A circular saw is the kind of saw you can depend on when you’re in need of more freedom of movement when sawing apart a work piece that you can’t get from a table saw. With patience and steady hands, you can also make use of this saw to cut bigger pieces of wood or timber that prove too large for even the table saw to handle thanks to their largeness not fitting its typical workspace.
This is in contrast with a circular saw, where your whole yard can serve as your workspace since the saw isn’t left sitting steady on a table surface. With the right adjustments, motor power, and blade choice, you should make your wood cuts as accurate as humanly possible with this saw type. With that said, should you go cordless or corded? That’s a question with no solid answer. On one hand, everything is wireless nowadays.
So why bother with cords? The answer to that is battery life. As much as you don’t have to trip up on a cordless circular saw, its power can get depleted fast with a battery. Even long-lasting batteries just can’t beat the “power on demand” advantages that a corded circular saw affords. Regardless of your choice, there are numerous other considerations you need to keep in mind when buying the best circular saw on the market to date.
Reviews Of Best Circular Saw For Wood Working
1. DEWALT DWE575SB 7-¼-Inch Lightweight Circular Saw with Electric Brake
- DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw is among the lightest saws in its class (8.8 lbs.)
- Electric brake of the corded circular saw stops the blade after trigger is released
- 15 amp motor of the compact circular saw delivers power for even the toughest applications
- 57degree beveling capacity with stops at 45 degree and 22.5 degree
- Depth of cut capacity of 2 9/16 inch
he DeWalt or DEWALT DWE575SB Lightweight Circular Saw is a small but powerful circular saw that epitomizes perfectly the best that miniaturization of devices can offer (as seen with the miniaturization efforts on PCs, cell phones, and televisions). At 8.8 pounds, it’s one of the most compact and lightweight saws you’ll ever get your hands on.
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It’s also a circular saw with a patented 15-amp motor and the electric brake that serves as your emergency safety feature that’s unique to this line of saw. There’s also the fact that the saw delivers an amazing 57-degree beveling capacity and along with it, you’ll get positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees. Finally, the handy and portable saw comes complete with an integrated dust blower so that the sawdust doesn’t destroy the inner mechanisms of the power tool the more you use it.
You’re ensured of a spic-and-span workplace every time since the dust is blown in one corner of your site, which makes it easy to vacuum or sweep up when all is said and done. The lightweight circular saw has been precision-engineered to offer a well-balanced saw that’s about as multifunctional and adaptable as your average cellphone.
Sure, smartphones are capable of so much more than calling, but the comparison holds true when it comes to the DeWalt DWE575SB because of its smallness and adaptability to different cutting and sawing situations. Furthermore, its main claim to fame – its electric brake – actually stops the blade even after the trigger has been released.
When it comes to DeWalt power tools, you will get all the bells and whistles from their collection of devices. The DEWALT DWE575SB is no exception to this rule. Read our detailed review of the Dewalt DWE575SB here.
2. Makita 5007F 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw
- Powerful 15 AMP motor delivers 5,800 RPM for proven performance and jobsite durability
- Lower guard design improves performance when making bevel and narrow cuts
- Large cutting capacity (2-3/8" at 90°, 1-3/4" at 45°)
- Two built-in LED lights illuminate the line of cut for increased accuracy
- Well balanced design for superior handling and performance
If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of user, then the Makita 5007F Circular Saw might be the perfect saw for you. This is because it’s a powerful circular saw with a 15-amp motor that delivers an impressive 5,800 RPM from its blade, thus you can make quick work of even the hardest of hardwoods while being assured of Jobsite durability and dependable performance.
Aside from the dizzying rotations-per-minute rating, the Makita 5007F Circular Saw also has a lower guard design that enhances its operation when making narrow and bevel cuts (that is, cuts at a certain angle). Furthermore, you’re offered large cutting capacity at 1¾ inches at 45° and 2⅜ inches at 90°. This is impressive because this increases the capabilities of your Makita, particularly when it comes to bevel-related sawing projects. Your accuracy is further guaranteed with the assistance of two built-in LEDs (light emitting diodes).
