Updated March 2024
The DeWalt DHS790AB is a one-of-a-kind double bevel miter saw. It’s the only 120V cordless miter saw ever made. This unique tool utilizes two 60V FlexVolt batteries to achieve this. It can also be plugged into a conventional 120V AC outlet, so it’s both a corded and cordless saw. This is a truly unique and awesome concept.
When DeWalt FlexVolt tools first made headlines in 2016, I was genuinely impressed by this remarkable innovation. The concept of a dual voltage 20V/60V battery is one of the greatest innovations in cordless tool technology. The DeWalt 60V MAX FlexVolt battery is totally unique and has expanded the Possibilities for the brand as a world leader in the field.
The range of FlexVolt tools remains fairly limited, with precious few taking advantage of the awesome power of a 120V battery system. Essentially, the DeWalt DHS790AB is as powerful as any corded model. Additionally, clever electronics monitor power delivery to maximize power when needed and conserving the battery when all the brute strength of this mighty beast isn’t needed. I reckon most regular 15A corded saws can’t match this machine when it comes to usable power.
The DeWalt cordless miter saw utilizes a digital inverter with a computerized management system, similar to the system used to power Tesla and other EVs. This cutting-edge technology applied to a power tool.
As much as the DeWalt DHS790AB is bound to make you the envy of your friends, it is pretty expensive. You may be wondering if it’s worth your while digging this deep into your pockets for a cordless miter saw. This DeWalt DHS790AB review will help you decide. Apart from being an engineering masterpiece, it is a highly accomplished double bevel, sliding, compound miter saw.
DeWalt DHS790AB Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw ǀ A Comprehensive Review
Features:
- Flexible – power of corded. Freedom of cordless. The world’s first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools
- Runtime; Up to 289 Cross Cuts in 3-1/4″ baseboard molding
- Powerful 120V Brushless motor provides longer runtime compared to Brushed motors
- CUTLINE blade positioning system; adjustment free cutline indicator
- 120V AC adapter; corded or cordless power delivers ultimate flexibility
Review:
The DeWalt DHS790AB is the most advanced double-bevel compound miter saw to hail from this prestigious brand. With a 12” blade, it has unrivaled cutting capacity:
- 45° Bevel: 2 X 14” dimensional lumber, 2 X 16” with back fence.
- 45° miter maximum height: 2 X 12”.
- 45° miter maximum width: 8”.
- 90° crosscut: 2 X 14”, dimensional lumber, 2 X 16” with back fence.
- 90° crosscut maximum width: 16”.
- Horizontal cut on baseboard (laid flat): 16”.
- Horizontal cut on crown molding (laid flat): 13¾”.
- Vertical cut with baseboard against fence: 6¾”.
- Crown molding vertically nested: 7½”
As you can see by these capacity specifications, the DeWalt DHS790AB can compete with any of the top sliding miter saws.
One of the most admirable aspects of any DeWalt table or miter saw is the fantastic fences. The DHS790AB has superbly machined fences with the great advantage of extra height.
The table is as solid as they come with a cam lock, making it as easy as pie to make perfectly accurate cuts, without wasting time locking the table in position every time you make an adjustment. Miter angles can be set 60°to the right and 50° to the left, with 11 detents on a highly durable stainless steel miter detent plate.
Lining up your cut is aided by the DeWalt cutline system. This should not be confused with their XPS laser guidance positioning system. Cutline is a simple concept and needs no adjustments. An LED light casts a shadow from the blade onto the workpiece. This is a foolproof and easy aide, ensuring that your blade hits the mark with every cut. A real time saver. Bevel angles are just as easy to set and the markings are clearly visible.
When comparing sliding miter saws, the rails are one of the first things I look at. The DeWalt DHS790AB has a dual rail setup. This is really important if you’re serious about accuracy. The single-rail DeWalt miter saws aren’t that great for high-precision work. They’re probably okay for general construction work, but not the best for detailed carpentry. I also like the longevity of the dual-rail DeWalt miter saws. They remain as accurate as the day you bought them for many years, without extensive maintenance.
I suppose dust extraction is not the strong point of the DeWalt DHS790AB. It’s not too bad, just not the best. The problem is a bag that’s slightly too small for the amount of sawdust that is produced. You’ll be emptying it more than most would like to. Apart from this minor quibble, I can’t fault the DHS790AB in any way. Okay, I wouldn’t mind if it were cheaper. But, I suppose advanced 120V FlexVolt technology doesn’t come cheap.
The saw weighs 56 pounds, which I find incredibly reasonable for a large, solid miter saw like this.
We’ve all come to admire DeWalt build quality and superb technology. The DeWalt DHS790AB is at the top of the pile in terms of exceptional quality and durability. When it comes to advanced technology, well, the 120V FlexVolt concept knocks this out of the ballpark and beyond. DeWalt service is legendary, as is their 3-year warranty, with a 90-day guarantee, and 1-year free service plan.
The DeWalt DHS790AB is a basic kit comprising the saw, blade, wrench, and AC power adapter.
For about $20 more, you can get the miter saw kit, with 2 X FlexVolt batteries and charger (DeWalt DHS790AT2), which is excellent value.
DeWalt DWS780 Corded Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
If you don’t need a cordless 12” double bevel sliding compound miter saw, then the DeWalt DWS780 is going to come as a great relief. This saw is exactly the same as the DeWalt DHS790AB, without the FlexVolt cordless advantage. This is a purely AC 120V saw and is much cheaper than the cordless 120V model.
The DeWalt DWS780 replaces, the now discontinued DWS779, as the top corded 12” sliding miter saw in the DeWalt lineup. As I said, it has all the same specs and features as the DeWalt DHS790AB, with one difference. The DeWalt DWS780 has two handles on either side of the saw, making it better in terms of portability.
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