Are you looking to get one of the 5 best circular saws? Then, this buying guide is for you, as it will help you decide which circular saw you need.
If you’re unfamiliar with DIY, you’re probably picturing a lengthy device with blades used to cut boards and metals. However, there are several varieties of saws available.
The circular saw is widely used in the timber industry and is the instrument of choice for carpenters who need to cut wood swiftly and precisely. This renders them a valuable piece of hardware for do-it-yourself projects.
Furthermore, circular saws are extremely lightweight and portable, which makes them much more convenient.
A circular saw is a type of power saw that uses a serrated or rough plate or blade to cut various materials in a rotational motion that revolves around an axle.
Also, a hole saw and ring saw both employ a rotating motion, but they are not the same as a circular saw.
A circular saw is a device used to cut various materials, including wood, stone, plastic, or metal. It can be hand-held or machine-mounted.
The word “circular saw” in woodworking applies particularly to the hand-held variety, with tabletop and chop saws being more prevalent types of circular saws.
Furthermore, circular saws are often driven by electricity. Still, they may also be fueled by a gas engine or a hydraulic press, allowing them to be attached to heavy equipment without requiring a distinct power source.
Most circular saws have become electrical power tools that we know for their flexibility, ease of use, and significant cutting power.
There are other hydraulic variants accessible, and some saws also have extra features like motorized brakes or laser pointers.
5 Best Circular Saws: Features and Factors To Consider
Before buying a product, there are some things to consider. This buying guide on the 5 best circular saws will bring those things to your attention without you needing to click on different websites.
Features Of Circular Saws
Trigger Security
When I researched the finest circular saws, trigger safety was a major factor. Unfortunately, several of the trigger safety mechanisms were difficult to press. Others appeared to be positioned excessively far on the handle.
Trigger safeties, in general, ought to be within easy reach of your thumb. Even while performing a bevel cut, you should be able to readily reach safety.
I also had a thing for those trigger safety knobs I pressed. Anything that requires you to push in seems to slow things down.
A downward pushing movement weakens your grasp more than shifting your hand to pinch your thumb inside.
Finally, saws that require you to shift your finger to access the trigger safety irritate me. You want to avoid relocating your hand after the saw has started.
That just renders the instrument difficult to use at first.
Grip
The initial perception of a saw is formed by its grip, stability, and adjustment flexibility. Every circular saw’s rear handle must feature a rubber coating for a secure grip. Most will utilize the same substance on the front handles as well.
Honestly, I have not come across a circular saw with such a genuinely awful grip.
On the other hand, some may possess a front grip that is too close to the back handle for our liking.
Weight
Although a hefty saw would always feel heavy, excellent balance can assist. In addition, a well-balanced saw relieves the strain that comes with using a larger instrument.
Just ask anybody who prefers a worm drive or rear-handle saw.
Remember that the plus-size batteries you frequently use in portable circular saws make this equipment the heaviest. Therefore, larger batteries may have an adverse effect on the tool’s initial balance.
Depth Modifications
Changing the depth adjustment on a professional-level circular saw should be simple.
Unfortunately, depth scales are frequently unexpectedly wrong. Therefore, prior to making any precise cuts, double-check them.
I seldom find this deal breaker because you can write your markers or utilize the blade as a depth measure.
In addition, the depth fixing levers on most circular saws are located on the exterior of the saw.
These are usually easy to access, but they might get loose whenever the saw is laid in the work area.
This is especially true for saws featuring levers that lock down around the shoe level.
The Bevel Angle
Setting the bevel angle of a saw exactly is simpler with saws that have markers every one degree rather than every five degrees. I also recommend tiny etched lines on the bevel-angled section rather than painted ones.
On the other hand, definitive pointers near the degree markers decrease parallax error and boost setup precision.
Bevel scales and points with high visual contrast, whichever they are built with, are quite useful.
Factors To Consider
Precision
Accurate cutline indicators, high blade visibility, seamless shield retraction, and a flat shoe placed parallel to the blade are all characteristics that enable you to operate efficiently with a circular saw.
The best cutline markings align directly with the saw’s kerf. A notch no broader than just a thin-kerf saw blade is ideal. This makes it easy to arrange your cut on either side of the blade.
Indicators with a notch that is substantially wider than (or out of line with) the blade kerf require some tinkering before you can rely on them.
