DeWalt 20V Cordless Router Review (w/ Optional Plunge Base) // DCW600B & DNP612

Join me as I review the DeWalt 20V MAX XR brushless compact router (DCW600B/DCW600) and optional plunge base (DNP612). This router has played a key role in my woodworking for the past year, the plunge base is going to be a welcomed addition and does a great job rounding out this cordless system.
LINKS TO BUY FEATURED PRODUCTS (INCLUDES PAID LINKS):
🇺🇸 DeWalt 20V Router - amzn.to/333uJ6e
🇺🇸 DeWalt Plunge Base (DNP612) - amzn.to/3eckVgO
🇨🇦 DeWalt 20V Router - amzn.to/3JRGNuJ
🇨🇦 DeWalt Plunge Base (DNP612) - amzn.to/2QKEAv6
CHAPTERS:
0:00​ Introduction
0:36 Overview of router + fixed base (DCW600B)
2:00 Removing the motor from the fixed base
2:21 Adding a router bit to the motor
2:47 Inserting the motor into the fixed base
3:00 Adjusting the height of the router
4:00 Adding the battery and discussion on balance
4:45 Test run with fixed base
6:02 Changing the router bit
6:13​ Overview of plunge base (DNP612)
7:25 Adjusting the plunge depth
8:28 Test runs with plunge base
10:08 Conclusion
Please note that this video is not sponsored by any of the brands in the video and all products have been purchased with my own money. As a member of the Amazon Associates program, I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
#dewalt #dewalttools #dcw600b #dcw600 #dnp612 #cordlessrouter #tools​​ #woodworking​​

[@MasonWoodshop]

What router(s) do you use and what do you think about cordless routers? Let me know by commenting below!

[@Blah-blah-sure]

New to routers. I picked this up. I don’t have a guide or anything else. My cutting is horrible. Question, couldn’t the plunge base be used for trimming. Meaning locking in the depth & using that plunge base to better steady it?

[@MasonWoodshop]

@@Blah-blah-sure Sorry for my late response here. The plunge based would be totally fine for trimming and given the overall size of it, it would still be quite manageable as far as size.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

@@MasonWoodshop I appreciate that you even responded thanks.

[@DennisMathias]

Consider spending a little more time with your basic router. I could see you were having some trouble with it and once you figure it out you can do some VERY fine adjustments. Think about how it actually works. The mechanics. That dial is not there for looks and you index the zero by turning the YELLOW disk with the markings. The DEWALT ring needs to lock on. That's what the two tabs are. They are not locks. There is only one lock and that's the big one. Flip that out, Zero the index (yellow disk) and then turn the dewalt band. Then lock it.

[@jetrus2013]

I'm used to larger, corded routers kzbin.infoUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z so this was a different experience for me. Basically, this is an incredibly sweet machine, fits well in the hand, etc. It has slightly less power than I'm used to, but that's understandable. Maneuvering freehand takes some practice. These days, it's especially nice to be able to avoid power cords. This is above the level of a hobbyist but below a pro level.

[@bobnicholas5994]

This with the plunge base is incredible for carving. It is incredibly easy to see what you are doing and the light is great

[@AMLbox]

I do love this one 😍

[@bigoldmikey]

I am so getting a DeWalt cordless Router. Awesome tool, and a very good video.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! It’s a great router, especially with the plunge base. I also recently bought the Oneida dust hood for it, which results in excellent dust collection.

[@timlist4173]

Thank you for the video. Looking to get the plunge base.

[@stop619]

Great review! Thank, you.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@Walter-ts1vu]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@vincetedesco7118]

Looks like a great cordless router. Will consider when going to a cordless one. Thanks for the honest opinion!

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching, Vince! It’s a great little router and the plunge base makes it even more versatile.

[@stephanedartois6596]

*I absolutely love this tool!!! The first one was defective and Dewalt replaced **MyBest.Tools** More bulky than the Bosch and Makita corded palm routers I have but worth it. Nice solid base*

[@robinsonbetonbouwrobbo8847]

Untill i watched this i thought the small part was the plunger so thanks for a good demo

[@afpitbull60]

I'm a bit late to the party; however, this was just what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@Avengedsevenfoldrocks]

I bought one in a kit from Lowe's a while back four-piece woodworking kit and I looked at it and never really tried it but had a window sill I had to round up and it did a fantastic job lots of power on pine anyway

[@8harim]

great video. thanks a lot

[@dsokodrum67]

I wanted to be sure the plunge base worked with this router. The website really wasn't 100% stating that it would. Thanks man!

