5 Best Circular Saws Money Can Buy

A circular saw is used to cut through wood, metal, and plastic. You can find this piece in any handyman’s garage if they like building things from scratch. The blade is circular (as the name says) and completely flat. If used properly, you can get perfect cuts from your circular saw.

Before we get into the list of best circular saws however, there are some features you should consider looming over before you make any decisions. There are a lot of yeses and nos when it comes to finding the perfect circular saw that fits your needs. Never roll with the general opinion, this is a machine that should meet your preferences.

Buying Guide

Cordless vs. Corded

This long debate comes into play with many appliances that you’ll come across. So, without further ado, here are the distinctions between a cordless and corded saw blade.

A cordless blade is ideal for when you are working outside or on the go where there won’t be an electrical outlet easily accessible anywhere. A cordless unit offers greater maneuverability in comparison to a corded one. In any situation, a cordless saw won’t be as strong as a corded one. If you plan on working around the house once in a blue moon, then the strength of the blade shouldn’t be your biggest priority. Cordless blades also have a tendency of having a smaller blade. This makes them lighter and easier to carry around.

A corded blade is better if you’re looking for power, consistency, and top-notch performance. Most industrial workers would run to the corded blade rather than the cordless one. Since corded models have a bigger saw in comparison, they can cut deeper and more precisely than a cordless model. Another big selling point for corded saws is that they have better shoes.

The shoe is the piece of the saw that will direct your blade along the piece you are cutting. For some people, the shoe is an extremely important factor while others don’t really bother over how strong the shoe is on their saw.

It all winds down to preference in the end. What are your priorities and what do you not really need out of your saw?

Blade-left vs Blade-right

Blade-left or right refers to which side of the saw is exposed so you can see it. There are many heated debates on which side is better, when really it’s a choice based wholly on preference. In most cases, the winner of the debate is your dominant hand. People who are right handed will prefer to have the blade exposed on the left so they can see it. Just as well, those who are left handed would rather be able to see the blade on their right side.

This helps balance out your weight when you use your circular saw. There are some downfalls to this, such as chances for injury and the inconvenience of controls being on the other side of the machine. Once again, it’s entirely preference and what feels comfortable for you. Some right-handed people will go with a left-side blade while others would rather use a right-side blade.

Blade size

The size of the blade will help determine how strong the blade is. The larger the blade is, the deeper the cutting depth will be and the more you can get done.

In truth, most people are not going to need such a strong blade ever. Compact, battery-powered, and corded models are typically what you would see being used in a home. These models are smaller than 7 – ¼”, most probably 6 – ½”. They are harder to find than 7 – ¼” blades, so they may be a bit more expensive. They are easier to maneuver and more convenient for non-regular users of saw blades.

Blade Material

The blade material needs to be robust and long-lasting, since a circular saw isn’t something you’ll be planning on buying more than once in a long time. It’s only natural that in order to cut something tough, you’ll need something even tougher to do so. One type of material you can look for are tungsten tipped blades.

Ease of Use

A saw blade is not something you’re going to heave each day, so think about how ergonomically constructed it is. You don’t want something too heavy or lopsided that you can’t balance. The handle can be positioned on the top or the bottom of the machine. There are also different comforters on the handle that you should consider.

Questions Commonly Asked

How many AMPs are required for a properly functioning circular saw?

The average circular saw uses around 15 AMPs, but you can find motors with more or less powers. Some people may need something with heavier duty, while others don’t use their circular saws as much nor do they need something all-powerful.

What is the cutting depth of a circular saw?

This answer is entirely dependent on the size of the saw blade, the AMP measurement, and the degree you are holding the circular saw at. A 15 AMP, 7 ¼” blade will cut approximately 2 3/8” held at 90 degrees.

Corded vs Cordless circular saw?

For continuous home or commercial use, it’s better to go with a corded machine since this will give you consistent results. However, there are some people who’ll only pull out their saw once or twice a year, so they’ll be more comfortable with an easy to store battery-powered saw.

Top 5 Best Circular Saw Reviews

1. WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw – WX429L

WORX provides users with a left-side blade that is extremely robust and easy to carry around. It’s ergonomically designed to fit snugly in your palm. The handle is covered with a comfortable grip-hold with an integrated safety trigger. There is considerably less strain when you move the blade through what you’re cutting, which gives you more flexibility in your projects.

It’s an easy piece to manipulate and can cut through 2” wood pieces. The blade measures 4 ½” in diameter, making it ideal for at home projects, both big and small.  This compact saw blade weighs half as much as a standard 7 ¼” circular saw.

Who Should Buy This?

This product is the right option for homeowners who like to get crafty in their free time. Perhaps not the ideal choice for commercial use, this circular saw is just compact and strong enough to satisfy a home project or hobbyist.