These lights illuminate the line that you’re supposed to cut, so it’s not left to the imagination where you’re supposed to cut plus you have a visual representation of what you’re supposed to saw with your circular saw. Nothing is left to chance or guesswork with this power tool for sure.
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As for its ergonomic design, it’s quite well-balanced so that its operation is uncomplicated and the operator is always in control of it. As for its bodily stability, you’re assured of a steady saw because it has a heavy-gauge aluminum wraparound base precision-engineered to deliver straighter cuts and dependable toughness.
This Makita circular saw is as rugged as they come. As for cleanup, the tool comes complete with a dust blower that’s built-in and clears the line of the cut so that the sawdust never gets in the way of your sawing operation or in the internal gears of the power tool itself. Read our detailed review of the Makita 5007F here.
3. DEWALT DCS570B MAX 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
- Power - Brushless motor of DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw provides 5500RPM maintaining speed under load
- Runtime - The cordless circular saw provides 330 crosscuts in 2x4 (pine)
- Capacity - 7-1/4-inch blade of the compact circular saw provides 2-9/16-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
- Ease of Use - Bevel capacity up to 57 degrees for increased versatility
In regards to the DeWalt or DEWALT DCS570B Worm Drive Circular Saw, it’s a quality circular saw that’s lightweight and durable.DEWALT DCS570B weight is 7.5 pound but still small enough to fit the needs of the average construction worker or DIY homeowner who wants to indulge in a bit of home improvement.
It’s also quite the tough power tool thanks to its magnesium construction that brings the best of both worlds when it comes to rugged handling and optimum control. It’s built like a tank but drives like a sports car, as the turn of the phrase goes. Speaking of durability, this piece of equipment also comes with cast magnesium footplate that makes your cutting platform as solid, tough, steady, balanced, and wobble-free as possible.
In short, the DEWALT DCS570B Worm Drive Circular Saw truly does deliver the goods when it comes to precision cutting that’s not sabotaged by the saw’s own bigness when compared to its counterpart lightweight saw, the DEWALT DCS570B. After all, both saws share a 7¼-Inch saw, but the Worm Drive Circular Saw has an extra wide hook that accepts material as big as 2½ inches in width.
If you’ve had issues with circular saw cord jerking from the past, this saw’s Toughcord cord protection system works four times better at protecting against cord jerking. This is a saw that has its own collection of safety features despite its lack of an electric brake that’s present in the DEWALT DCS570B.
Finally, the saw has 53-degree bevel angulation and bevel detents at 45 degrees and 22.5 degrees, which is pretty similar to what’s offered with its counterpart Lightweight Circular Saw with Electric Brake. Read our detailed review of the Dewalt DCS570B here.
4. Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut Circular Saw
- Powerful, 4.0 amp, multi-functional, ultra-compact circular saw
- Cuts wide variety of materials such as tile, wood, sheet metal, plastics, flooring, and more
- Ergonomic design with slim grip handle improves comfort and enhances grip and control – guide with just one hand
- Built-in laser guide helps you align the perfect cut
- Pivoting metal guard accommodates safe and easy plunge cuts
The Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut Circular Saw is a circular handheld saw that, in a nutshell, is one of the most powerful mini saws around. It provides professional-style results with just one hand (or rather, through one-handed operation).
This is great news for the average DIY homeowner who wishes to do pro-level home improvement without paying an arm and a leg for it through contracted construction workers. The slim, ergonomic Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut comes complete with a powerful 4-amp mini-circular saw that can cut a variety of materials, even tough ones like stone tiles.
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Meanwhile, its slimness ensures that you’ll have an easy time managing and maneuvering this saw. For further precision, you can easily align cuts with the help of the Rockwell RK3440K laser indicator. All you need to do is follow the light and cut at it while making sure your alignment is perfectly square every time.
The exact position of your blade entry is further controlled and calculated with the assistance of plunge cut indicators. There’s even an indicator on the Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut Circular Saw for cutting depth. This is the kind of circular saw you should definitely get if you want full control of every cut you make on your work piece, whether it’s a crosscut, rip cut, bevel cut, or miter cut.
