DeWalt 60V 9” Cut-off Saw: Any Good?

I’ve used the DeWalt 60V Max 9″ cut-off saw, model DCS690, on various projects, from cutting stone steps to trimming post footings to slicing lines into slabs so I can chip out channels for drain pipes, etc. It’s the same saw as the NEW DCS692, which now has a larger battery cover to accommodate a 15 amp battery.

I’ve used the DeWalt 60V Max 9-inch cut-off saw, model DCS690, on various projects, from cutting stone steps to trimming post footings to slicing lines into slabs to chip out channels for drain pipes. It’s the same saw as the newer DCS692, which has a larger battery cover to accommodate a 15Ah battery.

So far, it’s been a great tool, although it’s not cheap at $550 for the bare tool (it does include about $50 worth of blades). But, one small DIY stone porch job, and this saw pays for itself. Here’s the good the bad and the ugly:

The Good

With the diamond wheel and a 9Ah battery installed, this saw is lightweight and maneuverable at only 15.1 pounds. The 5-position blade guard operates smoothly and it’s well-balanced with a comfortable top-handle and grip.

I really appreciate the simple lock-out switch. Once you push it in, you can trigger the tool without having to make any awkward hand movements to activate the tool.

The saw is well-balanced with good top and side control. It has noticeable vibration, which subsides once the saw engages the material.

The quick-connect water valve is effective, allowing adjustable water flow, from minimal to full capacity. The water line is hard-cased up to near the blade, splitting to feed water to both sides of the blade, meeting OSHA Table 1 dust management standards.

On one 9Ah battery charge, DeWalt rates this saw to split 22 cinder blocks, 95 four-bar bundles of #5 rebar (380 pieces total), or cut a one-inch joint into 25 ft of concrete.

I ran a test on some 2-inch thick sandstone and was able to get five 24-inch rips out of a 9Ah battery.

The Bad

I ran a test on some 2-inch thick sandstone and was able to get five 24-inch rips out of a 9Ah battery

With a 9-inch blade, the saw has a cutting depth of 3 1/4 inches. At full depth, expect to get about 6 ft per charge from a 9Ah battery.

This saw heats up batteries faster than any other 60V saw I own. I recommend not running 6Ah Flexvolt batteries through it as they seem to heat up faster than 9Ah Flexvolts.

This may be due to the fact that the 9 amps use 21700 cells vs the 6 amps 18650 cells.

The Ugly

Note: The quick-connect water valve is metal, but the included hose adapter is plastic. Mine lasted approximately four years and multiple projects before it began leaking. Not so ugly if you keep a spare on hand.

The ugly really just comes down to the fact this saw will not clean cut through 4″ concrete. I have used it to slice borders into 4-5″ concrete that I chipped out to lay drain pipe. It works but leaves you wishing you have a larger saw.

Blade Size and Cutting Depth:

• A 12-inch cut-off saw typically has a maximum cutting depth of around 4 to 4.5 inches, sufficient for 4-inch concrete. For example, the Husqvarna K770 with a 12-inch blade can cut up to 4 inches deep.
• A 14-inch cut-off saw offers a cutting depth of about 5 to 5.5 inches, providing extra clearance for 4-inch concrete and slightly thicker slabs. Models like the Stihl TS420 or DeWalt D28730 (14-inch) are common choices.
• A 9-inch cut-off saw (like the DeWalt DCS690/692 discussed here) has a cutting depth of about 3.25 inches, which is insufficient for a single-pass cut through 4-inch concrete.

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Bottom Line

For landscaping and remodeling contractors this saw is a very useful and convenient tool. Just be sure to grab an extra quick-connect adapter to keep on hand. For the concrete contractor who already has Flexvolt batteries this will be a great addition to your gas powered kit.

See this tool in action.