I agree that the process of finding a good circular saw is tiring; however, after proper research, it will not be that difficult.
A circular saw is not only a must at any professional’s workshop but also at homes, for it can help you frame things or make specific cuts you need without having to pay a lot for a carpenter.
Knowing how hard the process and the research are, and knowing how important getting a circular saw is, I decided to compile as much information as possible for you so that you can find the best circular saw for you with ease.
Our Top Picks
DeWalt DWE575SB
Motor: 15 amperes
Speed: 5.100 RPM
Weight: 8.8 pounds
Rockwell RK3440K Versacut
Motor: 4 amperes
Speed: 3500 RPM
Weight: 4 pounds
Skil 5280-01
Motor: 15 ampere
Speed: 5300 RPM
Weight: 8.7 pounds
WORX WORXSAW
Motor: 4 ampere
Speed: 3500 RPM
Weight: 4.4 pounds
DEWALT DC390B
Motor: 18V
Speed: 3700 RPM
Weight: 6.3 pounds
TACKLIFE TCS115A
Motor: 5.8 ampere
Speed: 3500 RPM
Weight: 8.27 pounds
Milwaukee M18 2630-20
Motor: 5 ampere
Speed: 3500 RPM
Weight: 1 pound
The Black & Decker BDECS300C
Motor: 13 ampere
Speed: 5300 RPM
Weight: 7 pounds
The 8 Best Circular Saws:
1. DeWalt DWE575SB – Best For Beginners
DeWalt DWE575SB is 8 pounds, which is not heavy but not so lightweight either.
Its 15-ampere motor delivers up 5100 RPM, which is truly powerful.
This power tool makes very accurate cuts thanks to its laser guide that ensures that you make the correct cut you need. It also has a large viewing window in its aluminum shoe assembly to allow you to keep an eye on the blade and where it’s cutting.
Moreover, DeWalt DWE575SB is very safe to use thanks to its electric brake that stops the blade right after you release the trigger, and to its power cord that comes with a patented protection system (ToughCord System that makes the cord three times more durable than a standard cord and avoids accidental disconnects.
Pros:
- Safe
- Electric brake
- ToughCord System
- Carbide-tipped blade
Cons:
- Some play in the shoe
Bottom Line
It could be said that DeWalt DWE575SB is the best 7 ¼ circular saw for beginners and professionals due to its safety.
Thanks to its laser guide and electric brake, you can be sure that you are going to make precise cuts with ease and quickness.
2. Rockwell RK3440K Versacut – Small Precise Cuts
The four-pound Rockwell RK3440K is the best compact circular saw due to its lightweight and portability. It is very ergonomic to the extent that you can handle it with just one hand.
Also, if you are looking for a versatile circular saw, this is the one because it can cut a variety of materials. It can cut through tile, cement, marble, concrete, and some metals like aluminum and sheet metal.
It also comes with different kinds of blades; namely, a carbide-tipped blade, a one 44T HSS blade, and a diamond blade.
Its 4-amp motor delivers 3,500 RPM speed, and together they suit light-duty tasks but aren’t fit for handling tough ones.
Moreover, it has a laser guide, so you do not need to worry about making wrong cuts, and a lever by which you can adjust the depth of the cut you need to make.
It also has a dust extraction blower so that the cut line is always visible and clear.
Pros:
- Lock-off safety switch
- Easy To handle
- Versatile
- Laser guide
Cons:
- You may find yourself applying more pressure than you need to
Bottom Line
If you need a lightweight circular saw that can cut different materials, then this is the one.
It also has a laser guide so that you make precise cuts.
3. SKIL 5280-01 – Best For Visibility
This is a smaller version of the previous Dewalt, as it is lightweight as well.
It also has a 15-ampere motor that delivers 5.300-RPM, which is excellent for making cuts quickly.
One of its defining features is its dust blower that blows dust away from the cutting line, providing you with more visibility; and hence giving you safer experience.
Also, you will not have a hard time changing its blades thanks to its spindle lock.
The only disadvantage I found was that the safety switch is placed awkwardly and isn’t easy to reach.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Dust blower
- Spindle lock
- Bevel capacity for a wide capacity of cuts
Cons:
- Safety switch location
Bottom Line
This is a sturdy and lightweight circular saw that has a wide capacity for cuts.
However, its downside is the not-easily-accessible location of its safety switch.
4. WORX WORXSAW – Best Compact Circular Saw
This is the best compact circular saw, for it is only 15.1 x 4.2 x 5.8 inches. Its compact size makes it portable and easy to maneuver.
It mostly comes in corded models, but there are a few cordless ones, and it can either have left, or right hand sided blades.
Its lightweight (4.4 pounds) does not mean that it cannot cut a variety of materials, for it can cut metals, plastic, wood, and even stones.
Thanks to its ability to be adjusted from 0 to 45 degrees, it can make great bevel cuts. It also makes perfect straight cuts due to its parallel guide attachment.
