Full Review ⭐ DeWalt 20V MAX XR: 3-Speed Oscillating Tool Kit (DCS356SD1), Yellow

Oscillating multi-tools, also known as oscillating power tools or oscillating saws, are versatile power tools used for a variety of cutting and sanding applications. Unlike traditional power saws that move in a continuous circular motion, the blades on oscillating multi-tools move rapidly back and forth in a quick oscillating pattern. This allows them to cut into tight spaces and create precise curved cuts not possible with other saws.

First introduced in the 1960s, oscillating multi-tools have become increasingly popular in recent years for DIY and professional use. Their compact size, maneuverability, and ability to accept different attachments make them one of the most versatile tools to have for home improvement projects, auto repair, HVAC work, plumbing, electrical, and more. Common uses include flush cutting, plunge cutting, sanding, scraping, grout removal, and detail work in tight spaces. With a wide selection of specialized blades, they can cut wood, metal, plastic, drywall, tile, laminate, fiberglass and more.

Oscillating multi-tools are available in both corded electric and cordless battery-powered models. Cordless models provide greater portability and freedom of movement. DeWalt's 20V MAX XR oscillating multi-tool offers the power and performance of corded models in a lightweight cordless platform.

Overview of the DeWalt Oscillating Multi-Tool

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 is a 20V cordless oscillating multi-tool designed for professional use. It features a powerful brushless motor, 3-speed settings, and tool-free blade change for quick accessory swaps.

The DCS356SD1 is part of DeWalt's 20V MAX XR line of power tools that are compatible with the company's large 20V MAX battery system. It includes a 3.0Ah battery and 30 minute fast charger.

This oscillating tool has an ergonomic design with rubber overmold on the main handle and rear handle for comfort during extended use. It weighs only 3.3 lbs with the battery installed.

The variable speed dial provides full speed control up to 20,000 OPM to match speed to application. An LED light illuminates the work area.

For users looking for a more compact 12V oscillating tool, DeWalt offers the DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Oscillating Tool Kit (DCS353G1). This lightweight, ergonomic tool provides versatility and control for tight spaces and detailed applications.

The DCS353G1 features a brushless motor that is efficient, powerful, and maximizes runtime. It has a variable speed dial that goes from 0-20,000 OPM. The quick release blade change system allows fast and easy accessory changes.

At only 2.6 lbs, this 12V oscillating tool is designed with the user in mind. It has an overmolded grip area for comfort and control. The kit includes a 12V 3.0Ah battery, charger, and an accessory kit to get started.

For professional contractors or DIYers looking for the latest oscillating tool technology in a cordless platform, DeWalt offers both 20V and 12V brushless options. The DCS356SD1 or DCS353G1 provide power and runtime along with ergonomic, lightweight designs.

Design and Build Quality

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool features an exceptional design and high-quality construction that makes it comfortable and durable for extended use.

The tool's lightweight yet sturdy housing is made from high-grade reinforced plastic that provides strength while keeping the weight down. Weighing only 3.3 lbs with the battery installed, the DCS356SD1 is easy to handle and manipulate into tight spaces.

The rubber overmold grip gives excellent control and reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use. It fits nicely in the hand and has an optimal center of gravity that enhances maneuverability.

An LED light is thoughtfully positioned to illuminate the work area for better visibility. This shows the attention to detail DeWalt put into the tool's design.

Overall, the materials, weight distribution, and ergonomics clearly demonstrate this is a premium quality tool built for demanding applications. Users will appreciate how the design enables comfortable operation and reduces fatigue over long work sessions.

For those looking for additional DeWalt tools to pair with the DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool, the DeWalt 2-Way Self Levelling Ultra Bright Cross Line Red Laser DW088K and DCS355N-XJ Oscillating Multi-Tool are great options. The DW088K laser level projects bright crossing horizontal and vertical laser lines for quick and accurate layouts, while the DCS355N-XJ oscillating tool features a powerful brushless motor for fast cutting and sanding in tight spaces. Both tools run on DeWalt's 18V Li-Ion battery platform for cordless convenience and are built with the same high standards as the DCS356SD1 for optimal performance and durability. Having this arsenal of DeWalt tools will enable users to tackle a wide variety of projects with precision and efficiency.

With its intelligent design, rugged construction, and versatile feature set, the DeWalt DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool is an excellent investment for professional contractors, dedicated DIYers, and anyone who needs a high-performance oscillating tool. It's thoughtfully engineered to deliver power, runtime, ergonomics and durability far beyond basic consumer-grade oscillating tools. Serious users will appreciate how the DCS356SD1 enables extended comfortable use thanks to its balanced design and soft grip. And they'll value how the reinforced housing stands up to heavy daily use on jobsites. When you need the best, choose the DCS356SD1.

Motor and Power

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 features a brushless motor that provides efficient power while generating less heat and noise compared to brushed motors. It has a quick-change blade clamp that allows tool-free blade changes.

The oscillation rate is between 0-20,000 OPM, delivering smooth performance across a wide range of applications. Variable speed control gives users flexibility to match the speed to the task. There are 3 preset speed ranges - 0-6,000 / 6,000-13,000 / 13,000-20,000 OPM.

This oscillating multi-tool is powered by DeWalt's 20V MAX lithium-ion battery system. It delivers up to 57% more power than the 18V version for improved runtime and performance. The kit includes a compact 3.0Ah battery pack.

With the 20V MAX battery, the DCS356SD1 generates up to 1.6 degrees of oscillation arc at high speed. This gives it the power to cut through wood, metal, plastic and more. The brushless motor maximizes power and runtime while keeping the tool compact and lightweight.

