I'm looking for a decent DeWalt cordless circular saw. I have an 18v model that's been pretty disappointing—it dies in the middle of cuts, even with a fresh battery. I also have some 20v batteries on hand but really don't want to buy a whole new battery set. Are there any reliable 18v or 20v circular saws from DeWalt that won't let me down, or should I just stick with my corded saw?
5 Answers
Make sure your blade is sharp and check that both sides of the material are supported while cutting. Sometimes, the blade can bind, which might be confused for power issues.
The DCS565B is a great option! It's currently on sale at Lowe’s for $200, and it even comes with an 8ah battery. I've picked one up myself, and it slices through everything easily.
For sure, check out the DCS590 or DCS573; both are solid picks. But if you really want to step up your game, the DCS578 60v will probably make you forget all about corded saws. It's a beast!
Thanks for the tip! Is the DCS590 a much better choice than the DCS573? I'll mainly be cutting sheet plywood and MDF.
What model do you currently own? If it's one of the older NiCad 18v saws with a matching battery, that might be part of the issue. Those batteries can just die and not hold a charge well, especially in heavier workloads.
Yeah, that's what I thought. I had a similar experience with an older 18v XRP setup.
Sounds like you might be using an outdated battery. Those older models don't hold up as well.
For just $35, you can get an adapter to use your 18V batteries with 20V tools. However, if you're having issues with your current setup, consider selling the old 18V kit and investing in a new saw that meets your needs better. I've had a Flexvolt DCS577 that handles 2" hardwoods like a champ, but for regular framing and sheet goods, almost any 20V should work well. The small DCS571 is handy for quick cuts but may struggle with thicker lumber.
Absolutely, the 60v will blow both out of the water. You'll love it!