For woodworking enthusiasts, having the right power tools is a must, and one tool you can’t go without is the trusty circular saw. If you’re new to woodworking, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re here to guide you through some of the best circular saws available.
A circular saw is your go-to when it comes to slicing through wood and various materials with ease. It’s like having a portable table saw in your hands, making quick work of rough cuts. Some folks even call it a “Skil saw,” a generic term for the classic handheld circular saw. What’s nifty is that it can be left-handed or right-handed, depending on the motor’s placement – making it user-friendly for everyone.
Before making a purchase, understand that your circular saw’s cutting capabilities depend on its blade. Circular saws are versatile, designed for cross-cuts, rip-cuts, or a combination of both. You’ll find them equipped with blades crafted for specific tasks – like tungsten carbide-tipped (TCT) blades for wood, or high-speed steel (HSS) blades for other materials.
Adjusting the saw’s base is a breeze, allowing you to tilt it up to 45 degrees, or even 50 degrees in some cases. This blade adjustment is similar to that of a sliding compound miter saw, ensuring precise cuts. Plus, it minimizes kickback, enhancing safety.
Circular saws come in various blade diameters, typically ranging from 5.5 to 7.25 inches, giving you flexibility for different projects. So, whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, a reliable circular saw is a must-have tool that will be your trusty companion in any project.
A Quick Look At The Top 7 Circular Saws…
Continue reading below this list for their full review.
DeWALT DWE575SB 7 ¼-inch Circular Saw
DEWALT Circular Saw, 15 Amp, 57 Degree Bevel, Electric Brake, Corded (DWE575SB)
4 used from $117.54
What we like:
The DEWALT Circular Saw is a true powerhouse in its class. We love its lightweight design, weighing in at just 8.8 pounds, making it incredibly easy to handle and transport. The electric brake is a standout feature, ensuring safety by stopping the blade as soon as you release the trigger.
With a patented 15-amp motor, this circular saw delivers unwavering power for even the toughest tasks. Its 57-degree beveling capacity with positive stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees allows for versatile cutting options, while the 2 9/16-inch depth of cut capacity opens up a world of possibilities.
If you’re looking for a circular saw made for durability, you might want to try this circular saw that’s at the top of our list. DeWALT is a reputable name in the world of power tools, and the features of this circular saw reinforce the belief, as well as DeWALT’s reputation.
This circular saw is easy to use thanks to its ball bearing design on the lower guard. This ensures the smooth retraction of the saw. Its shoe is designed with a high-quality, top-grade stamped aluminum material which enhances not only the durability of the circular saw but also offers a perfect cutting base.
To enhance the saw’s ease of use, the saw also comes with an inbuilt dust blower which gets rid of all the dust from the cut line as you saw. To boost the saw’s efficiency, DeWALT designed this saw to be ultra-lightweight. Weighing a mere 8.8 lbs, this circular saw is one of the lightest, most portable circular saws on the market.
But don’t let its low weight deceive you: this circular saw boasts a powerful motor that reaches a maximum of 5,100 RPMs. The powerful steel, carbide-tipped blade further enhances the power of the saw.
With its power and low weight, this circular saw makes bevel cuts reaching up to 57 degrees. It has stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees, and its cutting depth is also remarkable at 2.55 inches (90 degrees) and 1.9 inches (45 degrees).
The other impressive feature of this DeWALT DWE575SB circular saw is its safety features. It features a powerful electric brake that stops the blade quickly after you release the trigger. It also has a spindle lock.
This circular saw also comes with a ToughCord System which enhances the resistance of the pullouts. The trigger actuation and the ergonomic handles offer balance and stability.
So, if you are out here looking for a light, well-balanced, but powerful circular saw, you might want to start your search with this DeWALT DWE575SB.
Dewalt DCS575B Flexvolt
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* Circular Saw, 7 1/4-Inch, Brushless, Tool Only (DCS575B)
What we like:
The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Circular Saw, a game-changer that combines power and portability. We’re impressed by its ability to deliver up to 339 cuts per charge in 2-inch x 4-inch pine, making it an ideal choice for jobs that require extended operation.
With a generous 2-9/16 inch depth of cut, this cordless circular saw tackles a wide range of cutting tasks with ease. The electronic brake is a standout feature, ensuring your safety by stopping the blade immediately after releasing the trigger.
Equipped with a brushless motor, this circular saw is optimized for maximum run time and durability. Operating at 5800 RPM, it offers quality cuts with exceptional speed, making your projects more efficient and precise. The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Circular Saw is the ultimate choice for those who demand power, performance, and the freedom of cordless operation.
