Metabo has come out with their TS 36-18 LTX BL 254 cordless portable table saw. It features a brushless motor and is powered by 2x 18V batteries, operating at 36V.
The new Metabo cordless table saw has a 10″ blade size, spinning at 5000 RPM max (no-load). It has a cutting capacity of 87 mm (~3.43″) at 90°, and 50 mm (~1.97″) at 45°. It has a rip capacity of 630 mm, or around 24.8″.
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All that alone makes for a convincing tool, but that’s more.
It has a built-in handle and wheels, not unlike the Ridgid R4516 that I recently posted about in a pre-holiday season table saw deals post.
AND it has a folding stand, shown at the top of the page. That folding stand is built-in.
That built-in handle I was talking about? That’s one of the legs. Well, actually, it’s either of the front legs. Both have T-shaped feet that double as handles.
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But you don’t have to extend the legs – the table saw is designed for use with or without the folding stand deployed.
Quick change between sawing at ground-level or when standing up thanks to integrated, folding stand.
Oh, and one more thing – it has some form of integrated dust extraction:
Integrated extraction with dust cyclone for low-dust working without vacuum cleaner.
Additional features include a soft-start motor, riving knife (they call it a “splitting wedge”), extra large support table, extending outfeed support, and restart protection.
A miter gauge is included, as is a push stick, dust bag, and “fixation strap” for MetaLoc case, and a MetaLoc case.
The MetaLoc case is a Systainer-like case, which is likely intended to house your batteries and chargers. The kit ships with (2) quick chargers and (4) 18V 7.0Ah LiHD battery packs.
It weighs 34.5 kg, or around 76 pounds. It doesn’t look like the integrated base can be removed, but at least it looks very compact and neatly stowed within the saw’s enclosure.
Right now, the saw is only described for international release, and we’re waiting to hear back about USA availability. The only price I’ve seen so far was from a Netherlands retailer, who had the saw kit listed for a little over 1400 Euros excluding tax, or around $1650 USD.
This would be the second-ever cordless table saw that I’ve heard of, with the first being the Dewalt 8-1/2″ FlexVolt table saw.
First Thoughts
I find myself both excited about the new Metabo cordless table saw, and very hesitant.
I like the idea of a 10″ saw blade, integrated dust collection (anything is better than nothing), built-in roller wheels and handle, and the built-in collapsible stand. But all that contributes to cost and complexity, making this a very pricey saw.
It ships with (4) battery packs and 2 chargers! The battery packs aren’t yesteryear’s bargain-priced 3Ah battery packs either, they’re Metabo’s latest and greatest 7Ah packs.
Consider the following:
- Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw with rolling stand: $579 via Amazon
- Dewalt Portable Power Station (bare): $299 via Amazon
- Dewalt 9Ah FlexVolt Battery 2-Pack: $209 via Amazon, via Acme Tool
The saw, plus the portable power station, plus 4 of Dewalt’s highest capacity battery packs will set you back $1296. You’ll need an extension cable to use the power station as a charger, or a separate charger or two. You can save a bit of money if you shop carefully during sales.
Still, the Metabo cordless table saw offers greater cutting capacity than Dewalt’s FlexVolt saw, plus the added versatility of having wheels and a folding stand built right in. Don’t forget the “integrated extraction” feature.
It’s obvious that Metabo engineers achieved a lot, but I’m a little concerned about how competitive this saw will be in the USA, if it makes it here.
Dewalt is surely working on another FlexVolt cordless table saw, perhaps a 120V Max model with 10″ blade and hybrid AC compatibility. By perhaps, I mean almost definitely. I’d bet it’ll cost a lot less than $1600. At that kind of pricing, I’d like to see SawStop-like active injury mitigation technology built-in.
Thoughts? Is this something you would buy?
William
I agree with your last comment, at this price I would like to see some Sawstop technology. I am not that familiar with the Metabo lineup. but a bare tool, might make the saw a little more competitive to those who are already invested in the platform.
The yeti
I don’t think dewalt is in the same league as metabo. Dewalt is a mass produced kia. To the Cadillac that is metabo
Joe J
I disagree. Metabo is one of those brands that some people hold in high regard but it isn’t really any better in practice than other far cheaper options.
