This is Dewalt’s new FlexVolt brushless circular saw, DCS575. I briefly mentioned the new cordless saw as one of the top 5 hot new tools from Dewalt’s media event, and it also fueled a right-handed vs. left-handed circular saw discussion.
For a couple of years now, ever since Milwaukee came out with their first M18 Fuel brushless circular saws, readers have repeatedly requested: where’s Dewalt’s brushless circular saw?
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Well, here it is!
Dewalt’s first brushless circular saw is part of their FlexVolt line of cordless power tools. It’s a 60V Max saw, meaning it runs off a single FlexVolt battery pack.
Here’s our intro video, including a shot of it cutting through a stack of board materials, followed by a quick show and tell by a Dewalt Product Manager.
The new Dewalt FlexVolt circular size has a full-size blade, 7-1/4″, and can bevel up to 57°, with stops at 22.5° and 45°. It has a blade brake for quick blade stops after the trigger is released. Motor speed is 5800 RPM. There is also a dust chute, which works pretty well for directing dust away from the user.
The saw weighs 7.6 lbs, presumably without battery.
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Dewalt says that it can make up to 339 cuts in 2x4s per battery charge.
The kit will come with a fast charger, (1) or (2) batteries, a FlexVolt blade, and blade wrench.
Price: $179 bare (DCS575), $299 with (1) battery (DCS575T1), $379 with (2) batteries (DCS575T2)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
Buy Now(1-Battery Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(2-Battery Kit via Amazon)
Price Comparison:
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 7-1/4″ saw: bare tool, 1-battery kit, 2-battery kit (via Acme)
Makita XSH01Z 18V X2 7-1/4″ saw: bare tool (via Amazon)
First Thoughts
I had a brief opportunity to cut a stack of sheet goods with the new FlexVolt circular saw, and it powered through without any pause. This is definitely the brushless circular saw that everyone has been waiting for Dewalt to come out with! Although, I am still hoping to see a 20V Max 6-1/2″ model to complement this one.
Interestingly, Dewalt’s DCS575 is priced lower than Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2731 7-1/4″ circular saw, and not just the bare tool. Both of the kits are less expensive too, and they come with higher capacity battery packs. Well, so to speak.
In terms of battery cells, the FlexVolt pack has 50% greater charge capacity when in 20V Max mode, compared to the M18 4.0Ah battery packs bundled in the 2731-21 and 2731-22 kits.
I also found it curious that this saw has a flat shoe plate, unlike the three-dimensional magnesium shoe of the DCS391 6-1/2″ 20V Max cordless circular saw I declared as my editor’s choice circular saw last year. I really like that saw and its magnesium shoe. The shoe plate looks substantial enough to resist dents and dings in use.
Oh, and don’t let the 60V Max part throw you off, the saw was pretty easy to wield. Ask me again after an afternoon of use, but it felt like an 18V-class tool in size and weight, and not as I would have imagined a 60V Max tool would feel.
It’ll be some time before the saw hits the market and we can get our hands on a test sample. But in the meantime, it seems safe to say that it was worth the wait.
Jay
Seldom reach for a corded saw since getting the Makita XSS03Z. Looking forward to giving this new DeWalt a go.
fred
You said: “I also found it curious that this saw has a flat shoe plate, unlike the three-dimensional magnesium shoe of the DCS391 6-1/2″ 20V Max cordless circular saw ”
Over the years I’ve seen manufacturer’s experimenting (read screwing) around with shoe plate design. Some seem better than others for maintaining shape and resisting breakage on falling . Some are not worth a darn because they ride up over a speed square’s edge – often used for a cutting guide. Still others have offered 2-piece design (like on the Super Sawcat to help you cut closer to an obstruction. You would think after all these years – they would have decided what works best.
Adam
What is so special about a FlexVolt blade? It seems they might be extending the lineup name a bit too far.
Stuart
It’s their new line of higher performance power tool accessories. Details are coming soon.
Adam
Totally agree about Dewalt over-applying the Flexvolt brand. The new “Flexvolt” vacuum that only runs at 20V is another example.
