DeWALT Tools: What to Buy, What to Skip, and 5 Regrets I Wish I Knew Sooner
Watching on TV? See all tool links from this video
I have been buying DeWALT tools for a very long time, and I made some mistakes I wish I had avoided. This guide explains the DeWALT tools lineup and which batteries are worth buying. It also covers the new DCW211B and DCW230B sanders, plus the tools I would buy again, like the DW735X planer.
The Short Answer
- DeWALT tools come in three tiers. Base 20V MAX tools are usually brushed, Atomic is compact and brushless, and XR is the top line.
- PowerStack batteries are the best value. PowerPack batteries are the best performance, at a higher price.
- Of the new cordless sanders, I would pick the 5 inch DCW211B for most people because it vibrates less.
- Some of the best DeWALT tools plug in. The DWE6423 sander runs about $99, and the DW735X planer regularly goes on sale under $600.
- The bestselling entry kit is fine for light weekend use, but regular users will outgrow it.
DeWALT Tools Explained: 20V MAX vs Atomic vs XR
When I started buying DeWALT, I thought every cordless DeWALT tool was the same. That is not the case. DeWALT tools come in three segments, and the batteries are split into three segments too. Think of it as good, better, best.
The base 20V MAX tools are the entry level. These are usually brushed tools, meaning the motor has brushes in it. A brushless motor is more efficient and more powerful, so it gives you better battery life. In most cases, I would avoid brushed tools when buying cordless.
The Atomic line is the subcompact tier. These tools are smaller, lighter, and brushless. I keep an Atomic drill and impact set in the house, and it works great for around the house projects. They are just not quite as powerful as the XR line.
XR is DeWALT's top of the line cordless tools. You will see a big XR on the side of many of them. An XR drill is a more powerful drill than an Atomic drill, not just a bigger one.
There is also a 12V XTREME line. It is much smaller than the 20V lineup, which has way more tool selection.
See the DeWALT 20v Atomic Drill and Impact Kit (DCK225D2) at The Home Depot Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT Batteries Explained: PowerStack vs PowerPack
The battery lineup was a real regret for me, because I did not know there were differences when I started. The base 20V MAX batteries are the small packs that usually come in kits. I would avoid kits that only include those lesser batteries, because you are usually overpaying for what you get.
DeWALT also made XR batteries, which have recently been rebranded as just 20V MAX. The newer ones do not say XR at all, which makes it even more confusing.
PowerStack batteries are the mid tier. They bring more power and better battery life than the standard packs. PowerPack XR batteries are the top tier, typically in the 8 amp hour size, and they ship with many of DeWALT's most powerful tools.
| Battery Tier | Where It Fits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 20V MAX (base) | Small packs that come in entry kits | Lightweight tools like Atomic drills and overhead work |
| PowerStack | Mid tier with more power and runtime | Best value for most people |
| PowerPack XR | Top tier, typically 8Ah | Maximum power and runtime for power hungry tools |
Here is how I would steer you. If you want the best battery, get the PowerPack. If you want a really good battery at a good value, get the PowerStack. The PowerPack costs quite a bit more than the PowerStack, and the power difference between them is noticeable but small.
The jump from a standard battery to a PowerPack is a different story. There is quite a bit of difference in power delivery and battery life. The little base batteries are still handy on an Atomic drill, but you will want more capacity for saws.
PowerStack batteries go on sale pretty regularly. I track those prices on my DeWALT tool deals page, updated daily.
See the DeWALT 20v Max XR 3.5Ah PowerStack Battery at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the DeWALT 20v Max XR PowerPack 8Ah Battery at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the DeWALT 20v 2Ah Battery 2 Pack at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the DeWALT 20v Max 4Ah Battery 2 Pack at Lowe's · See the DeWALT 20v Max 6Ah Battery 2 Pack at Lowe's Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Watch the Full DeWALT Tools Breakdown
The video shows the sander vibration test with a glass of water, the bestselling drill stalling in a 2 inch Forstner bit, and the GRABO lifter holding a 45 lb plate.
