Does cutting in a straight line seem like a very hard task for you? If this is the case, a circular saw may be the best choice for you. Basically, a circular saw is a robust tool that allows you to make straight and accurate cuts in various material including wood, plastics, metal sheets and many other materials.
The best circular saw is easy to equip with a variety of blades so that you can rip through anything from wood to bricks and even concrete blocks. These saws come in different sizes with each having a specific cutting capacity and depth that is directly related to the diameter of the blade.
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Contents
- 1 What are the Best Circular Saw?
- 2 Why should you trust us?
- 3 Best Circular Saw Comparison and Reviews
- 3.1 Best for Woodworking: Bosch CSW41 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
- 3.2 Best for The Money: TACKLIFE PES03A Advanced Circular Saw
- 3.3 Best Overall: DEWALT DCS575T2 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Brushless Circular Saw
- 3.4 Best for Beginners: CRAFTSMAN CMES510 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
- 3.5 Best Lightweight Circular Saw: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Circular Saw (BDCCS20C)
- 3.6 Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Circular Saw
- 3.7 Best for Metal Cutting: Makita XSC02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Metal Cutting Saw
- 3.8 Best for Home Use: Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4" Circular Saw
- 3.9 PORTER-CABLE PC15TCSM Heavy-Duty Circular Saw
- 3.10 Best Mini Circular Saw: Rotorazer Platinum Compact Circular Saw
- 3.11 Best Worm Drive Circular Saw: SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 Worm Drive Circular Saw
- 4 Best Circular Saw: Buying Tips
- 5 Features that are Important in Circular Saw
- 6 Which is better: Corded or Cordless Circular Saw?
- 7 Importance of a speed square for your circular saw
- 8 Do You Know the Types of Circular Saws?
- 9 Final words
What are the Best Circular Saw?
Take your time to go through each of the following products, compare the features and select the model that suits your needs perfectly.
"Amps: 15 Amps | Speed: 5800 RPM | Bevel Capacity: 57 Degrees° | Bevel Stops: yes | Blade Size: 7-1/4 in | Capacity & Depth at 90° Cut: 2-9/16 in | Depth of Cut at 45°: 2 in | Electric Brake: yes | For Metal Cutting: false | For Wood Cutting: true | Handle Type: Top Handle | Power Tool Type: Cordless | Saw Drive Type: Sidewinder | Tool Weight: 7.6 lbs | Manufacturer Warranty: 3 Year Limited Warranty 1 Year Free Service Contract"
Best Worm Drive Circular Saw: SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 Circular Saw
"Saw Drive Type: Worm Drive | Amperage: 15 amps | Bevel Capacity: 51 | Blade Diameter: 10-1/4 in | Blade Location: Left | Construction Material: Magnesium | Cutting Depth: 3.6875 in | Bevel Capacity: 51° | Maximum Speed: 4700 rpm | Dust Blower: Yes | Bevel Stop: Yes | Cord Length: 8 ft. | Tool Type: Corded | Depth Adjustment: Yes | Maximum Cut Depth @ 45 Deg.: 2.75 in | Maximum Cut Depth @ 90 Deg.: 3.6875 in"
Best for Metal Cutting: Makita XSC02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Metal Cutting Saw
"Large cutting capacity (2-1/4 in. at 90 Degree), BL motor delivers 3,900 RPM for faster cutting, Dual LED lights illuminates the work area. Saw Drive Type: Sidewinder | Maximum Cut Depth @ 45 Deg.: 0 | Manufacturer Warranty: 3-year limited warranty"
Best for The Money: TACKLIFE PES03A Electric Circular Saw with Aluminum Base
"Upgraded 12A 5000RPM motor | Laser guide and rip fence for more accuracy | 10 feet cord enhances flexibility | Depth of Cut at 45°: 1-7/10 in | Depth of Cut at 90°: 2-3/5 in | Auxiliary soft rubber handle design to reduce fatigue"
Best for Beginners: CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw, 15-Amp (CMES510)
"Tool-free BEVELING shoe pivots up to 55 deg. For angled cuts with detents at 22.5 and 45 Degree for ease of use. Metal upper and lower guard for added durability. Metal rafter hook for convenience"
Best Lightweight Circular Saw: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Circular Saw (BDCCS20C)
"Maximum Speed: 3000 rpm | Maximum Cut Depth @ 45 Deg.: 1.375 in | Maximum Cut Depth @ 90 Deg.: 1.625 in | Bevel Capacity: 45° | Manufacturer Warranty: 2 Year Limited Warranty"
Best for Woodworking: Bosch 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw CSW41
"Anti-snag lower guard - provides smooth operation for small cut-off pieces. 53° bevel capacity with positive detent stop at 45°. Maximum Cut Depth @ 90 Deg.: 2.38 in | Maximum Cut Depth @ 45 Deg.: 1.94 in | Maximum Speed: 5300 rpm"
Best for Home Use: Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4" Circular Saw Bare
"Arbor Size: 5/8" | Speed: 5,000 RPM | Blade Guard: Magnesium | Shoe: Magnesium | Maximum Bevel Capacity: 50 degrees | Battery Warranty: 3 Year | Voltage: 18V | Length: 13" | Tool Warranty: 5 Years | Weight: 7.5 lbs"
Best Mini Circular Saw: Rotorazer Platinum Compact Circular Saw (90RT02RTP01)
"3 Quick-Change Blades, Dust Extraction System, Adjustable Cutting Depth, Protective safety guard, Great for DIY projects"
Why should you trust us?
