The earliest concept of a circular saw dates back to the late 18th century. 1928 saw the arrival of the first corded model. Since then, aided by the developing technology, the devices have gone through an evolution of sorts. Are you aware of the best circular saws available in the market?
Best Circular Saws - Our Top Picks
Best Circular Saws
Today, most professionals prefer circular saws due to the reasons such as its easy-to-use nature, multiple user-friendly aspects, and exceptional performance. Be it at home or for professional work, these devices come in handy. This article provides you with 10 of the best circular saws that are available today. A buying guide is present to help you further select the ideal one from the lot.
The following ten products are some of the best available in the market. These best circular saws reviews are based on our own experiences as a user.
WORX WORXSAW WX429L
This product is similar to the picture that comes in your mind when you think about a mini circular saw. Designed to be compact and precise, you can easily pack it in your toolkit and carry it to work.
The saw provides you bevel adjustments up to 45-degrees, which is excellent for cutting through 2-inch lumber. However, the most useful feature is the left-sided blade optimization. It allows you to get a perfect view of the cutting line, thus helping in an exact cut.
Features and Benefits
Apart from being lightweight and easy to handle, the 4 ½ inch blade is carbide-tipped for the best results. The lightweight design provides the scope of efficient working with the minimum efforts. You can even operate it using a single hand.
A powerful motor drives WORX WORXSAW WX429L, providing speeds of about 3000 RPM. The compact design allows you to make the more delicate cuts easily. The device comes equipped with a vacuum adaptor, a parallel guide, and an Allen key. This is a very cheap product to avail of and one of the best options available.
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DEWALT DCS570B
This circular saw is a cordless model. The batteries, however, need to be bought separately. This is an aspect that drives the customers away from the model. The maximum voltage of the power source is 20 volts, which takes on heavy load efficiently.
DEWALT DCS570B is one of the top rated circular saw on our list of best circular saws. It allows you to make various precise cuts with ease. Powered by a brushless motor, the device is capable of reaching speeds up to 5200 RPM. This speed is maintained even under heavy load
Features and Benefits
Coming to the features, the bevel capacity of the circular saw is 57-degrees. The circular saw is equipped with seven ¼ inches. Owing to its powerful motor and versatile bevel capacity, the blade makes precise cuts up to 2-9/16 inches deep. Additionally, a brake is present in the device as well. In case you want to abort the cutting process, this brake comes in handy.
When it comes to saws, the DEWALT DCS570B is one of the best cordless circulars saw in the lot. True, you have to buy the batteries separately, but the device can provide excellent results. Choosing this model for professional use is indeed a smart choice.
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Milwaukee M18 2630-20
A defining factor that makes any appliance suitable for the customers is its ease of use. This cordless electric circular saw keeps that in mind when it comes to design. Equipped with a soft grip handle, it allows you the perfect grip to focus on the cutting.
The 6.5-inches blade has a magnesium guarded coating that increases its durability. This, alongside a motor speed of 3500 RPM, sets the stage for efficient working. Additionally, you can adjust the level up to 45-degrees allowing precise cuts. You can easily make cuts up to 1 ½ inch deep.
Features and Benefits
The device, which is ideal for heavy-duty work, also has electric brakes. Once the job is done or you need to abort, the saw stops immediately. The device's primary power sources, the batteries, are not present in the packaging. You need to purchase compatible ones for the saw to function. During operation, a fuel gauge displays the remaining power as well.
Based merely on the features, Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is one of the most powerful cordless circular saws out there. It is a popular choice amongst professionals.
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4) SKIL 5280-01
SKIL 5280-01
When you spend on an appliance, you want the best result in exchange for the money. This circular saw undoubtedly delivers in this aspect, right from its features to its performance. Professionals dub this model the best-corded circular saw. Let’s see why.
No matter how expert you are with sawing, time, and again there occurs a mistake. Most of the time, it is a failure to maintain a straight line. The single-beam laser of the saw effectively prevents this. Now cut in a straight line efficiently.
Features and Benefits
Despite being corded, the 6-feet cord length provides an impressive range. A 15-amp motor powers the device and reaches speeds of 5200 RPM. Furthermore, the 7.25-inches carbide-tipped blade of SKIL 5280-01 is pretty durable and sharp. Add to this a bevel capacity of 58-degrees for various precise cuts.
Quite a few additional features decorate the device. These include a dust blower that keeps the line of cutting precise from dust. A guard is present with the trigger to remove any chances of accidents during operation. If you are looking for a corded circular saw for professional use, this might be a great choice.
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Ryobi One P505
If you are looking for a budget-friendly circular saw for home use, look no further than the Ryobi One P505. This circular saw provides excellent handling and performance to the users, making it a market favorite.