[@MasonWoodshop]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@peachypound6108]

I think you are actually using the fine adjustment wrong. You should be able to adjust the Black rim; left( clockwise) will make the motor rise and spinning it right( counterclockwise) will lower the motor. Mind you the centre “ Lock Latch” must be in the open position. I hope this helps

[@MasonWoodshop]

You’re absolutely right! I just tried it and it worked perfectly. I was always trying to do it with the latch closed, which only allowed me to adjust the bit up. Unlocking the latch now has it working perfectly up and down. Thank you!

[@samueljones3168]

You also have the router in the base backwards, you should be able to see the collar lock through the front.

[@jack91522]

Great video. I was debating on adding a plunge and I think I should. If I want to cut out 1/8" box, is there a faster way? A bigger bit? Seems like I would need to make many passes. Do they have a sanding barrel bit with a bearing so you can sand down edges for cabinets and picture frames or is it usually done by hand?

[@bobnicholas5994]

I didn't want to spend alot of money on a compact trim router for carving until I found out if it was worth it. I decided to buy the vevor corded trim router which for $98 came with fixed and plunge base. They shipped it and it came with a fixed base and some base for getting into tighter paces and a hinged base for angle routing. Quick story: it was too dark and I couldn't see using the fixed base. I put fairy lights in it helped. I switched to the adjustable angle base and it was very open. Good news I sold all the 10 carvings I did quickly. I made $450. The Vevor paid for itself and more.. but. I have a Bosch router with a fixed and plunge base. I have only used it in my rocker router table. I pulled it out and put it in the plunge base. It has LED lights. It has a nice size clear acrylic plate on it. It is beautiful other then the cord. I have to stop often to untangle the cord... that brings me to the Dewalt cordless. Your presentation answered my questions. Thanks

[@MasonWoodshop]

That’s great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@rickyperkins232]

​@@MasonWoodshopnow that you had this tool for a while would you still recommend it? Is the FLEX a rebrand DeWalt?

[@zaxewoodworks6600]

So I’ve looked everywhere for info on the holes in the front of the router base. The ones on the side accept the edge guide rails but the front holes are different diameter and different separation. No other attachments that I can find go there so wondering if you found some info on those or if I’m missing something?

[@ifollowjesus1667]

Awesome review , thank you! Will this router be able to do 1/2 inch dado?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks! You could do a 1/2” dado as long as the bit has a 1/4” shank. Given that this router doesn’t have a ton of power, you’d want to make sure you do multiple passes.

[@thomaschandler4831]

Lightly Oil your plunge rods and they will be perfect

[@godfatherfeederfather6350]

I have a dewalt 611 router I believe that's the model, but it's just the router, no fix base or anything not even the black adjustable ring like on yours in your video. I just bought the dewalt dnp612 plunge base thinking that's what I needed. My question is can I still use my router with the plunge base with out the black ring?

[@antman7431]

I had no idea they offered a plunge base for it. I was on the fence about getting that router or corded for that very reason. Great vid! Thanks for sharing! Are either of those bases able to be mounted to a router table?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I just checked both bases on my Bosch router table and the holes aren’t even close to lining up as the bases just seem to small. I don’t have one (yet), but there are a handful of companies (Lee Valley for me in Canada) that make small table-top router tables specifically for these compact routers. Definitely something I’m going to get if I have a few small projects on the go at some point.

[@dsokodrum67]

The same for me.

[@ur3961]

VERY great video of how and what! I am going to order that with the plunge tool. THANK YOU!👍👍 What brand and size bit are those you are using in the video? I have to get those too.

[@MasonWoodshop]

That’s great to hear, glad the video helped! The bits on this router would all be 1/4” in size with the spiral bit being an unknown brand I picked up at a wood show and all of the others being Freud.

