If you’ve been holding out for the new DeWalt 20V MAX XR brushless router, the wait’s finally over. Retailers are getting stock in, and from what I’m hearing, people who’ve gotten their hands on one are genuinely impressed. Can’t say I’m surprised — DeWalt doesn’t usually miss when it comes to cordless tools.
What’s Different This Time Around
The big deal here is the weight — 6.5 pounds with the battery in. That’s noticeably lighter than the other cordless routers I’ve used, and when you’re doing edge work for any length of time, those saved ounces add up fast. Variable speed runs from 16,000 to 25,500 RPM, so you’ve got plenty of range for different bit sizes and materials. No more being locked into one speed and hoping for the best.
Battery life is the other headline. Early adopters are reporting 45 minutes to a full hour of actual routing time on a 5Ah battery. That’s real cutting time, not just sitting-there-idling time. For most routing tasks, that’s more than enough to get the job done without swapping batteries. Pretty solid, if you ask me.
Where to Find It and What It’ll Cost
Pricing sits at $199 for the tool only, or $299 if you want the kit with a 5Ah battery and charger. If you’re already in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem, the tool-only option makes a lot of sense. Stock’s still limited at the major retailers right now, but availability should loosen up over the next few weeks as more shipments roll in.
For shops that have been wanting to ditch the extension cord on their routing setup, this one looks like a real step forward. I’m planning to put one through its paces in the shop soon — stay tuned for a full hands-on review.