Visibility
Because you can’t always see your incision through the cutline indicator, it’s critical to see where the blade penetrates the substance.
The line of sight is typically clear whenever the blade is facing the user.
Saws only with the blade pointing away present a greater problem. The top guard housing, lower guard retraction lever, or the user’s hand on the front knob may obscure your vision.
Maintaining the greatest depth of cut on a saw can assist since it brings a portion of the blade forward and into sight above the motor.
5 Best Circular Saws: Recommendations And Specifications
Products | Weight | Product’s Dimension | Blade Length | Number Of Teeth | Manufacturer |
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Circular Saw | 1 pound | 14.13 x 8.25 x 8.88 inches | 5.5 Inches | ‎24 | ‎Black & Decker |
DEWALT ATOMIC DCS571B Circular Saw | ‎6.6 Pounds | 17.88 x 5.13 x 6.69 inches | 2 Inches | ‎24 | DEWALT |
DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw | ‎7.1 pounds | 15.5 x 8.5 x 10.5 inches | 6.5 Inches | ‎24 | DEWALT |
Worx WX429L Electric Compact Circular Saw | 4.4 Pounds | 15.08 x 4.17 x 5.79 inches | 4.5 Inches | 24 | ‎WORX |
SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw | 8.7 Pounds | 14.2 x 9.8 x 8.5 inches | ‎7.25 Inches | 15 | Skil |
5BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Circular Saw
Making it to this list of my 5 best circular saws as the 5th is the BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Circular Saw.
The blade on this instrument is 5.5 inches long and multifunctional. Furthermore, this blade is quick whenever it comes to cutting and is suitable for a number of DIY chores.
Moreover, this device features a variable speed trigger, which improves your control over any circular saw cutting or DIY tasks.
Additionally, this circular saw enables an accurate and precise cut. It also has an angle that detents at 45° and 90° for precise angled cuts.
Furthermore, this saw is capable of making simple and fast adjustments without the use of additional equipment, and the blade can be swapped out without the use of other tools.
Further, the pivoting shoe on this BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Circular Saw provides you with extra control.
This gadget also features a power connect battery system, which means that the batteries are replaceable.
Furthermore, it implies that you may use a single battery for several instruments.
Unfortunately, the battery does not come with the box and must be purchased separately.
Furthermore, this circular saw has a high-torque motor. It also features a small design for convenience.
Also, it is compatible with the other instruments in the Power Connect system. The peak value of battery voltage (without a load) is 20 volts, while 18 is the standard voltage.
Pros
- Slicing through steel is a breeze when you use this strong circular saw.
- Also, it is powered by a high-torque engine and has a 5-1/2-inch blade enabling rapid cuts.
- Further, because the device is cordless, you won’t need to watch the cord while working.
- Even more, this saw is compact, light, and affordable.
Con
- The shoe is quite fragile.
- Also, the saw depth and bevel settings are difficult to release and tighten.
- Furthermore, these modification markings are likewise difficult to read.
4DEWALT ATOMIC DCS571B Circular Saw
The DEWALT ATOMIC DCS571B Circular Saw makes it to this list of the 5 best circular saws as the 4th best.
With the DCB205 battery, you can cut up to 369 cubic feet of 3/4-inch OSB with this DEWALT circular saw’s brushless motor (sold separately)
This portable circular saw also features a retractable auxiliary handle for further control. This little circular saw also features a hanger hook for added convenience.
Furthermore, this DEWALT circular saw includes an onboard blade key housing for quick blade replacements.
It also has a 1.5-inch finger trigger, allowing users to choke up on the instrument if appropriate for their purpose.
Its bevel gear also provides the capability to cut 2x materials at 90º with a 4.5-inch blade.
In addition, this incredible circular saw has an electric blade brake that immediately stops the blade for productivity and safety.
Additionally, the bevel lever allows the user to bevel at 45 degrees to cut 1-dimensional timber. It also includes an onboard dust inlet for dust management.
In addition, this wireless circular saw includes one blade, a rip fence, and a dust port adaptor.
Furthermore, the longer handle of the DEWALT 20V cordless circular saw improves reach for ripping OSB and plywood.
Pros
- This circular saw is quite light.
