Scott wrote in with a tip about Dewalt’s new 20V Max brushless circular saw.
Yes, that’s right. Dewalt 20V Max brushless circular saw, with 7-1/4″ blade, model DCS570. Shown above is the bare tool model, DCS570B.
Advertisement
Scott wrote:
I found this while browsing lowes site. Seems when they slash prices of current model its a telltale sign an upgrade is on the way.
The original Dewalt 20V Max, now $99 via Amazon for the bare tool, was my editor’s choice in our Best Cordless Circular Saws roundup. (That roundup is definitely due for an update.)
This new 20V Max circular saw looks a whole lot like the FlexVolt model, DCS575.
The color of the guarding and plate is different, but that doesn’t mean anything. Both are said to have “high grade aluminum” base plates.
Advertisement
Here’s what we know about the new Dewalt brushless circular saw:
- 7-1/4″ blade
- 2-9/16″ max cutting capacity
- 5,200 RPM max
- 57° bevel with stops at 45° and 22.5°
- Rubber overmold
- Blade brake
- High grade aluminum base plate
- Weighs 7.9 lbs
Price: $159 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Compare(FlexVolt circular saw via Amazon)
Compare(Brushed motor model)
First Thoughts
Compared to the FlexVolt version, you lose a little speed – 5200 vs 5800 RPM. But… that seems to be about it. Maybe there’s a slight performance difference too – I’d expect there to be.
The Dewalt FlexVolt brushless circular saw is also a tiny bit lighter – 7.9 lbs vs. 7.6 lbs. I’m guessing both specs are for the bare tools.
What’s interesting is that the new DCS570 is also a right-facing circular saw – like the FlexVolt model. The DCS391 and DCS393 circular saws, premium and combo kit versions of the 20V Max brushed motor saw, are both left-facing saws. This seems to be the industry trend, for 6-1/2″ saws to be left-facing and 7-1/4″ saws to be right-facing as most corded sidewinder-style saws are.
This is something that readers have been after for a long time, myself as well. We’ve all been asking Dewalt to come out with a brushless circular saw.
But now that it’s here, I’m a little underwhelmed. Maybe that’s because the FlexVolt version checked all the boxes and is fantastic in all regards. Well, I suppose most regards. It’s good for there to be a 20V Max version for users who don’t want to spend the premium for a FlexVolt battery pack – which can be charged in any standard Dewalt 20V Max charger.
I guess I was more hoping that Dewalt’s next brushless saw would have been a 20V Max 6-1/2″ saw. I love everything about their brushed motor version, and so I was hoping for something similar with an upgraded brushless motor.
If the new 20V Max saw performs as good as their FlexVolt model, or even nearly as good, it’s sure to become popular and fast.
I wonder why Dewalt stuck with the flat-style aluminum shoe, rather than the three-dimensional design their premium brushed model sports. I always saw the belt shoe of their combo kit saw as a cost-cutting measure, but the plate on the FlexVolt model doesn’t have any flaws or faults that I can see. So I guess it’s nothing to be concerned about.
Kit pricing isn’t available yet, but $159 for the bare tool is $20 cheaper than for the bare tool FlexVolt saw.
*Thumbs up* Dewalt!
Now… won’t April hurry up and get here already?! I’m eagerly waiting for Dewalt’s FlexVolt track saw to hit the market!
Thank you to Scott for the heads-up!
Nathan
now if I just had a quality solidly attaching, straight edge to use as a guide . . . . .
I was just about to buy than nifty flexvolt combo setup the other day with the one battery, the one bay flex charger, and the circ saw. Needless to say I’m in the market for a circ saw – giving serious thought to a corded one – but just as serious thought to a cordless one.
Rami
Just what I have been waiting, but still no rafter hook?
Chance
The rafter hook and other options are being reserved for higher end framing saws. This saw is not considered a full-on “framing saw”, therefore no rafter hook.
Bremon
You can’t be serious. Meanwhile people frame houses everyday with the Fuel 2731, and it has a rafter hook, yet the DCS575 doesn’t. Give me a break, it’s a cheap addition. Add $5 to the price, guys would pay it.
Sam
Agreed. The rafter hook is very very sweet. Without it I’d get over it, but at the same time being able to hang the saw up in the trusses is mighty fine. :)))
Nathan
or you know – maybe make your own for it?
