Buying the best circular saw is not an easy task. There are thousands of options staring you in the face. The task becomes more difficult when you don't know what to look out for before buying. Let's look at some of the factors to consider before buying a circular saw
Factors to Consider before Buying the Best Circular Saws
- Size of the Saw
The size of the circular saw in question is a factor that determines the type of duties you will be able to perform with it. For bigger projects, a larger size would be useful and vice versa. - Cutting Capacity and Depth
Cutting depth of the saw refers to how deep the saw can go above its cutting bevel. You need a saw that has blades with the right depth for efficient cutting. - The Driving Power
Driving power determines how the saw will function. Electric drive circular saw needs electricity to function. Circular saws have horsepower which determines the revolution per minute most times. - Speed and Control
Revolution per minute dictates the amount of work that can be done. This is the rotation rate of the circular saw. Blades with higher revolution rates are well suited for bigger projects. As they offer more controls unlike those with smaller revolution rates.
- SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw
- 7-1/4-Inch tooth
- 51°
- 2-7/16" at 90°
- Read review
- Rockwell RK3441K Compact Circular Saw
- 4-1/2-Inch tooth
- 45°
- 1-11/16" at 90°
- Read review
-
Editor’s Choice
- WORX WORXSAW Compact Circular Saw
- 4-1/2-Inch tooth
- 45°
- 1-11/16" at 90°
- Read review
- Makita 5007MGA Magnesium Circular Saw
- 7-1/4-Inch tooth
- 56°
- 2-1/2" at 90°
- Read review
- SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
- 7-1/4-Inch tooth
- 53°
- 2-3/8" at 90°
- 13 x 10 x 4 in
- Read review
Circular Saw Reviews
The SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp is a light and compact circular saw. It is ideal for trimming, light ripping, and crosscutting wood. It can be used by both a novice and an experienced woodworker. As it can cut through light trims as well as heavy-duty materials. It features a powerful 15-amp motor that provides the reliable 7-1/4-Inch tooth wrench blade needed to cut through all forms of wood. It looks daintier than previous models from SKIL when you come closer to the tool. But, we do love the fact it has a larger foot that gives it more stability during usage.
The front top is also ergonomic along with the rear handles. It has a safety lock for your security during construction. Included in the safety features of the SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is a laser guide. It informs you when the blade is inline or not. You don't have to worry about cutting through accurately with this circular saw. As it comes with a single beam laser that makes it possible. Also, it feels less heavy compared to the 5680 model. This circular saw has a 15% weight reduction which reduces the incidence of hand fatigue. The positives seem to be endless with this circular saw. But, there are some complaints about some of the components being made out of cheap materials.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The safety button is easy to use. | Some components are made from cheap materials. |
| Has a laser guide for accurate placement of the blade. | Won't cut through 4*4 at a go. |
| Sold along with a hard case and plastic base cover. | Hard to see the current position of the cut. |
| Great for trimming and crosscutting wood | |
| Versatile operations so you can take it along with you anywhere. | |
| User-friendly with safety locks and guarded trigger. | |
| Easy to control thanks to the larger foot. |
The Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw is a compact powerful 5-amp electric motor. It can deliver a full-size performance to cut through 2.4s at a go. The RK3441K is one of their newest circular saws on the market. It comes with a 4-1/2” circular blade and a maximum cutting depth of 1-11/16? at 90°. With a powerful 5A 3500 rpm motor, there are endless possibilities with the Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw. Its cutting performance can be compared to that of a full-sized saw. But with a lighter and less bulky weight. This saw has a left-handed bladed design. Thus making it comfortable for greater cut line visibility. It has everything to earn the tag of a real circular saw.
When you buy the Rockwell RK3441K, the package will contain a 4-1/2" tooth carbide-tipped blade. As well as a vacuum adapter, a parallel guide, and a hex key for blade changes. The Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw comes with a 3-year warranty. This reduces the risk of obtaining this circular saw.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A smaller and lighter version of a full-size circular saw. | Replacements or specialty blades might be scarce. |
| 3-year warranty. | |
| Powerful 5A 3500 rpm motor. | |
| Left-handed blade design for greater cut line visibility. |
The WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2" Compact Circular Saw – WX429L is a good option for those who want something light and powerful. This 4-1/2" saw weighs less 50% less than a traditional 7-1/4" circular saw. It can cut through a 2.4" inches of wood in a single pass as an easily maneuverable saw. When you look at the blade, you'll notice it is quite thin. This is an advantage as the thin blade results in less tool strain. Hence brings about cutting speed and performance. You can also set the depth gauge lever as well as the 0-45-degree bevel setting for quick adjustments. Like the Rockwell RK3441K, this circular saw also comes in a left-sided blade design for more cut-line visibility. As well as a comfortable grip with integrated safety trigger for comfort, balance, and greater control. The 24T carbide-tipped blade is a thing of beauty. But, we do believe that this saw is suited for smaller jobs around the home and not complex jobs.
