Dewalt has announced their next-generation FlexVolt 60V Max cordless 12″ dual bevel sliding miter saw, model DCS781.
The Dewalt DCS781 cordless miter saw features efficient dust collection, Regenerative Braking Technology, and delivers 20% more power than the leading competitor’s comparable model.
Additionally, unlike Dewalt’s first-generation FlexVolt cordless miter saws, this 12″ sliding miter saw works with just one battery, rather than requiring two.
The Regenerative Braking Technology is designed to extend runtime by redirecting lost energy back into the battery while the bevel-drive transmission reduces power losses that may occur with belt-driven designs.
Additionally, Dewalt says that the efficient bevel gear transmission delivers fast, reliable cutting.
The new miter saw is said to capture up to 94% of dust generated (when cutting 2×10 SPF using a 9Ah battery and DWV015 dust extractor).
The dust port is compatible with Dewalt’s standard AirLock-equipped vacuum hoses, and also standard 1-7/8″ and 2-1/2″ wet/dry vacuum hoses with the included adapter. It also comes with a dust bag.
It also features a Cutline LED blade positioning system for accurate cut line indication, which basically shines a light along both sides of the blade to cast a kerf-width shadow on the workpiece that’s to be cut.
The DCS781 cordless miter saw has a maximum horizontal cutting capacity of 12-3/16″. It can cut baseboard up to 6-1/2″ vertically, and crown molding up to 6-1/2″ nested.
The saw weighs 50.9 lbs (tool-only), and features a large carry handle. It also has outriggers on both sides for workpiece support, as well as a rear base stabilizer.
Dewalt says that it can make up to 675 cuts in 3-1/4″ MDF base molding, or 255 cuts in pressure treated 4×4 timber, per fully charged 9Ah battery (DCB609).
As a reminder, the DCB609 battery (180 Watt-hours) has 9Ah charge capacity when used with 20V Max cordless power tools, and 3Ah charge capacity when used with 60V Max cordless power tools. For simplicity, ToolGuyd describes FlexVolt batteries with respect to their 20V Max capacity.
The saw will be available in tool-only (DCS781B) and kit (DCS781X1) configurations. The kit comes with a 6A charger and 9Ah battery.
Price: $699 for the tool-only, $849 for the kit
ETA: February 2023
Discussion
Dewalt says that their new FlexVolt miter saw, when equipped with a DCB609 9Ah battery, delivers 20% more power – based on MWO test results – compared to Milwaukee’s M18 dual bevel 12″ sliding miter saw, model 2739-21HD, when equipped with an M18 HD HO battery (48-11-1812).
I’m not sure this will sway anyone’s purchasing decisions. And, to be honest, I am far more interested in learning more about the runtime-extending regenerative braking tech, the high efficiency dust collection, and “easy controls” referenced in press materials.
The new model bears some similarities to the first-generation model, DHS790, which launched more than 6 years ago, but is different in meaningful ways.
The power and motor drive systems are completely different, with the new model featuring a bevel gear drive and only requiring a single FlexVolt battery to operate.
The dust collection scoop appears to be larger, and is positioned much closer to the saw blade, which undoubtedly is behind the “captures up to 94% of dust” claims.
The side workpiece supports are also new, and related to updated miter saw safety guidelines.
I wonder, will anyone miss the AC adapter that could be used with the first-gen model in lieu of 2x FlexVolt batteries?
I’ll follow up as I learn more. Do you have any questions I can add to my own?
What do you think about Dewalt’s newest flagship cordless miter saw?
