A reader asked a great question – are we going to see new Dewalt cordless miter saws any time soon?
I am also often asked two related questions:
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Will Dewalt make a FlexVolt 10″ miter saw?
When will Dewalt come out with a brushless 7-1/4″ miter saw?
Will Dewalt be updating their cordless miter saws in 2021?
These are never easy questions to answer. Back when Dewalt first launched their 20V Max 7-1/4″ miter saw, I asked them why they didn’t engineer it with a brushless motor. Their response? “It doesn’t need one.”
The brushed motor built into Dewalt’s 20V Max 7-1/4″ saw delivered the cutting power and runtime that they were after. Dewalt said they would launch brushless tools and upgrades when and where it made sense.
Of course, they could have just been saying this. The DCS361 7-1/4″ miter saw was launched quite a few years ago – back in mid-2015 – when prices were higher and there were relatively few brushless power tools on the market.
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I’ve used this miter saw before, and it’s a stronger performer, with my only major complaint being the blade change process, something I hope has since been remedied.
What about a cordless 10″ miter saw?
Here’s the thing – Dewalt does have additional FlexVolt cordless miter saws available in Europe – sliding 8.5″ and 10″ models. You just can’t buy them here.
Dewalt launched the FlexVolt lineup with 120V Max 12″ and 12″ sliding miter saws. A few years ago, I was told that the 12″ non-sliding saw was discontinued.
So, right now there’s a 20V Max brushed 7-1/4″ miter saw and a FlexVolt 120V Max 12″ sliding miter saw.
Dewalt could be updating these miter saws, or adding additional models to the USA market, such as an often asked-about 10″ saw.
But the same possibilities have existed for quite some time now.
I was asked about the potential for new Dewalt cordless miter saws 2 years ago in early 2019.
I know it’s frustrating, but nothing has changed since then. There are no new FlexVolt or 20V Max models.
Personally, I think it all comes down to price. Right now, the 7-1/4″ has a pricing advantage over brushless competitors, and that will often be the deciding factor when it comes to users’ purchasing decisions.
Can Dewalt engineers build a competitive 10″ or 10″ sliding miter saw? Sure! But will it sell? If there’s not much of a price different between 10″ and 12″ saws, how many users would skip the 10″ and go for the 12″?
Keep in mind that Dewalt and their retail partners keep track of sales numbers and shopper interests. If Dewalt projects a 20-to-1 preference for 12″ sliding miter saws compared to a new 10″ model, what should they do? What would you do?
This is hypothetical of course, but think about it. Dewalt can absolutely produce a FlexVolt 10″ sliding miter saw, as well as a brushless-upgrade 7-1/4″ sliding miter saw.
Would you spend more for a 10″ saw than a 12″?
I’m sure Dewalt listens to user requests and demands, but they also have access to the types of voting that is being done by shoppers’ wallets.
There’s nothing coming down the pipeline, at least nothing that I’ve heard about.
When will we see new models? When Dewalt feels the time is right. If I had to bet, I’d predict that we’ll see a new Dewalt 20V Max Atomic Series brushless miter saw sometime next year in 2022. Or, maybe not.
There’s strategic value with an Atomic Series cordless miter saw, and with Home Depot being a strong Dewalt retail partner, we might see a high volume sales push that helps bring such a saw to market.
What I’m trying to say is that there are lots reasons why brands don’t launch all of the tools users are asking for, but few of us will be privy to such intricacies.
Do you wish Dewalt added or upgraded any models in their 20V Max or FlexVolt cordless power tool systems? Speak up, and maybe they’ll hear you.
ca
I wish DeWalt would make more 120V cordless/corded tools, like a table saw for starters.
