DeWalt 20-Volt MAX XR 12 in. Cordless Double Bevel Miter Saw

First impressions and setup

I rolled the 12-inch DeWalt cordless slider onto a stand and, before even dropping in a battery, appreciated two things: the build feels tight, and the layout is familiar. It’s a full-size, double-bevel sliding compound saw with a brushless motor and a 12-inch blade, so you’re not sacrificing capacity to go cordless. Out of the box, it ships as a bare tool, but you do get a 60-tooth blade, material clamp, two base extensions, a dust bag, a non-AirLock vacuum adapter, a blade wrench, and a stabilizer bar. I mounted the included blade, checked the fence and bevel with a square, and my unit arrived dead-on at 0° miter and 0° bevel. The CUTLINE shadow light fell right on the teeth, which is exactly what I want to see before making any dust.

The controls are straightforward. Bevel adjustments are quick, with positive stops at 22.5° and 33.9° that are handy for common bevel work. Miter travel is generous—50° to the left and 60° to the right—covering the angles I run into for casing, returns, and oddball trim situations. Carry handles are well-placed, though at roughly 66 pounds this is not a one-finger carry across a jobsite. It’s a big saw, with a footprint to match, so plan on a stand or a sturdy bench.

Capacity and cut quality

Capacity is why you buy a 12-inch slider, and this one delivers. At 90°, it will crosscut up to 4x12, which means 2x12 stringers, stair treads, and wide shelving are all in play. At 45°, it’ll handle 4x8, good for 4x4 posts and larger stock without flipping. The sliding action is smooth with minimal head deflection. I ran a mix of primed finger-joint, poplar, and 2x framing through it. The included 60T blade leaves a clean surface on trim stock; for ultra-crisp end grain on hardwoods or prefinished materials, I’d still switch to a higher-tooth count finish blade, but the factory blade is better than a placeholder.

The CUTLINE shadow light is a highlight—pun intended. Because it casts a shadow of the actual blade teeth, it stays true no matter which blade you install, unlike laser guides that can get out of sync. In dim rooms or late-day cuts, it’s both a cut-line indicator and a work light. Alignment stayed consistent through bevel and miter movements, which gives confidence when you’re sneaking up on a reveal.

Power, speed, and runtime

Cordless miter saws live or die by motor efficiency and drivetrain losses. This one uses a brushless motor, a bevel gear transmission that’s designed to reduce power loss, and regenerative braking. In practice, it spins up to 3,800 RPM and feels stout on both trim and construction cuts. The brake is quick, which is more than a convenience—it’s a safety and productivity boost between repeated cuts.

With a high-capacity 20V MAX or a FLEXVOLT pack, runtime is solid for a full day of mixed work. The saw isn’t magically frugal on thick hardwoods—that’s where any cordless saw will draw more current—but the overall system feels efficient. If you’re ripping through a lot of 2x PT or dense hardwood, give the motor a beat between cuts and let the blade do the work; the saw rewards a steady feed rate with smooth finishes and no chatter. For trim days, I kept a spare battery on the charger and didn’t feel tethered or slowed.

Dust collection and cleanup

Miter saws are infamously messy, but this one does a credible job. The shroud and port direct a surprising amount of chips into either the included bag or a vacuum. I ran it with a shop vac using the included non-AirLock adapter and then with a DeWalt vac. The saw’s wireless tool-control capability is thoughtful: pair it with a compatible vacuum and the vac kicks on with the trigger pull. In real-world use, that meant less dust on the floor and fewer times I forgot to flip a separate switch.

If you’re working in clients’ homes or in finished spaces, you’ll still want a good hose and a decent vac; no bag will capture everything. But compared to many 12-inch sliders I’ve used, collection here is above average, and the integration makes you more likely to use it consistently.

Ergonomics and day-to-day use

Controls are positive and predictable. The bevel release is easy to reach, and the included bevel pawls at 22.5° and 33.9° speed up common setups. The miter scale is clear, and locking/unlocking the head becomes second nature after a few cuts. The adjustable handle position lets you find a comfortable grip; I prefer the neutral position for long sessions because it keeps my wrist straighter.

Portability is a mixed bag. Cordless freedom is real—no hunting for outlets, no cords underfoot, and easy repositioning on site—but the saw’s weight is closer to a corded 12-inch than a compact cordless. The carry handles help, and it balances well, but you feel those 60-plus pounds. On a stand, it’s a dream; if you’re hauling it up and down stairs repeatedly, plan your trips.

Noise and vibration are well controlled. The motor tone is lower and less shrill than some belt-driven saws, and the brushless setup, paired with the brake, makes the overall cutting cycle smoother and quieter. Blade changes are straightforward with the included wrench, and the guard action is crisp without hanging.

Accuracy and calibration

Out of the box, mine was square. After transport and a day of cutting, I rechecked and didn’t need to tweak anything, which says something about the stiffness of the rails and head. The rails stayed parallel and didn’t develop slop during bevel changes. For fine trim—mitered returns, picture-frame casing, and outside corners—I was able to hit tight fits reliably. As always, set aside time to calibrate any new saw to your standards; the manual adjustments are conventional and not fussy.

What I liked

• Full-size capacity without a cord: 4x12 at 90° and generous miter/bevel ranges cover real jobsite needs.
• Consistent cut-line indication: the CUTLINE shadow light remains accurate regardless of blade changes.
• Efficient, confident cutting: the brushless motor, bevel gear drive, and quick brake make for a capable, controlled saw.
• Practical dust options: usable bag, vacuum adapter included, and wireless tool-control for auto-activating a compatible vac.
• Thoughtful touches: preset bevel pawls at 22.5° and 33.9°, base extensions, and a solid material clamp included.

What could be better

• Weight: around 66 pounds is a lot to carry, even with good handles. This is best parked on a stand.
• RPM ceiling: at 3,800 RPM it’s a touch slower than some corded 12-inch units; cut quality is still excellent with the right blade, but heavy hardwoods benefit from patient feed rates.
• Tool-only purchase: expect to budget for at least one high-capacity 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT battery and a charger if you aren’t already in the platform.
• Vacuum adapter: the included adapter isn’t DeWalt’s AirLock; if you’re heavily invested in that system, you may want the dedicated connector for a tidier hookup.

Who it’s for

• Trim carpenters and remodelers who want a 12-inch slider with real capacity and the freedom to work in finished spaces without snaking extension cords around furniture.
• Framers and deck builders who appreciate cordless convenience for stair stringers, treads, and beams, provided there’s a stand nearby.
• Shop users on the DeWalt 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT platform who want a capable miter saw that integrates well with existing batteries and vacs.

If your priority is ultra-light portability for punch lists and small trim jobs, a compact 7-1/4 or 8-1/2-inch saw may make more sense. If you routinely live on 5/4+ hardwood moldings and exotic species, a high-RPM corded 12-inch might still be your preference. But for a broad blend of capacity, accuracy, and cordless flexibility, this saw makes a strong case.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt 12-inch cordless slider. It brings full-size miter saw capacity to a cordless platform without giving up accuracy or control. The shadow light is reliable, the motor and drivetrain feel efficient, and the dust options—especially with wireless vac activation—make it easier to keep sites clean. The trade-offs are predictable: weight and the need to supply your own batteries and charger. If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT system and you want a jobsite-ready saw that can capably handle framing cuts and fine trim, this one is an easy tool to trust day in and day out.