So, DeWalt’s tossed their hat into the cordless router ring with this 20V Max XR bad boy. The big question is, can it handle the heavy lifting when you’re ditching the cord?
Well, there’s only one way to find out.
Update:
BEST PRICE on the DEWALT DCW600B 20V Max XR Cordless Router here:
First Impressions
From the moment I unboxed the DEWALT DCW600B, the sleek yellow and black design screamed “I mean business,” but without the hulking presence of its corded cousins. It’s like DEWALT took a full-sized router to the gym and put it on a strict diet.
The first thing that struck me was the weight – or lack thereof. Without a battery, this thing’s about as heavy as my morning coffee. Slap on a 20V Max battery, and it’s still lighter than most corded routers I’ve wrangled. It’s a refreshing change from the arm-day workout that usually comes with routing.
Firing it up for the first time, I half expected a whimper. You know, that sad sound of disappointment when a cordless tool fails to live up to its corded alternative. But holy hell, was I wrong. This little beast roared to life with a vigor that made me double-check I hadn’t accidentally plugged it in.
My first project was a set of cabinet doors that had been giving me the stink eye from the corner of my shop. Usually, I’d be playing “find the nearest outlet” and “don’t trip over the cord” simultaneously. Instead, I was free to move around like a ballerina, spinning from one door to the next without a care in the world. Love it.
The variable speed dial is excellent. It’s like having a volume knob for power – crank it up for hardwoods, dial it back for softer materials. No more one-speed-fits-all nonsense.
Still, the depth adjustment took some getting used to. It’s a ring system that’s supposed to be intuitive, but at first, it felt like trying to crack a safe while wearing oven mitts. Once I got the hang of it, though, it became second nature.
Key Features
Brushless Motor: The brushless motor in the DCW600B means more power, longer runtime, and less maintenance.
Variable Speed Control: With speeds ranging from 16,000 to 25,500 RPM, you’ve got the flexibility to tackle everything from delicate trim work to heavy-duty dadoes. It’s like having multiple routers in one package.
Dual LED Lights: The dual LEDs on this router light up your work area like a miniature football stadium.
Depth Adjustment Ring: Once you get the hang of it, this system allows for fast and accurate depth adjustments. It’s like having a micrometer built into your router.
Electronic Brake: This feature stops the motor quickly after you release the trigger. It’s not just a safety feature; it’s a time-saver that lets you move from one cut to the next without waiting for the bit to stop spinning.
Compact Design: At just 4.5 pounds (without battery), this router is nimble enough for one-handed operation but sturdy enough for serious work.
Pros
- Cordless: The obvious biggie. No more playing Twister with extension cords or doing the “outlet shuffle” around your shop. You’re free to route wherever you want.
- Power: This little monster can hang with the big boys when it comes to power. I’ve thrown hardwoods at it that would make lesser routers cry, and it just keeps on trucking.
- Battery Life: With a 5.0Ah battery, I was able to route an entire set of cabinet doors without needing a recharge.
- Ergonomics: The grip is comfortable, the balance is spot-on, and the controls are intuitive. It’s like DEWALT designed this thing for actual human hands, not robot claws.
- Versatility: From edge profiling to plunge cuts, this router handles it all.
Cons
- Price: Quality comes at a cost, and the DCW600B isn’t cheap.
- Limited Bit Capacity: The 1/4-inch collet limits your bit options compared to larger routers. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind for bigger jobs.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real, this DeWalt ain’t for everyone. If you’re a casual hobbyist who only breaks out the router once in a blue moon, it might be overkill.
But if you’re a serious woodworker who demands power, precision, and the freedom to work wherever the hell you want, then this bad boy is worth every penny.
Best Price On the DeWalt DCW600B:
I’ve found you the current best deal on the DCW600B, so be sure to follow the link below so you don’t get gouged paying full retail:
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