If you are a professional contractor or a DIY home renovator, a circular saw will help you to complete any type of woodworking project. Whether you need to cut wood for a door frame, roof beams, a new floor, or make rip cuts or beveled angles for furniture, the circular saw is the perfect power tool for the job.
The 8 Best Circular Saws
- SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
- DEWALT DWS535 7¼-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
- Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7¼-Inch Circular Saw (Our Top Pick)
- Milwaukee 6390-21 7¼-Inch 15-Amp Tilt-Lok Circular Saw
- Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 6½-Inch Circular Saw
- Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw
- Hitachi C7SB2 15 Amp 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
- BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 5.5-inch Circular Saw
Our Top Pick for the Best Circular Saw
Our top pick for the best circular saw is the Makita 5007MGA 7¼-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake.
Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY home renovation enthusiast, the Makita 5007MGA circular saw is the best power tool for you. Featuring a world-class design, leading edge technology and an exceptional cutting performance, the Makita is a powerful, reliable, and efficient circular saw that will help you to complete your woodworking projects with ease.
Specialised Woodworking Power Tool
In the carpentry tool range, the circular saw is one of the most powerful hand tools available. Whatever type of woodworking project you have planned, building a house, fixing a fence, doing home renovations or even erecting a chicken coop – the circular saw is what you need. It has an industrial strength motor and a large round spinning blade that is edged with sharp metal teeth, which can cut through softwood and hardwood, masonry, ceramic tiles, paneling, aluminum and sheet metal, so it is an essential power tool for any workshop or job-site.
How to Choose the Best Circular Saw For Your Woodworking Project
The most commonly used circular saws are the worm-drive, direct-drive sidewinder, and a trim circular saw.
Worm-drive Circular Saw
The worm-drive circular saw gets its name from its internal drive gear system which is shaped like a spiral. Its motor handle is positioned behind the blade, which gives it a narrower and longer profile. Worm-drive circular saws, like the DEWALT DWS535, are usually commercial grade saws which means they excel at heavy-duty tasks like performing longer rips cuts and cutting through hardwood.
Direct-Drive Sidewinder Circular Saw
The direct-drive sidewinder or in-line circular saw, like the SKIL 5280-01 or the Makita 5007MGA, has a “side motor” design which means the motor and handle sits next to the blade. The sidewinder circular saw is primarily designed for crosscuts and cutting through softer wood, though it does well at cutting some types of hardwood, and as it has a more compact design, it gives you better control.
Trims Saws
A trim saw, like the Rockwell RK3440K, has a streamlined design which makes it a great choice for small woodworking tasks where a bulkier circular saw will be too heavy to hold or maneuver in a small space.
Key Features of Circular Saws
Circular saws can be corded-electric or cordless-battery operated but here are the most important features to look for in a circular saw:
Motor Power and Revolutions Per Minute (RPM'S)
Most circular saws have 15 amp motors and rpm's ranging from 3,600 up to 5,800. A higher rpm simply means that the blades turn faster, and provide smooth, fast cuts. Lower rpm motors are ideal for small tasks while a saw with higher rpm's will accomplish larger projects.
Build Design
Aluminum or magnesium circular saws are considered to be the best because they are less likely to bend and warp if you drop them. You also need to consider the construction of the shoe, because if it warps or bends it will be hard to make a straight cut.
Blade Size
Blades sizes range from 4, 5.5, 6.5, to 7-1/4 inches. Smaller blades are ideal for light-duty tasks and softer wood while the larger blades are designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks with hardwood.
Special carbide-tipped blades are the best as they are strong, sharp and durable.
Beveled cuts
Not all circular saws make beveled cuts. If there is a bevel feature, the circular saw should make the most common angles of 90-degrees. Positive bevel stops are also an important consideration since they give you extra angle cutting versatility.
Depth of Cut
The depth of cut is especially necessary for working with thick wood and this feature allows you to adjust the blade depth quickly for different types of wood.
Electric brakes
Electric brakes are a great safety feature. They reverse the flow of electricity in the saw motor when the trigger is released and stops the blade quickly.
Spindle Locks
Changing a blade can be difficult on some circular saws, so a spindle lock makes it safer and easier for you to change the saw blade. Some circular saws like the Black+Decker have an easy to release button for the spindle lock feature.
