DeWalt Miter Saw FLEXVOLT

DeWalt FLEXVOLT Miter Saw Real-World Test

Corded or Uncorded: You Choose.  DeWalt’s 120 Volt Max 12” Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DHS790) can run either corded or cordless. Talk about flexibility and convenience! The key is its FLEXVOLT battery system. Two 60 volt FLEXVOLT batteries power the Miter Saw with 120 volts when it’s not plugged in. Users can expect unlimited run time with a corded model. DeWalt reports the saw will deliver 289 cross cuts of 3-1/4” base molding on one charge, with the two batteries.

Capacity and Accuracy.  The saw has a maximum horizontal cross-cut capacity of 16” (with back fence), vertical cut capacity of 6-3/4”, and nestled crown cut capacity of 7-1/2”. The saw features a Cutline Blade Positioning System where a light on the blade creates a shadow indicating exactly where the cut will be made on the workpiece.

FLEXVOLT: The Battery Breakthrough

The FLEXVOLT system features the world’s first battery that automatically changes voltage when the user changes tools. This allows you to take the 60 volt batteries and use them in DeWalt tools of varying voltage. For example, you can use the 60V battery in a 20V tool, giving it four times the runtime. And, when two 60V batteries combine, you can now use batteries to power tools that previously had to be corded.

A FLEXVOLT Miter Saw Real-World Test

DeWalt FLEXVOLT Miter Saw

We dropped the saw off with Roger, who owns a sign company, and asked him to run the saw through its paces. He constructs and installs large billboards and signs, requiring him and his crew to cut a variety of stock, including thick posts, in the shop where there is plenty of power, as well on-site where often there is no electricity. They need plenty of power to get through posts, and accuracy for making the sign’s trim and aprons. He reported that the saw was ready to go right out of the box. All of the factory pre-sets were spot-on. “I expected to see a watered-down tool but was thrilled to see all the features of a full-fledged sliding miter saw,” said Roger.

He particularly liked the Cutline Blade Positioning System with its high-visibility shadow line indicating precisely where the cut will be made. The adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops – 60 degrees to the right and 50 degrees to the left – provided them with more than enough capacity. They found that the bevel scale was easy to see, making bevel adjustments easy and accurate. The bevel stops for 22.5 and 33.86 degrees were also easy to use. With the coded saw in his shop, Roger gave two thumbs up to the accuracy and ease of use. He then threw the saw in the back of his truck and took it out to several job sites to test the FLEXVOLT Miter Saw using battery power. 

Eyebrows were raised when the saw cut through 4×4 posts without hesitation, all while the saw was under battery power. The saw ran all day on one charge, and the convenience of battery power served as a “ huge benefit”.  The mobility of not being tethered to an outlet or generator was refreshing. He was impressed with the cutting speed and quality of the 60-tooth, 12-inch blade that the saw provided. DeWalt’s new line of accessories features a design that makes the FLEXVOLT tools run more efficiently, including the blade.  Again, Roger also gave thumbs up to the saw’s battery powered performance while in the field.

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