Tool Box Buzz

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Cordless 10″ Table Saw Review

MultiVolt 36V 10" Table Saw

4/5

Manufacturer: Metabo HPT
Model number: C3610DRJQ4
Price: $599.00
Power source: 36V MultiVolt Battery or AC Adapter
Weight: 67.3 Lbs. W/ Battery

I meet many contractors that are still completely against large high-demand cordless tools. Whether it is a table saw, a miter saw a router, or any other high-demand tool. They lack confidence in the battery-powered system’s ability to keep up. Metabo HPT’s MultiVolt system takes those concerns completely out of the equation. Powerful 36V batteries coupled with a plug-in AC Adapter give the best of both worlds. Moreover, MHPT gives users a large, stable, and easy-to-use tool in addition to multiple power sources.

MultiVolt Table Saw Specs

• Blade Diameter: 10″ x 5/8″
• Included Blade: 10″ 40 Tooth Carbide Tip
• Blade Kerf Range: 2.3-2.5mm
• No Load Speed: 5,000 RPM
• Bevel Range: 0-45°
• Miter Gauge Range: 60° Left or Right
• Depth of Cut at 0°: 3 1/8″
• Depth of Cut at 45°: 2 1/4″
• Max Rip Capacity Left of Blade: 22″
• Max Rip Capacity Right of Blade: 35″
• Dado Max Width: 3/16″
• Working Table Size: 28 3/4″ X 22″
• Weight: 67.3 Lbs. W/ 4.0 Ah Battery
• Warranty: 2 Year Tool Body

Standout Features of the Metabo HPT MultiVolt Table Saw

Onboard Tool Storage

Metabo HPT includes an anti-kickback assembly with pawls, a miter gauge, push stick, VIC rip fence (for narrow stock) as well as two blade change wrenches with the MultiVolt table saw. There is a dedicated holder for each tool built into the saw’s housing. This feature makes accessing a tool extremely easy. In particular, the push stick is located on the right side of the saw housing. As a right-handed user, it is exceptionally intuitive to grab the push stick while feeding material into the saw.

Smart and Safe Power Switch Design

Turning a job site table saw on and off should require deliberate action. Doing this keeps everyone on-site safer and more importantly focused on the task of cutting. Lots of things can go wrong very quickly when using a table saw. Metabo HPT addresses some of these concerns with a well-designed activation switch. A spring-loaded cover protects the green-colored “on” button. Equally important is the large oversized red “off” paddle switch. This switch is easy to mash with a hand, a knee, a foot, or whatever appendage you can reach it with. Once the “off” switch is engaged, the saw’s electric brake system kicks in and stops the blade almost instantly.

Well Placed Adjustment Controls

A common theme with this saw is the well-placed, large, easy-to-use controls. Whether setting blade angle, adjusting blade height, or dialing in the fence, these tasks are easily accomplished with one hand on the MultiVolt table saw. That ease of adjustment is paramount on a job-site saw. Each adjustment scale is also clearly, and accurately, labeled for quick reference.

Rack and Pinion Fence Adjustment

The rack and pinion gear system for the fence adjustment is one of my favorite features. Many other manufacturers use a similar system, but the Metabo HPT is my favorite iteration of it. The large knurled dial is easy to grasp. The lock lever shores up the fence and secures it into position. Out of the box, the fence was true to the factory measuring scale. But the adjustment is relatively painless thanks to the aluminum track design.

Large Stable Work Platform

This is not a compact saw. At 28 3/4″ x 22″ the table of the MHPT saw is a large and steady work surface. This may seem obese to contractors working with smaller stock materials and trim, but for larger boards and sheet goods, the thiccness is appreciated. Currently, the saw ships as a bare tool only. I requested a folding stand from Metabo HPT with the saw and they were able to accommodate me. The stand came in their Hikoki brand packaging, but upon further investigation, I see that this stand is identical to the one provided with the Hitachi corded saw. If you are a current owner of the corded version, the MultiVolt saw should bolt directly to your current stand. The saw sits at a comfortable waist-level working height on the stand. For me, at 6′ 3″ and wearing boots, it seems about perfect.

36V Power Vs. MultiVolt Convenience

So what good is a cordless tool if the batteries don’t last right? Currently, the largest 36V MultiVolt battery available from MHPT is 4.0 Ah. With a freshly charged battery, I was able to make a total of five full-length cuts ripping a 2X4DF plus an additional 14 1/4″ on the sixth. I pushed this test very hard and forced the batteries into a thermal overload situation and had to stop. Because I have multiple MHPT MultiVolt batteries, I am extremely happy with this level of performance. If your daily needs require greater performance, then Metabo HPT has you covered with their plug-in AC Adapter. Some scoff at the idea of a plug-in adapter for cordless tools, but to me, it is an invaluable accessory as a user of the MultiVolt platform.

In terms of performance, the MultiVolt table saw is smooth, quiet, and robust, regardless of which power source you choose. Cutting a variety of materials was no challenge at all. When pushing sheet goods and large framing lumber, the saw refused to bog down. Conversely, when cutting smaller trim pieces and more delicate stock the saw could handle the refined work without issues.

Price and Availability

The MultiVolt table saw has been available from Metabo HPT and other vendors for several years now. In that time it has become increasingly popular. Currently, it is available for $599.00 as a bare tool. This is roughly $100.00 more than the corded model. The corded model also includes a folding stand. If you currently own the corded model saw and are invested in other cordless MultiVolt tools, then the cordless version is a worthwhile upgrade. Metabo HPT tools often have a somewhat higher initial purchase cost than their competitors, but the performance and adaptability of the MultiVolt system provide a great return on that investment. The MultiVolt table saw is no exception to this.

Below is a Buy Now link to purchase this tool from our friends at Acme Tools.

Overall Impressions of the MultiVolt Table Saw

In 2018, Tool Box Buzz conducted our Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw Head-2-Head. That test saw the Hitachi 10″ table saw walk away as our top overall winner. An impressive feat to say the least. The MultiVolt table saw from Metabo HPT is the modern cordless interpretation of that saw. MHPT has taken an excellent tool and made it exceptional with their 36V brushless motors and capable MultiVolt technology. I could easily throw a meme in here about “modern problems requiring modern solutions”, but the saw speaks for itself.

I love the fact that it is a large saw. It offers a stable working platform for any job site and would excel as a stowable tool for a home shop. However, I acknowledge that it may be too large for many trailers or work vehicles where space is at a premium. The initial cost of ownership is also slightly high on this tool, but I find it acceptable as a MultiVolt user. Overall I think the MHPT MultiVolt table saw is an exceptional all-around tool and my preferred cordless table saw option. Check it out for yourself and see if the MultiVolt world is for you.

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