DEWALT DCS391B 20V Li-Ion Circular Saw (Bare Tool)

$129

★4.5(2,800 reviews)

Best for: beginners with existing DeWalt 20V batteries who need portability and plan to make light-to-medium cuts in softwood and plywood

Check price on Amazon— $129

Pros

Cordless design — no extension cords needed, ideal for outdoor projects and job sites
Weighs 7.2 lbs without battery — one of the lightest circular saws available, enabling extended use without arm strain
Compatible with entire 20V DeWalt ecosystem — users with existing batteries avoid the $40-60 battery/charger cost

Cons

Battery and charger sold separately — first-time buyers pay an additional $60-80 for a complete working setup
3,000 RPM is 45% slower than corded 15-amp models — struggles with dense hardwoods and thick plywood on first pass
6.5-inch blade limits cutting depth to 2.25 inches — cannot crosscut 2x6 lumber in a single pass like 7.25-inch saws

Power/Performance

7.2

Ergonomics

9.1

Battery Life

7.8

Build Quality

8.4

Value

8.1

Full review

If you're already invested in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem with batteries and a charger on hand, this cordless option eliminates the extension cord hassle and opens up outdoor projects without hunting for outlets.

The cordless design is its strongest advantage—no extension cords needed, which means you can move freely around a job site or tackle outdoor projects without the tether. At 7.2 lbs without the battery, it's one of the lightest circular saws available, enabling extended use without arm strain. If you already own 20V DeWalt batteries, you avoid the $40-60 battery and charger cost, making this saw a genuinely economical addition to your collection.

The 3,000 RPM motor is 45% slower than the corded 15-amp models, which means it struggles with dense hardwoods and thick plywood on the first pass—you may need two cuts for material that a full-power saw handles in one. The 6.5-inch blade limits cutting depth to 2.25 inches, so you cannot crosscut 2x6 lumber in a single pass like 7.25-inch saws. Battery and charger are sold separately, so first-time buyers pay an additional $60-80 for a complete working setup.

Rating Breakdown:

Power/Performance: 7.2
Ergonomics: 9.1
Battery Life: 7.8
Build Quality: 8.4
Value: 8.1

Best for: beginners with existing DeWalt 20V batteries who need portability and plan to make light-to-medium cuts in softwood and plywood.

DEWALT DCS391B 20V Li-Ion Circular Saw (Bare Tool)

beginners with existing DeWalt 20V batteries who need portability and plan to make light-to-medium cuts in softwood and plywood

Check price on Amazon— $129

FAQ

What size blade do beginners need?▾

A 7.25-inch blade is the standard for general-purpose work—it cuts through 2x4 and 2x6 lumber in a single pass and handles plywood efficiently. Smaller 4-inch blades are specialty tools for trim and detail work only. If you're building decks, framing, or working with standard lumber, 7.25 inches is the right choice.

Should beginners buy corded or cordless circular saws?▾

Corded saws (like the DEWALT DWE575) deliver consistent power without battery management and cost less upfront. Cordless saws offer mobility and no extension cord hassle but sacrifice cutting speed and depth. If you have an existing battery ecosystem, cordless makes sense. If you're starting from scratch and plan to work primarily indoors or near outlets, corded is the smarter first purchase.

How important is the electric brake for beginners?▾

Very important. An electric brake stops the blade in under 3 seconds, which prevents coasting and gives you immediate control when you release the trigger. This is a safety feature that matters most when you're still developing muscle memory and proper handling technique.

Do I need a laser guide on a circular saw?▾

No, but it helps. The laser shows your cut line, which reduces setup time and improves accuracy for beginners. However, it drifts at angles, so you'll still need to use the physical fence for precision rips. It's a convenience feature, not a necessity.