Lowes Kobalt 24 volt dual bevel sliding miter saw, Unboxing, first cut and battery life test

I received this for Valentine's day. This is an unboxing first cut and a quick review of the new Kobalt 24 volt dual bevel sliding miter saw.
A 6 amp battery is recommended but currently un-available so the test is with a 4 amp battery.
Now, should I tell my wife this is what she bought me? 😁
I'm using Seek Thermal reveal for thermal imaging
Follow me on Instagram @ / southernengineering

[@rog3rbee915]

I just bought this saw recently but haven’t opened it yet due to needing a battery..do you feel the 4ah is sufficient enough?..or do you think I would need a 6ah?...I’m thinking of going with the 4ah since it’s a double pack, I could always have one in the charger while I’m using one. Also I’m wondering if there is a difference in power between using a 4 and 6ah

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Roger, I don't own a 6ah battery; I'm kinda cheap; I can get two 4ah batteries for the price of one 6ah; I suppose the 6ah would give better performance, but I have never had a problem with the 4; it's more than capable of powering the saw. I've used this saw regularly for the last 2 years and have zero complaints. I have a 10" and 12" miter, A/C power that I have not used since I purchased this. I hope this answers your question; thanks for watching; it's much appreciated. FYI: This last year has been a challenge for everyone and especially for my family, so not many new projects to post; but, I've been busy the last few months, so you will see some new stuff pretty soon. Stay tuned:

[@rog3rbee915]

@@SouthernEngineering thanks for the reply!...would you also know if this saw will cut lumber that is 2-1/2” thick?

[@rog3rbee915]

@@SouthernEngineering also do you feel that the power on this cordless saw is just as powerful as the corded version?....do you feel the motor bogging down when cutting thru thick lumber?

[@SouthernEngineering]

:@@rog3rbee915: It will cut 2.5" but that is the absolute limit for thickness.

[@SouthernEngineering]

@@rog3rbee915 : It's not as powerful as my 10" A/c saw, but it work just fine for me; I mostly cut 2 x's, plywood, and trim with mine; if you're going to cut a lot of thick wood, I would consider the 6ah battery. I like this saw because it is light, easy to move, powerful for what it is, and accurate; I hope that helps.

[@Nailer45]

Owned my 24V miter saw now for almost two years and I use the 6 amp hour batteries for longevity . I use it almost every day , cutting for framing , base board , crown moulding and more ..

[@SouthernEngineering]

When I purchased mine the 6amp battery was not yet on the market, I've found the 4 amp battery serves me well, but I'm a home-gamer, plus I don't like the price of the 6 amp battery, it's twice the price of the 4 amp, but only 50% more capacity. I'm currently remodeling the kitchen and this little saw is my go-to for all the small cuts, my table saw for the sheet stock, but this is more than adequate for face frames, trim, and crown molding. I'll have a series of videos soon, so stay tuned if you're interested.

[@chf1949]

Nice addition to the shop! Glad to hear the dust bag is working out for you. With the light weight it looks like it will be easy to move it around to the work instead of dragging the work to the saw.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Butch. It's a nice saw and very capable, I have a 12" but would never consider moving it, also a small 7 1/4" A/C unit that I will probably never use again. It wasn't so long ago that battery tools were supplemental, now they are my goto solution. I have(had) an extensive set of Craftsman 19.2 but they have aged out with the old technology and overpriced batteries. The Kobalt tools are top notch and the batteries are a great price. Thanks for watching. Later Walt P.s. The workbench area is done and I'm installing the floor in the shop today so I'll have a video in a few days.

[@judithrob1591]

Tips. Very important if you would like to saw with precision. (avoid torsion as much as possible)! Always choose a Miter saw with a handle positioned in a vertical line above the saw blade. Everything must be aligned, slide rails, handle, and saw blade,it is much better this way the blade will not tilt. Because there is some torsion in the aluminum housing . And choose an engine with softstart on it to prevent wear of the gear and worm shaft. It is very important that everything is aligned. Here are some examples to show how the handle must be positioned above the blade. Bosch gcm 800 sj / Bosch gcm 8 sjl / Evolution rage 3 / FESTOOL KS 60 / HITACHI C12RSH2 / FESTOOL KS 60 E KAPEX / Metabo KGSV 72 Xact (This also is the case with the Miter saw without the slide rails). If you want you can test it yourself at home if there is torsion in the aluminum housing. Step-1. First you make a saw cut from +-5 mm deep in to a flat piece of wood about +- 20 mm thick. To this with the normal handle positioned on the right side of the Miter saw. Step-2. Then repeat this by pushing the saw blade down with your hand (finger) on the aluminum protective cover were the saw blade is cased in. Just now only do this without the running engine. Step-3. Now you can see if the saw blade will be positioned in or next to the saw cut. If the saw blade is (+- 0,2 / 0,5 mm) next to the saw cut then there is torsion in the aluminum housing. Step-4. therefor it is much better to choose a Miter saw with the handle positioned vertical in line above the saw blade. Conclusion: how further away the handle is from the saw blade how more chance of torsion in the aluminum housing. .