Mike
I just bought one it has a rafter hook a sweet saw
Brian
It would appear they’ve made a change in production to add a rafter hook.
Mine has a P/N of DCS570B and does include a rafter hook.
Stoof
It now has a rafter hook
Stoof
At least mine that just arrived today does. Type 2 made in 2017. Not sure why there would still he models at the same price without the hook
Big Adam
Hmmm. Got the 6.5 brushed lefty.
I don’t NEED a 7.25 brushless righty.
But I do WANT one!
John Blair
This saw is a bit disappointing to me. The aluminum shoe is a real turn off. Milwaukee has a beautiful magnesium shoe on their M18 model.
The cordless track saw could be a real winner for me as it fits my work profile better.
Mike
Actually the aluminum base is more durable then the magnesium, you drop the magnesium saw from 3ft or more and it’s braking the aluminum will just bend and you can bang that back but that said I like the looks of the magnesium base better, they should offer both and right and left blade placement
Chris
I agree with Mike and it doesn’t even take a 3ft drop, a 1ft drop on the corner on concrete and a piece will chip off for sure.
Cr8on
*heart sinks*. Had high hopes for a left blade brushless….. Oh well the brushed one is great anyway!
Fm2176
A little late to the fight. I’ve got a lot of DeWalt goodness, but the free Fuel circular saw that Milwaukee is bundling with their 9.0 Ah starter kit was too much to pass up. Strongly considering another starter kit with free Sawzall. I’ll stick with DeWalt for just about everything else…
Bremon
Seems clear that the reason this is blade right is it’s basically a weaker FlexVolt DCS575. Wouldn’t surprise me to see a blade left brushless model down the road. I expect this to be a strong performer with the new XR 6.0 20700 batteries but the FlexVolt with the 3.0/9.0 20700 pack will easily outdo it. The new rear handle Makita should outdo that even. The power tool arms race is real!
Chance
Market research shows that the vast amount of people that use a circ saw prefer blade right.
Bremon
Yeah, that’s true. Focus groups are never wrong. Might as well never make a left blade saw again.
It’s also a regional preference. Fair to assume guys who use worm drives are are going to buy the Makita rear-handle are used to blade left, as are the majority of people who’ve used a cordless sidewinder in the past ten years.
My saws are blade right, but let’s not let companies off the hook and leave guys out in the cold just because what we like is already being made…
Speaking of hooks: still no rafter hook? Thanks Dewalt.
JeffT
For that matter, there’s no rafter hook on the 60v circ saw or the recip. Who cares right? I mean, it’s only ungodly expensive, why would you want something that’s on the competitors saws? We’ll wait 6 more years for those. Thanks dewalt. Yawn.
Chance
You just developed a new product, you could manufacture it one of two ways. You do research and the vast majority prefer style 1 over style 2. Are you going to manufacture style 1 or style 2??
No one said DeWalt will never make a blade left saw again, but people want a blade right, so that’s what was released first. I have been using blade left saws for many years, but I have no problem picking up this cordless saw and using it just the same.
Unless people have an option of blade left, right, top and bottom they will complain. . . . . .
Stoof
Yes rafter hook on mine. Made in 2017. Whoever is selling the no hook ones for same price is selling old stuff.
Stoof
That is exactly what I’m running it with, the new 6.0 20v. Things a beast. The larger cells help it pull through on challenging cuts of multiple sheets
Clay
“Larger cells” would have no bearing on the saws ability to “pull through” at all. 6AH simply gives a longer run time, NOT more power or better cut speed. 20V is still 20V.
Chance
This is a great saw. I am fairly surprised at the amount of power it puts out, I’ve only stalled it out once doing some aggressive ripping in some 2X lumber.
The LED light is wonderful, even though it doesn’t quite light up the front of the shoe. One HUGE advantage to me is how much narrower the saw is compared to the DCS391 due to the brushless motor. I have been able to get it into spots that the 391 just simply wouldn’t fit. The shoe isn’t bad and the stamped markings in it are great for quick non critical cuts.
One important note, this saw has a greater depth capacity when cutting a bevel than many corded saws.
Roger
YES!!! FINALLY! FAQ YES!!!
Iginio Romero
Right side saw blade are good, using left side saw blade with right hand are better easy to looking
Joe
Wrong
B
We need a blade on the left brushless 20v! With a magnesium Shoe! It’s more durable! When throughing in a tool box and some one pile up more tools on it. The Aluminum Base bend easier.
