How to choose the right circular saw?
A good circular saw is a key element in almost every tool kit of any professional, thanks to their ability to make fast, accurate cuts in a wide variety of materials. But they have different features and prices also vary a lot, which is why we put together this circular saw selection guide.
When it comes to choosing a good circular saw for you, it’s important to keep in mind the type of work you’re going to be using it for, as well as how often you’re going to be using it. The best cheap circular saws tend to have fewer features that would be useful for long or difficult jobs. But they are more than enough for a number of simple household tasks around the house.
But if you expect to work with hard materials or your circular saw will be used regularly, then using one of the best circular saws with more power and durability will prove to be much more beneficial in the long run.
Cordless or corded circular saw?
You will then need to choose whether you want a cordless circular saw or a corded saw. The best mains-powered circular saws offer more power at a lower price than comparable battery-powered counterparts. Until recently, they were also much more suitable for long-term cutting in tough conditions, since you didn’t have to worry about battery levels, but technology doesn’t stand still.
Cordless circular saws are still very useful if you need to cut where there is no electricity, but corded saw blades tend to be a bit more useful due to their ability to deliver more power.
The best circular saws are usually rated for current, with 15 amps being pretty standard. Although you will find affordable models with less power and usually at a lower price, the loss in performance is not really worth the savings, especially if you are investing in a tool that you expect to use in the coming years.
If you’re looking for the best circular saw for plywood, it’s worth noting that a lot of the performance of a circular saw comes from the blade itself, and most come with a blade designed for rough cuts in engineered wood. For a smoother cut in plywood, use an 80-tooth blade. Small teeth reduce chipping and provide a smoother edge.
What to look for when buying a circular saw?
Convenient shape and design
You might think that the best circular saw is simply the best model with more power. But in fact, it’s all in the little things like dust collectors, cord length, spindle locks, safety guards, and electric brakes.
The saw can cut at 6200 rpm, but if it doesn’t have any of these features, it will be difficult to use in the long run. These features greatly increase the durability and versatility of the tool. An accessory as simple as the included carrying case makes the saw more portable and therefore more useful.
Cutting features
Cutting angle: the bigger the better so you can cut with more choice. The positive rake stops are also an important factor as they allow you to quickly adjust the shoe to common angles.
What thickness can be cut with a circular saw?
Circular saw blade diameters range from 6 1/4″ to 10 1/2″. Generally speaking, the most common blade diameter is 7 1/4 inches, which can cut wood up to 50mm thick. You can also cut materials up to 50 mm thick. using a 6 1/2″ blade, but 7 1/4″ is still the most popular.
However, less common, larger blades can come in handy if you’re working on projects that use large wood beams.
Besides size, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right drive for the job. Buy special brick discs for when you need to cut brick or cinder block, as well as tile cutting knives for your flooring.
Also, for certain jobs, you may need discs made of special durable materials. There are HSS blades that stay sharper than regular blades, and carbide coated blades that stay sharp even longer. Diamond coated blades can improve tile cutting quality.
Can I use a circular saw instead of a miter saw?
Yes, but be careful. Circular saws are much more versatile than miter saws, but they also require a bit more skill, at least for certain jobs. Some of the other differences between the two saws are obvious but still worth noting, especially if you are buying your first saw of any type.
Miter saws ppros and cons:
- Great for getting precise angles for things like baseboards and picture frames
- Your hand is usually not that close to the blade
- Limited to cuts about 30 cm wide, so there is no question of any work (for example, with plywood sheets).
- The unit is stationary, so the wood must flow onto the saw. You cannot take her with you. In addition, it takes up space in your workshop.
Circular saws pros and cons:
- Can handle longer cuts on larger pieces of wood
- Smaller and more convenient to pack, making it versatile
- less expensive
- Miter cutting is harder with a circular saw
- Bad reputation for leaving splinters at the edges, although a fine-toothed blade can minimize this
TOP 3 good circular saws
Dewalt DWE575 Circular Saw: Best Circular Saw Overall
The Dewalt DWE575 is a versatile circular saw that is a nice upgrade from the previous popular Dewalt circular saw models. With the Dewalt DWE575, you get more bevel and a more refined design, all within a reasonable price range.
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While it may cost twice as much as real budget models, it offers enough features to compete with more expensive models for a place in the professional toolbox.
With a powerful 15 amp motor, durable power cord and ergonomic design, the Dewalt DWE575 circular saw has been carefully crafted to handle long, hard jobs. Weighing only 4 kg. and features such as a built-in dust collector, it is also very pleasant to use. It also comes with a decent warranty to help you get the most out of this saw.
Makita 5008MG Circular Saw: The Best Circular Saw for Professionals
The Makita 5008MG is made from high-strength magnesium components with a powerful 1800W industrial motor, produces clean cuts and is light enough to prevent hand fatigue during extended use. It has features that you often find on other saws, such as a built-in dust collector, as well as useful things like built-in LED lights to illuminate the cut line.
Read more: Makita 5008MG circular saw review
The Makita 5007MG Circular Saw also features one of the best blades, a Premium Ultra-Coated 7 1/4″ carbide-tipped blade, so it can cut through even wood with nails with ease. With a high-end blade and powerful motor, the Makita 5008MG can easily handle a wide range of jobs, whether it be dense structural panels or framing walls, floors, and roofs of lumber of various sizes.
Milwaukee 6390-21 Circular Saw
The Milwaukee 6390-21 is a good saw in the category of best professional circular saws, but it doesn’t take the lead thanks to an additional level of improvement on the Makita 5008MG saw blade. However, the Milwaukee 6390-21 is still a great option for both professionals and serious enthusiasts.
This circular saw has an excellent power-to-weight ratio, and the cushion-top handle has eight different positions to adjust any job while maintaining comfort and control.
It’s a solid model that comes with a durable carrying case and a 9-foot power cord, so Milwaukee definitely puts a lot of emphasis on professional needs. However, one thing that keeps this circular saw from being the best is that it lacks bevel stops for quick adjustments, but it’s still a great saw that’s easy to use.
Choose a good circular saw.