[@SouthernEngineering]

Lots of good info, thanks for sharing.

[@dutchofsc]

Looking good. It's amazing what can be done on a rechargeable battery now a day

[@SouthernEngineering]

It wasn't so long ago that battery tools were supplemental, now they are my goto solution. I have(had) an extensive set of Craftsman 19.2 but they have aged out with the old technology and overpriced batteries.The Kobalt tools are top notch and the batteries are a great price.

[@dutchofsc]

@@SouthernEngineering Agreed, they have made pneumatic tools almost obsolete. I've been married to dewalt for a long time, and still am due to the lithium battery adapter for older tools. I started buying 12v Milwaukee and love them. The kobalt looks to be really good and solid, but it seems like it's being replaced with the new craftsman. Time will tell. Anyway, enough rambling. Thanks for another great video.

[@SouthernEngineering]

If you look at the Craftsman tools and then the Porter Cable you will see only the color is different and the battery. The primary selling points for me, quality of the tool, 5 years no question warranty, and battery price.

[@dutchofsc]

@@SouthernEngineering Cant beat the cobalt warranty, never had any problems with returns. All companies listed are owned by black and decker or Stanley so like you said, you can pick your color. Lol

[@Nailer45]

I use the Diablo 40 tooth finish blade in my 24V saw and to be honest I believe it extends battery life ,

[@SouthernEngineering]

I'm using a 60t DeWalt blade currently, I want the smoothest cut's I can get, I'm very happy with it.

[@06goatm6]

glad to see an actual test instead of just un boxing

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, Goat, I appreciate that. The saw is a nice addition to my shop, and I have been delighted with it.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@seymourscagnetti1413]

VERY WELL DONE REVIEW. LOOKS LIKE A REBRANDED DEWALT 20V MITER. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE MAKITA 40V XGT MITER WHEN RELEASED. MY GUESS IS $600-$800 BARE TOOL ONLY. NOT BUDGET FRIENDLY. IF THE KOBALT TAKES DEWALT BATTERIES, THAT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU ARE NOT ON THE KOBALT PLATFORM AND HAVE DEWALT STUFF.

[@terrmaso]

Now that you have had it for a year, what is your opinion? Would you recommend it as a purchase? Thanks

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Terry, I am delighted with this saw. I have a 12" Bosch in my tool room, it's big, bulky, and in every way a great tool, but what I need to do is fast and light work (here is a sample of how I use it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4echXysaJ6Wf80 ). I think if you need portability and a quality tool, this is an excellent option if you do to site work with 2 X 10''s plus, you'll need something more significant, but anything smaller than 2 X 10 this saw will do the job. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it.

[@Taylormade2350]

You know you can start the blade then bring it down into the material. You don’t have to have it extended and down all the way. Those saws will literally cut 2x10.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Taylor. Yes I know, I was commenting about what the sales guy said, "It would clean-cut a 2 x 6" it almost does. I really like this saw, I use it a lot, it's light, easy to move around and set up, I haven't used my 12" compound since I purchased this one. FYI, I have a lot of home and shop projects both in-process and planned, I hope you will consider subscribing so you can see what I'm up to. Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it.P.s. I post updates, previews, and other random stuff on Instagram #southernengineering

[@MyHeap]

Nice saw, though I think the slides need a little way oil. HEHE Mamma must love ya! I thought you injured yourself in the making of this video, but I went back and looked, you started out with the band-aid. :-) Well, Walt, I see the king of the house wearing quite a bit of crown in his future!! Great review. Looks like it would be a nice saw to have. Thank you for sharing. Joe