Laser guides
Laser guides help you to improve the circular saw's cutting precision and accuracy by projecting a beam of light onto the workpiece so that you can correctly align the blade with the correct cutting line.
The downside of the laser guide is that you may need to be calibrated occasionally.
Best Circular Saw Reviews
1. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Designed with the experienced circular saw user in mind, the electric-corded 5280-01 sidewinder circular-saw from Skil has advanced features that can help you to complete tough woodworking projects.
The upgraded 15 amp 5,300 RPM motor is powerful and the 24-tooth 7 ¼-inch blade has extra strong tungsten carbide teeth which can last up to 60X longer than a steel blade, so it can easily cut through 2-by-4 hardwood to complete a deck or room renovations or cut steel for a roof.
One of the lightest circular saws at 8.7lbs, it also has a 15% weight reduction which makes the saw easy to hold and maneuver throughout the cutting process.
With an ability to provide a cut depth of 2-3/8 inches and a 51-degree bevel with a positive stop at 45 degrees, the Skil saw delivers a wider variety of angle and miter cuts.
Blade changes are made easy with the spindle lock and the single hex on-board wrench.
The single-beam laser light helps you to make precise cuts and the integrated dust blower keeps the line of cut free of sawdust for even more precise and accurate cuts. For extra safety, the guarded trigger minimizes any accidental start-ups.
You can purchase the saw by itself or the Skil saw and blade combo.
The Skil comes with a carrying bag for easy portability, a 24-tooth carbide blade, a wrench and the circular saw is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Great value for money
- High-quality
- Upgraded 15-Amp motor for more power and performance
- Fast 5,300 RPM
- Ideal for everyday woodworking tasks
- 15% weight reduction vs. SKIL 5680, reduces user fatigue
- Single beam laser for more accurate cuts
- 51-degree bevel capacity
- Positive stop at 45-degree
- Very good depth of cut
- 24 tooth carbide-tipped blade
- Laser guide for precise and accurate cutting
- Excellent dust removal
- Spindle lock makes changing blades easy
- Guarded trigger
- Indicator light
- On-board single hex wrench
- Carrying bag
Cons
- No electric brake
- Relatively short 6-foot cord
- Only 1-year limited warranty
2. DEWALT DWS535 7 1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
The Dewalt DWS535 worm-drive circular saw is a great choice for power tool enthusiasts as it has loads of advanced features that make any type of woodworking project quick and easy.
A high powered cutting tool, the saw has a strong 4,800 rpm no-load motor and the sharp 7¼-inch carbide-tipped blade cuts fast and cleanly through a range of materials.
Changing the blade is very easy with the spindle lock which is located on the top of the saw.
Even though the saw is designed for the demands of a busy job site, with a durable, cast magnesium shoe, it is still quite lightweight at just 13.8 pounds, which makes it easy to handle and control.
The Dewalt saw provides a 2-7/16-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees and a 1-7/8-inch depth of cut at 45 degrees and it has a bevel capacity of 53 degrees. For fast and accurate angle setting, the circular saw has common bevel detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
For even more cutting versatility, the extra wide saw hook accepts material up to 2½-inch wide and the dual rip ports also accept available DWS5100 12-inch dual port rip guides.
Extra smart features include the Toughcord system which protects the cord with four times better jerk protection so that you can use the machine safely.
The Dewalt circular saw is covered by a 90-day money-back guarantee, a limited three-year warranty, and a one-year free service contract.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Extremely powerful
- Lightweight
- Durable cast magnesium footplate
- Powerful 4,800 rpm no-load speed motor
- Strong and sharp 7¼-inch carbide-tipped blade
- Extra-wide saw hook accepts material up to 2½ inches wide
- 53-degree bevel capacity
- Bevel detents at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees
- Very good depth of cut
- Toughcord cord protection system provides 4X better cord jerk protection
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- 3-year warranty
- One-year free service contract
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- No laser guide
3. Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
The Makita Magnesium circular saw is an excellent choice for roofers, carpenters, and serious DIY home enthusiasts as it can perform a wide range of indoor or outdoor job site or workspace applications.
For the power you need for demanding jobs, the 15-amp 5,800 rpm industrial motor with an output of 2,300 watts has an unrivaled performance and the 7¼-inch carbide tipped blade can deliver fast, clean and smooth cuts every time.
