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Plus , we asked two expert for advice on how to opt a orbitual proverb for your needs .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
For home redevelopment and DIY task such as buildingkitchen cabinets , a circular proverb is one of those pecker you ca n’t do without . Circular saws make it potential to precisely tailor through plywood and get the correct size you need to gather your project .
“ I sense that a portable rotary saw is the second just tool I own , right behind a cordless shock equipment driver , " saysDocia Boylen , owner and operator of Handyman Connection of Golden in Colorado . " Also , I suppose it might last me the rest of my life history ! ”
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
What We Researched
We extensively researched the secure choice for big and small woodworking task and evaluated them ground ontype , power end product , business leader source , and weight unit . In addition to Boylen , we spoke toRoman Smolevskiy , the owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
DEWALT DWE575SB Circular Saw
It come with an electric brake which decrease the risk of chance event since it instantly discontinue running when you loose the trigger .
You may go through wobble with the included blade .
Our top recommendation is the Dewalt DWE575SB circular saw . “ Inline round proverb , also have intercourse as sidewinder , can be lighter and minor than others because the motor is commit alongside the brand , ” Boylen says .
Credit: Amazon
It ’s our top pick because it ’s brawny , soft to handle , and the bit - one pick of several expert . It features a 7 ¼ column inch brand that easily cuts through two - in wood or siding .
It ’s a favorite tool of Smolevskiy ’s , who prefer to habituate it due to its lightweight design ( it count 8 pounds ) and galvanizing brake that instantly stops the leaf blade as soon as you release the induction . “ Its adjustable cutting depth and clear demarcation of sight promote precision , making it idealistic for various projects , ” he state .
This experience have a 57 - grade bevel square capacity that cease at 45 and 22.5 degrees for more precise excision ( the higher the bevel slant , the more angled cutting you could make ) . To assure your persuasion is n’t blur , there ’s a cetacean mammal to clear by the dust while you turn . If the blade you ’re using is n’t right for your undertaking , you may easy swap blades .
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It comes with a convenient tote bagful to behave the adage and a wrench with built - in wrench memory board at the back of the saw . Keep in judgement that it ’s corded , so you might find mobility is limited .
Product inside information : Type : Inline / sidewinder |Power rootage : Corded Electric |Blade Size:7 ¼ inch|Weight:8.8 British pound
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
Wen 36725 12A Circular Saw
Adjustable guides can forbid you from make deep slash than necessary .
It has a small motor and may not be able to deal large projects .
If you ’re a DIYer who needs a rotary byword forsmall projects around the home , we suggest a tool without too many bells and whistles to drive up the monetary value . This Wen rotary saw is in spades worth considering because it ’s affordable and has only the crucial features you need to get the job done . In fact , it has most of the same features you ’ll observe in more expensive models , making it a brilliant option in term of value .
Credit: Amazon
The Wen 36725 is a sidewinder model , which think of the motor is located next to the vane , which cuts down on the overall weight and makes it easier to handle . you could make cant cuts up to 45 degrees with the saw , and the leaf blade features a 24 - tooth carbide tip allowing it to easily cut through both hard and soft wood .
It cut Sir Henry Wood up to 2 ½ inches thick once it ’s set at a 90 - point slant . Otherwise , if you ’re making a 45 - degree cutting , it goes as deep as 1 ¾ inch . The byword comes with adjustable template that actually stop you from cutting deeper than necessary . Note that it has a small motor , so it may not be the well circular saw for gravid carpentry projects .
Product Details : Type : Inline / Crotalus cerastes |Power Source : Corded Electric |Blade Size:7 ¼ inch |Weight:8.7 pounds
Credit: Amazon
Best Splurge
Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw With Rails
It comes with a pathfinder rail that continue cuts up to 4 feet long dead straight and even .
For smaller DIY projects it might be more than you necessitate .
If you want to achieve consistently smooth cold shoulder , the Festool TS 55 REQ is one of the best circular saws to consider . For starters , it ’s the only circular saw on our list that comes with a 55 - inch runway to keepthe saw ’s cutting lineas straight as possible . This is also good because you do n’t have to buy an additional board or work surface .
Credit: Amazon
Smolevskiy really likes this option because it “ control consistent , square cuts every time ” and has “ effective dust extraction . ” Plus , you do n’t have to worry about splinter as it comes with a splinter guard to protect your hands . you could thin plank up to 4 feet long with the saw ’s guide rail . For longer pieces of wood , you may buy a bigger track .
The proverb allow a wide range of Angle for you to cut ( up to 47 degrees ) and a concentrated torque designed to make it move faster than other circular saw in its family . ( If you need to cut on a broad range of Angle , you might also turn over buying amiter saw ) .
This Festool saw also comes with a riving knife which allow it to make more accurate cutting . Because of how easy it is to use , it ’s deserving buying for all types of jobs . But , if you only plan to use it occasionally or for really humble woodworking project , you may certainly prefer for a cheap choice .
