Dremel US40-04 vs. Rockwell RK3441K

We’ll take a look at these two circular saws: the Dremel US40-04 and the Rockwell RK3441K.

Features & Benefits

You can read more in our roundup of the best compact circular saws.

Power & Motor

Both products are corded and run on 120 V. The US40-04 draws 7.5 amps. The RK3441K draws 5 amps. Standard U.S. residential circuits are 120 V, 15 A, which will support either of the saws.

The US40-04 has a motor that spins at 13000 rpm and the RK3441K has a motor that spins at 3500 rpm. But you shouldn’t get too caught up in the RPM numbers, since the manufacturers test them under ideal conditions, and they don’t have a meaningful correlation with the saw’s real-world ability to handle various types of 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 US40-04 takes 4” diameter blades. The RK3441K accepts 4 1/2” diameter saw blades and has a 3/8” arbor.

The US40-04 can bevel the blade up to 0° and can cut up to 3/4” at a 90° angle. The RK3441K can bevel up to 45°, can cut up to 1 11/16” deep at a 90° angle, and can cut up to 1 1/8” 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.

Both products have 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 Dremel:

For the RK3441K:

Comparison Chart

Below is a full side-by-side look at these products’ specs. You can view comparisons of the Dremel US40-04 with other products

	Dremel US40-04	Rockwell RK3441K
Brand	Dremel	Rockwell
Power Type	corded	corded
Power - Voltage	120 V	120 V
Power - Amps	7.5 A	5 A
No-load RPM	13000 rpm	3500 rpm
Blade Diameter	4”	4 1/2”
Maximum Bevel	0°	45°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	3/4”	1 11/16”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	n/a	1 1/8”
Arbor Size	n/a	3/8”
Dimensions	13” L × 5” H
Weight	4.6 lbs	5 lbs
Blade - Side	left	left
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	direct-drive
Stops	n/a
Warranty	2 years
Pros	Optional auxiliary handle for extra control Includes multiple blades for wood, metal, PVC, etc. Can make flush cuts with appropriate blade	Left-mounted blade improves visibility of cut line Easy-to-operate trigger and safety
Cons	Can overheat when cutting thick material	Some users report that the bolt holding the blade can snap off
	Check Price	Check Price