Although there are many websites that concentrate on giving their clients information about cutting saws, we consider ourselves the best in what we do for a variety of reasons.
One, we only give unbiased circular saw reviews available in the market.
Secondly, before coming up with the review, we will first test it and have our own views then look at what other experts are saying and finally look at the customer feedback before compiling our review. This helps us to come up with a detailed guide that encompasses all you need to know about the product.
Lastly, we believe that our customers deserve to get exactly what they pay for, in terms of quality, price, and ease of use.
Best Circular Saw Comparison and Reviews
Whether you are looking for the best circular saw for your woodworking business, construction or DIY projects, we got the right tool for you. We have invested a lot of time and energy while doing the research on the circular saws on the market and have managed to come with a comprehensive list of the Top 10 circular saws.
Product Name | Best for | Features | |
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Best Overall |
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Best Worm Drive Circular Saw |
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Best for Metal Cutting |
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Best for The Money |
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Best for Beginners |
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Best Lightweight Circular Saw |
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Best for Woodworking |
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Best for Home Use |
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Best Mini Circular Saw |
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Best for Woodworking: Bosch CSW41 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
If you are an avid DIY’er or full-time framer and want a worm drive saw that would help you to cut through wood fast, then the Bosch CSW41 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw is the best choice for you.
The saw comes with a powerful 15-amp motor making it perfect for both light and heavy-duty tasks. Another excellent feature that comes with the product is an ergonomic handle that is well padded for more comfort. When comparing it to other products on the market, the saw is lightweight, making it easier to transport and use for a longer period.
Additionally, this model features high-quality blades that last for a long time. The On-board Multi-Function Wrench is very useful for blade and brush change, lever adjustments as well as blade diamond knockout. This is a great piece of engineering that is quite powerful to use for both lightweight and heavy-duty use. Additionally, it is easy to use so making it perfect for occasional DYIers.
Best for The Money: TACKLIFE PES03A Advanced Circular Saw
For the price, you may not expect much in this TACKLIFE PES03A circular saw but will be very surprised by its excellent quality. Its motor produces up to 5000 RPM cutting power that makes plywood, plastic, and soft metal cut easier for the beginners.
TACKLIFE PES03A upgraded corded saw comes with a 12.5 Amp powerful motor that is suitable for any DIY projects. Its power cord has a decent length of 10 feet and has a Velcro strap that keeps the cable together when the saw is idle.
The manufacturer uses aluminum-alloy material to build the upper-shield and base of this circular saw that eventually makes it lighter than other conventional ones and adds extra durability.
Ergonomically designed soft rubber handle of the saw reduces fatigue, and the powerful dust blower makes clean up the cutting space much more accessible. It also provides 0°- 45°bevel cut and cutting depth adjustment features.
Another thing that is not mentioned, however, is its laser guide that really works to helps the beginner or the expert to get straighter and accurate cuts!
For you to know, that this best circular saw comes up with two blades, one to cut wood and another one to cut plastics.
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS575T2 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Brushless Circular Saw
DEWALT DCS575T2 is a compact circular saw that is perfect for any on the go job. This saw is lightweight as it weighs about 12 pounds and features a compact design, making it ideal for working in tight spaces.
One of the features that makes this model stand out is the flexible power of corded and the freedom of cordless. The model also comes with the world first battery that changes voltage when you change tools. It also features a 7.25 inches size blade for corded capacity.
To ensure that you are safe, the model is fitted with an electric brake that stops the blade automatically when you release the trigger.
