DeWalt DWE575SB vs. Makita SH02R1

Let’s take a look at these two circular saws: the DeWalt DWE575SB 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

The DWE575SB is corded, runs on 120 V, and draws 15 amps. Standard U.S. residential circuits are 120 V, 15 A, which will support the.

The SH02R1 is cordless and runs on 12 V batteries.

The DWE575SB motor spins at 5200 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, so they don’t have a direct impact on the saw’s real-world capability 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 DWE575SB 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 arbor won’t limit your options.

The DWE575SB can bevel the blade 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 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 saws 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 DWE575SB with other products

	DeWalt DWE575SB	Makita SH02R1
Brand	DeWalt	Makita
Power Type	corded	cordless
Power - Voltage	120 V	12 V
Power - Amps	15 A	n/a
No-load RPM	5200 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” (round)	15 mm (0.591”)
Weight	8.8 lbs	3.5 lbs
Blade - Side	right	right
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct-drive
Stops	22.5°, 45°
Motor Type	brushed
Warranty		3 years
Pros	Electric brake to stop the blade Lighter than many other models Dust blower effective at removing dust	Lightweight and easy to handle Good battery life
Cons	Brake does not stop blade immediately No safety switch	Non-standard blade/arbor size can mean limited selection of blades
	Check Price	Check Price