Features
- 15 amp motor
- Electric brake (stops blade after trigger release)
- Lightweight — 8.8 lb
- No-load speed: 5,200 RPM
- 57° bevel capacity with stops at 45° and 22.5°
- Maximum depth of cut: 2-9/16 in (at 90°)
- Maximum depth of cut at 45°: 2.0 in
- Integrated dust blower to clear line of sight
- Ball-bearing lower guard
- Durable high-grade aluminum base plate
- Patented cord-protection system (improved resistance to cord pull-out)
- On-board blade wrench storage
- Includes contractor bag and a carbide-tipped 7-1/4 in. blade
Specifications
Arbor Size | 5/8 in |
Blade Diameter | 7-1/4 in |
Disc Diameter | 7-1/4 in |
Power Source | Corded |
Amperage | 15 A |
No Load Speed (Rpm) | 5200 |
Max Cutting/Sawing Depth | 2.563 in |
Max Depth Of Cut At 90° | 2.563 in |
Max Depth Of Cut At 45° | 2.0 in |
Bevel Capacity | 57° (stops at 45° and 22.5°) |
Cutting Capacity | 2.563 in |
Has Dust Extraction | Yes |
Has Led Light | No |
Blade Location | Right |
Number Of Pieces Included | 4 |
Product Weight | 8.8 lb |
Product Height | 10.5 in |
Product Length | 16.25 in |
Product Width | 10.25 in |
Product Weight (Oz) | 140.8 oz |
Color | Silver, Yellow |
Included Items | Carbide-tipped 7-1/4 in. blade; user manual; contractor bag; blade wrench |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed |
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Corded 7-1/4 in. circular saw with a 15 A motor and an electric brake. The saw has a lightweight design (8.8 lb) and a bevel capacity up to 57° with detents at 45° and 22.5°. It provides a nominal no-load speed of 5,200 RPM, an integrated dust blower to clear the cut line, and on-board storage for the blade wrench. The base is a machined/high-grade aluminum plate and the lower guard uses ball bearings for smoother operation.
DeWalt 7-1/4 in. Lightweight Circular Saw With Contractor Bag (Tool Only) Review
A lightweight workhorse with power where it counts
I reached for this DeWalt circular saw because I wanted a full-size, corded sidewinder that didn’t feel like a brick after a day of framing and sheet-good work. After several weeks of ripping 2x treated lumber, breaking down plywood, and making clean crosscuts in maple, I can say it hits a sweet spot: plenty of power, genuinely light in hand, and simple controls that don’t get in the way of the cut.
Power and cut quality
The 15-amp motor has no trouble maintaining speed under load. Even when I buried a framing blade in wet 2x stock, it stayed composed and didn’t bog, which is where lighter saws often fall apart. No-load speed is 5,200 RPM, and with a decent carbide blade the surface finish is clean enough for utility cabinetry and shop fixtures. The included blade is fine for getting started, but swapping to a 24T framing blade for construction or a 40T+ for finish work really shows what the saw can do.
The electric brake is quick—on my sample it brings the blade to a stop in a second or two. That’s not just a safety win; it speeds up repetitive cuts when you’re moving fast.
Weight, balance, and ergonomics
At 8.8 pounds, the saw is meaningfully lighter than many corded 7-1/4-inch models. The weight savings show up most when you’re working overhead or making long runs along a straightedge. Balance is excellent; the rear handle and front knob line you up squarely behind the blade, and the saw tracks predictably along a fence.
This is a right-blade saw, so if you’re right-handed you’ll have more shoe to the left of the kerf and slightly less direct line-of-sight to the blade. The integrated dust blower helps a lot here—it keeps the cutline clear, and the cast-in sight notches on the shoe are easy to reference. If you strongly prefer a left-blade layout for visibility, that’s a legitimate preference call rather than a flaw of the tool.
The trigger is a simple single-stage design without a secondary lockout. I like the straightforward feel—no awkward safeties to defeat for a quick trim cut—but it does demand disciplined handling and proper storage.
Accuracy and setup
Out of the box, I always square the blade to the shoe and check the bevel stops. On my unit, the 90-degree stop needed a minor tweak, which is a 60-second adjustment with a machinist’s square and the set screw. Once dialed, the saw cut dead square across multiple 2x4s with no daylight.
I also check the alignment between the blade and the shoe’s cutline notches. The thin-kerf blade I use tends to wander about a saw blade’s width from the generic notch on any saw, so I scribed my own reference mark for both left- and right-of-kerf cuts. If you do precise layout, take five minutes to calibrate those references and you’ll be more accurate on first pass.
One caution: if your sample can’t be brought to square because the adjustment bottoms out, exchange it. A circular saw lives or dies on the flatness of its shoe and the squareness of its setup. Mine has a flat shoe and holds calibration, but it’s worth verifying before you commit it to a job.
Bevels and depth of cut
The bevel range runs to 57 degrees with positive stops at 22.5 and 45. For fascia miters, roof sheathing, and scribing cabinetry fillers, those detents are handy and repeatable. Bevel lockup is solid; once clamped, there’s no creep under load.
Depth capacity is generous at 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and a full 2 inches at 45. That matters more than spec sheet bragging rights; it means I can knife through double-stacked 3/4-inch plywood or dense 8/4 hardwood with room to spare. The depth scale is close enough for rough work, but for precise cuts I set depth by eye against the workpiece.
Guard action and plunge cuts
The lower guard rides on ball bearings and retracts smoothly. On narrow rips and compound angles, some saws snag as the guard transitions over the board’s edge; this one has been consistent for me. The manual retraction lever is placed a bit farther forward than on some models. With gloves on, I can still reach it, but smaller hands may find themselves adjusting grip to make a controlled plunge. I don’t wire guards open under any circumstances, so good placement and smooth action matter. Here, it’s good—just not perfect.
