DeWalt DCS785 Review: A Cordless 12-Inch Miter Saw Built for the Job Site

Introduction

The DeWalt DCS785 is a 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw that runs entirely on the 20V MAX battery system. It is DeWalt’s first cordless saw in this class, and it is designed to deliver serious job site cutting power without a power cord. With a max cross cut of 14 inches and up to 6-1/2 inches vertically, it targets framing and trim work where real cut capacity and real run time matter.

Who This Saw Is For

This saw is not aimed at DIYers making a few picture frames. It is built for serious finish carpenters, remodelers, framers, and trim crews who want the power of a corded saw but with the freedom of a battery. If you are already on the DeWalt 20V MAX or FlexVolt systems, the DCS785 gives you pro-level performance without hauling a generator or fighting for outlets.

The saw comes in at $699 for a bare tool or $879 for a kit that includes an 8 amp hour XR power pack and a charger. A 3-year warranty is standard.

Main Strengths

The first thing that stands out is the huge cut capacity on a common 20V battery. Out of the box accuracy was good when checked with a rafter square, and the steel miter angle guide is a nice touch. The dual miter swings easily left to 50 degrees and right to 60 degrees, with detents at all the common cut points and the ability to lock in at any angle you need.

The double bevel tilts both left and right up to 49 degrees, with detents at 22-1/2 and 33.9 degrees for fast angle stops. If you are familiar with DeWalt miter saws, this one still uses the rear style bevel adjustment knob.

The built-in LED shadow line is a standout feature. It is not a laser, so it is always accurate. It works on both sides of the blade and is perfect for indoor use. Outdoors, the line was still there but much harder to see depending on how bright the sun was.

Cut Capacity and Sliding Action

The sliding action uses two steel rails that give smooth, accurate slides even at full extension. However, they do require space behind the saw, which is something to factor into your shop layout. On a 27-inch deep bench, the saw was just hanging off the front and still hitting the wall in the back.

Horizontal cut capacity is 14 inches at 90 degrees and 10 inches at a 45-degree miter. Vertical cut capacity just barely clears 7 inches tall, which means it will handle a 6-1/2 inch base with ease.

Cut Line LED and Power

DeWalt also includes what they call cut capture charge. The idea is that the saw captures energy via regenerative braking, giving you more cuts per charge. You can hear the braking action kick in when the saw stops. DeWalt claims that with a single, fully charged 8 amp hour power pack battery, you can expect 371 cuts in 3-1/4 inch MDF base molding and up to 153 cuts in 4x4 pressure treated lumber. That should easily cover a full day’s worth of cuts for a project.

In testing with PT 2x10s, 2x6s, a piece of 3-1/2 by 7-inch LVL, and different pieces of trim, the saw was exacting enough for a job site miter saw and had plenty of power.

Dust Collection and Wireless Tool Control

One area that could be improved is the dust collection bag. After 10 cuts through 2x6, roughly 75% of the dust ended up on the saw and the table, with only a small amount in the bag. It is not very good. On the flip side, if you ditch the dust bag and hook up a vacuum, dust collection vastly improves. The same 10 cuts left only a small amount of dust on the saw and table.

The saw also comes with wireless tool control, which allows you to link a compatible vacuum that powers on automatically when the saw does. The removable side extensions are not adjustable as on other miter saws on the market, and they really serve as slightly more convenient side pickup handles.

Things to Consider Before Buying

This saw still weighs over 50 pounds, so it is not lightweight. The rear clearance is a real consideration, as it did not even fit on a standard 27-inch bench without hitting the wall. The dust bag is weak if you are not using a vacuum. And the non-adjustable side extensions are a minor disappointment.

Buying Advice

If you are a professional who needs full-size cutting power without a cord, the DCS785 hits hard and proves that 20V MAX cordless is ready for full-size, full-power tools. Just make sure you have the right batteries, a vacuum setup, and a strong back to move it around.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCS785 is a serious cordless miter saw with huge cut capacity, a reliable LED shadow line, and excellent run time thanks to regenerative braking. It is not for everyone, but for pros who already live on the 20V MAX platform, it is a compelling way to cut the cord without giving up performance.