With a change in times has come the need for power tools that can be taken on the go. The Dewalt DCS361M1 caters just to that. A highly efficient, state of the art power tool that does not lug you down like its corded contemporaries. Before you turn away from hearing the term battery-operated, read on to find out why the is as good as, if not par, the traditional.
Dewalt, as a company, has always held a position of authority with their cutting (quite literally) edge technology when it comes to solutions. A trusted brand is the perfect place to start whether you are a professional in the field or just a casual apprentice. The mix of ease of usage combined with the quality of output by their tools has earned them a well-deserved stance in the community. Although this particular design caters more to the DIY enthusiast, it not wrong to say that its build, design, and efficiency is on par with professional miters.
Although the series has two models, the Dewalt DCS361B is a bare version of the Dewalt DCS361M1. The latter is a more beefed up variant, equipped with a DCB112 charger, a 4.0Amp-hour20-volt MAX XR lithium-ion battery, along with the clamp, the blade, the blade wrench, and instructions.
The battery comes equipped with three LED fuel gauges to warn the user when the charge has run out. Considering the longevity of the model, the maker offers a 90-day money-back guarantee paired with a year of a free service contract and three years of limited warranty, providing an all comprehensive plan for the safety of your investment.
DCS361M1 Specs
| Miter Saw | Dewalt DCS361M1 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 36 pounds |
| Dimensions | 25.25 x 19.88 x 15.69 in |
| Color | Yellow |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
| Voltage | 20 volts |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Motor Power | (Amp)- 4 |
| Motor Speed (RPM) | 3,750 RPM |
| Depth of Cut (90°) | 3.5 inches |
| Depth of Cut (45°) | 8 inches |
| Fence System | machined base |
| Blade Size | 7.25 inches |
| Blade Tooth | 40 and 60 sold separately |
| Official Page | Website |
| User Manual | |
| Price | Check Here |
| Reviews | Must Read |
Dewalt DCS361M1 Review
The Blade
The first thing that jumps out positively is the use of a seven 1/4th blade. These blades are a much more versatile choice than the ones currently in use. The fact that it is much cheaper only adds to our approval. The smaller blade is lenient on the system as well, draining lesser battery than it would have if a larger piece was installed.
The design
The design ticks off all the basic parameters. Conventional enough that you won’t need to adjust your hand to a new style. It is made from well thought out blueprints that make the entire process fluid and easy to manipulate. These two features paired with the innovative nuances of the make give it a full rating on our design check. Something which caught our eye was the positive stops etched on the miter scale. While not the first model to boast of these, the Dewalt DCS361M1B is surely one of the firsts to provide a seamless lever movement coupled with precision. The build is as expected, sturdy, and reliable. Dewalt used a cast metal base, which acts as a solid metal platform to work on. There are no extension wings, so the optimal choice would be to mount it on the stand.
This is a sliding system, which limits the user to a 2x base. The range does extend up to 2×8, which is a safe bet for most carpenters, flooring installers, and hobbyists.
One of the issues that may affect some people is the absence of a cushioned hand grip. The vibrations of the model under full load aren’t as intense, however, and therefore can be overcome quite easily.
Considering the weight, the model is not lightweight by any means. However, when compared to the other similar tools out there, it is certainly on the more transportable side.
Safety
Living up to is a name, Dewalt always provides tools that are safe to a fault. This design is no different. It has employed all measures to provide the utmost safety to the user. The blade is made of hard plastic and is transparent in nature. This helps to keep your eyes on the other side of the cut as the blade moves through. The safety switch is integrated into the trigger, and you would only have to slide your fingers from the sideways to get it into the ready position. It’s a much better improvement than the mechanism of holding down the safety with another with your thumb.
It is still always advisable to read the user manual before operating any tool since all models come with their own set of nuances and quirks.
