DeWalt DCS571B vs. DeWalt DCS578

Let’s compare these two DeWalt circular saws: the DeWalt DCS571B and the DeWalt DCS578.

Features & Benefits

You can read our roundup of the best compact circular saws and the best full-size circular saws.

Power & Motor

Both products are cordless. The DCS571B runs on 20 V batteries. The DCS578 requires 60 V batteries.

The DCS571B motor produces 4500 rpm and the DCS578 motor produces 5800 rpm. Don’t pay too much attention to these numbers, because the manufacturers measure them under no-load conditions, meaning they don’t have a useful impact on the saw’s real-world capacity to handle different material.

The DCS578 has 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

The DCS571B accepts 4 1/2” diameter saw blades and has a 3/8” arbor. The DCS578 takes 7 1/4” diameter blades and has a 5/8” arbor. Most 8-to-10” blades have a 5/8” arbor hole, so this size of arbor maximizes blade compatibility.

The DCS571B can bevel up to 45° and will cut up to 1 9/16” at 90°. The DCS578 can bevel the blade up to 57°, can cut up to 2 9/16” deep at an angle of 90°, and is able to cut up to 2” at a 45° angle.

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 DCS571B has stops at 90 Degrees. The DCS578 has stops at 22.5°, 45°.

The DCS571B has the blade on the left side of the saw. The DCS578 has the blade on the right side of the body. 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 DCS571B:

For the DCS578:

Comparison Chart

Here is a full side-by-side look at these products’ specs. You can view comparisons of the DeWalt DCS571B with other products

	DeWalt DCS571B	DeWalt DCS578
Brand	DeWalt	DeWalt
Power Type	cordless	cordless
Power - Voltage	20 V	60 V
Power - Amps		n/a
No-load RPM	4500 rpm	5800 rpm
Blade Diameter	4 1/2”	7 1/4”
Maximum Bevel	45°	57°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	1 9/16”	2 9/16”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)		2”
Arbor Size	3/8”	5/8”
Dimensions	5 1/8” W × 17.6” L × 6.687” H
Weight	6.6 lbs	8.2 lbs
Blade - Side	left	right
Drive Mechanism		direct-drive
Stops	90 Degrees	22.5°, 45°
Warranty	3 Year Limited Warranty
Pros	As powerful as corded circular saws Easy to hold and maneuver one-handed	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	Dust port adapter tends to fall off during use	Heavier than many other saws in its class Shoe friction requires a little more energy to push
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