[@ur3961]

@Mason Woodshop THANK you SO MUCH for getting back to me. Order placed already, and also ordered the ryobi hinge templete.I also passed your video on, it is such a terrific showing!👋

[@MasonWoodshop]

@@ur3961 Amazing! Enjoy the router and thanks for spreading the video. This little router system is absolutely fantastic and was a great gateway to get me comfortable with routers in general.

[@ur3961]

@@MasonWoodshop You are welcome.

[@alfriedar5970]

The fine adjustment ring is fine…. It’s the operator

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

A question for anybody that knows. Can I use a 3/4 round bit to make a wood window sill round only 1/4 on both sides (top and bottom) by adjusting the depth or I must buy a new 1/4? Please advise.

[@kurtericson9465]

Just bought this tool. The adjustment ring on the motor needs to be removed when using the plunge base. The motor will bottom out in the base.

[@jeffrellek2792]

Great video! Do you or does anyone know if I can get a collar set up for this so I can use a jig to flush route in cabinet pulls?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching! I’m not sure about the specific jig you’re looking at, but if it’s related to the need for bushings, you’d need a third party baseplate to use them. I used the one from Lee Valley with good success, but compatibility for your specific needs may not be met.

[@microdoulo2250]

what type the bits is in the router

[@barrycarlson5265]

Would be nice if you would router the edge of the board that faces the camera so we can see it...

[@Avengedsevenfoldrocks]

Lol

[@RedCamo5]

I’ve been trying to decide on a router and I was curious if you think this would hold up to use making signs with rocklers letter jigs. The majority of the time I just need something for trim work but I don’t want to buy to routers. Thanks!

[@MasonWoodshop]

Great question! As long as the jigs would fit on the base of this router, and they are they are compatible with a 1/4" collet, you should be good. If it's all compatible, the only thing you may need to do is take multiple shallow passes (depending on what you're cutting).

[@robertbotta6536]

Ummm maybe you should route the side we can see. Haha. No big deal.

[@kevinalmeida7159]

you fine adjust with the base lever loose not with it cranked down lol

[@bababooey1266]

I use a battery operated cordless router thank you

[@robbmccurdy3459]

Is a 1/2” collet available and will the base accept template guides or bushings? Thanks

[@MasonWoodshop]

Unfortunately the answer to both of those questions is no. You can use an aftermarket base (I have one from lee valley) than can take bushings, but you’re struck with a 1/4” collet.

[@bigredfred33]

I’m curious how it cuts through a 1/2 inch MDF using a template I already have?

[@MasonWoodshop]

It can definitely do 1/2” MDF with a spiral or straight bit. If you feel it bogging down, you could do it in two passes at different depths. It’ll be very dusty!

[@-Jantje]

Do you have any idea how long you can work with 1 battery and how long it takes to recharge this battery?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Great question and for me the run-time hasn’t been a factor at all. I general use the 5Ah battery pack (sometimes 1.5Ah if I don’t want it to be too tall) and can generally finish my entire project before even considering a battery change. Roughly thinking about some recent cabinetry projects and I’d say I’m easily getting 200+ linear feet without issue. I usually make sure I charge all of my batteries at the end of the day, so I don’t believe I’ve ever used the router enough at one time to drain a battery. Really impressive overall!

[@mpshumake]

Is the cordless router's plunge base the same as the corded dwp611 plunge base? I have that one and am considering an upgrade to the cordless since I already have the batteries. If the plunge base fit the cordless, it'd be a no-brainer.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Yup, it’s the exact same plunge base!

[@mpshumake]

@@MasonWoodshop Saweet!! Thanks for the reply brother!

[@mpshumake]

@@MasonWoodshop Saweet!! Thanks for the reply brother!

[@contessa.adella]

I have only seen one vid that bothered to give us an actual run time test…This matters when deciding which battery to use and whether to buy a bigger one with the tool. Anyhow FYI on the 5AH batt it gives about one full hour of routing, so a 2AH for example would give about 20 minutes use. I liked this vid presentationally, but factually it was lacking in any real info. Saying it is ‘nice’ is of little practical value…we need info like plunge depth, how much bog under heavy load, comfort in use, vibration, ergonimics, bit shank size (it takes 8mm and 1/4 inch with both collet sizes supplied) See…thats the kind of reviewer info you should include. Otherwise a pleasant watch.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Great comment, thanks for sharing! Routers have gradually taken over much of my woodworking and I've been wondering about doing some highly in-depth technical evaluations and testing with a variety of routers. Your comment gives me a lot of thinking to do!

