The core distinction in this DeWalt DCS391 vs Milwaukee 2730-20 matchup comes down to motor design and maximum cut capacity. The Milwaukee 2730-20 integrates a brushless motor with an extended 2-3/16-inch vertical cutting depth, whereas the DeWalt DCS391 relies on a high-speed brushed motor turning at an elevated 5150 RPM for fast sheet stock severance.
Woodworkers already invested in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem who prioritize higher blade velocity for clean rip cuts should choose the DeWalt DCS391. Professional contractors who require the extended runtime of a brushless motor and maximum depth of cut for thick framing lumber should select the Milwaukee 2730-20.
DeWalt DCS391 vs Milwaukee 2730-20 at a Glance
| Attribute | DeWalt DCS391 | Milwaukee 2730-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Brushed | Brushless |
| No-Load Speed | 5150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Blade Diameter | 6-1/2 inches | 6-1/2 inches |
| Maximum Cut Depth at 90° | 2-1/8 inches | 2-3/16 inches |
| Maximum Cut Depth at 45° | 1-5/8 inches | 1-5/8 inches |
| Bevel Capacity | 0 to 50 degrees | 0 to 50 degrees |
| Shoe Material | Magnesium | Magnesium |
| Bare Tool Weight | 3.16 kg (approx. 6.96 lbs) | 6.8 lbs (6.3 lbs tool-only specification) |
| Included Blade | 18-Tooth Carbide-Tipped | 24-Tooth High Speed Steel |
| Safety Certifications | Not listed | CSA, ETL, UL Listed |
| Best For | General carpentry and plywood breakdown | Demanding framing and high-volume jobsite cutting |
Motor Technology and Efficiency
The fundamental divide between these two circular saws begins under the motor housing. The Milwaukee 2730-20 brushless circular saw utilizes an electronically commutated motor that eliminates friction-generating carbon brushes. In demanding construction environments, brushless operation produces less internal heat and draws energy more efficiently from the battery pack. The listing notes an 18-amp rating, and when paired with a compatible 4.0Ah battery pack, the tool optimizes energy delivery to sustain cut speed through dense material without wasting battery reserve.
In contrast, any rigorous DeWalt DCS391 review must highlight that the DCS391 relies on a traditional brushed motor configuration. While brushed motors deliver dependable startup response, the mechanical brushes generate physical friction, electrical resistance, and elevated operating temperatures under continuous load. When evaluating a dewalt 20v vs milwaukee m18 circular saw matchup, the brushed architecture of the DCS391 means you will achieve fewer linear feet of cutting per battery charge compared to the brushless circuitry in the Milwaukee tool. Those comparing standard circular saw lines may also study the dewalt dcs570 vs milwaukee 2730-20 to see how updated motor architectures alter runtime performance.
For tradespeople who make continuous cuts throughout the workday without immediate access to chargers, motor efficiency remains a critical productivity factor. The brushless engineering of the Milwaukee 2730-20 minimizes downtime and maintains cooler operation during repetitive cuts through structural lumber. The DCS391 still offers reliable operational service, but it will consume battery amp-hours at a noticeably quicker pace.
Edge: Milwaukee 2730-20 because its brushless motor design provides superior thermal management and significantly better energy efficiency per charge.
Cutting Depth and Material Capacity
When selecting a 6-1/2-inch cordless circular saw, baseplate clearance and overall cut depth dictate which dimensional timbers you can slice in a single pass. A technical comparison of the dcs391 vs 2730-20 cut depth reveals a slight but consequential difference at a standard 90-degree angle. The DeWalt DCS391 yields a maximum cutting depth of 2-1/8 inches (2.125 inches), whereas the Milwaukee 2730-20 achieves a depth of 2-3/16 inches (2.1875 inches). While an extra 1/16 of an inch may sound minor on paper, it grants critical leeway when riding over uneven rough-sawn lumber or making compound cuts through warped joists.
When addressing the question of choosing the dewalt dcs391 or milwaukee 2730-20 for framing, bevel cuts are equally vital. Both circular saws feature identical bevel capacities that adjust from 0 to 50 degrees, and both units provide an exact maximum cut depth of 1-5/8 inches (1.625 inches) at a 45-degree setting. Because nominal 2-inch dimensional lumber measures 1-1/2 inches in thickness, both saws successfully sever 2×4 and 2×6 boards at a 45-degree angle without requiring a secondary flip. However, the extra vertical clearance of the Milwaukee shoe gives it a slight mechanical advantage when clearing irregular structural lumber at zero degrees.
Material capacity also affects sheet good processing. Both tools easily glide through 3/4-inch subflooring, oriented strand board (OSB), and layered plywood. However, if your carpentry demands skimming through double-layered subfloors or cutting thick laminated beams, the deeper blade extension on the 2730-20 makes it less susceptible to binding near the bottom of the cut stroke.
Edge: Milwaukee 2730-20 due to its deeper 2-3/16-inch cutting depth at 90 degrees providing superior clearance over rough framing stock.