Blade Changing System

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 features a quick and easy blade changing system that allows you to swap out accessories without any tools. It utilizes a spindle lock that securely holds the blade in place while you twist off the end cap by hand to release the accessory.

Simply insert the new blade, replace the end cap and tighten it, and you're ready to resume work in seconds. This makes it much more convenient than other oscillating tools that require you to fumble around for hex keys or other tools to change blades.

The tool-free design is very intuitive and enables effortless transitions between different materials or tasks. Whether you need to go from cutting wood to sanding metal, or any other blade swap, the process is smooth and takes just moments. No more hassling with tools or losing parts.

Overall, the blade changing system on the DeWalt oscillating multi-tool is one of its standout features that really improves the user experience and productivity. The spindle lock and quick twist end cap offers a fast, simple, and secure way to swap blades that makes this one of the easiest models to change accessories on.

Accessories

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool comes with an impressive array of accessories right out of the box. Here's what's included:

• A universal accessory adaptor that accepts all competitor accessories
• An anti-slip overmold grip for comfort and control
• A quick-change blade clamp for fast and easy blade changes
• A 3-position oscillating head for optimal performance in any application
• A LED light to illuminate dark work areas
• A dust blower attachment to keep the work area clean
• A sanding pad, sanding paper sheet, and an HCS wood cutting blade

In addition to the included accessories, DeWalt offers a wide range of attachments and accessories that can be purchased separately. These allow you to get even more versatility from the multi-tool for specialized applications, including:

• Cutting blades for wood, metal, plaster and more
• Scraping and sanding attachments in various shapes and grits
• Detail sanding pads and sheets
• Grout removal blades
• Carbide rasps and files
• Plunge cutting blades
• Flexible scraper blades

With the included accessories and the wide assortment of optional attachments available, you'll be equipped to tackle just about any job with the DeWalt DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool. The quick-change system allows you to switch between accessories and blades rapidly so you can work efficiently.

Performance

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool delivers excellent performance for a wide range of applications thanks to its powerful motor and versatile design.

Cutting: The oscillating action of the blade allows the tool to make precise, clean cuts in materials like wood, plastic, and light metal. It can handle detailed curved cuts that would be difficult with a saw. The variable speed dial gives you control over the blade speed for optimal cutting performance.

Sanding: The tool's fast oscillating motion makes it effective for detail sanding in tight spaces and on contoured surfaces. When fitted with sanding pads and appropriate grit sandpaper, it can smooth and finish wood, plastic, and metal. The variable speed allows matching the sanding speed to the material.

Grinding: With a grinding or rasping attachment, the DCS356SD1 can grind down welds, remove mortar, and sharpen edges. The high-speed oscillation ensures an even grinding action. The variable speed lets you match the grinding speed to the hardness of the material.

The DeWalt oscillating tool delivers very good cutting, sanding, and grinding performance thanks to its 3.2 degree oscillation angle and powerful 5 amp motor. Users praise its ability to power through tough materials.

Battery Life

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool comes with a 20V MAX XR lithium ion battery that provides excellent runtime. The 3.0 Ah battery has enough juice to handle most applications like cutting, sanding, and grinding. With a fully charged battery, users can expect up to 57 minutes of continuous runtime which is impressive for a cordless oscillating tool.

The MAX in 20V MAX refers to the tools being able to optimize themselves when paired with 60V MAX batteries. So the runtime can be even longer when using a higher capacity 20V/60V MAX battery. Dewalt offers other 20V/60V MAX battery options like 5.0 Ah or 6.0 Ah for extended runtime. The oscillating tool is compatible with all 20V MAX batteries in the Dewalt system.

The battery also features 3 LED fuel gauge lights that indicate the remaining charge level. This helps users determine when to recharge the battery or swap in a fresh one to keep working. Overall the stellar battery life is one of the standout features of this oscillating multi-tool kit.

Pros and Cons

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 oscillating multi-tool has many excellent features, but also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Powerful 20V MAX motor provides optimal power and runtime
• Quick blade change system allows fast accessory changes
• Variable speed dial (0-22,000 OPM) for maximum control
• LED light illuminates the work area
• Ergonomic grip and lightweight design (3.4 lbs) for comfort
• Comes with a variety of useful accessories
• Good dust extraction when used with a vacuum
• Dewalt's 3-year limited warranty provides peace of mind

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately adds to the cost
• No tool bag included to store accessories
• Some users find the vibration level high during extended use
• Price is on the higher end for oscillating tools
• May lack power for heavy duty cutting/sanding tasks

In summary, the DeWalt DCS356SD1 is a high-performing, versatile oscillating multi-tool ideal for home DIYers and professionals. It offers excellent power, speed control, and an efficient blade change system. Downsides are the high price point without a battery, and potential vibration issues. But overall it's an excellent choice in the 20V MAX cordless platform.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCS356SD1 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit provides professional-grade power and versatility for cutting, sanding, and grinding applications. Its 3-speed motor allows matching power to performance, while the Quick-Change accessory system makes blade changes fast and easy.

The tool feels solid and durable thanks to its all-metal gearing and aluminum motor housing. An ergonomic grip aids control and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. It runs quietly with minimal vibration.

With the included 20V MAX battery, the multi-tool delivers up to 30 minutes of runtime on a full charge. This is sufficient for most applications. More batteries can be purchased for extended work.

The DCS356SD1 kit provides excellent value by including a starter blade set and carry bag. This gives you everything needed to start completing projects right out of the box.

Overall, the DeWalt Oscillating Multi-Tool earns a strong recommendation for DIYers and professionals alike. It combines versatile functionality, durable construction, and thoughtful design in a fairly affordable package. For tackling remodeling, repairs, hobbies and more, it's an oscillating tool that won't disappoint.