In the end I decided to go another route but that is a whole different story. I decided agains the Bosch for the same reason that you noted. Practicing on scrap wood to hone skills and using high-quality router bits can also help.The DW618 was my first choice and I do not see how that you could go wrong with that router. Remember that a router can only do so much. Fortunately, this compact router has a variable speed dial that allows users to select speeds from 8,000 to 25,500 rpm. However, in some cases, a slower speed might work better, such as when routing very dense woods, like maple or cherry, or when the user is routing out joint details, such as creating dado or mortise-and-dovetail joints. This model offers a maximum speed of 25,500 rpm, making it fast enough to create smooth details and edges. Until recently, only corded electric routers could maintain speeds over 20,000 rpm, which is beneficial for creating the type of smooth edge profiles that don’t require much sanding. One key to professional-looking results is the maximum speed a router generates, measured in rotations per minute (rpm). I found the DeWalt compact router capable of creating edge designs and profiles as smooth and precise as larger routers. Photo: Glenda Taylor Can the DeWalt compact router create professional edge profiles? This router did an excellent job routing edge profiles with only a ¼-inch collet, and its bright LED light made it easy to see the material, so I feel it deserves a spot in any well-stocked woodworking shop. For many DIYers and woodworkers, a ¼-inch collet is all they will ever need, but for those who want to tackle larger projects, such as creating edge profiles on thick countertops, a bigger router bit may be necessary. This compact router comes with only a ¼-inch collet, so it only accepts router bits with ¼-inch or smaller shanks. However, it’s designed for small-to-moderate-size woodworking projects because it comes with a ¼-inch collet but not a ½-inch collet.Ī collet is a circular holder that secures a router bit during use. I found the DeWalt compact router every bit as good as other popular wood routers I tested for creating smooth routed edges and designs on hard and soft wood (oak and pine). Is the DeWalt compact router as good as a full-size router? The risk of running out of battery power can be reduced by purchasing a second battery and keeping it charged to swap in if the first one runs down. The downside to cordless tools, including the DeWalt compact router, is the need to recharge batteries. The cordless ability of this router makes it more versatile than a corded model because it can go anywhere-even to a remote location, such as an off-grid cabin-and it will still function. Fortunately, DeWalt MAX batteries are interchangeable with other DeWalt MAX tools and chargers, so users who already have DeWalt power tools may not need to purchase an additional battery. Ultimately, this router will be as good as the battery powering it, so I recommend a minimum 3Ah DeWalt MAX battery. I used a DeWalt MAX 5 amp-hour (Ah) battery that kept the tool running for more than 3 hours of continuous testing. It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and-with the correct battery-it doesn’t lack in the power department. While many power tools still need to be plugged in, DeWalt’s compact router is cordless. Photo: Glenda Taylor What powers the DeWalt compact router? In my performance tests, the compact model was every bit as precise-and it was easier to use! The primary differences between the two models are weight, power source, and collet (bit holder) size. A good deal of its power comes from the inclusion of a brushless motor, which enhances performance and prolongs battery life. What is the cordless DeWalt compact router ?Īll wood routers use a spinning bit to shape and contour the edges of boards and countertops to give them a finished look, and DeWalt’s compact router does that quite well.ĭeWalt’s compact router offers nearly as much power as its full-size cousin, the DeWalt DW618, but in a smaller package. The Home Depot for $388 (battery/charger included).Get the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router at: No dust port is available, which makes this router unsuited to indoor use.Lacks plunge capability, so starting a cut in the center of the material can be challenging.Not suitable for heavy-duty use as it only comes with a ¼-inch collet.
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