A circular saw is a hand-held electric saw for handling wood cutting tasks. It delivers the same power has most small-sized models of table saw would. However, they are inherently more portable and more flexible to move around.
Moreover, depending on the type you buy, circular saws are made of high-quality carbide blades with a diameter ranging from 4.5 to 7.25 inches.
There also exist types either left-handed or right-handed depending on where the engine motor is placed. Its flexibility allows its users to make quick, faster rip-cuts, cross-cuts, or both.
Therefore, this tool is handy for DIY projects such as home framing, sheetrock cutting, and deck building.
And in this article, we give top 9 of the best circular saws you can always use for wood cutting projects in a home or professional setting.
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Best Circular Saws On The Market: My Top 9 Choices
Look through the list and reviews of various circular saws in the market today
DEWALT DWE 575SB Circular Saw is the best definition of a compact, well-balanced circular saw with a lightweight design.
It comes at a size dimension around and weighs 8.8 pounds giving the needed flexibility to work with. The product features a durable design, thanks to the sturdy aluminum build along with an 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade for fast cutting precision.
The blade is a 7 ¼ -inches diameter type, which is exceptionally durable and long-lasting. When it comes to power, the circular saw features a 15 Amp engine motor that allows the saw run at a speed of 5100 rpm.
For easy stoppage after use, the saw features an electric brake, which stops the machine 2 to 3 seconds once the trigger is released.
More, the presence of a ball bearing lower guard, delivers efficiency needed to make smooth retraction while cutting. It also features a dust blower system to reduce dust contamination to give clear sight for delivering precise and accurate cuts.
The saw has a robust and durable base for cutting in the form of a highly-stamped aluminum shoe. A blade wrench is included to protect the blade and also serves as an attachment for making blade changes.
Furthermore, the presence of ergonomic handles allows enhanced comfortability while using. It is embedded with a Tough Cord system, which prevents cord-pullouts.
When it comes to cutting, the saw has a 57-degree bevel capacity along with 22.5 and 45-degree detents enough to deliver a max size of 2 9/16- inches depth.
- The presence of a ball bearing lower guard to allow smooth retraction while cutting.
- Lightweight and comfortable to use.
- The presence of the dust blower system keeps a clear site of visibility.
- The saw delivers smooth, accurate, and precise cuts.
- It is comfortable to use due to the presence of soft grip ergonomic handles.
- It generates a lot of dust, which goes beyond the capacity of the dust blower.
DEWALT DCS391B is a heavy-duty circular saw that delivers quality power at high speed. It pays detailed attention to durability and comfortability while in use with the presence of cognate features.
Its portability and lightweight design stem from the fact that it has size dimensions around 8.5x 15.5 x 10.5 inches and weighs no more than 7.1 pounds. It features a carbide 18-tooth saw blade with a diameter of 6 ½ -inches.
In terms of power capacity, the saw features a 15 – Amp motor that delivers a speed capacity of 5250 rpms.
Furthermore, the circular saw has a lightweight and high strength magnesium shoe, which enhances the saw’s durability and keeps it in shape for high precision and accuracy.
To enhance comfort and balancing while in use, the circular saw is said to come with an optimized rubber comfort grip. It is a cordless device that relies totally on a battery to supply power of no less than 20 volts.
DEWALT DCS391B can make bevel cuts between 0 to 50-degrees for a wide range of applications.
It can also make straight cross-cuts at an angle of 90-degrees, and the circular saw has a depth cut capacity of 2 ¼ and 1 5/8 –inches at 90 and 45 degrees, respectively.
- Design is lightweight
- The presence of magnesium components makes this tool flexible to use.
- The power tool comes with a level of comfortability.
- It is suited for a versatile range of applications.
- A flat head magnesium shoe allows the saw to sit balanced on rough surfaces.
- It is quite challenging to make vertical overhead cuts.
When it comes to manufacturing affordable and quality circular saws, the Makita brand tops the niche with its exclusive well-reckoned models.
One of their well to do product is the Makita 5007MG circular saw which comes with a durable build. It pays details to be a precise, accurate, and smooth performance with exclusive features.
On the overall, this circular saw features a lot of magnesium components which is responsible for lightweight. Notwithstanding, the circular comes with size dimensions of 20.9 x 17.9 x 13.9 inches and weighs 10.6 pounds.
Besides, the saw features a 7 ¼ -inches carbide-tipped blade with an ultra-coating for lasting cut durability. The ultra-coating is a unique blade feature responsible for reducing heat build-up while using the saw.
