DEWALT 20 Volt Circular Saws: 6-1/2 or 7-1/4 Inch?

Dewalt

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw Kit with Battery and Charger (DCS590WW1)

8.6/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

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DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless

Best for: First-time buyers with no batteries yet

Pros

• Battery and charger included
• Brushless, up to 1,700 MWO
• Electric brake
• LED work light

Cons

• Battery size not stated
• Listing specs partly inconsistent

Best for: Battery owners wanting full-size cuts

Pros

• Brushless, up to 1,700 MWO
• 2-9/16 in depth at 90°
• Up to 368 cuts per charge
• Electric brake

Cons

• Tool only, no battery
• Heavier at 9.88 lb

Best for: DIYers cutting 2x lumber and plywood

Pros

• 6-1/2 in carbide blade included
• 0-50° bevel
• Magnesium shoe
• 3-year limited warranty

Cons

• Brushless motor not listed
• Battery and charger sold separately

The DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw (DCS391B) is a compact 6-1/2 inch sidewinder saw. “Sidewinder” means the motor sits beside the blade, which keeps the saw short and easy to handle. The listing names a 5,150 RPM motor (the specification table says 5,100), a lightweight magnesium shoe (the flat base plate that rides on the wood) and a rubber over-molded grip.

It bevels, or tilts for angled cuts, from 0 to 50 degrees. The included 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade cuts up to 2-1/8 inches deep at 90 degrees, enough to go through a standard 2×4 in one pass, and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees. It has keyless blade changes with a spindle lock and a 3-year limited warranty. The battery and charger are sold separately, and the listing does not describe a brushless motor or an electric brake.

It suits first-time DIYers building shelves, decks or garden beds. Anyone cutting thicker stock or wanting a brake should look at the DCS590.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 inch circular saw (DCS590B) is sold as a tool only. DEWALT calls it its most powerful 20V MAX circular saw, delivering up to 1,700 MWO (max watts out, DEWALT’s measure of power at the blade) and up to 5,500 RPM with no load.

A brushless motor has no carbon brushes rubbing inside, so it wastes less energy as heat, and the listing claims up to 368 cuts per charge. It cuts up to 2-9/16 inches deep at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees. An electric brake stops the blade from coasting when you release the trigger. The blade sits to the right of the motor with a top handle, and the saw weighs 9.88 pounds.

It suits DIYers who already own DEWALT 20V batteries and want a full-size saw for framing lumber and plywood sheets. If you have no batteries, the kit version saves a separate purchase. Our DEWALT 20V saw guide covers other saw types on the same battery.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 inch circular saw kit (DCS590WW1) is the same saw as the DCS590B, with a battery and charger included. “Kit” means ready to cut out of the box; “tool only” or “bare tool” means you bring your own battery.

It shares the up to 1,700 MWO brushless motor, 5,500 RPM, 368 cuts per charge, 2-9/16 inch depth at 90 degrees and electric brake, and the specifications add an LED work light and a 24-tooth blade. The listing does not state the battery’s amp-hour size, and a specification line oddly says “12V batteries required”, which conflicts with the 20V MAX title.

It suits first-time buyers or gift-givers who need everything in one box. Existing DEWALT battery owners can save by choosing the bare DCS590B.

Best for: Owners wanting a compact brushless DEWALT

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Electric brake
• 8 lb

Cons

• Bulk packed, bare tool
• Very little listing detail

The DEWALT DCS566 20V Circular Saw is a 6-1/2 inch brushless bare tool that is bulk packed, which usually means it ships in plain packaging rather than a retail box. The listing names an electric brake, a 24-tooth blade, a weight of 7.8 pounds and use on wood, metal and plastic.

The description is very short, and the listing does not specify RPM, cut depth or bevel range beyond a 56.31-degree cutting angle figure. It lists the blade material as high speed steel, which is unusual for a circular saw blade, so check what is included.

It suits owners who want a brushless 6-1/2 inch DEWALT with a brake at a lighter weight than the DCS590. First-timers who want a clear list of specs and a full warranty description may prefer the DCS391B.

Best for: Light cuts in PVC and thin boards

Pros

• Compact 6-inch size
• Two blades and guide rail included
• Safety lock

Cons

• Third-party, not made by DEWALT
• Blade material described inconsistently

The Cordless Circular Saw for DeWalt 20V battery is the second SXBSXB saw, a compact 6-inch brushless model at up to 6,900 RPM. It is a third-party bare tool compatible with DEWALT 20V packs.

It has 0 to 45 degree bevel and depth adjustment, a detachable guide rail, a safety lock and a non-slip handle. The box includes two 6-inch blades, a parallel guide, a hex wrench, safety glasses and gloves. The item highlight calls the blades 30-tooth TCT (tungsten carbide tipped), while the description mentions an aluminum alloy blade, so the listing is unclear on blade material. It does not list cut depth or weight.

It suits light jobs like PVC pipe, trim and plasterboard. For framing lumber, a DEWALT 7-1/4 inch saw is the better fit.