FIELD REVIEW · WOOD FRAMING & CUTTING
DEWALT DCS391B 20V MAX 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw Review
I give up some power and stability because sometimes portability is the whole job.
When I am moving around a job cutting blocking or rough wood, not hunting for an outlet can be worth the tradeoff.
My actual field tool
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WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Why I keep the cordless saw around.
The cordless saw does not have the same power or consistency as my corded circular saw. I still use it because portability changes the math on a job.
When I am cutting blocking in multiple areas, finding outlets, setting up drops, and moving cords around can become more annoying than the cutting itself. This lets me grab the saw and move.
“The portability is worth the tradeoff when I am moving all over a job.
What I actually use it for.
I use it for blocking, rough wood framing, ripping plywood, protection, and general rough cuts where I want to stay mobile.
It is especially useful when the work is scattered around a building instead of concentrated at one cutting station.
Why I like it.
I like the freedom. There is no extension cord to drag through the work and no outlet to hunt down. For normal rough framing cuts, the saw does the job and keeps me moving.
I also like the braking system. When I am working quickly, having the blade stop sooner after the cut feels better and more controlled.
THE HONEST PART
What I do not like.
It is less stable than the corded saw when I am trying to make a fine or precise cut, so I have to pay more attention. The torque is lower too. Thick lumber and pressure-treated material can bog it down and slow the cut.
The battery is another variable. Normal cuts are fine, but longer or heavier cutting can drain a battery faster than I want.
MY VERDICT
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. I do not treat it as a replacement for my corded saw. I treat it as the saw I want when mobility is more valuable than maximum power.
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