Dewalt 660 vs 611 : Woodworkers, DIY hobbyists, and professionals always search for reliable tools. Choosing the right router can affect accuracy, comfort, and efficiency. Today, we compare two strong options: the
The DeWalt 660 is part of the 20V MAX XR series. It runs cordless, making it ideal for quick setups and portable use. Users love it for mobility and reliability in various projects. It is designed for professionals who need power without limits of cords.
The DeWalt 611 is another compact router but with a corded setup. It features a 1.25 HP motor and variable speed. This allows users to optimize bit speed for different tasks. The 611 is praised for its precision and control in routing operations.
Both routers aim to serve woodworkers with excellent performance. Still, each suits a specific type of user. The 660 focuses on mobility and freedom, while the 611 offers detailed precision and constant power. Understanding differences helps buyers select the right tool for their projects.
In this guide, we break down features, pros and cons, detailed reviews, and expert comparisons. We highlight areas where one router stands stronger. This will help beginners and professionals make a confident choice. Let’s explore the differences step by step.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | DeWalt 660 | DeWalt 611 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Cordless compact routing ✅ | Precision woodworking |
| Tool Type | 20V MAX XR Router | 1.25 HP Router ✅ |
| Motor | Brushless motor ✅ | 1.25 HP durable motor |
| Speed | Fixed high speed | Variable speed control ✅ |
| Collet Size | Standard collet | 1/4 in collet ✅ |
| Base | Compact plastic base | Aluminum durable base ✅ |
| Key Features | Cordless portability ✅ | Soft start, LED lights ✅ |
| Weight | Lightweight ✅ | Slightly heavier |
DeWalt 660 Overview
The DeWalt 660 router is part of the cordless 20V MAX XR series. It is built for speed, convenience, and portability. Professionals value it for quick jobs at different locations.
This router eliminates the hassle of cords. It provides reliable performance with its brushless motor. Its design supports consistent cuts and smooth finishes.
Pros
- Cordless mobility
- Lightweight design
- Durable motor
Cons
- No variable speed
- Battery not always included
- Plastic base
Key Feature Summary
Cordless compact router for mobility and consistent power.
DeWalt 611 Overview
The DeWalt 611 router is corded with 1.25 HP motor. It is designed for precision and detail work in woodworking projects.
Features like variable speed, LED lights, and depth adjustment help users achieve accurate results. The aluminum body ensures durability.
Pros
- Powerful 1.25 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- LED lighting
Cons
- Corded only
- Slightly heavier
- Higher noise level
Key Feature Summary
Corded router with variable speed, precision, and durability.
Feature-by-Feature
Primary Use
The DeWalt 660 focuses on portability. Its cordless design supports workers who move around job sites often. Quick setups and freedom from outlets make it highly convenient.
The DeWalt 611 is better for bench or shop-based woodworking. Its corded setup provides constant power. This makes it reliable for longer sessions without worrying about charging.
Users who need fast jobs across different places will appreciate the 660. It works well for basic routing, trimming, and quick adjustments on furniture or cabinetry.
Users aiming for detailed woodworking will value the 611. It delivers better precision. This is why many furniture makers and carpenters keep it as a primary tool.
💡 Tip
For mobile jobs, the 660 fits best. For workshop accuracy, the 611 takes the lead.
Tool Type
The DeWalt 660 belongs to the 20V MAX XR family. That means it shares batteries with other tools from the same series. It keeps things simple for those already invested in the system.
The DeWalt 611 is a compact router but corded. With a strong 1.25 HP motor, it aims at steady performance. Users working in fixed spaces benefit most from this type.
One offers battery freedom, the other offers constant flow of energy. Both serve different roles effectively, making the choice depend on work conditions.
Key Takeaway
Cordless systems save time outdoors, corded systems deliver uninterrupted shop power.
Motor
The DeWalt 660 carries a brushless motor. Brushless designs run cooler, last longer, and require less maintenance. This is an advantage for professional use.
The DeWalt 611 comes with a 1.25 HP motor. It might not be brushless, but it has raw strength to tackle tougher cuts. For dense wood, this power becomes critical.
The 660 ensures efficient energy use, especially important for battery life. The 611 ensures power consistency, perfect for heavy routing tasks.
💡 Motor Insight
Brushless is efficient for battery tools. Higher horsepower wins for raw cutting force.
Speed
The DeWalt 660 runs at fixed speed. This works well for general tasks but limits flexibility when working with sensitive materials.
The DeWalt 611 uses variable speed control. This allows fine-tuning from low to high RPM. It reduces risks like burning wood and ensures smoother finishes.
