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DeWalt has long been a top contender in the superpower tool industry , create high - quality tools for pro and DIYers , so I was excited to test the fellowship ’s newest cordless thick router , theDeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router . Not only did this modeling ( the DCW600B ) compact router realize a touch on our lineup of thebest wood routers , it also earned the best overall award .
I put DeWalt through its paces by creating numerous edge shapes and profiles on hardwood and softwood boards ( pine tree and oak ) . It helped make fluent , exact bound profile that required only minimal sanding . It ’s not perfect , of course — but it ’s pretty darn close .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
The DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router: At a Glance
Rating:9.2/10
PROS
CONS
Get the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router at :
What is the cordlessDeWalt compact router?
All Mrs. Henry Wood routers utilise a spinning bit to work and contour the bound of control panel and countertops to give them a finished facial expression , andDeWalt ’s compact routerdoes that quite well .
DeWalt ’s compact router offers most as much power as its full - sizing full cousin , theDeWalt DW618 , but in a small software . A good deal of its mightiness comes from the cellular inclusion of a brushless motor , which enhances performance and prolongs electric battery life . The primary differences between the two models are weight , power source , and collet ( bit bearer ) size . In my performance tests , the succinct model was every spot as precise — and it was easier to use !
What powers the DeWalt compact router?
While many power shaft still ask to be plugged in , DeWalt ’s compact router is cordless . It black market on a rechargeable atomic number 3 - ion electric battery and — with the right battery — it does n’t miss in the big businessman department . I used a DeWalt MAX 5 amp - hour ( Ah ) electric battery that kept the tool run for more than 3 hours of continuous testing . finally , this router will be as good as the barrage power it , so I recommend a minimum 3Ah DeWalt MAX battery . luckily , DeWalt MAX batteries are standardized with other DeWalt MAX putz and charger , so users who already have DeWalt power tools may not need to buy an extra shelling .
The cordless power of this router make it more various than a corded model because it can go anywhere — even to a distant localisation , such as an off - storage-battery grid cabin — and it will still operate . The downside to cordless tools , including the DeWalt compact router , is the need to reload batteries . The risk of running out of shelling mightiness can be reduced by purchase a second electric battery and keeping it charge to swap in if the first one runs down .
Is the DeWalt compact router as good as a full-size router?
Yes , and no . I found theDeWalt succinct routerevery bit as good as other popular wood routers I tested for creating tranquil routed edges and design on hard and soft wood ( oak tree and pine tree ) . However , it ’s designed for small - to - restrained - sizing woodworking undertaking because it comes with a ¼-inch collet chuck but not a ½-inch ferrule .
A collet is a circular holder that batten down a router bit during economic consumption . This compact router come with only a ¼-inch collet , so it only admit router bit with ¼-inch or smaller shanks . For many DIYers and woodworkers , a ¼-inch collet is all they will ever ask , but for those who require to tackle great projects , such as creating edge profiles on thick countertop , a bigger router piece may be necessary .
This router did an excellent job routing bound profile with only a ¼-inch collet , and its bright LED light made it easy to see the material , so I feel it merit a spot in any well - stocked woodworking workshop .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Is the DeWalt compact router comfortable to use for extended periods?
Not only is this router comfortable to use , but at less than 4 pounds , I observe I could use it incessantly for more than an 60 minutes — without stomach from handwriting or wrist fatigue . Of course , user results may vary based on their sleeve and manus strength .
The router features nonslip padding on the side of the tool that helps thin palpitation while running and helps prevent slippage . I alternated between using one helping hand and two hands to moderate the router . While using two hand offers the best control , this stocky router is small and lightweight enough for someone with average - to - big hand to use with just one hand . This can amount in ready to hand if the other hired man is require to sustain a board still while routing the boundary .
No worries , however , if your manpower are too minor to use it one - handed — using clamp to fasten a board is standard practice when routing and allow for excellent stableness .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Can the DeWalt compact router create professional edge profiles?
I found the DeWalt compact router capable of creating edge designs and profiles as smooth and exact as larger router . One Francis Scott Key to professional - looking results is the maximum speed a router generates , measured in revolution per minute ( rpm ) . Until recently , only corded galvanizing routers could maintain speeds over 20,000 revolutions per minute , which is good for creating the type of tranquil border profile that do n’t require much sanding .
This model offers a maximal upper of 25,500 rev , making it fast enough to create smooth details and edges .
However , in some cases , a slower speed might ferment better , such as when routing very dense woodwind instrument , like maple or cerise , or when the user is rootle out joint inside information , such as creating wainscot or mortise - and - dovetail junction . as luck would have it , this compact router has a varying speed telephone dial that allows user to select speed from 8,000 to 25,500 revolutions per minute . Remember that a router can only do so much . Skill also plays a life-sustaining function . practice on trash Grant Wood to hone skills and using gamy - timber router bits can also help .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Is the DeWalt compact router right for you?
Woodworkers who make small undertaking , such as bookcases or console , or professional carpenter who call for to make ruined edge profiles on trimness boards might want to reckon investing in theDeWalt compact router . It provides powerful routing speeds in a lightweight , compact peter that does n’t weigh the user down .
It ’s also a top option for those working without access to an electrical outlet . However , for those look to use larger , intemperate - duty bits with shanks more than ¼ column inch in diameter — this is not the router . This model only comes with a ¼-inch ferrule so that it only accepts bite no big than ¼ inch in diam .
Also , this compact router is best suited for outdoor and open - shop use because it does not make out with a debris port for attach a shop class - type vacuum cleaner . Still , it ’s a top - notch thick router that well compete with other popular brand and is well - befit to most DIY projects .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Where to Buy the DeWalt Compact Router
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a production tester and author specializing in twist , remodeling , and real estate . She and her hubby own a cosmopolitan contracting company , and she is receive in both residential and commercial building software program . She tests a wide-eyed range of power instrument as well as other home improvement , menage , and lawn - and - garden Cartesian product .
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