With so many options to choose from, looking for the best circular saw can be a bit daunting. There’s a huge selection of different brands and models and each comes with different types of features that are a bit hard to understand.
We know how frustrating this can be, especially if it’s the first time you’re buying this tool. So, in this article, we’ll talk about the different types of circular saws on the market. We’ll also discuss the different factors to consider when buying one.
Above all, we’ve compiled a list of the best circular saws and a short review of each of them. Hopefully, this can serve as your guide to choosing the best circular saw for your needs.
How Do Circular Saws Work?
First, let’s get to know more about this tool. A circular saw is a power tool that’s equipped with a round blade. The blade has a set of teeth that are capable of cutting different materials, even the toughest ones. As you cut through the materials, the blade will rotate and spin through the arbor, resulting in precise cutting of materials.
There are two types of circular saws. One is handheld and another is the mounted type. The handheld type is smaller compared to the mounted type. Mounted circular saws are more industrial in shape and are often attached to a workbench.
Understandably, the handheld circular saws are more portable than the industrial ones. Thus, they give you more freedom to move around as you work on certain types of materials. Circular saws are well capable of cutting different types of materials, especially sheet materials.
These handheld saws are much easier to use when making rips and crosscuts compared to the mounted ones. Some people are not that confident when it comes to handling handheld circular saws, but the best compact circular saw should be safe to use.
Plus, they are much easier to maneuver due to their compact size. Handheld circular saws will give you the freedom to carry the tool as you work on your project, which is much easier than carrying the material as you work on the saw.
Circular Saw vs. Worm Drive
There’s a confusion between the worm drive and a circular saw. These power tools are different from each other. The worm drive uses a gear that’s shaped like a screw and is often made of two elements – the worm wheel and the worm screw.
This tool can help to minimize the rotational speed and produce much higher torque. The biggest advantage of using a worm drive is that it’s capable of transferring motion at a 90-degree angle. In a worm drive, most of the weight is on the right side since the blade is on the left.
But with a circular saw, the blade is found at the right-hand portion while the weight is at the left hand. Since the saw is light in weight, it is much easier to use on overhead jobs without straining your hands.
But the biggest difference between the worm drive and circular saw is the rear or front positions of the gearing and motor. Your choice between the two will mainly depend on how you intend to use the tool.
Both saws are great and you’ll find great models in each of these types of saws. These two are some of the most popular power tools in the market and you can easily find them in your local home depot.
When deciding between corded or cordless saw, your choice will depend upon the saw’s capacity and power. Cordless saws usually have smaller blades compared to the corded ones. Thus, they may not have that much power to cut into thicker materials.
If you plan on using the tool for smaller DIY jobs and the materials that you plan on cutting are generally thinner, a cordless saw should be fine. However, if you intend to cut through thicker and larger materials, then it’s definitely recommended to choose a corded saw that you can plug into a power outlet.
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Circular Saw
When looking for the best circular saw, there are certain features that one must take into consideration.
Here are some of them:
Blade Size
The biggest difference between the compact and the best battery powered circular saws is the size of the blade. Blades of full-sized circular saws are usually 7.25 inches and capable of cutting depth of around 2-3/8″ to 3?.
Such cutting depth should be enough to cut any type of plywood and is even capable of cutting through a stacked 2 x 4. This depth is not really necessary for home use. It is best to go for the cordless circular saws for home use since their blades usually come in 6 ½ inches.
One important thing to keep in mind is that if your saw’s blade is bigger then cutting material will be faster too. Plus, higher blades are usually cheaper compared to those with smaller blades.
Design
The saw’s dust extraction system, minute features, cord length, spindle lock, and electric brakes will all affect the overall design of the saw. These are some of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing the right circular to buy. They also help to enhance the tool’s overall life and usage.
Blade Material
When deciding on the material of the blade, think about the type of material that you plan on cutting. If you’re going to use the saw in cutting wood, go for blades with tungsten carbide teeth. You’ll also find blades made from high-speed steel.
These blades are used mainly in projects that require exposure to high temperatures. If you’re going to use the saw for simple household work, then the carbide blades should be fine.
Dust Blower
When using the saw for cutting, sawdust will be produced. This could lead to inconvenience since it has the tendency to cloud the area for cutting. Some of the best models come equipped with a dust extraction system and they are the best ones to invest in.
Electric Brake
The electric brake is another important feature to think about. This works by reversing the saw’s current in order to prevent blade rotation when releasing the trigger. Such a mechanism is important for your safety when handling the equipment.
