Well, I have yet to buy a DeWalt tool that I haven't been happy with, and this saw is no exception. This saw makes consistent cuts and has a ton of great features. I would make two suggestions when buying it that some people may overlook:brFirst, I would buy a quality blade for use with your intended projects rather than the one included (it cuts, but as with most blades included with saws, probably isn't going to satisfy your needs)brSecond, I would strongly suggest picking up the optional rip fence (DW3278). You can usually find it up for around $10.00, and it makes long straight cuts infinitely easier. Definitely a good investment!brNevertheless, I am extremely happy with this saw. THe only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the included accessories (and lack of an included rip fence).

br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /This saw was not designed for the homeowner but for the professional carpenter.
br /
br /It will be too heavy for the casual board cutter and the great design features will only be apparent to skilled pro's.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /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.
br /
br /What's not - it's heavy yet it's mass makes it stable, although not as stable as a worm drive.
br /
br /Caslo

I picked up this saw/kit about 6 months ago and have used it inside and out up here in Maine. While I like the inside weather, it never cared how think the ice was on the lumber. I am a bit biased toward yellow tools anyway but I am really satisifed with this saw. A few notes though that keep me from giving it a perfect score. It arrived mis-adjusted, and it took some time to get it right. But that is also an advantage. To have a saw with a built in tracking adjustment is well worth it to be able to true up your saw blade with the base plate. Unfortunately, I can no longer use the pre-stamped cutting marks as I had to move it quite a bit to get things square. Secondly, the guard spring is way too tense. I build a lot of stairs and any cut that is more than a few degrees off of 90 to the wood, the tight guard spring will pull the saw off line. Since the saw is hefty, this really makes your wrist tire after a cutting a few ten step stringers. I'm going to take mine apart and loosen up that spring it is really way too tight. The weight does get to you after a few days of swinging it around and fighting that guard tension but I'm telling ya this thing cuts like wood like butter. By the way, do the right thing and break in the brushes like it says - otherwise the blade break will not work properly.

Powerful 7.25" saw. The saw easily rips and cross cuts hard woods such as mahogany, oak, and teak. For the extra few bucks it is worth having the adjustable height adjustment especially if you are thinking about building a deck. Used the saw for about a year with absolutely no problems or complaints.

Way back in '89 I destroyed a worm gear drive saw. I replaced it with a major brand, big discount store, consumer grade saw,,, then 2 more. Finally I realized that I had spent as much as a nice commercial grade saw would have cost, in just 4 years !! So I began studying and researching and found this saw. I never did like the way that the worm drive saw would torque to the side when I pulled the trigger. The saw wasn't hard to control after the initial start-up but that sideways jump annoyed me. So I didn't even consider another worm drive saw. This saw looked rugged enough and the base plate was precisely adjustable for paralell to the blade. I was sold. It self destructed in '04.
br /I did a short overview of what was available and still couldn't find anything I liked better,,so, in '04 I bought another one. This time though the saw has been upgraded to 15 amps from the previous 13 amps, and I couldn't be happier. 10 or 11 years from now if this one goes out again, I'll buy another one gladly. The smoothest running, straightest cutting, easiest to control saw I've ever seen has no competition. Well,,, maybe the 8 1/4 inch version of the same saw.