Highly versatile, you can use the Makita for crosscutting, making plunge and bevel cuts to complete framing, flooring or roofing jobs. It can cut effortless through dense lumber, wood that has embedded nails, plywood, OSB, particle board, masonry, and metal.
The circular saw is well balanced and has magnesium components which makes it more lightweight and easier to maneuver in tough cutting conditions.
Makita has designed a saw with a large cutting capacity. The saw can cut through 2½-inch thick material at 90-degrees and it has positive stops at 22.5, 45 and 56 degrees. The spindle lock and blade wrench allow you to change your blade quickly and safely.
To maximize your work productivity, the electric brake stops the blade quickly and there is greater clearance between the handle and the blade so that you can get a better grip, especially if you have larger hands or you are using gloves. The wider space between the blade and housing provides a clearer view of the blade and measurement scale.
Although there is no laser guide, the circular saw features twin LED lights for better illumination and the ducting chute blows dust away from the line of cut for improved accuracy.
For precise angle cutting, the Makita has clearly visible depth and bevel markings and an ergonomic hand grip to improve overall control while minimizing operator fatigue. The large rubberized levers provide quick, one-handed adjustments for more efficient work.
The circular saw comes with a 24T carbide-tipped framing blade, a hex blade wrench, a rip fence, and tool case.
Makita offers a 30-day replacement or refund guarantee and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent value for money
- Engineered for a wide range of applications
- Unrivaled performance
- Well-balanced
- Smart, easy to use design
- Easily maneuverable
- Compatible with standard and arbor blades
- Powerful 15.0 AMP motor delivers 5,800 RPM
- 24T carbide-tipped framing blade
- Magnesium components create a lightweight saw
- Easy to see depth and bevel markings
- Large, rubberized levers
- Comfortable rubber grip on the handle
- Large cutting capacity (2½-inch at 90-degrees)
- Positive stops at 22.5, 45 and 56-degrees
- Two built-in LED lights
- Includes a rip fence, wrench, and case
Cons
- Expensive
- No laser guide
- Short one-year warranty period
4. Milwaukee 6390-21 7¼-Inch 15-Amp Tilt-Lok Circular Saw
Whether you are a professional contractor a DIY home renovation enthusiast, the corded-electric Milwaukee circular saw delivers a highly efficient cutting performance.
The Milwaukee circular saw has a powerful 3.2 horsepower peak 5,800 rpm motor that starts smoothly and the 7¼-inch carbide-tipped blade cuts evenly through a variety of tough materials like heavy lumber and wet lumber as if it were butter.
The saw has a 50-degree bevel capacity and a maximum depth cut of 90-degrees and an easy-access depth feature.
Weighing in at 10.4 pounds, the well balanced Milwaukee is very compact and it has the best power to weight ratio in the industry, so it provides optimized comfort and control in a wide variety of applications.
Highly durable, the aircraft-grade aluminum shoe is strong and the Helical steel gears provide long-term motor life.
For extra comfort, the ergonomic soft-grip cushioned 8-position Tilt-Lok red handle design can be adjusted for the perfect grip.
The one-touch spindle lock button makes blade changes quick and easy, and there is a quick-lock cord for extra safety.
Even though the saw does not have a laser guide, the saw's smart design gives you a wide, clear line of sight for superior blade visibility, which makes it so easy to get an accurate cut every time.
For extra work flexibility for when you need to move around your workspace, the saw has an extra long 9 ft. cord for an extended reach.
Milwaukee includes a wrench, a blade and a sturdy hard bright red carrying case for easy storage and transportation and the circular saw is covered by an extremely impressive 5-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great design
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Ideal for heavy-duty projects
- Powerful 15-amp 3.25HP peak motor
- 5,800 rpm delivers fast and clean cuts
- Can cut through tough materials including headers, engineered lumber, and wet lumber
- Helical steel gears for long motor life
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Spindle lock and quick-lock cord
- Ergonomic locking adjustable, Tilt-Lok 8-position cushioned handle
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum shoe
- Wide, clear sight line – superior blade visibility
- Easy-to-access depth and bevel adjustments
- Bevel capacity to 50-degrees
- Includes a blade, wrench, and bright red carrying case
- Extra long 9-foot power cord
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- No laser guide
- No electric brake
5. Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 6½-Inch Circular Saw
The compact and portable Bosch CCS180B cordless circular saw is a great choice for professional contractors or home renovators who need a powerful saw that gives them unfettered freedom of movement.
