DeWalt vs Makita circular saw - which one for a DIYer on a budget?

Hey all, first post here. I'm finally upgrading from my old hand-me-down circular saw (it's a no-name brand that smells like burning when I use it lol). I've narrowed it down to the DeWalt DWE575SB or the Makita 5007MG. I mostly do weekend projects - deck repair, some shelving, cutting plywood. Nothing crazy.

I'm leaning DeWalt because it seems cheaper and I already have a couple of DeWalt batteries from a drill kit. But everyone online says Makita is smoother and has better blade visibility. Is the Makita worth the extra $ for a casual DIYer? I don't want to buy twice but also don't want to waste money on features I won't use. Any advice appreciated!

Welcome to the forum Sam. First thing - safety glasses and hearing protection no matter which one you pick. Circular saws are no joke.

That said, I've used both on job sites for years. The Makita 5007MG has a magnesium base which makes it lighter and it holds up better if you're rough on tools. The DeWalt is a solid workhorse too but the plastic base on some models can flex if you're cutting thick stock.

If you already have DeWalt batteries, do those work with the corded saw you're looking at? Because both of those models you mentioned are corded. Just checking - you might be thinking of the FlexVolt or XGT lines. If corded is fine, I'd lean Makita for the build quality. But DeWalt is perfectly safe and capable for weekend stuff.

I do renovations full time and I've run both. Honestly for a DIYer the difference is marginal. The Makita is a bit smoother on start-up and the blade guard retracts nicer. The DeWalt has a better rafter hook if you ever use it on a roof.

One thing nobody mentions: blade selection matters more than the saw brand. Throw a good Diablo or Freud blade on either one and you'll get clean cuts. The stock blades are garbage on both.

Also check the arbor size - DeWalt is usually 5/8" and Makita might be different depending on region. Makes a difference when you buy replacement blades.

@SparkySam654 - if budget is tight, get the DeWalt and spend the savings on a nice blade + a decent straight edge guide. You'll be happier.

Thanks guys. Yeah I meant corded - sorry should've been clearer. My DeWalt batteries are from an old 18V drill so they won't work on the corded saw anyway.

@SparkySam433 good call on the blade. I didn't think about that. I'll grab a Diablo blade either way.

@BuildItBob665 appreciate the safety reminder. I've got the PPE already from other projects.

Sounds like Makita might be the better long-term buy but DeWalt is fine if I'm pinching pennies. Gonna sleep on it and check some local prices this weekend. Thanks for the help!