The DeWalt DW616 and DW618 share the same general router family, but they are not the same motor. The DW616 is the simpler 1-3/4 HP, 11-amp option, while the DW618 adds more power and electronic variable speed. For router-table buyers, the useful news is that both appear in major lift manufacturers’ compatibility documentation.
DW616 vs DW618: key differences
| Router / Model | Status | Fit / Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ✓ Manufacturer Verified | DW616: 1-3/4 HP, 11 A
DW618: 2-1/4 HP, 12 A. |
| Speed | ✓ Manufacturer Verified | DW616: fixed-speed class (24,500 RPM in manual).
DW618: electronic variable speed, 8,000–24,000 RPM. |
| Soft start | ✓ Manufacturer Verified | DW618 is specified with soft start.
DW616 product page does not list it. |
| Router-lift fit | ✓ Manufacturer Verified | Both are in the 3.5″ compatibility group for Kreg PRS5000 and are explicitly listed by JessEm. |
Power and speed
DeWalt specifies the DW616 at 1-3/4 maximum HP and 11 amps. Its manual lists 24,500 RPM no-load speed. The DW618 is rated at 2-1/4 maximum HP and 12 amps and uses electronic variable speed from 8,000 to 24,000 RPM with soft start.
Which is better suited to a router table?
Compatibility is not the deciding difference here: both motors are explicitly included in Kreg’s PRS5000 3.5-inch pattern and JessEm’s compatible-router lists. The practical distinction is capability. The DW618’s variable speed is useful when bit diameter or the operation calls for lower RPM, while the DW616 is the simpler fixed-speed choice.
Router-lift compatibility
DeWalt DW616
7 researched router-lift relationships · 5 verified · 1 requires modification · 1 unverified
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedJessEm Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedJessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedKreg PRS5000 Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedRockler SL Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedRockler Pro Lift Router Lift
⚠ Requires ModificationCompatible only with the additional part or change shown below.
Woodpeckers QuickLift 3.5 Router Lift
? UnverifiedWe have not found enough authoritative evidence to claim that this combination fits. This does not mean incompatible.
DeWalt DW618
7 researched router-lift relationships · 6 verified · 1 requires modification
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedJessEm Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedJessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedKreg PRS5000 Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedRockler SL Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedWoodpeckers QuickLift 3.5 Router Lift
✓ Manufacturer VerifiedRockler Pro Lift Router Lift
⚠ Requires ModificationCompatible only with the additional part or change shown below.
Bottom line: if you already own either motor, compatibility with these researched lifts is strong. If choosing between the two specifically for table use, compare the speed-control requirement and the work you intend to do rather than choosing on fit alone.
Sources
DeWalt DW616 Manual
DeWalt DW618 Manual
Kreg PRS5000 Manual
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II
JessEm Rout-R-Lift II
Source checked: 20 October 2026