Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Dewalt). This thread is read-only.
Coverage from various tool reviewers at STAFDA covered Dewalt’s reveal of the new 60v Max FlexVolt cut-off machine.
Model DCS690
Availability Spring 2018
Pricing TBD
Blade size appears to be 9”, though the label says 12”, intended for diamond wheels or abrasive wheels. Concrete cutting, rebar, etc. come to mind for applications.
As others mentioned in another thread, I’m not sure what sort of power these will have, I know I see a lot of gas beasts on site. My understanding is you can hook up water or dust extraction (scratch that, just water it looks like) to this? Hopefully someone else can chime in, I have no personal experience with cutoff machines.
Bremon wrote:
1 hour ago, Bremon said:Coverage from various tool reviewers at STAFDA covered Dewalt’s reveal of the new 60v Max FlexVolt cut-off machine.
Model DCS690
Availability Spring 2018
Pricing TBD
Blade size is 12”, intended for diamond wheels or abrasive wheels. Concrete cutting, rebar, etc. come to mind for applications.
As others mentioned in another thread, I’m not sure what sort of power these will have, I know I see a lot of gas beasts on site. My understanding is you can hook up water or dust extraction to this? Hopefully someone else can chime in, I have no personal experience with cutoff machines. I also don’t know how to embed tweets so I have no pics lol, sorry guys.
Pretty sure it’s actually a 9″ blade.
damn, keep taking my money dewalt!
@Bremon it has a water feature they didn’t talk much about it. Don’t know if it is self priming or how it works. From the picture it appears to be the same size as a hose bib connection so I would guess you could hook up a water hose. I don’t know enough about them to know how the water feature works. Not sure about dust collection but if I remember correctly to meet table 1 requirements all you gotta have for this saw is a water delivery system to the blade and should be used outside or you can use inside but gotta use a dust mask in addition to the water system.
12 in blade is news to me. I thought the same as @justinkendall 9in blade.
I definitely don’t need it.
But I do want it……..
The water simply works off of the water pressure from a standard water hose, and that is the dust control.
I’m focking shocked it’s a 12in saw though, I mean on 60v? The rotating mass alone is substantial. Gas units try to twist sideways out of your hand when you mash the throttle…can’t wait to see it in use.
The idea of it is great. The guys I see using them use gas models with crazy power. Usually cutting a foundation wall (8”-10”thick) to cut in a door or access hole for remodeling…..if it works ,awesome. ….those tools take serious abuse. It just didn’t look “heavy duty” to me, like the gas models….but hey I’m all for more tools more POWA…😁
Agreed @Framer joe, usually when I see them on site they are used by people trying to see how many causes of cancer they can rock out simultaneously 😂.
Thsnks for clarification on the dust solution @Hugh Jass
Several of the instagram posts say this is a 9″ saw, not 12″. The 3 1/4″ cut depth would make more sense if this is the case.
Something isn’t right a 12in blade should cut more than 3 1/4 inches deep ?
Bremon wrote:
4 hours ago, Bremon said:
This Picture clearly shows 12in
Funny you say that, a guy was cutting a pool wall 100’ from us and the cement dust was drifting over like a cloud,,it was killing us….I walk over and said , hey there’s new rules dust can’t fly everywhere , it’s cancerous …OSHA ? He goes “ya right,so ?………….of course I take it that means, “im a dick so, please go get your machine and crush me” …….so I obliged him😑.no, kidding…so I had a guy use a chemical sprayer with water in it to keep it down….that stuff is brutal….
Looking at this pic, the blade just does not look like it is a 12″ blade to me. Battery in pic is approx. 4 1/2″ in length. If it were sitting next to the blade it would be easier to compare. It is a prototype, and everything about it could be subject to change, including labels.
JMG wrote:
18 minutes ago, JMG said:
Looking at this pic, the blade just does not look like it is a 12″ blade to me. Battery in pic is approx. 4 1/2″ in length. If it were sitting next to the blade it would be easier to compare. It is a prototype, and everything about it could be subject to change, including labels.
Maybe they started with a 12 and realized it wasn’t feasible with current battery tech, could have been the night before they slapped a 9″ on…
Yeah, agreed, seems like a 9”, I went with what the sticker said lol. I’ll edit the original post.
Perhaps it’s a slip and they’re going to do a 120v 12″ down the road. If so I’m buying no matter the price.
This seems like the 60v table saw all over again IMO. 9″ as stated doesn’t cut a slab clean. Very cool but a bit more novelty.
I’d argue this is a bigger gaffe than the table saw; that table saw does everything you’d want in a table saw short of run a dado stack. This seems much more limited.