Jerry
Its marketing 101. Get people hooked on a buzzword. You don’t know how many people I know who think they just HAVE to get rid of their old tools and go brushless everything. Not that brush less isn’t an improvement, but I know guys getting rid of tools that they never ran out of power with, or even drained more than one battery a day with, thinking what they have is somehow substandard when they are more than good enough for their uses. Kind of like the people who buy a 3/4 ton diesel truck when the biggest load they will haul is a load of groceries.
BJ
Your argument is invalid. I hail ass everywhere
Paul
How hard would it be to add a vacuum adapter for this saw. Yes, I know that defeats the point of cordless but sometimes the clean up is worse then the vacuum setup. Also, we have small cordless vacs now that are wearable.
(see DEWALT DWE575DC Dust collection adapter on amazon. I know this saw was modeled on the cored version and it looks like they have the same mounting holes. I wonder if it is compatible. )
Stuart
There are a lot of tools sold in the USA that are sold with dust collection adapters in Europe. So why not here? Because most users either don’t care for such features, or they’re unwilling to pay a little extra for such features. As someone who likes to collect dust and debris at the source, rather than clean it up after, it bugs me, but what can you do?
Labeda
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWE575DC-collection-adapter-DWE575SB/dp/B00M73I9AG
The corded saw and the 60V look to use the same shroud around the blade so I would assume that this adaptor would still work. But don’t quote me on that.
Adam. spiller
the reason, more tools are sold in Europe with dust collection adapters, is because thirs a lot more regulations in Europe, I know I live in England, I’ve lived in America, and it’s much les regulated, I would much rather be a carpenter in America , than England , so don’t think the grass is greener in Europe it’s not.
Stuart
Yes, that’s true, but not exclusively.
I’ve asked multiple brands about why European versions have features I’d personally like to see on USA versions, such as spring-hinged outlet covers, dust extraction chutes, and the likes, and the answer is usually “it’s not required here and our research shows users aren’t interested in such a feature.”
Meanwhile, you can’t get certain tools in the USA because of our regulations, such as combination power saws and Festool’s CMS table saw insert.
Bremon
I’m eagerly anticipating seeing reviews of this saw and hands-on impressions once it’s in the wild. I have an M18 2730 Fuel 6.5″ and a 2731 7.25″ being delivered this week. You can find screaming deals on both of those saws at this point, both as bare tools or toss-in freebies with drill/driver kits so I can’t imagine the 60V Max saw being a better deal upon release. That being said, I hope the FlexVolt wipes the floor with both my saws; competition is good for those of us in the field.
Adam
Can you mention a few places. I haven’t seen the 7-1/4″ drop below $200. I would have bought the 6-1/2 but I prefer to have a nice blade-selection.
Bremon
I ordered my 7.25 for $169.95 Canadian from black rock tools.
Lance
R reviewed the Makita XSH03 and got 374 2×4 cuts on a single 4.0Ah battery:
Sure, to be completely accurate both saws would need to be tested in the same conditions, but DeWalt claiming 339 2×4 cuts on a 6.0Ah battery seems a little underwhelming?
I’m not sure why people seem so hesitant to call the Flexvolt system what it is: a new battery platform. The 20/60V packs are backward compatible, but the tools are not. Hence, the 60V Flexvolt circular saw is definitely NOT the saw DeWalt users have been waiting for since it is NOT compatible with their existing batteries. The only “compatibility” is the charger, which is fairly slow at charging the FV packs.
Sorry to repeat myself, but the main difference between the 9Ah Milwaukee and the upcoming 9Ah DeWalt FV is marketing. Good old fashioned marketing.
Also, the size of a circular saw is based on the blade, not the voltage. If I’m not mistaken, a 7-1/4″ circular saw is roughly the same size regardless of whether it runs on 18V, 60V or the tried and true 120V.
Doresoom
I agree on the 339 cuts being a bit underwhelming. My Ridgid Gen5X brushless can handle 322 2×4 cuts on a 5Ah battery (extrapolated from a run-time test on a 2Ah battery getting 129 cuts.)
