Dewalt 8-1/2' FlexVolt Tablesaw - 4 Year Look-back

DEWALT FlexVolt Cordless 8-1/4" Table Saw - Model DCS7485T1

Dewalt vs. Milwaukee Comparison

4-1/2 years ago I tested the Flexvolt 8-1/4” tablesaw. Back then I told you that I was impressed with its portability, versatility, performance and power.
At that time the new table saw had all the same features as their corded sibling. So if you were already used to using a DEWALT table saw, there was NO learning curve.
At that time I told you I was a fan of all DEWALT table saws, but the best feature of this saw is obviously that it's cordless. I had also inquired whether an accessory power cord was in the making, so users could plug into a power outlet for AC current.
DEWALT, told me back then that the cost for an AC adapter /cord similar to the miter saw accessory, would be substantial as the electrical current needs to be converted from 60v to 120V. They also said they were currently working on an adapter but it was still about 9 months or more away. Well that hasn’t happened.

Runtime
We did a runtime test using a 60V, 4 Ah battery pack at the time.
We cut For the 256 lineal feet of IPE decking material.
264 lf of framing lumber ….And 608 lf of ¾ plywood. Impressive right?
Back then we told you that if you were serious about using a cordless table saw, we recommended a second battery. While that’s stll good advice – DEWALT now offers higher Ah batteries extending the saws runtime even more.
Probably one of the best features in this saw is the amazing rack and pinion fence design. This fence allows for two positions in order to rip up to 24” material. It’s so nice that everyone else has copied it. I told you back then that the fence was super smooth, and made easy micro-adjustments. That still holds true today.
The fence extends wide enough to allow a 24-inch rip capacity on the right side of the blade and will allow a 12-inch rip to the left of the blade.
The riving knife is also a nice feature and it mirrors the saw blade doing a nice job at keeping the saw kerf from closing behind the blade while ripping, it also helps prevent a bind between the blade and fence from getting caught by the saw teeth on the back of the blade.
Durability
We felt that the DEWALT Cordless 8-1/4” Table Saw was durable for jobsite use with its metal roll cage protecting the saw and convenient handle for carrying.
We liked the heavy-duty black canvas shroud that is mounted to the underside of the table to the motor. The canvas is sized to follow the motor as it is raised/lowered or beveled. The shroud captures and directs dust toward the dust chute. This dust feature works good, well done DEWALT!!
So did we get this right – YEP we did!
This saw is still going strong and is used daily.
Our biggest pet peeve with this saw is with the safety “stop lever” over the power switch. I believe has been addressed by DEWALT already on upgrades.
The power switch “stop lever” on our saw slaps the stop button if you left it come down too fast. This turns off the saw, seconds after starting it.
After conferring with the product manager at DEWALT, it was determined that the red stop lever spring force was too high. DEWALT told us back then that they would refine and make adjustments before the tool goes into full production. I hope they did.
Conclusion
We are very impressed with the DEWALT Cordless 8-1/4” Table Saw and the attention to detail put into it. This saw is a prime example of the hard work DEWALT put into making their tools, and their commitment to making a cordless job site.
This cordless table saw is a fantastic tool with some nice unique features, it is powerful and you can’t beat the fence system!
If you liked this lookback video take a peek at our DEWALT Table saw vs Milwaukee Table saw a comparison. I’ll put a link in the video description below.

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[ashtray]

I've had this saw for 3 years. It's seen daily use since the day i bought it.
-THE GOOD
Fence, cordless, portable (not that heavy everything has its place for easy transport) quick and easy to set.
-MY GRIEVANCES.
single rail - doesnt work well with sleds. (But you can make it work with fence but limits the sled)
Working with hardwoods batteries can go fast and there is NO plugin adapter.
Batteries- (maybe just me) but ive burnt several 9amp batteries in this thing. If you are not careful and listen for rpm drop when it drops i have to change battery asap or it fries the battery. Had it in 3x because of it all 3 times came back saying nothing was wrong. At 300 now, 400 a year ago, for a 9amp battery, thats an expencive mistake.