The box includes the 4-1/2” WORXSAW, 24T Carbide-tipped Blade, Parallel Guide, Vacuum Adapter, and an Allen Key. This Worxsaw WX429L is sold with a manufacturer’s 3-year warranty.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It offers accurate cutting as compared with the older models. | There were a lot of owners who complained about the saw overheating. Hence how it affected their performance. |
| ou have control over the depth of cut and you can adjust it easily. | You need an adaptor so it can work with 220V. |
| 0-45 degree bevel settings. | |
| It comes with a vacuum port and a safety trigger for your protection. |
The Makita 5007MGA has an electric brake system. It is powerful enough to stop the blade after the trigger is released. This works by reversing the electric power in the motor. A powerful 15 amp motor delivers 5,800 rpm for proven performance and durability accompanies this circular saw. With two built-in LED lights to illuminate the line of the cut especially for accuracy at night. You can make quick one-handed adjustments using the large rubberized levers. The Makita 5007MGA has a large cutting capacity at 2-1/2" at 90°. The bevel capacity of this circular saw is 56-degree with 22.5 - 45-degree detents. These provide the needed power to tackle a wide range of cutting applications.
We love the blade depth system of this circular saw as there are no problems when setting depths on this saw. There is a fence that fits the case adjustment and we noticed a lot of users use this feature a lot. The blade change tool fits onboard in the hole near the handle. it uses a Hex Allen key. With a weight of 10.6 pounds, this 5007MGA from Makita is way lighter than most of the corded circular saw that we have reviewed in the past. It's designed for ease of use and versatility, this circular saw will definitely last long. The blade wrench of this saw is kept on the tool for convenient placement and blade changing. This magnesium saw also has a safety lock. It prevents the shaft from rotating when the hex bolt gets loosened.
There were some complaints about the rip fence. But, it is worthy to note that you don't have to buy this accessory as with some other circular saw models. It comes free with the package.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Gives cleaner cuts thanks to its two cutting points. | Has a low dust clearing capability. |
| Weighs 10.6 pounds which is in-built light. | Needs a rafter hook. |
| The rip fence is too short. | |
| Has in-built LED lights. | |
| It comes with a large cutting capacity. |
The SKILSAW SPT77WML comes in a light magnesium construction with a cut system. It can cut quickly and does accurate cuts. With a 53" bevel that allows owners to make wider cuts. This circular saw is powered by a 15 amp motor. It offers smooth performance to rip through more timber at less time. Irrespective of your skill level, you will find this saw as a great option that is efficient and built to last. Unlike other models, this SKILSAW SPT77WML is quite light. And the design was done in such a way that the toughness of the product was not sacrificed. It's made to be durable with a rugged outer shell that protects the motor and other important components. But, the interior is light magnesium. The motor powering the SKILSAW SPT77WML is a dual-field option with an immense 5300 RPM with a one of a king cooling feature. This ensures that at every moment, you have a great level of safety to protect yourself while using more power on your jobs.
We still appreciate the cut-ready depth that comes with this circular saw. It allows us to safely work on jobs with different difficulties and at different sizes. Thus knowing that the cut would be simple due to the saw in question. With regards to guarantee, this SKILSAW SPT77WML Circular Saw surpasses its colleagues again. It offers 180 days for new owners to use the product completely. And if they are not satisfied, they can ask for a full refund with no question asked.
While we can continue to pour in the benefits of this interesting circular saw, let us look at some of the areas where it's not so great. Skilsaw considers the SPT77WML as a machine for cutting wood. This means it's not suitable for metal or tile cutting. Another worry for customers is the vibrations you get from the saw during use. All in all, we still think it's a great option for those who have expertise in cutting wood.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| This saw is perfect for any wooden job. | Not suitable for cutting metal or tiles. |
| It comes with a 180 days money-back guarantee. | It's not suitable for beginners, especially for bigger jobs. |
| It has a cut-ready depth feature that allows safe cutting on all sizes of wood. | |
| i class="fa fa-check-circle-o"> Uses a power dual-field motor at 5300 RPM. |
Made in the USA, the Makita 5007MG runs on a powerful 15 AMP motor. It delivers as much as 5,800 RPM of full performance power and durability on the job site. This circular saw is revered from its large cutting capacity of 2-1/2" at 90 degrees. As well as bevel capacity of (0°-56°) with positive stops at 22.5°and 45°. Thus making it a great buy for those who value accuracy and durability in their cutting tools. The power supply for the Makita 5007MG is a bit more flexible as it has an AC/DC switch which allows both power inputs. The user can decide to choose one over the other as they deem fit. The power cord is also eight-foot long for 110/120 volts.