Credit: Amazon
ware Details Type : Track Saw |Power Source : Corded Electric |Blade Size:6 ¼ inches |Weight:9.48 pounds
Best Hypoid
Makita 5477NB 7 ¼ inch Hypoid Saw
This saw is idealistic for heavy - duty jobs thanks to its extremely precise cutting ability and sleek design .
It is extremely heavy and could be voiceless to contain if you ’re less experient .
“ A hypoid circular proverb gets its name from its gear construction , " Boylen pronounce . " The motor is on the right wing and the blade on the left wing . This stimulate you to see the channel more clearly plus transfer more torque from multiple angle — you need this for exact projects ( think hardwood or thick wood ) . ”
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For anyone who require to reap these benefits and more , Smolevskiy recommends the Makita 7 ¼ inch 5477NB Hypoid see as the best pick for heavy - duty woodwork jobs . It ’s design with the pro framer , detergent builder , and worldwide declarer in mind . When it comes to making cut on lumber , it ’s highly exact , allow you to cut bevel angles up to 51.5 grade ( a worthy angle forroof framing ) .
to boot , its silky intention enables more surface contact with the wood — make it more powerful than other eccentric of round saw . It also features oil seal technology that dampens the motor , plus makes it more long - lasting .
You ’ll notice that the blade wrench is impound to the proverb , so it ’s easy to change the blade . We do have to warn you : it ’s exceedingly heavy at 18 pounds and could be harder to control or balance if you ’re not used to handling circular saws . It might be more suited for contracting jobs rather than small domicile project .
Product Details : Type : Hypoid |Power Source : Corded Electric |Blade Size:7 ¼ inches |Weight:18 Ezra Loomis Pound
Best for Beginners
SKIL 7 ¼ inch 5280-01 Circular Saw
This beginner - friendly pick has a optical maser that draw your cuts in a square line .
It could be too light for laboured - duty jobs ,
If it ’s your first time using a round byword , Smolevskiy recommends judge the SKIL 5280 - 01 . “ This saw is tailor for tyro because it get along with user - well-disposed characteristic , include a optical maser guide and prophylactic guard , ” he says . The 7 ¼-inch saw has a 15 - A motor and a swiftness of 5300 RPM .
The optical maser is hand - down the coolest feature , and none of the other saws on this list has something standardised . It ’s a red balance beam that project onto the surface and helps you cut in a straight line of reasoning .
“ It also has a spindle lock which makes sword changes simpler , ensure both efficiency and safety for those just starting in the discipline , ” Smolevskiy say .
The blade is made out of high - carbon steel and can make mark - cuts , rip cuts , or bevel cuts up to 51 stage . Plus , a safety lock on the torso ensure that there ’s no room you could begin it by accident .
Take note that its size of it and office imply that the model might be good for hobbyists orfirst - clock time homeownersthan more experient carpenters .
Product Details Type : Inline / sidewinder|Power reference : Corded Electric |Blade Size:7 ¼ inches |Weight:8.7 pounds
Best Small
Worx WorxSaw Compact Circular Saw
This compact , 4.4 - pound sawing machine is with child for small carpentry projects .
It has a short galvanizing corduroy .
If the thought of handling a circular sawing machine sense a little daunting , you’re able to always choose for a humble pick , like this mini see from Worx . It features a 4 ½ inch blade which is almost half the size of standard round saws — but not less potent by any means . The is the good adage for small DIY projects or shorten small strip of wood .
To give you an idea of how strong it is , it can slit a 2 x 4 piece of wood in a undivided pass . Use it tocut lumber , roofing tile , metal , and plastic up to 2 column inch boneheaded .
If you take a stronger leaf blade , Worx sells other options you could employ . Feel barren to make the same snub that you do with other adage . For instance , it cut bevel angles up to 45 degree , plus plunge and pocket cuts up to an column inch thick . It ’s also fairly prosperous to store , since it ’s so compact .
Overall , if you lack hand military capability to maneuver a full - sized simulation or just want to whip it out for a quick undertaking , the rotary byword will not disappoint . Just keep in intellect that its electric cord is only 6.5 inches long , which is shorter than some other corded models and pay you modified mobility .
Product Details Type : Inline / sidewinder |Power informant : Corded Electric|Blade Size:4 ½ inch |Weight:4.4 Pound
Best Cordless
Ryobi P507 One+ Cordless Circular Saw
pocket-size and compact , this cordless round saw only weighs 5 pound , making it the lightest choice on our list .
It ’s not a good fit for cutting thicker objet d’art of baseball bat .
If you want something more portable and convenient , opting for a cordless round byword is always a good theme . This Ryobi dick is cordless and powered by an 18V battery , which is beneficial because the battery can be used with other compatible Ryobi tools as well .
Thanks to a plastic exterior , it weighs only 5 pound sterling , so it ’s a lot lowly and lighter compare to other circular saws — the lightest on this inclination , in fact . In improver , its vane is only 6 ½ inch long which makes it compact , too . “ I like this Ryobi see because it ’s lightweight and easier for me to use than [ other models ] , ” Boylen tell .
According to the brand , the P507 ’s motor is 40 % more powerful than other motors , and furnish the same amount of big businessman as a twilled saw . you’re able to adjust the bevel angle up to 56 degrees , so there is flexibility in regards to the Angle you’re able to reduce .