DeWALT 5 Inch vs 6 Inch Cordless Sander (DCW211B vs DCW230B)
DeWALT surprised a lot of people by dropping two new cordless sanders, a 5 inch and a 6 inch. The 6 inch gives you 44% more sanding area, which cuts sanding time on tabletops and cutting boards. I always recommend 6 inch sanders, so I expected the 6 inch to win. It did not.
DeWALT does not list the stroke rate on these, but the speeds differ. The 5 inch runs 8,000 to 12,000 OPM. The 6 inch runs 6,000 to 10,000 OPM, so the bigger pad spins a little slower. The 5 inch is also slightly shorter, which helps in tight spaces, and the 6 inch is slightly heavier.
| Spec | DeWALT XR 5-inch Sander (DCW211B) | DeWALT XR 6-inch Sander (DCW230B) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed range | 8,000 to 12,000 OPM | 6,000 to 10,000 OPM |
| Sanding area | Standard 5 inch | 44% more than 5 inch |
| Size and weight | Slightly shorter | Slightly heavier |
| Vibration in my test | Water stayed glass smooth | Fine ripples, felt in the hand |
| Best for | Most people | Tabletops and big surfaces |
DeWALT Cordless Sander Vibration Test Results
I set a glass of water on each sander with both on speed setting five. The 5 inch was butter smooth, one of the smoothest sanders I have used. It was about equal to the Milwaukee M12 sander I tested, with no ripples in the water.
The 6 inch showed fine ripples, and I could feel the vibration in my hand. It is not the kind of vibration that makes your hands numb, like some corded or budget sanders. It is still clearly more than the 5 inch.
Balance is where these beat the Milwaukee sanders. My main complaint with Milwaukee sanders is that they are back heavy. Both DeWALT sanders sit nearly perfectly balanced with a 5Ah XR battery or a 5Ah PowerStack. That keeps the pad flat, which means even pressure and fewer swirls.
Both are Tool Connect chip ready, and a Festool hose fits right in the dust port. Dust collection with the bag is really good, and the airflow is strong. That airflow keeps the disc, pad, and motor cool. I also noticed mine shocking me with the bag on, which I have not seen on other sanders.
My verdict is the 5 inch for most people. You give up some sanding area, but you get much less vibration. If you sand big surfaces like tabletops, grab the 6 inch.
See the DeWALT XR 5-inch Sander at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the DeWALT XR 6-inch Sander at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Downside: The DeWALT Sander Dust Bag
The main downside to these sanders is the dust bag. In my opinion it is a poor design. I do not think mine is faulty, because the other one behaves the same way. You have to be very gentle putting it on and taking it off, and a simple bag should not break like that.
If you hook up a dust extractor, it is not a big deal. The only other thing I wish they had added is a rake light. With one, they would have taken my favorite cordless sander spot from Festool. These are some of the more reasonably priced cordless sanders I have seen in a while.
For the test I used Bench Nuts to lift the maple off the bench so it would not slip. I keep my 3M sanding discs organized in an art bin style box, and that paper sticks really well to these pads.
See Bench Nuts at Carbon Method Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Sand Paper Organizer Box on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Is the Bestselling DeWALT Drill on Amazon Worth It? (DCK240C2)
DeWALT has the bestselling power tool on Amazon, and it is a drill and impact driver kit. Just because it says bestseller does not make it right for most people. It is not a bad tool, and to be fair, I tested it.
- Twist bits drilled with no issues.
- A 1 1/2 inch Forstner bit drilled with no issues.
- A 2 inch Forstner bit stalled, though I was leaning on it pretty hard.
- The impact driver drove a 4 inch screw.
- It buried a 3 inch lag bolt but could not back it out.
The problem is what happens after you buy it. People get the little 1.5Ah batteries that do not last long, and the power is not there in some cases. Then they assume all DeWALT tools are like that. You bought the entry level tool, so you get entry level results.
If you are on a budget or only do weekend projects, this set is actually fantastic value. If you use your tools several days a week and push their limits, you will hit its ceiling. Most people would be happier long term with a mid or high tier tool.