Dust collecting
One of the weaker suits of the model, the Dewalt DCS361M1B, is not a strong contender for dust collecting. It does come equipped with a dust port. The result is not spectacular and will require the user to hook up an extractor to the machine. Even then, most f the model’s dust collecting power depends upon the extractor’s performance. It is still worth mulling over, considering the price range of the model.
Battery life
While the battery may serve you well for smaller projects, it is not capable of running a large project in a single sitting. The runtime is identical to most other contemporaries in the same range, so there is no loss there per se. Dewalt claims that the DCS361M1B can clock in 183 cuts in a 2×4 pine on a single battery. The battery does not take away from the quality of the cut; the slide is still smooth and precise.
Performance
DCS361M1B uses a different approach to making cut lines. While most brands employ lasers that are adjustable to provide maximum accuracy, the d uses an LED. The way it does this by casting a shadow on the cut line. While this may not be a problem if you’re working in an over lit area, the sunshine may prove to be a bit of a challenge.
Mitering has become infinitely easier with this model. There is no need for calibration, which is already a huge plus. The positive stops are at each of the common angles and are quite precise in nature. For the oddly angled cuts, the miter lock does not disappoint. This compact version is as accurate as any other heavy-duty miter saw. The bevel cuts are simple enough to set with the standard reach around for locking and unlocking.
The biggest problem that cropped up with the testing was the blade changing procedure. The bolts are fit tights, and did not even budge at the application of maximum torque one can muster physically. You would most likely have to take a drill to remove the blade.
Pros
1. The cordless mechanism is pretty handy, and it allows you to take your workbench from indoors to outdoors easily.
2. XPS light is included within the make.
3. The 40 TPI carbide blade is robust and has a diameter of 7.25 inches, which can come in handy and will be more cost-effective to change or customize.
4. Oversized bevel makes it easier to change and adjust bevel angles, which also adds to the accuracy of the measurements.
5. For smaller work projects, the dust collection port is available and works fine.
6. The saw has ten positive stops, which make the miter cuts precise.
7. in a single battery charge, you can make about 180-275 cuts, which are enough for hobbyists and quicker projects.
8. Li-ion batteries are used with the model.
9. The pack comes with a battery, charger, carbide blade, blade wrench, and material clamp.
10. The battery is fully charged within an hour.
Cons
1. Changing the blade is a time-consuming affair due to the various types of bolts attached.
2. Tedious to make repetitive cuts since the bevel lever is located in the back of the saw.
3. The system does not break, but the blade stops within 2 seconds.
Conclusion
The saw in itself surpasses expectations. While it may not completely replace the more traditional saws due to its 2x capacity, it is still a good investment to carry along for the other jobs. The convenience of having a cordless counterpart with the power of Dewalt DCS361M1B is definitely a game-changer. The quality build is excellent, and the pros far outweigh the cons present. The saw is a great medley between innovative technology and design features to assist its users for the toughest jobs out there.
The general public definitely seems to appreciate it, with praises being sung for its affordability, accessibility, and accuracy. While the professionals might want more features to complement it, it is by a long shot a naïve model and can take on complex projects. The investment is one of the better ones considering the other alternatives present out there within the same price bracket. The bottom line here is, if you are looking for consistent performance, precise bevels, and better convenience, definitely check this model out.
Watch the Video till End
Comparison
Dewalt DCS361M1
Say goodbye to power cords that always seem to trip you up. Work can be done virtually anywhere you can find space. Weighing in at about 30 pounds, the powerful saw runs on 20 volts and boasts of a 3750 RPM motor with a 12-ampere lithium-ion battery. This facilitates its 40TPI, 7.25-inch carbide blade to be able to provide confident cuts. Within its runtime, the saw can make around 183 to 275 cuts on a pine or a baseboard. The range of its bevel cuts extends from minus three to 48 degrees on the left. It has ten present stops for accurate cutting. The meter can slide on the crown nested, vertical, and horizontal material. It also has included an XPS light, which imparts better visibility. For more precise cuts, it also has a cam lock handle.