Moreover, if you use it for a long time, your hand will not hurt you thanks to its vibration dampening technology.
Pros:
- Parallel guide
- Cordless
- Safety trigger feature
- Vibration dampening technology.
Cons:
- The safety switch is difficult to release
- Does not cut straight
Bottom Line
If you have small hands or if you generally have difficulty with handling large power tools, then this one’s for you. Its compact size makes it perfect to handle, and its vibration dampening technology makes sure your hands do not hurt while you are using it.
5. DEWALT DC390B – Best Cordless Circular Saw
This 18-volt power tool is the best cordless circular saw on the market nowadays. The fact that it doesn’t have any cords helps make it portable and eases its maneuverability.
Moreover, you can use it to work at weird angles, tight places, and over-the-head jobs without having to worry about yanking the cord.
It delivers 3.500 RPM, so it makes fast rip cuts and crosscuts.
It has a 6 ½ carbide-tipped blade for 2x cutting capacity at 90° and 45°, and a 0-50-degree bevel capacity provides additional capacity for a multitude of applications.
Like WORX WORXSAW, it has a vibration dampening feature making it more comfortable for the user.
Pros:
- Cordless
- Portable
- Fan-cooled motor
- Rubber-grip handle
- Three-year limited warranty
- Durable magnesium shoe and upper guard
Cons:
- You must buy an additional battery and charger
Bottom Line
This cordless circular saw is best suited for working in tight places or in places that do not have a power outlet.
Its high RPM and cutting capacity make it great for tackling various applications.
6. TACKLIFE Circular Saw – Best For Versatility
The 5.8 ampere-motor of this power tools can deliver up to 3.500 RPM enabling it to cut plastic, wood, plaster, PVC, and tile. The six blades that come with it also guarantee the versatility of this saw’s functions.
Like DEWALT DC390B, it also comes with a rubber-grip metal handle to provide you with extra comfort and it has the laser guide found on the Rockwell RK3440K Versacut and DeWalt DWE575SB.
The TACKLIFE can make both straight cuts and bevel cuts, where it has an adjustable cutting angle that ranges between 90 to 45 degrees.
Moreover, its cutting depth at 90 degrees is 42.9 mm, and its bevel capacity at 45 degrees is 34.9 mm, so it gives you plenty of room to work with various workpieces.
Pros:
- Laser guide
- Straight cuts and bevel cuts
- Versatility
- Rubber-grip handle
- Practical six blades
Cons:
- Laser guide might not work
Bottom Line
TACKLIFE is suitable for making straight and bevel cuts due to its adjustable cutting angle.
Moreover, it is comfortable to use because it has a rubber handle.
7. Milwaukee M18 2630-20 – Best For Working in Slippery Environments
This 18-volt ampere circular saw can deliver up to 3.500 RPM making fast cuts.
It has an on-board fuel gauge that tells you the remaining battery charge.
The soft-grip handle makes it easy to use and ensures that it doesn’t accidentally slip from your grip.
Moreover, similar to DeWalt DWE575SB, it is a time saver because its electronic brakes stop the blade immediately after you press it, so you will not wait for the blade to stop completely to get back to work quickly.
It is very versatile because you can adjust the depth up to 1 1/2″ and the bevel up to 45 degrees.
Pros:
- Soft grip handle
- Versatile
- Electronic brakes
- Heavy-Duty Magnesium Guards for maximum durability
Cons:
- The fence may be challenging to adjust for blade depth
Bottom Line
You can get this one if you need a cordless circular saw that shows how much of the battery charge is left.
It is also great for its versatility and electric brakes.
8. The Black & Decker BDECS300C – Best Budget Circular Saw
If you are looking for the best budget circular saw, look no more!
This seven-pound circular saw is easy on your pocket, yet has a powerful 13-ampere motor that makes it ideal for most cutting applications.
Moreover, it has a laser-cut line device so that you can be sure that you are doing the correct cuts.
Like SKIL 5280-01, it has a spindle lock that facilitates changing the blades, making the process quick and seamless.
Pros:
- Spindle lock for easy blade changes
- Lightweight
- Laser guide
Cons:
- Not reliable for straight cuts
- Might have inaccurate blade alignment
Bottom Line
Powerful, yet lightweight, the Black & Decker BDECS300C is ideal for most cutting applications.
If you get it, you will not have a hard time changing blades, but you may find difficulty in aligning the blade.
How To Pick a Good Circular Saw?
Before buying a circular saw, there are a few things that you should consider.
1. Portability
Portability depends on the weight of the circular saw and on whether it is corded or cordless. For example, a lightweight circular saw is more portable than a heavy one.
Also, a cordless circular saw is more helpful if you are going to be working on different locations because some locations do not necessarily have electric output.
2. Purpose
The reason why you need to buy a circular saw determines the kind of circular saw you should get.
For example, if you need to make bevel cuts, get a circular saw that offers high functionality in this area.
On the other hand, if you are never going to make any angel cuts, then get a cheaper one that does not have bevel control.
