Fine Woodworking

Tools & Materials

618 Midsize Fixed-Base Router

By Marc Adams Oct 01, 2014

Power: 12 amps
Street price: $150
Cut quality: Very good
Router accuracy: Very good
Control and handling: Very good
Cut visibility: Very good
Ease of bit changes: Fair

This simple, twist-to-adjust router has a lot going for it. Its depth scale is accurate. It has a gentle soft start, made smooth cuts, and is a very well-balanced machine with a low center of gravity. The grips give excellent control and the switch can be set up for left- and right-handers. The single-wrench/spindle-lock system makes bit changing more cumbersome, and you may need to drill out the 13/16-in. base opening to accommodate larger bits.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

X

X

Get It All!

UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.

Subscribe to Fine Woodworking

Save up to 69%

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Up Next

Featured Workshop

a diagram of a round Shaker stand and an image or a round Shaker stand

Shaker candle stand with Christian Beckvoort

He’s built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified than Christian Becksvoort to demonstrate making this classic. In this seven-part video series,…

Featured Projects & Plans

Build a Contemporary Sideboard

Chris Gochnour's sideboard combines usefulness, strength, and beauty in a contemporary case piece

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

|
|
|
|
|
|

View More Create Post

How to upholster a slip seat

Michael Mascelli demonstrates how to create a finished, professional-looking upholstered slip seat.
Kerf-bent wall cabinet

Philip Morley's small wall cabinet has sides that curve inward at the top, with an asymmetrical arrangement of drawers, door, and open shelves.
On Making Chairs Comfortable

How to fit the seat to the sitter.
The Best Wood for Chairs

Lessons on picking the right wood for making an attractive, strong chair that will stand the test of time.

Highlights

Shape Your Skills

when you sign up for our emails

Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking.

Sign Up
Shop Talk Live Podcast

Our biweekly podcast allows editors, authors, and special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the online woodworking community.
Woodpeckers Shop Upgrade Giveaway

Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers. Click for full details.
Our favorite articles and videos

We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter.

View More

UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership