The DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw is a multiple-angle cutting tool with the benefits of an improved line-of-sight view. It provides a comprehensive range of features for construction-grade cutting, precision, and accuracy.
In this review, you will explore the complete range of features of the DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw, along with some practical experiences with the same. For starters, I’d say this particular model gets one up over previous DEWALT models owing to improvements in the battery and technology.
This is also a cordless model, so it’s going to be an excellent read for those researching for a cordless good quality saw. Contrary to popular belief, this cordless version is actually quite powerful with the added benefit of control and flexibility.
Read this detailed DEWALT DCS391B Review to gauge whether or not this would be the right pick. I have also included some drawbacks in the end for a quick heads up that you should look out for! Let’s begin with what stood out to me the most in this model.
DEWALT DCS391B Review – A Detailed Analysis
The DEWALT DCS391B is a lithium-ion powered 20V circular saw which can be the perfect upgrade for anyone who wants more flexibility and power with their woodwork. If you’re a construction worker struggling with hand fatigue from heavy tools yet need to work long hours, this one can be a game-changer.
First of all, this is a small and cordless saw. Even if you’re not looking for something too fancy, having a small circular saw is a great investment for side jobs or even less frequent uses.
However, don’t let the size and portability fool you! This machine is a beast in a compact design. It’s a 6 ½ inch circular saw with improved battery power, enhanced dust-collection mechanism, and easy maneuvering.
If you’re used to working with bigger machines, you’d be amazed at the level of precision and accuracy you can get with this one, keeping the high power and performance intact. It’s basically the best of both worlds!
DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw – Features
Have a look at the features of DEWALT’s DCS391B, and you’ll notice that DEWALT has gone a notch up with the battery life and performance of its models. For this particular model, the ease of use and clean finish are what sold me!
Durability & Comfort
Working on a massive plank with a corded tool or a heavy tool can sometimes be a nightmare. While a steady hand can still manage, I’ve always been stuck between good performance and good precision. This one gives you both!
It has a 5150 RPM motor with high strength and a lightweight magnesium shoe. Jobsite durability, especially for extended periods of use, is a given with this saw. Its comfort grip is made of optimized rubber. Just with the first cut, I was in awe of the optimal balance and perfect control it delivered.
Performance
Many people mistakenly avoid smaller saws as they consider it a compromise of the performance end. While this is true for a lot of models, you trade between precision and performance. Despite the reviews on this one, to be honest, I was skeptical about the performance. In the end, I was quite surprised.
I happened to use this on a challenging project for the first time since my other heavy-duty saws couldn’t deliver the precise cuts needed for this project. I was blown away by the aggressive bevel cuts it handled. It handled such demanding and strenuous cuts with multiple realignments and adjustments. This one was a dream to work with!
Battery
Honestly speaking, the only reason I put up with any of the corded saws these days is due to the flimsy battery life on the cordless ones. Even if they are rechargeable, they just drain so quickly it is not even worth the hassle. For my pick for a cordless saw, good battery life was always high up on the list.
This saw has a 20V Max Li-ion battery which actually lasts pretty long between charges. I usually get a good chunk of work done with the 3Ah battery. The second time around, I got 5Ah, and it lasted the whole day. Pro tip – I’d suggest leaving the batteries out when not in use for too long.
Motor and Speed
Let’s talk about the motor and speed it offers. A 6.5-inch blade with a 5150 RPM motor makes a pretty powerful combination. With multiple cutting angles available, this configuration is good for most of my requirements. I’ve tried various materials under this saw, and most of the results are pretty impressive.
Talking about speed, I have mixed views on this. Materials typically over 7 ½ to 8 inches thick are difficult to cut through or at least need more effort and time. This is where speed can be an issue to consider. Having said that, most of my requirements rarely ever involve cutting materials beyond 7-8 inches. If yours are the same, take this bit with a pinch of salt!
Ease of Use
If you want one feature to want this saw anyway, irrespective of too many use-case details – it’s the ease of use. I can easily say it’s the most comfortable and effortless saw in my collection. It is cordless, so the tugging of the cord is also eliminated.
I Prefer the old-school design when it comes to this aspect. The line-of-sight view for cutting offers a better field of view. The compact design allows you to guide it seamlessly for hassle-free cutting. In simple words, this machine is pretty smooth!
Safety Features
Last but definitely not least, the safety features on DEWALT DCS391B are very reassuring. I’ve had some pretty close calls with some of my saws, especially when your hand is fatigued after a long period and you need to stop suddenly. This DEWALT saw complied with the latest industry-preferred OSHA safety standards.
The emergency blade brake on this one is quick and easy to trigger. A reinforced rubberized grip adds more safety and comfort to the make. The fact that it’s smaller in size might have a role to play. However, on-site accidents and injuries wouldn’t be much to worry about with this model’s safety features.
My Experience
My stumble upon the DEWALT DCS391B happened when I got really tired of fighting cords and frustrated with the lack of control. It took only a few uses to appreciate features like the great adjustability, instant-stop blade brake, led lit illumination of the cutting line, and many more along the way.
In fact, there are many similar saws in the market with a highly similar range of specifications. What sets this DEWALT model apart is the practical comfort while using it. The 6-½ inch carbide-tipped blade on it makes it pretty powerful.
It has a 0-50 degree bevel capacity. I noticed the bevel cuts were just so sharp and crisp across various materials. It can handle angle calibration from 45 to 90 degrees. These are just some premium features you wouldn’t expect in most smaller saws.
The power, accuracy, and sheer level of control on this thing are what sold me. A precision saw that is compact and cordless at this price is a steal! These are some features that make it the ultimate cordless circular saw amongst many in the market.
What Could be Better?
Despite a combination of some pretty great features and use-cases, there are some things that I think could make this saw the holy grail or just perfect. Although I do understand offering such a range of features at this price point is great in itself, some considerations could make it even better.
Coming back to battery usage, even though the 3Ah or 5Ah could even last up to a day if you have extensive and long hours of use, that would take a lot of batteries in just a week. In my experience, 5Ah batteries fare pretty well, and anything less than that dies out quickly.
Secondly, while precision is a big plus on this one, some design changes can improve the speed. I find vertical cuts a little challenging and quite time-consuming. You can be sure you’d be remarkably accurate but a little slow. If lightning speed is not your ask, then this one doesn’t matter.
Here are a few pros and cons that can help you make your decision for the DEWALT DCS391B:
Pros
- 5150 RPM motor with 6.5-inch blade for effortless cutting.
- Extremely lightweight and easy to use.
- Accurate precision control.
- It allows multiple-angle cuts and adjustable bevel angles with 45-90 degree stops.
- Emergency blade brake paired with premium safety features.
- Cordless with high battery performance powered by a 20V Max Li-ion battery.
- It comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Some performance limitations for certain jobs using the carbide blade.
- Typical, tool-only design.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the DEWALT DCS391B is a great pick for those looking for a tool to implement quality over speed. This can even be a good alternative in your collection for the more precision-oriented cuts. While a lot of professionals with taxing work requirements and bulk cuts in need might not prefer this one, in my opinion, it’s a pretty great product at a great price.
If long-lasting, accurate, ease of use, and comfort are the features you’re looking for, go for it! If you would like to get the reviews of other popular power and hand tools, kindly visit our reviews page.
Leave a Reply