Which DEWALT MAX Saw Belongs in Your Build Kit?

Best for
Longer demo sessions between studs

Best for
Curves and cutouts in panels

Best for
Heavy framing and thick stock

Best for
Light sheet cuts for desks and shelves

The DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw (DCS391B) is the compact entry point to the circular saws here. It runs a 6-1/2 inch blade, and the listing includes an 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade in the box. Maximum cut depth is 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees, which is plenty for 3/4 inch plywood, MDF desk panels and standard 2x lumber in a single pass.

The listing quotes a 5,150 RPM motor in its features and description, while the spec table shows 5,100 rpm, so treat the exact figure as roughly 5,100 to 5,150. The magnesium shoe keeps the tool light, and the 0 to 50 degree bevel lets you angle edges for mitered shelf fronts. Keyless blade change with a spindle lock makes swapping to a finer plywood blade quick. It suits hobby builders who want a manageable saw for sheet goods and do not need the deeper cut of the 7-1/4 inch models below.

• 6-1/2 inch blade, 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade included
• 0-50 degree bevel capacity
• Keyless blade change and spindle lock
• 3 year limited warranty

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw (DCS590B) is what DEWALT calls its most powerful 20V MAX circular saw. The listing claims up to 1,700 MWO, up to 5,500 RPM at no load, and up to 368 cuts per charge, a figure that depends on the battery and material used in DEWALT’s own testing.

The bigger 7-1/4 inch blade raises cut depth to 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees, so you can get through 2x framing stock with room to spare. An electric brake stops the blade from coasting after you release the trigger, and the blade sits to the right of the motor with a top handle. The listing lists the tool weight at 9.88 pounds, so this is noticeably heavier than the DCS391B. It fits builders working with dimensional lumber on a 20V platform. The listing does not specify a maximum bevel angle in its visible text.

• Brushless motor, up to 1,700 MWO
• 2-9/16 in. cut depth at 90 degrees, 2 in. at 45 degrees
• Automatic electric brake

Best for
One-handed demo in tight spots

The DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B) is built for one-handed use. It measures only 12.5 inches front to back, and DEWALT says it is 37 percent lighter than the DCS367 tool only. The description gives the weight as 3.13 lbs, while the spec table says 16 ounces, so the listing contradicts itself; the 3.13 lb figure in the description is the more plausible one for a brushless reciprocating saw.

It delivers up to 2,800 spm, has a tool-free blade release, an LED for dark cabinets, a variable speed trigger and a pivoting shoe. The package includes a belt hook and two blades. For a builder who needs to trim a baseboard, cut out an old shelf or chop scrap into bin-sized pieces, this is the easy grab. For long demolition work, the XR model later in this list offers more stroke speed and runtime.

• Compact 12.5 inch length, one-handed design
• Brushless motor with LED
• Pivoting shoe and tool-free blade release

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw (DCS334B) is the only saw here that handles curves. That makes it the tool for rounded desk corners, grommet holes, cable pass-throughs and custom cutouts for monitor arms or pedal plates on a sim rig. Blade speed reaches 3,200 spm, adjustable with both a variable speed trigger and a dial.

Four-position orbital action lets you trade speed for a cleaner edge, and an integrated dust blower keeps your line visible. The all-metal, lever-action keyless clamp takes T-shank blades, and the keyless bevel shoe has detents at 0, 15 and 30 degrees with a positive stop at 45. The spec table lists 2000 watts, which does not line up with a cordless 20V jig saw, so we would not lean on that number. Listed weight is 4.2 pounds.

• Up to 3,200 spm with trigger and dial control
• 4-position orbital action
• Keyless T-shank blade clamp
• Integrated dust blower and LED

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw (DCS367B) is the larger of the two reciprocating options. At 14.5 inches long it still fits between studs, and the listing says it weighs about 5 lbs tool only (the spec table says 5.4 pounds). It uses a 1-1/8 inch stroke and a variable speed trigger reaching up to 2,900 spm.

DEWALT claims up to 2.5 times more runtime, measured against an older brushed model on a different battery, so read that as a generational comparison rather than a comparison with the ATOMIC. The keyless 4-position blade clamp lets you flip the blade for flush cuts, and a built-in LED lights the cut. The spec table shows 2,800 rpm while the features say 2,900 spm, a small mismatch. Choose it over the ATOMIC if you plan to tear out old furniture or framing for hours rather than minutes.

• 1-1/8 inch stroke length
• Keyless 4-position blade clamp
• Built-in LED, 3 year limited warranty

Best for
Maximum power on FLEXVOLT batteries

The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* Circular Saw (DCS578B) sits at the top of the range. It runs on 60V FLEXVOLT batteries, with the listing claiming up to 47 percent more power than the DCS575 and 2,456 unit watts out, plus a 5,800 RPM no-load speed. Cut depth with the 7-1/4 inch blade is 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees.

Bevel capacity reaches 57 degrees, with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees, the widest range in this group. It adds an electric brake, an integrated LED and a rafter hook. The spec table lists the power source as “ac_dc,” but the title and description describe a cordless tool with battery and charger sold separately, so assume it is battery only. If you already own FLEXVOLT batteries or want a cordless saw that feels closer to corded power, this is the pick; if you live on the 20V platform, the DCS590B is the simpler fit.

• Up to 47 percent more power vs the DCS575
• 57 degree bevel with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees
• Electric brake, LED and rafter hook