Today Dewalt’s campaign for #WorldsFirst is officially underway and it delivers on its promise to be a pretty huge deal. The new 15 cell FlexVolt 60V/20V batteries DCB606 ($150) can go from 20V to 60V depending on the tool they connect to. Nominal voltage, that’s 18V to 54V if anyone is paying attention to that. These new batteries have the same number of cells as the Milwaukee 9.0Ah high demand batteries and are both intended to create long lasting power for tools you typically would need a cord to power. Dewalt isn’t hesitating on taking this platform and running with it by announcing a ton of new cordless tools all at once today!
The Cordless 8-1/4” Table Saw is a #WorldsFirst and how they started the show. Using one FLEXVOLT™ Battery, the Table Saw can rip up to 302 linear feet per charge of 3/4″ OSB material on a single charge. With a maximum rip capacity of 24” on the right side of the blade and a maximum rip capacity of 12” on the left side, the saw can easily handle full 4×8’ sheets of material. Model DCS7485 ($499, 1 battery) for cordless Dewalt table saw.
New Cordless Grinder take advantage of the 60V option to produces 1700W output and comes with both a 4.5” and 6” grinder guards. This does include a braking system to stop within 1.5 seconds as only option. We expect on launch this to be the most powerful cordless grinder on the market well inline with 5″ or 6″ corded power. Model for 60V grinder DCG414 ($379, 2 batteries)
The Cordless 12” Miter Saws, another #WorldsFirst, requires 2 of the new FlexVolt batteries used at the same time to create 120V of Power (also had an AC adapter cord accessory). This is a lot of power which we have no doubt will produce as much power as their corded 12” miter saws. Cordless 12” Sliding Compound Miter DHS790 ($799, 2 batteries) & Cordless 12” Compound Miter DHS716 ($649, 2 batteries). Using two FLEXVOLT™ Batteries, the 120V Max* 12” Sliding Compound Miter Saw is capable of delivering up to 289 cross cuts in 3-1/4” base molding without having to find an outlet or use extension cords. The saw has a maximum horizontal cross-cut capacity of 16”(with back fence), vertical cut capacity of 6-3/4”, and nested crown cut capacity of 7-1/2”, along with the integrated CUTLINE™ Blade Positioning System and stainless steel adjustable miter detent plate, the saw delivers the capacity and accuracy professionals demand.
The Cordless 7-1/4” Circular Saw 60V DCS575 ($379, 2 batteries) is of course brushless, definitely not the first here for a cordless 7-1/4” and we have seen some other very successful competitors. It is a key cordless tool which is a great addition to the 20V Max line up. With a 2-9/16” depth of cut capacity, it can make up to 339 cuts per charge in 2×4 SPF lumber on a single charge with one FLEXVOLT™ battery.
The new 60V Reciprocating Saw DCS388 ($379, 2 batteries) is another new brushless saw which will compete right with other brushless recip saws we are seeing from Milwaukee and Makita. Run time on new FlexVolt batteries will of course be great so this should fill out the line very nicely.
The Cordless Right Angle Drill, again not first on this one but a great addition for those in the Dewalt platform already. 2 speed 0-300/ 0-1250 RPM and features the E-Clutch this unit will compete with Milwaukee’s M18 HoleHawgs. Dewalt 60V right angle drill model DCD460T2 ($479, 2 batteries).
New outdoor equipment have 3 new tools, launching for next year. 60V Cordless 16” Chainsaw with instant start, instant stop. New as well a 60V blower and 60V trimmer which are designed to go right against gas units. The 40V Dewalt outdoor tools will not be compatible with the new FlexVolt system which seems a little strange to us as it was just launched last season for the pro market. So is the 40V more powerful than 60V FlexVolt? Why not make these all compatible?
Dewalt Portable Power Station in another #WorldsFirst which allows you to run most corded items up to 1800 watt and 15amps off just Dewalt batteries. It required 4 batteries to provide AC power but can use 20V or FlexVolt batteries and when not in use power station can charge the batteries. This has huge significance well outside of just power tools and job sites. This could go right up against small inverters like the extremely popular Honda Generator EU2000i ($999) for powering tailgates, camping, emergency home power, food carts and dozens of other power applications. While it seems like a small item could be the most significant item launched today, we will see. Dewalt DCB1800B ($399) Power Station.
What we really like with the FlexVolt platform, true corded power from these cordless tools and backwards compatible to use the FlexVolt battery on older Dewalt 20V tools. It also provides a clear path forward for any corded tool out there to go cordless. What we don’t like about the FlexVolt system is that to run these new 60V & 120V tools you’ll need all new FlexVolt batteries (Price $160-$200+??). Your Dewalt 20V 5.0Ah batteries however won’t work to power these new tools which we could live with for certain tools (miter saws, table saws, SDS-MAX, HEPA vacs, etc) but for grinders, recip, circular saws and right angle drills that doesn’t seem right for those already invested in 20V batteries.
