DeWalt has long been the golden standard for construction machines, and their miter saws are no different.
But competition exists even between the best you can lay your hands on, especially in the case of DeWalt DCS361M1 VS DCS361B. The various similarities highlight their most outstanding differences, leading to opposing views varying between users.
Even though I love the fact that they are both compact and cordless, I have to admit that there are certain things about one that outperforms the other.
- If you are seeking a newbie-friendly saw, the DCS361B will be ideal.
- For woodworkers who think a package is more valuable than buying separated parts, the DCS361M1 makes a better choice with its included battery and charger.
- In case you value high accuracy during usage, the DCS361B is a better option out of both saws.
- If you need something with a strong battery to handle more cuts in one charge, the DCS361M1 is the winner.
Contents
Differences Between DeWalt DCS361B and DeWalt DCS361M1
Accuracy
Staying true to its reputation as one of the top power tool manufacturers, DeWalt has built these machines with desirable features for maintaining accuracy.
These features include the cut line cross-cut positioning systems, stainless steel detent plates, and cam-lock miter handles to keep the saw in place while you are busy working on your projects.
I tested them on wood, plastic, and even some metals like steel and bronze, yet, the results never fail to amaze me.
That being said, though it can easily pass one’s eye, the DeWalt DCS361M1 falls one step behind. It is not entirely a machine for beginners, so expect some learning curves (and a lot of tweaking) coming your way.
Things no longer remain that complex once you get the hang of it. However, the machine is still a far cry from the DCS361B, which can turn out to be a carpenter’s best friend after one try or two.
Without a doubt, the DeWalt DCS361B wins this round.
Design and Construction
These two products have many comparable features in terms of design: the item dimension is 25.25 x 19.88 x 15.69 inches, they both operate 7-¼ inches on a ⅝-inch plane.
The overall appearance can even trick you at first sight with the nearly identical yellow color scheme alongside some professional-looking metal parts.
There is barely any major difference in their weight either. Without the addition of cords, the DCS361B is 30 lbs, while its cousin DCS361M1 is only 1.61 lbs away, so there is no need to stress over carrying them around and compromising portability in the process.
Both are ideal for multi-location projects and so there is no winner between DEWALT DCS361M1 vs DCS361B this time.
Capacity
Delivering precisely 3,100 revolutions every minute and impressive cutting ability on several angles, both miter saws from DeWalt are worth your investment when it comes to efficiency and speed.
Still, my votes go to the DCS361M1 on this one. In one charge, you can have its 20 V MAX engine give out over 180 cuts on 2×4-inch pinewood or 275 cuts on 3-¼-inch baseboards of the same material.
Meanwhile, what you can achieve with the DCS316B remains many times lesser. I did not keep count, but the batteries did run out faster. And that was enough for me to conclude that it does not do as outstanding a job.
Blades
The battle between DeWalt DCS361B VS DCS361M1 comes to a draw this time. You can understand why after looking at the blade’s quality. DeWalt uses the same carbide blade for both miter saws, 7-¼ inches in length, and 40 teeth to increase the sharpness.
Honestly speaking, these characteristics do not make a good choice for slicing through thick, heavy-duty materials. But they are all you can ask for if you only intend to get a small-scale project done simply with commercial wood or metal.
Additional Features
DeWalt prides itself on being a trusty brand for all households. That is why it only launches risk-proof tools accompanied by a detailed safety guide to prevent unwelcoming injuries, even when your workload comes in a great amount. The saws in my comparison are no exception.
To keep the cleaning duty afterward a breeze, the miter saws also have dust-gathering ports so that the residues will not end up scattered everywhere.
Package
For the DCS361M1, the included set of battery and charger is of excellent quality. Although this mighty power comes with a slightly higher price than the DCS361B, the functionality is beyond expectation and worth every penny.
On the contrary, the DCS361B does not offer those important parts. Although you can find several options of the brand to fuel it, such as the DeWalt Flexvolt battery or the DCB204 4 Ah, this absence that adds more to your shopping plan is just plain inconvenient.
Quick Rundown of DCS361M1
Pros:
- Great cutting capacity for multiple materials
- Battery with higher longevity
- Excellent dust-gathering features
- Strong quality build to enhance the saw’s durability
Con:
- Improvable accuracy
- The bevel only turns counter-clockwise
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Quick Rundown of DCS361B
Pros:
- High level of accuracy
- Great choice for small projects
- Fast and powerful despite the compact size
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Blade with low spinning rate
- No batteries included
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Conclusion
Although there are various similar features between these two saws, it is apparent that DCS361M1 wins the bulk of the factors.
Therefore, it becomes the winner of the DeWalt DCS361M1 vs DCS361B battle. If you fully utilize the product’s potential, it will be a worthy and valuable investment for long-term usage.
However, if you either have a DeWalt battery at home or are relatively new to carpenting, DCS361B will be the desirable option, thanks to its enhanced flexibility in adjustment and lots of scope for cutting.