My 5 year old corded circular saw is actually MUCH wider than my 18V cordless brushless version. The motor on that old corded one is freakin huge, and actually doesn’t offer much more in perceptible power.
Lenny
I believe it’s a little more than marketing as Dewalt has taken a completely different approach than everyone else with the Flexvolt. I could be wrong but we will know for sure once these tools hit the market and the real performance testing begins.
Stuart
Yes, the size of a saw is based on the blade, but traditionally, 36V tools have been quite a bit larger than 18V tools. The batteries were physically larger, the interfaces larger, and overall the tools a bit larger.
Yes, FlexVolt is a new battery system, but not completely independent.
The amount of power that can be drawn from 18V-class packs is limited, and many brands are hitting a wall. Makita doubled batteries up in their X2 lineup, Milwaukee added a third row of cells, and Dewalt multiplied the voltage. Many brands are also moving to larger cells if there’s any hope of boosting battery capacity further. With brands all saying they envision a cordless jobsite, it’s going to have to be with next-generation battery packs.
From what I’ve seen, the new tools are actually quite good.
I’m still hoping for a 20V Max brushless 6-1/2″ saw, and I still don’t see a reason why we can’t get one. But in the meantime, the FlexVolt kit is cost-competitive with Milwaukee and Makita offerings.
Lance
All good points.
conan
I can’t wait for the sawzall kit to come out. When are these going to be actually available?
BikerDad
Longingly, eagerly, awaiting the XR or FlexVolt track saw from DeWalt.
This one looks pretty good, but since, at the moment, I want to get one, and only one, cordless circular saw, I’ll hold out. For now.
Jon
Regarding the run-time or number of cuts – having a larger battery pack and getting the same numbers of cuts isn’t that crazy it just means the motor is more powerful.
If you drive a powerful truck the same number of kilometers as a less powerful car you will burn more gas for the same distance traveled. Is the car always the better choice?
Comparing just the number of cuts or total run-time is not telling you the whole story. Besides which after a certain amount of “cuts per charge” having additional run-time is not much more value (because who is looking to cut more than 300 2×4’s without grid power AND without swapping batteries? Not many people.)
Lance
If you’re driving both the car and truck unloaded (i.e. not doing any work), then yes, the car is the better choice. But that’s like measuring the run time of the saws with their blades just spinning in air – pointless.
The “cuts per charge” metric is very relevant as it tells you how much actual work the tool can do, and cutting 2x lumber is what a lot of circ saws do for a living.
Comparing the DeWalt FV saw to the Makita XSH03, if the Makita can cut just as many (or more?) 2x boards on a 2/3 smaller capacity pack, you have a cheaper and much lighter tool/battery combo option. Handy if you’re working at heights and need to climb around with it.
All this is speculation until we see a test done on the new DeWalt. If RTR tests the FV saw the same way they tested the Makita the results will be comparable. Until then, we’re speculating. For all we know the DeWalt will outperform the Makita in testing. Just curious that the DeWalt claim is what it is. Maybe they’re being conservative?
Stuart
Cuts per charge is meaningless unless tools are tested under different conditions – light loading, medium loading, heavy loading.
How many 2×4 crosscuts will someone often make in a day with a cordless circular saw? (I’m asking seriously.)
Jay
Good question. As always, the answer is it depends. If you’re standing up prefabbed walls you might have to cut a brace or three along with some top plate. If you’re stick framing then you will need to cut a lot of blocks to make up your corners, t’s, jacks, cripples, sills, bridging blocks and make many cuts running plate material. If you are popping a line trimming trusses or rafter tails on several houses you would also make many cuts. Same goes for blocking out, building kitchen soffits, framing heatilators, building knee walls, parapet walls, second story decks at patio doors, etc., etc.. This is by no means all inclusive, no doubt others here can name many other tasks requiring 2×4 crosscuts but it’s a start.
Lance
The number of 2×4 cross cuts is relevant if you scale it up for 2x material in general, which covers the vast majority of wood non-sheet building materials.