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks Joe. Ya, the slide was a little rough but loosened up after a few strokes. I noticed the bandaid after I shot the video 🙄 It's those little things that drive me crazy when making video's, it's funny what you notice when you watch yourself. It is a nice tool, now I have 4 miter saws!!!! 12", 10", & two 7 1/4" and two that work but are worn out. P.s. I'm off today so I'm going to get the floor done in the workbench area, god willing, I'm going to post a video in a few days. Later Walt

[@mtube620]

i like to see cordless stationary tool come in hybrid power, battery and corded with removable cord

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Jack, I think Dewalt offers that option but IMHO the batteries are so good there is no need; as you saw in this video, we cut 137 2X4's with one 4amp battery. Most all of my corded tools are on the shelf and rarly used in the last 2 years, and even my yard tools are battery powered. Thanks for watching and offering your opinion.

[@faii20s]

Cool valentines gift

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thank you!

[@debbieb5112]

Its a lovely Valentine's gift

[@SouthernEngineering]

Yes, it was, thanks for watching.

[@Impact-OG]

Hey great video, was the 137 cuts using a 4.0ah battery?? Or did u use a 6.0??

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Al. I used the 4 amp, the 6 amp was not yet available. I would like to purchase a 6 amp, but at twice the price of the 4 and only, a 50% increase in capacity the `bang for buck' is not there. Used to be a Craftsman 19.2 guy but they have aged out and overpriced, Kobalt came along at just the right time as I was considering new tools, I've been delighted with the 24 volts system and have almost all the tools. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it. P.s. I post updates, project previews, and other random stuff on Instagram #southernengineering

[@Impact-OG]

@@SouthernEngineering ok sounds good thanks man.

[@FletchDoesIt]

Nice! Great looking tool.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Thanks, now I have 4 miter saws 🙄. A big 12", 10", 7 1/4" and this one. The battery tools today are incredibly capable; as you saw(pun intended), 139 cuts on one battery also I just finished the wood floor in the bench area (video in a few days) with trim on one battery, that's a real-world test. All of my corded hand tools are in the tool room and I'm seriously considering what to do with them 🤔 My first Shop Rehab video will post in a couple of days, I'm looking forward to "you shop guys" feedback and idea's so be sure to watch, It would have posted yesterday but my editor crashed and took 2 days of editing with it 😥 Thanks for watching and commenting. P.s. I have another new Kobalt tool due in a couple of weeks 😁

[@johnmanmano182]

how would you rate the dust collection system? with and without a vacuum?

[@SouthernEngineering]

I was pleasantly surprised by that, the dust bag does a remarkedly good job and catches most of the dust. With a vacuum, it's almost dust-free. Many times I forget to empty the bag because there is so little dust on the floor to remind me. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ypliai3810]

Hello, old man, may I ask how many knife wood a 4.0 battery can cut, I am a foreigner can not read English, using the translation software, thank you.

[@SouthernEngineering]

we cut ~130 2X4 with the 5amp battery

[@BoxcarsGarage]

Gotta love adding something needed to ol shop. I have a general love/hate feeling toward battery dependency....and I've not considered a miter saw.... As for the video....whoever the sleeveless guy is.....fingers were a little close to the sharp spinning things....Norm would not have approved. Good vid, thanks for sharing.

[@SouthernEngineering]

The Battery thing is a biggy, but honestly, the battery tools today are incredibly capable; as you saw(pun intended), 139 cuts on one battery also I just finished the wood floor in the bench area (video in a few days) with trim on one battery, that's a real-world test. One of the best parts of the Kobalt tools is the battery price, they are half the cost of all the others, and the 5-year warranty is definitely the best. All of my corded hand tools are in the tool room and I'm seriously considering what to do with them 🤔 My first Shop Rehab video will post in a couple of days, I'm looking forward to "you shop guys" feedback and idea's so be sure to watch, It would have posted today but my editor crashed and took 2 days of editing with it 😥 P.s. The sleeveless guy is my son, don't worry he has all eight fingers and most of both thumbs, thanks for your concern 😉

[@ernestonoir5796]

the 6AH is available.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hey thanks, Chris, when I purchased the saw they didn't have it in stock. It's on my list, should be perfect for my string trimmer.Thanks again.

[@williamsanjuan]

I think I peed in my pants with the slow motion unboxing.

[@SouthernEngineering]

Sorry about that William, I've been playing around with effects in my videos, trying to improve the quality and perhaps make them a little more entertaining. Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it.