Ryobi One P505 occupies 5th position on this list of best circular saws. Much like the Milwaukee model, the handles on this device get designed to facilitate a better grip. A rubber molded coating is the primary reason for this. In incredibly slippery environments, this feature comes in handy. Being cordless, the portable nature of the device increases its versatility. You can make different cuts at different angles using it.
Features and Benefits
Powering Ryobi One P505 through is a 5.5-inch wide and durable blade. A clear polyurethane blade guard keeps the quality of the edge intact. The motor reaches a 4700 RPM speed, making it one of the strongest of the available ones. You can adjust the bevel up to 50-degrees allowing you to create various precise cuts.
The Ryobi One P505 is one of the best cordless circular saws under $100. The batteries, however, are not present in the packaging. You need to buy compatible ones separately for the device to function.
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Makita XSH03Z
When you are operating a circular saw, depending on the load, you need to change the speed of the blade. Most models do not have this feature, leaving manual labor to handle the situation. This certainly is not the case with the Makita XSH03Z.
Unlike other brands, Makita equips this device with automatic speed change technology. During operation speed and torque of the device changes as per the requirement, all you need to do is focus on the cutting. A brushless motor drives the device towards increased power and speed. At its peak performance, the engine reaches a speed of 5000 RPM.
Features and Benefits
The blade of Makita XSH03Z is 6 ½ inches wide with carbide tips for increased durability. At 90-degrees bevel capacity, the blade effortlessly cuts to a depth of 2-1/4 inches. A die-cast magnesium coating covers the base along with LED lights to illuminate the work area. While working, you get a clear view of your work that results in precision.
Apart from being cordless, this circular saw is lightweight in design. So you can handle the device with ease and make a variety of precise cuts.
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DEWALT DWE575SB
This circular saw is a favorite when it comes to compact designs. Both its performance and handling are the reasons for its popularity. But first, let’s talk about the impressive powerhouse.
A 15-amps motor drives the corded device. At its peak performance, the engine attains a speed of 5200 RPM. This speed helps the 7-1/4 inch carbide-tipped blade go through even the toughest of woods effortlessly. By matching your excellent skills, this device ensures that you make the perfect cut each time.
Features and Benefits
Additionally, an electric brake is also present in the device's design. This brake is useful in stopping the blade within a few seconds after the trigger is released. The 7-inch blade of DEWALT DWE575SB is easily replaceable as well. With a bevel capacity of 57-degrees, you can make a deep cut using this circular saw. At 90-degrees bevel, you can cut as deep as 2.55 inches.
Overall this model is relatively compact and easy to use. Due to the cord, electric power supplied to the motor is large. Hence, you can expect an impressive performance with every use. Furthermore, durable materials make up the body of this circular saw. Rest assured, it will withstand the harshest conditions and keep functioning.
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BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B
When you think about a cordless circular saw for home use, you have some pictures in your mind. And brands do try hard to provide a product right to this picture. Well, this product is precisely that.
To begin with, this model is powered by a high torque motor. This motor drives the 5.5-inches wide blade through the cutting pieces with ease. All you need to do is to maintain the cutting pattern. Let the device handle the rest.
Features and Benefits
With bevel adjustments alongside detents at 45-degrees and 90-degrees, BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B cuts quite deep. Being cordless, a charger and a battery is essential for its functioning. A Black and Decker 20V Max system powers this device using a battery and a charger. However, these components are not present at the time of purchase.
When all pieces are assembled, this one is one of the best battery powered circular saw around. The lightweight design makes it ideal for use at home. Even at work, this saw can precisely make the most delicate cuts.
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Genesis GCS445SE
Much like the first device in this list, this product too classifies as a mini circular saw. However, its compact size complements its capabilities. When it comes to woodworking, this one is a favorite choice amongst the professionals.
To begin with, a 4-amp motor reaching speeds of 3500 RPM drives the device. A 4-1/2 inches wide premium carbide-tipped blade uses this speed and cuts through tough woods. But what good are such features when you cannot handle the device properly. Hence, a barrel grip is present for easier handling and a one-handed operation.
Features and Benefits
You can make precise and beveled cuts with ease using Genesis GCS445SE. The lightweight and compact design makes sure of that. An additional carbide-tipped blade is present in the packaging. With a bevel capacity of 45-degrees, these blades cut through 2X materials with ease. To be fair, this is perhaps the best circular saw for beginners. Use it in garages, workshops, or even in your homes to get precise results.