The best of circular saws cut things well, and this Dewalt DCS575B Flexvolt by DeWALT does just that. This saw is one of the best circular saws on the market with powerful blades and a motor that chews through wood effortlessly.
This circular saw boasts a brushless saw that runs at a high speed of 5,800RPM. This power, in combination with its high-speed steel or carbide-tipped blade, ensures that the saw delivers excellent cuts whether you’re a pro in woodworking or not.
The 7 ¼ inch blade is durable and reliable, and it will easily cut through 2 or more inches or lumber in a single pass. You can also make beveled and angled cuts thanks to the adjustable tilt of the blade adjustable up to 57 degrees.
You might also like to know that this power tool comes with a separate battery that which will detect and automatically change the voltage of the power tool. This voltage changing feature is the reason for the saw’s model name, Flexvolt. Thanks to FLEXVOLT, you will enjoy a great deal of efficiency.
Your battery not only powers but also improves the saw’s run time. You might also like the long extension cord, which ensures that you handle tough and long jobs.
Regarding safety, this circular saw comes with an electric brake, and when you press the safety trigger, the blade goes cold in about 2 seconds. This saw is versatile with a bevel cut capacity of 57 degrees and stops in 22.5 and 45 degrees.
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw , Silver
$159.00 in stock
2 used from $156.83
What we like:
The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw is a woodworking gem we absolutely love. Its lightweight magnesium construction ensures less user fatigue, keeping you productive for longer periods. The cut-ready depth of cut system simplifies depth measurements, saving you time and ensuring precision in your cuts.
With a generous 53-degree bevel capacity, this saw allows you to tackle a wide range of cutting tasks effortlessly. Packing a 15 Amp punch, it delivers the power needed to rip through lumber swiftly, making your projects more efficient.
One standout feature we appreciate is the anti-snag lower guard, ensuring smooth operation even when dealing with small cut-off pieces. The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is a reliable companion for woodworkers, combining power, precision, and user-friendly features in one impressive package.
SKILSAW is a big brand, and it boasts some of the best power tools. This SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is not just affordable, but it also boasts a high-quality design. At 11.6lbs, this circular saw is relatively lightweight meaning that you can move it around with ease. Its lightweight design also decreases fatigue. The saw’s lightweight design comes from its magnesium construction.
The saw sports a 53 degrees bevel that allows you a large variety of cuts. The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 has a worm drive motor which is not only super tough but also boasts a high torque necessary for making tough cuts.
It has cut-ready depth indents which make for simple, fast, and highly accurate depths.
The power of the saw comes from the dual field 15AMP motor which allows you to top through lumber in seconds. This motor remains cool even with hard cuts, too much use and abuse. You can make cuts at adjustment depths of 1/4, ½, ¾, and 2x ply.
You might also like the anti-snag lower guard feature of the circular saw which allows for the smooth operation of the saw, especially when making small cut-offs. With the anti-snag lower guard, the blade is protected when it’s not in use, and the blade will not snag when cutting thin materials.
This saw has a maximum cutting capacity of 2 3/8 inches at an angle of 90 degrees. Its maximum bevel capacity is 53 degrees with stops at 0 degrees and 45 degrees. The 0 and 45-degree bevel indents on the saw’s footplate ensure cutting of true cuts.
You might also like the saws overall balance from its ergonomic (soft-grip) handles, which ensure comfort using the saw throughout the day.
Makita 5007MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
What we like:
The Makita 5007MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is a top-tier choice that woodworkers will truly appreciate. Crafted with magnesium components, it’s impressively lightweight at just 10.6 pounds, making it easy to handle and rugged enough for any jobsite challenge.
This circular saw boasts a robust 15.0 AMP motor, delivering a powerful 5,800 RPM for exceptional performance and long-lasting durability. What sets it apart are the two built-in L.E.D lights that illuminate your cutting line, ensuring pinpoint accuracy on every task.
With a large cutting capacity of 2-1/2 inches at 90 degrees and a versatile bevel capacity ranging from 0 to 56 degrees, it provides the flexibility needed for a variety of cuts. Plus, it offers positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees for added convenience.
The added bonus is the 1-year warranty, offering peace of mind for your investment. The Makita 5007MG is a standout choice, combining lightweight design, potent performance, and precision-enhancing features that make it a must-have for woodworking enthusiasts
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality, and a well-balanced circular saw, you might want to try buying this saw. This saw boasts a number of the magnesium components which are not only durable but also lightweight. This saw weighs 10.6lbs making it easy for use in woodworking jobs in and out of your home.