[@jamimarie6117]

Thanks!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Jami. Thank you for watching. I have a long list of projects for the Winter months, I hope you will subscribe and stay tuned to see what I'm up to. Again thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it. P.s. I post updates, project previews, and other random stuff on Instagram #southernengineering

[@martylucas8557]

The guy saying that it wouldn’t cut a 2 x 6 never used a Miter Saw before and isn’t the brightest build in the room, that’s for sure!

[@martylucas8557]

Southern Engineering, LoL! Thanks for the response. I’ll sub to you. I watch VCG/Tool Boss’s KZbin channel. Vince did a review of the Kobalt Dual Bevel Miter Saw. I really like it and I’ve checked it out at Lowe’s. Had I not bought the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7 1/4” Dual Bevel Miter Saw, I would’ve bought the Kobalt. I got a really good deal on the Milwaukee from CPO Milwaukee (online tool company). I ordered it tool only, factory refurbished for $299.00, out the door. They sent me a brand new Miter saw (it still had the factory zip tie and packing foam on it). To my surprise they included a new 5 amp battery, charger, 40 tooth Milwaukee blade, clamp and new bag. I recently checked it out on Home Depot’s website, the price for new has gone up, so the same saw (kit), with tax is almost $600.00. If you don’t mind me asking...how much did you end up spending on the saw all together. I’ve seen them at Lowe’s (tool only) for $229.00. Which I feel is very reasonable. I believe the Kobalt is supposed to be optimized for a 6 amp battery. The Milwaukee 7 1/4” is optimized for their 5 amp battery. Take care!

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hey, Thanks for the sub Marty, I do appreciate it, I'll do my best to make videos worth your time. I paid 229 minus my mil discount so 199 (very cool Lowes offers this to Vets) I used to have Sears 19.2 system but it has aged out, when I went looking I noticed that Lowes batteries are the best price per watt hour and they have a great selection of tools at a good price and even better warranty (5 years, no questions asked). I like Lowes and frankly, the Kobalt line is top quality. I have almost all the 24V tools and zero complaints. Thanks again.

[@Taylormade2350]

Lol yeah it’ll cut a 2x10. It annoyed me how he thought you had to have the blade all the way extended and down before starting.

[@timtation5837]

Not a fan of battery power tools (batteries lose capacity over time and end up being more hassle than they are worth). Give me a plug and power cord any day.

[@chadhoward3347]

This will actually cut a 2x10. You have to run the saw when cutting and then plunge the saw into the material. Instead you wedged it between the fence and the blade and say it won’t cut a 2x6!???!!?🤣🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[@SouthernEngineering]

Hi Chad, I guess I was not clear. The salesman told me it would cut a 2 X 6 cleanly on the slide, and of course, it will cut wider boards. I find it to be a very good tool with some nice design features, what do you think of yours? I just finished the wood floor in the workbench area in my barn, wood and trim on one (4amp) battery, can't beat that. see here-> instagram.com/p/BuFOPLFAvKT/ F.Y.I. I'm doing a Top to Bottom Re-hab on my workshop, I'm making it `ship-shape' so to speak, it will be a blend of a full and proper workshop, a bit of mancave and video studio, stay tuned if you want to follow along. Thanks for watching and commenting, I do appreciate it. P.s. I post updates, previews, and other random stuff on Instagram @southernengineering

[@llongdong]

Idiocy. Pure, unadulterated idiocy. Not enough power or run time here. And, a crazy high price. Stick with a cord on a miter saw. Drill = cordless. All other power tools = corded.

[@SouthernEngineering]

I disagree; the Saw clearly preformed well on a battery that is 50% smaller than recommended, 137 cross cut 2X4's seems like a good run time. The price may be a tad high, but compared to what? My opinion remains unchanged; it's a good saw for light work where you need easy setup and very portable.

[@llongdong]

@Mike41 How ya chargin' 'em on the construction site??? Generator? Then, just plug your corded miter into the Genny. You're crazy to buy a cordless miter saw due to $100+ more than corded and the nuisance of lower power and running out of charge. Manufacturers laughing their asses off at how you'll pay so much more for that.

[@UberKrispy]

@@llongdong Bring 2 charged batteries to the job site.

[@theresalanders4006]

That looks like crap to me

[@SouthernEngineering]

So what kind of saw do you use?

[@waltkiefer9334]

@Mike41 LOL, I can't imagine why someone would comment like this...