DeWalt DCS578 vs. Rockwell RK3441K

Let’s take a look at these two circular saws: the DeWalt DCS578 and the Rockwell RK3441K.

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 RK3441K is corded, runs on 120 V, and draws 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 motor spins at 5800 rpm and the RK3441K motor spins at 3500 rpm. But don’t get too caught up in these numbers, since the manufacturers measure them under ideal conditions, and they don’t have a direct impact on the saw’s real-world ability to handle different material.

Both products 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 takes 7 1/4” diameter blades and has a 5/8” arbor. The RK3441K accepts 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 won’t limit your options.

The DCS578 can bevel the 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 RK3441K can bevel up to 45°, is able to cut up to 1 11/16” at an angle of 90°, and can cut up to 1 1/8” 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°.

The DeWalt has the blade on the right side of the unit. The Rockwell has the blade on the left 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 Rockwell:

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	Rockwell RK3441K
Brand	DeWalt	Rockwell
Power Type	cordless	corded
Power - Voltage	60 V	120 V
Power - Amps	n/a	5 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	5 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	Left-mounted blade improves visibility of cut line Easy-to-operate trigger and safety
Cons	Heavier than many other saws in its class Shoe friction requires a little more energy to push	Some users report that the bolt holding the blade can snap off
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