[@PeteLeuenberger]

What I don't like about it is the location of the power button. You can't access it while working the unit. Really hard to activate one handed.

[@usernamemykel]

QUESTION for the expert (you): Would I be able to use my existing 1/8 " shank Dremel bits, with a 1/4-1/8" adapter, to use with the router?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Oooh, I haven’t done that myself but with an appropriate adapter it should work. Just be conscious of the increased RPM of the router and safety of the bit.

[@usernamemykel]

@@MasonWoodshop Thank you!

[@TheThat1Person]

Does this only accept a 1/4” bit? Or will it also take a 1/2”

[@MasonWoodshop]

This router only accepts 1/4” shank bits, as is typical for most trim routers. If the job is best suited for a larger 1/2” shank bit I use my Bosch EVSPK1617 router.

[@TheThat1Person]

@@MasonWoodshop that’s what I’d figured. I’ve made many sacrifices at the yellow alter so have plenty of batteries.

[@contessa.adella]

It comes (at least to UK) with both the 1/4 inch and 8mm collets. Yes, that’s odd mixing metric and imperial, but it is because there is also a less used European size of 6mm shanks which do NOT fit this collet (6mm is undersized and loose….1/4 inch is 6.35 mm). 1/4 inch is generally ok, but get 8mm shanks where possible since more sturdy is better with less risk of bending, especially if you need the bit extended out a little for more plunge depth.

[@MasonWoodshop]

@@contessa.adella Thanks for sharing the note on 1/4" and 8mm - that's great to hear both are included!

[@SnowHarp]

I wish someone would include in their review some explanations of the battery system because I have three other Dewalt tools but they do not use the XR batteries. They are 20V max lithium batteries. Can I just order an XR battery with this router and use the chargers I already have ? These XR batteries are expensive and more or less double the price of the router purchase if I buy one and a spare 5 AH battery. Plus the charger if I need it.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Great question, SnowHarp! The XR batteries and non-XR batteries are completely interchangeable with each other, the XR essentially just references that the battery is more efficient and can store more “juice” in a smaller package. My batteries are a mix of regular 20V, XR, and Flexvolt and I don’t think about which one I’m using unless it’s a tool that requires a 60V FlexVolt.

[@sajrob8701]

hi its seems to me that 1/4 bit dosent much to it?

[@MasonWoodshop]

I don’t believe I show a close up in the video, but with the 1/4” chamfer bit I take off about 3/16” of material.

[@giorgiparkaia4888]

I bought it but I can’t find a collet anywhere 1/2 also doesn’t fit 6mm doesn’t fit 8mm

[@MasonWoodshop]

It’s 1/4” collet only - fairly typical for most North American trim/palm routers.

[@shanewilson8648]

Where do u buy the plunge base at?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Should be available many places and I bought mine from Amazon in 2020. Just search for DNP612.

[@Bart-Did-it]

Drop it from four feet 10 times how did it handle the drops .

[@jaywinters2483]

if you look up the Porter Cable router you'll see that it's the same thing....for less

[@MasonWoodshop]

I don’t believe Porter Cable makes a cordless 20V router.

[@MartinSh429]

the plunge base doesn't seem smooth at all. sliding move looks very jerky

[@MasonWoodshop]

Good catch and it was a little jerky in this video. After a little more use it became much smoother and glides smoothly (but not too slippery) now. Bit of sawdust on the bottom seems to have done the job!

[@stephenneasham7105]

If your going to review something you should learn how to use it first

[@creativekitesurferCo]

Please do another video as you really have messed up on the psalm router base adjustment, it's a little bit embarrassing to be honest 🤦‍♂️

[@mikewhitnall577]

Does your mother know you're playing with power tools

[@kirkstaggs9773]

Not being a jerk but if you're doing a review you may want to take a littlebit longer to get used to the tool so its not so fumbly