The price is a little ridiculous. You can buy a decent lower end cabinet saw for that kind of money.
Matt
Agreed.
Lack
You’re confusing Metabo with Mafell.
Metabo is on the same type of prosumer/professional brand in Europe as Dewalt (and they often have a wider variety of lower priced tools then DW).
John S
I think the actual confusion is metal vs wood tools. If we’re talking metal working tools like grinders etc, I think Metabo is higher on the list than Dewalt for sure and I wouldn’t even think of Mafel for metal tools (do they even have entries?). In wood, I wouldn’t even think of Metabo. I will agree though just because they’re good at one doesn’t naturally translate to the other.
Mike
Are you kidding me Dewalt is better quality than Matabo and Dewalts table saw is more powerful than Metabo you wver pick up a Meatabo drill or impact driver they feel like toys compared to a Dewalt or a Milwaukee
Nik
You ever pick up a Metabo SB 18LTX-3 BL Q I? Now that’s a proper toy!!! Check the spec and see the reviews?
Hoosier Artificer
DeWalt is just black and Decker pro. Milwaukee makes them look like toys. Right now for cost and quality kobalt is above DeWalt.
Darren
DeWalt is made by black and decker it’s DIY best
Metabo slogan is work don’t play says it all
Nathan
It ticks alot of the boxes. I don’t know metabo makes a circular saw – I don’t think of them and woodwork. But I know they make (made) good stuff and it a company I think of when I think metal work.
THis does tick a lot of the boxes of what I looked for in my Dewalt saw – I don’t have a cordless one. With something like this the idea of 2 batteries vs 1 is less an issue – you have space to put them in and carry. It’s not like another 4 lbs is going to be an issue when you’re talking about a table saw.
I like the 10 inch blade, I like the size. Love the outfeed support – I’m looking into rigging that up on my dewalt device 7490. Like the wheels and stand handle idea.
Would like to see it over here but I suspect it will cost alot.
Nathan
forgot to mention the main thing – looks like it has a gear track extension mechanism – which is what attracted me to the dewalt model in the first place.
Lack
If they can get away with a 10″ blade at 36V why couldn’t Dewalt do it on their FlexvVolt table saw?
Perhaps their batteries offer better performance (higher amps?).
As for the prices, please do consider that a DWE7491RS is about $1000 in Europe Charges and batteries are also significantly more expensive so it’s not a fair comparison even at net prices.
Nathan
note there isn’t much discussion on projected runtime.
I think the dewalt flexvolt table saw is meant to run a significant time on just the one battery. I don’t know exactly what it does – sure that’s on here or some other test site. But if I recall it was fairly significant which is why Dewalt said they were using the smaller blade too.
Speculation says the new dual battery 10 incher will have the same or better runtime – like their mitre saw. Go all day on a charge.
Either way though – if they brought a corded model to the states I’d have to check one out. I don’t have a need for a cordless table saw, I don’t think. But corded model of this would have been a contender vs the Dewalt I bought.
Joe J
The Dewalt saw only uses a single battery. While Metabo is using two.
So it would be 9AH vs 14AH @18v
Dewalt: ~162 Watt Hours
Metabo: ~224 Watt Hours
Dewalt will have a dual battery 10″ plug-in hybrid saw soon enough though. And with two 9AH batteries that’s ~324 Watt Hours.
Lack
They’re using 6Ah baterias in the miter saw combo, so I’d expect that to carry over to the table saw as well – as a baseline of course.
Corey
It wouldn’t be 9ah vs 14ah though, since neither setup is using 18v. DeWalt pack would be a 3ah x 54v, and the Metabo 2x18v series for 36v wouldn’t combine the ah of the packs, so still 7ah for the pair but at higher voltage. Aside from inaccurately framing the numbers involved, your results are accurate save for Metabo’s setup here being 252wh. Still plenty of other crap to market and argue between voltages, chemistry, load tolerances, yada, yada lol I would expect no load, Metabo runs longer, no doubt. But throwing some treated lumber at them, I’d anticipate the Metabo’s performance/longevity will suffer considerably more than the DeWalts.
Stuart
You can still simplify.
