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DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B Review

One of the most powerful cordless saws available on the market, boasting a high-quality feature set and durable construction
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DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B Review
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Price:  $369 List
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Manufacturer:   DeWalt
By Isaac Laredo and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Oct 30, 2023
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 10
  • Ease of Use - 45% 8.9
  • Dust Collection - 20% 8.2
  • Cut Capacity - 15% 3.0
  • Cutting Power and Speed - 15% 4.3
  • Precision and Accuracy - 5% 9.5

Our Verdict

The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B is a user-friendly, battery-operated tool that is highly appreciated for its efficient dust collection system. It offers simple calibration and shadow cut indicator for easy alignment of cuts. However, despite its robustness among battery-operated models, its cut capacity stands below average and lacks a blade depth lock, making dado cuts more challenging. Nevertheless, this saw proves to be a good option suited for house projects and those valuing portability or footprint and ease of use over raw cutting power.
REASONS TO BUY
Powerful
Productive dust collection
Well-built
Quality blade change tool
REASONS TO AVOID
No blade depth lock

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Bottom Line This is one of the top battery-powered saws on the market, with user-friendly features and a sturdy buildThis saw provides a significant amount of power, impressive construction, and excellent dust control. However, it does have a slight drawback of reduced cutting capacity and free bevel rangeThe saw is efficient and makes cuts quickly and easily, but it struggles with collecting dust effectivelyThe battery-powered saw offers an impressive cut capacity. However, it is important to calibrate before starting any work and throughout its lifespanOur testers were skeptical about the durability and lifespan of the product, despite its lightweight and impressive cutting capabilities
Rating Categories DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/... DeWalt 12-Inch Sing... SKIL 10-Inch Dual-B... Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/... Metabo HPT 10-Inch...
Ease of Use (45%)
8.9
8.3
7.2
6.4
5.7
Dust Collection (20%)
8.2
7.3
3.5
8.3
4.1
Cut Capacity (15%)
3.0
4.5
6.3
4.6
3.3
Cutting Power and Speed (15%)
4.3
9.0
8.3
3.5
8.7
Precision and Accuracy (5%)
9.5
10.0
9.5
9.3
9.0
Specs DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/... DeWalt 12-Inch Sing... SKIL 10-Inch Dual-B... Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/... Metabo HPT 10-Inch...
Cut Line Indicator Shadow None Shadow None None
Measured Weight 29.44 lbs 37.31 lbs 40.25 lbs 22.86 lbs 23.5 lbs
Measured dust collection after 100 cuts 0.75 oz 1.17 oz 2.67 oz 0.71 oz 2.61 oz
Max Measured Cut Depth at 90 8.2 in 8.1 in 12.6 in 9.9 in 5.9 in
Blade Diameter 7-1/4" 12" 10" 7-1/4" 10"
Positive Stops Miter (13)
45º, 35.3º, 31.6º, 22.5º, 15º, 10º, 0º, 10º, 15º, 22.5º, 31.6º, 35.3º, 45º
(14)
45º, 35.3º, 31.6º, 22.5º, 15º, 10º, 0º, 10º, 15º, 22.5º, 31.6º, 35.3º, 45º, 50º
(9)
45º, 31.6º, 22.5º, 15º, 0º, 15º, 22.5º, 31.6º, 45º
(9)
45º, 31.6º, 22.5º, 15º, 0º, 15º, 22.5º, 31.6º, 45º
(9)
45º, 31.6º, 22.5º, 15º, 0º, 15º, 22.5º, 31.6º, 45º
Positive Stops Bevel / Tilt (4)
47º, 45º, 0º, 3º
(4)
48º*, 45º, 0º, 3º*
(4)
48º, 45º, 0º, 45º
(2)
45º, 0º
(2)
45º, 0º
Blade Cut Depth Stop No No Yes Yes No
Sliding Yes No Yes Yes No
Bevel Single Single Dual Single Single
Miter Angle Range 60° Left
60° Right
47° Left
47° Right
51° Left
51° Right
47° Left
47° Right
52° Left
52° Right
Bevel Angle Range 47° Left*
3° Right*
48° Left
3° Right
48° Left
45° Right
45° Left 45º Left
45º Right
Measured RPM 3940 3990 4960 3450 5470
Average Measured Blade Runout Time 1.65 seconds 2.25 seconds 3.11 seconds 1.75 seconds 4.75 seconds
Measured Table Width 21-3/8" 21-5/8" 20-7/16"
Two bars: 22"
15-9/16" 17-11/16"
Measured Table Width with Extensions No Extensions No Extensions 33-7/8" 23-9/16" No Extensions

Our Analysis and Test Results

The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch is a highly efficient battery-powered saw with decent cutting power and capacity. It is very user-friendly and comes equipped with a dust collection system that is one of the most efficient we have tested. The saw is small, portable, and ideal for traveling trim work or working in tighter shop spaces where it may need to be stored away.

Performance Comparison


The Dewalt 20V offers enough power to tackle the majority of the building materials.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Ease of Use


Tools that need a lot of tuning or tricky features like blade depth lock can slow down your work. Our crew conducted tests in the lab to help you get a clearer idea of how each tool works. We looked closely at this saw's features, such as the calibration process, miter angle adjustments, and how to change the blade. The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch offers easy calibration and blade change while supporting easier cuts with a shadow cut indicator.


From the operation of its tri-claw knob, which allows one to tilt the device easily, to its simple grip knob that lends good control over the machine, this model stands out in terms of functionality. It is still a very easy-to-use tool despite the release being at the back and not as conveniently placed at the front as some other models. Its most notable drawback within the user experience is the lack of a blade depth lock, which makes cutting dado joints more challenging.

The Dewalt 20V Max is a fully adjustable miter saw with easy-to-use miter and bevel angle changes. The saw offers 13 miter positive stops from zero to 45 on both sides of the tool with a max angle of 47 degrees using the miter override. It also has four positive stops for the bevel adjustments up to 47 degrees on one side of the saw.

When changing the blade, the Dewalt's systematic step-by-step process ensures this is done securely. The guard can hold itself in the raised position, a great design feature that reduces the likelihood of the guard accidentally falling. It uses a shadow-based cut line to help line up cuts faster and even improve your craftsmanship.

dewalt 20v max 7-1/4-inch single bevel sliding compound dcs361b - this model left a small amount of dust after making 100 cuts across...
This model left a small amount of dust after making 100 cuts across a 2x4.
Credit: Austin Palmer

Dust Collection


Even a few cuts can create a significant mess when working with lumber. To ensure a clean workspace, it is crucial to have an efficient dust collection system in place. This is especially important for homeowners with garage-based shops or professionals working at a job site. We conducted a test to evaluate the effectiveness of the dust collection system. To do this, we constructed a small enclosure to contain as much dust as possible. We then proceeded to make 100 cuts on a 2x4. Once the cuts were made, we carefully swept the sawdust and measured its total weight. When used with a vacuum, the DeWalt 20V Max 7 1/4 Sliding Miter Saw was one of the best performers in this metric.


When used with the included dust bag, the performance isn't ideal. Despite operating the saw, very little of the generated sawdust ended up in the bag, resulting in the tool and surrounding space littered with sawdust. The bag did not catch the byproduct of the cutting process effectively.

The initial performance was promising when attached to a vacuum for more influential dust collection, with the vacuum efficiently capturing the dust for the first few cuts. However, the curtain designed to direct the sawdust flow would get sucked in, closing off the suction and causing a sawdust spray across the workspace. The flaps are susceptible to closing when used with high-powered vacuums, which decreases their ability to collect dust. When used with medium-powered vacuums, the tool effectively collected dust. It only left .75 ounces of dust within the enclosure, one of the lowest values collected.

dewalt 20v max 7-1/4-inch single bevel sliding compound dcs361b - the saw uses an led shadow line to help mark the cut.
The saw uses an LED shadow line to help mark the cut.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Cut Capacity


When choosing a miter saw, its cut capacity is one of the most important factors. It needs to be suitable for the requirements of your project. To determine the maximum size of lumber each saw can handle, we tested every saw by making full-range cuts and test cuts to measure the maximum distance across each cutting plane. Compared to other miter saws in the review, the DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch has a below-average overall cut capacity. However, it still performs well compared to battery-powered models.


