Dewalt DCS 374B Review
Editor Rating: 4.2/5
Good
Dewalt DCS 374B Review
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Published on:
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Dewalt DCS 374B Review Summary:
Battery-powered units can be quite useful thanks to their portability. One can always count on their portable bandsaw thanks to its capability to function anywhere regardless of the available power sources. Dewalt has made plenty of different power tools, but their line of portable ones is especially interesting due to the great price-to-quality ratio. In other words, you can find a high-quality portable bandsaw at an affordable price without having to worry about durability, longevity, and trustworthiness.
This particular model is an optimal solution both for professionals and enthusiasts. It comes with quite a bit of auxiliary features, good cut capacity, and most importantly – simplistic design. If you’re looking for an all-around tool that won’t let you down in the middle of a project, take a moment and check this particular one, it’s more than capable of coping with the average user’s requirements.
Specifications:
- Power – 20V 5Ah battery
- Weight – 12.4 pounds
- Power source – Cordless (Battery-powered)
- Cut capacity – 4-3/4 inches (round), 5 x 4-3/4 inches (rectangular)
- Variable speed
- LED lights
Dewalt DCS 374B – The Basics
As you may know, Dewalt is established in many different ways, but their power tools are the thing that stands out as their biggest success. Needless to say, this particular model isn’t any different from their other ones when it comes to quality, reliability, and efficiency. It is battery-powered which means it also has some limitations regarding downtime, lack of power, and price. However, if you’re looking for something that is portable and quite simple to use, the DCS 374B might be a good solution.
Your previous experience isn’t as important as you might think because of the simplistic design of this unit. In other words, it’s quite straightforward and can be used by both professionals and avid DIYers. It comes with a couple of neat features, a battery, and the charging station.
The Features
The Design
The design isn’t much different from Makita’s, with a few notable differences. The first difference one will immediately notice is the quality of rubber shrouds, and rubber coating on the machine in general. It’s much better and offers more protection. However, it can also be a burden for people who often have to change blades. It’s not a big deal, but it should be mentioned.
The battery is much more compact in comparison to most other models. It isn’t bulky nor cumbersome, although it’s a bit heavy. On the other hand, the overall weight of just over 12 pounds is a definite upside if you consider the weight of similar units that can be up to 15-16 pounds in total. The variable speed trigger is what makes this unit stand out. It allows you to fine-tune the blade speed on the go, instead of having to hassle with complex adjustments. The integrated hanging hook is a great addition because it lets you control the pressure and also the overall stability of the unit.
Usability
Due to the convenient speed controller, this particular model can cut a variety of materials. However, it’s recommended mainly for cutting plastic and metal pipes. Bear in mind, different blades are required for different materials. Also, the battery life greatly depends on which materials you’re cutting and at what speed. The battery should last for about a day under intense use or even a few weeks with frequent use.
Other Features
The most notable additional feature is the LED light. It’s not much different from the ones that can be found on other models, but it does stand out as better thanks to the included 20s delay. In other words, you don’t have to hold your finger on the light switch at all times.
Pros:
High quality
Durable
Good battery life
Cons:
Slightly more expensive in comparison to other models
Things we liked about it
There are plenty of things that we found interesting. The first notable one is the overall quality of the unit. While some other models tend to have a `cheap` feel, this one definitely feels trustworthy and reliable. The materials used for the design are sturdy, and one doesn’t have to worry about damaging the machine with a sudden bump or a drop. Instead, it’s designed to withstand quite a beating and still perform as advertised.
The other thing we liked is the fact that everything you need in order to make it work right out of the box is included. Therefore, you’ll get the charging station, battery, and even a hard case if you ever opt to invest in this particular model. While the price is slightly higher in comparison to Makita, it’s for a good reason – this one doesn’t yield any additional expenses.
Things we didn’t like
Surprisingly, we couldn’t find any notable disadvantages, even while nitpicking. One can say the battery could last a bit longer, but it’s not something that is a deal-breaker in most cases.
The customer support department sometimes needs a few days before they offer a concrete answer to their customers, but that has nothing to do with this particular product, although it should be noted.
What Users Say About The Dewalt DCS 374B
This is one of our top-recommended bandsaws for individuals that don’t want to conduct extensive research and find something that’s more appealing in various ways. In other words, if you aren’t sure which model to buy or are struggling to choose, don’t hesitate to go with this one, it will fulfill most of your expectations. Professionals love its accuracy while hobbyists like the overall simplicity and lack of complex adjustments.
Conclusion
In the end, one question remains – “Is it worth getting this product?” The short answer is – Yes, it is. On a more detailed scale, if you’re looking for sheer power and long operation on a single charge, this is one of the best choices you can make. It will cost you a couple of dollars more than usual, but it’s definitely worth it. However, if you’re an occasional user with mild requirements, there are some other models that cost less but offer quite similar features.
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