Dewalt has come out with a new Xtreme 12V Max cordless circular saw, model DCS512, which they say delivers powerful and accurate cutting performance across a wide range of materials.
Notable features include a 5-3/8″ blade size, rafter hook for convenient jobsite storage, an electric brake for quickly stopping the blade after trigger release, an optional dust collection attachment (included), and LED worklight.
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Dewalt press materials emphasize the compact size of their Xtreme Sub-Compact circular saw, and also describe it as Performance Packed given its enhanced feature set.
I’ve got no arguments there, this does look to be a premium-featured and very compact-looking brushless circular saw.
According to the product description, the saw has an aluminum shoe.
The saw has a 0-50° bevel capacity, and full 1-3/4″ cutting depth at 90°.
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Dewalt bundles the saws with an optional dust collection chute, which looks to be sized for their dust vacs.
Unless I’m mistaken, I believe that you can use Dewalt’s DWV9000 universal connector with other brands of dust vacs that use a standard 1-1/4″ hose connection.
Here’s the LED worklight, which helps to improve cutline visibility.
Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max Circular Saw Features & Specs
- 5-3/8″ blade size
- 3600 RPM no-load speed
- 1-3/4″ max cutting depth at 90°
- 1-1/4″ max cutting depth at 45°
- 0-50° bevel range
- Weighs 4.9 lbs (tool only)
The new circular saw will be available as a bare tool (DCS512B), and there will also be a kit option (DCS512J1). The kit will come with a charger, tool bag, and 5.0Ah battery.
Price: $139 for the bare tool, $199 for the kit
ETA: August 2021
Discussion & What This Means
A few months ago, I posted that the newly announced Dewalt 12V Max 5Ah battery signaled that more compact cordless power tools are coming soon. And, it looks like I was right!
The 5Ah battery delivers the power, performance, and runtime that a tool like this needs. What other tools do you think the Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max series 5Ah battery was designed to power?
See Also:
New Dewalt 12V 5Ah Battery Signals that More Cordless Power Tools are Coming Soon
Dewalt’s first-ever 12V-class cordless and brushless motor circular saw looks to be a great addition to their lineup, and I hope (and don’t think) they’re done with the expansion of this compact cordless lineup.
A new band saw is on the way:
And their new Xtreme impact wrenches have just started to ship:
Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact 12V Impact Wrenches – Now Available
Dewalt officially announced their Xtreme Sub-Compact series of 12V Max cordless power tools just two years ago.
I was hopeful that Dewalt would work to expand the lineup, and quite frankly, I’m pleased with their progress thus far.
Dewalt has moved beyond drills and drivers, and now offers 3 cutting tools – a compact reciprocating saw, a compact circular saw, and a compact brand saw.
What do you think is coming next to Dewalt’s Xtreme 12V Max cordless power tool system?
John E
I think I’ll pick one of these up and give it a spin. I use the original 6 1/2″ brushed saw a lot. The 7 1/4″ cordless is just too bulky for the limited power it delivers, and I’m talking about the Flexvolt Advantage version. Stalls too easily to warrant the size and weight.
Wish the blade would spin a little faster on this new saw than 3600 rpm but having both a compact blade left and blade right cordless circular saw is a big plus to me. If it outperforms it’s size and specs, it’ll be a keeper.
I’ve been totally spoiled by having a cordless and corded Mafell KSS 40/300 for several years but want something that I don’t mind abusing a little more or for working out where things get messy.
Top of my Xtreme 12v wishlist is a compact SDS rotary hammer. The 20v is fantastic but feels overkill for 1/4″ Tapcons. Make something half the weight and I’m in.
Second is a 1/2″ chuck Xtreme drill/hammer drill. They really need one in their lineup. I’d buy two.
Third would be a 12v jigsaw. I have the 12v Bosch and it is superb, but I’m too invested in Dewalt’s 12v lineup to get serious about another lineup.
I know Milwaukee cover most of these areas already but I think Dewalt’s ergonomics are second to none and if you are using tools all day, like I am, that matters.