Chance
I’ve been piling this saw in a ToughSystem box for awhile now with tools on top of it and the shoe hasn’t bent yet.
Mike
No it’s not, drop both saws one with a magnesium base the other with aluminum base from 3ft up the magnesium will brake the aluminum won’t even bend from that height , the aluminum is way more durable, magnesium is lighter the only benefit
Adam g
Just take my money already…
Nathan
Why? I mean do you use the base of your circ saw to start fires? no do you know the actual weight difference – it’s grams by the way.
the AL is most likely more durable over all both strength and scratch resistance.
hell you know they should make the base plates out of fibre reinforced plastic but that’s a whole other rant.
blade right for a few reasons. people wanted it, and commonality. such that the flexvolt, this and the tracksaw have some production commonality.
Stuart
For me it’s a case of really liking the shoe on the brushed motor saw, and wondering why the need for change. On the other hand, the FlexVolt shoe is non-offensive and seems to hold up well.
Thick aluminum vs. 3D magnesium – I haven’t come to any conclusion yet. But I can say this – I prefer thick aluminum to thin stamped steel.
Fiber-reinforced plastic? Why would that be a good idea?
Chance
Non-marring, resilient, ability to be molded with reinforcing ribs, won’t bend, high impact resistance, light weight, it’s cool, and it’s just all around better.
Rick
Bosch did that for a while. Didn’t take off. Did it on their CX10’s I think
Nathan
the OMG weight discussion. I mean everything’s about weight – hence the mag shoe – it was initially thought of because of weight. So doing it correctly would be to go as in as you can with material design.
Glass reinforced plastics are used in quite a bit of the body parts now. use some S glass in a Delrin or other high density plastic base – it’s not smoother running, just as strong against cracking depending on thickness etc. You have to have the ultimate right?
This is mostly meant as a joke to the why MAG or AL is better – to be completely fair to the stamped steel if it was as thick as most of the AL plates, for strength and wear that would be ideal especially if it was a flavor of SS so as not to rust. Cost no object there are lots of things that would be different about any brands circ saw – or any other tool for that matter.
JoeM
It’s a circular saw, people. Your hands go on the trigger and that saddle grip. Right or left, it forces you to look over the top of the saw to guide it. Plus you still have to contact DeWALT over their Bent Piece of Metal straight-edge guide.
I would imagine, if we measured torque on these saws, the 575 would kick this 20 Volt’s ass. And, yes, they appear to have the same design. Of course, no one makes that complaint about Vice Grips, or Reciprocating Saws, or any of the other dozens of tools that come in multiple sizes. If it works at 60 Volts, then putting the 20 Volt Motor on the same saw should work the same, but be compatible with more batteries. Or, y’know… the FlexVolt battery…
And… seriously? You’re bitching over a “Rafter Hook” of all things? Something you can make out of a wire coat hangar and some Velcro, and stick in your back pocket until you need it, kind of thing? You’re Tool Users! MAKE IT YOURSELF!
Blythe M
I layout all the cuts I possibly can based on the saw I’m used to (left) and because that’s how I can get the most visibility and therefore accuracy. I can get by with a blade right but it messes up my workflow (efficiency).
The hook could be viewed as trivial, but a big draw for a cordless saw is to be used in the rafters/on the roof. That’s when I really love the beefy hook on my Milwaukee- it’s just piece of mind. No offense but I don’t want to hang my expensive saw on Velcro and coat hangers 25 ft in the air. Even if cutting on the ground a hook helps keep it out of the mud/dust/dirt/whatever
Joe
What simpleton cuts rafters on a roof ? If you have any talent at all ,you cut rafters,hip rafters,valley rafters ,jack rafters,bastard hips,,,all on saw horses using …math…learn a skill..
JoeM
I’m with you on this… No, it has nothing to do with the shared name… It’s a power tool… Right or Left… Learn to use it properly, and safely. Having a hook attach to it can be done a hundred different ways. Learn a skill that will let you make yourself a belt clip, or a bungee hangar… But seriously… Because some cheap-ass brand throws in a minor convenience, suddenly everyone is bitching that it isn’t included on a brand of saw that actually believes its users can do work with their tools?
