Choice of a System

Nowadays buying a particular power tool isn't an isolated decision. The industry is going more and more cordless every year. And while batteries have yet to deliver the kind of power the corded versions of these tools have, it is hard to go back to being tethered to an outlet once you have started enjoying the freedom of cordless. We have all done the long cut on a sheet of plywood, dragging the cord behind us, or getting it caught on something. And I have to admit to once cutting through my own cord (a long time ago, when I was young and inexperienced). So, when you are shopping for a new power tool, you have to ask yourself, “Corded or Cordless?” If you are going cordless, then you are investing not only in the tool, but the batteries as well. And to make a wise decision, you have to consider what other tools you might buy that can use the same batteries, because batteries are expensive. In short, you have to consider the whole system of tools and batteries. A couple of years ago, I began investing in the DeWalt FlexVolt system, and I am not sorry. There are other systems that may be better for lawn tools, or better for woodworking, or for dust extraction. But I haven't seen a more well-rounded system of cordless tools than the Dewalt FlexVolt system. Since the FlexVolt batteries can be used on the 20 volt tools, there is a wide variety of tools in the system. And they just feel like they are made to last.

I am going to write today about three particular tools in the DeWalt FlexVolt system; The DCD771C2 cordless drill/driver, the DCS7485T1 cordless table saw, and the DCS573B circular saw.

The DCD771C2 20 Volt Drill/Driver Kit

Since it is a kit, it comes with the 20 volt battery, charger, and bag. The tool only is DCD771B, but I don't see that on the DeWalt site anymore, so maybe it has been discontinued. I've had this drill/driver for years and I love it. I have several of the 20 volt batteries, so when I am building, I can go all day with this driver. It has two gears and twenty torque settings, although I never take it out of first gear and torque on max. It is fairly light-weight, so your arm doesn't get tired. And I like the built-in light for working in tight, dark spaces. The only negative I have found about it is other drill/drivers I have used have had a holder for bits. My old Porter Cable drill had two magnets on the top where you can leave different bits. That was convenient. I keep telling myself to epoxy a couple of magnets to the top of the DCD771C2, but I haven't gotten around to it. I highly recommend this drill/driver, especially if you use it for both drilling and driving.

The DCS7485T1 Table Saw

I had a Craftsman table saw for almost 25 years and I loved it. I built a lot of stuff with it and I never babied it. So the last couple of years, it's age was starting to show. When I started looking for a replacement, I didn't have to look far. I had bought the DeWalt lawn mower a couple years before, and with the string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and drill/driver, I was already invested in the FlexVolt system. I bought this saw. DeWalt makes legs for it (DW7440RS) but the legs I had for my Craftsman were fine, and I was able to adapt them easily. And it has been great. I can rip a sheet of ½ plywood right down the middle by myself (with sawhorses to catch). The FlexVolt batteries deliver plenty of power, and I have a couple extra (from the lawn mower purchase) so I have never run out of power. I might have a problem if I mowed the lawn on the same day that I had building to do, but that hasn't happened. All the adjustments work smoothly and lock into place. The calibration on the rip fence is accurate, although I am in the habit of using a tape measure to double check. And I love that I can attach my old shopvac for dust extraction. That is something my old Craftsman did not have. The only thing I wish it had is the injury mitigation technology like SawStop has. But if it did, it would be a lot more expensive.

The DCS573B Circular Saw

This is my next power tool purchase. Right now I have plenty of ways to cut a 2x4. And my old Skil circular saw works fine. So I don't have an excuse to purchase this yet. But I'll find one. I had a friend give me a cordless Makita circular saw some years ago. It was already on it's last legs, and I used it until it was dead. But I loved not having to deal with a cord. And since the DCS573B circular saw uses the FlexVolt batteries, I am sure it is powerful enough for my uses. Also, I like that it has over 2-1/2 inch cutting depth and a dust port for dust extraction. Maybe when I buy one, I'll do a review.

I hope that helps if you are trying to decide what to buy.

Thanks,

Andy