With the board positioned horizontally, the DeWalt saw can cross-cut through a 2x8 and make miter cuts through a 2x6. These cuts evaluate the saw's ability to cut through the face of the board and determine its maximum capacity. However, the saw struggled to make significant progress when cutting through the thickness of a board.

dewalt 20v max 7-1/4-inch single bevel sliding compound dcs361b - this model, along with its battery-powered counterparts, could not...
This model, along with its battery-powered counterparts, could not make a 45-degree bevel cut through the thickness of a 2x4 or 4x4.
Credit: Austin Palmer

Regarding vertically oriented lumber, this model can travel 2-1/8 inches through a 4x4 while making a cross-cut. The saw could travel 1-3/8 inches through a 4x4 using a 45-degree bevel cut. Despite the reduced height capacity of the saw, it is a viable option for most home projects.

dewalt 20v max 7-1/4-inch single bevel sliding compound dcs361b - the dewalt has an rpm of 3940.
The Dewalt has an RPM of 3940.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Cutting Power and Speed


A saw blade that stalls due to lack of power or inadequate cutting velocity can hinder your productivity and potentially the practicality of a specific project. We tested its capacity by slicing through diverse materials like aluminum and 4x4s. The DeWalt 7 1/4", although not as potent as corded models, stands out as one of the most robust battery-operated models in the review.



It demonstrated efficient cutting through a 4x4 — a task that took considerable effort but is by no means problematic. The saw displayed some effort and audible motor strain when working through the 4x4 to complete the cut. While it was a considerable effort, it completed the task— the tool could accomplish the rapid cuts with some strain. If our test team plunged the saw too quickly, it resulted in the blade stopping.

The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch could deliver without much trouble when tasked with cutting through aluminum. Although the strain on the motor was audible during this task, it still felt smooth, particularly compared to other 7-1/4" saws.

dewalt 20v max 7-1/4-inch single bevel sliding compound dcs361b - most of the angles were in perfect calibration out of the box.
Most of the angles were in perfect calibration out of the box.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Precision and Accuracy


Accuracy is paramount for miter saws, given they are constructed for rapid operation and intricate cutting. In these tests, we focus on the build quality and precision of each saw by gauging the true angles of the blade about the table, both before and after trials. The DeWalt presents itself as a tool that's easy to adjust, resists deviation, and provides the accuracy required for any undertaking.



The precision and accuracy of the DeWalt align with consumer expectations of the brand. It delivered perfect square and 45-degree miter accuracy right out of the box and after testing. However, some calibration was needed on the 45-degree bevel as it was slightly off by 0.4 degrees. After testing, the bevel had a slight drift of 0.2-0.4 degrees. The fence had no issues as it was perfectly square to the table. Regardless of these minor adjustments, this tool's overall accuracy and precision are among the best in the review.

Should You Buy the DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B


This model is ideal for individuals who prioritize portability over power. It is worth considering if you have a project with a modest cut capacity, such as trim projects or redoing your deck.

dewalt 20v max 7-1/4-inch single bevel sliding compound dcs361b - the handle is designed for both left and right-handed operations.
The handle is designed for both left and right-handed operations.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

What Other Miter Saws Should You Consider?


If you require additional cutting power to work with stronger metals efficiently, the DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 is one of the most powerful saws in the review. On the other hand, if you are looking for a battery-powered option at a lower cost, consider the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound PBT01B, available at a reduced price.

dewalt 20v max 7-1/4-inch single bevel sliding compound dcs361b - a worthy saw for the home diyer who values dust collection and...
A worthy saw for the home DIYer who values dust collection and portability.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Isaac Laredo and Austin Palmer