Seriously… We’re all here at ToolGuyd for a reason… We’re Tool Users… We make stuff, either professionally or as a hobby. Considering the price of keeping and maintaining DeWALT tools… Just make these stupid convenience items yourself… and learn to use the saw that does the job. The job is what counts, not your preferences. There’s a trigger handle, and a saddle grip handle. Nothing in that is in favour of Right or Left. Just line the blade up with the line you’re cutting and pull the trigger. It’s not rocket science, it’s a Saw. In fact, the same saw will work the same way whether you’re using your Right hand on the trigger, OR you’re flipped the other way, forced to cut Left-Handed… it still goes in the straight line you put it on.
Seriously… it’s like old women arguing over what Yarn to knit with, and getting angry because one of them prefers Alpaca Wool to Sheep’s Wool. They’re Knitting. We’re using a Saw. Learn how to use the right tools for the right job, in the right way.
Bremon
Velcro and coat hangers… straw man arguments from fanboys and Real Men™ apparently knows no limits.
Brian
Haha. You sound like you don’t like remote controls either. Real men get up and change the channel. Why would you spend an extra $5 to get a tv that comes with a remote.
JoeM
Actually I sound remarkably like someone who is astonished that one of the earlier comments on this page started an actual argument over how disappointing it was NOT to have a rafter hook on the saw.
On ToolGuyd. Seriously. There was an argument over whether or not it included a Rafter Hook, and it lasted more than just one response. I find that repulsive and insulting to all tool users, MALE AND FEMALE. If a TV doesn’t include a Remote, usually the Cable provider does. So, no big deal. But an argument over a bent piece of metal that it is physically possible to improvise with little to no effort? Does that make any sense to anyone at all, that this of all things caused an argument here?
Listen… The whole Aluminum versus Magnesium shoe thing… Totally understand that. I have the DCS391 with the Magnesium Shoe. That Magnesium Shoe is what sold me over the DCS393 with the flat Aluminum Shoe. Some things are totally structural, and people’s preferences are totally valid on those things. They truly matter. You use a Rafter Hook all the time? Great, that’s what it’s for, right? But… If it’s not on a saw, and it’s just a bent piece of metal… Why is it worth arguing over? Make one. You’d need an entire Magnesium Molding system to make yourself a Magnesium Shoe for one of these saws, it’s not a trivial thing to make. But a hook? Seriously? Why is anyone arguing over this being some sort of tragedy that it’s not included? One brand over another? Simple convenience? Why is it worthy of a debate of any sort, when you can make it easier than you can argue it?
Left versus Right… Honestly? Two handles… You look OVER the saw anyways… Line the blade up… Go to town with the saw… Pretty insignificant… I can even use my 391 flip-handed without a difference… Usually pulling the trigger with my right hand, but the saw works exactly the same, and feels the same using my Left. I get preferences here, but… it WILL behave the same either way.
I will concede that I would LOVE to be able to reconfigure Circular Saws for Right or Left. Then we’d all win, no matter what. When you buy it in the box, it comes as a Motor, Handle/Saddle Grip, Shoe, Blade Casing (Reversible), and Safety Slide that you clip into the blade casing at the end of putting it together so it works the way you’ve configured it. Then you just lock the handle/saddle grip, and blade casing on the side of the Motor you need to use it on, then screw everything in place, and snap on a plastic cover that stops the unused side from causing sparks or being a hazard to the user. Voila. Left-Right Saw issue solved forever. The saw will STILL work the same either way… Line up the blade with the cut, pull the trigger and go… but being able to reverse it would certainly open up a lot of selling options.
A HOOK? This is not worth debating for any reason. Need it, but don’t have it? Make it. Have it, but don’t need it? Don’t use it. Brand X has them, but this one released by Brand Y doesn’t come with one? I refer you to the Need It/Make It solution to the problem. It’s not worth a debate of any length. I know 5-year-olds that know how to bend a coat hangar into shapes they need for things… We’re all tool users here… We can do better than a 5 year old, can’t we?
Brian Auerbach
I use my circular saw for cutting sheet goods. and I am right handed. Using a straight edge guide, its infinitely easier to do it lefty.
I know those guys chopping 2×4’s on a job site like righty, but it doesnt work well for me.
Chip
I switched to Milwaukee,just for the full size(7 1/4) saw 2 yrs ago.
When you earn a living with your tools,fencing/hand rails for me…..Little details make the difference.
Would prefer DeWalt jig saw, recip saw, vacuum,drill,grinder,but full size saw will win out for me.