Plus , the hold is project to be used two - handed for help with balance . While it ’s practiced for routine use , it ’s still quite little — this is not the good choice if you design on burn through 4 x 4 pieces of lumber .
merchandise Details Type : Not number |Power Source : Battery - Powered |Blade Size:6 ½ edge |Weight:5 pounds
The Bottom Line
If you ’re look for the best circular sawing machine for all your carpentry projects , we recommend theDewalt DWE575SB . It ’s lightweight and comes with an electric brake for safety , making it a good pick for anyone using a circular saw for the first time , but is powerful enough to deal more sophisticated job as well . For a tatty price , theWen 36725 12A Circular Sawis a great pick for many projects .
What to Know About Circular Saws Before Shopping
Types
The most common type of round saw , according to Smolevskiy , is inline — frequently also call Crotalus cerastes by pro . The mark lineament is that the motor is located next to the leaf blade . If you ’re seem for asaw with more oomph , consider a louse - drive saw . “ The motor is behind the blade , providing more torque . I often opt this for heavier tasks , ” Smolevskiy explains .
Hypoid circular saws are another case that appears on our leaning of top picks . The name comes from the fact that the motor is on the rightfield and the blades are on the left , allowing you to see the cut argument clearly . “ They do n’t make noise while operating , which can be a vainglorious incentive if loud noise annoy you , ” Boylen adds .
Power Output
“ If you are not rationalize hardwood or thick wood , considering a circular saw ’s output should n’t be an emergence , ” Boylen say . “ The one I care is 4900 RPMs ( rotations per second ) , but a received round saw that most carpenter use 5,800 rpm ( that is about 125 miles per hour ) . ”
Power Source
orbitual saws can be cord or stamp battery - power , and both have their benefits and drawbacks . “ For chore where mobility is key , I sometimes prefer cordless . But for continuous power and no worries about battery life , cord is the direction to go , ” Smolevskiy says .
Weight
Most orbitual saw press between 8 to 10 pound sterling , though some selection are light and heavier . The short orbitual proverb sport on our inclination is theRyobi P507 One+ Cordless Circular Saw , which is 5 pounds .
You ’ll want to think about your personal mobility as well as the type of jobs you ’ll be doing when you think about how much weight you’re able to handle . Sometimes heavier byword are more challenging to equilibrize and keep direct for beginners .
Safety
When operating a circular saw , there are certain things you should keep in head for safety . “ Using a circular proverb expeditiously means ensuring safety equipment first . Always wear safety glasses and hearing trade protection , ” Smolevskiy say . “ When crap a cut , I ’ve found it ’s well to let the byword reach full focal ratio before beginning and then maintain a steady stride . ”
He advise that , no matter what , it ’s crucial to firmly tolerate the wood and ensure that the cut stemma is spare from any obstructions . “ Always allow the steel to break off go completely before setting the saw down . ”
Your Questions, Answered
How thick of a piece of wood can a circular saw cut?
The depth a circular saw can issue through look largely on the blade diam and the motor ’s HP . “ Most stock 7 ¼-inch rotary sawing machine can cut through stuff about 2 ½ inch thick . When working on some task , I ’ve had to swop out for a bigger proverb when dealing with particularly thick beams or logs , ” Smolevskiy says .
Boylen sum , “ You want to adjust the vane to cut a little deeper than the thickness of the wood you are cutting – there will be a depth adaptation feature of speech on the saw . Also , a carbide - slant steel can be used to help rationalise wooden-headed wood . ”
What is the most common size of circular saw used by carpenters?
Blade size key to find out if a adage will be capable to cut a piece of Sir Henry Wood . “ Blades are commonly available from 4 inch to 12 inch in diam — the tumid the vane , the heavyset the wood it can reduce , ” say Boylen . “ But , not all saws can handle multiple - sized blades . Anything thicker than 3 ” you should use a unlike type of saw , like a miter or cordwood saw . ”
The most common blade size of it you ’ll find is 7 ¼ inch , which can shorten through wood up to 2 ½ inches in heaviness — the same heaviness as a distinctive 2 x 4 .
How long do circular saws last?
“ With proper caution and maintenance , a good - calibre orbitual saw can last upwards of 10 class , ” Smolevskiy allege . “ I ’ve had some of my trustworthy saws for years , and they ’re still running strong . ”
How much do circular saws cost?
According to Smolevskiy , the price can deviate free-base on feature and brand . “ you may get a reliable entry - stage see for around $ 50-$100 , ” he says . “ Professional - grade models can go for $ 150 to $ 300 , sometimes even more . ” The secure orbitual saws boast here range from about $ 40 to about $ 700 .
Who We Are
Nor’Adila Hepburnis a author who specializes in in - depth buying guide for Better Homes & Gardens , specifically in the home and lifestyle niches . To retrieve the best circular saw she looked at a variety of circular saw model admit specialized and budget alternative . She also consultedRoman Smolevskiy , the owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento , andDocia Boylen , owner and hustler of Handyman Connection of Golden in Colorado .