The presence of a powerful 15.0 Amp motor delivers quality performance and a no-load speed of 5,800 rpm. It features large easy to read setting detents to ensure accuracy with measurements. It features an ergonomic easy to grip handle for enhanced comfortability.
The presence of two inbuilt LED lights helps with illumination while cutting to ensure the accurateness of different cuts. A dust blower system that comes with the saw blows away dust particles to keep a clear site of cuts.
In terms of cutting capacity, the saw can make a large cut of 2 ½ -inches at 90-degrees and bevel cuts at 0-60 degrees. It has positive stops of 22.5, 45, and 56 degrees for more versatile cuts.
It is effectively powered by AC supply and comes at a power rating of 120 volts.
- It is a budget-friendly circular saw
- Lightweight design.
- Versatile in use.
- Absence of electric brakes for safe operation.
If you’re always searching for affordable workshed items and you’re never willing to put out huge amounts of cash for products that’ll get faulty in a couple of years, you’ve got to check out this BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX JigSaw w/ Circular Saw bundle.
The beauty of this bundle lies in two things - affordability and practicality. It comes with a standard Black+Decker cordless jigsaw with a 20 V battery and a strong circular saw that we would focus on in this review.
Also, this is one of the rare packs that cost less than $100, which is pretty fantastic considering the average price of circular saws on the market.
One of the most important features of a circular saw is the blade and how well it works with the rest of the parts. In this case, you’ll get a Black+Decker 5-½-inch metal-cutting blade that shows much promise.
It had no wear or tear after numerous tests against metallic and wooden materials, and you can even make depth adjustments without any tools, which is something that most competitors don’t offer.
Moreover, depth adjustment is not the only flexible feature you’ll get since it can also make bevel cuts anywhere between 45 and 90 degrees.
The design is quite practical and user-friendly, featuring upper and lower guards, ergonomic handles, and a lightweight build that reduces the stress on your hands.
Naturally, it has a high-torque motor whose speed and efficiency can be adjusted with the variable speed trigger. Overall, it has all the perks and pros you’d want in a compact circular saw.
On the other hand, the jigsaw you’ll receive in the bundle will undoubtedly be handy with all your projects since it has a powerful battery, motor, and it can make various cuts - beveled, straight, plunge cuts.
All in all, you won’t find a better deal when it comes to circular saws and jigsaws.
Also, Black+Decker products woodworking products come with 2-year warranties, which is always nice.
- Two-item pack – a jigsaw and a circular saw
- Quality blade
- Bevel and depth adjustment
- Variable speed control
- A 2-year warranty
- Overall durability
The Milwaukee brand is highly effective in dishing out state of the art power tools. The same can be said of Milwaukee 2731-20 circular saw, which has a power-saving feature.
It is a robust and durable saw with a lightweight design as It comes at a size dimensions 6 x 12.6 x 10 inches and a weight of 8.5 pounds. The presence of a 40 tooth carbide blade of 7 ¼ -inches allows the saw to efficiently cut wood up to a depth 2 ½ -inches.
It features a POWERSTATE brushless motor, which helps it operate effectively. The brushless motor has a power of 15 amps. This gives the blade the power to run at a speed (no-load) of 5000 rpm. It features a magnesium shoe, which is an excellent base for the saw.
Additionally, what is unique with this circular saw is that it features a REDLINK plus intelligence technology that ensures proper communication between tool, battery, and charger — the technology aids to prevent overloading of the battery.
Since the saw is cordless, it relies on RED LITHIUM battery technology, which allows for a fast rate of charging and gives it more running time. The unit of circular saw comes with LED light to aid visibility during a low-light condition.
For protection, the Milwaukee 2731 circular saw comes with a rafter hook, which allows for easy storage. It features an ergonomic handle that provides comfortability.
The handle consists of a power trigger and a lock button for easy start-up. The bevel capacity is about 500. In terms of cutting capacity, the saw can cut up to 2 ½ -inches depth.
- Presence of LED lights to aid visibility.
- Ergonomic handle makes the saw comfortable to use.
- Lightweight design.
- The presence of REDlink technology prevents battery overloading.
- It lacks a bevel stop at 45 degrees.
If you are looking for a well-serving and reliable wood framing tool. Then the Bosch CS5 will indeed be a reliable tool for your use.
It is sturdily built and stands out in terms of quality and design, which is the best fit for DIYers and professionals. It comes as a circular saw with a left-sided design and has size dimensions of 17.3 x 11.4 x 11.4 inches. It has a 7 ¼ -inches blade size with the power to cut thickened wood.
Also, it features a 15 Amp motor with the capacity to spin saw at 6200 rpm. For protection, the Bosch CS5 comes with compelling features such as an Anti-snag lower guard protects the tool blades from harsh cutting conditions.