- Furthermore, its thin, compact shape allows for cutting in areas where a typical circular saw would not fit.
- This circular saw can also cut twice as much material at 90 degrees.
- Additionally, it includes a dust-collecting port.
- The DEWALT ATOMIC DCS571B Circular Saw also features numerous grip positions.
Con
- Better as a supplementary saw to ordinary circular saws rather than a substitute for them.
3DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw
Making it to this list as the third best circular saw is the DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw.
This DEWALT circular saw with a 5150 RPM engine has the power and speed to accomplish even the most difficult cuts.
It also has good strength and features an ultralight magnesium shoe for worksite durability and long-term cut precision.
Furthermore, the small circular saw’s designed rubber over-molded comfort grip provides ideal balance and control.
The 0-50° bevel capability enables forceful bevel cuts in various applications.
Furthermore, the 6.5-inch carbide-tipped blade may be utilized to cut material twice at 90 degrees and 45 degrees, as well as additional cuts per charge.
For what it’s worth, the DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw might be a homeowner’s perfect tool.
Why should it not be? The skill saw is manufactured by Dewalt, one of the biggest and oldest firms in the world.
The Dewalt 20v circular saw offers a multitude of features out of the box, including a strong 5250 RPM rotating motor, speed, precision, and accuracy.
But, obviously, the fantastic pricing aspect is what makes it worthwhile.
In case you weren’t aware, the DCS391B is an updated model launched sometime after the 390B device had its market debut.
Dewalt essentially took in all of the criticism, made big changes, and published the new model in an effort to provide some power to woodworkers, construction professionals, and homeowners.
The DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw has a number of useful features that make it a useful accessory for power tool users.
To begin, if you have never had a wireless circular saw previously, you should be aware that most models do not satisfy industry standards these days.
However, this product meets the standard of a good wireless circular saw.
Pros
- This Dewalt circular saw provides a wider field of vision thanks to streamlined design dynamics while maintaining true to its heritage.
- It also has a blade break function for emergency stops.
- Furthermore, the saw’s light flat-head magnesium base lets it sit solidly on a wide variety of material surfaces.
- Additionally, the Dewalt DCS391B circular saw can cut at angles of 45 degrees, 50 degrees, and 90 degrees.
- Further, its strengthened rubberized grip is excellent for rapid and relentless performance, so users are not tired after long periods of work with this model.
- Finally, it meets the most recent industry and OSHA safety regulations.
Cons
- Overhead straight cuts from the bottom to the top might be difficult.
- Furthermore, consumers must pay a small fee for a minimum 4.0 – 5.0 Amp Hour battery, as these other batteries would not survive long under high demands.
2Worx WX429L Electric Compact Circular Saw
Making it to the 2nd position in this buying guide for the 5 best circular saws is the Worx WX429L Electric Compact Circular Saw.
This instrument is compact because it is fast, makes more effective cuts, and can be taken with you whenever you don’t want to carry a large saw.
Additionally, the lever allows for rapid adjustment from 0-45 degree bevel settings.
Furthermore, because it has an outstanding depth of cut for slicing up to 2″ stock timber, this instrument was designed primarily for lumber.
It can also cut 2x4s in a single cycle. It can also cut steel, tile, and plastic.
With the left-sided blade optimization, you can now clearly see what you’re cutting. This left-sided blade optimization allows you to see what you’re cutting clearly.
Furthermore, WORX tools are developed with cutting-edge technology and exceed current efficiency requirements, allowing you to construct a cost-effective equipment collection that is built to last.
With a blade length of 4.5 inches and a weight of half that of a full 7.25-inch circular saw, you get mobility without compromising power.
In addition, the narrower blade puts less pressure on the tool, allowing it to operate harder.
This gadget is very lightweight, allowing you to use it with just one hand. This weight also enables you to make more accurate cuts and operate for longer periods with less tiredness.
To begin, unplug the Worxsaw. Then, with the touch of a button and the turn of an Allen key, you’ve got a brand-new blade.
Pros
- The blade is well-aligned to the left.
- You may also swap the blades in a flash.
- This type also makes it simple to make accurate cuts.
- Also, it is quite light and nice to grip.
- Furthermore, it maintains a high rate of speed for clean cuts.
- A 3-year limited warranty is also included with this circular saw.
- With this tool, adjusting the cutting depth is a breeze.