I researched a tested a number of circular saws before eventually choosing the DW364. I use the circular saw for light framing work, finish carpentry, and cabinet-making and I wanted a good, jack-of-all-trades tools that would be appropriate for the variety of projects I would use it for. After looking at comparable saws from Bosch, Makita, Hitachi, Porter-Cable, and Milwaukee, I short-listed the workhorse Makita 5007 and the DeWalt as the two that I would like to own. Initially, Makita's no-nonsense, field-proven design and reputation for reliability were winning me over, but I took a chance on the superior ergonomics and features of the DeWalt and didn't look back.
br /
br /There are two really standout features of this saw; the first is the precise and heavy-duty depth adjustment. Why don't other tool-makers build their saws this way? The stamped the sheetmetal rail and thumb-knob found on other saws is adequate at best, and unstable at worst. One of my 'tests' involved setting the depth gauge to it's shallowest setting, putting the saw on the floor, and leaning in to the handle with all my (220 lb) weight. Only the Makita and the DeWalt didn't deflect under this abuse, but the elegance of the DeWalt's design and the fact that the rear-pivot design keeps the attitude of the handle in roughly the same place, regardless of the depth setting, gave it a leg-up over the Makita.
br /
br /The second standout feature is the large and rigid hard-anodized aluminum shoe. The DeWalt's shoe appears to be about 30-percent bigger than those found on comparable saws and, unlike the Makita's die-cut aluminum shoe, the edges are machined smooth. Does this really affect the day-to-day performance of the saw? Probably not, but it is a nice detail. The DeWalt's shoe also appears to virtually scratch- and gouge-proof. I've seen my share of field-worn Makita 5007s to know that the their shoes are susceptible to gouging with use and abuse. For a framing saw, this is non-issue, but I'd hate for my saw to accumulate nicks and gouges that might scar the surface of finish cabinetry materials. Again, it is a nice detail that helps the DeWalt stand out from the rest. I tend to prefer cast shoes or even the stamped-steel ones found on many worm-drive saws but, as stamped aluminum ones go, this is the best.
br /
br /No saw is perfect, and this one has its faults. The chassis doesn't seem quite as sturdy or well put together as that of the Makita, but it is certainly comparable to those of the Bosch, Porter-Cable, and Milwaukee saws I looked at, and this saw is big and heavy for a sidewinder. But is seems to tackle anything you through at is with flying colors. Using the included 24-tooth framing blade it powers through wet 4X4s like a worm-drive; throw on a 40-tooth, thin-kerf Freud Diablo and you can precisely rip sheets of delicate 1/4" Baltic birch plywood with aplomb.
br /
br /This is probably the closest thing to the perfect circular saw you'll find. It has fulfulled all of my original purchase objectives and every time I use it, I am impressed with what a great design it is and how well it just works. If you only have room for one saw in your tool cabinet, I can't see how you'd go wrong with the DW364.

This saw is quite possibly the best saw I've ever used. It has perfect balance and feel, and plenty of power. The brake makes it easier to use on roofs and decks as well. I have used this saw in my home improvement business for a little over a year and have had no problems what-so-ever. A must for the professional builder.

I bought this saw after returning the DW368K. I thought the base plate on the 368K was too flexible, allowing the blade bevel. The 364 is solid, the base plate stays right where you want it. The depth gague is very handy. Mine wanted to stick a little at first, but a few squirts of powdered graphite, and the adjustment works smoothly. The saw has plenty of power. When ripping green treated 2x's, the saw didn't bog down. Also, I like the looks of the solid aluminum base plate.

Its a bit heavy, but it is also the best circular saw I've ever owned!

If your in the market for a high end circular saw this is the last saw you need to look at. I tried 4 other saws bought this one. Best adjustments great power. It took about 10 mins to true and square after that I was off and cutting. I like the weight of this saw it helps keep a clean line when you push a solid tool like this one through your work, light dosen't cut it for me. I like the front height adjustment you don't have to tilt the handle for control it's already to cut when you set blade depth. The case has plenty of storage space for blades. the base plate is solid and glides freely over cutting surface, clear line of sight. What else can I say besides "great tool" this tool will make the jobs you do easier, safer, shorter, and more professional.

In all my years of carpentry work, I have never used a better circular saw. It is easily adjustable, unbelievably durable, and loved by all that use it. In our company all 4 of our supervisors own one and not one of them would trade it for the world. I recently bought my own for side jobs and know that I will never be dissapointed!

Not bad, but not as good as I had expected. The height adjustment is rough, adjusting the blade for trueness is a total pain. They state that the blade is factory adjusted and ready to go. No way. When you try to adjust the blade to Zero degree's it has plenty of play in one direction but none the other way so you end up forcing the base plate to just barely get it straight. Could have done better on smoothing the metal, sounds like sand is in the works when you adjust the height.

