Cutting the Cord on Power Tools

Atlanta, GA—At IWF Connect, Bill Harman, Vice President of Product Management at DeWalt Power Tools, will deliver the show’s first Primetime Presentation, “Cordless Solutions – Solving Woodworker Problems through Technology Advancements,” at 10 AM Eastern Time on Oct. 26. Harman will share how common woodworker challenges are being addressed through continued advancements in batteries, motors, and charging systems for cordless tool technology, and what that means for the woodworking industry of tomorrow. 

Harman (right) oversees one of the woodworking industry’s most storied brands. The original company was started in 1923 by Raymond E. DeWalt, the inventor of the radial arm saw. In 1960, Black & Decker acquired DeWalt. In 2009, Stanley and Black & Decker merged to create the new Stanley Black & Decker, encompassing The Stanley Works, Bostitch, Black & Decker, DeWalt, Delta and Porter-Cable brands. 

DeWalt first launched its 60V MAX* tools and the Flexvolt Battery System in 2016, widely regarded as revolutionizing power tools by developing the world’s first batteries that automatically changed voltage when the users changed tools. With 20 tools now in this premium line, the 60V MAX* System continues to provide tools that offer the power of corded with the freedom of cordless.

At the 2019 Specialty Tools & Fasteners STAFDA trade show, DeWalt upgraded the products that were part of that original Dewalt Flexvolt System, introducing a line of compact, brushless motor 12V MAX tools, called Xtreme tools, performance-packed ergonomic solutions for a variety of trades including woodworking.

Included were the 60V MAX* Flexvolt 7-1/4 IN. circular saw (DCS578), 4-1/2 – 6 in. grinder (DCG418), and reciprocating saw. Their redesigned brushless motors advanced both tool power, and runtime. All this was part of a bigger game plan that DeWalt has described as a move to advance the “evolution and expansion of the cordless jobsite.” 

DeWalt calculated that the upgrades to the circular saw made it 47% more powerful, the grinder up to 30% more powerful, and the reciprocating saw up to 19% more powerful than their predecessors.  

In March 2020, DeWalt’s Power Detect™ Technology made its first appearance in tools, with newly developed electronics embedded allowing them to recognize the battery they are paired with, and to better adjust power output accordingly. This is geared to commercial contractor applications. These new tools also feature upgraded motors and components and more durable housings.   

And finally, beginning October 1, 2020, DeWalt offers 20V MAX* with Flexvolt Advantage™ Technology built into four new 20V MAX* Brushless Tools. These tools recognize the battery attached and adjust power output accordingly. The combination allows the Flexvolt Batteries to deliver a new threshold of power and performance. 

In the course of these developments over multiple years, DeWalt continues to support the evolution and expansion of that cordless jobsite, with a range of power tools that now includes more than 200 DeWalt 20V MAX* products. 

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