Big Richard
A 12v barrel grip jigsaw has been on the top of my wish list since they “re-launched” the 12v line. I know they have a 20v, but with a barrel grip I prefer precision over power, so a 12v seems to fit the bill better.
alex
It’s coming. The atomic version is already out :
https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/rotary-and-demolition-hammers/atomic-20v-max-58-in-brushless-cordless-sds-plus-rotary-hammer-tool-only/dch172b
John E
Good spot! Although I hope they aren’t going to copy this over to the 12v platform. Still looks bulky and doesn’t seem to have a chipping function which the 273 does. Need something light and soft for small tile repair. Am curious to so what/if they come up with. The new 12v recip saw is head and shoulders above the old one.
Greg
Dch072 you’ll see soon enough
John E
Lowes just posted it on their website.
No price yet. I’m guessing $199
OhioHead
Good find but I read this new rotary hammer as “atomic” 20v and not “atomic” 12v.
alex
Most atomic tools are followed by a 12 v version of the same tool.
John E
Lowes had it listed for a few days, now it’s gone. DCH072b. $179
MFC
The DCS573 (flexvolt advantage) isn’t performing well for you? I found it’s not as powerful as the 6.5″ brushless with a 20v battery in it (larger blade makes it bog down), but it’s got almost the same power as the 578 with a flexvolt battery. It’s a big difference between the two batteries. Are you using a 20v battery in it?
John E
6ah Flexvolt batteries and 5ah 20v batteries. Runs good for the first bar or so on the battery then feels weak. That’s with new Diablo 24 or 40 tooth blades cutting wet pressure treated SYP. It’s not terrible, but I was perhaps expecting greater things.
Cutting a 56° bevel is terrible. Blade wants to run way off the line and bind. Might be because those Diablo blades are so thin. I suspect the blade tilt doesn’t stay true from front of the blade to the back. This isn’t a difficult problem for Dewalt engineers to fix but they don’t seem to address it. Most sub $200 saws have this problem to varying degrees. I’m still looking for this saw’s replacement.
ca
Have you tried the DeWalt flexvolt (not flexvolt advantage)? It’s as powerful as any 7-1/4” corded saw I’ve ever used. I haven’t experienced any tracking issues with it either, although I don’t commonly do bevel cuts with it.
John E
Have not sprung for that one yet. I’ve heard good things about it though. I’m starting to collect too many circular saws again and would like to pare it down to three or maybe four max.
MM
The full-on Flexvolt saw (not Advantage) is substantially more powerful than a 120V corded saw. If I remember correctly it gets something like 2400 watts output while a normal corded saw is something like 1500. There are a number of comparison tests up on YT and it absolutely spanks corded saws in terms of power.
Travis
They are all 20 volt batteries
Jared
I’m surprised it took this long. A circular saw was an obvious gap if Dewalt wants to call the 12v tools a complete and independent line of tools. Looks good to me.
What are the differences between an aluminum vs. magnesium shoe (like on the 6.5″ 20v saw)? Is it just that the smaller saw doesn’t benefit as much from the more exotic material?
Big Richard
SDS+ 5/8″ roto hammer, similar to the new Atomic 20v DCH172B is probably the next thing. The 12v – and 20v – ratchets hopefully aren’t to far behind.
With its lower speed, I can see myself using this as a metal cutting saw, even if that is not specifically what it is designed for. The 5 3/8″ metal cutting blades are not super uncommon, and generally cheaper than larger blades. I’ve got some MK Morse Metal Devil blades that could use a new home, and I think this little guy would make a great home.
MM
I have a Milwaukee M12 5-3/8″ circ saw and it’s very impressive with the Diablo steel-cutting blade on it. A few weeks ago I did some work on my truck and fabbed up a fog light mounting bracket and did some work on a trailer hitch receiver. I cut 1/8″ thick plate steel as well as 1/4″ and 3/8″ steel angle and square tube and the saw had no problem with it. I even plunge-cut 1/4″-thick steel. I’d assume this saw would perform just as well. Just make sure you have good eye pro because the guard appears meant for woodcutting, not metal.
John E
One thing Dewalt need to do on all their circular saws is put a micro adjustment screw on the base plate so that the shoe can be aligned parallel with the blade.