Also, the presence of a spindle lock within the saw allows changing of blades once worn out and also locks the blade in place.
In terms of cutting capacity, the saw can cut at 2 7/16 and 1 7/8 inches of maximum depth at 90 and 45 degrees, respectively. It can also make bevel cuts of about 56-degrees.
To ensure effective cleanliness, the saw features a dust chute, which is just enough to blow dust away from the clear sight of cut.
- It has a solid build design.
- The load speed of 6200 rpm delivers faster cuts.
- It comes with a lightweight design.
- It is ergonomic and straightforward to use.
- Dust clearing technology isn’t effective.
Your cutting capacity is limitless with the use of SKILLSAW SPT77WML-01 circular saw, which was designed for professional framers.
It is versatile in the sense that it’s ideal for wood applications such as framing, decking, siding, and ceilings. It is made up of magnesium components that confer a lightweight feature.
On the overall, the circular saw comes with size dimensions around 20.5 x 7.8 x 8.8 –inches and weighs 11.5 pounds. The magnesium housing for the saw helps contributes to lasting durability.
It features 15 Amp of dual field motor powers, which is just enough power to rip through 2x stronger lumber and a variety of other wooden materials. For such impressive cuts, there is a 24-tooth carbide-tipped SKILSAW blade with a diameter of 7 ¼ -inches for convenient cuttings.
The presence of an Anti-snag lower guard serves as a means of protecting the blade against dulling when cutting thinner materials.
The presence of a cut ready depth adjustment allows selection for different depths at ¼ ply, ½ ply, ¾ ply, and 2 x materials for more versatile cuts. This 7 1/4 –inch blade has a maximum depth cut capacity at 2 3/8 –inches at 90-degrees.
It also has a maximum of 53-degree bevel capacity. This bevel capacity only features two positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees.
- The presence of magnesium contributes to its lightweight design.
- Has an enhanced durability
- It comes with an anti-snag guard that protects the blade.
- It can work for a long extension of hours.
- It lacks safety features such as a safety trigger.
Ever in dire need of a high-performance circular saw? Then the Craftsman CMESS10 circular saw is the best take of an effective saw you need.
It comes with laudable special features that add a step to the newer version of circular saws. On the outlook, the saw has size dimensions around 14 x 9.2 x 7.9-inches and weighs 11.05 pounds.
Just like many other circular saws, the saw features an 18 T Carbide-tipped blade, which measures a diameter of 7 ¼ -inches with a 2 1/8 –inches of cut capacity.
A 15 Amp motor is also included. It ensures the blade of the saw spins at a speed of 5,500 for a faster, accurate and precise cuts.
Additionally, the product has a magnesium shoe or base for enhanced durability and reduced well-balanced weight. It comes with a metal upper or lower guard for durability by protecting the blade against dulling.
A well-contoured over-molded saw handle is included to enhance comfort and comfortability while in use. The presence of a rafter hook by the blade side helps to lock the blade in place and to help change the blade once worn-out.
This saw can make both bevel and crosscuts; it can make bevel cuts up to 55-degrees. The angled cuts have positive stops or detents at 0, 22.5 and 45 degrees for expansive cuttings.
- Bevel cuts of about 55-degrees can be made
- The presence of a contoured angle allows for comfort while handling.
- It comes with a 15 amp motor, which has a blade spin of 5500 for a faster cut.
- The presence of a spindle lock mechanism allows quick changes of the blade.
- It comes with a well-balanced weight.
- It is best suited only for DIYers.
The last circular saw we have to show you is probably one of the most compact products on the market, and the price is also there to confirm it.
If you have a small shed or you’re not planning any larger projects, the PowerSmart ElectricCircular Saw will be a perfect fit for you.
First off, the dimensions of this circular saw are 15.55 x 7.3 x 6 inches, and the recorded weight is only 5.93 lbs, which makes it easy to use with one hand without even having to support it from the sides with the other hand.
Of course, you should always follow the safety guidelines, and you should use it correctly with both hands.
Its design truly makes it an all-around saw since the manufacturers found a way to implement all-important accessories and features into such a small product.
It features a dust port, a laser guide, and a scale ruler. This is extremely pleasant to see since you can make precise straight cuts without having to prepare as much as you normally would with a larger saw.
Moreover, its size is not a sign of its power since it can deliver successful cuts at speeds of 3500 RPM. Of course, there were saws in this list that operate at much higher speeds, but it is impressive for a circular saw that weighs only 6 pounds.
