DeWalt 2-1/4 HP EVS fixed‑base / plunge router combo kit with soft start

First impressions and setup

I’ve run a lot of mid‑size routers through my shop, and this DeWalt router combo hits most of the right notes straight out of the bag. The motor pack slides into either the fixed base or the plunge base with quick‑release latches, and the soft‑start 12‑amp motor spools up smoothly without the wrench‑twisting jerk some routers deliver. The speed control ranges from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM, and electronic feedback holds the speed under load better than I expected for this class.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt: clean machining, a clear Lexan sub‑base, and rubber overmolded handles that aren’t too bulky. The low center of gravity is noticeable—on the fixed base, it feels planted, even on narrow edges.

Ergonomics and controls

The cam lever for locking depth on the fixed base is tool‑free, positive, and doesn’t require gorilla grip to set. A micro‑fine depth ring lets you sneak up on height in 1/64‑inch increments, and once you dial in your zero, the adjustments track consistently. On the plunge base, the turret stop has five positions and the micro adjustment moves 5/128 inch per turn—precise enough for hinge mortising, inlay work, and stopped dados. The plunge action itself is smooth thanks to brass bushings and hardened rods, with minimal side‑to‑side play when the columns are clean.

I appreciate the detachable cord. It packs smaller, and if a cord ever gets nicked, you can swap it instead of cracking open the motor housing. Mine seats firmly and hasn’t worked loose.

I do wish there were an LED. It’s not a deal‑breaker, but in darker interiors or when following a scribed line, onboard light makes a difference.

Power and performance

This is a mid‑size router that behaves like one: plenty of muscle for pattern routing with 1/2‑inch shank flush‑trim and spiral bits, edge profiles, hinge mortises, and most dado and groove work. With the electronics doing their job, I can push a 3/4‑inch spiral upcut through hardwood without hearing the motor sag or feeling chatter. On big panel‑raising bits and heavy rabbets, it stays composed if you mind your passes and don’t try to hog it all at once. The soft start and well‑balanced base make it easy to keep the bit where it should be on entry.

Vibration is kept in check. After a couple hours of template routing, my hands weren’t buzzing, which tells me the bearings, armature balance, and handles are working together.

Dust collection and visibility

The standout here is the through‑the‑column dust collection on the plunge base. Connected to a small vac, extraction is surprisingly effective for straight and plunge cuts—the bit stays visible, and chips don’t flood the cut. It’s not perfect on edge profiles (very few routers are), but for mortises and stopped grooves the visibility and cleanup are excellent.

Note: the fixed base doesn’t have the same integral dust port. For table use or edge work with the fixed base, you’ll want to pair it with a base‑mounted hood or rely on fence dust collection.

The clear sub‑base is flat and supportive, and it accepts standard template guide bushings. That’s handy for pattern work without third‑party adapters.

Plunge base: control and repeatability

The plunge base is the stronger half of this combo. The plunge stroke is smooth with consistent resistance, and the turret is easy to set up for stepped cuts. I like the micro‑adjust; the thread pitch is fine enough that I can reliably hit a mortise depth within a few thousandths. The handles are comfortable in a forward‑leaning grip, giving good control over entry and exit when following a line or template.

Dust collection on the plunge base deserves a second mention—it keeps the target visible. That’s not just about cleanliness; it improves accuracy because you spend less time stopping to clear chips.

Fixed base: general work and router table use

On the fixed base, the router shines for edge profiling and pattern routing where stability matters. The depth ring is intuitive, and once locked, the base doesn’t drift. However, a couple of caveats:

• The motor pack can bind if you’re sloppy inserting it into the fixed base. Keep the alignment true, don’t clamp the cam while sliding, and occasionally wipe and wax the mating surfaces. If chips get into the spiral grooves inside the base, the motor can hang up. It’s not chronic, but it’s something to be mindful of, and keeping those grooves clean makes a big difference.
• In a router table, it’s usable but not optimized. There’s no above‑the‑table height adjust, and the fine‑adjust ring has limited throw before you need to reset. You’ll be reaching under the table to lock/unlock and adjust. If your workflow is heavy on table routing and micro‑adjustments, a dedicated lift or a router designed for above‑table adjustments will be more efficient.

