DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Circular Saw Review DCS391

The DeWalt DCS391 is my pick for Best Overall of cordless circular saws. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its features and benefits to find out why I think it’s the best bang for the buck.

Click here to see today’s price on Amazon

*I hope you’ll love the products I recommend! Just so you know, Plumb and Lined may collect a share of sales or other compensation from some of the links on this page. 

 

What’s in the Box?

If you purchase the DCS391 as a starter kit, it comes with the DCS391 saw, a 6 ½” 16 tooth carbide-tipped blade, 1.) 20-volt 3 ah battery and the DCB230C charger. If you already have other Dewalt cordless tools that are part of their 20-volt Max platform, the DCS391B is available without the battery, charger or case. In DeWalt’s numbering system, if the tool model number is followed by a “B”, it means bare tool (without accessories).

 

How Much Power Does It Have?

If you give the DCS391 a spin, you’ll quickly realize that it has a surprisingly powerful motor for a cordless saw. Rated at 460 MWO and 5,150 RPM, it cuts through 2X lumber without bogging down, even when making beveled cuts.

  

Bevel Capacity

Speaking of beveled cuts, the DCS391 can make cuts anywhere between 0-50°. The degrees are marked clearly and adjusting the angle is smooth and easy. Unlock and lock the shoe with a turn of the lever. The 6 ½” blade can make a beveled cut through 2X material in one pass with it set at 45°.

 

Depth of Cut

Setting the depth of cut is done by unlocking the lever and sliding the base shoe up or down.

 

Changing Blades

When it’s time to change blades, you’ll appreciate the onboard allen wrench holder that keeps it attached to the tool. Nothing worse than trying to change the blade and having to search around for the wrench.    

 

Safety Features

The comfortable rubber over grip feels good in your hand and the on/off trigger requires one of the safety buttons to be pushed down in order to start the saw. This safety switch is a must have feature on any cordless saw. For those of us that like to throw the saw in the tool box without removing the battery, there are no worries about the saw inadvertently starting up on its own. It also has an electric brake that stops the blade quickly after releasing the trigger.

 

How Heavy is It?

The DCS391 weighs in at about 7 pounds with a 3.0 ah battery. The magnesium base shoe reduces the weight, making it super light and maneuverable. 

 

Battery Indicator

DeWalt’s 20-volt batteries have these nifty indicator lights to show you how much charge is left in the battery.

 

Battery Indicator

When you press the button, all three green lights mean full charge. Two lights signal between 50 and 75%, and one light means less than 50%. 

 

 

How does it Perform?

DeWalt designed another winner in the DCS391. It has enough power to compete with corded sidewinders, but in a super portable and lightweight package. While it certainly isn’t going to replace your corded model for framing all day long, it’s a great tool for any job where you need extreme portability or the convenience of not having to roll out a cord. The cutting accuracy is outstanding and the blade on the left side allows you to clearly see the cut line.

If you’re a pro looking for a solid cordless circular saw that will stand up to daily use and abuse, or a serious DIY-er wanting a versatile pro grade tool, you can’t go wrong with the DCS391.

Click here to see today’s price for the starter kit on Amazon

Click here to see today’s price for the tool only on Amazon

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

DeWalt DCS391B
DeWalt DCS391

Steve Wright

Steve Wright is a general contractor who over the last 30 plus years has built hundreds of new homes, ranging from first time affordable homes to multi-million dollar custom homes and everything in between.