First Impressions: Getting to Know the Saws
DeWalt DCS590 (7-1/4 inch): The Rugged Workhorse
When you first pick up the DeWalt, the word that immediately comes to mind is “solid.” It’s got a noticeable heft, and the all-metal construction just screams durability. You get the sense that this is a tool built to take a beating, day in and day out. It definitely looks and feels like a no-nonsense workhorse, ready to tackle whatever you throw at it.
Other DeWalt Tools reviews.
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Other Milwaukee Tools reviews.
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Where to Buy (Shop Around!):
- Online: Amazon. Always worth checking their prices first.
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- Big Stores: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Acme Tools. Brick-and-mortar if you prefer to see it in person. Check for bundles and deals.
Milwaukee 2834-20 (7-1/4 inch): The Modern Powerhouse
The Milwaukee, on the other hand, offers a different vibe. It feels sleeker, more refined. Being part of their M18 FUEL™ lineup, you can tell there’s a deliberate focus on balancing raw power with precise control. It’s got that modern Milwaukee look and feel – well-built, balanced, and promising to handle tough cuts without feeling like you’re wrestling a bear. It just feels… capable.
Putting Them Through Their Paces: My Testing Methodology
I wasn’t about to just give these saws a casual once-over. I wanted to see how they truly performed when the going got tough. Here’s the breakdown of how I put them to the test:
Speed Trials: The Clock Doesn’t Lie
I set up a series of common cuts to see which saw could get the job done faster:
- 2×4 Crosscut: A simple, straight cut across a standard 2×4. I focused on maintaining consistent pressure and a straight line.
- Bevel Cut (45° on 2×10): An angled cut through a wider 2×10 to see how each saw handled a more complex cutting scenario.
- Rip Cut (3/4-inch OSB flooring): Cutting lengthwise through a piece of OSB, something I find myself doing quite often when working on subfloors.
For each of these cuts, I ran the test three times with each saw and then calculated the average time to get a clear picture of their performance.
Speed & Performance: Let’s Look at the Numbers
| Test | DeWalt DCS590 | Milwaukee 2834 | Difference |
| 2×4 Crosscut | 8.32 sec | 10.42 sec | +2.10 sec |
| Bevel Cut (45° on 2×10) | 4.12 sec | 6.5 sec | +2.38 sec |
| Rip Cut (3/4-inch OSB) | 3.73 sec | 3.65 sec | -0.08 sec |
My Take: It’s pretty clear from the numbers that the DeWalt generally had the edge in terms of speed during my tests. Those extra couple of seconds might not seem like a huge deal on a single cut, but when you’re tackling a big project with dozens or even hundreds of cuts, it can definitely add up and save you some valuable time and energy. Interestingly, the Milwaukee managed to just barely edge out the DeWalt on the OSB rip cut, which was a bit of a surprise and shows that real-world performance can have its little quirks.
How They Handled Different Materials: Beyond the Stopwatch
Beyond just raw speed, I was keen to see how each saw felt when cutting through the various types of wood I encounter regularly:
- Softwood (Pine): Both saws made quick work of pine, as you’d expect. However, I noticed that the DeWalt’s thinner blade seemed to glide through the softer wood with just a hair less resistance. It felt almost effortless.
- Hardwood (Oak): This is where the differences became a little more pronounced. The Milwaukee’s thicker blade gave a noticeably cleaner and smoother cut in the oak. The DeWalt still got the job done, but I found I needed to apply more consistent pressure to avoid any bogging down.
- Plywood: Both saws handled plywood quite well, delivering decent, relatively splinter-free cuts. I did notice that the Milwaukee’s base seemed to glide a little more smoothly across the plywood surface, which was a nice touch.
- MDF: Ah, MDF – the bane of many a woodworker’s existence. Both saws managed it okay, but let’s be honest, for serious MDF work, you’d probably want to pair either of these with a blade specifically designed for it. Neither one stood out as significantly better here.
- Knots: This was perhaps the most surprising observation, and it actually lined up with some other reviews I’d read. The Milwaukee seemed to power through knots more efficiently and with less hesitation than the DeWalt. That’s a significant advantage if you often work with lumber that isn’t perfectly clear. It just felt like the Milwaukee had more torque to push through those tough spots.
Ergonomics and Handling: The Feel in Your Hand Matters
For me, how a tool feels in my hand is a major factor. If it’s uncomfortable or unwieldy, it doesn’t matter how much power it packs.
DeWalt DCS590: The Classic Top-Handle Feel
The DeWalt features that classic top-handle design that many users are familiar with. The rubber over-molded grip feels comfortable and provides a solid sense of control. However, there’s no getting around the fact that it feels heavier than the Milwaukee, and this might become more noticeable during longer periods of continuous use. On the plus side, the lever-based depth and bevel adjustments are precise and incredibly easy to adjust quickly while you’re working.
