- Model: DCS312
- Length: 12.12″
- Weight: 3.04 lbs (bare)
- Stroke Length: 5/8″
- Speed: 0-2,800 SPM
Dewalt has added a new compact reciprocating saw to their line of 12V Max Xtreme Subcompact cordless power tools, which first launched a couple of months ago in mid-2019.
The new Dewalt 12V Max compact reciprocating saw, model DCS312, is designed for one-handed use and cutting a wide range of materials, such as OVC, metal pipe, wood, conduit, and EMT.
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The new saw looks to be Dewalt’s answer to the Milwaukee M12 Fuel brushless Hackzall reciprocating saw, a popular compact and one-handed tool.
This is not Dewalt’s first 12V Max reciprocating saw; they released a pivoting-handle saw back in 2012, although it seems to have been discontinued in recent years. The older and new Dewalt 12V Max reciprocating saws are pretty similar in on-paper specs, but the new Xtreme Subcompact model has a smaller one-handed form factor and also a higher-efficiency brushless motor.
I bought Dewalt’s Atomic 20V Max one-handed reciprocating saw a few months ago. Frankly, I have been finding it to be underpowered for a 20V Max-class brushless-motored reciprocating saw. Interestingly, Dewalt’s new Xtreme Subcompact model is very similarly spec’ed, with the same stroke length and cutting speed, and very similar size and weight specs.
Does that mean that the 20V Max Atomic saw has 12V-class performance, or that the 12V Max Xtreme Subcompact tool is 20V-class in size?
While I feel the Atomic saw is underpowered – but still a worthwhile buy for several reasons – the same specs will likely just right for Dewalt’s 12V Max Xtreme Subcompact tool.
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Curiously, the Atomic version is priced at $129, and the Xtreme Subcompact version $139.
I purchased our Atomic one-handed reciprocating saw sample, and planned to keep it for continued use. I have zero regrets, but if I’m being honest, I’d trade it for this Xtreme Subcompact model in a heartbeat, at least going by Dewalt’s press materials and the published on-paper specs and details we’ve seen thus far.
Although… I have plenty of Dewalt 20V Max cordless power tool batteries, and a couple of fresh higher-capacity 12V Max batteries that came bundled with recent Xtreme Subcompact review samples.
With the Atomic saw being barely larger and heavier than the Xtreme Subcompact version, does it really matter which is used? From what I can tell, both tools *should* deliver comparable performances given their identical cutting speed and stroke length specs. I *know* this, but my subconscious is (wrongfully) telling me that with the same specs, the 12V Max tool should have better power-to-size ratio. But then I force myself to remember that it’s actually the same size.
Looking at the kit price, that might be a very good reason to go with this 12V Max model for $30 more than the list price of the bare tool, you get a charger and new higher capacity 3.0Ah battery.
For a 12V-class tool to have the same specs as a 20V-class tool, the motor’s going to have to be more powerful. Perhaps this contributes to the slightly higher pricing?
Given the performance I’ve seen with the Dewalt Atomic model, I’m optimistic about this new Xtreme Subcompact model. Still, I find myself going back and forth about which one I’d buy if given the choice again. If Dewalt engineers their 12V and 20V Max tools to offer the same cutting speed and stroke length, and with minor differences in bare tool length and weight, how do you choose between them?
I’m not alone in having difficulty comparing the two saws (at least on paper), am I?
Dewalt DCS312 Saw Features & Specs
- 5/8″ stroke length
- 0-2800 SPM
- Weighs 3.04 lbs (bare tool)
- 12.12″ length
- Tool-free blade release
- Variable speed trigger
- Optimized for one-handed use
- LED worklight
Dewalt DCS312 Saw Pricing
Bare Tool (DCS312B): $139
Kit (DCS312G1): $169
The kit comes with a 3.0Ah battery and charger.
ETA: Spring 2020
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Kit via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Kit via Acme Tools
Competition Snapshot
The most common comparison, at least my opinion, would be against the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall, model 2520. At the moment, the 4.0Ah kit is $179 and eligible for a free 6.0Ah XC battery offer.
