The DeWalt DW618 is compatible with several popular router lifts, but the installation method depends on the lift you choose.
DeWalt’s DW618 uses the removable DW618M router motor, while lift manufacturers commonly document the DeWalt 610/616/618 family as having a 3.5-inch motor diameter. This makes the DW618 a supported option for several multi-router lift systems.
This guide summarizes the manufacturer-supported router lift options currently researched by Wood Tool Guide.
DeWalt DW618 Router Lift Compatibility at a Glance
Kreg PRS5000 — Manufacturer Verified
Kreg specifically lists the DeWalt 610, 616 and 618 with a 3.5-inch motor diameter in its PRS5000 documentation.
Wood Tool Guide status: Manufacturer Verified
Requirement: Set the PRS5000 clamp blocks to hole pattern 5.
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II — Manufacturer Verified
JessEm explicitly includes DeWalt 610/616/618 among the compatible 3.5-inch router motors for the Mast-R-Lift II.
Wood Tool Guide status: Manufacturer Verified
Requirement: No separate adapter requirement is stated by JessEm for the DW618.
JessEm Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT — Manufacturer Verified
JessEm lists the DeWalt 610/616/618 as direct-fit 3.5-inch motors for the Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT.
Wood Tool Guide status: Manufacturer Verified
Requirement: Direct fit according to JessEm’s current compatibility information.
Rockler Pro Lift — Requires Modification
The Rockler Pro Lift is primarily designed around larger router motors. Rockler lists the DeWalt DW618 among the smaller motors supported when its optional Pro Lift Adapter Collar is installed.
Wood Tool Guide status: Requires Modification
Requirement: Rockler Pro Lift adapter collar for the supported smaller-motor installation.
Why the DW618 Works With Several Router Lifts
The DW618 belongs to a group of popular router motors that lift manufacturers document at approximately 3.5 inches in diameter.
That common size gives the DW618 relatively broad lift support. However, motor diameter by itself should not be treated as proof that a router fits a particular lift.
Wood Tool Guide therefore records a fit as Manufacturer Verified only when appropriate manufacturer documentation supports the relationship.
DW618, DW618M and DW618 Router Kits
The model names can initially be confusing.
The DW618 is the fixed-base router, while DW618M identifies the removable router motor. DeWalt also sells or has documented DW618-family kits containing the same motor platform with different bases.
For router-lift compatibility, the removable motor is particularly important because the lift holds the router motor rather than the router’s normal handheld base.
Always verify your exact equipment rather than assuming that every DeWalt router uses the DW618 motor dimensions.
Direct Fit Does Not Mean Every Installation Is Identical
Two lifts may both support the DW618 while using different mounting systems.
For example, Kreg specifies a particular clamp-block position, while JessEm’s Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT lists the DW618 as a direct-fit motor. Rockler uses an adapter collar to accommodate it.
Therefore, “compatible” does not necessarily mean “installed the same way.”
Follow the instructions supplied with the particular lift.
Router Lift Compatibility vs Router Table Compatibility
A DW618 fitting a router lift does not automatically mean that the lift will fit your router table.
Check two separate relationships:
- Router → Lift: Does the lift support the DeWalt DW618 motor?
- Lift → Table: Does the lift plate fit the opening or mounting system of your router table?
Both need to work for the complete setup to be compatible.
Before Buying a Router Lift for a DeWalt DW618
Confirm:
- that your router is actually from the DW618 family,
- that the lift manufacturer currently supports the DW618,
- whether the router fits directly,
- whether a clamp setting or adapter collar is required,
- and whether the lift plate fits your router table.
Do not choose a lift solely because another router has a similar horsepower rating or motor diameter.
Check DeWalt DW618 Compatibility
Use our Router Lift Compatibility Finder to see the DeWalt DW618 relationships currently recorded in the Wood Tool Guide database.
Check Router Lift Compatibility →
Each researched relationship includes its compatibility status, installation requirement where applicable, evidence type and source-check date.
Compatibility information can change as manufacturers revise products and documentation. Wood Tool Guide records the evidence source and date checked for each researched relationship. Always review the linked manufacturer documentation before purchasing or installing equipment.