Circular saws are a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional woodworker. They are versatile and can cut through various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
When it comes to circular saws, the type of saw you choose will depend on your needs. There are corded and cordless circular saws, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The Best Circular Saw – Our Top Pick!
DEWALT Circular Saw, 15 Amp, 57 Degree Bevel, Electric Brake, Corded (DWE575SB)
We chose this model because it has a lightweight and compact design, along with a powerful 15 amp motor, and 57-degree beveling capacity with positive stops
Table of Contents
When shopping for the best circular saw, there are several things to consider.
The first thing to consider is the type of blade. Circular saw blades come in different sizes and types, and the type of blade you choose will depend on the material you will be cutting. The blade’s diameter also affects the saw’s cutting depth, so you need to choose a blade that is compatible with the saw’s cutting depth.
Another important factor to consider is the saw’s power source. Corded circular saws are more powerful than cordless saws, but they are less portable. Cordless saws, on the other hand, are more portable but have less power. The battery life of cordless saws is also an important consideration, as it affects how long you can use the saw before recharging.
After researching and testing various circular saws, I have identified the top circular saws that I think are worth checking out.
These saws have been tested for their cutting power, accuracy, and ease of use. Whether you are a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, these circular saws will make your cutting tasks easier and more efficient.
Here is a quick comparison of the saws listed in this article:
Model | Best For | Key Features |
---|---|---|
DEWALT Circular Saw | Professionals and DIY enthusiasts | – Lightweight and compact design |
– Powerful 15 amp motor | ||
– 57-degree beveling capacity with positive stops | ||
Worx WX439L Circular Saw | DIY enthusiasts and quick cuts | – Slim form factor and ergonomic grip |
– Cutting capacity of up to 2″ thick stock lumber | ||
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 | Professionals and lightweight cutting | – Lightest worm drive saw on the market |
– Cut-ready depth of cut system | ||
HYCHIKA Mini Circular Saw | DIY enthusiasts and small projects | – 4 Amps copper motor for powerful cuts |
– Comes with three blades for different materials | ||
Makita XSH03Z Circular Saw | Professionals and cordless convenience | – Makita-built BL Motor for fast cutting and ripping |
– Automatic Speed Change technology for optimized performance |
Best Circular Saws
As someone who has worked with a variety of saws, I know how important it is to have the right tool for the job. When it comes to cutting through wood, a circular saw is an essential piece of equipment.
Whether you’re a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, a good circular saw can make all the difference in the world.
After researching and testing a variety of circular saws, I’ve put together a list of the best options on the market.
These saws offer a combination of power, precision, and ease of use that make them stand out from the competition. Whether you’re looking for a corded or cordless option, a compact saw for tight spaces, or a heavy-duty model for larger projects, you’re sure to find a circular saw that meets your needs on this list.
DEWALT Circular Saw
If you are looking for a powerful and versatile circular saw, then DEWALT Circular Saw is the perfect tool for you.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling
- Powerful 15 amp motor for tough applications
- 57-degree beveling capacity with positive stops for accurate cuts
Cons
- The corded design may limit mobility
- The blade may need frequent adjustments
- The dust blower may not be very effective
I recently used the DEWALT Circular Saw for a few woodworking projects, and I was impressed with its performance. The saw is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver. The 15 amp motor provides ample power for even the toughest applications, and the electric brake stops the blade quickly after the trigger is released for added safety.
One of the best features of this saw is its 57-degree beveling capacity with positive stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees. This allows for accurate cuts at various angles, which is essential for many woodworking projects. The depth of cut capacity of 2 9/16 inches is also quite impressive, providing versatility for different types of cuts.
However, there are a few downsides to this saw. The corded design may limit mobility, which can be a problem for some users. Additionally, the blade may need frequent adjustments to maintain accuracy, which can be time-consuming. Finally, the dust blower may not be very effective, which can make it difficult to see the cut line in some situations.
Overall, I would recommend the DEWALT Circular Saw to anyone looking for a powerful and versatile saw for their woodworking projects. It may have a few downsides, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
Worx WX439L Compact Circular Saw
If you’re looking for a lightweight and maneuverable circular saw to make quick cuts around the house, the Worx WX439L Compact Circular Saw might be the right tool for you. With its slim form factor and ergonomic grip, this saw is easy to operate with one hand. It has a cutting capacity of up to 2″ thick stock lumber, and can quickly adjust for bevel cutting from 0-45 degrees.