Bit changes and collets

Single‑wrench bit changes with the spindle lock work as intended above the bench. The lock is positive, and the self‑releasing 8‑slot collet is a treat—bits don’t stay wedged. Under a table, single‑wrench changes are less convenient, but that’s true for most non‑lift setups.

The kit includes a 1/2‑inch collet and a 1/4‑inch adapter sleeve. The 1/2‑inch collet is robust, grips well, and releases cleanly. The 1/4‑inch sleeve works, but I prefer a dedicated 1/4‑inch collet for frequent use. You’ll get better concentricity and fewer issues under heavier loads with small‑shank bits. It’s an inexpensive upgrade that pays for itself in cut quality and peace of mind.

Accuracy and micro‑adjustments

Both bases allow for fine, repeatable adjustments. I routinely hit tenon cheek depths and inlay recesses without “sneaking up” more than once. The depth ring’s 1/64‑inch graduations are legible and honest. On the plunge base, the micro‑adjust thread translates predictably, and the turret is easy to dial in for production work (think hinges or shelf pin rows with stops).

The motor’s feedback control keeps speeds steady, which matters as much for accuracy as it does for surface finish. If a router slows under load, your hands compensate, and that’s where burn marks and inconsistent depths creep in. I didn’t encounter those issues here when the bit and feed rates were sensible.

Noise and heat

It’s not whisper‑quiet, but in the 16,000–18,000 RPM range it’s less shrill than many peers. Soft start reduces mechanical shock and noise on spin‑up. After long runs, the housing gets warm but not alarming. Keep vents clear; this motor relies on airflow, and a dust‑sealed switch helps but isn’t magic.

What I’d change

• Add an LED light around the base for better visibility on interior cuts.
• Include a real 1/4‑inch collet in the box instead of relying on a sleeve.
• Improve the fixed base fit to make motor insertion more foolproof, or at least ship a note advising owners to clean the grooves and apply a light dry lube.
• Offer a factory above‑table height adjust option or accessory for the fixed base to better support table users.

Reliability and maintenance

Good habits go a long way with any router. A few practices that have kept this one running happily:

• Blow out the base grooves and plunge columns regularly and apply a light coat of paste wax or dry PTFE lube.
• Don’t bottom out bits in the collet—back off 1/16 inch for proper clamping.
• Match speed to bit diameter: slower for large profiles, faster for small cutters.
• Use sharp bits or you’ll overload the motor and invite burning.

I haven’t experienced power issues or brush wear out of the ordinary. Brushes are serviceable, and the detachable cord reduces strain at the entry point.

Who it’s for

• Woodworkers who split time between handheld routing and occasional table work.
• Finish carpenters who need a reliable plunge base for mortises and hinge recesses, with effective dust collection.
• DIYers stepping up to a mid‑size combo who value soft start, speed control, and solid ergonomics.

If your work is 80% router table, I’d steer you to a motor and lift built for above‑table adjustments. If you need onboard lights or loads of included accessories, there are kits that pack more add‑ons at this price point.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt router combo for users who want a balanced, smooth, and precise mid‑size router with a particularly strong plunge base and effective dust collection during plunge cuts. It’s powerful enough for most 1/2‑inch shank tasks, the ergonomics are excellent, and the micro‑adjust systems are reliable. Be aware of two caveats: the fixed base can bind if you don’t keep the alignment grooves clean and lightly lubricated, and the kit’s 1/4‑inch adapter sleeve is a compromise—buy a dedicated 1/4‑inch collet if you use small‑shank bits often. If those tradeoffs fit your workflow, this is a dependable, confidence‑inspiring tool that earns its keep.