See the DeWALT 20v Drill Kit on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT 5 in 1 Multi Head Drill: The Sleeper Pick
If you are looking at that entry kit, check out the DeWALT 5 in 1 drill. It comes with four heads that swap easily: a 90 degree head, an offset head, a regular drill chuck, and a 1/4 inch adapter for driver bits. It is a two speed drill, not an impact.
It works extremely well in tight spaces, and it includes a carrier to hold the extra heads. It is one of those sleeper tools that flies under the radar in the DeWALT platform.
Be careful, because there is also a 12V version, the DCD703F1. It is a really good tool, but do not buy it by accident thinking you are getting the 20V. Some people actually prefer the 12V because it is lighter, smaller, and fits into tighter spaces.
See the DeWALT 20v MAX Multi-Head Drill at The Home Depot Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the DeWALT 12v XTREME Multi-Head Drill at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT 20V XR Track Saw vs 60V Track Saw (DCS525STWW1 vs DCS520T1)
The DeWALT 60V track saw is the one I have steered several people away from. It is by far the most powerful track saw I have tested. It is maybe close to the Makita 40V, but I think the DeWALT edged it out.
My issue is the plunge. Most track saws plunge on an arc, but the DeWALT feels like it goes forward and down. Most people probably will not care, but if you have used other track saws, it feels awkward.
The track design is something no other track saw does, as far as I know. You can set one side of the track for 90 degree cuts and the other side for bevels. Then you just turn the saw around and run the opposite direction. You never have to worry about your splinter guard for different cuts.
DeWALT track saws also run on standard tracks like Milwaukee, Makita, and Festool. Kreg is moving to the standard track design soon too. The real problem with the 60V is that it puts you on another battery line, even within the same brand.
See the DeWALT 60v Track Saw at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT fixed that with the new 20V XR track saw. It switches to a rear pivot plunge, it has variable speed, and it runs on DeWALT 20V batteries. It keeps the DeWALT track design and still works on standard tracks.
I have one pre ordered, so I have not used it yet. If it lives up to expectations, I think it will land in at least the top five of my best tools of the year.
Pre order the DeWALT 20v XR Track Saw at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT Table Saws: 8 1/4 Inch vs 10 Inch (DWE7485WS vs DWE7491RS)
DeWALT's corded table saws are so good I would buy them again. The 8 1/4 inch saw is a fantastic little saw. The rack and pinion fence is dead accurate every time. It also has a high low fence, so you can cut closer to the blade on the low side.
Size is the pro and the con of the 8 1/4. In a small shop you will appreciate it, but you lose some cut depth versus a 10 inch blade. If space is tight, I also put together the best table saw alternatives for a small shop.
See the DeWALT 8-1/4 inch Table Saw at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The 10 inch DWE7491RS is my pick for best table saw under $1,000. The rolling stand folds up vertically, so you can roll it in and out of the shop. It has plenty of power, the 10 inch blade handles thicker material, and the rack and pinion fence works extremely well.
See the DeWALT 10-inch Table Saw at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Blade Upgrade for the DeWALT 10 Inch Table Saw
The 8 1/4 comes with a decent blade, but I would upgrade the blade on the 10 inch. DeWALT's 40 tooth and 60 tooth two pack is a great set. If you only buy one blade, get the 40 tooth.
On contractor style saws like these, a thin kerf blade works a lot better. On a cabinet saw, you usually want a full kerf blade.
See the DeWALT 2-Pack Table Saw Blades at The Home Depot Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT Table Saw Fence Upgrades
TSO makes an inexpensive fence upgrade for the DeWALT saw that lets you add vertical featherboards. The Bow Xtender is another option that works on any jobsite saw. It clamps to your fence and adds infeed and outfeed support plus vertical clamping pressure.
See the TSO DeWALT Table Saw Fence at TSO Products Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Bow Xtender Fence for Table Saws on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT DW735X Planer Review and Best Upgrades
The DW735X is one of the most iconic woodworking tools on the planet. It has been on the market for over 20 years, and the design has not changed. That says something about a tool.