Pros:

• Comfortable grip-hold with integrated safety trigger
• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Strong enough for home projects of all sorts

Cons:

• Handle is large and odd for some people to hold

Specs:

• Left-side blade
• Corded-electric
• 120 Volts
• 3-year manufacturer’s warranty

2. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide

The SKIL model has a 15-AMP motor which provides 5,300-RPM. You get more speed and quicker cuts with this saw. The blade is 7 ¼”, so you’re getting the biggest blade you can have on your saw. The spindle lock allows for easier blade changes once your old one dulls or breaks, per say. This circular saw is corded, so you know you’re getting the best consistency and power level out of your machine each time you use it.

It’s a lightweight 6.95-lbs to ensure you won’t tire out quickly while using it. The dust blower on the front keeps your work surface clean and your cuts in sight to minimize the chances of mistakes and injuries.

Who Should Buy This?

This is the right choice if you’re staring down some heavy-duty projects in the near future. The large blade and secured upper handle construct a solid, durable machine that works through woods, metals, and plastics all around.

If precision and power are two of your primary criteria, then you’re looking at the right circular saw.

Pros:

• Laser beam to direct your cut
• Indicator light to indicate when the power saw is ready
• Dust blower to clear out workspace
• Guarded trigger to prevent accidental start up

Cons:

• Complications with the depth adjustment

Specs:

• Right-side blade
• Corded-electric
• 60 Volts
• Warranty not specified

3. TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle

Variety is not something you commonly come across when it comes to standard tools. TACKLIFE defies this with their circular saw offered with 6 different blades all for your use. The laser guide in the front allows you to track and keep your cuts even and clean. This circular saw can be used to cut through wood, lighter metals, plastic, and even tiling!

The handle is metal, to ensure your hand and the machine both stay secure while you work. This TACKLIFE tool is yet another compact solution to your cutting requirements if you consider yourself a handyman at home. With the wide variety of blades to choose from, you can get cuts 1 – 11/16” deep. The blade is left-sided which allows you to carefully watch your cuttings and guarantee great precision.

Who Should Buy This?

To get the best out of all of your home projects, TACKLIFE is the way to go. You can cut through more and it’s a more transportable option in comparison to a fully sized circular saw.

Pros:

• Ergonomic handle for less fatigue and better control
• Laser beam for precise cuts
• 6 different blades to use

Cons:

• Metal handle makes it considerably heavy for its size

Specs:

• Left-sided blade
• Corded-electric
• 120 Volts
• 2-year warranty

4. Milwaukee m18 2630-20 18 Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2” 3,500 RPM Cordless Circular Saw

This is yet another full-sized circular saw made for heavier duty jobs. This model from Milwaukee features electronic brakes that stop the blade as soon as you are done, to reduce the chance of injury or unnecessary cuts. The soft grip handle provides the maximum amount of comfort while you work so you don’t tire out quickly or sprain your hand while working long hours.

The magnesium guards are positioned on both the top and bottom to ensure your blade is well secured and won’t clatter into pieces if it falls once or twice.

Who Should Buy This?

Sometimes safety is a priority. If you have kids running around the house or simply need the extra guarantee you won’t hurt yourself, then say hello to the Milwaukee circular saw. There are no trailing cords, it has magnesium guards around the blade, and your hand can remain comfortably over the blade while you work. The blade is exposed on the left side for a clear view.

Pros:

• Comfortable, ergonomic rubber handle
• Electronic brakes
• Magnesium guards around the blade
• Cordless grants more movement freedom

Cons:

• Not enough power for commercial work

Specs:

• Left-sided blade
• Cordless
• Lithium Ion battery required (not included)
• 5-year warranty

5. BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Laser

BLACK+DECKER is a well-known brand name in the appliance industry. This tool features a large 7 ¼” blade that can cut through wood, plastic, and metal! The motor is 13 AMPs for a more delicate and accurate touch to your workmanship.

The inclusive spindle lock allows you to make quicker and easier blade changes when a new one is needed. The laser guide in the front makes sure you get the most definitive cuts with your circular blade. The bevel and depth adjustments are easy to monitor so you get the best end results.

Who Should Buy This?

Once you’ve used a larger blade, it’s hard to get used to a smaller one. Some people need convenience and performance while sacrificing the quality of 7 ¼” blades. Not in this case! In this case, you get a lightweight and fully functional circular saw that won’t fail you.

Pros:

• Greater accuracy
• Inclusive spindle lock to change the blade
• Lightweight design

Cons:

• Most user’s has to find replacement blades

Specs:

• Right-sided blade
• Corded-electric
• 1 Volt
• 2-year Warranty

Final Words

There is a lot to consider when it comes to finding the perfect circular saw. Something as important as the size of the blade to tiny details like the comfort level of the handle can make huge differences on your final decision.

Once you’ve sorted out your priorities, such as the exposed side of the blade, size, corded vs cordless, you can then look for the right circular saw that suits all your requirements. If you found what you were looking for, share it in the comments below or give someone a shout out so they can get some advice on their next home appliance.

The post 5 Best Circular Saws Money Can Buy appeared first on Home Decorating Trends – Homedit.