Laser Guide
Some of the latest models of circular saws come with the laser guide feature. This is a great feature as it helps to ensure that a straight or any desired cutting style will be accomplished. However, there are some users who have complained about the inefficiency of the laser guide on some circular saw models.
Bevel Adjustment
If the saw won’t cut in perpendicular to the material you’re working on, a bevel cut will be formed. The saw’s ability to tilt is now becoming a necessary feature. Basically, the saw’s wide bevel capacity can help you to easily cut through different types of angles.
Aside from the saw’s bevel capacity, the integration of a bevel positive stop is also a useful feature. It helps to take away the strains that could result when cutting through different materials.
Battery vs. Power Cord
Thanks to technological advancements, most of the circular saws on the market now come with an improved battery. Because of this, portable saws now enjoy optimal battery action.
But the problem with full-sized circular saws is that they have a tendency to use up the battery faster, which could interrupt your work once the battery is drained.
This is why the power-corded circular saw is a much better choice. Also, it’s worth noting that saws with longer power cords are usually better choices.
LED Work Light
The LED work light is much more efficient than the laser guide feature. With this feature, LED lights will be turned on after pressing the trigger. This helps clear the cut line views. However, this feature isn’t really that useful if you’re working outdoors under direct sunlight.
Top 10 Best Circular Saws
To give you an idea on which of the circular saws on the market are worth your money, check out the circular saw reviews below. Hopefully, these can help to give you an idea of what circular saw will work best for you.
First on this list is the Homitt 5.8A 3500RPM Compact Saw, which we believe is the best compact circular saw out there. Thanks to its excellent ergonomic construction, using this saw is definitely a breeze.
It comes with a rubber handle that provides a firm grip and with fewer chances of slippage. This machine will also not strain your hand no matter how long you will be using it for. The safety feature of the Homitt 5.8A 3500RPM Compact Saw is what makes it stand out from the rest.
You just need to press both the safety and power buttons together in order to operate. Not only that, but this tool comes with protective guards that optimize the machine’s safety and enhance its durability.
With a power of 5.8 AMP and a speed of 3,500 RP, this circular saw is well capable of cutting different materials. Its blades are very functional and are available in three different types, resulting in optimal performance.
In addition, this circular saw is equipped with the laser guide feature that allows for the accurate cutting of sheets. Plus, the unit’s bevel capability allows you to easily adjust your cutting to 45 degrees.
This unit also comes with a lever that will allow you to adjust the depths of the cut for up to 43 mm. Overall, this is a great saw to consider if you need something that can provide maximum control as you work on your projects.
Pros:
Comes with excellent protective features
Three different blade types
Covered with a 48-month warranty
Easy to operate and handle
Cons:
Not that lightweight
Produces very loud noise
2 – Ginour 4-1/2″ Compact Electric Circular Saw Set
When it comes to the best-corded circular saw, the Ginour 4-1/2″ Compact Electric Circular Saw Set is highly recommended.
With its powerful speed of 3500 RPM, this tool makes it easy to cut through plastic, wood, metal, tiles, and several other materials. It has a compact design with an ergonomic handle, making it easy to control when cutting through different sheets of materials.
Plus, it’s 1/3 lighter compared to the conventional saws, which adds to the convenience. The Ginour Compact Electric Circular Saw Set allows you to cut materials in a wide variety of cutting angles.
Furthermore, this circular saw is equipped with safety features. For instance, it has a laser guide that helps to ensure precise and easy cutting. It also comes with a double safety switch for safer cutting as it prevents the machine from getting opened accidentally as you work on your project.
Pros:
Powerful 5.8 AMP copper motor cutting at 3,500 RPM
Ergonomically designed handle
Compact design
Allows a wide variety of cutting angles
Comes with a double safety switch feature
Cons:
Some users complain that the laser guide isn’t that efficient
If you are in need of the best budget circular saw, do check out the SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw. It’s one of the most affordable models in this list. Yet, it’s loaded with features that make using this tool a breeze.
One of the features that make this circular saw stand out from the rest is its compatibility with arbor-sized blades. Thus, it’s very useful for cutting raw woods into 2 x 4s.
In addition, this model is among the lightest you’ll find with a weight of only 8.7 lbs. This helps minimize fatigue on the hands as a result of working on heavy saw machines.
Just like with the other excellent models of circular saws on this list, this model comes with a laser guide that marks the direction of the sheet to be cut. The tips of the blade are made of a 7 ¼-inch carbide and it comes with a spindle lock feature that allows you to easily change the blade.