It uses a four post ball screw design, so the head stays flat as it moves up and down. It is also two speed. Speed two pulls boards through fast for sizing. Speed one gives 179 cuts per inch, roughly a 120 grit sandpaper finish. Only switch speeds with the motor running.
My favorite feature is the depth gauge, which shows about how much material you will take off. I use it all the time. The depth stops run from 1/8 to 1 1/4 inch, so you can plane every board to exactly 3/4 inch. The built in blower means you can even roll it outside and skip dust collection.
The DW735X adds infeed and outfeed tables plus an extra set of blades. I recommend the X unless you are building it into a table. I have often seen the DW735X priced lower than the DW735, which makes no sense to me. It regularly goes on sale under $600.
See the DeWALT DW735X Planer at Lowe's · See the DeWALT DW735X Planer with Stand at The Home Depot Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the DeWALT DW735 Planer at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DW735X Helical Head Upgrade
The first upgrade is a helical head. I installed the Byrd Shelix, and it makes a massive difference in cut quality. You get less tear out, especially on dense or tricky boards like curly maple. The shavings come out cut instead of chopped, and that puts a better finish on your boards.
See the Helical Head Upgrade for Planer on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Pre-Installed DW735X with Byrd Shelix Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DW735X Digital Scale and Dust Port Upgrades
The second upgrade is a digital scale. It gives you an easy visual reference and lets you set a perfect zero. If you plane boards one day and need to match them the next, you just go back to zero.
The third upgrade is the Lightning Lock. Dust hoses tend to pop off the DW735X dust port. The Lightning Lock is a magnetic connector that clicks on, installs easily, and works extremely well.
See the Digital Scale for Planer on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Lightning Lock Magnetic Connectors at Carbon Method Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best DeWALT Routers: Cordless Plunge, Trim, and the Corded 618
DeWALT XR Cordless Plunge Router (DCW620B)
This is one of my favorite cordless plunge routers on the market. The plunge is butter smooth, the turret depth stop flips around easily, and it has variable speed. Three features make it second to none right now.
First is dust collection. It has one of the best dust collection setups of any cordless or corded router I have tested. The port routes through the router and collects close to the bit, instead of off to the side.
Second is overload protection. If you push too hard, a light flashes to tell you to ease back. That protects the motor and your bit, since overtaxing a bit dulls it faster and hurts cut quality.
Third, and my favorite, is anti rotation. If it kicks back, it stops the motor and shows a red light. Release the trigger and go again. It is one of the safest routers on the market.
See the DeWALT XR Plunge Router at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT XR Trim Router (DCW600B)
DeWALT's trim router has been around a long time. I love the twist ring depth adjustment, but the base is quite big around. When I do a lot of hand routing, it cramps my hand, so I prefer the Milwaukee trim router for that. I cover that and more in my list of the best Milwaukee tools for woodworking and the two I regret buying.
Where I love the DeWALT trim router is in a small router table. I keep mine in the BenchMount router table. It fits most routers, mounts right to your bench, and unmounts to get out of the way, which makes it perfect for a small shop.
See the DeWALT XR Trim Router at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the BenchMount Router Table at Faith Valley Tools
DeWALT 618 Fixed and Plunge Base Router
The corded 618 is another iconic DeWALT tool. I like the fixed and plunge base kit because you get both. The twist ring depth adjustment on the fixed base is great, and the turret on the plunge base works really well.
I slightly prefer the Bosch plunge base, but this is a great router for the price. It is 2.25 peak horsepower with variable speed, and it comes with 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch collets.
See the DeWALT Fixed/Plunge Base Router at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best DeWALT Hammer Drill: XR Hammer Drill (DCD1007WW1)
The XR hammer drill is one of my favorite drills because of its anti rotation feature. If the bit binds and the drill starts to sling around, it shuts the motor off before it twists your wrist.
I worked construction back in 1995, and when an old drill caught, it would twist your arm. I am glad to see that safety technology here. It is also a three speed drill with hammer mode. The bright LED has several settings, including one that stays on for about 20 minutes.