Stuart
Same. There’s so much they could do, and I could only guess as to why there haven’t been any new 120V Max tools since the original launch of the miter saws several years ago.
fred
Perhaps Dewalt has not sold enough to suggest to them that a further investment in expanding the line is warranted. New tools – even ones that build on their predecessors’ technology – come with developmental and marketing costs that need to be paid back. When you consider the launch of a new product – you also need to assess how it will add to overall sales volume and profitability – versus how it might cannibalize sales of your other products (both existing and ones you may have in the pipeline)
JoeM
I’m leaning toward fred’s wisdom here. I may desperately want the DCS790 Corded/Cordless kit… or even one of the newer sliding versions for that matter… but it doesn’t mean I can afford to buy one for the sake of it being Corded or Cordless, when a near-identical Corded 790 exists for significantly cheaper.
Justifying the price of these awesome saws is harder to do than with the FlexVOLT hand-held tools. The workstation tools are remarkably niche tools, for how needed they are. They’re for very specific needs, and probably haven’t been selling like the hotcakes DeWALT Drills and Circular Saws sell as. They really need more sales data to decide which new version is worth upgrading, and which lines of these workstation tools need expanding. The air compressor, for example. How many of those little ones were sold, and are customers banging at the DeWALT HQ doors demanding bigger models? Even then, did DeWALT hit the nail straight on the head with the little one, where that small one is perfect for everyone? Or did they anger their user base by only releasing the little one, leaving them waiting for a bigger one? Their sales numbers don’t exactly leave it clear, how far they should go with the FlexVOLT lines.
Now, I’ll admit I finally see where the Cement Mixer/FlexVOLT Drill actually makes sense up here… I have 3 adoptive younger Brothers who are always going ice fishing every year… I would genuinely consider getting them a FlexVOLT Mixer/Drill so they can use it for their Ice Auger. I thought the cement mixer was a great tool to add to the lineup as it was, but when people were calling it the “FlexVOLT Drill” I was hesitant, even nervous. As it probably had enough torque in it to throw Me across a room if it wasn’t solidly under control. I have since been reminded about how some (rather dumb) Ice Fisherman up here are losing cordless drills of standard size during winter, when they attempt to use them as the driver for the Ice Auger bit. It works, yeah, but if they get a blade caught on the way up and let it slip out of their hands, the bit, and the drill, both slide right into the hole and are gone forever. Something the size of the FlexVOLT… Won’t fit down that hole. In fact, the dual handles would prevent it from going any further. One saved tool, so it finally makes sense to me.
Now… How many of the Workstation Saws can make that kind of dual-use claim? Can the Table Saws be used with Dado Blades? Are any of these tools worth upgrading to Bluetooth connection? When they release a model of these, how long does it take to sell off the initial batch? Is it wanted bad enough to sell a new version? Or is the current one still covering the market?
RI Guy
Yep. Still haven’t bought a cordless table saw yet. As soon as ketchup or mustard makes one I’m in.
ARJ
I wish Dewalt upgrade 7 1/4” miter saw to brushless and dual bevel
John E
Although cordless miter saws are low on my favorite/most useful cordless tools list I’d be most interested in a 7 1/4″ dual bevel Dewalt saw.
If it weighs over 25-30lb though, it’s not going to get moved around much so it might as well stay plugged in.
Makita’s new 8 1/2″ 40V saw looks good but at almost 50lb it might as well be corded.
TimL
Not sure on the specs, but if you compound a 7-1/4″ blade, your max cut dimensions might really shrink. I had my eye on a dhs716 (12″ 60v fixed) for a long time, just never could hit “buy”.
Joatman
I have the 20v 7-1/4” miter saw and been pretty happy with it. It has its limitations though, but for what I use it for, it’s fine. One thing that I absolutely love about it is that the blades are much cheaper than 10 or 12”.
The cost of 12” blades is enough for me to never buy a 12” saw after owning a 10” slider for years. Sold that for the 7-1/4”. Can’t say I wouldn’t ever buy another 10” slider again.
loup68
Why hasn’t Dewalt upgraded their pathetically powered DCB 090 USB power source. They really do not want to tell you what the output is. I think it is 1.5 A.