Blade Speed and Cutting Performance
Blade rotational velocity directly influences cutting smoothness, feed rate, and tear-out along the exit grain. The DeWalt DCS391 motor runs at a specified no-load velocity of 5150 RPM (with product tables stating 5100 RPM). This high rotational speed provides exceptional peripheral blade tip velocity, allowing the teeth to shave through wood fibers cleanly. In a dewalt dcs391 review, this elevated speed is universally recognized for providing swift, effortless ripping through sheets of Birch, MDF, and standard plywood.
The Milwaukee 2730-20 operates at a no-load speed of 5000 RPM. While 150 RPM slower than the DeWalt, the Milwaukee motor couples its speed with the torque benefits of brushless electronics to resist bogging down when encountering stubborn knots or wet framing material. Cutters looking to balance tool sizes across platforms often evaluate comparisons such as the dewalt dcs573 vs milwaukee 2730-20 to determine where high RPM intersects with electronic torque control.
The included accessories also impact initial cut character right out of the box. DeWalt packages the DCS391 with an 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade optimized for rapid framing work and framing cuts per charge. Milwaukee provides the 2730-20 with a 24-tooth high speed steel blade. The 24-tooth configuration yields cleaner edges with less splintering on finish cuts, whereas the 18-tooth DeWalt blade slices faster through dimensional lumber by virtue of larger gullets that clear sawdust rapidly.
Edge: DeWalt DCS391 thanks to its higher 5150 RPM blade speed that delivers quicker feed rates through standard sheet materials.
Shoe Construction and Jobsite Durability
Circular saws inevitably experience harsh jobsite realities, including drops from sawhorses, impacts in truck beds, and exposure to jobsite debris. Both manufacturers recognize this wear by utilizing magnesium baseplates rather than stamped steel or lightweight aluminum. Magnesium provides an optimal balance between structural rigidity and low mass, ensuring that the shoe resists bending when dropped. A bent baseplate ruins cut accuracy permanently, so both saws excel at preserving a true 90-degree alignment over long-term usage.
Where these tools diverge is in their certified build standards and compliance metrics. A comprehensive milwaukee m18 fuel 6 1 2 circular saw review reveals that the 2730-20 carries formal CSA, ETL, and UL Listed certifications. These industry certifications confirm that the saw complies with rigorous third-party safety and electrical standards. The product listing for the DeWalt DCS391 does not specify these specific independent testing marks, listing the field as unset, though DeWalt backs the saw with a 3 Year Limited Warranty.
General structural components also reveal subtle durability differences. The Milwaukee model incorporates a tough nylon handle assembly built to withstand heavy impacts without fracturing. DeWalt counters with an optimized rubber overmolded comfort grip designed to cushion the operator hand while safeguarding the primary handle chassis against scrapes and drops. Contractors choosing between heavy-duty cutting tools often weigh similar durability characteristics in comparisons like the dewalt dcs367 vs milwaukee 2720-20 before outfitting their tool chests.
Edge: Milwaukee 2730-20 due to its comprehensive CSA, ETL, and UL Listed safety certifications validating structural and electrical standards.
Form Factor, Weight, and Ergonomics
Fatigue can rapidly accumulate when operating a circular saw overhead, making repetitive cut-offs on rafters, or ripping sheet goods all afternoon. In terms of overall mass, the specifications list the DeWalt DCS391 at an item weight of 3.16 kg (approximately 6.96 pounds). The Milwaukee 2730-20 is listed at 6.8 pounds in the primary specification table, with a secondary tool-only weight noted as 6.3 pounds in the product description. In real-world handling, both units are exceptionally maneuverable compared to bulkier 7-1/4-inch circular saws, but the slight weight advantage sits with the Milwaukee bare tool.
Physical dimensions also influence how these tools handle in cramped spaces. The DeWalt DCS391 measures 15.5 inches in length, 8.5 inches in width, and 10.5 inches in height. The Milwaukee 2730-20 features a more compact profile in its primary spec table at 12.97 inches long, 6.48 inches wide, and 7.46 inches high, although its maximum extended tool length is listed as 16 inches in general product details. The narrower body of the Milwaukee unit allows it to nestle between narrower stud bays more readily.
Blade orientation plays an equally significant role in sightline visibility. The Milwaukee 2730-20 positions the blade on the left side of the motor housing. For right-handed operators, a left-blade orientation places the cutting line directly in clear, unobstructed view without requiring you to lean over the motor. The DeWalt DCS391 provides an optimized rubber overmolded comfort grip that dampens vibration and delivers superior balance, but the overall compact profile of the Milwaukee chassis provides a noticeable edge during awkward, off-balance cuts.
Edge: Milwaukee 2730-20 because its left-blade design gives right-handed users direct sightlines and its narrower footprint maneuvers better in tight quarters.
Blade Maintenance and Operational Features
Fast blade swaps minimize downtime when switching between coarse framing blades and finer crosscut blades. The DeWalt DCS391 features a dedicated keyless blade change system supported by an integrated spindle lock. This eliminates the necessity of hunting for a specific loose hex wrench or arbor key when a blade dulls on the jobsite. The spindle lock immobilizes the drive shaft, allowing you to loosen the arbor hardware quickly and safely.