Real question is how well does it handle steel. 3 1/2″ is enough for probably 80% of the concrete I’ve cut. That being said if this is a $600 saw I’d be pissed every time I rented a gasser for that 20%. You can get a Makita gas saw for about a grand. The only advantage that they can give this saw is if they make it cheap. I can get a Makita 14″ gas one brand new for a grand and would if they offer this as a kit for anything more than $500.
Bremon wrote:
19 hours ago, Bremon said:I’d argue this is a bigger gaffe than the table saw; that table saw does everything you’d want in a table saw short of run a dado stack. This seems much more limited.
I’m not picking on the table saw for underperforming, but a 10in 120v is clearly the lion share of the market.
A 12-14in 120v cutoff would be a massive hit in the professional sector. No gas, and the electric options pop breakers like bubble gum on the job as soon as you add an extension cord.
Hugh Jass wrote:
17 hours ago, Hugh Jass said:
I’m not picking on the table saw for underperforming, but a 10in 120v is clearly the lion share of the market.
A 12-14in 120v cutoff would be a massive hit in the professional sector. No gas, and the electric options pop breakers like bubble gum on the job as soon as you add an extension cord.
Apparently they’re going to have another new tool at World of Concrete so maybe they’re saving the 12″ for then.
Sick!
Gotta be happy with the Flexvolt line , the tools and power is awesome
Can’t see it taking off. Stihl who are pretty much a house hold name of concrete saws have been doing a battery powered model for years. I’ve still not seen one other than in catalogues. Given its just a 9″ grinder built to look like a ‘stihl’ saw, they’d have been better making a 9″ grinder look like a 9″ grinder, then offer concrete cutting accessories. Just comes across as gimmicky.
Sthil might be the standard for a cutoff saw, but Dewalt is a mass market tool company someone might be willing to add this to their stable of tools compared to investing in a Sthil setup gas or battery powered.
DR99 wrote:
1 hour ago, DR99 said:Sthil might be the standard for a cutoff saw, but Dewalt is a mass market tool company someone might be willing to add this to their stable of tools compared to investing in a Sthil setup gas or battery powered.
I don’t associate flexvolt tools with concrete cutting and coring. I don’t associate groundwork with joinery or carpentry.
As I said. It’s gimmicky.
I understand why you think that but in all actuality having the water function makes it useful. Plenty of times I’ve run a grinder and wish I would have had this tool for sure. Demo is where this would shine.
That said, give me the 120v 12-14in. I’d pay $800 for that in a kit all day.
Hugh Jass wrote:
2 hours ago, Hugh Jass said:I understand why you think that but in all actuality having the water function makes it useful. Plenty of times I’ve run a grinder and wish I would have had this tool for sure. Demo is where this would shine.
That said, give me the 120v 12-14in. I’d pay $800 for that in a kit all day.
You’re completely glossing over what I’m saying.
They could have made a 9″ flex volt grinder and sold a guard with a hozenlock type water feed attached, no problem. There’s no need for the bulky body and handle to make it look like your perception of a concrete saw.
While it’s got the water feed, why not make an attachment that is a complete cowl for dry plunge cutting or wall chasing? Grout removal? Vacuum attachments? For a cordless saw it would be nice to use cordless vacs. They’ll have to offer a pressurised water vessel like Hilti and Stihl do otherwise you’re still tethered to a mains water feed.
This is why I’m saying it’s gimmicky. I’m sure the tool itself will perform brilliantly, they’re just on a single track with it which I think is a shame.
Naturally I’m sure the core flexvolt users will buy it without question because that’s what they do. Unquestionable brand devotion in most cases blind the buyer from seeing alternative possibilities of flaws. I’m guilty of it in cases too so I’m not pointing the finger.
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
24 minutes ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:
You’re completely glossing over what I’m saying.
They could have made a 9″ flex volt grinder and sold a guard with a hozenlock type water feed attached, no problem. There’s no need for the bulky body and handle to make it look like your perception of a concrete saw.
While it’s got the water feed, why not make an attachment that is a complete cowl for dry plunge cutting or wall chasing? Grout removal? Vacuum attachments? For a cordless saw it would be nice to use cordless vacs. They’ll have to offer a pressurised water vessel like Hilti and Stihl do otherwise you’re still tethered to a mains water feed.
This is why I’m saying it’s gimmicky. I’m sure the tool itself will perform brilliantly, they’re just on a single track with it which I think is a shame.
Naturally I’m sure the core flexvolt users will buy it without question because that’s what they do. Unquestionable brand devotion in most cases blind the buyer from seeing alternative possibilities of flaws. I’m guilty of it in cases too so I’m not pointing the finger.
