Motors on most hand drills don't have the horsepower to be able to function as a circular saw or table saw. Drills that are capable of being used as a saw, with the necessary attachments, would likely be suitable for only light cutting. I don't think forward vs. reverse is really an issue.
Safety concern of using a rigged-up saw vs. a proper saw could be a big issue, if you don't like the nickname "Stumpy".
If what you need to make requires carpentry-grade cutting only, buy a hand-held circular saw. If you need to do cabinetry-grade cutting, get a table saw.
If you anticipate needing the saw for just one project, are rentals available we to you?