- It is also inexpensive, has many functions, and takes up little space.
Cons
- Mostly made of plastic.
- It also cuts more slowly than some of its competitors.
- Furthermore, if you are left-handed, the elevation for those cuts may be a little challenging.
1SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw
Making it to this list of the 5 best circular saws as the best is the SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw.
This circular saw has a robust 15-amp motor that generates 5 300 RPM for quicker cuts and more speed.
This set also includes a 7.25-inch carbide-tipped blade. Additionally, its spindle lock facilitates blade changes.
It also includes a 51° bevel capacity and a positive stop at 45° for a broad range of cuts.
Furthermore, the dust blower clears sawdust from the line of cut for greater vision. In addition, the safety lock/guarded trigger, as well as the power-on indicator, help to prevent accidental starts.
Skil Tools currently makes some excellent cordless power tools. The Skil 20V brushless circular saw is one of the company’s best performances.
The Skil CR5413-02 package is cheap and includes a 4Ah battery and a PWR Jump charger. Furthermore, it is cheaper than the price of nearly every other name-brand cordless 18V or 20V saws.
The SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw has several features intended to make it easier to operate.
For example, the laser guide covers many feet ahead of the saw, and the sophisticated blower enables you to cut properly while keeping debris out of your way.
With a weight of only 8.7 pounds, you’ll be able to focus on work without being sidetracked by weariness.
In addition, a spindle lock and on-tool wrench enable quick and easy blade replacements, while rear-view depth enables quick cut-depth changes.
The anti-snag bottom guard is another useful feature that helps to prevent snags while creating small cut-offs.
A rubberized handle is also a good addition for smooth handling, and a wide-foot plate is quite beneficial for balance.
Pros
- This circular saw is the best in class in terms of power and features.
- This item is very reasonably priced.
- It also comes with a limited warranty.
- Furthermore, they possess one of the greatest customer support departments whenever a problem with their goods develops.
- Further, the laser beam-directed vision lets you see where the blade is cutting.
- Additionally, this item has a small design and an altogether lightweight profile.
- However, there is no protective case included with this Skil circular saw; instead, it comes with a carrying bag.
Con
- There is an absence of an electric brake.
- Also, it is not very visually appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions On Circular Saw
Crosscut blades extract less material because there are fewer crevices between the teeth, leading to a smoother cut. It also implies that these blades take longer to cut through wood.
Crosscut blades are the preferred tool for finishing carpentry and other tasks requiring accuracy and a flawless finish.
7.25 inches
7.25 inches is the most common and useful size for domestic workers and DIYers. Circular saws of this diameter can readily cut through materials up to 3 inches thick. If you require a circular saw for basic work, choose a 6 1/2-inch model; for harder work, consider an 8 1/4-inch one.
Makitas are lighter and more pleasant to operate, although DeWalts cut quicker because of the increased poundage. If you’re not concerned with speed, Makita’s circular saws have a smoother operation and create a cleaner edge.
In my perspective, the table saw represents the most versatile instrument in the shop and ought to be your first large purchase. The Miter Saw comes next. The miter saw just does one thing, but it accomplishes it really well. The Miter saw will transversely cut wood quicker and better than any other instrument.
Japanese saws extract less wood, make fewer sawdust, and need less physical strength because narrow blades produce thin kerfs. You can cut for longer periods of time, more precisely, and with less tiredness. For a beginner, sawing wood in the Japanese manner is significantly easier.
5 Best Circular Saws: My Final Thoughts
This section draws an end to this buying guide on the 5 best circular saws. I hope this buying guide and the list of 5 best circular saws given to you above help you in deciding the best for you.
Overall, when it comes to circular saws, the Skil 5280-01 is a distinctive and useful choice for precision.
However, keep in mind that it only has a 2-3/8-inch depth cut and a 5,300-RPM speed, so it isn’t always suitable for industrial and heavy-duty tasks.
Moreso, if your primary requirement for a circular saw is to build a patio or similar structure, this instrument is more than adequate.
However, this doesn’t imply that all the other circular saws are not good, as they are very efficient enough.
In this article, I have given you every basic and important thing you need to know about circular saws, their use, and so much more.
Well, to make your work easier, I gave some recommendations above. You can check them out well as they suit your preference.
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