Black+Decker BDCCS20C vs. DeWalt DCS578

We’ll take a look at these two circular saws: the Black+Decker BDCCS20C and the DeWalt DCS578.

Features & Benefits

For more information, read more in our roundup of the best compact circular saws and the best full-size circular saws.

Power & Motor

Both saws are cordless. The BDCCS20C requires 20 V batteries. The DCS578 runs on 60 V batteries.

The DCS578 has a motor that spins at 5800 rpm. But you shouldn’t get too caught up in the RPM numbers, since the manufacturers test them under ideal conditions, so they don’t have a direct correlation with the saw’s real-world capability to handle various types of material.

Both circular saws have a direct-drive motor. Direct-drive motors are usually lighter than other styles, but their side mounting makes the saw a little harder to control.

Blades & Capacity

Both products have a 5/8” arbor. The BDCCS20C accepts 5 1/2” diameter blades. The DCS578 takes 7 1/4” diameter saw blades. Most 8-to-10” blades have a 5/8” arbor hole, so this size of arbor maximizes blade compatibility.

The BDCCS20C can bevel the blade up to 45°, is able to cut up to 1 11/16” at an angle of 90°, and can cut up to 1 3/8” deep at 45°. The DCS578 can bevel its blade up to 57°, will cut up to 2 9/16” at a 90° angle, and is able to cut up to 2” deep at an angle of 45°.

When beveling the saw, most circular saws will have positive stops at common angles such as 45° and 90°. This ensures you are making precise cuts. Some saws have additional stops at other angles.

The DeWalt has stops at 22.5°, 45°.

The Black+Decker has the blade mounted on the left side of the saw. The DeWalt has the blade mounted on the right side of the unit. Right-handers sometimes find it easier to see and control blades mounted to the left, while left-handers might find the same true for right-mounted blades.

Pros & Cons

Let’s take a look at some of the pluses and minuses of these products.

For the BDCCS20C:

For the DeWalt:

Comparison Chart

Below is a full side-by-side look at these products’ specs. You can view comparisons of the Black+Decker BDCCS20C with other products

	Black+Decker BDCCS20C	DeWalt DCS578
Brand	Black+Decker	DeWalt
Power Type	cordless	cordless
Power - Voltage	20 V	60 V
No-load RPM		5800 rpm
Blade Diameter	5 1/2”	7 1/4”
Maximum Bevel	45°	57°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	1 11/16”	2 9/16”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	1 3/8”	2”
Arbor Size	5/8”	5/8”
Weight	7.6 lbs	8.2 lbs
Blade - Side	left	right
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct-drive
Stops		22.5°, 45°
Pros	Two-handled design for safe operation Depth of cut can handle 2x4s	Power and torque comparable to a corded saw Brake responds quickly to stop saw almost immediately Deeper cuts than most other 7 1/4” cordless circular saws Handle design is very comfortable to use and makes it easy to push straight
Cons	Motor can struggle on thicker material	Heavier than many other saws in its class Shoe friction requires a little more energy to push
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