m gutted I just bought one on Facebook marketplace (unused) without checking UA-cam for reviews first. Can see why they accepted my low ball offer now. Do you think there is much chance of Dewalt coming up with a solution for this model or just for future versions?
Tough break. You might try contacting Dewalt. I'm not sure if the factory warranty still applies if you're not the original owner, but it's worth a shot.
I just finished watching a review of the new trend T12 and suddenly saw a review of the new dewalt dwe625 and noticed that both routers are identical thinking that it is trend supplying routers to dewalt to have a new model to sell in the US market, or maybe they came in the same factory and brand them separately.
I'm curious about that as well. I had never heard of Trend before until shortly after I posted this video.
What is the threads per inch on the nut of the d625.
Very useful review. Thanks. You saved me from making an expensive mistake.
I'm amazed by the poor quality of expensive tools these days - in the UK, this retails for about £350. At that price, I'd expect an all-metal construction for any geared part, and thorough quality control, rather than something that looks like it belongs in a children's toy. I've just bought a DWE7485 table saw, and had to return the first two due to build flaws and major deviations from flatness in the table top. The third one is OK though. What's happened to DeWalt? Have they been bought out or something?
Have you reviewed the Makita RP2303 router? I'm interested to know if that is a reliable buy, as I seem to be running out of options otherwise.
I haven't reviewed the Makita, but I've read good things. If I decide to try again, that would likely be the one I chose.
Which would you prefer, old series or new series?
Looks like I will be without a big router for a while...
I would love for some tinker to mod this router with a total replacement fix to the depth stop because I don't think the younger generation engineers do the kind of R&D before putting tools on the market. I have many new and improved tools that are not improved over the older models.
I've considered it and might still do it, or at least give it a shot.
Why not replace the O ring and see of that helps fix the issue?
Can you tell the difference between
Spot on. Used them since they were Elu 277 in the mid 80s. Just bought one. what a load of CR*P. Dewalt have answered my complaint and assured me there is no known issue with the depth stop. W*nkers.
What possibly frustrated me the most is that I contacted them via numerous means about these issues, and couldn't find a single person who knew anything about the router or had one they could check to verify whether it was a widespread problem.
@@TheSnekkerShow The plan is to: set the coarse adjustment to full up. remove the internal part of the fine adjuster and replace it with a 6mm threaeded stock with a washer and three nuts on it to provide a depth stop that will never fail. Will be a ugly as hell but will save me time, money and iritation. p.s. always throw away the spring nut and caping nut on the riser stop it will slip and cost you money two nuts locked together will not fail.
Hi great review I was wondering on the dust extraction on this model have you hooked it up yet cheers
I'm afraid not. I didn't get that far in the testing.
Well, you just took one router off the list. So now we need to see a test of the Makita RP2301FC.
I would be curious about the Bosch model too - I've been happy with their 2 1/4 HP router.
@@Erik_The_Viking I have the Bosch 1617EVSPK Combo Kit that comes with a fixed and a plunge base and I like it. But the large 3+ HP plunge routers have disappeared from the Bosch Tools USA website so I presume that they're discontinued. Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) also has a large plunge router, model M12VE, that I'd like to see reviewed.
That looks like a good router. I was on the fence between that and the DeWalt, but figured it made more sense to do a deep dive on the new one.
@@GM-gc8gg That's unfortunate. Metabo has been putting out some good tools as of late. That would be a good comparison.
@@TheSnekkerShow have you seen Makita RP2303FCJ, does that seem worth getting
Thank you for the great review! I was going to buy one of these as generally I am a Dewalt fan. Thanks for the head's up!!
Glad to be of service.
I’m Glad you made this video, because I’m looking to get a new router, and the Dewalt was the one I was looking at. Can you still get the older model? Thank You!!
It looks like it's been discontinued from most places. My second pick would probably be the Makita, but I haven't actually used that one yet.
Probably widely available second-hand
Excellent review! Thanks very much!
Do you ever review any tools sold by Harbor Freight?
I have a series on their 2HP dust collector, but generally not.
@@TheSnekkerShow Thanks! I love their low prices, but am concerned with quality, etc.
hehe take the plunge
I got the same Router sold by Trend as t14 and was wondering why 2 grooves i routed into 2 workpieces were of different depth, i was assuming the bit had slipped but it didn't seem like it, now im pretty sure it was the depth stop slipping through on the 2nd piece when i did a pass at final depth. I did not notice the reading being off as i usually usea drill bit or some other true measurement instead of a way too thick index line. Contacted Trend about this and waiting to hear back at the moment.
Very interesting. I had to look it up since I'm not familiar with Trend tools, and you're right, it's the same router. Is yours made in Italy also?
@@TheSnekkerShow It indeed is, I would guess its made by dewalt in Italy like many of their ELU based models are, got an old DW700 miter saw thats also made in Italy
Update: Trend wants to collect the router and exchange it, i guess i'll take the plunge and try my luck again even though i think i wont be any better, i just hope it will not turn into a 6 month back and forth like it was with Triton and their TRA001
@@Rupain I got a Trend T4, their base model to replace my 30+ year old Bosch green POF500? that I could fit in a cheap drill press with a crude milling stand or carve away joists and noggins to take socket boxes or as single purpose Domino alternative using Peter Millard's jig. It was so badly finished, I took a few hours smoothing sharp edges and cleaning out screw threads, improved plunge smoothness. Then, first use, the on-off switch flew off and wouldn't go back. In warranty, Trend took it back and replaced with slightly newer version with 2-year warranty and no-start after unplugging. Trend customer services and website were excellent, unlike DeWalt. Noticed Trend and DeWalt gear very similar. Don't need 3HP level of power anymore and next (and final) router will be Bosch or Makita. Shame. Loved Elu kit back in the day
As with the review of the Triton TRA002, this is an excellent video and great guidance on whether or not to make a purchase.
I've been surprised and disappointed in the complete lack of response from Triton so it will be interesting to see if Dewalt come back to you and provide a permanent fix/update to this router model.
I own tools made by both brands and the ones I have are fine but it saddens me to see supposedly reputable brands produce inferior products whether due to poor design or poor quality control and manufacturing.
Keep up the great work in helping us woodworkers avoid the turkeys amongst the tools. Hopefully, one day, the major brands will go back to producing quality tools more consistently. We need them to properly test & QA them before foisting them on their customers who can little afford to buy something not fit for purpose.
Great review!