DeWalt DCS578 vs. Skilsaw SPT77WML-01

Let’s take a look at these two circular saws: the DeWalt DCS578 and the Skilsaw SPT77WML-01.

Features & Benefits

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

Power & Motor

The SPT77WML-01 is corded, runs on 120 V, and draws 15 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 SPT77WML-01 motor spins at 5300 rpm. 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.

The DCS578 has a direct-drive motor. The SPT77WML-01 has a worm-drive motor. Direct-drive motors are usually lighter than other styles, but their side mounting makes the saw a little harder to control. Worm-drive motors are longer and heavier, but often more powerful and easier to control due to the weight being more centered.

Blades & Capacity

Both products accept 7 1/4” diameter blades and have a 5/8” arbor. Most 8-to-10” blades have a 5/8” arbor hole, so this size arbor maximizes blade compatibility.

The DCS578 can bevel the blade up to 57°, is able to cut up to 2 9/16” deep at an angle of 90°, and can cut up to 2” at 45°. The SPT77WML-01 can bevel its blade up to 53°, will cut up to 2 3/8” deep at a 90° angle, and is able to cut up to 1 15/16” at an angle of 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 Skilsaw has stops at 45°.

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

Comparison Chart

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

	DeWalt DCS578	Skilsaw SPT77WML-01
Brand	DeWalt	Skilsaw
Power Type	cordless	corded
Power - Voltage	60 V	120 V
Power - Amps	n/a	15 A
No-load RPM	5800 rpm	5300 rpm
Blade Diameter	7 1/4”	7 1/4”
Maximum Bevel	57°	53°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	2 9/16”	2 3/8”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	2”	1 15/16”
Arbor Size	5/8”	5/8”
Dimensions		19 1/2” L × 7” H
Weight	8.2 lbs	11.5 lbs
Blade - Side	right	left
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	worm-drive
Stops	22.5°, 45°	45°
Warranty		1 year
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	Lots of torque for cutting difficult material Good build quality Blade-left design provides good visibility Easy to track straight cut lines
Cons	Heavier than many other saws in its class Shoe friction requires a little more energy to push	Heavier than most direct-drive saws
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