Btw I use the rafter hook to hang it up/carry with other tools…Everyday….Blade left/right doesn’t bother me.
DHCrocks
damn, I was hoping for a 6-1/2″ brushless. I just want a small trim saw don’t need the full size.
Paul
I like the idea of a 6-1/2″ saw but I think it would be great if they could design it to cut as deep as a 7-1/4″ saw. There is a lot of blade between the shoe and the nut. Now that would be great. Sure we all have 7-1/4″ blades for our electric models but I would be willing to buy a few 6-1/2″ blades if I could get a smaller/lighter saw that will do the same as a 7-1/4″ as far as depth of cut at 90 and 45..
John
Kind of pointless. If im going to spend the money id rather spend a little more and get the flexvolt which can run off 20v or 60v. I was really hoping to see a reciprocating saw like the 20v but brushless not the compact version. The flexvolt recip saw is way too heavy.
Adam
after picking up a Flexvolt, I’d rather not again. especially for any extended period of time. I’m sure there are plenty that could use the extra power, but heck the 12v Fuel cuts 2x just fine. I do prefer 7-1/4″, with the widest & most reasonable priced blade selection.
Bill
I’m a little late to this discussion, but I was prompted back to it because of my trip last week a few states away when I needed my 6.5″ Dewalt DCS391 from home. Having other 20v max tools and batteries with me I went to Lowes and picked up a new DCS391 and found it to be a much better performing tool than my older unit at home. It wasn’t until I returned home and compared both tools did I discover that my older unit has a Type-1, 3700/min printed on the Iabel and the new one has Type-3, 5150/min. Both tools are otherwise very close in outward appearance and features, including the 3D magnesium base. Does Dewalt do this with other tools? I can’t find mention of the difference between the two on Dewalt’s website. Was there ever a Type-2?
Stuart
I’ll look into this.
Yes, Dewalt updates their tools on occasion. I know that their miter saws have seen revisions, and their DW745 table saw too.
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-dw745-table-saw-rip-capacity-upgrade/
Bill
Stuart –
I was originally a little puzzled by your pick of the DCS391 as your personal favorite in this class of cordless circular saw, but my opinion was based my rather anemic Type-1 version. Now that I’ve worked with the newer and much higher rpm Type-3, I find that I really like the saw as well. Even when I cut a number of wet PT 2x boards I was pleased with the performance, considering the saws size and intended use.
Jonathan
I’m gonna be purchasing the current 20v brushless circular saw. Is there a way I can determine if it’s the newer updated one by looking at the box? Thank!
Ryan
I’m new to all this and recently purchased a dewalt 60v dcs575. Just wondering why you are not supposed to cut metal with this saw?
Stuart
From what I’ve read, the guarding is not designed for the same level of protection, nor are the internal components adequately protected against metal chips that can make their way inside.
What I do know for sure is that the speeds aren’t appropriate. Wood-cutting circular saws spin faster. Metal-cutting saws often have lower RPMs and smaller blades, resulting in significantly lower cutting speeds.
Ryan
Thanks
Stuart
You’re welcome!
Longer answer: https://toolguyd.com/using-a-woodworking-circular-saw-to-cut-metal/
Jonathan
Wish I knew when this was actually going to be for sale..
Just sold my old 18v kit for $200. I have a 20v xr brushless drill and impact kit and I’ve been debating if I should buy the regular 20v circular or wait for this. Wonder if it’s a huge improvement?
Ryan
I would buy the dcs575 60v. I love mine it performs great. I would definitely buy the new dcb609 batteries also. The battery that comes with the saw is a 6A/h battery and does not last long. I recently got the two pack of the 9 A/h batteries. And they last much longer.
Jonathan
I’d rather not speed that much right now. It’s between the current 20v or waiting for the brushless.
Adam g
I was able to get my hands on this at my local home depot today. It doesn’t even have a spot on the shelves yet so I was thrilled the worker tracked it down for me. Great customer service!
Kevin
I realize this thread is quite old, but I just bought this saw (DCS570B) the other day and mine shows a no load speed of 5500rpm and it came with a rafter hook. Did Dewalt upgrade this saw somewhere between 2017 and 2021? Just curious. I love it by the way, so far, it performs amazingly!!
Stuart
Yes! They did update the saw within about a year with a rafter hook.
The speed upgrade to 5500 RPM must have been a quiet update at some point. Some retailers still show 5200 RPM.