Which DEWALT Circular Saw Actually Cuts Metal? Models Compared

Best for
High-volume residential framing crews

Best for
Carpenters needing a lightweight wood saw

Best for
Commercial steel framing and corrugated decking

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 7-1 4 is the manufacturer’s premier cordless solution for demanding metal fabrication. Recognized as the brand’s most powerful 20V MAX metal cutting circular saw, its brushless motor delivers up to 1,400 MWO of power. The listing highlights its exceptional jobsite endurance, noting that it cuts up to 214 20-gauge steel studs and up to 105 feet of corrugated decking. For crews needing a dedicated dewalt saw for steel studs, this unit provides deep capacity alongside essential debris management.

Equipped with a 48-tooth carbide blade and an integrated chip collector, this dewalt DCS383B model captures hot metal shavings directly at the cut line. An electronic brake stops blade rotation in under one second after trigger release. It also integrates Tool Connect+ technology, allowing commercial contractors to monitor asset location, utilization, and tool safety through the DEWALT Site Manager app.

This saw suits commercial drywallers, mechanical trades, and roofing contractors cutting sheet metal and corrugated panels. Its 2-5/8-inch cut depth handles thick stock in a single pass. However, at 13.3 pounds, it is a heavy tool that prioritizes power and chip collection over lightweight overhead agility.

• Brushless motor delivering up to 1,400 MWO of power
• Cuts up to 214 20-gauge steel studs and 105 feet of corrugated decking
• Integrated chip collector with 2-5/8-inch depth of cut
• Sub-second electronic brake with Tool Connect+ tracking

Best for
Electricians cutting conduit and strut channel

The DEWALT DCS373B 20V Max Lithium Ion is a compact cordless cutter designed for light-gauge metallic construction materials. Operating with a 460 MWO motor at 3,700 RPM, this dewalt DCS373B saw is geared specifically to reduce friction and heat buildup during metal cuts. Its 5-1/2-inch 30-tooth carbide-tipped blade cleanly slices through strut channel, electrical conduit, and sheet metal without damaging work surfaces.

Visibility is enhanced by a bright LED light featuring a 20-second delay after trigger release, complemented by a Sight-Line window that gives an unobstructed view of the cutting path. The tool features a high-strength steel shoe that resists chip abrasion, paired with an optimized rubber overmolded comfort grip that provides control during one-handed or horizontal passes.

This dewalt 20V MAX metal cutting saw suits electricians, plumbers, and HVAC installers working in cramped mechanical spaces. In our dewalt circular saw comparison, it excels at maneuverability. However, because it features a fixed 90-degree cutting angle without bevel capability, users needing angled metal cuts must utilize stationary chop saws or specialized jigs.

• Specialized 460 MWO motor running at 3,700 RPM for metal
• 5-1/2-inch 30-tooth carbide blade for clean metallic cuts
• Sight-Line window and LED with 20-second delay
• Durable high-strength steel shoe resisting abrasive chip buildup

When cutting demands exceed handheld tools, the DEWALT Metal Cutting Saw provides stationary workshop performance. Known as the DW872 Multi-Cutter chop saw, this corded unit features a 15-amp, 4-horsepower motor paired with a 14-inch, 66-tooth carbide-tipped blade. Unlike abrasive chop saws that use consumable friction discs, this tool maintains a constant depth of cut throughout blade life while cutting both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

The performance of this dewalt DW872 metal cutting saw offers a dramatic improvement over traditional tools. Listing specifications note that it cuts four times faster than abrasive chop saws and eight times faster than portable band saws in 2-inch by 2-inch by 1/4-inch angle iron. Its specially designed carbide teeth deliver cool-to-the-touch, virtually burr-free cuts that eliminate the need for prep grinding before welding.

This saw is ideal for fabrication shops and structural contractors processing heavy tubing, solid bar, and thick angle iron. It provides class-leading capacity, cutting 5-3/16-inch round and 4-1/2-inch by 6-1/2-inch rectangular stock. Its horizontal handle reduces wrist fatigue. Because it is a corded bench tool, it trades portable jobsite flexibility for raw workshop cutting capacity.

