DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Cordless Brushless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw with Brake (2) FLEXVOLT 9.0Ah Batteries

Why I reached for this saw

After years of dragging a cord behind my circular saw, I’ve been steadily shifting my main cutting tasks to cordless. The FlexVolt 7-1/4-in. saw was the first cordless sidewinder I’ve used that genuinely matched the urgency and confidence of a corded setup on framing lumber and sheet goods. It’s a 60V brushless platform running a 7-1/4-in. blade at 5800 RPM, and the kit I tested includes two 9.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a bag. On paper, it reads like a corded replacement; in practice, it gets very close.

Setup and first cuts

Out of the box, the saw feels substantial with a 9.0Ah pack installed—noticeably heavier than compact 6-1/2-in. models, but balanced well enough that I didn’t fight the nose or tail when starting cuts. The shoe arrived square to the blade. My 0° and 45° markers lined up with the cutline; I still recommend dialing in to your blade’s kerf and scribe line for best accuracy. The keyed blade change is straightforward—wrench on board, spindle lock in a logical spot—and the lower guard cycled cleanly without snagging on bevel transitions.

This is a right-blade sidewinder, so if you’re right-handed and prefer left-blade sightlines, plan on relying more on the cutline indicator and the integrated LED. I found the LED helpful in dim interiors and garages; in bright sun it’s less visible, as with most LEDs.

Power that feels familiar

The reason to choose this saw is cutting speed under load. The brushless motor spins at a no-load 5800 RPM, and the torque feels on par with mid-tier 15-amp corded saws. On 2x lumber, it keeps blade speed up through rips and bevels without the bogging or stall-protection chatter that some lower-voltage cordless saws exhibit. Crosscutting and ripping 2x10 and 2x12 stock felt predictable—no surprise slowdowns as the pack drains. The electric brake is effective and stops the blade quickly, which shortens the time between cuts and improves safety around other trades.

Max cut depth at 90° is 2.563 in., and at 45° it’s 2.0 in. That’s an easy one-pass through standard framing lumber even on a 45° bevel. The bevel range tops out at 57°, with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°. The detents are firm, and the bevel lock doesn’t creep. For roof framing, those stops speed things up; for cabinetry or trim, the micro-adjustment isn’t fine-tuned like a track saw, but for a circular saw the repeatability is solid.

Runtime and batteries

Runtime always depends on blade choice and cut mix, but the included 9.0Ah packs make a meaningful difference. On a typical framing day—breaking down and installing joists, blocking, and trimming sheet goods—I was able to run a pack long enough that it became a scheduling item rather than a constant worry. Having two packs in the kit means there’s a true rotation: one on the saw, one on the charger or cooling.

The charger in the kit is a fast unit, which keeps turnaround reasonable on these higher-capacity batteries. Expect the charger to run warm and loud like most high-output chargers; that’s normal, but it’s worth placing it on a firm, ventilated surface and away from dust-heavy operations if you can. My general tip for runtime: use a sharp, task-appropriate blade. A framing blade for framing, a higher-tooth-count blade for finish cuts. The motor will reward you with smoother cuts and less battery sag.

Ergonomics and controls

The handle shape and overmold offer a secure grip without hot spots. The secondary handle has good clearance for a firm two-handed push. The depth adjustment lever is glove-friendly, and the depth scale is legible. The shoe glides cleanly on plywood and OSB; on wet PT lumber, as always, a light wax helps.

Weight is the trade-off you’ll notice. With a 9.0Ah battery, it’s not the lightest 7-1/4-in. saw. Overhead cuts and long days of continuous ripping will remind you of that. Balance is good enough that the heft reads as “planted” rather than “clumsy,” but if you’re stepping up from a compact saw, plan for the additional mass.

The rafter hook is robust and positioned so the saw hangs flat on a joist or ladder without tipping. That small detail matters in real work: having a reliable place to park the saw between cuts reduces fumbles and helps keep the shoe from getting dinged.

Accuracy and cut quality

With a quality blade, the saw tracks straight and leaves a clean edge on 2x material and plywood. I checked for lateral deflection under heavy feed and didn’t find the blade wandering. The included cutline markers for 0° and 45° are conservative—if you cut to your scribe instead of splitting it, you’ll be happy. The LED improves visibility in shadows but won’t replace a laser or track for finish carpentry.

The guard returns reliably. On steeper bevels in knotty lumber, keeping a finger ready to nudge the guard open at the start helps—standard circular saw technique. The shoe surface stayed flat and unmarred after riding over fasteners and rough OSB, which keeps your cut quality consistent.

Features that add up

• Electric brake: Quickly halts the blade, cutting down on downtime and making the saw safer to set down or move between cuts.
• Bevel capacity with stops: 57° with positive stops at 22.5° and 45° covers most field angles cleanly.
• Integrated LED: Helps in dim spaces; less impactful outdoors.
• Keyed blade change: On-board wrench and simple spindle lock speed swaps.
• Integrated rafter hook: Practical on site; sturdy and confidence-inspiring.

These aren’t gimmicks—they shave seconds off repeated tasks and make the tool easier to live with.

Durability and maintenance

There’s not much to fuss with on a brushless saw day to day. Keep the shoe and guard clean, blow out the motor vents, and check the bevel and depth locks periodically. The overall build feels jobsite-ready. The switches have positive engagement, and nothing on my unit rattled or felt loose. As with any high-output cordless tool, battery care matters: don’t leave packs baking in a hot vehicle or on a dead-flat charge for extended periods.

For peace of mind, the brand’s 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service contract, and 90-day money-back guarantee are included with this kit. That’s a solid backstop if you’re putting the saw into daily service.

What could be better

• Weight: The combination of a 7-1/4-in. saw and a 9.0Ah pack makes for a heavy package. If you do a lot of overhead work, you’ll feel it.
• Right-blade configuration: If you’re a right-handed user who prefers a left-blade sightline, you may not love this orientation. The LED and shoe markers help, but preference is personal.
• Dust management: Like most sidewinders without a dedicated dust port setup, expect chips to go everywhere. Work outside when you can or pair with a collection solution designed for circular saws if dust matters to you.

Who it’s for

The FlexVolt 7-1/4-in. saw makes the most sense for framers, remodelers, and builders who want corded-like power without the cord, and for serious DIYers taking on deck builds, sheds, or interior remodels. If you primarily cut trim and delicate sheet goods, a track saw or a lighter circular saw might be a better daily driver. If you work on ladders or overhead frequently, weigh the power gains against the added mass.

Recommendation

I recommend the FlexVolt 7-1/4-in. saw. It delivers the cutting speed and torque I expect from a corded sidewinder, paired with the convenience of cordless and a practical feature set: quick electric brake, usable LED, solid bevel range with stops, and a reliable rafter hook. The inclusion of two 9.0Ah batteries turns it from a “might replace my cord” tool into a credible primary saw for jobsite work. The trade-offs—weight and right-blade orientation—are real but manageable, and the overall performance and runtime make them worth it for most users who prioritize power and productivity. If you’re moving serious amounts of lumber and want to stop hunting for outlets, this saw earns a spot in the kit.