DeWalt 60V MAX Cordless 9 in. Cutoff Saw

First impressions and setup

I started using this cordless 9-inch cutoff saw on a remodel where we needed to open a few doorways in block and score control joints in a slab. The first thing that stood out was the absence of the usual gas-saw routine—no mixing fuel, no warmup, no pull cord. Pop in a 60V pack, latch the battery box, and it’s ready. The onboard compartment seals well, which matters once you introduce water; even after messy wet cuts, I wasn’t fishing slurry out of the battery bay.

Controls are straightforward. A two-stage trigger prevents accidental starts, the 5-position guard lets you tune visibility and spark deflection, and the 3-position front handle finds a comfortable home whether you’re cutting horizontally along a floor or vertically in a wall. The blade sits centered relative to the handles, which makes it easier to follow a line without the tool drifting.

At around 20 lb bare (add a little more with a blade and battery), it’s a compact package for this class, though still very much a two-handed tool. Weight is clustered close to the motor and battery box, giving it a planted feel on the cut. I found the balance better than a typical 14-inch gas saw, though you do give up cut depth for that compactness.

Power and cutting performance

With a brushless motor spinning up to 6,600 RPM, the saw delivers usable torque at the cut. It’s happiest with a segmented diamond wheel on masonry, but abrasive metal blades work fine for occasional steel. I used it on CMU block, 2-3/8-inch pavers, and a smattering of rebar. In each case, the saw came up to speed quickly and held RPM respectably under moderate feed pressure.

A few specifics from the field:

• Single-pass depth is up to about 3-1/4 inches at 90°, and roughly 3 inches at 45°. That’s enough for many pavers, block, and cast stone. On 4-inch slab, I scored and finished from both sides without drama, but a deeper 12- or 14-inch saw still wins for production trenching.
• The heavy-load indicator light helps more than I expected. Push too hard, the light comes on, and backing off a hair keeps the cut smooth and battery draw in check. It’s a simple cue that prevents bogging and extends runtime.
• The all-metal drivetrain and direct/sidewinder feel are noticeable. There’s no belt to tension and no belt slip when the blade binds slightly in a kerf. Starts are crisp and predictable.

Blade changes are keyed. It’s not as fast as a quick-release system, but it’s secure, and the wrench storage is intuitive. The guard adjustment actually changes the cutting experience; for overhead sparks or awkward wall cuts, the five positions provide practical sightlines and protection.

Dust control and wet cutting

For concrete and masonry, the dual-sided water feed is the right approach and is OSHA Table 1 compliant when used properly. Water feeds both sides of the blade and significantly drops airborne dust. The result is a wet slurry rather than a dust cloud; I’d rather mop up a line of slurry than manage silica dust. The fittings are robust, and flow is consistent, though managing a hose in tight spaces always takes an extra set of eyes.

I paired the saw with a compatible wireless tool control accessory so the trigger could signal water on/off. That keeps things tidy mid-cut and reduces fiddling at the water source. The feature isn’t essential, but it’s a nice quality-of-life improvement if you already have a WTC-capable pump or accessory in your setup.

One reality check: water makes everything slippery. Gloves and boots get messy, and if you’re working in cold weather, plan for the added cleanup time. The sealed battery box does its job here—no issues with moisture intrusion—but swapping batteries with wet gloves through the latch takes an extra beat.

Ergonomics and handling

The three-position front handle is a genuine asset. For straight scoring across a slab, the forward position lets you lean into the cut without diving the blade. Vertical cuts benefit from the more upright position for added control. The two-stage trigger feels natural, and I didn’t experience accidental activation even when maneuvering in cramped doorways.

Vibration is low for this category, thanks to the brushless motor and lack of reciprocating mass. That, combined with the centered blade, makes it easier to keep straight lines. Noise is still real—it’s a cutoff saw with a diamond or abrasive wheel—but there’s no two-stroke shriek, and conversation a few feet away is more manageable with hearing protection on.

The weight, while compact for its class, can still be fatiguing during long vertical cuts or when working overhead. This is the trade-off for a stout build and a 60V powertrain. If you spend all day trenching or cutting deep curbs, you’ll feel it; for occasional structural openings, paver work, and punch-list tasks, it’s a fair balance.

Runtime and batteries

The kit’s two 9Ah FLEXVOLT packs make the cordless equation viable. Runtime is highly dependent on material, blade type, and how aggressively you feed. With thoughtful use of the load indicator and water, I was able to work through a typical morning’s mix of paver trims and doorway scoring on the two packs by swapping once. Abrasive metal cuts drain batteries faster; diamond blades on masonry are more efficient.

Charging between tasks is easy if you have a staging area and the included charger nearby. For production days, plan on additional packs or scheduled charge windows. The saw doesn’t throttle unexpectedly; it maintains power and then signals low battery clearly, which helps avoid mid-cut stalls.

Reliability and maintenance

There’s no belt, so maintenance drops to blade condition, water lines, and keeping slurry from accumulating. After a wet day, I run clean water through the feed to prevent clogs and crack the battery box to dry everything out. The metal drivetrain and sealed compartments inspire confidence, and routine care is minimal compared to gas saws that need filters, plugs, and carb attention.

Warranty coverage is solid: three-year limited, one-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. While I didn’t need service, that safety net matters for a tool that lives in tough conditions.

Limitations

• Cut depth tops out around 3-1/4 inches. For deep curb cuts or thick slab in a single pass, this isn’t the tool.
• Weight is manageable but not light; extended overhead work will wear you down.
• The load indicator can be hard to see in bright sun from certain angles.
• Keyed blade changes are slower than quick-release systems.
• Wet cutting management requires some planning for hose routing and cleanup.

None of these are deal-breakers in the cordless 9-inch category, but they’re worth noting so you can pick the right tool for the job.

Who it’s for

• Remodelers and general contractors cutting doorways, control joints, and small slab openings.
• Masons and hardscapers trimming pavers, block, and cast stone on-site without hauling a gas saw.
• Facilities and maintenance teams needing occasional metal or masonry cuts indoors, where emissions-free operation and lower noise are essential.
• Crews that already run 60V FLEXVOLT batteries and want to leverage a shared platform.

If your daily work is deep trenching or curb cuts, a 12- or 14-inch gas saw remains the faster, more flexible tool. For everything else—especially indoors or in occupied spaces—this cordless saw fits neatly into modern workflows.

Recommendation

I recommend this cordless 9-inch cutoff saw for contractors and crews who value clean, low-maintenance operation and need dependable power up to a 3-1/4-inch cut depth. It’s strong where it counts: a brushless motor that holds speed, a sealed battery box that survives slurry, a genuinely useful guard and handle system, and dual-sided water feed that keeps you OSHA Table 1 compliant. Add in the all-metal drivetrain and the practical load indicator, and you get a reliable cutter that trades a bit of depth for convenience and control. If your work regularly demands deeper single-pass cuts, pair it with a larger saw. Otherwise, this is an easy tool to keep on the truck—and one I reached for often.