See the DeWALT XR Hammer Drill at Lowe's · See the DeWALT XR Hammer Drill w/ 8Ah PowerPack Battery at Lowe's Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best DeWALT Sander Under $100 (DWE6423)
I have tested a bunch of sanders, and the corded DeWALT is my pick for the best sander under $100. It usually sells for about $99, and sometimes it goes on sale for about $79.
Craftsman sells a similar version that runs about $20 less. The DeWALT has variable speed, which is why I pick it. If you are not going cordless, this is a great sander.
See the DeWALT Sander (corded) on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT Hidden Gems Most People Do Not Know About
DeWALT Right Angle Drill Adapter
A right angle attachment is one of my favorite add ons for any drill. This one is impact rated, so it works in a drill or an impact driver. It is great for tight spots, like driving pocket hole screws inside a small table. It runs about $25 to $30, and it is worth every penny.
See the DeWALT Right Angle Drill Adapter on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT GRABO Lifter (DCE592B)
The GRABO is a powerful vacuum lifter that runs on 20V batteries. It suctions onto sheet goods like plywood and basically gives the sheet a handle. That makes it much easier to move panels around the shop by yourself. I put it on a 45 lb plate and lifted it around with zero issues.
See the DeWALT GRABO Lifter at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT XR Oscillating Multi Tool: Old vs New (DCS359B)
The XR oscillating tool kit goes on sale pretty often for about $99 with a battery and blades. That is a great pickup at that price. DeWALT just released a new version with much less vibration, thanks to a gasket in the head that keeps vibration out of the handle.
I have not had the new one in the shop yet. DeWALT demonstrated the difference with a water bottle strapped to each tool, which I think is smart. The old version is still a great buy at $99.
See the DeWALT 20v Multi Tool (old version) at Lowe's · See the DeWALT 20v XR Multi-Tool (new version) at Lowe's Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT Chisel Set and an Easy Sharpening Jig
The DeWALT three pack of chisels runs about $30 to $35. It is a fantastic budget starter set for around the shop. The steel is not the same quality as higher end brands, so the edge does not hold as long. That is really the only drawback.
They sharpen up nicely, though. If you have never sharpened a chisel, a simple sharpening jig makes it quick and easy.
See the DeWalt Chisel Set on Amazon · See the Chisel Sharpening Jig on Amazon Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT Hand Tools: Socket Set and Hex Keys
DeWALT makes really good hand tools too. When I bought their socket set, I did not even know DeWALT made sockets. I have used it a ton over the years. Mine hangs on my OmniWall organizer, but it also comes with its own case.
I also use their hex key set all the time because it has every size I need. Somehow there is not a single one missing, because I put them back every time.
See the DeWALT Socket Set on Amazon Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the DeWALT Small Mechanics Tool Set (with Allen Wrenches) on Amazon · See the OmniWall Organizer on Amazon Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT 20V Inflator and XR Cut Off Tool
If you already have DeWALT batteries, the inflator is a great pickup. It handles tires, pool floats, and air mattresses. Most people do not know it exists, but it works well.
I just picked up the XR cut off tool. It is compact and cuts metal or tile. Even in a woodworking shop, it is good to have something that cuts metal when you run into it.
See the DeWALT 20v Inflator at Lowe's · See the DeWALT 20v XR Cut-Off Tool at Lowe's Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT Drill and Driver Bit Sets
I have a bit problem, and I am okay with it. I have a 110 piece set, a 120 piece set, and drawers full of DeWALT bits. DeWALT makes some of the best value driver bits I have found, including impact bits, nut drivers, and drill bits. They go on sale regularly, and the tough cases lock together.