The only one I’ve ever seen this on is the DW364 corded. The last Dewalt saw I bought (6 1/2″ brushless) would not follow a straight edge at all (most won’t, to be perfectly honest). Checked the base plate and it was over 1/8″ off true with the blade with no way to adjust. Cannot run it along a speed square and get a square cut.
Works fine freehand though.
Just a thought.
Ken Wallace
Wow! An honest experienced user. I have a cheap black and decker circular saw that won’t cut a 2×4 at 90° square cuts. The through cut is angled and adjustment with a speed square does not fix the problem. So I’m looking at Dewalt and see these are just more expensive junk. Thanks!
philip s john
Kinda off topic but not really… What brand will be the first to make a cordless massage gun. Ideally at 12 v or even at 18 v. It’s great for athletes and hardworking individuals who use power tools. We can already convert a jig saw , oscillating tool , palm sander and some car buffers into massage tools. Just look on Amazon for the bits. And Or make you own to fit the tools. This is so usefull it could have it’s own topic here on tool guide. These could ease your pain and get you up and running much sooner. Plus they are portable for travel . Can be applied right away for pinched nerves. Save hundreds on a visit to masseuse. I mean a different kind of blood flow is always welcome and our tools are capable … pun intended.
Jared
I have never heard of converting a power tool to a massager – I’m going to google it now.
But, to answer your question, my money would be on Ryobi. 😋
TonyT
Yup, Ryobi…or maybe Hoover?
philip s john
I was playing soccer on Sunday and my back tightened right up after a small collision. Pain was significant… but not as bad as watching England at euro final.
Anyhow a teammate had a precussion gun. They work great. Another time the gun loosened a tight calf muscle. I did a test with all the equipment I mentioned. I plan to use my mil m12 jig saw with massage heads from Amazon. And last nigh my dewalt palm sander 20v random orbital with a car buffer cushion worked really well. I was able to apply myself to my back and my elbows which both had some tendinitis. All that is needed is a few minutes and the heat and circulation is complete.
philip s john
Lol. Hoover.
Kizzle
Convert a Hitachi magic wand into cordless… I like the way you think. 😏
Koko The Talking Ape
They make those!
https://www.lovehoney.com/sex-toys/vibrators/magic-wand-vibrators/p/magic-wand-rechargeable-extra-powerful-cordless-vibrator/a34101g61141.html
Serendipity
Ave converted a corded magic wand to cordless.
There are a bunch on Alibaba and Banggood
MFC
I would like to see the 512 next to the 565. If it’s small enough then I can see a use for it, but I can’t imagine the 12v being able to do more than rip plywood and kind of cut through 2x4s.
John E
That’s my impression also. Looks like I’m going to have to drop another $1300 on another Mafell. KSS 60 is looking more and more like a bargain the more I put in to cheap saws.
MFC
Wow, yeah, that type of saw would definitely be valuable for certain applications. If a tool makes you money, solves problems and is enjoyable to use, then it’s worth almost any price. Almost.
fm2176
Don’t know if I’ll get this, as I have the M12 Fuel 6-1/2″ and a few cordless 7-1/4″ saws, but it’s about time that DeWalt started paying more attention to its 12v Max lineup. I’ve owned various 12v Max tools for years (before investing in M12) and picked up the 3/8″ impact wrench a couple of years ago before investing in the Xtreme drill and reciprocating saw a month or so ago (subsequently gifting my older 12v Max tools to a friend).
Milwaukee has the “king” of 12v class systems right now (in the US, at least, not sure how they fare against Bosch and Makita abroad), but there’s always room for competition. DeWalt’s ergonomics are arguably better, and their battery systems are more closely aligned than the M12/M18 platforms, meaning that not only are my chargers mostly compatible with both platforms (not to mention FlexVolt batteries), but also my ToughSystem radio and Bluetooth speakers.
Kingsley
I have a flexvolt circular saw an old 18V with adapter and a 4″ 20V saw. I don’t need this saw, but I will buy one because it’s very cute.
JoeM
Has… No one seen the glaring omission here? This is the first DeWALT circular saw to come with the proper Straight Edge Fence in the package!