Bosch GCM12SD 12″ Miter Saw
The Bosch saw it is definitely on the heavier side, almost double of the modest 30 pounds that d weighed in at. It comes with a magnanimous 15 ampere, three horsepower motor that runs the 12-inch carbide-tipped blade. The blade can reach up to 3800 RPM. The maximum cutting thickness recorded is 4 inches, and the maximum degree of miter cut is 60 on the left and 52 on the right. The axial glide feature provides for professional control, which is useful for smoother crosscuts. It also saves up on the space, where otherwise you would have to employ a 12-inch rail setup. The setup comes with two square lock quick release fences that make it a dream to assemble. They also impart stability to the structure while working. Another distinct characteristic is the presence of the all-metal bevel lock and range selector, which are present in the front rather than reaching all the way to the back.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Should I buy a corded or cordless circular saw?
The advantage associated with corded saws is that they are more powerful. Since they draw power from the wall sources. The longer you keep using a cordless saw, the slower it becomes, often resulting in sloppy work. However, the cordless variant will always be more versatile than the corded one in terms of maneuverability and workspace restrictions.
Are cordless tools as powerful as corded?
Cordless tools offer reliability in ways that corded can rarely match up with, when it comes to power cuts or when you need to move out into the backyard. However, corded have a consistent power supply, and will keep going for hours at the same efficiency ass you started out with. On the other hand, cordless will start to power down as and when their battery starts to diminish.
What should I look for when buying a circular saw?
The main things to look for in a circular saw are the blade size, the style, power, and whether the appliance is corded or cordless. Although many saws may look the same to the beginner’s eye, it is suggested to use the desired saw at least once before committing to anything. The ergonomics of each piece is unique to it, and you’ll see that one is more suited to your tastes than the other.
Can I use a bigger blade on my circular saw?
It is usually not feasible to use a bigger blade than the one specified by the manufacturer. However, there are always exceptions, such as the dado blades. The specifications for each model are listed in the user manual and should be abided by those particular set standards only.
Which way should a circular saw blade spin?
While using a saw, the tips of the teeth should be the first to move. Saw blades usually have the direction for rotation marked on the so be on the lookout for these before you get to work.
Are more teeth on a saw blade better?
As a general rule, the higher the number of teeth, the smoother will the cut be. Blades that have lesser teeth are ideal for removing material faster. While comparing a crosscut blade with a ripping blade, the former makes more cuts individually as it moves through the stick and therefore requires a slower feed pace. This results in a cleaner cut on the edges with a smoother cut surface.
What is the best TPI for cutting wood?
Coarser tooth blades, around 2-3 TPI, are best suited to resawing wood and cutting thicker stock that can be up to 8 inches. A fine-toothed blade, on the other hand, is anywhere around 18 to 32 TPI and should be used for metals and plastics, preferably under 0.25 inches. General-purpose cutting, which involves ¾ inches of wood, will need a 4 TPI that will cut faster, but in comparison, a 14 TPI will leave a smoother finish.
Why does my circular saw burn the wood?
The major culprits can be a dull or dirty saw. While a dull saw will make the cutting process much slower, the slower you feed the saw, the more likely there is to be friction against the wood. This greatly increases the appearance of scorch marks. This is why pushing the stock through the saw slowly may result in saw blade burn.
Our circular saw and table saw blades the same?
The arbor in circular saws has the same diameter as many 10-inch table saws. This means that the blades meant for circular saws will also fit nicely into most ten-inch table saws.
What blade should I use to cut the laminate countertop?
Blades that have 40 teeth work well for most cuts through the plywood. High teeth count of 60 to 80 is more suited for veneered plywood and melamine. These are more likely to have thin veneers that can blow out on the underside of the cut, commonly known as tear-out. You will need to go even higher for an MDF, which requires blades with a teeth count of about 90.
What are other affordable alternatives?
You can check the below Miter Saws.
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