I'm in the market for a new circular saw to upgrade from my old corded one. Dewalt has a lot of options, and I'm wondering what you all recommend. I currently have several 20V batteries as well as a 60/20 Flexvolt battery from my string trimmer. I've heard that the Flexvolt 7 1/4 is highly regarded, but I'm wondering if it might be too much for my needs. Here's what I'm considering:
1. Since I already have a Flexvolt battery, getting another tool for it seems reasonable.
2. I DIY quite a bit but only pull out the corded saw about ten times a year, so it's not heavily used.
3. I'm redoing my deck this summer, which will definitely increase usage for a while, but usage might decrease afterward.
I'm trying to figure out:
1. Can a 20V saw effectively replace my corded one?
2. Is the Flexvolt really more than I need for my plans?
3. How big is the difference in performance between the Power Detect and the Flexvolt? (I noticed Power Detect was on sale for $100 at Lowe's, but not in my area.)
4. Has anyone found any great deals on Flexvolt tools recently? (Currently, it's listed at $370 with a 9Ah battery or $250 for the bare tool at Home Depot.)
I'd appreciate any advice or personal experiences that could help me make a decision. I'd rather invest in a reliable tool than settle for something cheaper that I might regret later. Thanks!
1 Answer
For infrequent use like yours, a 20V saw should do just fine. I’d recommend the latest 20V XR, specifically the DCS590 with an 8Ah battery; it’ll keep you set for the future. It can replace the older DCS574 PowerDetect and DCS573 FlexVolt Advantage models.
I checked on that, and it looks like the DCS590 and the Flexvolt are priced similarly at Home Depot. I saw the free battery promotion ended in February. Home Depot sometimes offers a free tool with a Flexvolt battery, but not for the circular saw right now. If they're the same price, is there a reason not to choose the Flexvolt other than compatibility with 20V tools?