Pros:
Comes with a sawdust blower that helps to keep the cut line visible
Safety button that’s easy to use
Handle hole and trigger are large enough
Lightweight compared to other saws of the same power
Cons:
Doesn’t come with electric brakes
No built-in light for visibility when cutting
4 – TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle TCS115A
Most of the mini circular saws that you’ll find on the market are one-handed, making them a great choice if you need the best compact circular saw. But even though they are fairly lightweight, it can be a bit exhausting to use these tools with only one hand.
The TACKLIFE Circular Saw is here to address this issue. This unit is equipped with a smart feature that makes cutting through materials more stable as it gives you better control over the equipment. The saw’s 5.8 amp of power and 3,500 RPM speed result in a more reliable performance.
In addition, this unit has six blades that allow for easy adjustments, depending upon the type of material that you intend to cut. This model should be able to effortlessly cut wood, tiles, and soft metals. Its bevel feature has the flexibility of 90-degree and 45-degree, allowing for a more precise angled cut.
To improve precision, this saw has a laser guide, which is an innovative feature that comes in handy when working on a dimly lit environment. In addition, the ergonomic design of the saw allows for added convenience and better control.
Pros:
Bevel settings
Comes with laser guide for utmost precision
Ergonomic and lightweight build
Metal handle stick
When you search for the top 10 best circular saws online, the Meterk 1800w Circular Saw is one of the models that will show up on every list. That’s not really surprising given the great features that this unit comes with.
First of all, this model has a laser guide that allows precise cutting on straight lines. In addition, this saw has a powerful 15-amp power and works at 4,700-RPM speed. It also comes with two blades that make cutting wood, plastics, and other materials a breeze.
One of the great features of this circular saw is the dust outlet. This feature helps to speed up your cleaning process although it can sometimes be a bit of a headache to operate, especially if a vacuum is attached. Also, some users complained that the laser guide doesn’t help much when making accurate cuts.
Pros:
Comes with a powerful 15-amp motor
Excellent speed of 4,700 RPM
Great customer service
Double safety switch
Comfortable grip handle
Cons:
Base tend to get loose
The laser guide isn’t reliable
If you’ve read some of the circular saw reviews online, you’ll find that the Avid Power Circular Saw is one of the products that have gained many positive reviews, thanks to its excellent performance and durability.
Capable of cutting through a wide range of materials, this saw can also be used for cutting through corners and straight lines, both vertically and horizontally. The bevel lever of the Avid Power Circular Saw allows you to freely change the cutting angle from zero degrees to 45 degrees.
This unit has n adjustable cutting depth, with a maximum cutting depth of 1-11/16-inches at 90-degrees and 1-1/8-inches at 45 degrees. This circular saw is also equipped with a laser guide that helps you achieve precise cutting. It emits a red light that allows for easy visibility.
Furthermore, this unit includes a vacuum adapter so you can easily hook it up with a vacuum that will suck all sawdust away. There’s also an aluminum guard as well as safety buttons for added safety and durability.
Compared to other circular saws, this circular saw is more compact. Its handle is rubber-coated allowing for better control and comfort when cutting through materials.
Pros:
Bevel cutting feature allows for flexibility
Comes with laser design and dust extraction port
Compact design with a powerful motor
Easy and comfortable to control
Ergonomic design with safety features
The PORTER-CABLE 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is highly recommended for those who are looking for the best-corded circular saw that doesn’t cost a lot of money. But despite its affordable price, this tool comes with excellent features that can compete with the more expensive models.
First, it has a 15 AMP power and operates at a speed of 5,500 RPM. This amount of power and speed should be enough to use the saw in cutting through different materials and various applications.
The shoe is made of magnesium and the upper and lower guards are made from durable metal, which adds to the material’s durability. Equipped with spindle lock and depth adjustment features, this tool is capable of cutting through metal sheets fast.
Weighing only 9 pounds and coming with Aux handle, which provides comfort as you work on your project, the PORTER-CABLE Circular Saw is highly recommended for all users.
Pros:
Powerful 15-amp motor
An impressive speed of 5,500 RPM
Equipped with spindle lock
Very comfortable to use
Weighs only 9 pounds
Coming at a very low price, the TECCPO Circular Saw with Laser TACS01P is one of those models that we would recommend as the best budget circular saw. But don’t let the affordable price fool you.
This unit certainly has a lot to offer in terms of features. First of all, the TECCPO 12A is equipped with a fine copper motor that works at 5,500 RPM in seconds, which is around 130% faster compared to other circular saws of the same caliber.
The saw’s low resistance copper motor is capable of delivering less heat compared to the aluminum motor, which helps extend the lifetime of the machine. The TECCPO Circular Saw comes with several value-added accessories.
