DeWalt DCS578 vs. Genesis GCS445SE

We’ll take a look at these two circular saws: the DeWalt DCS578 and the Genesis GCS445SE.

Features & Benefits

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

Power & Motor

The GCS445SE is corded, runs on 120 V, and draws 4 amps. Standard U.S. residential circuits are 120 V, 15 A, which will support the.

The DCS578 is cordless and requires 60 V batteries.

The DCS578 motor produces 5800 rpm and the GCS445SE motor produces 3500 rpm. Don’t pay too much attention to these numbers, because the manufacturers measure them under no-load conditions, and they don’t have a useful impact on the saw’s real-world ability to handle different 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

The DCS578 accepts 7 1/4” diameter saw blades and has a 5/8” arbor. The GCS445SE takes 4 1/2” diameter blades and has a 3/8” arbor. Most 8-to-10” blades have a 5/8” arbor hole, so this size of arbor maximizes blade compatibility.

The DCS578 can bevel up to 57°, can cut up to 2 9/16” at a 90° angle, and can cut up to 2” deep at a 45° angle. The GCS445SE can bevel the blade up to 45°, can cut up to 1 11/16” at a 90° angle, and can cut up to 1 1/8” deep 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 DeWalt has stops at 22.5°, 45°.

The DeWalt has the blade on the right side of the unit. The Genesis 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 GCS445SE:

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	Genesis GCS445SE
Brand	DeWalt	Genesis
Power Type	cordless	corded
Power - Voltage	60 V	120 V
Power - Amps	n/a	4 A
No-load RPM	5800 rpm	3500 rpm
Blade Diameter	7 1/4”	4 1/2”
Maximum Bevel	57°	45°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	2 9/16”	1 11/16”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	2”	1 1/8”
Arbor Size	5/8”	3/8”
Weight	8.2 lbs	4.7 lbs
Blade - Side	right	left
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct-drive
Stops	22.5°, 45°
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	Cuts 2x material without any trouble Includes dust connector for shop vacuum Includes rip fence
Cons	Heavier than many other saws in its class Shoe friction requires a little more energy to push	Narrow dust hose can clog up and cause overheating/shutdown
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