Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
The DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Circular Saw is a confident cutter with an 8Ah battery and certainly capable of finishing the job with other 20V Max batteries. If you're committed to DeWalt's extensive 20V Max platform or want to shave some weight, it's an excellent choice. However, the Gen 2 FlexVolt kit is just $20 more, so go that direction if you're looking for the best performance.
Joining the other tools juicing with an 8Ah battery, the DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Circular Saw put its boosted performance on display in our testing. We wanted to know if the boost in this model is enough, or if you’re better off turning to FlexVolt Advantage or even one of the FlexVolt circular saws for the best performance.
During the test runs in our shop, the Power Detect circular saw delivered some interesting results. The brushless motor churns out 5500 RPMs and with a standard 5.0Ah battery, the performance feels very similar to the DCS570. It’s capable of cutting nearly any wood you come across, but you need to watch how hard you’re pushing to avoid stalling the blade.
When you pop an 8Ah battery on, things change. The Power Detect electronics sense it can ask for more power and kicks into a noticeably higher level.
To put that in perspective, we ran this saw with both batteries on the PTR Test Track.
Along the way, we had to switch in and out of a 45° bevel twice.
With the 5.0Ah battery, the saw needed 2 minutes, 14 seconds. That’s not a bad time, but it’s not great, either. Switching to the 8.0Ah battery took 36 seconds off the total, dropping to 1 minute, 38 seconds! That puts it right in line with the times we saw from DeWalt’s FlexVolt Advantage, FlexVolt, and Worm Drive Style models.
Working more closely in some tougher cuts, it does feel like there’s not quite as much torque at the top end as those other models. For the majority of your standard framing cuts, it cuts very well, though.
Tracking isn’t an issue with this saw. Both the 90° and 45° notches are dead on and the blade tracks as straight as your skill level is able to guide it.
The guard works well and didn’t hang up much. Where we did see it hang up is when you have to make a 45° bevel with the short end of the shoe on the remaining material. It’s just a hesitation, not a full stop, so you’re still able to overcome it.
This circular saw cleared out dust and wood chips with ease. Even though DeWalt didn’t specifically mention a cutline blower, the forward-facing motor vents do a nice job of moving dust away. It seems like a silly thing to note, but if you’ve spent any quality time with a saw that doesn’t do this well, you really appreciate it when you don’t have to constantly clean your cutting surface just to see the line.
The overall dimensions and weight of this saw fit right in with its competitors. This saw is 7.9 pounds without the battery. Weight will change a bit depending on the size battery you choose to run and is 10.4 pounds with the 8.0Ah pack.
While the overall form isn’t super-compact, it’s not as large and heavy as some of the top-performing cordless saws and is much less intimidating if you’re new to the trades or looking at this model as an upgrade for your DIY arsenal.
Personally, I tend to enjoy DeWalt grips. This Power Detect circular saw felt great in my hand with nice contours on the main handle and a front handle that filled my hand well. Additionally, the spacing between fore and rear grips is very comfortable.
The electric brake is a wonderful safety feature, stopping the blade’s rotation super-fast when you release the trigger. It’s a feature that’s becoming more popular, but it’s still not the standard on every model.
Like the other Power Detect tools, DeWalt offers this model as a kit only to make sure you get the performance of that 8Ah battery. The kit runs $279 and comes with a 3-year warranty, 1-year service agreement, and 90-day money-back guarantee.
The DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Circular Saw is a confident cutter with an 8Ah battery and certainly capable of finishing the job with other 20V Max batteries. If you’re committed to DeWalt’s extensive 20V Max platform or want to shave some weight, it’s an excellent choice. However, the Gen 2 FlexVolt kit is just $20 more, so go that direction if you’re looking for the best performance.
Having worked in the automotive and metalworking trades, Josh has even found himself core drilling commercial properties for purposes of surveying. His knowledge and love of tools are exceeded only by a greater love for his wife and family.
A fan of all things that can stretch him mentally, Josh quickly dives into new products, tools, and product testing with ample amounts of both enthusiasm and precision. We look forward to many years of growth alongside Josh as he settles into his role at Pro Tool Reviews.
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Your review is spot on. I’ve built and made may things the past 6 months with mine. I only ran the battery down till the led flashes once and that was about 5 hours of using it off and on building a 8 x 12 foot shed. Only complaint I have is cutting the birds mouth on the rafters, the blade guard hangs up, and I’m right handed. I’m sure left handed users won’t have this issue. This saw has plenty of power and I recommend it for the 20v line. Looking to by the dcs565 saw for easier cuts… Read more »
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros