Which one of these DEWALT miter saw kits will give you the most value for your money? Both of them are hybrids, built to run on electricity as well as the FLEXVOLT battery system. Let’s review them both to see which one is best for you.
DEWALT DHS790AT2 FLEXVOLT 120v MAX 12” Double Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw Kit
The DEWALT DHS790AT2 miter saw kit comes with everything you need to start working right away. It includes the AC adapter so the tool can operate on electricity as well as twin battery packs and their charger. The batteries are part of the FLEXVOLT system which we’ll discuss right now.
FLEXVOLT is very handy because it lets you plug its 60V packs into 20V tools, giving them up to four timestheir usual runtime. The batteries automatically switch voltages to suit the tool. In summary, if you have any of DEWALT’s 20V MAX power tools, like a drill or driver, you can use the FLEXVOLT batteries in them as well as with the miter saw. But you will need both of the 60V packs to run the DHS790 as a cordless saw.
Now are you wondering if a cordless miter saw is powerful enough for your needs? Let’s review its specifications to see.
To begin, the DHS790 has a brushless motor that works cooler and more efficiently than a brushed motor can. It squeezes every bit of power out of the batteries to get between289 and 310 crosscuts in 3-1/4-inch baseboard on a single charge. And it spins the blade up to 3800rpm, fast enough to slice through hardwoods with ease.
The total crosscut ability ranges out to 16 inches at 90 degrees. If you miter the saw to 45 degrees, it can handle up to 8 inches in width and 4 inches in height. Then if you bevel it to 45 degrees, it can cut 2×14 and 2×16 dimensional lumber. There is also an override that lets you bevel up to 49 degrees.
Overall, the DHS790 can miter up to 60 degrees right or 50 left. And the sliding fence will support 7-1/2-inch tall crown molding in a nested position, or base molding up to 6-3/4-inches in height.
It’s easy enough to set the correct angles for your cuts because both the miter and bevel scales are well-marked and easy to read. The bevel lock and scale are located at the rear of the saw while the miter scale and lock are on the front. Both scales have detents at commonly used angles.
How can you be sure you’ve set everything up for an accurate cut? The DHS790 has a built-in cutline blade positioning system that will show you where the blade will pass. It’s not a laser system. Instead, it uses two LED lights on either side of the blade to cast a shadow on the material you’ll cut. It reveals both the position of the blade as well as the width of the kerf if you bring the blade down close enough.
Finally, while you work, you can use the included dust bag for debris collection or attach a dust extractor to the rear of the saw. As you can see, the DHS790AT2 kit is ready to go right out of the box.
More features of the DEWALT DHS790AT2 Cordless Compound Miter Saw:
- Comes with 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service, and 3-year limited warranty
- Box includes saw, 12-inch blade, blade wrench, dust bag, two 60V battery packs, charger, and AC adapter
- Weighs 56 pounds
DEWALT DHS790AB FLEXVOLT 120V MAX Double Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw with Adapter Only
Why might you choose the DHS790AB kit instead of the DHS790AT2 kit described above? The AB kit lacks the FLEXVOLT batteries and charger, but is otherwise the same saw. You could test the miter saw by running it on electricity, perhaps saving some money in the process.
More features of the DEWALT DHS790AB Cordless Compound Miter Saw:
- Comes with 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service, and 3-year limited warranty
- Box includes 12-inch blade, wrench, dust bag, and AC adapter but no batteries or charger
Recommendation
If you want maximum flexibility to work on any job site whether or not it has power, get the DEWALT DHS790AT2 kit with the batteries, charger, and AC adapter. Otherwise, you might pay less for the bare tool DHS790AB kit.
Click here to purchase DEWALT DHS790AT2 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase DEWALT DHS790AB on Amazon.com!