Joining Milwaukee and Metabo HPT, the DeWalt 20V Max cordless 2 1/4 HP plunge router is putting some heat into the competition for the best cordless router.
DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 2 1/4 HP Plunge Router Performance
In addition to the router’s 2 1/4 peak horsepower, you have a range of 11,000 – 23,000 RPM to work with and the DCW620 can handle bits up to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. DeWalt says you can get up to 256 linear feet of 5/8-inch roundover in pine using a 5.0Ah PowerStack battery.
The peak horsepower matches Metabo HPT and Milwaukee. Notably, Metabo HPT is running its 36V system while Milwaukee uses M18 batteries. Since 20V Max and 18V are the same voltage, this puts DeWalt and Milwaukee in the same category.
DeWalt added something neither of the other two did, though. With its Anti-Rotation System, the tool can sense if there’s excessive rotation and shut the motor down. It’s very similar to the kickback control that’s becoming more popular on cordless drills.
DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 2 1/4 HP Plunge Router Design Notes
Unlike DeWalt’s 20V Max trim router that has a similar design to its popular corded counterpart, the 2 1/4 HP plunge router has a fresh foundation. There are several things that stand out. First, the profile is quite different from what Milwaukee and Metabo HPT offer. The top appears to be a bit shorter, giving it more of a squatted look.
Part of that is because the controls are on the right handle rather than the center housing like other models. With that configuration, you can get set up with both hands on the handles and activate the router using the trigger instead of flipping a rocker switch with one hand and holding on with the other.
The left handle has the plunge lock lever in easy forefinger’s reach and the speed dial is in reach of your thumb. Between the left and right side, you can fully operate the router without having to remove either hand.
DeWalt also put an AirLock vacuum port on top of the tool instead of using a side attachment. This should help keep your sight line clear while keeping the mess to a minimum.
Additional Highlights
- Bare Weight: 8 pounds
- Two LEDs lighting up the bit and work area
- Tool-free macro and micro depth stop adjustments
- 3-level turret stop for quick depth adjustments
DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 2 1/4 HP Plunge Router Availability
Expect the DCW620 to hit your favorite retailer beginning in early June 2024 and be available as a bare tool only. We’ll update this article once we have more information about pricing.