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10) TACKLIFE TCS115A
TACKLIFE TCS115A
The final product in our list is also a handheld compact circular saw. Like most models in our inventory, this product provides easy handling as well. The metal handle is effective in minimizing the manual effort required in the process. As a result, you have a lot less fatigue to deal with.
This circular saw comes with six blades at the time of purchase. Of the six, two are carbide-tipped, two are of the HSS variants, while two are grit diamond variants. You can effortlessly cut through wood, plastic, tiles, etc. using them.
Features and Benefits
A 5.8-amp motor powers the device, providing speeds of 3700 RPM. This speed allows you to cut 1-11/16 inches deep at 90-degrees and 1-3/8 inches deep at 45-degrees. For increased safety, a safety switch is present. You need to turn this switch on alongside the power one to operate the device. This Tacklife TCS115A circular saw is easily one of the best of the lot and is ideal for professional use.
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If you would like to get reviews of other power tools, kindly visit our Guide page.
Circular Saw Buying Guide
How to Use a Circular Saw?
Before learning how to choose the ideal circular saw model, let's look at using one. Follow each of the following steps for significant results.
Step 1: Wearing tough work gloves and safety goggles during sawing is compulsory. For individuals suffering from some breathing complexities, wearing a mask is mandatory.
Step 2: Next, measure and mark where you need to make the cuts. If you are a beginner, measure multiple times for precise results.
Step 3: Now pick up your circular saw. The rear handle has the trigger for the blade. The front handle is there to provide a firm grip.
Step 4: Place the wood on a saw table and use the lever on the device to set the ideal cutting depth. You can also use the pivoting scale, present alongside the blade for efficient results.When you have the ideal angle on the pivoting scale, secure the locking knob.
Step 5: Place the “0” mark on the base plate over your cutting line to cut straight.
Step 6: Press the trigger and slowly move the saw forward to make a clean and precise cut.
Note: Remember to release the trigger after every cut.
Now, one might wonder how to use a circular saw without a table? For the same, you will need multiple sawhorses, an edge guide, a foam board, and saw tracks.
What Size Circular Saw do I Need?
Choosing an ideal circular saw size depends entirely on the requirements of the user. Typically, the size of a circular saw gets determined by its blade size. The right side of the blade will provide the required depth of cut. Let’s take a look at the different available blade sizes. Cordless circular saws generally come in blade sizes in the range of 5 3/8 to 6 ½ inches.
However, the commonly used corded circular saw size is seven ¼ inches. Hence there is no definite answer to the question, what size circular saw do I need? Different sizes come with other advantages and use. Depending on your requirements, you need to select the ideal size.
Should I Buy a Corded or a Cordless Circular Saw?
Before we try to find any definite answer to these questions, let's first understand both the variants. To begin with, the significant difference in both the models lies in their source of power. As the name suggests, a corded circular saw gets powered from an electric plug outlet via a cord. This allows them to have quite a lot of power and easily handle heavy loads.
For the same reason, the motor provides a speed of about 5200 RPM. A cordless circular saw, on the other hand, gets powered by batteries. These batteries, although not as powerful as a direct electric source, have a long lifespan. However, the motor speed is a bit lower than the corded models.
Both models are ideal for home use and professional use. However, a corded model is limited due to its cord size and cannot operate when there is a power cut. On the other hand, a cordless circular saw’s batteries can keep working for hours.Additionally, modern designs of both models have overload sensors that increase the durability of the device.
To answer the question, should I buy a corded or cordless circular saw, it's entirely your choice. Much like the ideal saw size, the perfect circular saw for you depends on your requirements and available resources. Analyze these factors to make the ideal buy.
What Should I Look Before Buying a Circular Saw?
The following factors determine the best circular saws for you. Before making a purchase, remember to analyze these factors first.
Blade Size
As mentioned before, different blade sizes offer other benefits. If you are looking for a cordless circular saw, choose a blade size within the range of 5 3/8 to 6 ½ inches. In the case of a corded model, seven ¼ inches is the most commonly used blade size. However, you can choose larger sizes based on your requirements.
Blade Type
Carbide-tipped blades are very popular when it comes to circular saws. These blades stay sharp for a long time. Other blade types include the steel blades and the high-speed steel blades. Compared to the carbide-tipped edges, these are relatively inexpensive. Tile cutting and diamond-tipped blades get used for cutting ceramic tiles. Masonry blades, on the other hand, are ideal for cutting through concrete, bricks, etc.
Additional Features
Other additional features that increase the durability of the saw include a blade guard. Also, look for a model with depth and bevel adjustment features. Also, make sure the device has electric brakes to stop the blade quickly.
These factors are the best answers to the question, what I should look before buying a circular saw.
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