Dewalt: 18V x 9Ah is the same as 18V x 3 x 3Ah. You like 54V x 3Ah? That’s the same. It still breaks down to 18V x 3 x 3Ah.
Metabo: 18V x 7Ah. 2 packs -> 18V x 7Ah x 2. It doesn’t matter if you say 36V x 7Ah or 18V x 14Ah, it’s the same.
His math was wrong, though. 18V x 7Ah x 2 = 252 Watt-hours.
162 Whr was right for Dewalt 18V x 3 x 3Ah. And if there is a 120V Max miter saw, pairing it will 9Ah packs will result in battery power of 324 Whr.
If 6Ah battery packs are used, that’s 108 Whr and 216 Whr, for 60V Max and 120V Max configurations.
It’s hard to draw conclusions, because the watt-hour rating of a battery pack has little consequence on the wattage or power output of a cordless power tool motor.
Describing endurance potential doesn’t necessarily tell you anything about how how well an athlete can sprint uphill.
Robert
I do believe the Dewalt 9.0 is 180 watt hours?
Stuart
It depends on whether you’re using maximum voltage math or nominal voltage math.
When comparing 18V-class tools among different brands, it doesn’t matter very much, as long as you’re consistent.
I believe that Dewalt rates that battery as 180 watt-hours, but when comparing to other brands or tools, 162 watt-hours is more appropriate to use.
Stuart
I commented on USA prices, because I’m based in the US and so are most readers. It’s what I know.
The trend has been for European brands’ tools to be similarly priced when released in the USA, or more expensive at times. I don’t think I’ve seen any sell for much less.
Until USA pricing is known, all I can do is compare USA prices for the Dewalt to converted before-tax USD prices for the Metabo.
Lack
No it’s not all you can do.
You can compare prices on the same market, given that at least the DW7491RS is available in Europe as well (Powerstation not so much given the 230V standard) and it gives a better idea on the competitiveness of the product.
It’s still way more expensive then their regular 10″ saw plus a gas generator though.
Simon
Metabo battery packs are the most powerful on the market due to bigger cells. The 36v grinder equals a 2000w corded grinder. My 18v metabo grinder is much more powerful than my friends 18v dewalt grinder. Dewalt/ Milwaukee etc just add more cells for more AH but metabo have changed the cells to obtain more power from a 18v battery.
Lack
The bare tool model number seem to be 613025850.
Priced about 950EUR net. The DW7491RS is 780EUR net at the same store.
Joe
For anyone to call Dewalt inferior to metabo clearly doesn’t frame houses or remodel for a living…….I’m sure that table saw is a fine product, and has its place for some people.
But anyone in the trades knows the Flexvolt line of tools is unmatched,period. The makita rear handle is close or ebullient in power to the flex circular saw but no where near the flex rear handle…I have it…and the fuel circ isn’t even in the game..
The flex table saw is great. Powerful,,and rips a long time,2 batteries will last all day switching out…the metabo uses 2 so you’ll need 4 to work all day…that’s a huge cost..
Whiskey and wood
The 4 batteries are included in the kit at the price listed above.
Simon
I brought the flex volt table saw last year and sold it 2 weeks later don’t get me wrong it’s a great saw but the 2/3ah battery’s don’t last 5 mins so if you have no access to electric whats the point of having a cordless saw if it has such a short runtime.
ktash
I find this to be of great interest “Integrated extraction with dust cyclone for low-dust working without vacuum cleaner.” While this is out of my price range, it would be a feature that would cause me to choose one saw over another and pay somewhat more.
For me the DW745 at holiday prices was a major purchase. But if there really great dust collection, that would make a difference. I currently use 2 Dust Deputy cyclones with home-made stands that have a relatively small footprints and they are great, assuming I can capture dust at the tool. I’ve rigged up solutions for my drill press, handheld routing for operations like dados, track saw, sander, etc. These are not dust free, but are not real dusty either. I’ve made some jigs that help, too. I frequently use the jig designed by Dan Pattison for cross cutting at 90 degrees and it works very well. Dan pays attention to dust collection and has some good solutions for other things that I haven’t tried but will eventually. If I could afford all festool, I’d get them mainly because of dust collection.
