1. Important Safety Information
Always read and understand all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
- Wear Eye Protection: Always wear appropriate eye protection that complies with current national standards.
- Hearing Protection: Use hearing protection during operation.
- Respiratory Protection: Wear a dust mask in dusty conditions.
- Secure Workpiece: Always clamp or secure the workpiece to a stable platform.
- Keep Hands Clear: Never place hands near the cutting blade.
- Proper Blade Selection: Use only blades designed for the material being cut and the saw's specifications.
- Maintain Good Grip: Ensure a firm grip on the saw handles during operation.
- Electric Brake: The saw is equipped with an electric brake that quickly stops the blade after the trigger is released. Do not attempt to override this safety feature.
- Battery Safety: Use only specified DEWALT 20V MAX* Lithium Ion batteries and chargers.
2. Product Components
The DEWALT DCS565P1 Circular Saw kit includes the following components:
- (1) DCS565 20V MAX* 6-1/2 in. Brushless Cordless Circular Saw
- (1) DWA161218 Saw Blade (6-1/2 inch, 18T)
- (1) Blade Change Wrench
- (1) Optional Dust Chute
- (1) Charger (DCB115)
- (1) 20V MAX* Lithium Ion 5.0Ah Battery (DCB205)
- (1) Kit Bag
Figure 1: Contents of the DEWALT DCS565P1 20V MAX* 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw Kit, including the saw, battery, charger, blade, wrench, dust chute, and kit bag.
Figure 2: Key components of the DEWALT DCS565P1 Circular Saw, highlighting the rafter hook, electric brake, brushless motor, and dust port.
3. Setup
3.1 Charging the Battery
Before first use, fully charge the 20V MAX* Lithium Ion battery (DCB205) using the provided charger (DCB115).
- Connect the charger to a standard power outlet.
- Slide the battery pack onto the charger until it clicks into place.
- The charger's indicator light will show the charging status. A red blinking light indicates charging. A solid red light indicates a fixed light, meaning the battery is fully charged.
- Once fully charged, remove the battery from the charger.
3.2 Installing/Changing the Saw Blade
Always ensure the battery pack is removed from the saw before installing or changing the blade to prevent accidental startup.
- Locate the blade change wrench stored in the saw's handle.
- Press and hold the spindle lock button to prevent the blade from rotating.
- Using the blade wrench, rotate the arbor bolt clockwise to loosen it (this is a reverse thread).
- Remove the outer washer and the old blade.
- Install the new 6-1/2 inch blade, ensuring the teeth are pointing in the direction of the arrow on the lower guard.
- Replace the outer washer and tighten the arbor bolt counter-clockwise firmly, but do not overtighten.
- Return the blade wrench to its storage location.
Figure 3: Close-up view of the 6-1/2 inch saw blade, showing the direction of rotation arrow and teeth.
3.3 Attaching the Dust Chute
For dust collection, attach the optional dust chute to the saw's dust port.
Figure 4: The optional dust chute attached to the circular saw, designed to direct sawdust away from the cutting area.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Adjusting Depth of Cut
The saw features tool-free depth adjustment:
- Loosen the depth adjustment lever.
- Raise or lower the shoe to the desired depth, aligning with the scale.
- Tighten the depth adjustment lever securely.
Figure 5: A hand adjusting the depth setting on the circular saw's shoe.
4.2 Adjusting Bevel Angle
The saw allows for tool-free bevel adjustments from 0° to 50°:
- Loosen the bevel adjustment lever.
- Tilt the shoe to the desired angle, aligning with the bevel scale.
- Tighten the bevel adjustment lever firmly.
Figure 6: The circular saw's baseplate tilted to demonstrate the bevel adjustment mechanism, showing the angle scale.
4.3 Starting and Stopping the Saw
To start the saw, press the safety lock-off button and then squeeze the trigger switch. To stop, release the trigger switch. The electric brake will quickly stop the blade.
4.4 Cutting Operation
Ensure the workpiece is stable and properly marked. Align the saw blade with your cut line. Start the saw before engaging the material and maintain a steady, controlled feed rate.
Figure 7: The DEWALT circular saw actively cutting a piece of wood, demonstrating its cutting capability.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the saw's exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Keep ventilation openings clear of debris.
- Blade Inspection: Inspect the blade before each use for sharpness, cracks, or missing teeth. Replace damaged blades immediately.
- Battery Care: Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not store batteries in a discharged state for extended periods.
- Brushless Motor: The brushless motor requires no brush replacement, reducing maintenance needs.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Saw does not start | Battery not charged or improperly inserted; Safety lock-off not pressed. | Ensure battery is fully charged and correctly inserted. Press the safety lock-off button before squeezing the trigger. |
| Blade binds or stalls | Dull blade; Improper depth or angle setting; Workpiece not secured. | Replace with a sharp blade. Adjust depth and bevel settings correctly. Secure the workpiece firmly. |
| Excessive sawdust | Dust chute not attached or clogged. | Attach the dust chute securely. Clear any blockages in the dust port or chute. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | DCS565P1 |
| Power Source | Battery Powered (20V MAX* Lithium Ion) |
| Blade Diameter | 6-1/2 Inches |
| No-Load Speed | 4950 RPM |
| Max Depth of Cut (90°) | 2-1/8 Inches |
| Max Bevel Capacity | 50 Degrees |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Special Features | Electric Brake, Rafter Hook, Bright LED |
| Item Weight | 7.6 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 15.87"L x 12"W x 8.75"H |
8. Warranty & Support
This DEWALT product comes with a limited warranty. For specific warranty details, registration, or technical support, please refer to the documentation included in your product kit or visit the official DEWALT website.
Online Support: www.dewalt.com
For further assistance, contact DEWALT customer service.