2×6= divide by 1.5
2×8= divide by 2, etc.
ca
Blade sizes are what they are for a reason. The advantage of a 7-1/4″ blade is the ability to cut 2x material at a 45 degree bevel. That said, it takes more power to run a larger blade than a smaller one.
Jon
Actually a 6.5 inch blade can cut through 2x material at 45 degrees.
A big difference between 6.5 and 7.25 blades is cost over time. The smaller blades cost more and wear out quicker because they have less cutting circumference (18 teeth versus 24 for a framing blade).
jmc
Can’t wait for that saw…do wish dewalt would expand the 20v max line…5in orbital sander ( like everyone else) trim router ( like ryobi,great round over router) ..fan (like everyone else) …18g brad nailer.(like everyone else )..brushless circ saw….i do appreciate the cordless framing nailer dcn692,also the new hanger gun..dcn 693….those nailers are the reason i chose dewalt…I’m a framer and build decks every week….for now ryobi fills the gap dewalt leaves,as only ryobi has that router……cmon dewalt finish the line up…
Carlos
That 7 1/2″ blade running at 5800 rpm probably translates to some some impressive cutting speed
Jay
A corded Makita 5007 spins at 5800 rpm. If that flexvolt saw proves out that will be one more corded tool off the truck. Only downside is having to invest in a new battery ecosystem. Still thinking about that. The little Makita 5-3/8″ cordless saw is actually very capable and is a joy to use as it is powerful, well balanced and light weight. Assuming the flexvolt circ saw is more than just another pretty face, having that kind of muscle and blade capacity in a right handed cordless 7-1/4″ saw makes it a must have.
David
Looks like Europe is getting a track saw accepted base plate. Wish US got these plates Dewalt!!
Stuart
The track saw is coming to the USA, either at the end of this year, or beginning of 2017.
Preston Kapsos
Kickback Brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed and the electronic brake engages with maximum force to quickly stop the wheel, reduce the movement of the grinder, and shut the grinder off Kickback Brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed and the electronic brake engages with maximum force to quickly stop the wheel, reduce the movement of the grinder, and shut the grinder off
HDJC
Burgeoning DIYer and soon to be home owner looking to invest in some quality, long service life tools. Thanks for this site btw, been referencing it a lot.
Is it worth knocking the skilsaw spt67wm-22 off my shopping list, and picking one of these up instead? I already have the DeWalt drill and driver you rec. on my list.
In general, is battery technology to a point where they’re real replacements for corded tools? The cord adapter is a nice touch, but are they just going to keep replacing the batteries to get you to buy a new set every 5 years? For my use case, I won’t wear out any pro quality tool in that product lifespan, and as cool as the wiz-bang new stuff is, I would rather invest in a set of pro level tools that will last long enough to be my son’s first set, same as my dad did. I’m also operating out of a garage, so the cordless advantage, while interesting, is not nearly as high as for a pro on a site. Where would you go corded vs cordless?
Thanks.
Stuart
The FlexVolt doesn’t come with a corded adapter. Only the 120V Max tools can be run cordlessly or corded.
I think that, in most cases now, cordless tools have caught up to corded. If it will mainly be used in your garage and near an AC outlet, corded should suffice. You could always get cordless later.
For DIYer use, a corded saw might be of more utility than cordless, and gives you greater options.
I still like cordless because it allows me to break down some dimensional lumber, boards, oe sheets at the store parking lot for easier transport. Asking the workers to do it takes a long time sometimes, and their blades are worn to where taking an ax to the wood would result in a nicer cut quality.
Jo Bourque
These saws have phenomenal power, but have two major draw backs. The ones that came to Canada had/have problems:
1. The deck edges are not parallel to the blade (about 1/8” off), so you cannot run the deck edge against your 7” framing square and get a square cut like you could with previous generations.
2. The cut notch at the front of the saw is 3/16+” off from the blade and doesn’t line up with anything on either side of the chalk line that you’re cutting on. What’s the point of this? So stupid and poorly made.