I'm not a contractor, just a DIYer. This saw is probably too nice for me, but I love it. I cuts great with good balance. Ripping large pieces of plywood has never been easier. It does a good job of keeping the sawdust away from your face. The case is also convenient and built well. Go ahead and treat yourself to the last circular saw you will probably ever buy.

I bought this saw for my husband for his birthday and he was quite suprised at the quality, the feel of the saw in his hand and the overall sturdiness of the tool. We have only used it a couple of times but he is thrilled at the prospect of doing household projects and not having to haul everything tothe woodshop

BOUGHT THIS SAW PROBALLY 12 YEARS AGO STILL PERFORMS LIKE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. IT'S SEEN SOME HARD USE AND SOME HARD FALLS. TAKES A LICKIN, JUST LIKE A TIMEX. THIS SAW IS ONLY 13 AMPS THE NEWER ONES ARE 15 SO YOU JUST CANT GO WRONG WITH THE DW364.

In the process of building a new utility shed my old sears saw died on me,so I needed a new saw. I chose the dewalt because of previous experience with there products,and I have been very pleased.User friendly,great power, smooth cuts,and great adjustments.brif you are in the market for a 7 1/4 inch circular saw,I reccomend this one completely.

I bought another one of these to replace one that was stolen. It's bulletproof, dead accurate, and really really hard to break.

I have owned this saw for at least a year now, and I love it. Great heavy duty circular saw. I like it so much that I even treat it with respect. It is heavy, rugged, well built, powerful, handles well, and easy to use. The only thing that throws me is changing the depth of cut. It is no big deal, fast and easy to do, but the table hinges in back, and other saws I have owned hinge in front. Once I remind myself, its off to the races. I am an avid DIYer, and use the saw cut wonderboard, and framing and sheathing cuts. I also have a 12" De Walt chop saw that handles a lot of the framing chores, but this saw is great. You could build a house from the ground up with it. I don't use a rip guide. I clamp a small lock jaw pliers onto the table. For more accuracy I own the EZ Guide system. I leave the EZ Guide base on this saw. I sacrifice depth of cut, but it is not convenient to change and is useful to have.

I normally don't spend a lot of money on circular saws, but this saw is worth every penny. Very powerful and quiet. Super easy to adjust depth of cut.

This is certainly one of the best saws I have ever owned. It has enough power to cut through even the wettest pressure treated wood without kicking back or bogging down. I checked the saw blade for square to the shoe and it was perfect. The bevel and depth degrees are clearly marked and easy to adjust. The saw is a little heavy but that can be an advantage when cutting sheet goods.

After a great deal of research, I decided the DW364 offered the best design (greatest adjustment flexibility, good power, sturdy materials, and best reviews of the top-rated saws) for a price that is within budget. However, my new, unused saw is at the Dewalt repair store having a few parts replaced. The saw I received couldn't be adjusted to make a 90 degree cut. After briefly reviewing the trouble, the repairman's first comment was (paraphrased): "badly designed part; will have to replace it." I also asked him to replace the shoe, which wasn't flat. Everything else looked OK. All of my other Dewalt tools worked correctly out-of-the-box. I hope to have a great saw after the repairs. Why should a new saw need repairs?

Don't buy the DeWalt 7 1/4". I bought my first new skill saw in 10 years. Previously I have had great luck with Makita Tools. In an emergency, I picked up the DeWalt and took it to work. At first I loved it. Comfortable, light and accurate. But within a few hours of cutting 2x lumber, it soon went out of true. Then the shoe started to warp. I have not been able to get an accurate cut since. I am returning it and going to stick with my Makitas. I have six Makitas. Three 7 1/4", one 8 1/4", and a 10 " chop saw, and a new 10" compound slide miter which I love! I highly recommend all Makita tools. Also a guy on my crew has a Porter Cable 71/4" saw that has held up well and the shoe has a life time guarantee.