The amazing about this mighty mite of a machine is that it possesses the power of a huge, bulky table saw or a large, cumbersome circular saw contained within one of the most compact, well-balanced, and lightweight handheld circular saws you could ever get your hands on.
Whether you’re working on metal, ceramic tile, plastic, flooring, and wood, you’ll always get professional results thanks to the device’s laser guide technology. It’s one of the most versatile saws available in the market today. Read our detailed review of the Rockwell RK3440K here.
5. SKIL 5680-02 15 Amp 7-¼-Inch SKILSAW Circular Saw with Laser
- Powerful 15-amp motor delivers 5 300-RPM for greater speed and faster cuts
- 7-1 4-inch carbide-tipped blade included. Spindle lock for easy blade changes.
- 51° bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45° for a wide variety of cuts
- Dust blower keeps line-of-cut free of sawdust for improved visibility
- Safety lock/guarded trigger and power-on indicator minimize accidental starts
As for the SKIL 5680-02 Circular Saw with Laser, it delivers many of the specs and benefits found in the abovementioned circular saw entries combined in one power tool. It has the laser cutline guide that the Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut Circular Saw has, for one thing. It also has 51-degree bevel adjust with positive stop at 45 degrees for better accuracy that you can find with the DEWALT DWE575SB.
The safety lock and guarded trigger that mitigates accidental starts is also quite close to the electric brake of the DeWalt DWE575SB as well. As for its wide footplate that provides stable, wobble-free cutting, it’s reminiscent of the footplate present in the DEWALT DWS535 Worm Drive Circular Saw.
The SKIL 5680-02 also has unique features you won’t find in any of the other saws as well, such as the SKILSAW’s power-on indicator that lets you know at a glance when the tool is turned on or plugged in, which is a safety and power conserving feature that lets you avoid accidents or wasteful electricity usage.
The 5680-01 SKILSAW is the result of SKIL model evolution. It’s a manifestation of the natural progression of technology and design, with it serving as a miniaturized version of previous SKIL models. It also incorporates quite a number of user-friendly features, when you think about it.
Thanks to its laser guide, the chances of skewed or off-center cuts are reduced significantly. Its 2.5 horsepower motor has more than enough strength to rip through various wood variations, treated or untreated. Read our detailed review of the SKIL 5680-02 here.
Circular Saw Buying Guide
Matching Bores, Blade Size, and Standard Components
Long story short, the bore of your blade and the bore of your saw should match. A saw with a 30-millimeter bore should be fitted with a blade with a 30-millimeter bore. Aside from that, you should also check out the diameter of the blade in question. Your user manual should have the minimum and maximum allowable blade diameters listed.
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It’s important because if the diameter is too large, it can affect how loose or tight it fits on the circular saw. Your safety might be in jeopardy depending on how close of a diameter match it is with your saw. The width of the cut from your machine, meanwhile, is determined by blade thickness.
A thinner blade ensures precise and fine cuts every time. In regards to the measurements, there’s no need to fret. More often than not, they’re etched unto the metal of the blade itself for easy reference.
As for the packaging, it should also clearly mark their size, width, and dimensions with no preamble or ambiguity. At any rate, in regards to cuts, a circular saw is capable of rip cuts or cuts along the board’s length and crosscuts or cuts straight across the board. Meanwhile, bevel cuts require adjustments to the circular saw to get those angled cuts just right.
As for the components of the circular saw, they include the blade guard, the footplate or shoe, the depth adjustment, and the bevel adjustment. The blade guard is the one that covers the blade when it’s not being used and retracts itself when the saw is being used.
The footplate is the part that steadies the saw when it’s cutting up a work piece. If you wish to adjust the thickness of every cut, then you should fiddle with the saw’s depth adjustment. Finally, the bevel adjustment tilts the footplate to angle the blade for bevel cuts.
