DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect

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DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect

Tool Box Buzz rating:

April 22, 2020
By Dave Brefini on Cordless Tools, Reciprocating Saw

DEWALT 20V XT Reciprocating Saw with POWER DETECT DCS368W1 Review

DEWALT XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect

4/5

Manufacturer: DeWalt

Model number: DCS368W1

Power source: 20 volt

Motor size: Brushless -0-1200 RPM, 4,500 BPM and 2.2 Joules

Recently we completed a rotten sill repair project on a 300-year-old timber frame house. The original sill plate was a 10 x 10 old growth piece of oak. In order to remove the rotted sections of this sill plate, we used a combination of reciprocating saws, hammer drills, pry bars, and chisels. We also got a chance to put the DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect to the test.

DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect

The DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect was an indispensable tool for this job. Packing 44% more power than its predecessor, this reciprocating saw is a huge upgrade.

A Balancing Act

The DEWALT XR Reciprocating Saw was very well balanced with a really smooth action. When the saw engaged with the work material, there was very little kickback. It had plenty of power to cut through the 10 x 10 old-growth oak and it did not bind at all. Additionally, it was able to plunge smoothly into the sill plate. The main reason for this smooth action is due to the new Power Detect^TM battery technology. I was operating this saw with an 8 Ah battery and a 10-inch bi-metal DeWalt blade.

Dewalt Power Detect

DeWalt recently released 4 new tools that operate on the new Power Detect^TM battery technology. Power Detect^TMbattery technology recognizes the type of battery that the tool is using and adjusts the tool’s output according to the battery in use. All tools with the Power Detect^TM technology are compatible with 20V Max, including the new 8 Ah battery, and FlexVolt batteries.

DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw Features

Power Detect^TM battery technology
Keyless lever-action blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes
1 -⅛ stroke length provides fast cutting speed
Variable speed trigger improves blade control
Brushless motor
LED work light
Strokes per minute 0-3000 strokes per minute (SPM)
Tool weight 8 lbs
Stroke length 1-⅛ in
Variable speed

Lacks Rafter Hook

This saw does not come with a rafter hook. For some users, this may be a tick in the “con” column. For others, like myself, I prefer not having a rafter hook. I don’t usually need to hook the saw on something while I work. I prefer the slimmer and more sleek design of the saw.

Cost

The DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect Kit includes (1) saw, (1) battery charger, (1) 8 Ah battery, and (1) kit bag. $279 at Lowes.

DeWalt DEWALT XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect

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Overall Thoughts On This Saw

Overall, the DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect is powerful, well-balanced, and ergonomically comfortable. It has earned a place at the table on our job sites!

About the author

Dave Brefini

Dave Brefini has always been drawn to carpentry since he was a young kid but did not work in the trade until January 2019. Prior to this, he spent 8 years working as a Spanish teacher both at the university and high school level. As a teacher in both private and public schools, he noticed that the trades were rarely presented to students as a viable career path. His decision to begin a career in carpentry was based on both a deep interest in the craft and a passion to promote the trade to young people.

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DEWALT 20 Volt XR Reciprocating Saw With Power Detect