DeWalt Battery Skill Saws: Which Cordless Circular Saw to Carry

From the notebook

Circular Saw for Dewalt 20V Max for a Low-Cost 7-Inch Bare Tool

The Circular Saw for Dewalt 20V Max from SXBSXB is a third-party 7-inch brushless saw with a traditional right-blade layout, rated up to 8,000 RPM. It is a bare tool, compatible with DeWalt 20V batteries such as the DCB200, DCB201, DCB203, DCB204, DCB206 and DCB207.

The box is generous: two 7-inch 30-tooth blades, a parallel guide, a hex wrench, safety glasses and work gloves. It has a built-in safety lock and non-slip handle. The bevel range is listed inconsistently, with 0-45 degrees in the title and 0-40 degrees in the feature text, and the listing does not specify cut depth in inches or weight.

It suits DIYers cutting boards, PVC pipe and plasterboard who want extra blades and a guide in the box. For daily professional use, a genuine DeWalt saw with a stated warranty is the safer bet.

From the notebook

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless for Heavy Framing Days

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 inch Circular Saw Kit (DCS590WW1) is DeWalt’s most powerful 20V MAX circular saw, delivering up to 1,700 max watts out and up to 368 cuts per charge from a brushless motor at up to 5,500 RPM. Maximum depth is 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees.

It adds an electric brake that stops the blade after the trigger is released, an LED work light, a right-side blade and top handle position. The kit includes a battery and charger, though the spec sheet confusingly lists “1 12V batteries”, so check the included pack’s capacity on the product page. The blade is 24 teeth and the saw measures 15.5 x 12 x 11.1 inches, the bulkiest here.

This is the saw for framers and deck builders who cut all day and need full 7-1/4 inch depth. For light trim work, its size and weight are more than you need to carry. Pair it with a portable rip solution, like the one in our battery table saw review, for a full cordless cutting kit.

From the notebook

Ecarke 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw for a Light Full-Size Blade

The Ecarke 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw is a third-party bare tool that accepts DeWalt 20V batteries. It runs a 5,000 RPM brushless motor, offers a 0-45 degree bevel and up to 2-1/4 inches of cut depth, and weighs a listed 3.5 pounds without battery.

A built-in laser guide helps with straight lines, though it runs on two AAA batteries that are not included. The base is magnesium, the blade guard aluminum, and the 16 mm arbor fits standard U.S. blades. It includes 24-tooth and 40-tooth blades. The spec sheet lists “Aluminum” as the recommended surface, while the feature text emphasizes wood and plastic, so do not assume metal-cutting capability.

For a van kit, the combination of a 7-1/4 inch blade and a 3.5 pound listed weight is appealing. It gives way to the DeWalt DCS590 if you want an electric brake, a genuine DeWalt warranty and published runtime.

From the notebook

DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit for a Ready-to-Cut Start

The DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit (DCS391P1) is the same compact DeWalt saw as the DCS391B, bundled with a 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery and a charger. It shares the 5,150 RPM motor, magnesium shoe, overmolded grip and 0-50 degree bevel, and DeWalt says the 6-1/2 inch carbide blade cuts twice the material at 90 and 45 degrees per charge.

The spec sheet lists a 24-tooth blade and a “Brushless” feature, but the description does not mention a brushless motor, so treat that field with caution. The kit dimensions are 17.63 x 13 x 9.31 inches.

This is the right pick for someone new to the DeWalt platform who wants a genuine saw and a large 5.0Ah battery in one box. Once you own it, future DeWalt 20V tools such as those in our tool-only pole saw guide can be bought bare.

From the notebook

6-1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw for Guided, Straight Cuts

The 6-1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw from APEXPOWER is a third-party brushless saw for DeWalt 20V batteries, and the seller recommends 4.0Ah or larger packs such as the DCB204, DCB240, DCB205 and DCB206. It runs up to 8,000 RPM with variable speed control and cuts up to 2-1/5 inches deep at 90 degrees with a 0-50 degree cutting angle.

The kit includes a 6-1/2 inch 30-tooth TCT blade and a detachable precision guide rail. Safety features include an electric brake, a double safety switch, overload protection and a double blade guard, with a thickened aluminum shoe and an auxiliary handle. At 6.2 pounds it is heavier than the Ecarke listing.

This suits DIYers and hobbyists who value a guide rail for sheet goods and the added safety features. If you want a genuine DeWalt tool, the DCS391B is the equivalent compact option.

Before you choose

How to Choose the Right DeWalt Cordless Circular Saw

Genuine or compatible. DeWalt’s own saws come with published cut depths, runtime claims and a warranty. The third-party saws are cheaper and often include extra blades, but you rely on the seller’s specs and support.

Blade size. A 6-1/2 inch blade cuts 2x lumber and is easier to carry. A 7-1/4 inch blade handles deeper cuts and uses the most common blade size.

Battery and runtime. Only the DCS391P1 and DCS590WW1 include batteries. The DCS590 lists up to 368 cuts per charge, and larger packs extend runtime on any saw.

Weight for carrying. The Ecarke lists 3.5 pounds, the APEXPOWER 6.2 pounds, and DeWalt does not publish weights in these listings. If you carry other outdoor tools, our tree trimmer pole saw guide shows how the battery sharing extends beyond saws.

Questions people ask

FAQ

Which DeWalt circular saw should I buy?

For a compact saw, the DCS391B if you own batteries or the DCS391P1 kit if you do not. For framing, the DCS590WW1 XR 7-1/4 inch kit.

Are the SXBSXB, Ecarke and APEXPOWER saws made by DeWalt?

No. They are third-party saws designed to accept DeWalt 20V batteries.

What is the difference between the DCS391B and DCS391P1?

Same saw. The DCS391B is tool only, while the DCS391P1 adds a 5.0Ah battery and charger.

How deep does the DCS391 cut?

2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees, per the DCS391B listing.

Does the DCS590 have a brake?

Yes, an automatic electric brake stops the blade when you release the trigger.

What battery size works best with compatible saws?

APEXPOWER recommends 4.0Ah or larger DeWalt 20V packs, and larger packs generally give more runtime for circular saws.