DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B Review

The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch is a highly efficient battery-powered saw with decent cutting power and capacity. It is very user-friendly and comes equipped with a dust collection system that is one of the most efficient we have tested. The saw is small, portable, and ideal for traveling trim work or working in tighter shop spaces where it may need to be stored away.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

Tools that need a lot of tuning or tricky features like blade depth lock can slow down your work. Our crew conducted tests in the lab to help you get a clearer idea of how each tool works. We looked closely at this saw's features, such as the calibration process, miter angle adjustments, and how to change the blade. The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch offers easy calibration and blade change while supporting easier cuts with a shadow cut indicator.

From the operation of its tri-claw knob, which allows one to tilt the device easily, to its simple grip knob that lends good control over the machine, this model stands out in terms of functionality. It is still a very easy-to-use tool despite the release being at the back and not as conveniently placed at the front as some other models. Its most notable drawback within the user experience is the lack of a blade depth lock, which makes cutting dado joints more challenging.

The Dewalt 20V Max is a fully adjustable miter saw with easy-to-use miter and bevel angle changes. The saw offers 13 miter positive stops from zero to 45 on both sides of the tool with a max angle of 47 degrees using the miter override. It also has four positive stops for the bevel adjustments up to 47 degrees on one side of the saw.

When changing the blade, the Dewalt's systematic step-by-step process ensures this is done securely. The guard can hold itself in the raised position, a great design feature that reduces the likelihood of the guard accidentally falling. It uses a shadow-based cut line to help line up cuts faster and even improve your craftsmanship.

Dust Collection

Even a few cuts can create a significant mess when working with lumber. To ensure a clean workspace, it is crucial to have an efficient dust collection system in place. This is especially important for homeowners with garage-based shops or professionals working at a job site. We conducted a test to evaluate the effectiveness of the dust collection system. To do this, we constructed a small enclosure to contain as much dust as possible. We then proceeded to make 100 cuts on a 2x4. Once the cuts were made, we carefully swept the sawdust and measured its total weight. When used with a vacuum, the DeWalt 20V Max 7 1/4 Sliding Miter Saw was one of the best performers in this metric.

When used with the included dust bag, the performance isn't ideal. Despite operating the saw, very little of the generated sawdust ended up in the bag, resulting in the tool and surrounding space littered with sawdust. The bag did not catch the byproduct of the cutting process effectively.

The initial performance was promising when attached to a vacuum for more influential dust collection, with the vacuum efficiently capturing the dust for the first few cuts. However, the curtain designed to direct the sawdust flow would get sucked in, closing off the suction and causing a sawdust spray across the workspace. The flaps are susceptible to closing when used with high-powered vacuums, which decreases their ability to collect dust. When used with medium-powered vacuums, the tool effectively collected dust. It only left .75 ounces of dust within the enclosure, one of the lowest values collected.

Cut Capacity

When choosing a miter saw, its cut capacity is one of the most important factors. It needs to be suitable for the requirements of your project. To determine the maximum size of lumber each saw can handle, we tested every saw by making full-range cuts and test cuts to measure the maximum distance across each cutting plane. Compared to other miter saws in the review, the DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch has a below-average overall cut capacity. However, it still performs well compared to battery-powered models.

With the board positioned horizontally, the DeWalt saw can cross-cut through a 2x8 and make miter cuts through a 2x6. These cuts evaluate the saw's ability to cut through the face of the board and determine its maximum capacity. However, the saw struggled to make significant progress when cutting through the thickness of a board.

Regarding vertically oriented lumber, this model can travel 2-1/8 inches through a 4x4 while making a cross-cut. The saw could travel 1-3/8 inches through a 4x4 using a 45-degree bevel cut. Despite the reduced height capacity of the saw, it is a viable option for most home projects.

Cutting Power and Speed

A saw blade that stalls due to lack of power or inadequate cutting velocity can hinder your productivity and potentially the practicality of a specific project. We tested its capacity by slicing through diverse materials like aluminum and 4x4s. The DeWalt 7 1/4", although not as potent as corded models, stands out as one of the most robust battery-operated models in the review.

It demonstrated efficient cutting through a 4x4 — a task that took considerable effort but is by no means problematic. The saw displayed some effort and audible motor strain when working through the 4x4 to complete the cut. While it was a considerable effort, it completed the task— the tool could accomplish the rapid cuts with some strain. If our test team plunged the saw too quickly, it resulted in the blade stopping.

The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch could deliver without much trouble when tasked with cutting through aluminum. Although the strain on the motor was audible during this task, it still felt smooth, particularly compared to other 7-1/4" saws.

Precision and Accuracy

Accuracy is paramount for miter saws, given they are constructed for rapid operation and intricate cutting. In these tests, we focus on the build quality and precision of each saw by gauging the true angles of the blade about the table, both before and after trials. The DeWalt presents itself as a tool that's easy to adjust, resists deviation, and provides the accuracy required for any undertaking.

The precision and accuracy of the DeWalt align with consumer expectations of the brand. It delivered perfect square and 45-degree miter accuracy right out of the box and after testing. However, some calibration was needed on the 45-degree bevel as it was slightly off by 0.4 degrees. After testing, the bevel had a slight drift of 0.2-0.4 degrees. The fence had no issues as it was perfectly square to the table. Regardless of these minor adjustments, this tool's overall accuracy and precision are among the best in the review.

Should You Buy the DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B

This model is ideal for individuals who prioritize portability over power. It is worth considering if you have a project with a modest cut capacity, such as trim projects or redoing your deck.

What Other Miter Saws Should You Consider?

If you require additional cutting power to work with stronger metals efficiently, the DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 is one of the most powerful saws in the review. On the other hand, if you are looking for a battery-powered option at a lower cost, consider the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound PBT01B, available at a reduced price.