Best Circular Saw For Your Workshop
The best circular saw provides convenience and versatility with its many uses. If you want to efficiently cut through wood, plastic, or metal pieces for a variety of projects, the first and most important step is choosing the right hand tool, thus, selecting the right circular saw is a vital step.
The goal in choosing a circular saw is to land on the one that has the suitable style and features for your preference and the requirements of your application. Your circular saw should allow for adjustments so that you could modify it based on the requirements of the job. Achieving the accuracy in the material you are cutting necessitates that you find the best package for a circular saw that will deliver the results expected.
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How to Choose a Circular Saw
A high-quality circular saw should have sufficient raw power that enables it to slice through different materials. The motor should produce a consistent surge of power so that the blade does not suffer from the slowing down of the motor. When it does, the blade dulls faster, which affects the quality of the cut and creates a high risk for safety as this can lead to the saw being pushed back headed for the user.
When looking at the motor ratings of circular saw models, note that the Amp refers to the electricity drawn by the motor and not necessarily the power sent to its blade. On the other hand, the horsepower indicates the rotational force of the motor (torque) but not directly while working. Because of this, one good way to differentiate the reliability of the motor ratings is through the price. But keep in mind that the more expensive model is not always the most suitable saw for your needs. You must evaluate other factors such as the style of the saw and its features.
Choosing Between Saw Styles
Worm Drive
This circular saw has a blade in line with its motor. This allows the delivery of sufficient torque to slice through wet lumber as much as with concrete. Because of this capacity, this model is ideal for huge renovation applications such as those undertaken by professional carpenters.
Sidewinder
In this model, the blade is sitting beside the motor, making it more lightweight than other circular saw styles. This enables the user to maneuver the tool all day long without as much strain as other heavier saw models create. This type of saw may come with the helical gearing, which ups the torque thus making it comparable to the power of worm drives.
Small Sidewinder
This is the smaller version of the sidewinder, which is ideal for users with smaller builts.
Cordless
This model has batteries as its power source, which makes it ideal for use on locations where electricity is inaccessible. However, it generates less torque and has a limited runtime. This also has a smaller blade, which means that you cannot cut thick materials with it.
Trim Saw
This saw style is designed from paneling and finishing. This saw has a smaller blade that allows for portability making it a good choice for professional carpentry applications as well as home renovations. This is available in corded and cordless versions.
What Features Make a Good Circular Saw?
As mentioned earlier, one of the most critical features of a circular saw is its motor rating, which is indicative of its capacity to slice through a variety of materials. Here are the other features you must evaluate to make sure that you will land on the most suitable model:
Blade Size
The diameter of the blade should be chosen based on the difficulty and size of the application where the saw will be used. For professional use where in thick materials will be cut, 7 ¼ inches of blade is recommendable.
Power
A standard of 15 amps is ideal for heavy applications. However, for occasional uses in medium to light duties, 10 to 12 amps will suffice.
Ease of Use
While circular saw models look very much alike, their feel and fit to the user different from one model to another. A good way to assess the user-friendliness of the saw is to watch how it is operated or by trying it out on your own. The latter is a good way to evaluate the level of comfort you get while handling it. Furthermore, adjustments should be easily made with the saw such as with the cut depth, bevel settings, and tightening.
Safe Use of a Circular Saw
- When using an electrical cutting tool such as the circular saw, it is important to wear protective clothing and gear such as eye protection. When it comes to the saw itself, make sure that you use the right blade for the material and the type of job. The blade must be firmly attached to the saw. Adjustments of the height and bevel should be made before using the saw.
As soon as blade installation and setting adjustments have been completed, the saw must be plugged into a compatible electrical outlet as you hold its handle. The blade must now be aligned to the mark where the cut will be made but do not let the blade touch the material just yet. First, press the safety switch then the trigger switch. Afterwhich, you can now begin cutting as you follow the mark. Make sure that the end of the material being cut as held as soon as the saw is nearing it. This will prevent incidences of splintering.
Always keep in mind that the teeth of the blade is extremely sharp so do not lay it on surfaces that it could damage.
How To Use Circular Saw Safety
Top 5 Best Circular Saws
Here are some of the circular saw reviews that could help you make your choice:
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Bosch CS10 7-1/4-Inch 15 Amp Circular Saw
The Bosch CS10 has a motor rating of 15 amps that enables you to make smooth cuts even on thick materials. It allows for adjustability with its bevel and depth to make different types of cuts. One admirable feature of this is its precision accuracy brought about by its unobstructed cutting line due to better visibility on the working piece.
One need not worry about the safety of using this saw since it has a heavy-duty composite footplate that also guarantees durability. Blade changes are hassle-free through the use of an on-tool wrench storage. Dust control is also provided with the included blower in the product package. Comfort of the user has also been incorporated in the design with the saw’s soft grip handle and manageable weight of 10.3 pounds.