Overall... compared to other brands its definitely above the rest. They just NEED to make that adapter cord for heavier workloads.

[Jddlincoln]

You guys absolutely nailed this review. I have been using this tablesaw exclusively every day for the past two years. I even took my corded dewalt tablesaw out of my trailer and into storage because I hadn’t used it in over a year. This and my flexvolt sliding mitersaw come out every day and I absolutely love these tools. Love these look back videos!

[Redfour]

I just used mine yesterday year three. I needed a saw quickly for a single cut on a treated (ground contact) 2 X 6 X 10 on a deck repair. And so, I grabbed it off the top of the storage table, pulled out a table saw horse, grabbed a battery and had it cut in like 10 minutes total time and put back away... The logistics of this thing are fantastic, portability without a rolling stand is great, it will work anywhere...NOW... It might as well be a screw driver. I gave my other saw electric away. It would take a half hour just to get it ready to cut...

[Governor_William_J_Lepetomane]

I bought mine last year, and the red safety switch can still turn off the saw if you let it drop. Not a big deal, just take an extra .25 second to slow it down and it's not an issue.

The thin kerf blade rips through lumber and I am still impressed by the volume of cuts you can make on a single charge.

My only real gripe is there are sharp edges on the front of the fence that lumber was catching on, shaving it like you would expect a plane to do and catching the wood. I took out a file, rounded over the edges, and haven't had an issue since.

My home shop is 8'x11', so I needed something small where the fence doesn't stick out. This fit the bill, and the fact that I can use the flexvolt batteries with the rest of the cordless line is great.

[ryanmazza]

I watched your first review a couple times over the last couple years, the only hold up I've had is that AC adapter! But the battery tech is so awesome now I think I'll just go for it. Thanks for your fantastic reviews over the years sir!

[Erik_The_Viking]

Hitachi's table saw is dual-power so you can use battery or 120v, so it can be done. Why DeWalt/Milwaukee hasn't done that is beyond me.

[shamrock]

I just bought one finally. i got tired of the corded one blowing out my fuse box everytime i started it. but i love the battery op one. i no longer own any corded tools

[Miiike]

Worth every penny for my type of commercial millwork installation use. Great look back on this saw.

[markjarman]

I sorted that lever out 2 days after buying one. Took a spade bit and drilled a hole to reach the on button. Been running mine from the day it was released and still perfect.

[davidparseth]

Really enjoying your honest opinions in the look back videos. Thanks guys, Appreciated!

[steventicknor]

Dewalt in my opinion still are the best saws in all categories on the market you can’t go wrong buying a dewalt saws.

[justgregnow]

The dewalt cordless table is and will be my go to!

[parrilj]

You guys are doing great! These look back videos are good. I like to know heavy use tools are running the distance

[tylerpoteat]

If they made a possible corded option like the miter saw I would buy this tomorrow

[mykolashatkovskyi]

I have the corded one - just love it. And it has better on/off switch. The fence is legendary - compared with MetaboHPT (brand I also like and have it's mitre saw) and Ryobi - not even close. Thank you for your review.

[andrewhenderson]

Really enjoying your look back videos. Biggest test for the tool is the years it performs

[tensazero]

i know they say don't fix if it aint broken..., but i'm sure by now they can version2.0 with more powerful motor design. Maybe even 120V and use the adapter they already have. Even up it to a 10" capability while still being able to use 8.25".

[carpentrys]

4 years later and that's still my only peeve so no they haven't fixed it yet, but I absolutely love the saw

[markjarman]

Had mine also 4 years and it’s still perfect for me.

[daniiii]

I've slowly been converting to full cordless. Many of the older home's electrical systems around here can't reliably start a table or miter saw and most don't have exterior outlets at all. Some have been so problematic that I run a generator on a site that has had power for the last 100 years. The DW table saw will be my next big'ish purchase.