Pros
- The slim form factor and ergonomic grip make it easy to operate with one hand.
- The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver.
- The saw has a cutting capacity of up to 2″ thick stock lumber and can quickly adjust for bevel cutting from 0-45 degrees.
Cons
- The smaller 4.5″ blade requires more passes to make a cut than larger saws.
- The saw is not as powerful as larger saws, so it may struggle with harder or thicker materials.
- The dust port is not very effective at capturing sawdust.
I recently had the opportunity to use the Worx WX439L Compact Circular Saw for a few projects around the house, and I was impressed with its maneuverability and ease of use. The slim form factor and ergonomic grip made it easy to operate with one hand, and the saw felt lightweight and well-balanced.
One thing to keep in mind is that the smaller 4.5″ blade requires more passes to make a cut than larger saws, so it may not be the best choice for larger projects. Additionally, the saw is not as powerful as larger saws, so it may struggle with harder or thicker materials.
Overall, I think the Worx WX439L Compact Circular Saw is a great option for DIYers who want a lightweight and maneuverable saw for quick cuts around the house. However, if you need a saw for larger or more complex projects, you may want to consider a more powerful option.
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
If you’re looking for a powerful and lightweight circular saw, the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The lightest worm drive saw on the market, reducing user fatigue and increasing productivity.
- Cut-ready depth of cut system ensures accurate depth measurements for quick and precise cuts.
- 53° bevel allows for a wider variety of cuts.
Cons
- The saw is a bit heavy for extended use, which may cause fatigue in some users.
- The blade guard can be difficult to operate for some users.
- The saw does not come with a case, which may be inconvenient for users who need to transport it frequently.
I recently had the chance to use the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01, and I was impressed with its performance. The saw is lightweight, which makes it easy to use for extended periods of time without experiencing fatigue. The cut-ready depth of cut system is a great feature that ensures accurate depth measurements, which is especially helpful for quick and precise cuts.
The 53° bevel allows for a wider variety of cuts, which is great for users who need to make angled cuts frequently. However, the saw is a bit heavy, which may cause fatigue in some users. Additionally, the blade guard can be difficult to operate for some users, which can be frustrating.
Overall, the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is an excellent choice for users who need a powerful and lightweight circular saw. While it may not be the best choice for users who need to transport it frequently or who are looking for a saw with a lighter blade guard, it’s a great option for most users.
HYCHIKA BETTER TOOLS FOR BETTER LIFE Mini Circular Saw
I highly recommend the HYCHIKA BETTER TOOLS FOR BETTER LIFE Mini Circular Saw for its compact size and powerful motor.
Pros
- The 4 Amps copper motor is durable and powerful, reaching a high cutting speed of 4500RPM to cut through tile, wood, plastics, plaster board, and PVC with ease.
- The saw comes with three blades, including one for wood cuts, one for metal cuts, and one grit diamond blade for tile cuts.
- The parallel guide attachment and scale ruler allow for precise and adjustable cutting depth, making it easy to keep the cutting on a straight line.
Cons
- The depth gauge lever can be a bit tricky to use at first, but it becomes easier with practice.
- The handle could be more ergonomic, as it can cause hand fatigue after extended use.
- The saw dust pipe could be longer, as it tends to fall off the vacuum hose.
I recently used this saw for a DIY project around my house, and it exceeded my expectations. The saw is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for small projects. The three blades that come with the saw are of high quality, and I was able to cut through different materials with ease. The saw’s compact size allowed me to make precise cuts in tight spaces, and the parallel guide attachment ensured that my cuts were straight. The dust port and saw dust pipe made it easy to keep my work area clean, and the double protection switch enhanced safety in use. Overall, the HYCHIKA BETTER TOOLS FOR BETTER LIFE Mini Circular Saw is a great addition to any DIYer’s toolkit.
Makita XSH03Z Circular Saw
If you are looking for a cordless circular saw that combines power and run-time, then the Makita XSH03Z is a great option. With its brushless motor technology, this circular saw delivers faster cutting and ripping without the cord.