Why can’t they upgrade the electronics in it to put out modern devices 2.1 A like everyone else has done?
I refuse to buy their Flex-Volt chain saw without ridgid manual chain tightening and especially a solid two stud with nuts bar retainer like Milwaukee has on their chain saws.
And I am a die hard Dewalt / old Black and Decker professional grey tool owner.
Big Richard
In regards to their chainsaw(s) – not a huge upgrade, but they did add an internal hex slot into the bar tightening mechanism on their cordless chainsaws about a year ago. You can still tighten the bar by hand with the little hand-turn flap guy, but it no longer “clicks” after a certain torque. So now you can hand tighten it, then grab a hex key and snug it down good if you desire. Still not a dual stud, but honestly on a cordless saw like this it is more than sufficient, imo.
To anyone that has their saws and wants to upgrade to the new style bar tightening – https://www.toolservicenet.com/dewalt/en/c//p/PN723753
JoeM
Honestly? Because of the DCB 091. The model with the 12V power adapter output for their Heated Gear. That one actually does charge faster than the 090. I haven’t got out my multimeter to test the results, but I have charged my phone from 10% to Max in about 15 minutes when plugged into my coat, with a 3500mAh phone battery. The same feat, I think, takes 2 hours on the 090.
This is where I think Milwaukee wins on the USB adapter front. A Next-Gen DeWALT USB to Battery interface has a lot of hurdles it needs to cross. Superior locking mechanism, Better control over Voltage and Battery Type. Slim packs and 12V Packs work with the current gen 090 and 091, but if we end up with a new one, it is going to have to be capable of slipping into FlexVOLT, 20Volt Max/XR Compact, Standard, Fan-Cooled, and the new winged design on the… what is it? 15 Ah battery? plus it is going to need to genuinely have the option of going 20 Volt/60 Volt, and convert to at least one standard household socket, USB-C, and several USB A connectors… just to be even remotely relevant to its role in the lineup. Right now it also acts as a battery state check, with lighting to indicate the amount left in the battery… A feature that is rapidly becoming useless. That’s a lot of redesigning to do, while still maintaining a version that can be put into their Heated Gear.
I will say it again, and I’m a DeWALT guy too… I think Milwaukee just… Won this particular skirmish, and DeWALT can’t really handle a USB powersource adapter design change with all the different batteries they’re using in the same slide-on socket.
Mike
I guess you don’t watch YouTube videos on cordless chainsaws the dewalt is considered the best and a lot of pros love the tooless tightening system
Jared
The smallest 20v vac – DCV517b – is super long in the tooth in my opinion.
I think it’s great. I never would have thought I would use a cordless vac that much, but once I got it, I use it all the time.
It needs a brushless motor and stronger suction. It has not kept pace with the competition. Still very useful, but I’m sure it could be improved.
Steve
The 20V line needs a complete overhaul. I would buy a better (likely brushless) 2 gallon wet/dry vac and a stick vac (with rotating brush head) in a heartbeat.
PW
YES! I got that vacuum because I didn’t want to change battery platforms just for a vacuum. It’s probably my most used “tool”. And I disagree with you – it’s crap.
The suction is poor, particularly at the premium DeWalt pricing. Over time it seems to have gotten worse – despite careful cleaning.
The ergonomics are terrible – they tried to be different from everyone else and should have stuck with a normal stick design.
I am satisfied with every 20v yellow tool I have except that vacuum. It’s an embarrassment to the lineup.
MM
I have this vac too. It does what I want but I find that the suction is lacking too. I did find a way to improve the suction a bit. In my opinion one of the problems with the suction on this vac is that it has a HEPA filter, and that takes a lot of power to pull the air through. It’s especially bad in this case because it’s very small, so the moment you encounter some very fine dust like ashes or drywall sanding or something like that it rapidly and nearly permanently clogs the filter. Avoiding super-fine dust, if possible, keeps the suction much stronger. So does using a coarse foam or fabric pre-filter. I modified an old lawnmower pre-filter to fit around the filter cartridge in the vac, that catches most of the debris before it can clog the HEPA cartridge.