The well-balanced circular saw is ultra light at 6.6lbs and the ergonomic main handle is specially angled which makes it very easy to push the saw forward through thick wood and decking with accuracy and speed.
For a wide range of applications, the 6½-inch saw carbide tipped blade can cut through 2-inch thick material at 90 degrees at a full depth of cut and it has a 50-degree bevel capacity.
If you are working at a tough job site and need to complete a challenging project, the no-load 3,900 rpm engine is protected by Bosch's special Electronic Motor Protection (EMP), which protects the motor against overload. It has a heavy-duty aluminum foot and the upper guard provides enhanced durability and safety.
The battery delivers up to 2x battery life and its unique Cool Pack Design pulls the heat away from the inside of the battery so that the battery stays cooler for longer.
The integrated digital LED Indicator lets you know when the battery needs to be recharged and it can survive a 3-meter drop.
As the blade is positioned on the left, you will have a clear view of the cut line when the saw's main handle is held in your right hand and the exclusive anti-snag lower guard allows you to easily guide the workpiece into place.
The spindle lock allows for faster and easier blade changes and the easy-to-read depth-of-cut and bevel scales allow you to make accurate cuts and adjustments.
Safety features include an ambidextrous lock-off release button which helps prevent unintended starts, and an electronic brake stops the blade quickly.
To keep the cut line visible and free of dust, the saw has an effective dust blower.
The Bosch circular saws can be purchased as a bare-tool or with the 18-volt battery. You can also purchase the saw with the Bosch Exact-Fit Tool Inlay Tray which will keep your tools all in one place.
Bosch offers a 1-year limited warranty on the circular saw.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for professional contractor work or DIY home renovators
- Easy-to-read depth-of-cut gauge and bevel scale
- 6½-inch saw carbide tipped blade
- Can cut through 2-inch thick material at 90 degrees
- 50-degree bevel
- Spindle lock
- Dust Blower
- Lightweight at only 6.6 Lbs
- Well balanced
- Easy maneuverability
- Exclusive anti-snag lower guard
- Strong long-lasting 18-volt battery
- Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) system
- The battery has an integrated digital LED Indicator
- Battery's durable housing can survive a 3-meter drop
- Comes as a bare-tool or with the 18-volt battery
- Available with an Exact-Fit Tool Inlay Tray (purchased separately)
Cons
- Plastic guard is not very strong
- Only a 1-year warranty
- Not enough power for heavy-duty tasks
6. Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw
Ultra-compact and lightweight, the Rockwell mini circular-saw is the perfect woodworking saw for contractors or home renovators who need to work in tight areas where a regular circular saw cannot be used.
It may have a mini design, but the Rockwell will surprise you with its cutting power. Its strong 4 amp 3500 RPM motor and the 4-inch carbide-tipped blade can glide effortlessly through wood, plastics, ceramic tiles, flooring and even aluminum and sheet metal.
Wherever you want to use it, standing up or kneeling on the floor, the circular saw has a streamlined ergonomic design and a comfortable slim grip handle that enhances your grip and allows you to make intricate cuts with just one hand.
The exclusive built-in laser guide indicates a precise cutting line and the pivoting metal guard allow you to safely make accurate rip and plunge cuts. For improved visibility, the dust extraction adapter keeps the cut line free of dust.
The lock-off switch prevents accidental starting and the depth-adjustment lever allows you to move the indicator to the desired depth and lock in the blade.
If you need extra portability around your workspace or job site, the Rockwell has an extra long 10-foot power cord.
The mini circular saw can be purchased as a bare-tool or with a 3-blade pack that includes a 24T carbide-tipped blade for cutting wood, a 44T HSS blade for cutting aluminum and PVC, and a diamond Grit blade for cutting ceramic tile and cement board.
The saw comes with a plastic base plate cover, one parallel guide, one vacuum adapter, two Allen wrenches, and one carrying bag.
Rockwell offers a 2-year limited warranty on their superb circular-saw.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good value for money
- Very affordable price
- Powerful
- Can cut tile, wood, aluminum, sheet metal, PVC
- Slim body and ergonomic balance
- Strong and sharp 24T carbide-tipped blade
- Built-in laser indicator
- Pivoting metal guard for safe & easy plunge cuts
- Makes plunge cuts up to 1-1/16 in.