The Milwaukee 2520 has a 5/8″ stroke length, 0-3000 SPM cutting speed, 11″ length (bare), and 3.2 lbs bare tool weight. Dewalt’s saw is a little lighter but a little longer (comparing bare tool to bare tool). I would have expected for Dewalt’s Xtreme Subcompact one-handed reciprocating saw to be a little more compact. Then again, Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel Hackzall is a great tool. If the new Dewalt 12V Max saw matches or bests the performance of the M12 Fuel, it’ll be a winner.
Compare: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Kit (Brushless)
Compare: Milwaukee M12 Kit
Compare: Bosch 12V Kit via Amazon
Compare: Makita 12V Kit via Amazon
Additional Discussion
I can’t say this is the tool Dewalt cordless power tool users have been hoping and waiting for, because very many interested pros and users lost any hope in seeing new 12V Max cordless power tools from team yellow, let alone premium brushless tools.
But, I think the new Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact saw has the makings of a winner, and it has a strong chance of gaining market share – assuming users are happy with what it can do – despite it being a late entry into a maturing product category.
Dewalt sure took their time to pour renewed efforts into their 12V Max cordless power tool platform, but I’m optimistic that they took the time to do things right.
I can’t quite shake the gut feeling that we’re going to see more overlap between Dewalt Atomic 20V Max and Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact 12V Max cordless power tool offerings. With Atomic being a Home Depot-exclusive product line (their words, and with respect to home improvement retail chains), and Xtreme Subcompact looking to be a Lowe’s-exclusive product line (again, with respect to home improvement retail chains), such overlap kind of makes sense.
A couple of months ago, an industry insider confided in me that new Dewalt 12V Max Xtreme Subcompact tools would be “basically the same tool as the 20V Atomic but with a 12V battery.” Now I see what they meant, but maybe this will be the exception and not the start of a pattern. And even if it will be a pattern, I think it’s still wonderful for Dewalt to be revisiting their 12V Max cordless power tool line after so many years.
ca
In 12V, DeWalt essentially has a drill, impact driver, recip saw and lasers. If these new tools are more or less the same as the 20V Atomic, there is very little incentive to buy into their 12V platform. I think they need to make a much wider range of 12V tools (a la Milwaukee) before they’ll see any large interest in them.
Corey Moore
“Essentially” glosses over a good bit of instruments, not to mention light, impact wrench, and screwdrivers. Not on Milwaukee’s level at all, but that was an inaccurately reductive description of the line. The bulk of those have been out forever, too. Not bread and butter for most in general trades, but a good example of presuming that what’s relevant to one’s own needs is all that’s around.
ca
Okay fair enough. There are three instruments other than lasers that I can recall: IR thermometer, inspection camera and a discontinued wall scanner. Including the light, the impact wrench and the screwdriver, what does that bring their total line up to? Around 10 types of tools? I think my point still stands.
John
I agree. They need to expand on the 12v line. I would be willing to spend money on a good tool but how can i if there’s not much of a selection. I really like the Milwaukee small cut off tool but im not a Milwaukee guy so hopefully dewalt will hate me a little less in 2020 and put out some good tools.
Roger
It’s the beginning of the year and this is the First announcement from the X12 line. Looks like it can attach a wire belt clip like the nail guns. But it’s missing.
I’m REALLY hoping for a X12:
Universal hammer vac;
New lighting options; and more stuff to compliment the 20V line
Still need a couple more options to jump in, but this is a GREAT start. It keeps my interest since the systems are somewhat inter-charger-able 12V/20V/60V and don’t have to buy a new set of chargers.
MarylandUSA
I applaud Dewalt for making–and including–a 3.0AH slider battery. Why won’t Makita (CXT) and Skil (PWRCore 12) introduce 12-volt slider batteries with more capacity than 2.0AH per cell? In their 12V batteries, both companies offer only 2.0AH, using 3 cells, and 4.0AH, using 6 cells. They needn’t jump to 3.0AH and 6.0AH; even 2.5AH and 5.0AH would be welcome, as they do in their 18/20-volt batteries.
I realize that even Milwaukee M12 sticks to 2.0AH per cell for its flat-bottom batteries, which use 6 or 9 cells. But 3 of those cells are in the handle, so at least we don’t pay a penalty in size…just a penalty in weight.
Stuart
Cost? Performance?
Both Makita and Milwaukee offer 4Ah (and greater) battery pack sizes.