I don’t see how it is gimmicky ?
Why make a 9” ? If I wanted to use a 9” I would. I work with steel, on the odd occasion Ive had to use a gas 12” Cut-Off saw for the longer reach vs a 9”. Mind you I could be working on a boom lift 12m in the air. The flexvolt would be perfect for my needs.
Makita_2233 wrote:
1 hour ago, Makita_2233 said:I don’t see how it is gimmicky ?
Why make a 9” ? If I wanted to use a 9” I would. I work with steel, on the odd occasion Ive had to use a gas 12” Cut-Off saw for the longer reach vs a 9”. Mind you I could be working on a boom lift 12m in the air. The flexvolt would be perfect for my needs.
It’s not a 12″ saw.
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
1 hour ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:It’s not a 12″ saw.
So the spec sticker on the tool is wrong ?
Makita_2233 wrote:
3 minutes ago, Makita_2233 said:So the spec sticker on the tool is wrong ?
Have you not read the thread?
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
1 hour ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:It’s not a 12″ saw.
If it does the job that the person in bucket lift needs, then why would he want to wrestle with a 12 inch saw? There is such a thing a the right size for the job. Just look at the discussion folks have about cordless miter saws on here. the FlexVolt 12 inch sliding compound miter saw is the king at almost 70 pounds plus a stand. Other folks want something smaller and more portable and easier to transport. I know I prefer the little 7 1/4 slider at about 30 pounds when moving it from room to room versus the big beast, but then again I don’t install trim that would require the cutting capacity of the big saw.
If all you are doing is cutting concrete on the ground, weight may not matter to you and added dept of cut might be nice, but if you are holding a tool up against a wall or overhead, having a lower weight would be helpful. I would much rather reach over the side of a bucket and use a 20 pound tool than reach over the side and use a 30 pound saw.
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
4 minutes ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:Have you not read the thread?
Yes I have. What about it ? I asked my flexvolt rep today and I was told it’s going to be a 12”
Grumpy MSG wrote:
14 minutes ago, Grumpy MSG said:If it does the job that the person in bucket lift needs, then why would he want to wrestle with a 12 inch saw? There is such a thing a the right size for the job. Just look at the discussion folks have about cordless miter saws on here. the FlexVolt 12 inch sliding compound miter saw is the king at almost 70 pounds plus a stand. Other folks want something smaller and more portable and easier to transport. I know I prefer the little 7 1/4 slider at about 30 pounds when moving it from room to room versus the big beast, but then again I don’t install trim that would require the cutting capacity of the big saw.
What are you talking about? Have you even read anything I’ve said about it looking too bulky and gimmicky when it could have just been based on a grinder design? I don’t think you have.
Makita_2233 wrote:
7 minutes ago, Makita_2233 said:Yes I have. What about it ? I asked my flexvolt rep today and I was told it’s going to be a 12”
Well the thread is in reference to photos from that show, not what your rep told you today.
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
3 minutes ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
5 minutes ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:.
Well the thread is in reference to photos from that show, not what your rep told you today.
Okay so one of the photos is the Id sticker which references a 12” blade capacity and an rpm of 5000 which would be to slow for a 9” disc. I heard about this FV Cut-Off saw month ago and had a patent diagram. Both were a saying 12”. No one can even confirm if it is a 9” blade on the saw at the show. I know it looks like one, maybe it’s a very early prototype and wasn’t ready for a 12” blade
A 12″ blade will add considerable load to the entire drivetrain, especially the electrical part, over a 9″ blade. To be able to cope the speed will definitely need to be slower. The load (Amps) will jump a lot with that larger blade, but I’m sure the DeWalt engineers will work out what works.
I’ll stop talking now because I’ve never used one of these cutters which means I’ve little more to add.
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
5 hours ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:It’s not a 12″ saw.
actually according to the sticker on the saw, it says 12 in. At this point I’m not sure anyone knows what size it is for sure.
Okay I don’t need this thing at all. So why do I want one.
Jronman wrote:
5 hours ago, Jronman said:actually according to the sticker on the saw, it says 12 in. At this point I’m not sure anyone knows what size it is for sure.
There’s a lot more evidence on the contrary. It doesn’t look anywhere near a 12″ blade. It would ring true with the other flexvolt tools given that the 12″ mitre saw is 2x batteries (and I’ll wager even hard woods are softer than concrete and steel rebar). The video I’ve posted of the guy in the dewalt shirt next to the dewalt saw stood in a DeWalt booth said it’s not 12″.
