DeWalt DCS571B vs. Makita SH02R1

Let’s compare these two circular saws: the DeWalt DCS571B and the Makita SH02R1.

Features & Benefits

You can read our roundup of the best compact circular saws.

Power & Motor

Both circular saws are cordless. The DCS571B runs on 20 V batteries. The SH02R1 requires 12 V batteries.

The DCS571B motor produces 4500 rpm and the SH02R1 motor produces 1500 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 SH02R1 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 SH02R1 takes 3 3/8” diameter blades and has a 15 mm (0.591”) arbor.

Both saws can bevel their blades up to 45°. The DCS571B can cut up to 1 9/16” deep at an angle of 90°. The SH02R1 is able to cut up to 1” at a 90° angle and will cut up to 5/8” deep at 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 90 Degrees.

The DeWalt has the blade mounted on the left side of the body. The Makita 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 DCS571B:

For the Makita:

Comparison Chart

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

	DeWalt DCS571B	Makita SH02R1
Brand	DeWalt	Makita
Power Type	cordless	cordless
Power - Voltage	20 V	12 V
Power - Amps		n/a
No-load RPM	4500 rpm	1500 rpm
Blade Diameter	4 1/2”	3 3/8”
Maximum Bevel	45°	45°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	1 9/16”	1”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)		5/8”
Arbor Size	3/8”	15 mm (0.591”)
Dimensions	5 1/8” W × 17.6” L × 6.687” H
Weight	6.6 lbs	3.5 lbs
Blade - Side	left	right
Drive Mechanism		direct-drive
Stops	90 Degrees
Warranty	3 Year Limited Warranty	3 years
Pros	As powerful as corded circular saws Easy to hold and maneuver one-handed	Lightweight and easy to handle Good battery life
Cons	Dust port adapter tends to fall off during use	Non-standard blade/arbor size can mean limited selection of blades
	Check Price	Check Price