It still needs more power, but that can help.
I’d bet that if one didn’t need full-on HEPA filtering then fitting it with a coarser filter would greatly improve it’s suction. Perhaps there is an off-the-shelf small engine filter or a generic style K&N that might fit it?
Roger
-The 7-1/4″ miter saw does need the upgrade. It also needs to be lighter.
-If they made an 8-1/4 miter, it would compliment the 60V tablesaw. It’s would also have a slight edge over the 7-1/4 in terms of depth and stroke of cut. However a 7-1/4 is more desired.
-10″ tablesaw and maybe a miter. Maybe a 10″ combo unit. They could just push up to the 120V and expand that line.
-There is a plate jointer that needs to be 20V BL upgraded.
-The spot light needs a redesign and update.
-60V full size 1/2″ router
-20V vac BL update
-20V and/or 60V or 120V small DC-AC inverter
-It’s time to release the 18V legacy and leave that to 3rd party.
-Adapter plate for mounting TSTAK to TOUGHSYSTEM
MM
Agreed, the weight is my only complaint for the 7-1/4″ miter. I don’t think it needs to be as heavy as it is. Other than that I am very happy with it. It clearly has its limitations but I think it punches well above its weight, it’s remarkably capable for its size. I’ve cut a lot of aluminum and plastic on mine as well as wood and it’s handled those jobs just fine (using the appropriate blade for alu, of course). I’ve been surprised with how well the factory blades perform as well. I’m used to saws coming with junk quality blades but this one is actually pretty darn nice.
Personally I have no interest in the 10″ miter saw. If I need something bigger than the 7-1/4 I’m going to step up to 12″. That said, they have a Flexvolt 10″ Euro model and it’s very confusing as to why they aren’t selling it here in the states. The R&D is already done, so why not offer it for those who want it?
As far as other tools I’m really wanting to see:
Bandfile sander, 20V
Large 90 degree die grinder, 20V
7″ flathead grinder 60V
60V heavy duty impact wrench
Steve
I’d be in the market for a corded 10in slider, but I don’t think they will do that either. I’m a home user so the Skil MS6305-00 really hits the sweet spot for me.
Josh Walters
I’d be happy with a 7 1/4 that dual beveled. That and their current Flexvolt would satisfy my every need. A 10 is a good in-between but I think it’s nice to have a 7 and a 12 slider. Dewalt makes some of the best saws for the money in the world, no excuse not to update in some areas.
Corey Moore
I could see a brushless upgrade to the 7-1/4″ coming out under the atomic series, perhaps. While not objectively a ‘compact’ tool, relative to miter saws it fits the bill.
Mike
Why brushless they made 61/2 circular saw brushless and the brushed has more power
Adam
Given the upcoming release of the 5/15 ah flex battery, can Dewalt please release a cordless Dry/wet diamond Drill?
Also, on top of 120v tools can you get back to developing the 12v line, incl test instruments etc. There is endless applications waiting here.
Kirk
Double bevel on the 7¼ and I’d buy asap
Big Richard
The 10″ and 8 1/2″ models you reference have that very “European” design, similar to the Milwaukee M18 SMS216-0, that you just don’t see on NA miter saws. DeWalt also has a AUS/EUR single FlexVolt 54v/60v 10″ miter saw that more closely resembles other NA cordless miter saws – the DCS727. It looks a lot like it’s big brother, DHS790.
https://www.dewalt.co.uk/products/dcs727n-xj–54v-xr-flexvolt-250mm-mitre-saw-bare-unit
All they have to do is change the decals on it to offer it in the NA market. Why they have not is beyond me. It already exists so there is no additional R&D costs associated with it, just seems bizarre that they would not even try to offer it.