See the DeWALT 4 Box Bit Set at Lowe's · See the DeWALT ELITE Bit Set at Lowe's Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
All Tools From This Video
Lowe's
- DeWALT XR 5-inch Sander
- DeWALT XR 6-inch Sander
- DeWALT XR Hammer Drill
- DeWALT XR Hammer Drill w/ 8Ah PowerPack Battery
- DeWALT XR Plunge Router
- DeWALT XR Trim Router
- DeWALT 20v 2Ah Battery 2 Pack
- DeWALT 20v Max 4Ah Battery 2 Pack
- DeWALT 20v Max 6Ah Battery 2 Pack
- DeWALT 20v Max XR 3.5Ah PowerStack Battery
- DeWALT 20v Max XR PowerPack 8Ah Battery
- DeWALT DW735X Planer
- DeWALT DW735 Planer
- DeWALT 8-1/4 inch Table Saw
- DeWALT 10-inch Table Saw
- DeWALT Fixed/Plunge Base Router
- DeWALT GRABO Lifter
- DeWALT 20v Multi Tool (old version)
- DeWALT 20v XR Multi-Tool (new version)
- DeWALT 20v Inflator
- DeWALT 20v XR Cut-Off Tool
- DeWALT 4 Box Bit Set
- DeWALT ELITE Bit Set
The Home Depot
- DeWALT 20v Atomic Drill and Impact Kit
- DeWALT 20v MAX Multi-Head Drill
- DeWALT DW735X Planer with Stand
- DeWALT 2-Pack Table Saw Blades
Acme Tools
- DeWALT 12v XTREME Multi-Head Drill
- DeWALT 20v XR Track Saw
- DeWALT 60v Track Saw
- Festool Dust Extractor
Amazon
- DeWALT 20v Drill Kit
- Helical Head Upgrade for Planer
- Digital Scale for Planer
- DeWALT Sander (corded)
- DeWALT Right Angle Drill Adapter
- DeWalt Chisel Set
- Chisel Sharpening Jig
- DeWALT Socket Set
- DeWALT Small Mechanics Tool Set (with Allen Wrenches)
- OmniWall Organizer
- Sand Paper Organizer Box
- Bow Xtender Fence for Table Saws
- MicroJig GRR-Ripper
Carbon Method
TSO Products
Faith Valley Tools
Other
Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.Want deals like these sent to you every day.
Join The Morning Cut. Free daily tool deal email from Matt.
Browse all current tool deals at 731woodworks.com.
See all tool reviews. Every post from the 731 Woodworks blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeWALT XR better than Atomic?
XR is DeWALT's top tier and is more powerful than Atomic. Atomic tools are compact, lightweight, and brushless, so they are comfortable around the house and shop. If you need the most power, go XR. If you want light and compact, Atomic works really well.
What is the difference between DeWALT PowerStack and PowerPack batteries?
PowerStack is the mid tier battery, and I think it is the best value right now. PowerPack XR is the top tier, typically 8Ah, with the most power and runtime. The PowerPack costs quite a bit more, and the power difference between the two is small. If you want the best, get the PowerPack. For value, get the PowerStack.
Are DeWALT 20V MAX tools brushless?
The base 20V MAX tools are usually brushed. Atomic and XR tools are brushless. A brushless motor is more efficient and more powerful, so it gets better battery life. In most cases, I would avoid brushed cordless tools.
Should I buy the DeWALT 5 inch or 6 inch cordless sander?
For most people, I recommend the 5 inch DCW211B. In my water glass test, it was much smoother than the 6 inch. The 6 inch DCW230B has 44% more sanding area, so it makes sense for tabletops and large surfaces.
What is the difference between the DeWALT DW735 and DW735X?
The DW735X adds infeed and outfeed tables and an extra set of blades. I recommend the X unless you are building the planer into a table. I have often seen the DW735X priced lower than the DW735, so check both before you buy.
Can the DeWALT track saw use Festool tracks?
Yes. DeWALT track saws run on standard tracks like Milwaukee, Makita, and Festool, plus DeWALT's own track. The DeWALT track lets you set one side for 90 degree cuts and the other for bevels. The new 20V XR track saw keeps both options.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. 731 Woodworks may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
DeWALT sells three tiers of cordless tools and three tiers of batteries, and most buyers never hear about it. Here is what I would buy, what I would skip, and the DeWALT tools I would buy again.