DeWalt DCS578 vs. Dremel US40-04

We’ll take a look at these two circular saws: the DeWalt DCS578 and the Dremel US40-04.

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

The US40-04 is corded, requires 120 V, and draws 7.5 amps. In the U.S., standard residential circuits are 120 V, 15 A, which will support the.

The DCS578 is cordless and runs on 60 V batteries.

The DCS578 has a motor that spins at 5800 rpm and the US40-04 has a motor that spins at 13000 rpm. But you shouldn’t get too caught up in the RPM numbers, since the manufacturers test them under ideal conditions, and they don’t have a direct correlation with the saw’s real-world ability to handle various types of material.

Both 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

The DCS578 accepts 7 1/4” diameter blades and has a 5/8” arbor. The US40-04 takes 4” diameter saw blades. Most 8-to-10” blades have a 5/8” arbor hole, so this size of arbor won’t limit your choices.

The DCS578 can bevel its blade up to 57°, can cut up to 2 9/16” at 90°, and will cut up to 2” deep at a 45° angle. The US40-04 can bevel the blade up to 0° and is able to cut up to 3/4” at an angle of 90°.

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 DeWalt has the blade on the right side of the saw. The Dremel has the blade on the left 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 DeWalt:

For the US40-04:

Comparison Chart

Below is a full side-by-side look at these products’ specs. You can view comparisons of the DeWalt DCS578 with other products

	DeWalt DCS578	Dremel US40-04
Brand	DeWalt	Dremel
Power Type	cordless	corded
Power - Voltage	60 V	120 V
Power - Amps	n/a	7.5 A
No-load RPM	5800 rpm	13000 rpm
Blade Diameter	7 1/4”	4”
Maximum Bevel	57°	0°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	2 9/16”	3/4”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	2”	n/a
Arbor Size	5/8”	n/a
Dimensions		13” L × 5” H
Weight	8.2 lbs	4.6 lbs
Blade - Side	right	left
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct-drive
Stops	22.5°, 45°	n/a
Warranty		2 years
Pros	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	Optional auxiliary handle for extra control Includes multiple blades for wood, metal, PVC, etc. Can make flush cuts with appropriate blade
Cons	Heavier than many other saws in its class Shoe friction requires a little more energy to push	Can overheat when cutting thick material
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