• Potent 15-amp 4 HP motor designed for ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• 14-inch 66-tooth carbide blade producing cool, virtually burr-free cuts
• Cuts 2x2x1/4-inch angle iron four times faster than abrasive chop saws
• Class-leading capacity handling up to 5-3/16-inch round stock

The DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw is a cordless sidewinder model engineered for woodworking and residential construction. Powered by a 5,150 RPM motor and a 6-1/2-inch 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade, it easily cuts two-by lumber in a single pass. It features a lightweight magnesium shoe, a bevel capacity from 0 to 50 degrees, and a keyless blade change system. For general framing, this dewalt 20v circular saw 6 1/2 tool offers proven handling and balance.

Shoppers looking for a dewalt metal circular saw must note that this tool has an official surface recommendation of wood. Its 5,150 RPM speed is far too fast for cutting steel, generating extreme friction that rapidly ruins blade teeth. Additionally, the open motor casing lacks a chip collector, allowing hot metal shavings to enter the motor housing and risk internal electrical failure.

This saw suits residential carpenters, DIY builders, and remodelers cutting plywood, dimensional lumber, and roof decking. It reaches a 2-1/8-inch cut depth at 90 degrees. However, when metallic workpieces need cutting, users should move to a dedicated metal cutter.

• High-speed 5,150 RPM motor designed for rapid wood cuts
• 6-1/2-inch 18-tooth carbide blade cutting 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees
• Lightweight magnesium shoe with 0-50 degree bevel range
• Keyless blade change mechanism and spindle lock

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless saw, designated as the DCS590B, is DEWALT’s most powerful 20V circular saw for wood framing. Its brushless motor produces up to 1,700 MWO and a no-load speed of 5,500 RPM, completing up to 368 cuts per charge. With a 7-1/4-inch blade capacity, it achieves a cut depth of 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees, slicing through thick framing stock effortlessly.

Featuring a blade-right configuration and an ergonomic top handle, this dewalt DCS590B model delivers excellent visibility for long rip cuts. An automatic electric brake halts the blade promptly once the trigger is released. Built with durable composite and brushed construction, it stands up to tough jobsite handling.

This saw is built for framing contractors and remodelers who require maximum runtime from their standard 20V batteries. However, because it is engineered for high-speed wood cutting without chip collection, it should not be used on steel studs or sheet metal. For wood framing, it is an exceptional choice, but metal cutting requires a dedicated low-speed tool.

• Brushless motor delivering up to 1,700 MWO of power
• High-velocity 5,500 RPM speed with up to 368 cuts per charge
• Deep 2-9/16-inch cut depth at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees
• Automatic electric brake for quick blade stoppage

Best for
Heavy timber framing and roof trusses

The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* Circular Saw represents the pinnacle of cordless framing power. Operating on DEWALT’s 60V MAX battery platform, this DCS578B saw generates 2,456 unit watts out, delivering up to 47 percent more power than earlier 60V models. Its 5,800 RPM motor powers a 7-1/4-inch 24-tooth carbide blade through tough engineered beams, dense framing lumber, and wet timbers without hesitation. Contractors requiring corded-grade cordless muscle often select dewalt 60v max tools for this reason.

The saw includes an aggressive 57-degree bevel capacity with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees, alongside an integrated rafter hook and cutline LED light. An electronic brake stops the blade quickly after trigger release, while the 2-9/16-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees handles thick construction lumber easily.

This dewalt DCS578B FLEXVOLT saw suits heavy timber framers and roofing crews. However, the listing lists wood as its recommended surface. Its 5,800 RPM speed is unsuited for metal cutting, generating hazardous heat and uncontrolled sparks. For cutting steel, choose a dedicated cold-cut metal saw.

• FLEXVOLT 60V motor delivering 2,456 unit watts out
• 5,800 RPM blade speed with automatic electric brake
• 57-degree bevel capacity with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees
• Integrated cutline LED light and fold-out rafter hook