DeWalt DCS578 vs. Makita SH02R1

Let’s take a look at these two circular saws: the DeWalt DCS578 and the Makita SH02R1.

Features & Benefits

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

Power & Motor

Both circular saws are cordless. The DCS578 runs on 60 V batteries. The SH02R1 runs on 12 V batteries.

The DCS578 motor spins at 5800 rpm and the SH02R1 motor spins at 1500 rpm. Don’t get too caught up in these numbers, since the manufacturers measure them under ideal conditions, meaning they don’t have a direct impact on the saw’s real-world capacity to handle different 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 SH02R1 takes 3 3/8” diameter blades and has a 15 mm (0.591”) 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°, will cut up to 2 9/16” at 90°, and can cut up to 2” deep at an angle of 45°. The SH02R1 can bevel the blade up to 45°, 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 22.5°, 45°.

Both products have 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 DeWalt:

For the Makita:

Comparison Chart

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

	DeWalt DCS578	Makita SH02R1
Brand	DeWalt	Makita
Power Type	cordless	cordless
Power - Voltage	60 V	12 V
No-load RPM	5800 rpm	1500 rpm
Blade Diameter	7 1/4”	3 3/8”
Maximum Bevel	57°	45°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	2 9/16”	1”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	2”	5/8”
Arbor Size	5/8”	15 mm (0.591”)
Weight	8.2 lbs	3.5 lbs
Blade - Side	right	right
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct-drive
Stops	22.5°, 45°
Warranty		3 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	Lightweight and easy to handle Good battery life
Cons	Heavier than many other saws in its class Shoe friction requires a little more energy to push	Non-standard blade/arbor size can mean limited selection of blades
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