Quick Overview
- The DeWalt 18V circular saw (DCS391, sold as “20V MAX” in the US) is a 6-1/2 inch brushed-motor saw built for framing, decking, and general jobsite cuts.
- It runs at 3,700 RPM with a 165 mm (6-1/2 in) blade and cuts up to 55 mm (2-3/16 in) deep at 90 degrees (DeWalt, 2026).
- Pro Tool Reviews scored it 8.0 out of 10, calling out strong value but a heavier body than most saws in its class.
- Bare-tool pricing runs about $99-109 in the US and £130-180 in the UK/EU, depending on retailer and kit contents.
- It’s a solid pick for homeowners and tradespeople already on DeWalt’s battery platform; buyers starting from scratch may get more saw per dollar from a brushless model.
What Is the DeWalt 18V Circular Saw?
The DeWalt 18V circular saw is a cordless saw built for cutting lumber, plywood, and sheet goods on a jobsite or at home. DeWalt sells the same tool under two names: “18V XR” in the UK and EU, and “20V MAX” in the US, because DeWalt rates its battery packs at a nominal 18 volts and a peak 20 volts (DeWalt, 2026).
The model most people mean by “DeWalt 18V circular saw” is the DCS391 (called DCS391N in the UK/EU, DCS391B as a bare tool in the US). It has been in DeWalt’s lineup for over a decade and remains one of the brand’s most reviewed cordless saws.
Key Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | DCS391 / DCS391N (UK-EU) / DCS391B (US bare tool) |
| Voltage | 18V nominal (20V MAX in US naming) |
| Motor type | Brushed |
| No-load speed | 3,700-5,150 RPM (varies by battery pack used) |
| Blade diameter | 165 mm (6-1/2 in) |
| Max depth of cut at 90° | 55 mm (2-3/16 in) |
| Max depth of cut at 45° | 42.1 mm (1-5/8 in) |
| Bevel capacity | 0-50 degrees |
| Weight (bare tool) | 3.2-3.8 kg (7-8.4 lbs), depending on battery |
| Shoe material | Magnesium |
How It Performs
Pro Tool Reviews tested the DCS391 head-to-head against other 6-1/2 inch cordless saws and gave it an overall score of 8.0 out of 10, with sub-scores of 8.0 for power, 7.0 for runtime, 8.0 for features, 8.5 for ergonomics, and 8.5 for value (Pro Tool Reviews, 2015). Their main critique: the saw weighs about a pound more than competing models in the same class, which shows up during all-day use.
What works:
- Smooth, accurate cuts through 2x lumber with room to spare
- Magnesium shoe holds up to repeated cuts without warping
- Rubber-overmolded handle stays comfortable during long sessions
- Compatible with DeWalt’s full 18V/20V MAX battery lineup, so existing DeWalt owners need no new batteries
What doesn’t:
- Brushed motor means more maintenance over time than DeWalt’s brushless DCS570 or DCS573
- No-load speed sits mid-pack against 7-1/4 inch saws designed for thicker stock
- Heavier than most saws in its size class, which can fatigue the wrist on repeated overhead or vertical cuts
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatible with the entire DeWalt 18V/20V MAX battery system | Brushed motor, not brushless |
| Magnesium shoe for long-term accuracy | About 1 lb heavier than class average |
| Comfortable grip for extended use | 6-1/2 in blade limits max cut depth versus 7-1/4 in saws |
| Reasonably priced as a bare tool | No integrated dust port on base model |
DeWalt DCS391 vs Alternatives
| Model | Price (bare tool) | Motor | Blade Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS391 | ~$99-109 | Brushed | 165 mm | DeWalt battery owners on a budget |
| DeWalt DCS570 (18V XR brushless) | ~$150-180 | Brushless | 184 mm | Buyers who want longer runtime and less maintenance |
| Makita DHS680Z | ~$140-160 | Brushless | 165 mm | Makita 18V (LXT) battery owners |
| Bosch GKS 18V-68 GC | ~$180-200 | Brushless | 165-190 mm | Connected/smart-tool users on the Bosch platform |
Pricing and Where to Buy
The DCS391 bare tool runs about $99 on Amazon US as of early 2026, with kit prices (saw, battery, charger, bag) landing between $150 and $230 depending on battery size. In the UK and EU, the DCS391N bare tool typically sells for £130-180, and kits with a 4.0-5.0 Ah battery run £180-250.
Check DeWalt’s official site first for current list price, then compare against Amazon and major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Screwfix – prices on this model shift often during seasonal tool sales.
Common Issues Buyers Report
Owner reviews aggregated on retailer sites consistently mention three patterns: the saw runs hot on long rip cuts in dense hardwood, the stock blade dulls faster than aftermarket carbide-tipped options, and the bevel adjustment lever can loosen over months of heavy use (eBay verified-buyer reviews, 2026). None of these are unusual for a saw in this price range, but they’re worth knowing before your first big project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DeWalt 18V circular saw the same as the 20V MAX version?
Yes. DeWalt markets the identical DCS391 saw as “18V XR” in the UK and EU and “20V MAX” in the US. The battery voltage naming differs by region, but the tool, motor, and specs are the same (DeWalt, 2026).
What size blade does the DeWalt 18V circular saw use?
It uses a 165 mm (6-1/2 inch) blade, which cuts through standard 2x lumber at 90 degrees with room to spare.
Is the DCS391 brushless?
No. The DCS391 uses a brushed motor. DeWalt’s DCS570 and DCS573 are the brushless 18V options if longer runtime and less motor maintenance matter more to you than price.
How deep can the DeWalt 18V circular saw cut?
Up to 55 mm (about 2-3/16 inches) at a 90-degree cut, and 42.1 mm at a 45-degree bevel.
Is the DeWalt 18V circular saw good for beginners?
Yes, for basic framing and sheet-good cuts. The ergonomic grip and clear depth/bevel scales make it approachable, though any circular saw needs care and eye/ear protection regardless of skill level.
How much does the DeWalt 18V circular saw cost?
Expect $99-109 for a bare tool in the US, or $150-230 for a kit with battery and charger. UK/EU pricing for the equivalent DCS391N runs roughly £130-250 depending on kit contents.
Should You Buy the DeWalt DCS391?
The DCS391 is a dependable, mid-pack cordless circular saw. It earns its 8.0/10 score from Pro Tool Reviews on value and ergonomics, not raw power (Pro Tool Reviews, 2015). If you already own DeWalt 18V/20V MAX batteries, the bare tool at roughly $100 is hard to beat. If you’re building a battery platform from scratch and don’t mind spending more, the brushless DCS570 gives you more runtime and less long-term maintenance for about $50-80 more.