DEWALT 20V MAX* Circular Saw Review: Best Cordless Cutter?

Looking for a reliable circular saw that won’t let you down? I’ve recently tried out the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, and I’m impressed with its performance and features.

This cordless saw packs a punch with its brushless motor, delivering speedy cuts at 4,950 rpm. I found it easy to handle thanks to its lightweight design, which made working on different projects a breeze.

The tool-free bevel adjustment was a nice touch, allowing me to quickly set angles up to 50 degrees.

DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw

I liked the built-in rafter hook for easy storage on the job site. The electric brake was a welcome safety feature, stopping the blade quickly when I released the trigger. While the saw doesn’t come with a battery, it’s compatible with DEWALT’s 20V MAX system, which is great if you already own other DEWALT tools.

One thing to note is that it’s designed for use with metal surfaces, so keep that in mind depending on your needs. The saw also comes with a 24-tooth blade and an optional dust chute, which I found helpful for keeping my work area clean.

DEWALT 20V MAX* Circular Saw Overview

I recently used the DEWALT 20V MAX* Circular Saw and I’m impressed. It’s light and easy to handle, which is great for long jobs. The brushless motor is powerful, cutting through materials quickly at 4,950 rpm. I like the tool-free depth and bevel adjustments – they’re simple to use.

The saw can cut up to 2-1/8 inches deep at 90 degrees, which is plenty for most tasks.

The built-in LED light is a nice touch. It helps me see my cut line clearly. The electric brake is a standout safety feature. It stops the blade fast when I let go of the trigger.

One downside is that the battery and charger are sold separately. But if you already have DEWALT tools, this won’t be an issue. The saw is part of DEWALT’s 20V MAX* system, so batteries are interchangeable.

Efficient Brushless Motor

I was really impressed with the brushless motor on this saw. It packs a punch, spinning the blade at 4,950 RPM. This means I can zip through cuts quickly and smoothly. The motor feels strong and doesn’t bog down, even when I’m cutting thick material.

I like that it’s efficient too – the battery lasts quite a while between charges. The power is there when I need it, but it’s not wasting energy. This motor design also means less maintenance and longer tool life, which is great for a DIY user like me. Overall, the brushless motor is a standout feature that makes this saw a joy to use.

Lightweight and Compact Design

I love how easy this saw is to carry around! The DEWALT cordless circular saw is super light at just 6.3 pounds. I can use it all day without getting tired arms.

It’s also really compact, so it fits nicely in my tool bag. The small size makes it great for tight spots on job sites. I can even work overhead without much strain. The rubber handle feels comfy and gives me a good grip. There’s a handy hook for hanging it up when I need a break.

Overall, this saw is a breeze to use and move around. It’s perfect for both big projects and quick cuts.

Tool-Free Bevel Capacity

I love how easy it is to adjust the bevel on this DEWALT saw. No need for tools – I can quickly change the angle up to 50 degrees with just a flick of the lever.

This comes in handy when I’m making angled cuts for trim work or other projects. The bevel scale is clear and easy to read, so I can set it to the exact angle I need.

It’s a small feature, but it saves me time and hassle on the job site. The only downside is that it doesn’t go beyond 50 degrees, but that’s enough for most of my cutting needs.

Built-In Rafter Hook and Safety Features

I love how easy it is to store this saw on the job site. The built-in rafter hook is super handy. I can hang it up quickly when I need both hands free. It’s a small feature, but it makes a big difference in my workflow.

Safety is also top-notch. The electric brake stops the blade fast when I let go of the trigger. This gives me peace of mind, especially when I’m working in tight spaces. I feel much safer using this saw compared to others I’ve tried.

These features show that DeWalt really thought about real-world use. They make the saw more practical and safer to use every day on the job.

LED Light and Dust Management

I found the built-in LED light on this DEWALT saw to be really helpful. It lights up the cutting line, making it easier to see what I’m doing, especially in darker spots. This is great for accuracy and safety.

The saw also does a decent job with dust, but it’s not perfect. Some sawdust still escapes, so I wear safety glasses and a mask when using it.