The Milwaukee 2730-20 utilizes a standard 5/8-inch arbor hole, which matches the universal industry standard for 6-1/2-inch circular saw blades. This standard sizing ensures you can purchase replacement blades at any hardware outlet without worrying about proprietary arbor patterns or specialized adapters. However, the listing for the Milwaukee unit does not specify a keyless blade change mechanism, meaning traditional arbor wrenches are standard equipment for blade servicing.
When selecting cutting tools for extensive commercial work, tradespeople often evaluate mechanical maintenance factors across their entire cordless kit, analyzing matchups like the dewalt dcs380 vs milwaukee 2720-20 or the dewalt dcs367 vs milwaukee 2821-20. Having a dedicated keyless change mechanism on the DCS391 represents a distinct practical convenience that speeds up workflow whenever you regularly switch blade tooth counts between tasks.
Edge: DeWalt DCS391 due to its dedicated keyless blade change feature that streamlines field blade swaps without loose tools.
Pros and Cons
DeWalt DCS391
Pros
- 5150 RPM high-speed motor
- Keyless blade change spindle lock
- Lightweight magnesium shoe
- Rubber overmolded comfort grip
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Brushed motor architecture
- Slightly shallower cut at 90 degrees
Milwaukee 2730-20
Pros
- Efficient brushless motor
- Deeper 2-3/16 inch cut depth
- Left-side blade orientation
- CSA, ETL, UL listed certifications
- 24-tooth blade included
Cons
- Lacks keyless blade change
- Slightly lower 5000 RPM speed
View Milwaukee 2730-20 on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the DeWalt DCS391 If
- You already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and want a dedicated sidewinder saw for remodeling tasks.
- You prioritize higher no-load speed with 5150 RPM for cleaner cuts across delicate plywood and sheet stock.
- You want the convenience of a keyless blade change mechanism with a built-in spindle lock.
- You prefer a balanced sidewinder layout equipped with an ergonomic rubber overmolded comfort grip.
Choose the Milwaukee 2730-20 If
- You rely on the Milwaukee M18 battery system and need the efficiency of a brushless motor on the jobsite.
- You frequently cut rough dimensional lumber and require a deeper 2-3/16-inch cut capacity at 90 degrees.
- You are a right-handed carpenter who values the clear visibility of a left-sided blade configuration.
- You need tools verified by independent jobsite safety standards, including CSA, ETL, and UL listings.
Final Verdict
When weighing the overall capabilities of the milwaukee 2730-20 vs dewalt dcs391, the Milwaukee 2730-20 emerges as the overall winner for heavy-duty construction and professional trade applications. Its brushless motor architecture delivers extended runtimes on a single battery charge, while its superior 2-3/16-inch cutting depth provides essential clearance when slicing through thick framing lumber. Backed by solid magnesium shoe construction, left-blade sightlines, and comprehensive UL/CSA safety certifications, the 2730-20 is built to handle the rigorous demands of modern construction sites.
However, the DeWalt DCS391 remains an outstanding choice for general carpentry, workshop woodworking, and home renovation. Its motor spins at a blistering 5150 RPM, delivering faster blade movement that effortlessly tears through plywood and sheet goods with minimal tear-out. Factor in the keyless blade change system and comfortable ergonomic overmold, and the DCS391 stands as a highly dependable, practical option for anyone already established in the DeWalt 20V platform.
FAQ
What is the exact cut depth difference between the DCS391 and the 2730-20?
At a 90-degree angle, the DeWalt DCS391 cuts up to 2-1/8 inches deep, while the Milwaukee 2730-20 reaches 2-3/16 inches, giving the Milwaukee a 1/16-inch advantage. At a 45-degree angle, both circular saws offer an identical cutting depth of 1-5/8 inches.
Can the DeWalt DCS391 cut through nominal 2×4 lumber at a 45-degree angle?
Yes. Standard 2×4 lumber has an actual thickness of 1-1/2 inches. Because the DeWalt DCS391 provides a maximum cutting depth of 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees, it cuts cleanly through nominal 2x material in a single pass.
Is the Milwaukee 2730-20 worth it over brushed circular saws?
When considering is milwaukee 2730-20 worth it, the answer depends on your workload. If you make continuous cuts throughout the day, the brushless motor provides cooler operation, longer motor life, and greater runtime per battery charge compared to brushed alternatives.
What blade size do these circular saws take?
Both circular saws use standard 6-1/2-inch diameter blades. The Milwaukee listing notes a 5/8-inch arbor hole, which is the standard size for 6-1/2-inch blades in this category.
Are batteries and chargers included with either tool?
No. Both the DeWalt DCS391 (model DCS391B) and the Milwaukee 2730-20 are sold as bare tools. You will need compatible DeWalt 20V MAX or Milwaukee M18 lithium-ion batteries and compatible chargers to operate them.
Which saw has a higher motor RPM rating?
The DeWalt DCS391 has the higher speed rating at 5150 RPM (with 5100 RPM noted in the spec sheet), compared to the 5000 RPM no-load speed specification of the Milwaukee 2730-20.