Besides the lightweight design, this saw is also easy to use thanks to the handle’s design details which provide a greater clearance between your blade’s case and the rear handle ensuring an excellent grip when using gloves or if you have bigger hands. Its large rubberized levers offer a one-handed adjustment for enhanced efficiency.
This circular saw has a 15-amp motor that’s super powerful and capable of producing up to 5,800RPMs. In addition to the power from the motor, the saw also features a powerful ultra-coated framing blade. The blade has an advanced tooth design with M-shaped teeth making a two-pointed tip.
The two 10-degree bevel faces of the blade are designed to increase the saw’s cutting efficiency. The design of the blade is the reason for the long, clean, and fast cuts. The tungsten carbide tips of the blade are uniquely designed to withstand even the harshest of cutting conditions including plowing through wood with nails embedded in it.
And there’s more: this circular saw’s blade also features an ultra-coating which lowers the buildup of heat or pitch, hence a smoother and faster cutting. The attached blade wrench enhances the convenience and efficiency of the blade.
Besides the powerful motor, this circular saw also features two LED work lights, as well as an integrated blower. The lights and the dust blower allow you to see the cut lines with ease, ensuring that you get accurate cuts. There also are scales on the saw’s shoe; these and the bevels allow for easy reading for accuracy and the adjustment of the cut depths.
The other interesting feature of this saw is its large cutting capacity of 2 ½ inches at a 90 degrees angle. It also has a bevel capacity of between 0 and 56 degrees, as well as positive stops at two angles, 22.5 and 45 degrees.
Makita XDS01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Cut-Out Saw
Makita XDS01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Cut-Out Saw, Tool Only
$259.00 in stock
What we like:
The Makita XDS01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Cut-Out Saw is a cutting-edge tool that brings efficiency and precision to the forefront. It features a Makita-built variable speed motor, delivering a remarkable 0-6,000 strokes per minute for rapid and effective cutting.
This saw is ingeniously designed for making openings in installed boards with an adjustable blade depth of up to 1-3/16 inches (9/16 inch in wood). What sets it apart is its remarkable efficiency, capable of cutting up to 984 feet of 1/2-inch drywall on a single charge with a 4.0Ah battery (battery not included), ensuring you can tackle extensive projects without interruptions.
With a short 1/4-inch stroke length and adjustable blade depth, the saw minimizes the risk of damage to objects behind the board you’re cutting. It also includes a clear dust box for dust containment, offering increased visibility for added convenience. The Makita XDS01Z is a must-have for professionals seeking a powerful, efficient, and precise cut-out saw for their projects.
If you’ve been researching circular saws, you must be aware of the rear handled circular saws. This variety of saws are now picking up the pace, and they are the rave of power tools and for a good reason. This Makita XDS01Z Cordless Saw is one such saw, and you might like it, especially if you’re looking for a cordless circular saw. Despite the cordless design, this circular saw is super powerful.
The power of this circular saw comes from a combination of two high-quality lithium-ion batteries which deliver a powerful 36 volts that will handle a lot of power for cutting. In addition to the two batteries, there also is a brushless motor that delivers at least 5100RPM of power through the blades.
The circular saw has a built-in speed motor which will effectively deliver between 0 and 6000 strokes/minute. This power is controlled electronically to enhance the efficiency of the saw. Wondering just how efficient this saw is? Well, this saw allows you to make up to 500 crosscuts in 2×4 lumber, all in one charge. With all this power, you can get through a day’s work without having to run out to recharge your saw.
It’s also designed for design and precision, and it allows you to cut up openings that are installed with a highly adjustable cut blade depth ranging from 1 to 3/16 inches. The saw also comes with a short ¼-inch stroke length that has an adjustable blade length which prevents any potential damage to anything behind the cutting board that’s being cut.
Its dual LED light and the afterglow is also important as it increases the accuracy of your work while illuminating your work area.
Bosch CS5 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
BOSCH CS5 120-Volt 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw,BOSCH Blue
What we like:
The Bosch CS5 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is a standout choice, offering enhanced line of sight, power, and durability to meet your cutting needs. With its left-blade design, it provides an improved line of sight for precise and accurate cuts, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
The anti-snag lower guard ensures smooth and uninterrupted operation, allowing you to tackle various cutting tasks without hassles. Powered by a robust 15-amp motor, this circular saw delivers the muscle needed to handle tough cutting projects.
