DeWalt DCS391B Review: Best-Selling 20V Circular Saw (October 2026)
The DeWalt DCS391B suits buyers who want a 20V cordless saw with a 6-1/2 in blade and bevel capacity up to 50°. Its brushed motor and separate battery and charger are the main trade-offs.
On this page (8 sections)
- The DeWalt DCS391B at a glance
- How does the DCS391B compare with the DCS565B?
- What does the DCS391B's 50° bevel range mean?
- What should you know about the blade and shoe?
- How does the DCS391B compare with Milwaukee and Craftsman?
- What are the main trade-offs?
- Is the DeWalt DCS391B right for your work?
- Frequently asked questions
The DeWalt DCS391B is a 20V MAX cordless circular saw with a 6-1/2 in blade and bevel capacity up to 50°. It fits buyers who already use compatible DeWalt batteries and want a magnesium shoe, rubber overmolded grip and keyless blade change, but it comes without a battery or charger.
Its stated motor speed is 5,150 RPM. The DCS391B is a brushed model, so consider the DCS565B if you want a brushless motor and added features such as an electric brake and LED.
The DeWalt DCS391B at a glance
The DCS391B is best suited to portable cutting with a compatible DeWalt 20V MAX battery. Its 6-1/2 in blade, 0–50° bevel capacity and magnesium shoe cover the main buying questions for this saw.
DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw: Best for DeWalt 20V users
- 6-1/2 in blade
- Motor rated at 5,150 RPM
- Bevel capacity up to 50°
- Battery and charger sold separately
A 20V MAX saw with a 6-1/2 in blade, magnesium shoe and bevel capacity up to 50°. It is a bare tool, so plan on a compatible battery and charger.
Pros
- Wide bevel range up to 50°
- Magnesium shoe
- Rubber overmolded comfort grip
- Keyless blade change
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Brushed motor
The rubber overmolded grip is designed for balance and control, while the magnesium shoe is made to provide durability and cut accuracy. Those are useful design details, but they don't replace safe setup, a sharp blade or a steady guide.
Who should consider the DCS391B?
Consider it if you already own compatible DeWalt batteries and need a cordless saw for typical home or jobsite cuts. The bare-tool format can make sense when you don't need another charger or battery.
Choose another saw if you need a brushless motor, an included battery kit or a different blade size. The best battery powered circular saws guide compares cordless options by the needs they suit.
How does the DCS391B compare with the DCS565B?
The DCS391B emphasizes a 5,150 RPM motor and magnesium shoe, while the DCS565B adds a brushless motor, electric brake, LED and built-in rafter hook. Both are DeWalt cordless saws with 6-1/2 in blades and bevel adjustment up to 50°.
| Detail | DeWalt DCS391B | DeWalt DCS565B |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 5,150 RPM; not identified as brushless | Brushless, 4,950 RPM |
| Blade | 6-1/2 in | 6-1/2 in |
| Bevel capacity | 0–50° | 0–50° |
| Shoe | High-strength magnesium | Not specified here |
| Added features | Rubber overmolded grip; keyless blade change | Electric brake, LED, rafter hook, optional dust chute |
| Battery and charger | Sold separately | Sold separately |
The higher stated RPM on the DCS391B doesn't by itself prove it cuts faster in every material. Blade choice, battery condition, feed rate and workpiece setup all affect how a saw performs.
The DCS565B's electric brake quickly stops the blade after trigger release, according to DeWalt's feature description. Its brushless motor and LED may matter more to you than the DCS391B's higher stated RPM.
For a closer look at motor trade-offs, read brushless vs brushed circular saws. If you are comparing newer DeWalt options, the DCS590B review covers a separate 7-1/4 in model.
What does the DCS391B's 50° bevel range mean?
The DCS391B's bevel scale runs from 0° to 50°, letting you set the shoe for angled cuts. A bevel changes the blade angle through the material, so the cut depth available is less than at a square 90° cut.
Check the manual for the correct setup and cutting capacity at each angle. Set the bevel before powering up, lock the adjustment, and keep the shoe flat against the workpiece during the cut.
For a straight crosscut, keep the saw at 0° and mark the cut line clearly. For repeated or long cuts, a guide can help keep the shoe aligned without forcing the saw sideways.
Our guide to making a circular saw guide shows one way to improve straight-cut control. Always secure the workpiece and keep your hands clear of the blade path.
What should you know about the blade and shoe?
The DCS391B uses a 6-1/2 in round blade and has a magnesium shoe. The shoe supports the saw as it travels over the workpiece, so inspect it for damage and keep it flat against the material.