Until now, it was a brutal fight between buying the recommended fence in the manual, and finding out each model has a specific fence and nut you need to acquire direct from DeWALT… They’re the same price, so they often tell you “You bought that one, so we’ll just send you the right one for free” but sometimes they make you pay twice, or return the original, but this new 12V XT saw comes with the proper one already… That’s a huge step that gets overlooked quite often!
Also… Stuart? Umm… Correction Gremlin is a little shy right now, so I’ll just tell you… You missed a spelling mistake…
Just before you ask the readers what they think is coming, You have:
Dewalt has moved beyond drills and drivers, and now offers 3 cutting tools – a compact reciprocating saw, a compact circular saw, and a compact brand saw.
I think you mean Band saw.
Poor Correction Gremlin was freaking out a little over this, because, technically… they’re all DeWALT-BRAND Saws… So he’s in his happy place now… All is good with CG….
As to an answer to your question… What I’d love to see… 12V XT or 20V XR… Is a wearable dust collector. Backpack or hanging from a belt behind you… little vacuum, standard hose, powered by the battery of that system. We already know the DCB091 USB power source fits both systems, for use with the heated jackets. I don’t see why it would hinder a backpack, or belt-mounted dust collection bag. Plug that 5Ah 12V battery into it, it will operate at 12 volts the same way the Jackets do. Maybe it’s annoying, and someone with more worksite experience than myself (read: everybody, since I tend to work alone.) can expand on a better way to do this?
My thought is… the biggest complaint about dust collection and cordless tools, is that you’re tying yourself down to a collection hose, losing the true cordless freedom. Well… what if you… were the source of the dust collection? Reduced in size, and weight, obviously you don’t need to operate on behalf of the entire shop… but it would mean you could be disconnected, while still keeping the dust and chips at bay. I dunno, maybe have a secondary output valve that, when you turn off the body-worn collector, and hook up a hose from a shop collector to the port, it empties the bag for you in a matter of seconds? I know there’s already relatively small collection bags you can get for the Mitre Saws, but I somehow doubt someone rip-cutting all day wants to empty that every hour. Something bigger is called for.
Good? Bad? Shut up Joe, you’re an idiot? Ideas?
JoeM
P.S. Yes, I shortened the marketing name of Extreme Subcompact, with however they capitalized it, to just XT. eXtreme subcompacT. 20V Max has XR, eXtreme Runtime… I see the XT line as the 12 volt expansion that the 20V line got when it went XR.
Maybe calling it XSC would work better? I dunno. I’m just trying to make it faster to type the line’s name.
Big Richard
The Atomic 20v DCS571 came with a rip guide, or straight edge guide, as well.
And, they actually already have a wearable dust collector. It just doesn’t use standard 1 1/4″ vacuum hose, unfortunately. It’s meant for roto hammers, but it would work for sanders and such if only it used 1 1/4″ hose and could take their DWV9000 universal attachment. they really dropped the ball on it, imo.
https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/rotary-and-demolition-hammers/rotary-hammers/20v-max-brushless-universal-dust-extractor-kit/dwh161d1
alex
Plenty of cordless options 🙂
https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/rotary-and-demolition-hammers/rotary-hammers/20v-max-brushless-universal-dust-extractor-tool-only/dwh161b
https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/dust-management/dust-extractors-and-vacs/flexvolt-60v-max-dust-extractor-tool-only/dcv585b
Alex
Anyone hear anything about the dcs382 recip saw or the dcf923 impact? I’ve been seeing the 382 in tool kits and on eBay but not anything official from Dewalt the 923 I actually heard about on here but can’t seem to find any info on it.
Big Richard
DCS382 is their new “compact” brushless 20v XR recip, similar to the Craftsman V20 model CMCS350B. It’s up on Lowe’s website.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-DEWALT-20V-MAX-XR-BRUSHLESS-RECIPROCATING-SAW-BARE/5002951793
The DCF923 is their new “shorty” 20v 1/2″ impact wrench, similar to the 12v DCF903 they released earlier this year. No word as to when it will be available. They have a slew of 20v and 12v ratchets that will likely be announced at the time though. It’s gonna be nice. I’ll update as I learn more.
Alex
Sweet I’m definitely looking forward to all of it Dewalt is definitely gonna make my pocket hurt with those ratchets.
