DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Compact Router and Jig Saw Combo Kit

Why this kit found a permanent spot in my truck

I brought this DeWalt router/jig saw combo to a punch-list day expecting it to be a backup. By lunch, the corded tools stayed in the van. The pairing of a compact, brushless trim router and a brushless jig saw covers a surprising amount of finish and carpentry work with very little compromise—and the included 5.0Ah battery and 8A fast charger keep the whole setup moving.

The router: compact, confident, and easy to dial in

DeWalt’s compact router is the kind of tool that disappears in your hand until you ask it to do something tricky. The variable-speed dial gives you the headroom to match bit size and material, and the depth-adjustment ring is precise enough to sneak up on a reveal without overshooting. I appreciate the tactile resistance in the ring—firm enough to hold position, not so stiff that you fight it.

The electronic brake matters more than you might think. Letting go and having the bit spin down quickly reduces those accidental scuffs when you’re lifting off the work, especially on delicate edge profiles. Between that and a base that glides predictably, it’s easy to keep a steady hand on roundovers, chamfers, and hinge mortises.

Power-wise, brushless torque helps the router hold speed under load. I used it for edge band flush trimming, laminate cleanup, and a few dados in plywood. It didn’t bog when I took reasonable passes. The compact form makes it a great one-hand tool along vertical surfaces and in tight corners. As with most trim routers, chip management without a dedicated shroud is only okay; you’ll want to orient your stance or hook up dust collection if surface cleanliness matters.

Ergonomically, the grip, balance, and switch layout feel sorted. Bit changes are standard fare with the spindle lock. There’s no plunge base in the kit, so if you regularly do blind mortises or inlay work, budget for that accessory. For the bulk of trim, edge, and light joinery tasks, this fixed-base setup is a workhorse.

The jig saw: cuts clean, tracks straight, and stays controllable

A good jig saw earns its keep with line tracking and cut quality across materials. This one checks those boxes. The 4-position orbital action lets you choose between speed and finesse—full orbit to rip through construction lumber, lower settings for laminates and veneered sheet goods. Pair that with the variable-speed trigger and top dial, and it’s easy to settle into a consistent stroke rate that matches the blade and material.

The shoe is all metal, with tool-free bevel and detents at 0°, 15°, and 30°, plus a positive stop at 45°. Those detents line up as expected and lock down solidly—no wobble, no mystery angle. The integrated LED is bright and actually lands in the right spot, which helps when the blade is deep in a radius cut or you’re following a fine pencil line.

On vibration and noise, the saw feels refined. With a fresh T‑shank blade, I get straight, square cuts in 2x material and predictable curves in hardwood without fighting deflection. Blade changes are quick, and the clamp holds tight. Like most jig saws, the edge of the shoe can mar soft finishes if you’re not careful—use painter’s tape or a shoe cover when it matters.

Battery and charger: real-world runtime and fast turnarounds

The kit includes one 5.0Ah 20V MAX pack and an 8A fast charger. One battery for two tools isn’t ideal, but the charger meaningfully offsets that. It’s a fan-cooled unit, and the audible whir is the trade-off for a noticeably quicker charge compared to older, slower chargers. I can bounce between the router and jig saw and stay productive by topping the pack during layout, blade swaps, or coffee breaks.

If you’re already invested in the 20V MAX platform, you’ll be fine rotating in existing packs. If this is your first DeWalt kit, I’d consider adding a second 5.0Ah to avoid the occasional pause on longer days.

Build quality and ergonomics

Both tools feel purpose-built: solid housings, confident switches, and clear markings. The router’s base rides flat with no rocking; the jig saw shoe is true and resists flex. Weight and balance are where they should be—enough mass to damp vibration, not so much that you fight the tools overhead or on vertical cuts. The grips are comfortable and grippy without being aggressively textured.

What stands out across both tools is the consistency of control. The speed dials actually mean something; the tools respond predictably as you adjust. That’s the hallmark of a good brushless design paired with sensible electronics.

Accuracy, visibility, and dust

Visibility is strong on both tools. The jig saw’s LED makes a meaningful difference in dim corners of a remodel or when you’re cutting inside a cabinet. The router’s open base makes it easy to see the bit and your line, though chips can obscure the view if you’re hogging material. Dust collection isn’t a headline feature here, but with a vacuum and the right adapters, you can keep the worst of it in check. Out of the box, expect the typical spray of chips from a compact router and the usual fine dust from a jig saw—plan your cuts accordingly if you’re indoors.

Everyday performance: where it shines

• Trim carpentry: edge profiles, scribing, and tight-radius cuts around obstacles.
• Cabinet installs: hinge mortises, shelf pin slots (with a guide), and sink cutouts.
• Site-built projects: plywood curves, notches, and laminate cleanup.
• Home shop tasks: small templates, rounding over parts, and quick bevel cuts.

In each of these, the cordless convenience isn’t just about fewer cords—it’s the freedom to set up where the work is without hunting an outlet or stringing extension cords through a house.

What could be better

• Only one battery in the box. With two tools, a second pack would make this turnkey for longer days.
• No plunge base for the router. It’s a common accessory, but not included.
• Dust management is average without add-ons. That’s typical for the class, yet still worth noting.
• The fast charger’s cooling fan is audible. Not a deal-breaker, but you’ll hear it on a quiet site.

Value and platform fit

This kit makes the most sense if you’re already in DeWalt’s 20V MAX ecosystem or you need both tools at once. You get a mature brushless design across two staple tools, a high-capacity battery, and a fast charger that shortens downtime. As a starter set, it’s a strong foundation; as an expansion, it slots in neatly with existing packs and accessories.

The warranty coverage—three-year limited, one-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction period—adds a bit of safety net, which I appreciate for tools that will see regular site work.

Final thoughts and recommendation

After multiple jobs with this kit, I keep reaching for it because it does the simple things right: steady speed under load, intuitive controls, solid bevel and depth adjustments, and a reliable battery/charger pairing. The router is a standout for its control and braking, and the jig saw balances cut quality with speed across materials. Add in sensible ergonomics and a durable build, and you’ve got a pair that earns space in the kit.

I recommend this DeWalt router/jig saw combo to carpenters, remodelers, and serious DIYers who want cordless flexibility without giving up accuracy or cut quality. If you need plunge routing out of the box or you only own a single battery, factor in the cost of a plunge base and an extra pack. Otherwise, the performance, control, and fast charging make this an easy kit to live with—and one that’s ready to work.