I’m wondering what this looks like, the cyclone built into the tool. Can one attach a vacuum? Is it just a gimmick? Where does the dust go if there’s a cyclone, but no vacuum? Is it just a gravity thing. Lots of questions. If it’s really effective I hope it catches on, for DIY or hobbyist priced tools.
ktash
Duh, I noticed the dust bag then forgot. Looks like a lot of emptying unless it’s a part of something else.
ktash
Ok, here’s a youtube video showing it attached to dust collection. Looks pretty good. Still curious about the cyclone part.
Mike
Matabo isn’t in the same class dewalt it’s overpriced and inferior,dewalts are built like tanks to take abuse in the field and perform at the highest level along with Bosch, Makita and Milwaukee. Matabo belongs on a tier below with Ridgid and Hitachi.
Simon
Metabo is on par with Festool if not better. You clearly have no idea about power tools
Mike
Haha so true
Curtis
I really like the retractable outfeed support. As far as the price goes, everything in Europe is ridiculously expensive. It has to do with VAT taxes and the like, so you can expect the price to be significantly lower if it goes on sale here in the states. The real problem as I see it is that when you buy cordless tools these days you are buying into a multi tool platform, and how many people are going to choose Metabo over Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Ridgid or Ryobi? Not very many I’d wager.
Lack
Stuart has a point though, some stuff get’s more expensive once it crosses the Atlantic (mostly eastbound, but Festool gets a price hike westbound).
Craig
Metabo makes an excellent product without question. But at that sky high price it would have to robotically make the cut for you while you sit reading the paper. No amount of features in my opinion can justify a single tool price that high.
Jae
Man a lot of Metabo hate. I’ve had about every brand of power tool and my Metabo tools were easily the best and actually cost me less than you could buy Milwaukee or DeWalt equivalents because of deals I found on them. That was exclusively metalworking tools though. Don’t do wood. That being said, after they were stolen I went all DeWalt because they’re sold on my way to work, not online.
fred
We always thought that Metabo corded grinders were about in the same (high) class as Fein. Maybe not as robust as some of the pneumatics (e.g. Dotco) that we used – but strong performers.
Nathan
when looking at watt hours of the battery you don’t have any factor for the efficiency of the motors when using what voltage. Flexvolts nominal working voltage is 54 volts – to the motor or rather to the control circuits that feed the motor since flexvolt is all brushless. Since it has more voltage to use for it’s current draw it would in theory run lower current for same torque load – and thus run cooler for less loss.
All that aside – this has the possibility of being a great tool for some. It’s not for everyone.
It has some great ideas and like I said before number one is that gear drive table extension system like the Dewalt. I really like that – once setup correct it makes repeatable consistent adjustments and it’s solid. I would have thought they would have trademarked that but meh. I look forward to the Dewalt dual Flexvolt table saw with the adapter but I would put even money on me not ever buying one. Not a need of mine. – neither is this.
But a corded model of this I would look at if My Dewalt was to die
carlos
$1,650??? Holy moly. If you want a *cordless* table saw that bad………go with Dewalt and get more tools with the leftover money. Or a generator and a corded one. I’m not sure what Metabo is thinking by pricing the saw this high but from a business perspective, it almost seems impractical to try and sell it for that much.
ed ski
Too much $$$$!
One can get a Honda generator and contractor job saw for less, and have no worry for power of other items.
You still have to have jobsite power to charge the batteries, and sometimes, a bigger job saw means better cuts without worry it will cut (pun) out with battery.
Not that I don’t see cordless jobsite tools … just price is for deep pockets.
William Butler
That’s an interesting fence design. It looks like DeWalt’s rack and pinion design mixed with a traditional “T” square fence. I don’t see a scale on the fence either…
Neon
What i would like to know is how much does the metabo cut compared to how much the dewalt cus on one battery..? Thatwould be a big selling point to me, i like the design of the metabo but cant find enough comparisons
Any more info
Stuart
I’m sorry I can’t answer your questions – Metabo’s saw hasn’t been released here yet, and it might not.
Marvin Benjamin
I hardly agree Milwaukee just bought out a table saw and it’s still on the 18 volt like and its their first ever and produced 15 amp power. Why can’t the rest power tool company do the same is Milwaukee has smarter people.