The greatest asset of the Makita 5007MG is its motor. It's blessed with a 15 amp motor. It can drive the unladen blade up to 5800 RPM for some insane cutting power with its 7¼ inch (184 mm) standard blade sporting a 5/8 (16 mm) inch arbor size. The motor in this saw is powerful not only for its makeup but also for its design. It's coddled using a centrifugal fan and baffle that keeps it cool at all times. An inbuilt electric brake keeps it moving at a brisk pace with a heavy-duty base designed to withstand all forms of worksite abuse. As expected, this saw has some drawbacks of its own. One of the major drawbacks is that it doesn't have safety on. It has a built-in light though which would warn you but we felt a saw this good should come with some safety features.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| An inbuilt electric brake that keeps it moving at pace. | This saw doesn't come with a safety. |
| 15 amp motor coddled with a centrifugal fan that keeps it cool at all times. | |
| It uses AC power. | |
| i class="fa fa-check-circle-o"> It's sold with a case. |
The Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw features a powerful 4.0 amp motor. It's seen as one of the very few multi-functional. Hence an ultra-compact circular saw available on the market. It can cut a wide variety of materials ranging from tile, wood, sheet materials, and even flooring. It's well designed with an ergonomic slim grip handle. It brings comfort, enhances grip control, and reduces the incidence of arm fatigue. With a built-in laser guide, the Rockwell RK3440K might be overlooked due to its motor. But this Versacut from Rockwell is a mean saw.
The depth of the cut is also incredible. You can cut 5/4 treated wood with this saw. When you buy the Rockwell RK3440K, you will get the circular saw with a soft grip handle, large and small spanner Allen key. Also, a laser on/off switch, dust extraction outlet, base plate, saw blade, and parallel guide fixture. As well as a protective blade guard, battery storage cover, vacuum adapter, and the laser batteries. This unique cutting tool offers lots of benefits for small cutting tasks where using a regular saw might be too large for the job. It has a spring-loaded base plate that serves as a blade guard also. On top of the Versacut, you will find a handy laser that projects a red line along the cut line.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It has 3-3/8 inch diameter blades are perfect for cutting thin veneers and other sheet materials. | The footplate has spring loads that are fairly heavy. Hence required to be pressed down to expose the blade before cutting. |
| This circular saw has a great cut depth. | You can't make bevel cuts with this circular saw. |
| Ergonomic design with a slim grip handle. | |
| i class="fa fa-check-circle-o"> Dust attraction adapter that protects the cut line from dust. |
The DEWALT DWS535 7 1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw is easy to use worm drive circular saw. It comes with an extra-wide saw hook that can accept cutting materials of up to 2-1/2 inch wide. This saw weighs about 13.8 pounds with a magnesium construction. Thus provides optimal user handling. The cast magnesium footplate beneath provides a solid base for stable cutting. Featuring a 53 degree Bevel capacity, Bevel detents at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees. This is the worm saw that you have been waiting for.
Weighing 13.8 lbs, this definitely isn't the lightest worm drive on the market. However, when compared to another 7-1/4 inch Skilsaw that weighs 16.4 pounds, you'd realize this is lighter. This saw has a wide rafter hook that will fold into the body of the tool when idle. From the cord, there is a Tough Cord protection system. It provides 4X better cord jerk protection than what is present in most worm saws. As with most circular saw brands that have been reviewed on this site, it's not totally flawless. It lacks an automatic electric brake and a safety switch. Two incredible features needed in a worm drive of this magnitude. Some users also complained about the lack of a case.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It comes with a wide rafter hook that folds when idle. | There is no automatic electric brake and a safety switch. |
| The tough Cord cord protection system comes in handy. | Made in China. |
| 53-degree bevel capacity and bevel dents at 22.5 degrees. |
The SKIL 5180-01 features as an upgrade to the SKIL 5480. It uses a 14 amp motor for greater power and performance with a 15% weight reduction. As compared to its predecessor. It comes with a 51-degree bevel with a positive stop at 45 degrees. This ensures you get a greater cut capacity with greater performance. The SKIL 5180-01 also features an improved dust blower that keeps the cut line away from sawdust. This circular saw from SKIL has a safety governor on the motor that will spin the blade after you use it for a while. It helps to keep the motor so it doesn't burn out when you try to bear down hard on it. Or force it to cut when the blade has been dulled due to consistent use.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Simple to use. | Too heavy for newbies. |
| A perfect saw for newbies who don't do much cutting. | It doesn't have ball bearings. |
| It comes with a power-on indicator. | |
| The blade can be changed with ease thanks to the spindle lock and wrench. | |
| A dust blower to protect the cut line. |
The Makita 5008MGA is an upgrade to the Makita 5007MGA that we have reviewed in this article as well. It has a powerful 15 amperage motor delivering a solid 5,200 RPM for super performance. This lightweight saw, as with other products from Makita is made of magnesium components. They are well balanced and suited for tough job site work. The cutting capacity is a large (3" at 90°) and bevel capacity (0°-50°) with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°. With this circular saw, you will find it pleasing to make quick one-handed adjustments. Thanks to the rubberized levers. There is also an inbuilt dust blower. It clears and protects the cut line from dust for greater accuracy during construction.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Cutting with this circular saw is effortless. | It's not sold with a case like the 5007MGA (which we have reviewed here). |
| Easy to set up depth and angle. | It's made in China. |