Dust management and visibility
There’s no vacuum port; instead, the integrated blower keeps debris off your line of sight. It works surprisingly well on plywood and MDF, which tend to obscure cut lines. You’ll still want to cut outside or use collection at the bench for sheet-goods breakdown—this is a blower, not extraction—but for line visibility it delivers.
The sight window is clean and the shoe markings are clear. I’d love an LED worklight for shadow-free cut starts; it’s not present here.
Build quality and durability
The machined aluminum shoe is flat and hasn’t picked up a bend after bouncing around in a truck and riding over a few hidden screws. DeWalt’s cord strain relief is robust; I’ve tugged and twisted it plenty without seeing the insulation creep. On-board storage for the blade wrench is a small thing that saves a surprising amount of time.
Controls feel sturdy: the bevel and depth levers clamp positively, the detents engage with a crisp click, and the shoe’s edges track well against a straightedge without wandering. I don’t baby tools, and this one hasn’t asked for it.
The contractor bag is basic but useful when I want to keep dust off other gear—and it has room for a spare blade or two and a short fence.
What I’d change
- Add a rafter hook. It’s a quality-of-life feature for framing and roof work.
- Offer an LED. Visibility at the start of a cut is worth the minor cost and weight.
- Consider a slightly closer guard lever position. It’s usable, but a few millimeters back would make plunge starts easier for more users.
- Tighten the factory 90-degree calibration. Mine needed only a tweak, but I’d prefer dead-on from the start.
None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re on my wish list for the next revision.
Who it’s for
If you want a corded circular saw that’s light enough to carry all day yet powerful enough for fast framing and clean plywood work, this one fits. It’s ideal for remodelers, framers who prefer sidewinders, and serious DIYers who want pro-grade performance without the heft of some magnesium-heavyweights. Left-blade devotees and those who prioritize built-in lighting or dust ports may be happier elsewhere.
Tips for getting the most from it
- Calibrate the 90-degree stop and scribe your own sight-line references before the first job.
- Match the blade to the task. Keep a 24T framing blade and a 40T+ finish blade in the bag.
- Set depth so the blade just clears the material by a tooth or two. It improves cut quality and safety.
- Use a straightedge guide for sheet goods. The shoe tracks well and rewards a proper fence.
Bottom line
I recommend this DeWalt circular saw. It delivers an excellent power-to-weight ratio, reliable braking, smooth guard action, and a wide bevel range in a package that’s easy to carry and simple to set up. The shoe is flat and durable, line-of-sight is helped by a good blower, and the controls inspire confidence. You’ll want to check squareness and tune it for your blades, and you won’t find extras like an LED, a rafter hook, or a dust port. But as a daily driver for framing, remodeling, and shop breakdown work, it’s a dependable, lightweight performer that earns its spot in the kit.
Project Ideas
Business
Custom Floating Shelves & Mantels
Offer made-to-measure shelves with beveled edges, hidden French cleats, and onsite installation. Upsell staining/finishing and LED under-shelf lighting. The saw’s 45° bevel and electric brake enable fast, precise production and safe in-home adjustments.
Mobile Door Trimming & Fitment Service
Provide onsite door and casing trimming for homeowners and property managers. Use a straightedge and dust control to undercut doors, trim bottoms for rugs, or fit warped frames. The 2-9/16 in depth handles exterior doors; the brake increases safety indoors.
Raised Garden Bed & Planter Kits
Produce flat-pack cedar garden beds and modern planter kits with beveled corners and pre-drilled holes. Sell locally and online with clear assembly instructions. Batch cutting with the circular saw keeps costs low and throughput high.
Sheet Goods Breakdown Service
Offer cut-to-size plywood/MDF breakdown for DIYers, artists, and small contractors who lack space or tools. Provide precise rips and crosscuts using a track jig and cut list. Charge by sheet and cut, with premium for rush or delivery.
Modern Wood Decor Microbrand
Design and sell geometric wall art, chamfered edge mirrors, slatted benches, and minimalist side tables. Leverage batch processing with stop blocks and angle jigs. Sell through Etsy, local markets, and interior designers; offer custom sizing.
Creative
Beveled-Edge Floating Shelves
Build sleek floating shelves with 45° beveled front edges to hide plywood layers and create a thick, solid look. Use a straightedge guide to rip plywood, tilt the saw to 45° for the face bevel, and cut the French cleat. The electric brake speeds repetitive cuts, and the dust blower keeps lines visible.
Herringbone Coffee Table Top
Cut uniform strips from plywood or hardwood and crosscut 45° miters using a speed square or miter jig for a herringbone layout. The 15A motor and 5,200 RPM provide clean cuts; the lightweight body helps with long session accuracy. Edge-band and finish for a modern, patterned tabletop.
Modern Tapered Planter Boxes
Create cedar planters with splayed sides using 5–12° bevels for tight corner seams. The 2-9/16 in max depth handles 2x material in a single pass. Add a 45° chamfer on the top rim for a refined finish. Great for sets in multiple sizes.
Geometric Wall Art Panels
Produce triangle, diamond, and hex patterns by batching precise strips and crosscuts with a simple angle jig. Use 22.5° and 45° angles for crisp geometry. The integrated dust blower keeps cut lines clear; the electric brake helps with fast, safe repetition.
DIY Track-Saw Straightedge Jig
Build a zero-clearance track jig from plywood to convert the saw into a panel-breaking system. Glue/screw a straight fence to a base, then trim it with the saw for a perfect reference edge. Use it to make dead-straight cuts on sheet goods for future projects.