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We compared DeWalt’s new single battery 60V 12″ sliding miter saw to the gen 1 Flexvolt dual battery 120V 12″ slider. Check it out!
In 2015 DeWalt introduced the Flexvolt dual battery 120V 12″ sliding miter saw model DHS790 in the USA. By 2020 they were selling it as well as a Flexvolt 60V single battery 10″ slider with “Tool Control” in the UK.
Tool Control allows tool control vacuums to be triggered on and off with the saw’s trigger.
In Feb 2023 DeWalt rolled out the 12″ 60V single battery slider model DCS781 with no Tool Control to the US. A few months later the UK got the 781 with Tool Control.
DeWalt’s Press Release Header
“Cut, Capture, and Charge: DEWALT Announces 60V Max Brushless 12 in. Double Bevel Miter Saw with Exceptional Runtime and 20% More Power.”
What It Is
“Cut, Capture, and Charge“ uses the blade braking after a cut to recharge the battery. This seems to work well when cutting thin trim material. When cutting 2x material, in our usage, the dual battery saw has better runtime.
“Exceptional Runtime“ is based on the 781 getting 675 cuts in 3 1/4″ baseboard on a 9 amp hr battery vs the 790 getting 289 cuts in base on two 6 amp hr batteries. Again, we see it for thin material but not 2x material.
“20% More Power“ is based, not on the 120V DHS790 like some YouTube reviewers have claimed, but on running the 781 on a 9amp Flexvolt battery against the Milwaukee 18V 2739 miter saw on a 12amp battery. If you’re going to do reviews at least read the fine print, right?
The DCS781 comes equipped with the standard Flexvolt shadow cut line and they’ve thrown side handles on this unit as well. I find the saw easier to carry with no side handles as you can carry it with you arms closer in.
What It Isn’t
Unlike the UK 60V single battery DCS781, the US model does not have Tool Control. Guess we’ll have to keep using momentary foot pedals or get DeWalt’s remote control for the Flexvolt vacuum.
The 60V DCS781 isn’t as powerful as the 120V Flexvolt DHS790 for one pass cutting through 2x material. That said, the 781 and 790 feel pretty equal when making multi pass cuts.
The DCS781 is not a corded/cordless miter saw like the DHS790. Will they release a 120V AC adapter for the 781? I doubt it.
Quick Specs
- Model:DCS781
- Weight: 51 lbs
- Bevel: 49-49
- Max Cut Against Fence: 6-1/2″
- Max Cut Length Flat: 12-1/8″ no rear fence
- Power Source: Corldess
- Battery Type: 1x 60V
- No Load Speed: 3800
- Drive: Gear
- Model DHS790
- Weight: 56 lbs
- Bevel: 49-49
- Max Cut Against Fence 6-3/4″
- Max Cut Length Flat 16-3/16″ against rear fence
- Power Source: Corded/Cordless
- Battery Type 2x 60V Flexvolt
- No load Speed 3800
- Drive: Belt
Bottom Line
Unlike the 790 the 781 has no AC adapter or rear fence, which are two things I never use anyway. The 781 also has less power and runtime when cutting 2x material. That said, I prefer the 781 for its lighter weight, slightly smaller size and single battery operation.
By removing the dual battery power of 790 DeWalt has made the 781 more competitive with/than Milwaukee’s single battery 12″ Fuel saw for jobsite use. And both saws are lighter and cheaper than Makita’s 12″ slider, which is nicer but more of a shop saw due to its weight.
Thanks for stopping by and let us know what you think in the comments. See ya! ?
