12 Australian Wood Review
TOOLS & EQUIPMENTThis could be power tool of the year.
The DeWalt designer/engineers have
come up with a great small 1/4” router/
trimmer. I reviewed the fixed base
version of this a couple of years ago
and liked it a lot. That model now costs
around $270. However hunt around for
pricing and you’ll find the premium kit,
which is what you want, for not much
more in real terms.The heart of the tool is the 620 watt
variable speed 16000–27000 rpm
motor fitted in an aluminium body. The
body slips into the basic base for hand-
held use like freehanding edges and
hogging out waste. However, slip it into
the plunge base and it becomes a super
versatile small router.The plunge base has depth stop and
height markings and simple to use
lever plunge/lock action. A good cast
fence is supplied to which I added a
wood subfence too. Another pressed
metal fence is also included but
personally I did not like its design
or find it necessary.Two included dust shrouds to fit the
plunge and fixed base are in the kit and
work quite well but do obscure vision.
All this comes with two small LEDs
in the body to (partially) light the work
area and centring cone, and a plastic
carry case.None of this is quite as solid as
DeWalt’s heavier routers however
don’t drop it too much and it should
last forever. My only criticism is about
the switch which is too small and fiddly
to use.The plunge base setup is perfect for
small jobs. Importantly the tool also
suits delicate work like rebating, hinge
setting and inlay work. Overall this has
become a favourite power tool of mine
and is highly recommended.Review tool supplied by
http://www.dewalt.com.auDeWalt D2620 Premium Small Router Kit
Reviewed by Raf NathanMain: Dewalt D2620 with plunge base and
fence attached.
Right: All controls are easy to reach. Depth
stops and adjustment on the left are solid and
easy to use. Spindle lock button, lower centre,
allows one handed cutter changing.
Far right: The motor body fitted to a fixed
base for freehand work.$