Milwaukee has a 3.0Ah CP battery, but I don’t think it’s as popular as lower capacity compact or higher capacity XC batteries. https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m12-3ah-compact-xc-battery-differences/
MarylandUSA
Makita does not offer a 12AH battery larger than 4.0AH.
M
check canadian tool stores that ship south of their border. makita has 4.0 ah 12v cxt batteries
MarylandUSA
Makita’s 12V grass shear (MU04Z) is identical to its 18V counterpart (XMU04Z). Power and size are the same. They differ only in their runtime and their weight and size with a battery attached.
John
I’ve been finding it hard to find good pricing on Dewalt 12v batteries (any amp-hrs).
Anyone have any insights on where/when to look for promotions?
Nathan
I’ve been meaning to ask this for a while.
Is the 12V extreme system and the 20V atomic system meant to be similar/same spec tools with different voltage battery systems and expected sales out of 2 stores.
As it seems mostly that’s the case. I’m OK with that as I sort of want the new screwdriver but would love to use my 20V system on it as opposed to getting new 12V batteries I have no other tool for.
Patrick
I’m not sure. The recip saws share similar specs (pivoting shoe on the Atomic only) but the drills and impacts show a noticeable differences in size, power and weight. I view Atomic as being geared towards those who want the smaller sizes/weight in their 20 volt tools and want one battery platform only. I don’t mind multiple platforms so I prefer the size and weight of 12 volt tools for jobs that don’t require extra power and turn to my (non Atomic) 20 volt tools for bigger jobs that do.
I have the previous 12 volt version of the screwdriver and love it so I understand your dilemma. It will be interesting to revisit this topic if DeWalt releases a 12 volt version of a circular saw similar to the Atomic.
Bill
Yes Stuart I agree, I was one of the disillusioned and disappointed Dewalt 12v Max users who gave up hope of anything new from Dewalt in this line. A few years ago I started buying into Milwaukee’s 12v tools and I am quite pleased with the depth and breadth of their line. There was nothing wrong with Dewalt’s early 12v tools but they simply weren’t keeping up with the competition. They failed to innovate, so many of their customers moved on without them as I did.
Big Richard
Couple other differences between the 12v DCS312 vs 20V DCS369 worth noting:
– Does not feature a pivoting shoe
– Does not feature “rafter hook” on the shoe (DCS369 shoe has a hook that can grab 2x material)
– No belt clip
Not huge differences, but makes all the difference for some.
James C
In general, I’d be interested to learn more about the components, specifically the motors, going into power tools. I know some brands use 3rd party motors for their tools while others might manufacture them. I think I read on here a while back about a brand discontinuing a particular drill model because they couldn’t source its motor anymore.
So in this case with DeWalt, is the atomic recip being limited in power due the small motor they used? Could that motor and this 12v one be the same model? Are there cases where a brand is using the same motor between 12v and 18v tools? I know batteries, gearing, and electronics also come into play but the motor has to be one of the bigger factors at play with the power of battery powered tools.
Justin
I love my Milwaukee hackzall. I’ve burned through several of them over the years and never think twice about buying the replacement (they don’t like getting wet, but are great for quickly removing wet ceilings).
I won’t buy one of these, but it has to be a win for someone who has the Dewalt platform and was envious of the hackzall. I love the shape and size and can barely remember the last time I used a traditional sawzall.
Bob
So now that the 12v model has been out for a while, any real-world comparisons with the Atomic version?
Big Richard
Yes, check out this review:
https://www.protoolreviews.com/tools/power/cordless/saws-cordless/dewalt-12v-brushless-reciprocating-saw-dcs312/53842/
They compare it to its brushed predecessor and the 20v Atomic.
Stuart
I’d buy the 12V Max. The Atomic is more convenient for 20V Max users, but other than that there’s no real advantage aside from pricing.
Bob
Thanks, I have both 12v and 20v so that’s why I’m asking. Seems like in my case you’re right the 12v’s the way to go.
Big Richard
Additionally, there are a few features the Atomic has that the Xtreme does not. As you said not, real “advantages”, just nice to have. Also, runtime is another issue. If you want the longest runtime possible without having to swap/charge a battery, the Atomic offers much larger capacity batteries. Now, a giant 12Ah battery on a compact tool sorta defeats the purpose, but it is an option.
I think they both have their place. I leave the Atomic in my shop for small jobs and the Xtreme in my tool bag (with other 12v tools) for portability.