ON TEST DeWalt DCW604 XR cordless router
16 The Woodworker & Good Woodworking October 2019 http://www.getwoodworking.comDEWALT
DCW604 18V XR
CORDLESS ROUTER
Although a while in the making, Phil Davy thinks this
new cordless router from DeWalt has certainly been
worth the waitMicro-adjustable for depth, the fixed base is ideal
for edge profiling workEach base has its own adjustable parallel fence,
the plunge version slightly more sophisticated
and similar to the old Elu favouriteIts D-shape provides extra downward grip, while a
circular sub-base can be substituted by removing
a few screwsTwo clear plastic dust outlets are supplied
as standardBoth plunge and circular sub-base accept guide
bushes for template routing, and a 17mm option
is providedThe cylindrical motor unit is aluminium and has
a coarse outer thread, enabling the fixed base
depth collar to rotateD
eWalt may have been slower than
other manufacturers in launching
a cordless router to the UK, but it’s
certainly been worth the wait. Like
the Makita DRT50 we tested back in GW 331
(May 2018), this is an 18V model equipped with
most of the bells and whistles you could wish for.
The DW604 kit comes in a large T-STAK storage
container, which can be stacked and transported
with other DeWalt tools. I should point out that
the router comes bare, without battery or charger,
though it’s likely some dealers will put their own
package together. If you’re new to the DeWalt
system, reckon on spending about £75 or
more for a 4Ah XR battery and charger.
So what’s included? At the heart of the
router is a brushless motor unit, which can
be mounted into either of two different bases.
Micro-adjustable for depth, the fixed base is
ideal for edge profiling work. Its D-shape provides
extra downward grip, while a circular sub-base
can be substituted by removing a few screws.The plunge base is better for controlled freehand
routing, inlay cutting, cutting joints and everything
you’d expect from a compact 230V router. Both
plunge and circular sub-base accept guide bushes
for template routing, and a 17mm option is
provided. Bases are quick to swap, but more
on that later. Each base has its own adjustable
parallel fence, the plunge version slightly more
sophisticated and similar to the old Elu favourite.
Two clear plastic dust outlets are supplied as
standard, while a centring tool and pin enable
you to align bases precisely when necessary.
Everything fits neatly into the T-STAK box
(including batteries), though you’ll need to remove
dust outlets from bases – slightly irritating if you
like to pack tools away at the end of each day.Brushless motor
The cylindrical motor unit is aluminium and has
a coarse outer thread, enabling the fixed base
depth collar to rotate. At the upper end is a plastic
housing for the battery and electronics. This is flat
and enables the tool to stand upright on the bench
when changing bases or making adjustments.
With a wide speed range from 16,000 to
25,500rpm, the speed dial is located just below
the battery and is clearly marked. A rubber-
shrouded on/off switch is mounted on one
side and is fairly easy to reach. As you’d expect,
the motor is brushless, making it compact and
noticeably quieter than a mains-powered router.
The Li-ion battery simply slides into place,