I think it’s a big reach to suggest this saw will be a 12″(let’s not kid ourselves by saying we can’t be sure what the demo model is, we know it’s not 12″). It’s either hinting at another model in development and a couple of bodies were assembled at the same time or an error happened in marketing.
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
18 hours ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:
I don’t associate flexvolt tools with concrete cutting and coring. I don’t associate groundwork with joinery or carpentry.
As I said. It’s gimmicky.
At one point people didn’t associate Nintendo with video games, or Tiffany’s with jewellery. Times change, perception changes with it. Your opinion of this tool is valuable in this thread, but your sample size of one makes it basically weightless where it concerns the mass marketability of this product. It’s not a gas replacement, and doesn’t seem to be meant to be one. Guys who need to cut less concrete are better served by having battery compatibility with their existing tools rather than a cordless Stihl which can be used to power… mitre saws? Table saws? Sawzalls? Drills? Anything outside of lawn equipment?
Bremon wrote:
16 minutes ago, Bremon said:At one point people didn’t associate Nintendo with video games, or Tiffany’s with jewellery. Times change, perception changes with it. Your opinion of this tool is valuable in this thread, but your sample size of one makes it basically weightless where it concerns the mass marketability of this product. It’s not a gas replacement, and doesn’t seem to be meant to be one. Guys who need to cut less concrete are better served by having battery compatibility with their existing tools rather than a cordless Stihl which can be used to power… mitre saws? Table saws? Sawzalls? Drills? Anything outside of lawn equipment?
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
13 hours ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:
You’re completely glossing over what I’m saying.
They could have made a 9″ flex volt grinder and sold a guard with a hozenlock type water feed attached, no problem. There’s no need for the bulky body and handle to make it look like your perception of a concrete saw.
While it’s got the water feed, why not make an attachment that is a complete cowl for dry plunge cutting or wall chasing? Grout removal? Vacuum attachments? For a cordless saw it would be nice to use cordless vacs. They’ll have to offer a pressurised water vessel like Hilti and Stihl do otherwise you’re still tethered to a mains water feed.
This is why I’m saying it’s gimmicky.
If it’s not a Stihl and it’s not meant to replace one, why bulid it to look and function like one, with one sole purpose in mind? While this will just as easily cut steel too, it could have been better served to have a smaller, lighter feel of a body with multiple guards to suit other purposes.
I have to ask without trying to come across sounding silly, in this forum, does anyone read anything I write without jumping to a conclusion of what I’ve said or am I not clear enough in what I’m saying?
I see the design with the look of a stihl and others because that’s the best way to use a hand held saw to cut straight at distance in concrete. A grinder style would mean your damn near crawling to cut rather then bending over. This looks correct and a larger version seems likely in the future.
SchenzhenSpecial wrote:
9 hours ago, SchenzhenSpecial said:
What are you talking about? Have you even read anything I’ve said about it looking too bulky and gimmicky when it could have just been based on a grinder design? I don’t think you have.
I am talking about the 9 versus 12 inch arguments. You are arguing for basing the design on a grinder, meanwhile DeWALT appears to have based the idea on the same thing the Stihl saw was based on, a chainsaw. What DeWALT has done is create something that mimics what could be argued as an industry standard design, not something new and very different. They run a single battery for the 8 1/4 tablesaw and two batteries in their 12 inch miter saws. So it stands to reason that to go to a bigger blade would mean a bigger motor, longer transmission arm (or whatever it is called) bigger guard, probably 2 batteries and (my argument) a lot more weight.
I once chopped up a Storage Container for a customer and this would have came in handy.
It almost looks like it should be on a fire truck next to the jaws of life
Grumpy MSG wrote:
59 minutes ago, Grumpy MSG said:I am talking about the 9 versus 12 inch arguments. You are arguing for basing the design on a grinder, meanwhile DeWALT appears to have based the idea on the same thing the Stihl saw was based on, a chainsaw. What DeWALT has done is create something that mimics what could be argued as an industry standard design, not something new and very different. They run a single battery for the 8 1/4 tablesaw and two batteries in their 12 inch miter saws. So it stands to reason that to go to a bigger blade would mean a bigger motor, longer transmission arm (or whatever it is called) bigger guard, probably 2 batteries and (my argument) a lot more weight.
I wasn’t arguing for a bigger blade though.
JakeDewalt wrote:
53 minutes ago, JakeDewalt said:I once chopped up a Storage Container for a customer and this would have came in handy.
It almost looks like it should be on a fire truck next to the jaws of life
That’s not a bad idea for an FD I know the blade isn’t as big but being cordless has its positives.