Pros
- The Makita-built electronically controlled BL Motor delivers 5,000 RPM for faster cutting and ripping.
- The Automatic Speed Change technology adjusts cutting speed and torque during cut for optimum performance.
- The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life.
Cons
- The base part is plastic instead of aluminum which may not be as durable.
- Batteries and charger are sold separately, which adds to the cost.
- The blade length is only 6-1/2 inches, which may not be sufficient for some cutting applications.
I recently had the opportunity to use the Makita XSH03Z circular saw and was impressed with its power and performance. The brushless motor technology delivers faster cutting and ripping without the cord, which makes it a great option for those who need a portable saw. The Automatic Speed Change technology adjusts the cutting speed and torque during the cut, which ensures optimum performance.
The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, which makes the motor run cooler and more efficiently for longer life. This means that you won’t have to replace the motor as often, which can save you money in the long run.
One of the downsides of the Makita XSH03Z is that the base part is plastic instead of aluminum, which may not be as durable. Additionally, the batteries and charger are sold separately, which adds to the cost. The blade length is only 6-1/2 inches, which may not be sufficient for some cutting applications.
Overall, I would recommend the Makita XSH03Z circular saw to anyone who needs a portable saw that delivers power and performance. The brushless motor technology ensures that the motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life, which makes it a great investment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best circular saw, there are a few key features that you should consider before making your purchase. As someone who has researched and tested various circular saws, I have compiled a list of important factors to keep in mind.
First and foremost, you should consider the power of the saw. The power of a circular saw is measured in amps, and the higher the amps, the more powerful the saw will be. If you plan on using your saw for heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting through thick lumber or hardwood, you will want a saw with a higher amp rating.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the blade. Circular saws come in a variety of blade sizes, ranging from 5 1/2 inches to 7 1/4 inches. The size of the blade you choose will depend on the type of cutting you plan on doing. For example, a larger blade is better for cutting through thicker materials, while a smaller blade is better for more precise cuts.
You should also consider the type of blade that comes with the saw. There are various types of blades, such as rip blades, crosscut blades, and combination blades. Each type of blade is designed for a specific type of cutting, so it’s important to choose the right blade for your needs.
Another factor to consider is the bevel capacity of the saw. The bevel capacity refers to the angle at which the saw can cut. If you plan on doing a lot of angled cuts, you will want a saw with a higher bevel capacity.
Finally, you should consider the weight and ergonomics of the saw. A heavy saw can be difficult to handle, especially if you plan on using it for extended periods of time. Look for a saw that is lightweight and has a comfortable grip.
Overall, when choosing the best circular saw, it’s important to consider the power, blade size and type, bevel capacity, and ergonomics of the saw. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you choose a saw that will meet your needs and help you tackle any project with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated circular saws for professionals?
As a professional, you need a circular saw that can handle heavy-duty tasks with ease. Some of the top-rated circular saws for professionals include the DeWalt DWE575SB, Makita 5007MGA, and Milwaukee 6390-21.
What is the best circular saw for cutting metal?
Cutting metal requires a saw with a high torque motor and a blade designed for metal cutting. The best circular saw for cutting metal is the Evolution Power Tools RAGE4, which has a powerful motor and a blade that can cut through steel, aluminum, and other metals.
What is the most affordable circular saw under $150?
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still find a high-quality circular saw that won’t break the bank. The SKIL 5280-01 is a great option that costs less than $100 and has a 15-amp motor, a 7-1/4 inch blade, and a laser guide for accuracy.
Which type of circular saw is best for beginners?
For beginners, a sidewinder or inline circular saw is a great choice. These saws are lightweight, easy to handle, and perfect for basic woodworking tasks. The DeWalt DWE575SB and Makita XSS02Z are both great choices for beginners.
What is the best all-around size for a circular saw?
The most common blade size for circular saws is 7-1/4 inches, which is suitable for most woodworking tasks. However, if you need a saw for larger projects, you may want to consider a 10-inch blade size.
What are the easiest circular saws to use?
If you’re new to using circular saws, you’ll want to choose one that is easy to handle and has features that make it more user-friendly. The SKIL 5280-01 and DeWalt DWE575SB are both easy to use, with features like laser guides and ergonomic handles.