DEWALT DW364K 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

Product Description

,makita 5007mga magnesium 7 14 inch circular saw,dewalt dw717 10 inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw,dewalt dws780 12 inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw,bare tool milwaukee 2645 20 18 volt m18 jig saw,milwaukee 6268 21 6 5 amp top handle jig saw Review This DeWalt circular saw is a rugged tool designed with professional carpenters' needs in mind. It has a 15 amp motor that produces a whopping 2,075 watts, which is equivalent to 2-3/4 horsepower. In less scientific terms those numbers mean this saw can slice through lumber like a tornado through a trailer park. If that's a little too fast for you, it also comes with an electric brake for quick stops. The generous 5-1/2-inch base pivots for depth of cut and bevels on a ball-joint mechanism that offers smoother, faster adjustments than the simple hinge arrangement typically found on other saws. It has a bevel capacity of 0 to 50 degrees, and--like the depth-of-cut gauge--the bevel gauge can be easily recalibrated if the saw takes a tumble on the job. Depth-of-cut adjustments are made by unscrewing the front handle a bit, adjusting to the desired depth, and screwing it back down tight. This operation is so smooth it can be done without even changing your grip on the saw, reducing downtime between cuts. The saw's construction is solid throughout and it should live a long life, even on the toughest job sites. Blade changes are quick, thanks in part to the easy-to-reach shaft lock button; however, onboard storage of the blade-changing wrench would be an improvement. This is a great tool for serious professionals in need of serious cutting power. At 12.3 pounds, it isn't the lightest model available, but big power doesn't come in small packages, and 7-1/4-inch sidewinder circular saws don't get any burlier than this. --Brian Trinen
This review is from: DEWALT DW364K 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake (Tools & Home Improvement)

Update 8/19/07 - I have recently discovered that there is a fence/shoe adjustment that allows you to precisely align the blade and shoe for all of your speed square cuts. To my knowledge - this feature is not available on any other saw.

Several years ago I had a chance to use a friend's Dewalt DW364. It was so amazing that I hoped my venerable Makita 8 1/4" contractor saw would die. The Makita is still running strong (it's 22 years old) but I finally bought a DW364 anyway.

This saw was not designed for the homeowner but for the professional carpenter.

It will be too heavy for the casual board cutter and the great design features will only be apparent to skilled pro's.

Circular saws have been built following the same basic design for years. Expensive circular saws had strong, durable motors and heavy duty fences while the cheapies had poor fences and poor motors. The depth and angle adjustments in either group were at best a suggestion of precision.

Dewalt to their credit decided to build a better saw and succeeded masterfully. The other saw manufacturers are still doing things the same old way.

What's great - Heavy duty fence, clear view of the cut point from the left hand side of the saw, notch to position power cord so it is out of the way on rips, clear and precise depth and angle adjustment, unbelievably smooth and powerful motor.

What's not - it's heavy yet it's mass makes it stable, although not as stable as a worm drive.

Caslo