DeWalt 2-1/4 HP EVS D-Handle Router with Soft Start

First impressions and setup

The first pass I made with this D‑handle router reminded me why these rear‑trigger designs endure. The shaped handle and forward knob give you a pistol‑grip stance that feels planted, and starting the motor with your hand already locked in position adds a layer of control you don’t get with a toggle on the motor can. Out of the box, setup is straightforward: snap in the detachable cord, drop in the 1/4 or 1/2 inch collet, and the motor slides into the base with a positive click. The clear sub‑base comes flat and accepts standard template guide bushings, which meant I could go straight to a template job without hunting for adapters.

At 7.1 pounds, the router strikes a nice balance between heft and manageability. It’s light enough to guide one‑handed along an edge when needed, but there’s enough mass to damp vibration on denser hardwoods. The handle itself is full‑sized; I have medium‑large hands and found it comfortable, but slimmer hands may find the grip a bit chunky. The trigger is where it should be, and the lock‑on is easy to set intentionally without being so light that you bump it by accident.

Power and speed control in real work

This is a 12‑amp, 2‑1/4 HP (maximum) class router with electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,000 rpm. In practice, the combination of soft start and electronic feedback makes it feel predictably strong rather than twitchy. Set to the higher end of the range, small profile bits (chamfers, 1/4 inch roundovers, flush trims) cut cleanly and the motor stays on song even when you lean into the work. Drop the dial to the mid‑teens and I was able to push a 3/4 inch straight bit through maple for dadoes without stalling; the feedback circuitry audibly keeps the speed up as the load increases.

For large diameter cutters, backing the speed down into the 8,000–12,000 rpm range is easy, and the soft start keeps the router from torquing out of line when the bit first spins up. Running a panel‑raising bit, I took shallow passes as you should, and the router held speed predictably. If you try to hog off too much at once, you can make it complain, but that’s true of most 2‑1/4 HP routers. In the intended class, there’s ample power.

Precision: depth adjustment and stability

Depth setting on the fixed D‑handle base is one of this tool’s strengths. The micro‑fine adjustment ring moves the motor in 1/64 inch increments, and the action is smooth with no perceptible backlash when the cam lock is released. Once locked, it stays locked; I ran long trim passes on cabinet doors and repeated rabbets on a run of shelves without any drift.

The base registers flat on the work, and the clear LEXAN sub‑base improves visibility at the cut line. I appreciate that it accepts standard guide bushings; that makes it handy for inlay, hinge mortising, and template routing without reinventing your accessory drawer. Concentricity was solid in my tests—no visible bit wobble and clean, even burnish lines on test pine indicate good spindle and collet alignment.

Bit changes and collet design

Single‑wrench bit changes are always a welcome upgrade in a mid‑size router. The spindle lock engages cleanly with a thumb press, and the included wrench has the right leverage. The long, eight‑slot collets deserve mention: they grip well and, more importantly, they actually release. I didn’t have any of the “frozen bit” moments that can plague shorter or poorly slotted collets. Both 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets are included, and the 1/2 inch collet in particular feels confidence‑inspiring with larger shanks.

A small tip from use: ease the lock on the depth cam to take pressure off the collet before breaking a bit loose. It makes the change smoother and reduces the chance of marring the shank.

Ergonomics and control

The D‑handle format shines in handheld work. The trigger start means I don’t move my hands between lining up the cut and powering on. That’s especially useful in awkward stances—routing an installed countertop with a flush‑trim bit, for instance—where stability matters. The front knob provides a solid second point of contact. The lock‑on is a nice touch for long edge passes, though I leave it off for delicate work where I want immediate release.

The speed control dial is on the motor housing, not on the handle, so plan to set your speed before you start a cut. That’s standard for routers in this class, but worth noting if you’re used to tools with finger‑tip speed adjustments.

Vibration is well controlled. Across oak, maple, and MDF, I didn’t experience excessive tingling in the hands, even on extended sessions. Noise is, well, router noise—ear protection is still a must.

Dust and visibility

There’s no integrated dust shroud on the fixed base, so you’ll be relying on a router table fence, a shop‑made hood, or a vac nozzle positioned near the cut for dust control. The switch is dust‑sealed, which helps longevity in a gritty environment. The clear sub‑base does a good job keeping the line of sight open, and the motor footprint doesn’t cast an overly large shadow, but there are no LEDs; if you regularly work in dim corners, plan on supplemental lighting.

Build quality and durability

Construction is solid where it matters: a die‑cast aluminum base and a nickel‑plated motor housing that resists corrosion and slides smoothly through the depth range. The adjustable steel motor cam lock clamps securely without needing to be gorilla‑tightened, and it hasn’t loosened over time. The detachable cord is one of those “why doesn’t everyone do this?” features—cords are wear items, and being able to replace the cordset without opening the tool is smart.

The dust‑sealed switch and overall fit and finish suggest this router is built for shop life rather than occasional hobby use. After months of weekend and weekday work—edge profiling, hinge mortising with guides, dadoes in casework—the action remains smooth, and there’s no play in the base.

Versatility and the base system

Because the motor pack is removable, swapping bases is quick. In my shop, the D‑handle base has become the go‑to for handheld edge work and template routing, where the trigger control and stance really pay off. For tasks that truly benefit from a plunger (mortising in the middle of a panel, stopped dadoes), you’ll want a plunge base; the motor is designed to move between bases in the same family, and the quick‑release latches speed that changeover. If you’re a one‑router person, consider whether your workflow leans fixed‑base or plunge because this kit is D‑handle only out of the box.

Quirks and limitations

• The handle size may be large for smaller hands. Try the grip before you commit if possible.
• No integrated dust collection on the base; plan on external solutions.
• Speed is set on a dial at the motor, not the trigger, so you can’t trim speed mid‑cut without stopping.
• Accessory loadout is minimal. You get both collets and a wrench, but edge guides and bushings are on you.
• As a fixed‑base package, it won’t replace a plunge router for certain operations.

None of these are deal‑breakers in my view; they’re trade‑offs inherent to the format and price point.

Who it’s for

If you do a lot of handheld routing—edge profiles, flush trimming, template work—the D‑handle format gives you a control advantage, and this unit backs that up with reliable power and precise depth control. Cabinet installers, furniture makers, and serious hobbyists will appreciate the soft start, the electronic speed holding under load, and the quick, repeatable depth adjustments. Beginners benefit from the calmer start‑up and the natural ergonomics; just be mindful that a plunge base is a different tool for different jobs.

Recommendation

I recommend this D‑handle router. It delivers a dependable blend of power, control, and precision in a package that feels good in hand and stands up to shop use. The soft start and electronic speed feedback make cuts more predictable, the micro‑adjust depth ring and cam lock hold settings without fuss, and the long, self‑releasing collets make bit changes painless. Add the clear, bushing‑friendly sub‑base and a serviceable cord, and it’s a well‑rounded, thoughtfully built tool.

It’s not a complete routing solution by itself—there’s no plunge base in the box, and dust collection will require add‑ons—but as a dedicated handheld fixed‑base router, it’s one I reach for often because it simply does what it’s supposed to do, consistently and comfortably.