ON TEST DeWalt DCW604 XR cordless router
18 The Woodworker & Good Woodworking October 2019 http://www.getwoodworking.com
A plastic cone is pushed over the pin until it meets
the baseplate, where retaining screws are then fully
tightenedThe DeWalt may not offer the tilt or offset base
included with Makita’s DRT50, but this is a fantastic
power tool for both workshop use and out on siteA clear metric scale and sliding plastic pointer helps
makes accurate depth adjustment straightforward
In the same way as the fixed base, the motor unit
slides easily into an aluminium cradle and is secured
with a locking lever
Like any cordless router the DeWalt is slightly
top heavy, though you soon get used to applying
downwards pressure
The fixed base is equipped with a basic steel
fence for straight routing, which slots into place
and is secured with a couple of screwsConnecting up a dust extractor is recommended for
workshop use or when working in a confined spaceSPECIFICATION
Voltage: 18V
Battery type: Lithium-ion
Max cutter diameter: 30mm
Collet chuck capacity: 1 ⁄ 4 and 8mm
No load speed: 16,000-25,500rpm
Plunge stroke/movement: 55mm
Weight: 3kgTypical price: £373 (bare) but it’s worth having
a look at different package deals offered by
various retailers
Web: http://www.dewalt.co.ukTHE VERDICT
PROS
(^) Quiet; soft-start electronics, fast braking;
variable speed; two bases provided
CONS
(^) Bases do not fit T-STAK with dust
outlets fitted
RATING: 5 out of 5
fine adjuster screw at the bottom. A clear metric
scale and sliding plastic pointer helps make
accurate depth adjustment straightforward.
The fixed base is equipped with a basic steel
fence for straight routing, which slots into place
and is secured with a couple of screws. These
are stored on the fence itself when not in use
to prevent them getting lost. Maximum width
capacity is 128mm, the adjustment locked
with a thumbscrew. A couple of holes means
you can screw a wooden facing to the fence.
The fence for the plunge base is cast aluminium
and more substantial. It uses a pair of standard
steel rods, spaced at 84mm centres. These
are secured with thumbscrews to the base
and routing capacity here is a conservative
125mm. Plastic facings protect the work and
can be removed or replaced with hardwood
if you prefer.
Ergonomics
Like any cordless router the DeWalt is slightly
top heavy, though you soon get used to applying
downwards pressure to keep the baseplate flat
on the work surface. With the fixed base fitted
there’s a clear view of the cutter, although the
same can’t be said when the relevant dust outlet
is installed. This is not a problem with the plunge
base, though. Connecting up a dust extractor
is recommended for workshop use or when
working in a confined space.
At full speed it’s pretty quiet for a router, which
is good news. Installing the motor in the plunge
base so the spindle lock button is at the front
means access to the speed dial is not ideal,
though this is easy enough to live with.
Conclusion
If you’re considering cordless routing you’ll
want to take a closer look at this DeWalt package.
It’s a compact tool, so don’t expect it to handle
the workload that a^1 ⁄ 2 in router is capable of
achieving. If you find it top-heavy you could
try using a smaller capacity battery to reduce
weight, though don’t forget a fully charged
spare is always recommended.
The DeWalt may not offer the tilt or offset
base included with Makita’s DRT50, but this is
a fantastic power tool for both workshop use
and out on site. It’s perfect for shopfitters, kitchen
installers and in any situation where precision
routing work is needed. Plenty of power without
the cable...
The fence for the plunge base is cast aluminium
and more substantial