- Safety switch puts the tool in lock mode
- Extra long 10 ft. cord
- One-handed design
- Comfortable slim-line handle
- Can be purchased as a bare-tool or with a 3-blade pack
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Very loud for its small size
- Hard to attach the blade
- The handle can be too big for small hands
- Does not have angle cut adjustment
7. Hitachi C7SB2 15 Amp 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
The Hitachi C7SB2 circular-saw is engineered for heavy-duty performance so it is the ideal cutting tool for professional and home DIY woodworking projects.
The corded circular-saw has a one-piece die-cast aluminum alloy base and the strong 15 amp 5,800 rpm motor delivers a reliable and smooth performance. Cutting and ripping through OSB, 2×4's, plywood and other framing materials is effortless with the 7¼-inch, 24-tooth, carbide-tipped blade.
Packed full of user-friendly features, the circular saw has easy-to-read front and side scales for accurate measurements. The non-slip Elastomer-grip handle gives you all-day comfort. As the circular saw only weighs 10.1 pounds, it is extremely easy to control and maneuver.
Designed for a wide range of beveling applications, the circular saw can make accurate 90-degree cuts and it has positive bevel stops at 0, 45, and 55 degrees. You can adjust the depth of cut with the adjustable lever and lock the blade into place at the desired angle.
The easily accessible carbon brush lets you replace the brush as needed to prolong the life of the tool.
Hitachi has added additional safety features such as the blade guard that protects your hands during angled cuts, and a spindle lock.
The circular saw comes with a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, 10mm wrench, and a carrying case. Hitachi offers an extra generous five-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent price
- Designed for professional and DIY projects
- Engineered for heavy-duty performance
- Ideal for ripping OSB, 2×4's, plywood and other typical framing materials
- Powerful 15 amp motor with 5,800 RPMs
- Precise and accurate cutting ability
- Heavy-duty die-cast aluminum alloy one-piece base
- Easy to read front and side scales
- Adjustable depth lever
- Bevel capacity from 0-55 degrees
- Positive stops at 0,45 and 55 degrees
- Easy to read front and side scales
- Non-slip Elastomer grip handle
- Lightweight design
- Easy access carbon brush
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Very heavy
- No laser-guide
- Can run rough when performing rip cuts
- Clumsy depth and bevel adjustments
- No blade brake
8. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 5.5-inch Circular Saw
The smart looking black and orange Black+Decker circular saw is a high performing power tool which is just right for everyday woodworking projects.
For smooth, fast cutting action, the battery-powered circular saw has a powerful high torque motor and a durable and sharp 5.5-inch carbide-tipped blade.
The tool-free depth of cut allows for easy depth adjustments and it has bevel adjustment detents at 45 and 90 degrees for accurate angled cuts.
As the circular-saw is powered by a strong 20-volt lithium-ion battery with excellent battery life, you will not be restricted by a power cord, so the saw can be transported easily around your workspace or the job site.
Featuring a compact design, good weight distribution and an ergonomically designed solid gripping handle, the circular saw is easy to use and control.
Installing the blade it is a two-handed job, but it is very easy to release the blade, just press the spindle lock button.
The Black+Decker circular saw comes as a bare tool only but it can be used with Black+Decker's entire Black+Decker 2 Volt Max System range. The circular saw is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Exceptional price
- High-quality
- Designed for everyday small woodworking projects
- Powerful and reliable high-torque motor
- Smooth fast cutting action
- Nice weight distribution
- Easy to maneuver and control
- Compact
- Solid easy-gripping handle
- Easy to release spindle lock
- Tool-free depth of cut
- Easy to use bevel adjustment for 45 and 90-degrees
- Makes accurate angled cuts
- Excellent battery life
- Easy-to-release blade with the spindle lock button
- Compatible with the entire BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX System
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Installing the blade is difficult
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- No laser guide
- Bare tool only, battery and charger have to be purchased separately
Our Top Pick for the Best Circular Saw
Our top pick for the best circular saw is the Makita 5007MGA 7¼-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake.
Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY home renovation enthusiast, the Makita 5007MGA circular saw is the best power tool for you. Featuring a world-class design, leading edge technology and an exceptional cutting performance, the Makita is a powerful, reliable, and efficient circular saw that will help you to complete your woodworking projects with ease.
This article first appeared on morningchores.com Original Article