Additionally, this model features brushless motor achieves a speed of up to 5800 revolutions per minute, which is impressive. You can also adjust the bevel up to 57 degrees with stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees.
Best for Beginners: CRAFTSMAN CMES510 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
If you are looking for a workhorse of a circular saw, CRAFTSMAN CMES510 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is it. Because of using modern material like magnesium and other materials varieties, the saw is relatively light but durable compared to similar products in the same category. To make the circular saw durable, upper, and the lower guard is built with metal.
CRAFTSMAN CMES510 is the best lightweight 15 amp saw comes with a high-performance motor that runs at 5, 500 RPM. This solidly built circular saw is ideal for fast and aggressive cutting.
The bevel adjustment up to 55 deg is easy with its Tool-free BEVELING shoe. Its contoured over-molded handle is easy to hold and use. Changing blade with spindle lock mechanism is practically effortless.
This is actually a quality circular saw for the money.
Best Lightweight Circular Saw: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Circular Saw (BDCCS20C)
This BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw is an excellent tool for those who want to do their small jobs with a portable circular saw. As it is a cordless circular saw, therefore, you should not compare it with any big corded circular saw.
Its high torque motor with 5-1/2" cutting blade is quite ok for a variety of cuts. Moreover, this saw has multiple adjustments features like depth and bevel adjustment that are easy to use. The combination of depth and bevel adjustment allows you to cut a maximum of 1.625" in depth at 90 deg angles. Its maximum cutting speed is 3700 RPM.
The 20-volt battery gives plenty of power while cutting, and the battery life is also phenomenal.
This circular saw is a great little workhorse for light-duty tasks.
Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Circular Saw
The Hitachi C18DGLP4 cordless circular saw delivers impressive, powerful capability of cutting through various materials easily. This model is well-matched with all Hitachi 18V lithium-ion batteries that deliver fade-free power. These batteries deliver more than three times longer life than the NiCad batteries.
The model comes with a soft grip handle that is ergonomically designed for better comfort and reduced fatigue. The blade is positioned on the left side foe easy operation and safety. Another impressive feature that comes with this saw is the inbuilt LED spotlight that illuminates the working area for clear visibility. The compact design and LED lights make it ideal to use in tight spaces where there is minimal visibility.
You will also love the lightweight design, as it weighs about 6.2 lbs making it easy to maneuver. Additionally, this means that you can use the saw for longer without tiring your hands excessively. The bevel is also adjustable to meet a variety of applications.
Best for Metal Cutting: Makita XSC02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Metal Cutting Saw
Makita is one of the renowned saw manufacturers that is dedicated to bringing you affordable, easy to use and high performing saws to make your construction work easier. The Makita XSC02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion circular saw is another high-quality product from the manufacturer that delivers impressive metal cutting power to the job site.
This product comes with a brushless motor and compact design that enables faster metal cutting conduits, sheet metal, all thread and much more. This makes it ideal for electrical, installation, HVAC, metal building, plumbing, metal fabrication, metal roofing and any pro contractor who needs an engineered cordless saw for cutting metals.
Another reason why you many consider purchasing this model is that it come with LXT lithium-ion battery that charges faster and works for longer that the standard lithium ion battery. This not only makes it convenient but also allows the tool to give you unmatched performance and productivity to tackle the most demanding applications.
Best for Home Use: Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Milwaukee is a high-end manufacturer who has been on the saw market for a long time. They have stepped their game with their game with the full-size circular saw with the 18 fuel cordless model.
Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4" Circular Saw Bare comes with impressive features that allow you to give dependable service for a long time in the future. This best circular saw features the power state brushless motor that lets the saw to reach incredible cutting speeds when cutting through toughest applications.
Another impressive feature that comes with this model is the Redlink plus intelligence that provides optimized performance and overload protection through system communication between the tool, charger, and the battery. The model also comes with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold and control.
Clients who have already purchased the model are very happy because of its high-quality construction materials that make it very durable.
PORTER-CABLE PC15TCSM Heavy-Duty Circular Saw
If you are looking for a powerful saw, then the PORTER-CABLE PC15TCSM should be at the top of the list. This model comes with a high-quality 15 Amp motor that makes the work easier even when tackling the toughest jobs.
The model also has an excellent combination of weight, power, durability and easy to use for both avid DYIers and professionals alike. This saw also comes with an adjustable bevel that you can adjust to reach 55 degrees with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. This allows you to make precision cuts easily. You will also love the blade brakes that make the blade to stop quickly after you release the trigger.
Some of the other excellent features that come with this model includes the cast magnesium, shoe as well as the cast bevel as well as the depth cut levers that allows for more precision when cutting through different materials
Best Mini Circular Saw: Rotorazer Platinum Compact Circular Saw
If you are looking for something different to help you in your woodwork, then the Rotorazer Platinum is a perfect choice.
This saw is a combination of a Circular, Jigsaw, Hand, Tile, Band, Miter saw and Hacksaw. This means that you will have a multipurpose tool that you can use for all your cutting needs. Most of the people who have already purchased the model love its performance as it comes with a 500w, which is relatively powerful. This makes it a perfect tool for woodwork and other lightweight works such as cutting electricity pipes, plumbing, and general house renovation.
Another reason why you may want to select this model is that it is lightweight, versatile and very easy to use. This makes it a perfect tool for both DYIers and professional users. The model also comes with a guide rail that allows you to make precision cuts.
Best Worm Drive Circular Saw: SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 Worm Drive Circular Saw
The SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 15 Amp 10-1/4" Magnesium SAWSQUATCH Worm Drive Circular Saw offers a heavy duty worm drive circular saw that is meant to power through DIY projects as well as heavy duty construction. This model comes with comprehensive safety features to reduce the chances of injuries and performance features that allow you to finish the job efficiently.
Unlike other circular saws on the market, this product is designed in a larger size that allows it four times cleanly and efficiently in every single pass. The 15Amp motor also ensures high performance and durability as it withstands repeated use without any problems.
The product is housed in a magnesium construction, which plays a major role in making it durable while still making it lightweight.
Some of the other features that stand out in this model are the 10.25-inch blade that allows for speedy cuts as well as 51-degree bevel that allows you to make various cuts easily.
Any of the products listed above will help you to make precision cuts easily whether you are a DIYer or professional. They are easy to use and come at a reasonable price. Go through each of the features carefully and select the best circular saw that fits your needs without sacrificing your comfort. Good Luck!
Best Circular Saw: Buying Tips
Though we have already given our suggestion categorically but still, if you want to make your own decision, please look at few things. Those few things are-
Extended bevel capacity
When selecting the best saw, selecting a model with extended bevel capacity is an added advantage as it allows you to make cuts that are more precise easy.
Additionally, this feature allows you to make quick adjustments for the bevel cuts, smoothing the cutting experience.
Magnesium shoe
A circular saw with a magnesium shoe means that it is easy to adjust. Magnesium is also considered a high-quality metal that is durable. This makes the saw to be more durable and dependable. Additionally, magnesium is lightweight so having a saw with magnesium shoe will mean that you have a lighter model.
Motor strength and RPMs
Purchasing a saw with a powerful circular saw means that you have a convenient saw to use to cut through different types of materials. In corded saws, the motor strength is measured in Amps while in cordless saws it is measured in Volts. The RPM means the revolution per minutes that the saw is capable of making. The higher the number of RPMs the faster the saw.
The depth of cut at 0 degrees
The depth of cuts is another feature you need to consider when selecting the best models. Different saws will allow you to cut at a different depth from 0-50 degrees. Ensure that you select the model that allows you to cut at variable depth for you to make precise cuts easily.
Laser guide
The laser guide is an excellent feature that will help in improving the accuracy by projecting a beam of light onto the working surface. This will act as a straight line that you should follow to make a straight and smooth cut. This is a great feature especially if the saw dispels a lot of sawdust that may hide the line that you had made using a pencil.
Transmission
Transmission refers to the mode of operation. Different models come with different transmission systems, which have their own benefits and disadvantages. When selecting the best model to ensure that you go for the model, which have a transmission that makes it faster easy to work with.
Riving Knife
A riving knife is a safety device that is installed on the circular saw to ensure that you are safe when using the product. Ensure you select a model that has a fixed riving knife which is about the blade and will move with the blade adjustment.
Support Handle
Other great features to consider while purchasing the best saw is the support handle. For convenience select, a model that has a sturdy support handles for ease of use. The construction materials should be of high quality, lightweight and durable.
Features that are Important in Circular Saw
This is to let you know the most important features and their functions.
Electric Brake
Electric brake feature allows for the reverse flow of electricity in the motor when you release the trigger. The reversing action makes the blade to stop faster in less than three seconds.
Ball Bearing Motor
This is an electrically powered motor that comprises of two ball bearings that have the outer races linked to a high current with a low volt power supply while the inner part is connected to a conductive shaft that makes them more powerful.
