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DEWALT 20V XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router DCW620B

20V MAX XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCW620
Price: $349
Power source: 20V Max Battery
Motor size: 2 1/4 HP
Weight: 11.25 lbs ( Bare Tool)

A Legacy of Excellence

This plunge router is the result of nearly four years of development. DEWALT building on its experience with the successful 1-1/4 HP cordless router and a corded 2-1/2 HP model, aimed to push the boundaries of cordless technology. Drawing on its legacy dating back to Porter-Cable days, DEWALT sought to elevate the router’s performance to the next level with a 2-1/4″ HP cordless router.

This 2-1/4 horsepower heavy-duty plunge router has been designed with DEWALT’s signature attention to detail, the DCW620B offers the rugged durability, advanced features, and user-centric controls that pros need for precision work on demanding job sites. From its intuitive grip design to its innovative Anti-Rotation Safety System, this router is engineered to deliver exceptional performance while keeping you in control.

Why XR and Not FlexVolt?

Some may wonder why DEWALT opted for the XR 20-volt battery platform instead of the FlexVolt 60-volt system. The decision was driven by advancements in electronics and battery technology, which allowed them to achieve top-tier performance with a 20V battery. Additionally, their larger user base is mostly on the 20V platform, it made more sense for them to tailor the router to this group, maximizing accessibility, and of course profit.

DEWALT 20V XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router |Features

• Anti-Rotation Safety System
• Variable Speed Dial – 11k -23k RPM
• Tool Free Depth Adjustment System
• 3 Position Adjustable Turret Stops
• Thumb activated plunge lever and lock
• Dual angled LEDs
• Integrated Dust Collection

Collet and Bit Change

The DEWALT 20V XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router comes with two sized collets, the ¼” and the ½”. A pronounced and large spindle lock button along with the provided wrench allow for a straightforward bit and collet change with just one wrench.

Grip Mounted Activation

Proper handling of the router required two hands on each of the angled grips. The right grip house the on/Off trigger switch. To power the tool on you need to flip down the lock off lever that is mounted on the trigger and then squeeze the trigger to activate. A “soft start” activation minimizes jerk. With the trigger integrated into the main handle it is intuitive to continue to grip the trigger in the on position to keep the tool activated. Alternatively, there is a lock on switch located by the right thumb if you prefer.

Plunge Base and Depth Adjustment

The plunge lock lever is another highlight, located on the left grip, it is designed for precise depth adjustments. Inspired by DEWALT’s 3-1/4 HP router, the lever’s length and angle were adjusted for easier operation, providing a more ergonomic and comfortable user experience. This new design reduces the risk of unintentional movement during plunge applications, allowing for smoother, more controlled cuts.

The router plunge motion is locked by default. To lower router the plunge lock lever located by the thumb can be depressed while applying downward pressure against the springs. Releasing the thumb lever will lock the plunge depth at that height. The plunge lever can be locked in it down position with an audible click. The plunge motion is then free to go up and down with simple pressure on handles (or lack thereof) without the need to have your thumb on the lever.

The router features a straightforward depth rod with depth guide markings. The router has a maximum routing depth of 3.15″. The rod can be easily locked and unlocked with a quick release lever. The base of the depth rod has micro adjustment feature that can be manipulated by hand without any tools.

Additionally, the rotating turret stop for multi pass through cuts features individually adjustable tiers. These stops do require a wrench to adjust so we envision these will seldom need adjusting but it is a nice option to have.

Anti-Rotation Gyroscope System

The wide dual handed grips give the user great control and stability with cutting. However, this 2 ¼ HP router has a ton of power and is meant for big cuts with large bits. Large bits combined a lot of power has the recipe for serious kickbacks torquing motions. Perhaps the greatest feature of this router is the Anti-Rotation Gyro System, borrowed from other DEWALT tools like drills. This system senses motion and automatically shuts down the tool for added safety.

If a sudden twisting motion is detected, the motor will immediately power off saving the user the need to battle a potential out-of-control router. The tool will not power on again until the power switch is deactivated, and the Anti-Rotation light goes out.

Overload Protection

Located right next to the Anti-Rotation light is a triangular light that indicates an overload state. If the router detects you are pushing the bit too fast into the material a white LED will flash until pressure is reduced and RPMs increase.

Dust Extraction

The DEWALT DCW620 features an integrated dust collection system that starts with a clear plastic shroud designed into the baseplate. The router’s vertical dust chute offers improved line-of-sight while cutting. DEWALT recognized that many users position a vacuum hose over their shoulder for ease, and this vertical design makes that setup much more convenient. Dust is extracted up through the right plunge column where a vacuum hose can be connected. The tool comes with a dust extraction tube adapter that mates with the top of the column and is design to connect to a compatible DeWalt quick lock system.

Unfortunately, if you do not already have a DEWALT quick-lock or AIRLOCK compatible system, dust hose connection can be awkward and frustrating.

Overall, the dust extraction is excellent. When performing cutting on an edge like a round-over or chamfer, an additional dust collection shroud can be attached to collect dust and chip falling below.

Speed Control and Closed-Loop Electronics

While most cordless routers operate at around 25,000 RPM, DEWALT chose to run this model at a slightly lower 23,000 RPM. The router’s closed-loop electrical system was designed to maintain this speed even under load, ensuring a consistent and controlled performance. This deliberate decision gives the router better control over speed and torque, unlike competitors whose performance dips under pressure.

What’s Included

• (1) 20V MAX* XR® 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router (Tool Only)
• (2) Sub-base
• (1) 30mm Guide Bushing
• (1) 1/4 in. (6.4mm) Collet with nut
• (1) 1/2 in. (12.7mm) Collet with nut
• (1) Wrench
• (1) Dust cap
• (2) Dust Shield
• (1) Dust port w/ AIRLOCK™ Compatibility
• (1) Chip collector
• (1) Centering cone

The DEWALT 20V XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router is a plunge base only tool, that is it does not come with a fixed based like some of its competitors. The router comes with two sub bases, one optimized for dust extraction and the second for use with guide bushings for template work.

The router comes with both a 1/4″ and 1/2″ collet and a single wrench for collet and bit changes. Additionally, a centering cone is included if the base plate needs to be adjusted or replaced.

What’s NOT included

With the DCW260B only being sold as a “Tool Only” option there are a few things that you may find yourself searching for.

First and foremost is the recommended power option. While any 20V Max battery will power the router, DEWALT themselves recommend that to get the true performance out of the tool, a 20V Max Power-stack battery is required.
The DEWALT 2 1/4 HP Plunge Router is also compatible with an edge guide or side fence. Unfortunately, no side fence is included and must be purchased separately.

DEWALT 20V XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router | Price

DEWALT only offers the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router as a bare tool. It is currently priced at ACME Tools for $349. It is our hope that they will soon offer this router kitten with XR batteries and a storage case to protect the tool and accessories.

Final Thoughts on the DEWALT 20V XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 2-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router isn’t just another plunge router; it’s a robust tool crafted for professional-grade applications. From the moment I turned it on and heard its smooth starting powerful sound I knew this was going to be a next-level router for them.

With features like the Anti-Rotation System, variable speed control, and integrated dust collection, it’s clear that DEWALT has put serious thought into the needs of contractors. The power of this router is also impressive, and you can hear it when routing Oak, Maple and Poplar.

While the router’s price and the “Tool Only” configuration may require some additional purchases, the power, versatility, and safety this tool offers make it a worthy investment for those who demand the best from their tools. Whether you’re making precise cuts on a custom project or tackling heavy-duty tasks like plywood cut outs, the DCW620B is built to perform in the trades.

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