I also still think we will get an updated 7 1/4″ eventually. Whether it could Atomic branded never really occurred to me, but I see your point. Could even see it being a FlexVolt Advantage or perhaps more likely Power Detect since Lowe’s doesn’t really have a “premium” cordless miter saw option from DeWalt.
Tom
I’m a dewalt guy but overall I feel like they lack new and fresh tools . Every time I stop at depo milwaukee has new tools etc out. Dewalt has same tools with a brushless motor or a Stanley tool re branded to dewalt
Tool Junkie
I agree. I was a Dewalt guy up until needing a 7¼ miter saw. The Rigid one was better than the Dewalt one at the time, as it beveled big ways. But HD didn’t carry it. (?)
My Bosch GCM is too heavy to move. I got the Milwaukee 7¼ saw on sale and haven’t bought a Dewalt tool since. It does everything the Dewalt should have done and is easy to pull out & use.
I’ve now spent several $$ on Milwaukee and am happy with the 18v & 12v tools.
Nate
As a trim carpenter I love my DeWalt corded sliding dual bevel 10″ miter saw and am in the market for a new one. I would love to see them bring the corded one back or maybe make a 60v version.
Joachim Osmundsen
I have specifically been looking for a DeWalt brushless 7 1/4. I will probably continue to wait.
Bob
Absolutely would buy a cordless 10” miter saw from Dewalt. It’s weird to me that Makita and Milwaukee, their biggest competition, both have one but Dewalt does not. There are even several more who make one.
Also have been waiting for their 23 gauge pin nailer but Milwaukee beat them to it and I have a feeling it will be the better gun.
Greg
I don’t think it’s going to happen. I honestly think (what would be typical of Dewalt) they are going to abandon Flexvolt in the next several years all together. It’s been out for 5 years now with not much traction if you compare it to other brands and lines out there. The compound miter saw was retired about two years after it was released. The 12″ dual bevel sliding miter saw has been out since late 2017 iirc with no changes. Since the beginning I’ve bought the 60v 2.5 gallon compressor, the 60v compound miter saw, the 60v table saw, the 120v 12″ dual bevel miter saw, the 60v angle grinder, and the 60v 7 1/4″ circular saw. I resold the 60v compound saw kit to a fellow tradesman after I bought the dual bevel miter saw and rolling stand combo. I’ve since replaced that with the 20v sliding 7 1/4″ miter saw which is very light and convenient for small odd jobs. Of all the tools I bought you can only still get the circular saw, the angle grinder, and possibly the 12″ dual bevel. The problem is the dual bevel is still listed deep in the Dewalt website but nobody has it in stock, either in bare tool, battery kit form, or battery kit + 120v corded adapter form. I suspect this is due to Covid but who knows maybe it’s discontinued now too. If you look at the main Flexvolt site for tools that are listed and available at retailers it’s all of like 12 tools and some of the listings are redundant (tool only versus a kit). Since 2016 there’s been about 20 or so actual different Flexvolt tools which isn’t a lot.
There’s probably a lot of things to blame here but marketing after year one has sucked. There was a lot of hype and press the first year but after that nothing. However lack luster offerings could be the reason for zero press. I just think it’s typical Dewalt product ADHD acting up again.
The only 120v Flexvolt tool is the 12″ Dual Bevel Miter Saw. This is arguably the best Flexvolt tool out of them all given the corded and cordless functionality. Yes the premium is huge over the exact same corded only 12″ dual bevel miter saw but it’s absolutely worth it if you combine it with the rolling miter saw stand. The cordless saw the rolling stand makes a system that is unmatched in convenience. Is the convenience worth close to $1000 for the combination to you? You have to make that up for yourself but for me it has been and then some. The convenience factor makes you want to use the system more and more. Tools that make you want to do things and get out of your way so to speak are amazing. This is one reason why a lot of people are obsessed with the Festool system as a whole.