The saw's product description specifies a carbide-tipped blade, while the included component is described as a 20V 6-1/2 in circular saw. Check the manual for blade requirements and safe replacement steps before changing blades.
The keyless blade change feature is intended to make blade changes easier. Unplug the battery before handling the blade, and follow the manual's instructions for removal, installation and tightening.
Match the blade to the material and cut type. A blade suited to rough framing may leave a different edge than one intended for cleaner cuts in sheet goods.
How does the DCS391B compare with Milwaukee and Craftsman?
The DCS391B is one of several cordless saws in this group, with alternatives tied to Milwaukee M18 and Craftsman V20 battery systems. Compare the stated motor, shoe and included features, then factor in the batteries you already own.
The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is listed with a 3,500 RPM motor, magnesium upper and lower guards, and an aircraft aluminum shoe. It's a bare tool, so it makes the most sense if you already use M18 batteries.
The Craftsman V20 CMCS500B is described for everyday crosscuts and rip cuts in 2x material, with a 4,200 RPM motor and a shoe that pivots up to 50°. It is also sold without a battery and charger.
These motor speeds are manufacturer specifications, not a direct performance test across the saws. For brand-level trade-offs, see DeWalt vs Milwaukee circular saws.
What are the main trade-offs?
The DCS391B's main strengths are its 50° bevel range, magnesium shoe and DeWalt 20V MAX battery platform. The main compromises are its brushed motor and bare-tool setup.
A compatible battery may already be part of your workshop, making a bare tool convenient. If it isn't, account for buying the battery and charger before comparing the total setup with a kit or another platform.
The DCS565B costs you the DCS391B's higher stated RPM, but adds a brushless motor, brake, LED and rafter hook. The Milwaukee and Craftsman options can suit you better if your batteries already belong to those systems.
Check the exact model number before ordering. Similar DeWalt saw names can refer to different blade sizes, features or tool configurations.
Is the DeWalt DCS391B right for your work?
Choose the DCS391B if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and want a 6-1/2 in saw with bevel capacity up to 50°. Its magnesium shoe, overmolded grip and keyless blade change make it a straightforward cordless option.
Choose the DCS565B if you want a brushless DeWalt saw with an electric brake and LED. Choose Milwaukee or Craftsman if their battery systems already fit your tools, and compare blade size and features to the cuts you make most often.
Before cutting, read the manual, secure the material and use appropriate eye and hearing protection. For setup basics, see how to use a circular saw for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DeWalt DCS391B a good saw for plywood?
The DCS391B can cut plywood with a suitable 6-1/2 in blade and a stable setup. Support the sheet on both sides of the cut, mark a clear line, and use a guide for long straight cuts; choose a blade suited to the finish you want.
Can the DCS391B cut 2x lumber?
A circular saw can cut many 2x materials, but check the DCS391B manual for its cutting capacity and the material dimensions. Support the work securely, keep the shoe flat, and avoid twisting the saw as the blade exits the cut.
Does the DCS391B have an electric brake?
The DCS391B's stated features do not include an electric brake. The DCS565B does include one, and DeWalt describes it as stopping the blade quickly after the trigger is released.
What battery does the DCS391B use?
The DCS391B is a 20V MAX battery-powered saw, and the battery and charger are sold separately. Confirm compatibility with your existing DeWalt 20V MAX equipment and consult the manual for approved battery use.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Choose the DCS391B for a compatible DeWalt battery setup and a wide bevel range, or the DCS565B if its brushless motor and added controls fit your priorities better.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DeWalt DCS391B brushless?
No. The DCS391B is described with a 5,150 RPM motor, but it is not identified as brushless.
If a brushless motor is a priority, compare the DeWalt DCS565B, which is described as brushless and also includes an electric brake and LED.
Does the DeWalt DCS391B come with a battery?
No. The DCS391B is a bare tool, and its battery and charger are sold separately.
Before buying, check that you have a compatible DeWalt 20V MAX battery and charger or include those costs in your tool choice.
What bevel angle can the DeWalt DCS391B cut?
The DCS391B has bevel capacity from 0° to 50°. That range supports angled cuts, but set the angle carefully and make a safe test cut in scrap before cutting your finished material.
Is the DeWalt DCS391B a 7-1/4 in saw?
No. It uses a 6-1/2 in blade.
If you need a different blade size or cutting depth, compare the saw's manual and specifications with your material before choosing; blade diameter alone does not tell you the full cut capacity.
