Circular saws, being the heavy-duty power tools that they are for cutting wood and other materials, are sometimes too heavy to handle long tasks. The DeWalt DWE575SB 7-1/4-inch circular saw with electric brake is a cut above the rest (pun intended), bringing power in a lightweight package, compared to other models.
In this article, we will be looking at this DeWalt circular saw so you’ll know about its features, specs, pros, and cons to help you decide if it’s right for your projects.
DeWalt DWE575SB 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake
While a 7-1/4-inch disc diameter is common for circular saws on the market, what makes the DeWalt DWE575SB stand out is that it is lightweight, making it perfect for everyday tasks. Moreover, it has an electric brake for preserving the internal mechanics better than those without.
Specifications
With 15 amps of power, this circular saw takes 7-1/4-inch saw blades. It can achieve a 2.55-inch depth cut at 90 degrees (and 1.9 inches at 45 degrees). What I like the most is that it’s only 8.8 pounds, which is valuable for those who spend hours on heavy projects.
The unit runs at 1,950 watts and has a no-load speed of 5,200 RPM. The included blade for this circular saw is already carbide-tipped so it works for different tasks where HSS (high-speed steel) isn’t meant for. The bevel capacity is 57 degrees while the bevel stops are 45 and 22.5 degrees respectively.
Quality
The tool is backed by a 3-year limited warranty from DeWalt. Aside from that, you can also take advantage of the 90-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year free service option.
To further improve the durability of the tool, the electric brake stop instantly halts the disc, so its mechanical parts won’t easily wear out. The lower guard also protects the tool’s inner workings, especially against the elements.
Moreover, its dust blower provides good debris management. Keeping the tool dust-free is important to conserve motor life. Cord pull-outs are also less likely thanks to the patented Tough Cord Protection System.
Usability
Using this circular saw is easy for beginners because it is so lightweight. It has a lower guard design so you can create bevel cuts and shims with little effort. Changing the disc on the go is easier as well, due to the onboard blade wrench storage.
The shoe of the circular saw is made from aluminum, which makes it lightweight without sacrificing durability. A just-right weight is important to make accurate cuts on your material. It also comes with a contractor bag so you can carry the circular saw to your workplace without hassle.
Should You Buy the DeWalt DWE575SB?
The DeWalt DWE575SB appeals best to those who need a lightweight circular saw. While other saws are 9 or 10 pounds, this one is only at 8.8 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest in its class. This helps reduce fatigue when handling tasks for many hours.
Aside from that, most workers prefer a tool with an electric brake for the blade. Not only does it save the mechanical parts from wearing out, but it is also a safety measure to avoid accidents with the blade when turning off the unit, especially if the blade is brand new and still super sharp.
If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the DeWalt DWE575SB
Let’s start with the pros.
The tool is lightweight.
At only 8.8 pounds, the circular saw is user-friendly to those who are new to a tool such as this and for those working in a shop or on a job-site for hours. A lightweight tool reduces user fatigue in the long run.
It has an electric brake.
An electric brake stops the blade from spinning almost instantly. This prolongs the lifespan of the mechanical parts of the tool, while also enabling you to work quickly in between cuts.
You’ll worry less about cord pull-outs.
Thanks to its Tough Cord Protection System, you don’t have to worry about cord pull-outs and potential damage to the unit. This is important in a job-site where quotas need to be met.
It is easy to change the disc.
Thanks to the onboard wrench, you can change the cutting blade easily, which is ideal when switching between material types. For instance, if you want to alternate between a coarse blade and a fine-toothed blade for finishing, it only takes a few seconds to make the change.
Cons of the DeWalt DWE575SB
On the other hand, while it has good points, the product has some minor drawbacks.
It doesn’t have a laser guide.
If you’re looking for a circular saw that has an illuminated projection line for cutting, you’ll be somehow disappointed. However, this tool does have a guide, which is still fairly easy to follow and use with proper positioning.
The RPM is not as high as with other circular saws.
This unit only has 5,200 RPM while others have 5,600 and sometimes even 6,000 RPM. Nonetheless, if speed is not your main concern then this might not be so much of a con for you.
What Are the Alternatives to the DeWalt DWE575SB?
An alternative circular saw from the same company that you might like is the DeWalt DCS570B. While this one is cordless, it has roughly the same specs as the DeWalt tool mentioned above in terms of cutting blade capacity, speed, and depth of cut. What’s unique about this circular saw is that it has a brushless motor, which not only reduces vibration but also improves motor lifespan. Give this one a try if you’re not into corded tools so much.
I did mention above that the DeWalt DWE575SB doesn’t have a laser guide, but the Skil 5280-01 (read my review) does. This one has a slightly higher speed of 5,300 RPM and also accepts 7-1/4-inch blades (a carbide blade is included). It is even lighter in weight, at only 6.95 pounds, and has a dust blower to keep the debris away. For quick blade changes, it also sports a spindle lock.
If you prefer a magnesium-made shoe for added weight and durability, the Makita 5007MGA is a choice for you. This one accepts 7-1/4-inch discs although the unit itself is a little heavy at 10.6 pounds. Regardless, it has a very high speed of 5,800 RPM with its 15-amp motor. Not to mention, you can adjust the settings with one hand using the large rubberized levers.
Finally, make sure to also check my list of the best circular saws for beginners.
Summary
The DeWalt DWE575SB is a decent choice for those who are looking for a lightweight saw that has an electric brake.
If you are tired of heavy and sluggish power tools and want a convenient circular saw for speedy tasks then this is for you. While it doesn’t have a laser guide unlike other saws, you can still use the guide. Also, the not-so-heavy weight of the tool allows for easier positioning to get jobs done faster.