For beginners, the 611 feels easier to control. The 660, while fast, requires skill to handle delicate projects.
💡 Speed Choice
Variable speed is ideal for different woods. Fixed speed routers favor fast and simple cuts.
Collet Size
The DeWalt 660 offers a standard collet size, fitting most small bits. It is fine for light projects but may limit advanced applications.
The DeWalt 611 supports a 1/4 inch collet. This size fits most trim router bits available. It also locks securely for stable routing.
More compatibility with common bits makes the 611 slightly more flexible in everyday use.
Base
The DeWalt 660 comes with a compact plastic base. It keeps weight low but lacks the durability of aluminum.
The DeWalt 611 shines with its aluminum base. Strong, stable, and reliable, it stays accurate during heavy-duty tasks.
Plastic favors lightweight work, aluminum favors professional stability.
Key Features
The DeWalt 660 is about cordless freedom. The brushless motor extends battery runtime. It is perfect for outdoor projects or spaces without easy access to outlets.
The DeWalt 611 highlights control. Features include LED lights for visibility, depth ring for accuracy, and a soft-start motor that reduces jerks during startup.
Each router focuses on what matters most to its target user.
Weight
The DeWalt 660 is lightweight. Carrying it between sites is effortless. Users can cut for longer periods with less fatigue.
The DeWalt 611 is slightly heavier. The weight adds stability during operation, reducing vibration. Some users prefer this steady feel during fine detailing.
Lightweight is best for quick tasks, heavier for stable routing.
DeWalt 660 Detailed Review
We tested the DeWalt 660 on multiple woodworking tasks. First impressions show how light and mobile it feels. No wires to drag around made every move smoother.
The brushless motor impressed us. It delivered consistent results without overheating. We noticed the battery lasted long enough for extended trimming sessions.
Cutting softwoods was fast. Even on hardwood, the tool held power. But lack of variable speed limited fine adjustments. It took skill to avoid burns or rough edges on sensitive materials.
The base is plastic, which kept things lightweight but less sturdy. In long-term projects, we would prefer aluminum. Still, for mobile use, this balance works fine.
💡 Key Takeaway
Perfect choice for portable woodworking. Be mindful of delicate cuts due to fixed speed.
DeWalt 611 Detailed Review
Testing the DeWalt 611 gave us strong confidence in precision. The variable speed worked wonders with different woods. Lower speeds made delicate cuts smooth and clean.
The 1.25 HP motor had no trouble powering through oak. Even during long sessions, it maintained consistent RPM. The soft-start function reduced kickbacks during start-up, keeping control stable.
The LED lights were helpful in dim shops. Depth adjustments felt accurate with its adjustment ring. This router felt designed for detail-focused workers.
The weight was noticeable but actually helped reduce vibrations. It felt balanced in the hands. While corded, the power never dipped, and cuts stayed consistent throughout.
💡 Key Takeaway
Reliable, accurate, and built for professionals who value fine control.
Ratings Table
| Category | DeWalt 660 | DeWalt 611 |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Power |
80%
|
90%
|
| 🔧 Precision |
75%
|
95%
|
| ⚡ Portability |
95%
|
60%
|
| 🔧 Durability |
80%
|
90%
|
FAQs
Is the DeWalt 660 better for beginners?
The 660 is light and cordless, making it easy to handle. Beginners may find it friendly, but fixed speed can be tricky for delicate tasks.
Can the DeWalt 611 handle hardwoods?
Yes. With its 1.25 HP motor and variable speed, the 611 easily handles hardwoods. Users will appreciate the steady control on dense materials.
Which router is more portable?
The 660 is more portable. Its cordless design makes it perfect for fieldwork and moving between different job sites quickly.
Does the DeWalt 611 include LED lights?
Yes. Dual LED lights are built into the 611. They improve visibility during cutting, especially in low-light conditions.
Which router lasts longer over time?
Both routers are durable, but the 611’s aluminum housing gives it extra strength. The 660 benefits from a brushless motor that extends tool life.
Final Verdict : Dewalt 660 vs 611
The DeWalt 660 and DeWalt 611 serve different audiences. The 660 delivers portability, cordless freedom, and a brushless motor. It works best for mobile professionals and quick tasks.
The 611 delivers power, accuracy, and variable speed. It is perfect for detailed woodworking, shop use, and projects needing high precision. Its LED lights and aluminum build enhance durability.
If portability matters most, the 660 is the smarter choice. If precision, durability, and professional detail matter, the 611 stands as the stronger tool overall. For long-term woodworking performance, we recommend the DeWalt 611.