Cutting Depth, Bevel Info, and Blade Warping
The blade diameter is what’s used to classify circular saw sizes. Expect 7¼ inches and 5½ inches as common sizes. Meanwhile, as for cutting depth, the maximum cutting depth is at 0 degrees. When the saw isn’t being used to make bevel cuts, that’s the deepest you’ll be able to cut. The maximum cut is always at 0° per saw among all the saws being reviewed by this article. Meanwhile, 45 degrees is the maximum bevel cutting depth.
Speaking of bevel cuts, if you wish to use your circular saw for the sake of making miter cuts, you should pay attention to the device’s ability to adjust its base plate. This is an essential part of doing miter cuts for sure. You’re typically allowed 45° and 90° as the amounts of adjustment. As for blade performance, it depends mostly on how correct a blade has been fitted on it. It can only perform its best with the right blade.
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Make adjustments in cutting depth and width accordingly. Always match the right blade with the right material. There are certain blades that work best with hardwoods and other blades that could cut through softwoods without grinding too hard on them to create loads and loads of sawdust. You should also avoid warping your blades since warped blades tend to mess up the results of every sawed work piece, plus if they get dislodged, you could literally lose an arm and a leg from it!
Proper safety precautions and regular replacement of blades after regular use must be observed for the sake of your circular saw’s lifespan and your health. To prevent warping, the blades tend to have notches cut into the disk that allows it to expand as it heats up due to rotation-induced friction. The more leeway it’s given as it heats up and expands, the less likely that warping could occur.
Watch this 6-minute clip to see the circular saw in action:
Blade Speed and Control
Your saw’s motor rating is important because it dictates the speed it operates in and the amount of control you can get out of your saw. It’s simple to rate motors; the higher the number you’re getting for its rating, the better investment you’re making (although you still need to balance it out with your budget).
A motor with 1,500W can spin your blade at a faster rate, resulting in a high RPM that should cut through work pieces and hard lumber like the cliché hot knife through butter. This is also related to control because if you have a higher RPM, you have more control over the saw.
It won’t stutter or grate on the wood like broken, unsharpened scissors pulling on the hair instead of cutting it cleanly. That’s the thing; a high RPM ensures a clean cut every time no matter how tough the material you’re facing.
More control also means more precise cuts. Naturally, it also helps if you have a carbide-tipped blade to give more bite to your saw, but RPM is really where it’s at. Your ability to cut tough materials depend on the amount of control you have and the power your saw’s motor is capable of delivering. The more power your saw has, the more RPM and control you’ll get, which allows you to cut down most any work piece down to size without breaking a sweat.
If you have a particularly powerful motor on your saw, it also means you can use bigger and wider blades without compromising on its RPM. You should pay attention to blade speed when you’re choosing a saw. Thankfully, such specs are already listed from the get go in every last circular saw review featured in this buying guide (among many other specs that make each product stand out).
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In Conclusion
Because circular saws are among the most common power tools around, then it should be quite easy finding resources on the Worldwide Web when it comes to informing you on what makes a great and worthwhile circular saw. As long as it has the appropriate blade installed, these saws can cut through ceramic tile, masonry, steel, and wood.
When buying a circular saw, you should take note of its features and design so that you can make sure every project you use it on is a success. There are quite some telltale signs in regards to whether or not your DeWalt, Makita, Rockwell, or SKIL saw is a dependable machine that will last you a long, long time.
The products above were specifically chosen for the sake of contrasting and summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the cream-of-the-crop circular saws out there that already have high ratings and customer reviews from Amazon.
This enables the average buyer to avoid having to sift through low-grade saws and only pick through the best of the best circular saws in the market at present. In any case, your circular saw pick should depend on the specs, how powerful the motor is, and what you need circular saws for. You don’t have to go with an overly powerful motor that’s too expensive for your budget when all your sawing needs are limited to workshop projects and home improvement.
If you wish to get something more industrial-grade, then you should have the accompanying funding for it from the company that requires it. Each saw is priced and built in accordance with the unique needs and financial capabilities of their clients or operators. If a saw proves too expensive for you and you’re a mere homeowner, then chances are the saws that are affordable to you are mostly residential-grade anyway.
Do check out other saw types too!