Adjustable Handle
This means that you can adjust the handle easily to allow you more comfort when using the saw. Additionally, adjustable handle makes it easier for you to make precise cuts easily.
Heavy-Duty Base
The heavy-duty base means that the saw has a durable base that can withstand repeated use without any problem. This is a feature to look for when going through the saw reviews.
Magnesium Housing
The best saws come with magnesium housing. This housing is more durable and allows you to use the saw repeatedly without any problems. It also makes the saw lightweight.
Depth Controls
A saw with depth controls means that you can easily adjust the depth when cutting through different materials. This means you can choose to cut lightly on hard surfaces to avoid breaking the blade or deeper in the softer surface to finish the work quickly.
Bevel Capability
The bevel capacity indicates the bevel cuts that your saw can allow you to make. Each saw comes with specific bevel capacity. Go through the circular saw reviews to find a model that offers a wide level of bevel cuts.
Notched Blade Guard
This special blade guard will not only allow you to make finer cuts but also ensure that the user is well protected. The guard will cover the blade so that it is not exposed to safer working condition.
Dust Port
As the circular saw is cutting, it expels sawdust. The sawdust comes out of the dust port. The best saw should have a dust port that expels the sawdust easily without any blockages.
Which is better: Corded or Cordless Circular Saw?
The choice between the corded and the cordless circular saws will entirely depend on your specific use.
The corded saws come with a cord that you will attach to a power source, which is electricity. This means that you cannot use them in areas where there is no electricity. They are ideal for use in a timber yard or renovation purposes. Since the power supply is sufficient, they are ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting big logs or construction purposes.
On the other hand, the cordless circular saws are battery powered tools that you can use in areas where there is no electricity. You just need to charge them, and the battery will store the power they need to operate. These are portable and flexible although they do not output as much power as the corded saws.
Importance of a speed square for your circular saw
A speed square also referred as a triangle square or a rafter square is an indispensable measuring multi tool that helps you to make precision cuts easily. This tool is made of either aluminum, steel or plastic. This tool will help you performing various tasks such as marking where to cut, measuring the angles to cut as well as protracting.
The feature also helps you to measure pitches. The tool is rather simple to use, and you can find the information from the manufacturer. If you want to make precise angled cuts easily, make sure you get this multi-tool.
Do You Know the Types of Circular Saws?
The circular saws comes in four different styles, these includes;
1. Worm Drive Circular Saws
This circular saw is designed in such a way that the motor is in line with the blade. This helps it to deliver enough torque to cut through concrete or curve up wet lumber. This makes it the best choice when looking for the circular saw for a major renovation project or framing work.
Another noticeable feature of this saw is the handle that is positioned far back, allowing you to resist the kickback more efficiently while allowing you to steer the saw for a longer period. For enhanced balance as well as convenience, the blade sits on the left side of the motor, making it easy to view for right-handed users.
2. Sidewinder Circular Saws
This is another kind of circular saw that comes with the motor positioned alongside the blade, making them lighter. This means that they are easy to maneuver than the worm drive. Another excellent feature that comes with these saws is that they come with ergonomic handles that are well padded to absorb the shocks that make your hand get tired easily.
Additionally, the higher-end saws in this category come with the helical gearing responsible for beefing up the torque, making them a worthy competition for the worm drivers. These tools are better for light-duty tasks, although the higher-end saws are also great for heavy-duty tasks such as demolitions.
3. Small Sidewinder
Just as the word suggests, these are small circular saws that are excellent to use in tight areas. They are also great for occasional DIYers who require a high-quality saw to help them in small renovation projects or cutting timber.
Although these models are generally small, they come with all the features in the larger saws, although they tend to have less weight for better balance and control. They are best used in tight areas where full-size models cannot access them.
4. Hypoid Circular Saws
A Hypoid circular saw is a name that Makita gives to their worm drive saws. Makita says that their Hypoid circular saws are unlike the other worm drive saws because they give more power and require less maintenance.
Another difference between the common worm drive and the Hypoid circular saws is that their blades are positioned on the left side. This will make it easy for both left and right-handed users to see when cutting along a line.
Additionally, the saws tend to deliver more power while being safer for the user as they can clearly see the blade. These are also the best circular saws as they tend to be more balanced.
Final words
Finding the best circular saw is easy when you follow our detailed guide to the letter. However, it is important to go through the different circular saw reviews before settling on the best model.
Additionally, make sure you follow the device manufacturer's operating, safety instructions, and maintenance, including instructions on safety gear.