For one, the carbide tips of the blades are able to withstand even the harshest conditions, which will save you more money. The blade is made of alloy TCT material that’s known for its high efficiency and low abrasion.
Another great feature of the TECCPO 12A 1500W is that it has laser beam assistants that help you to cut into a straight line with no issues. In addition, this unit is safe and eco-friendly.
By simply pressing the guarded trigger and power switch together, you’ll be able to minimize any accidental startup. This unit also comes with a round dust blower, which prevents dust inhalation.
Pros:
Equipped with the fine copper motor operating at 5,500 RPM
It comes with value-added accessories
Adjustable cutting with laser beam assistants
Safe and eco-friendly
Cons:
The angle adjustment mechanism isn’t that reliable
9 – DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake DWE575SB
The DEWALT DWE575SB is a corded saw so it may not be a great choice for those who are looking for the best cordless circular saw. Nevertheless, this unit is highly recommended for professional use.
Builders, craftsmen, and contractors who need a decent saw to cut through different materials should consider getting this machine. The DEWALT DWE575SB is highly recommended if you need something durable and easy to use.
Weighing only 8.8 pounds, it’s certainly one of the lightest saws you’ll find on the market. The powerful 15 AMP motor and 5,100 RPM seed is able to deliver decent results. The bevel capacity of this circular saw is 57 degrees which helps ensure smooth cuts regardless of the angle.
What’s great about this model is that it can deliver excellent results and is easy enough to maneuver. This machine also comes with a dust blower that enhances visibility as you cut through different materials.
Pros:
Extra-long 9-foot cord
Lightweight design
Comes equipped with an electronic braking system for safety handling
15 AMP motor capable of performing heavy-duty works
Cons:
Doesn’t come with a laser guide to help in the line of sight
No rip fence
This circular saw review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Makita 5007F Circular Saw, which is certainly one of the best circular saw models this year. It’s fairly small yet it’s capable of performing powerful tasks, thanks to its powerful 15 amps motor.
This motor supplies the blades with constant torque so it won’t stall while working. Indeed, this is a great saw for cutting any material, including metal pipes, ceramic tiles, wood, and more.
In addition, the powerful speed of 15 amps allows the blade to rotate at 5,800 RPM and this is already an impressive speed for circular saws. This speed results in a smooth and accurate cutting of materials. You may need a little bit of sanding after you cut any material with this circular saw.
But the only problem you’ll encounter is that it doesn’t have enough variable speed control. Furthermore, the 5,800-RPM no-load speed is linear and can no longer be altered. This is not really a bad thing. However, this particular model would require a little adjustment in order to get the job done right.
You’ll enjoy lots of versatility when using the Makita 5007F Circular Saw. Aside from helping you to cut through straight lines pretty easily, you can also rely on it when making a bevel cut of 90-degree or 45-degrees.
At a perpendicular angle of 90-degree, this model has already enough depth with its cutting capacity of 2-3/8″. In addition, the 45-degree miter angle has a cutting capacity of 1-¾ inches. With these specifications, it’s easy to see why this particular model is so versatile and can be greatly relied on to produce angular cuts.
Pros:
The baseplate is flat and stable
Can be used in making accurate and sensitive cuts
Come with a powerful 15 amps motor
Dust blower can help to keep the line clean and free from dust and debris
Equipped with two built-in LED lights
Cons:
Doesn’t have enough variable speed control
No electric brake
How to Use a Circular Saw?
Most of the modern designed circular saws are compact. Therefore, they are much easier to control and anyone should be able to use the tool with no issues. You don’t have to be a professional to use a circular saw to cut different types of materials.
Here are the basic steps to follow:
Fix a straight metal or board into the sheet of material that you intend to cut.
Bring into line the edge of the board to the exact distance from the cutting line.
Hold the circular saw tightly into the straight edge and perform a test cut.
Nick the board slightly as you start cutting in such a way that the blade touches just outside of the cutting line.
As you progress with your work, make the necessary adjustments but make sure not to bend the material you’re working on.
At the start of the cut, press the saw towards the straight edge. In the end, keep the back portion of the saw tightly until you are done cutting the material.
When it comes to the best circular saw, it’s a good idea to go for something that’s powerful enough to carry out any tasks you want to do. This is why we believe that the Homitt 5.8A 3500RPM Compact Saw is truly the best. It has a powerful motor and delivers faster speed when cutting different materials.
Plus, it comes with excellent features such as the laser guide that allows for precise cutting. And with the 48-month warranty coverage and 45-days money-back guarantee, buying this circular saw will give you peace of mind.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
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