In summary, the Bosch CS5 is a reliable and powerful circular saw that excels in providing clear visibility, user-friendly design, and the strength to take on a range of cutting challenges. It’s an excellent addition to your tool collection for top-notch cutting performance.
Bosch is a big name when it comes to power tools, and if you are looking for a lightweight circular saw that boosts an immense amount of power, this Bosch circular saw does not disappoint.
This saw sports a powerful 15amp motor which reaches a remarkably high low-speed and speed of 6,200RPM. Thanks to the power, this circular saw can cut through just about everything, like butter. With this power, you can build a deck for your home or even use it professionally for years. You can use this circular saw on anything including the wet, pressure-treated hardwoods.
This Bosch CS5 features an anti-snag lower guar that makes it possible for you to continue cutting the wood and you won’t have to retract the blade guard. If you intend on making tricky cuts or transitions, this Bosch circular saw will make that happen.
You might also like the left-handed blade saw because of its ease to use whether you’re left-handed and right-handed. The left-handed blade saw for a right-handed person is a refreshing element that allows you to see below the cut line easily.
This circular saw also features a spindle lock, a cutting depth of 1.875 at a 45-degree angle, and also a cutting depth of 2.44 inches at 90 degrees. The bevel cuts for this saw reach 56 degrees.
Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Bare
Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4" Circular Saw Bare
What we like:
The Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Bare is a remarkable tool that’s easy to use and handle. Its impressive durability ensures it will stand the test of time, making it a valuable addition to your toolkit.
With a battery warranty of 3 years, this circular saw delivers exceptional performance. It cuts faster and weighs up to 40% less than corded saws, all without sacrificing cut depth or overall performance. It also provides twice the run time of other 18-Volt cordless circular saws, thanks to its POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, which outpaces corded counterparts.
Weighing in at a mere 9 pounds with the battery pack (sold separately), it’s both lightweight and powerful. The saw features REDLINK PLUS Intelligence, offering optimized performance and overload protection through seamless communication between the tool, battery, and charger. Additionally, it comes equipped with an LED light for accuracy in low-light conditions and a convenient rafter hook for easy storage between cuts.
The Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel Circular Saw also includes a magnesium shoe and upper and lower guards that reduce tool weight without compromising durability. It’s a top-tier choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient circular saw for their projects.
Anyone shopping for the next best circular saw looks for a well-designed, capable, and powerful saw. And this Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 offers just that. This saw is one of the best-quality 7 ¼ inch cordless saws on the market.
It sports an 18-volt motor, and its blade spins at high speed of 5,000RPM. With all this power, you will have more than enough juice for making at least 300 cuts.
The saw is designed using magnesium and its blade guard too. The result of this design is a high-quality, and long-lasting circular saw. Its shoe further enhances the durability of the saw. The other design element of this saw is its low-weight design, as well as its LED light, integrated rafter hooks, and an easy-to-read scale.
This saw makes excellent bevel cuts at 50 degrees, a cutting depth of 2.5 inches at 90 degrees and 45 degrees, a cutting depth of 1.875 inches. You might also like the single-handed bevel and depth adjustments.
Types of Circular Saws
To determine the kind of circular saw that best fits your needs, you need to know the type of the saw and how it works. There are two main types of circular saws: the worm drive and the sidewinder.
The sidewinders are also referred to as the direct-drive saws. The sidewinders make up the majority of circular saws on the market. The worm drive saws, on the other hand, differ from the sidewinders in that they use the worm gear for the blades. The worm drive saws are, therefore, more durable than the sidewinders.
The other difference between the two circular saws has to do with the worm drive circular saws having their blades on the left side while the sidewinders have their blades on the right side, in most cases.
Regarding weight, the worm drive saws are heavier and more expensive than the sidewinders, but they require a lot of lubrication with oil. Therefore, they are ideal for use on regular, as well as heavy-duty use/ abuse.
Note that even with the design and maintenance differences, the worm drive circular saws work in the same way as the sidewinders. But, don’t let this statement deceive you because many sidewinder circular saws last as long as the worm drives, even with daily use and abuse. Note that the circular blades can be cordless or corded.
So, now that you have the basics about circular saws covered let’s look at some of the saws you might want to buy.
Where To Next?
When looking for the right circular saw to match your woodworking needs, you need to make sure that the saw will do the job you intend it to.
The right saw for you might be left/ right-handed, corded or cordless. You might have to try the different saws to find what meets your needs best.