I wish Dewalt would release a few more 120v Flexvolt tools including a compact table saw. I would love to see an abrasive cut off saw and a cold cut saw too. Maybe even some traditionally stationary tools like a grinder, combo sander, etc would benefit from a Flexvolt 120v system.
Pierre
I mainly use dewalt tools and would really love to see the cordless 10″ miter saw make its way into the US. I’ve considered the 7 1/4″, but the single bevel and smaller blade bug me for the occasional bigger pieces to cut. As such, I’m seriously considering milwaukee’s 10″ cordless miter saw, which looks solid.
I am also tempted to buy Dewalt’s 10 in cordless miter saw in the UK and have it delivered to a family member of mine who lives there, and then have them ship it to me here in the states… Any thoughts on that anyone? It uses a 54v flexvolt battery, which I am assuming would work the same if I slapped a 9ah 60v flexvolt battery on there. It has dual bevel and all other features I am looking for.
Colin O'Dowd
I agree Dewalt should bring out brushless cordless 7 1/4” dual bevel mitre saw
DanS
I personally would like to see an updated corded DWS 779/780. I believe the 780 came out 11 years ago and need a refresh especially with the recent recall. Going that long without any updates is not smart for a tool company striving to be a leader.
John Sogegian
I have 2 DHS716 12″ Miters that have burned up while using the 120v corded adapter. Dewalt wanted $275 to send one back under warranty. Paying $275 to mail it back is not a warranty.
The other was out of warranty and they wouldn’t even consider repairing that one.
That is probably why the 120v Flexvolt are discontinued. They are expensive garbage.
Big Richard
You may have spoken to a either a new customer service rep that did not know what they are talking about or a scam. If it is under warranty, you don’t have to pay anything until they diagnose the issue and determine if it was due to misuse or general failure. They will send you a prepaid shipping label and everything.
If it is out of warranty, you can still have a complete factory overhaul done on it. They will send you a pre-paid shipping label and as of today the entire service costs $233 for the DHS716. Just fill in you information here:
https://www.toolservicenet.com/dewalt/en/cart/onlineRepair
John Sogegian
Thanks for the return info. I am sending one back tomorrow for $275. The $275 is apparently the $233 plus $42 shipping.
I called dewalt several months ago and was on the phone for over an hour with a man in India who was difficult to understand due to a strong accent. He was adamant that I pay $275 by credit card for the saw that was still under warranty. As a result I did not return anything at that time.
Now my warranty has expired, so I have no choice but to pay $275 for each saw or throw them away.
The DHS716 saws are definitely defective. Both my DHS716 saws died at 2-3 years of lite use when plugged in to AC power. I have other 20 year old dewalt corded saws that still run perfectly fine on the same outlets, so something is wrong with the design.
Many internet posts have also had DHS716 and DHS790 burn up when plugged in to AC Power with the adapter.
I still want to get at least one saw repaired just to have the battery option.
Big Richard
You are right in that there seemed to be issues with both saws when using the AC adapters. I think that is a major reason DeWalt never offered more 120v tools with the AC adapter. I think that is also why the new yet-to-be released 12″ FlexVolt saw is just a single battery 60v.
Still odd they are making you pay shipping, the couple times I had to do it the provided me with a pre paid shipping label. Either way, hope it works out for you.
Dan S
Are there no service centers nearby? I would have asked since customer service is spotty in terms of knowledge or how much they want to help.
John Sogegian
No. The closest for me is 300 miles (5 hours away) in Orlando. There was one 90 minutes away in Ft Lauderdale, but Dewalt shut it down a couple years ago.
I have not returned a tool since that Dewalt store was closed.
I am at the point of transitioning away from dewalt as a result of no local service and terrible phone warranty service. The problem is my shop has over fifty 20v and flexvolt tools, so it is hard to switch brands.
Dan S
That sucks. I’m finally starting to sour on Dewalt myself after having nothing but Dewalt the past 15 years. Expensive batteries and they’re haven’t evolved at all with their 12″ Miter saw that came out 11 years ago.