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DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V Cordless 7-1/4” Worm Drive Style Saw Review

DeWalt FLEXVOLT 7-1/4” Cordless Worm Drive Style Saw

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCS577X1
Power source: 60 V
Motor size: Brushless 5800 RPM
Weight: 10.8

I have always been a bit nostalgic (and admittedly biased) towards worm drive saws, but one thing that no one can take away from them is their pure power and durability. While I have always had an affinity for worm drive saws, they do have their drawbacks, namely, a cord. When DeWalt introduced their new DeWalt FLEXVOLT 7-1/4” Cordless Worm Drive Style Saw, I absolutely jumped on the opportunity to give it a work out in the field.

First Impressions

When I first opened the package, the feeling was decidedly familiar. The weight and balance were very similar to a traditional worm drive. The included 9.0AH battery is a beast, but its location on the saw makes it extremely well balanced, and you seem to not notice the heft.

In typical DeWalt fashion, the ergonomics are spot on. The handle felt extremely comfortable and easy to grasp. The saw felt well built and the fit and finish were great as well.

Included in the kit were the FLEXVOLT circular saw, DCB609 20V/60V MAX* FLEXVOLT 9.0Ah Battery,  FLEXVOT carbide tipped 7-1/2″ circular saw blade, DCB118 20V MAX* fan cooled fast charger,  blade wrench, instruction manual and a contractor bag.

Specifications

• Arbor Size (in): 0.625
• Net Tool Weight (lbs): 10.8
• Battery Voltage: 60
• Bevel Capacity (°): 53
• Blade Location: Left
• Electric Motor Brake: Yes
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Integrated Rafter Hook: Yes
• Maximum Cut Depth @ 45° (in): 1.875
• Maximum Cut Depth @ 90° (in): 2.438
• Maximum RPM: No Load 5800
• Number of Batteries Required: 1
• Saw Drive: Direct Drive
• Shoe Material: Magnesium

DeWalt Cordless Worm Drive Style Saw Motor

First things first, this saw is not a true worm drive, it does have a direct drive motor. However, the main thing that most framers are concerned with, are the line of sight that typical left blade orientation provides, and that power. This saw provides a very similar line of sight and can deliver up to a whopping 2400 watts of power.

DeWalt Cordless Worm Drive Style Saw Features

Magnesium Shoe

The DCS577X1 comes equipped with lightweight and durable magnesium shoe. The included markings on the blade side are easy to read.

Bevel Adjustment

Capable of beveling up to 53°, the DCS577X1 also offers detents/stops at the popular angles of 45° and 22.5°. The bevel has raised numbers which are very easy to read, even with sawdust. While some guys on my crew thought the lever to engage the bevel was too large, I personally found it perfect. I don’t like to fumble around looking for the lever when often changing bevels.

Depth Adjustment

I love the depth adjustment on the DCS577X1. It is large, easy to grab and the gauge is VERY easy to read. Although I don’t usually use the depth gauge, it is nice to have when plunge cutting in certain applications, such as installed sub-floor when you can’t check the depth beforehand.

Dust Blower

An integrated dust blower helps clear the line of sight when cutting.

Rafter Hook

DeWalt has included a very nice rafter hook. While other competitors have begun to include rafter hooks, several have failed in their execution. This hook is stepped, offering spots to hook the saw on 2” material (2x’s) and 3” material (I-joists). The hook also has “nubs” that help grip onto the lumber.

Blade Wrench

One feature I found particularly helpful was the included on-board blade wrench. While I try to keep an extra wrench in my tool bags, I always seem to be without whenever I need to change a blade. The wrench storage is out of the way and stored securely. A very nice, albeit subtle, addition.

Safety on the DeWalt Cordless Worm Drive Style Saw

Safety Button

To engage the trigger, you must first push the safety button. This is located above and slightly behind the trigger. As an avid SkilSaw user, this action felt foreign to me at first, but after some time, it became second nature. I wonder though, if DeWalt might have done better to move this button forward to make it easier to engage with a finger.

Electronic Brake

After releasing the trigger, an electronic brake quickly slows the blade to a stop. This is a very useful feature as I’ve many times cut material I didn’t intend when I hurriedly set down the saw. It also would have a prevented a few accidents/injuries I’ve encountered over the years.

Using the DeWalt Cordless Worm Drive Style Saw

Power. Power. Power. This saw has TONS of power! I honestly still can’t believe that DeWalt has managed to accomplish the amount of power this saw produces in a battery platform. I have used this saw to frame 3 houses (along with several remodeling jobs) and I haven’t been able to even bog it down. I am sure I could if I tried, but why? It does everything I ask. The saw feels great in hand, has extremely impressive run times with the 9.0AH battery, and it doesn’t come tethered by a cord. From ripping multiple sheets of plywood to cutting long, compound angle jack rafters, these tasks proved no issue for the Dewalt  DCS577X1 Worm Drive Style Saw. Impressed is an understatement.

Improvements

I have had a hard time finding things to knock on this saw. I touched on the safety button earlier, and I think it would be wise for DeWalt to take a look at the location, if feasible. If it’s not, it really doesn’t bother me that much. The way the saw sits when cutting, it can get a little bit “tippy,”  but again, I think if you’re a pro who uses this saw like it should, you won’t find this to be an issue.

Overall Impression

The DeWalt DCS577X1 Worm Drive Style Saw has exceeded my expectations. I knew I was going to be getting a quality product, but I had no idea it would be THIS good. This saw offers a TRUE cordless alternative to a heavy duty framing saw, and the added features only strengthen its case of becoming a staple on framing sites everywhere. While I will always love my original Mag 77, this has officially become my new favorite framing saw. It is my father’s as well.

DeWalt FLEXVOLT 7-1/4” Cordless Worm Drive Style Saw Video Review

How Is This Saw Doing 2 Years Later?  – 2-Year Look-Back

3 Comments

1. Bengt

   January 13, 2018 at 10:22 am

   So. Which is better the dewalt or the makita. One of your sponsors will be upset but the review is pointless unless you compare it to the makita.

   Reply
   1. Will Endicott

      January 22, 2018 at 6:32 pm

      Bengt, this really depends on your preference. They are both great saws. Some contractors prefer the ergonomics of the Makita. The handle is more in line with the blade and seems to be a little more stable through the cut. DeWalt has more power though, and I prefer certain features on that saw as opposed to the Makita. So if you are invested in either platform or not, you really can’t go wrong with either saw.

      Reply
2. Kevin

   November 23, 2018 at 12:30 am

   Correction – No sidewinder is “direct drive,” they all have gears. Only direct drive saws are old radial arm saws with the large induction motors.

   Reply

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