I like that there’s a dust port, which helps collect most of the debris. It’s not as clean as some other saws I’ve used, but it’s good enough for most jobs. The light and dust management features make this tool more user-friendly overall.

Pros and Cons

I’ve been using this DEWALT circular saw for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer for my DIY projects. Let me break down what I love and what could be better.

Pros

  • The brushless motor is a powerhouse. It cuts through different materials like a hot knife through butter.
  • It’s so light! I can work for hours without my arms getting tired.
  • The bevel adjustment is a breeze. I can switch angles quickly without any tools.
  • The rafter hook is super handy. I can hang it up when I need both hands free.
  • The electric brake is a big plus for safety. The blade stops fast when I let go of the trigger.

Cons

  • It doesn’t come with a battery or charger. I had to buy those separately.
  • The 6-1/2 inch blade is smaller than some other saws. It limits the depth of cut for thicker materials.
  • The dust collection could be better. I still end up with sawdust everywhere.
  • It’s a bit pricey if you’re just starting out with DIY.

I’ve found this saw to be a reliable partner for my projects. It’s easy to use and makes clean cuts. The compact size lets me work in tight spots. But I do wish it came with a battery. And if you’re cutting really thick stuff, you might need a bigger saw. Still, for most of my work, it’s been fantastic.

Customer Reviews

I’ve been using this DEWALT circular saw for a while now, and I’m impressed. Most users seem to agree, giving it a high 4.7-star rating. People love how lightweight it is, making it easy to maneuver on roofs or during long projects. The brake feature is a big hit, stopping the blade quickly for added safety.

Many DIYers find it user-friendly, even those new to power tools. It cuts smoothly through various materials, including thick plywood. The battery life is good, lasting through multiple cuts without dying mid-project.

Some folks compare it favorably to other brands they’ve used. While most reviews are positive, a few users mentioned it being bigger than expected. Overall, it seems to meet the needs of both pros and home improvers.

Conclusion

I’ve really enjoyed using this DEWALT circular saw. It’s a solid tool that’s made my DIY projects so much easier. The light weight makes it comfortable to use for long periods, and I love how smoothly it cuts through wood. The brake is a nice safety feature too. While it’s great for most tasks, some jobs might need a bigger saw. But for everyday use around the house, this DEWALT has been perfect. It’s powerful, portable, and reliable. If you’re looking for a good circular saw to add to your toolkit, I’d say this one is worth checking out. Just remember to grab a battery if you don’t already have one!

Frequently Asked Questions

After using this compact circular saw for various projects, I’ve gathered answers to some common questions. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Can the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw make bevel cuts, and what is the maximum bevel angle?

Yes, this saw can make bevel cuts. I found it easy to adjust the bevel angle using the tool-free lever. The maximum bevel angle is 50°, which is great for most angled cuts I’ve needed to make.

How long does the battery last on a DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw during continuous use?

Battery life depends on the type of work and battery size. With my 5Ah battery, I can usually cut for about 30-45 minutes of steady use. For bigger jobs, I keep a spare battery charged and ready.

What is the weight of the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, and is it suitable for overhead work?

This saw weighs about 6.3 pounds without the battery. I find it light enough for overhead cuts, but for long periods, it can get tiring. The compact design helps with maneuverability in tight spots.

Can the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw be used for heavy-duty professional jobs?

While it’s great for DIY projects, I’ve also used it for some professional work. It handles most tasks well, but for very heavy-duty jobs, a corded saw might be better. It’s powerful for its size, though.

How does the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw perform with hardwoods compared to softwoods?

I’ve cut both hardwoods and softwoods with this saw. It cuts through softwoods like pine easily. With hardwoods, it still performs well, but I need to go a bit slower. The brushless motor provides consistent power for both.

What features are included for safety and ease of use in the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw?

Safety features I like include:

  • The electric brake stops the blade quickly.
  • An LED light helps see the cut line.
  • It also has an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip.

For ease of use, there’s a rafter hook for hanging the saw when not in use. The dust chute is handy for keeping the work area clean. Lastly, tool-free adjustments make changing settings quick and simple.

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