Milwaukee 2834: Compact, Balanced, and Thoughtfully Designed
The Milwaukee feels more compact and noticeably lighter in hand. The new handle positioning that Milwaukee touts actually makes a real difference – I felt like I had a very secure grip and excellent control over the saw. It’s well-balanced, which really helps when you’re making longer, more intricate cuts. The depth detents are a clever addition, allowing for quick and easy adjustments to common depths like 3/4″, 1″, and 1-1/2″. And the metal lever for the bevel adjustment feels significantly sturdier than the plastic knob you sometimes find on older models. Little details like the upgraded LED light, which really focuses on the cutline, and the improved dust blower are also genuinely helpful in real-world use.
Feature Breakdown: Getting Down to the Specs
Let’s take a quick look at some of the key specifications of these two saws:
| Feature | DeWalt DCS590 | Milwaukee 2834 |
| Blade | Thin kerf | Thick kerf |
| Base | Aluminum | Magnesium with coating |
| Battery & Price | Bare tool ~$249, Kit ~$349 (8Ah battery, charger, bag) | Bare tool ~$249, Kit ~$449 (12Ah battery, charger, bag) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
Pros and Cons: My Honest Opinion
DeWalt DCS590:
Pros:
- Undeniably faster in my speed tests.
- The kit price is more attractive if budget is a primary concern.
- Feels like a robust and dependable tool.
Cons:
- The aluminum base can sometimes feel like it drags a little, especially on softer materials.
- Shorter warranty compared to the Milwaukee.
- Seemed to struggle a bit more with knots, and I occasionally felt a slight drop in power during heavier cuts.
Milwaukee 2834
Pros:
- Provides an incredibly smooth and stable cutting experience.
- The longer 5-year warranty is a significant advantage in my book.
- More comfortable and easier to maneuver, especially during extended use.
- Handles knots and denser materials with more confidence and less hesitation.
- The option to use Milwaukee’s high-performance Forge batteries offers a potential future upgrade path.
Cons:
- Consistently slower in my initial speed tests.
- The kit option comes with a higher price tag.
- The thicker kerf blade might not be ideal if you prioritize the absolute fastest cuts in every situation.
My Final Verdict: Which Saw Gets My Vote?
Alright, after spending a good amount of quality time with both of these impressive cordless circular saws, here’s where I ultimately landed. If your absolute top priority is pure, unadulterated cutting speed, and you’re looking to save a bit of money upfront, then the DeWalt DCS590 is likely going to be a solid choice for you.
However, for my personal needs and preferences, the Milwaukee 2834 just barely edges it out. The noticeably smoother cutting experience, the more comfortable and balanced handling, the peace of mind that comes with the longer warranty, and the way it confidently powered through those stubborn knots all contributed to a more confidence-inspiring experience overall. While it might have been a tad slower in some of my initial speed tests, the overall package feels more refined and better suited for the long haul. Plus, knowing I have the option to further boost its performance with a Forge battery down the line is a nice bonus.
Ultimately, the “best” saw for you will depend entirely on what you value most in a tool and the specific demands of your projects. My hands-on experience should hopefully give you a clearer picture to help you make the right decision for your needs.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you had the chance to use either of these cordless circular saws? What have your experiences been? – I’m always eager to hear what other folks think!
Is a tool excellent? That's what I'm here to help you figure out! My name is Aadie, and I'm not just reviewing tools online; I use them daily at my workshop.
Workshop Life at Tiptronic for 12 Years:
For over 12 years now, I've been running Tiptronic, my workshop. I've got a team of 12 people, and we use tools all the time for all sorts of projects. Think about it –we depend on these tools to complete our work. So, I know what works and what doesn't in the real world, not just in a test lab, as you might find in some reviews.
Engineering Smart, Tool Smart:
I studied Mechanical Engineering at Mehran University a while back (I graduated in 2010!). I even worked for a couple of years at Atlas Engineering. So, I get the technical side of things, too—how tools are built and why they work the way they do. This experience comes back to how we do things and how I review tools.
Power Tools, Hand Tools, Car Tools - I Know them
Regarding tools, I've used nearly everything: power tools, hand tools, and even stuff for cars. If it's a tool, and we use it in a workshop, I've probably got my hands on it at my workshop.
Not Just Talk - I've Got the Papers (but they're not the point!) - Just Like We Focus on Results at Tiptronic:
I've also earned some certificates, like CQE and CSEP, and even took a Google Project Management course. That's just to show I know my stuff and I'm serious about quality and getting things right. But really, my workshop is where I learned the most. It's all about getting the job done well.
How I Review Tools - Real and Honest:
When I write a review for Tool Tested, you can bet it's based on actual use. I test tools out in my workshop, whenever I can. If I haven't used a tool, I do my homework and research it properly before writing anything. I look at things like: Does it work well? Is it easy to use? The stuff you care about.
Helping You Choose the Right Tool
My friend started Tool Tested because we thought people needed honest information when buying tools online. There's so much out there that it's hard to know what to pick! I'm a contributor here because I want to share what I know and help you find the best tools for your needs based on what I've learned running my workshop for years.
Truthful Reviews You Can Trust (Because Honesty is Key):
I promise my reviews are honest. I'm all about facts, and I even link to where I got my info so you can see for yourself. I want to give you a straight story about tools so you can make a wise choice. We must make smart choices about tools daily at to keep things running smoothly.
Check out my latest tool reviews and get the real deal from someone who uses tools daily! Got a question about a tool? Just ask in the comments!
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