Big Richard
From what I’ve seen/heard, should be a 20v 1/4″, 20v 3/8″, 12v 1/4″, 12v 3/8″, and 12v extended 3/8″. That’s nothing official, so take it for what it is.
Big Richard
And sorry I got the models mixed p above, DCF923 is the 3/8″ model. DCF921 is the 1/2″ model.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/dewalt-20v-max-lithium-ion-brushless-atomic-3-8in-impact-wrench-hog-ring-tool-only/1001651773
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/dewalt-20v-max-lithium-ion-brushless-atomic-1-2in-impact-wrench-hog-ring-tool-only/1001651774
Mike
I have the craftsman brushless recip saw and that is a beast it cut faster than the full size power detect it’s not as powerful as the power detect
Big Richard
It should cut faster, compared to the Power Detect they both have 1 1/8″ stroke length, but the Craftsman – and this new DeWalt – has 3200spm vs 3000spm. Power Detect should still be more torquey though, bogging less under heavy load.
Jacob
So a question. I was really close to getting the Skil PWRcore 12 5-1/2″ Circular Saw when I saw this. I’m on both platforms, the Skil is obviously cheaper, but has a slidely bigger blade.
So why the 1/8th inch difference in blade diameter? Does the 5-3/8″ offer anything over the 5-1/2??
Just curious. Still not sure which one I want to get.
Slats
That slightly larger blade diameter of the Skil doesn’t seem to offer any advantage in cut capacity as the DeWalt specs out slightly better (1-3/4″ versus 1-5/8 at 90 degrees and 1/16th more at 45). Price and blade availability could be determining factors until the performance of the DeWalt is known. Where I live, neither blade size is available in abundance.
I would assume that Milwaukee, and now DeWalt, determined that the 5-3/8″ blade size gave them the best bang for the buck and performance with 12 volt power.
vipkl
Can the DCS512 use 5-1/2″ blades in addition to 5-3/8″ blades? I ask since the M12 5-3/8″ saw is officially compatible with both blade sizes, which can give you more options in a pinch. For example, my local Home Depot and Lowe’s only stock 24-tooth blades in the 5-1/2″ size.
BTW is the DCS512 still bundled with a 16-tooth blade?
P.S. How does a 5-3/8″ blade spinning at 3600 RPM compare to a 4-1/2″ blade at 4500 RPM (DCS571), in terms of the tip speed (ft/min or in/min)?
Stuart
According to the online user manual (PDF), it’s still bundled with a 16T blade. I don’t see mention of anything other than 5-3/8″ blade compatibility.
A 5-3/8″ blade has a circumference of 16.9 inches.
A 4-1/2″ blade has a circumference of 14.1 inches.
3600 RPM x 16.9″ linear edge per rotation x 1ft/12″ = 5070 feet per minute
4500 RPM x 14.1″ linear edge per rotation x 1ft/12″ = 5288 feet per minute
That’s without any load. Under load, application speeds might vary.
vipkl
Wow thank you for replying to your old article with all that information!
I ended up buying 5 more Xtreme including the DCS512… couldn’t resist Lowe’s deal to get the 3Ah/5Ah/4A charger bundle with each tool.
I did pick up a 5-1/2″ 24T blade from the store and mounted it on the DCS512 (it juust cleared the blade guard). It spun up fine, but what you said made me afraid to actually try on a 2X hehe (picturing explosion). So I ordered 5-3/8″ blades online, and I guess I should play it safe and return the 5-1/2″ blade…
Anyways I’m trying more 12V versions (got all the Xtreme except wrenches) over my existing 20V Atomic/XR. Wondering if there could ever be 12V framing/finishing nailers…
Stuart
You’re welcome, I’m glad to help! It was a good question, and of the “it’s going to be hard for you find an answer online” type.
With blade sizes, even if it works, is it safe? My stance is to not mess around and find out, especially when there’s a blade guard designed around a specific blade size. 5-3/8″ blades are common enough that in my opinion it’s not worth the chance.
Milwaukee is soon launching an M12 brad nailer, and they already have a pin nailer. 12V-class finish nailers are hugely unlikely, and even more so with framing nailers. Brands have a hard enough time engineering 18V-class nailers with manageable sizes and weights.