3. Power
The more powerful a circular saw is, the faster the spin of its blade. Fast-spinning blades will help you finish more work in less time, so I highly recommend them.
Also, note that you should never get a blade that is slower than 4.600 RPM because it will kickback.
4. Blade
You should make sure that the blade is durable and made of good material. Durable blades will save you a lot of money because you won’t need to replace them.
The best blade to get is a carbide-tipped all-purpose wood-cutting blade. Steer away from stainless steel blades because they get easily bent.
Read Also : How to Sharpen Circular Saw Blades
Blade-Left vs. Blade-Right
If You Are Right-handed
It is better to get a blade-left circular saw because it leaves room for more visibility with one-handed operation.
You can stabilize the material with the left hand while operating the saw with the right hand.
Moreover, this orientation places the weight of the saw over the part of the material that you intend to keep, making it easier to stabilize the saw during the cut.
If You Are Left-handed
A blade-right circular saw is better for you in this case because it will offer you more visibility if you are using it with one hand.
However, if you are using two hands, your hand will cross over the blade guard so the window will be obscured.
Moreover, the weight of the saw will be placed over the part that you do not want to cut, giving the saw and cut more stability.
Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saws
Corded circular saws need a power outlet to work, and cordless ones need batteries instead.
Both types have their advantages and disadvantages; for example, a corded circular saw is great because it delivers the same power no matter how long you use it. It can also withstand harsh conditions.
On the other hand, a cordless one will have its batteries depleted by time, so its power will decrease until you recharge the batteries. However, this will be no issue at all if you have spare batteries.
Moreover, cordless circular saws are safer because they eliminate the risk of tripping over the wires and falling.
Also, if you need a portable circular saw because you will be working in different locations, a cordless model is best suited for this.
It is also great because you do not need a power source to operate, so you can take whatever job at whatever place with no worries at all.
Read Also : Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw
Circular Saw Size: Which Size To Get?
Before thinking about what size to get, you must know the depth of the cuts that you are going to make.
The size of the blade is determined by the size of the circular saw because each circular saw is designed for a specific blade size, and the size of the blade determines the cutting depth.
Common circular saw cutting depths are 40mm, 55mm and 66mm.
Which Circular Saw Blade To Use?
There are different blades to use, and each one of them is made to cut a specific kind of material.
Since it is vital to choose the right blade for your job, here are some blades and their uses:
1. Ripping Blade
This kind of blade is designed to cut wood. It makes fast, yet rough cuts.
2. Crosscutting Blade
Similar to the ripping blade, this one cuts wood too. However, its cuts are smoother and cleaner, and it comes with less deep teeth.
3. General Purpose Blade
This kind of blade is in-between ripping and crosscutting. It is very suitable for making various kinds of cuts, and it comes with a higher tooth count, up to 80 teeth on some of the larger blades.
However, if you are going to make special cuts, you better get specialized blades.
3. Plywood Blade
As the name implies, such blades are used to make cuts on plywood. You can use them on fine material, and they will help you minimize the splintering of the wood as you cut.
4. Metal Cutting
They are special blades for cutting metal.
There are more kinds of blades: masonry blades, plastics, dado, thin kerf, and more.
What Are the Blade Sizes:
4.5” Blades
This was a standard blade size
5” Blades
These are the most common blades nowadays. They are pretty much versatile so that you can find them on cheap and expensive models alike.
However, I don’t recommend using them on very thin materials like plexiglass or sheet metal because they do not have more than 24 teeth.
7.25 Blades
7.25” blades and above are usually used for cutting wood; however, they can cut different materials depending on the additional design features.
For example, you can use them to cut tile and aluminum if they have more teeth, preferably diamond-tipped.
10” Blades
This size can almost cut anything you want.
Professional woodworkers always opt for this size because it enables them to take on large projects.
Safety Precautions:
There are certain things that you must and must not do when using a circular saw to stay safe.
Must-Do:
- Wear safety glasses
- Tie your hair up
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Wear a dust mask
- Use appropriate hearing protection to avoid hearing loss
- Keep all cords clear of the cutting area
Must Not Do:
- Do not place your hand under the guard or shoe of the saw
- Do not cut while they are obstructions around you
- Do not force the retracting lower guard in the open position
- Do not carry the saw with a finger on the trigger switch.
Final Thoughts:
The above circular saws are some of the best circular saws you can find nowadays; however, your choice should depend upon the purpose for which you need a circular saw.
I would recommend DeWalt DWE575SB for beginners not only for its safety but also for its ease of use. It is also great for its electric brakes and lightweight.
If you need a circular saw that is lightweight, versatile, comes with three blades, has a laser guide, and a dust blower, then Rockwell RK3440K Versacut is your best choice.
It’s also very suitable for making small cuts thanks to its compact size.
Lastly, you can go for the potable WORX WORXSAW if you need a compact circular saw that can make straight cuts and bevel cuts. It also has left and right hand sided blades.