Pros
- Power is sufficient for heavy applications; comparable to a worm drive
- Composite footplate allows for stability and durability
- Good dust collection when hooked to a hose
- Makes accurate cuts
- Good weight
- Handle is comfortable to hold
Cons
- Some issues with the utility of the blade
- Support system that prevents the blade from cocking is lacking
- Plastic handle is somewhat flimsy
SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide
The SKIL 5280-01 features a 15-amp motor for great power translating to improved performance on a variety of materials such as lumber and sheet. It is a comfortable saw to use primarily because of its 15% weight reduction. This enables extended use of the saw without suffering from too much strain and fatigue.
One of the things aimed in using circular saws is accuracy and this model delivers such through its single beam laser and the integrated blower’s capacity to keep the cutting line free of saw of saw dust. With greater visibility, precision is improved. Cut options are also possible with bevel adjustments.
When changing blades, the user does not need to go through much hassle as there is an on-tool wrench available as well as a spindle lock.
Pros
- Only weighs 9.5 pounds upon its 15% weight reduction; weighs only 8.7 pounds without the blade, cord, and wrench
- Changing blades is hassle-free through the shaft lock
- Sufficient power
- Greater bevel capacity
- Laser line guide allows for precision
- Both the handle hole and the trigger can easily be used even when wearing gloves
- Features a safety button to avoid the accidental startup
- Has a torque clutch that reduces kickback
- Comes with a durable carrying bag
Cons
- There is no electric blade as a safety feature
- Lacks built-in lighting for the illumination of the material you are cutting
- Steel base plate is not as flexible and strong as aluminum or magnesium
DEWALT DWE575SB 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Circular Saw with Electric Brake
The DEWALT DWE575SB is a lightweight saw at only 8.8 pounds to lessen fatigue when using this tool. It delivers sufficient power with its patented 15-amp motor that allows you to take on different difficulty levels of applications. Its durability is provided by the ball bearing lower guard of the saw which protects the unit against dust contamination. Its shoe is constructed from high-grade aluminum, which ensures stability and accurate cutting. One other admirable feature of this saw is its patented cord protection system that makes its cords three times more resistant to pulling.
When it comes to comfort, this saw features an ergonomic handle design and trigger actuation. As for safety features, this saw has many. One of which is the electric brake that stops the blade within 2 to 3 seconds after releasing the trigger.
Pros
- Durable base that allows for stability and accuracy when cutting.
- Has an electric brake for improved safety
- Delivers sufficient amount of power to take on a variety of cutting jobs
- Sturdy and well-balanced unit
- Quieter than other saws
- Long cord
Cons
- Does not come with a carrying case
- Particular cuts can hardly repeatable
PORTER-CABLE PC15TCS 15 Amp Heavy-Duty Circular Saw, 7-1/4"
The PORTER-CABLE PC15TCS features a forceful 15-amp motor. It has a manageable weight of 11.3 pounds to lessen the strain in produces when used. It has a stamped steel shoe allowing for great visibility on the working piece.
Aside from its good weight and powerful motor, it allows for up to 45 degree bevel adjustment so that you can make different cuts for varied applications. Changing the blade is easy with its spindle lock. As for accuracy, this saw has a kerf line indicator to which the blade is aligned to produce precise cuts.
Pros
- Well-balanced.
- Ergonomic handle design.
Base is constructed from steel, which allows for toughness.- Quick blade changes.
Cons
- Blade could have been better.
- Inaccurate angle setting
SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
The SKIL 5180-01 is a circular saw ideal for DIY projects. It features a 14-amp motor that can take on a variety of cutting jobs. It only weighs 7.2 pounds, making it easy to use even in extended periods. The line of cut is sawdust-free through the integrated blower in the system. This enables working precisely and easily. Blade changes are easy through its spindle lock and on-tool wrench.
Pros
- Has a guarded trigger that lessens the risk of
accidental startup. - Features an integrated dust blower that keeps the line of cut visible.
- Lightweight
- Blade-locking button automatically locks in the blade.
- Power on indicator to know if the saw is already plugged in.
Cons
- Has problems with quality especially with the upper and lower guards.
- Lacks fit and finish, which increases the risk when operating this saw.
- The metal used on this saw is not the quality one would expect
Editor Pick
Your ultimate goal is to find the circular saw with the right style and capacity for the application and the right features to guarantee stability, durability, safety, accuracy, and comfort. Based on these criteria, you might want to consider the SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide, which is the standout among the other saws in this review.
This unit has enough force to take on light to heavy jobs. It is also packed with safety features that lessen the danger the user is exposed to. It is a comfortable tool that also delivers the accuracy needed. If you prioritize these features above others, then you must consider this model.
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