The blade is capable of cutting most materials that carpenters face - from wooden planks and PVC tubing to plastics, all thanks to its build that features a strong tungsten alloy. Considering that this is a smaller blade with a 4-½-inch dimension, the tungsten steel seems like an obvious choice.
The most obvious flaw that we can tell is the overall efficiency in comparison with some other saws that we had on this list.
It’s not a professional-grade tool that you can use for all projects, and it’s usually purchased by beginners or people that love doing smaller projects.
It’ll still give you excellent results, especially with smaller materials, but you should go for something larger if you plan on doing some serious carpentry and woodworking.
- The best compact saw
- 3500 RPM
- Tungsten alloy build
- Lightweight
- Efficiency in contrast with the previous circular saws
Things to Consider Before Buying A Circular Saw?
1. Size And Weight
Getting a new unit of the circular saw requires you to pay attention to the size. Just as required by other types of saws, size often matters for the purpose for which you need the tool.
As a DIYer or hobbyist, you may not need a bigger size of a circular saw and has such should not weigh more than 6 pounds. However, this doesn’t matter in a professional setting where you need to overcome larger projects.
On the overall, ensure it comes with more compactness, comfortable, and lightweight design.
2. Blade Type
Buying a circular saw requires you pay detailed attention to the blade type.
The most preferred blade for a circular or rotatory saw is a carbide-tipped blade that delivers accurate cuts to your materials. The tipped blade usually has a set number of teeth.
Now, the larger the number of teeth often makes the blade a little slower but will deliver a smooth cut while a blade with a small number of teeth will, although cut faster but may give rough cuts.
3. Safety
A lot comes into selecting a circular saw, and one of such is the safety features. It is not common with many grades of circular saw.
However, you need to look out for features such as electric brakes, blade guard (which prevents direct contact with body), or the presence of LED lights, which gives visibility during a low-light situation.
A circular saw without at least two of these features is not considered safe for use.
4. Motor Power
The motor engine of your circular saw determines its driving capacity.
A motor engine with more power will confer on the saw the ability to make cuts on tougher materials. The power of the motor also works along with the saw blade for more spins to deliver a faster rate of cut.
The rate is known as revolutions-per-minute. Therefore a motor engine with a fast-driving power will translate to a circular saw with more revolutions per minute, which in turn makes it suitable for more significant projects.
5. Comfort
Look out for features that will provide lasting comfort while in use and will ease out fatigue from the body. The presence of features like an ergonomic or well-contoured handle on the power tool guarantees a lasting comfort.
A circular saw that doesn’t aid comfort will prove to be ineffective and could be accidental.
6. Budget
This is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when buying any types of saws. Whatever grade of circular saw you choose to buy depends on your pocket capacity.
There are cheaper brands of circular saws out there, just like there are expensive models too. You don’t have to go for quite expensive saw types if you are using as a hobbyist.
However, there are models of this circular saw unit that comes at a pocket-friendly price and has impressive features too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best circular saw for home use?
There are multiple choices in this list if you’re planning some smaller home projects.
The Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw, our second pick, and the PowerSmart ElectricCircular Saw are some of the best compact circular saws you can find.
They are perfect for occasional weekend work and cutting through some smaller planks that require a lot of precision.
As we mentioned, the PowerSmart ElectricCircular Saw has a laser beam guide that’ll undoubtedly be handy.
What kind of circular saw should I buy?
There are lots of exclusive options of circular saws out there, which often lead to confusion as to which exact one is suited for use. It will usually save you a whole deal if you can efficiently scrutinize the saw.
However, some of the best options you should look out for are the blade size, type, cutting depth capacity, source of current and motor power.
Significant brands of circular saw come with a universal size of 7 ¼ inches with the ability to cut 2x of wood and other materials.
Also, for more versatile usage, opt for a circular saw with the power to deliver no less than 4500 RPM of motor speed.
You should also get a saw that is compact, comfortable, and flexible to use.
How do I use a circular saw?
If you just bought a new circular saw and you feel a need to test drive. Then you need to go through the following guidelines.
What is the difference between a corded and cordless circular saw and which is better?
A corded circular saw requires an electric supply to start up the saw unit while a cordless circular saw is usually a battery-operated saw.
While the cord unit of the saw could restrict the mobility of circular, a valid cordless circular could be moved from place to place and anytime without restriction.
However, a corded circular saw gets more power output than typical corded saws out there and has a high power of efficiency while cutting.
The Bottom Line
The use of a circular saw for home framing needs and other versatile applications makes it useful for DIYers, home Hobbyist, and Professionals.
The circular saw falls into two categories of battery and electric powered. Getting a better taste of any circular saw requires you buy a quality type.
That’s why this review was done along with a buying guide for making the best choice.