Top 10 Best Circular Saw For Woodworking & Home Use
The circular saw is an electric saw for cutting wood. It is prevalent in the garage and workshop because of its effectiveness and convenience in use for a variety of tasks.
You can also use a circular saw for cutting other materials, but you need to change the blade.
This article gives you suggestions on the best circular saw with the latest reviews of the ten best circular saws.
If you are a D.I.Y. lover or want to develop your career as a woodworker, you should read on to find out which tool is best for you!
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Top 10 Best Circular Saw Reviews For Beginners & Professionals in 2021
Table of Contents
#1 Best Overall: Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
The first product in our list of the best circular saws is Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4 inch circular saw. This item is also the best circular saw overall: motor, blade, ease of use, and more.
This item is a very lightweight saw thanks to the magnesium components. Also, it is a super-strong circular saw with a 15.0amp motor that can deliver 5,800 RPM – the highest RPM on our list. As a result, it can give you excellent performance and durability.
And last, this saw comes with LED lights that can help to illuminate your line of sight so that you can create an accurate cut. The cutting capacity of this machine is large, and the bevel capacity is fantastic, so you can make the best bevel cut.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Excellent performance
- Solid construction and durability
- Precise cut and large cutting capacity
Cons
- It is pricey
This saw is a great circular saw which will impress you by its balance, ergonomics, and cutting ease.
#2 Best for Home Use: BLACK+DECKER 20V M.A.X. 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
Reading our circular saw reviews will help you to make the best choice in regards to which one to buy for your personal needs. And the best circular saw for home use is Black+Decker cordless circular saw. This saw comes with a high-torque motor of 5-1/2 inch for a more powerful cut.
It also has a fast-cutting blade so you can create a variety of cuts with no difficulty. The selling point of this product is the tool-free depth of cut, which allows you to adjust the blade depth easily.
And last, this saw comes with a compact design that is simple to use and store. Since it is a cordless circular saw, it is very convenient to use. The battery life is quite long, and the battery is included in the set, too.
Pros
- Compact design for easy storing
- Easy to operate
- Can create a variety of cuts
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Small saw for only light-duty tasks
This circular saw is very easy to handle and use. The motor and blade of this saw are more suitable for around house usage and light-duty tasks, rather than a heavy duty task.
#3 Best for Plywood: SKILSAW SPT77W-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Aluminum Worm Drive Circular Saw
The best circular saw for Plywood is the Skilsaw SPT77W-01 150 Amp circular saw. Firstly, we have to say that this item is pricey, but it is worth it to pay for this saw. It comes with a thick aluminum shoe, so it is lighter and easier to adjust.
Also, the design of the saw allows you to create a precision cut. It is because of these three features. Firstly, it is easy to adjust the blade depth. Secondly, it has the ideal torque for you to hold a straight line.
And another reason why this saw is suitable for home use is that it runs very smoothly with almost no noise and whistle. As a result, your neighbor will not complain.
Pros
- Quiet circular saw
- Easy to adjust and operate
- Precision cut
Cons
- It is on the pricey side
SKILSAW SPT77W-01 is a tool that is very simple to use so that you can just focus on the cut to make sure you get the best outcome.
#4 Best for Framing: DEWALT 20V M.A.X. 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Brake
The next item in my list of the best circular saw is the Dewalt Circular saw. This item is the best choice for a heavy-duty task like framing. And it is more suitable for professional users than beginners because it is not very simple to operate.
This circular saw has a brushless motor that can provide 5200RPM. The robust engine can maintain speed under heavy load. The bevel capacity of the saw is up to 57 degrees, and the cutting capacity is 2-9/16 inch depth.
And last, it is a cordless circular saw, so it is very convenient for you to use because you don’t need to find an electric source. However, the battery and charger are not included in the set, so it is pricey.
Pros
- Ideal for craftsman and professional users
- Strong motor and precise cut
- Excellent cutting capacity
Cons
- It is very costly
This circular saw is relatively easy to handle and use. The engine and blade of this saw are versatile and therefore suitable for many applications.
#5 Best for D.I.Y. Projects: HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw
If you are a D.I.Y. lover and want to start with woodworking, you should find a mini circular saw. And the best mini circular saw is Hychika compact circular saw. Although it is a mini circular saw, it still has a strong motor that can reach 4500 RPM cutting speed.
This product is suitable for cutting wood, tile, plastics, plasterboard, and P.V.C. with no difficulty. Also, the aluminum upper cover and the massive gauge iron wraparound base are beneficial for safer and more durable use.
And last, the saw comes with two guides of laser and parallel guides. Hence, it allows you to make a variety of cuts with ease. Also, the soft rubber handle is very safe and ergonomic for the user.
Pros
- Durable and powerful
- Precise and adjustable cut
- Ergonomic and safe
- Compact size
- Smooth and quiet
Cons
- Only for light-duty task
Hychika is the ideal saw for home use and D.I.Y. lovers. It is effortless to use and can meet all of your needs to compliment a D.I.Y. project.
#6 Best for Beginners: CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
If you are a beginner with woodworking, you will need to find an easy-to-operate circular saw. And we suggest that you buy the Craftsman 7-1/4 inch circular saw. This saw is not very expensive and is very simple to operate.
Craftsman comes with a high-performance motor of 5,500 RPM so it can ensure you aggressive and fast cutting. This device is also ideal for beveling cut since it can cut up to 55 degrees and the detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees. As a result, it is straightforward to use.
Moreover, the saw also comes with magnesium shoes, which are more durable and lightweight. The saw is also very durable and convenient, thanks to the metal lower and upper guard.
Pros
- Easy to set and adjust
- Right blade guard for safety
- Reasonable price
- Strong and precise cut
Cons
- It is heavyweight
This circular saw is excellent and comes from a trustworthy brand. It is even suitable for a small workshop and home use.
#7 Best for Trim Work: Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw
The next product in our pick of the best circular saw is Rockwell RK3440K. This saw is an ultra-compact, and functional circular saw which can cut a variety of materials, including sheet material, plastic, tile, wood, flooring, and more.
The saw also comes with an ergonomic design with a slim grip handle. As a result, it is very comfortable to use, and you can guide it with just one hand. The handle is also beneficial for gripping and controlling.
And last, the saw has a built-in laser guide to help you align the perfect cut. What we like most about this product is the dust extraction adapter, which keeps the cut line clean and visible.
Pros
- Compact design for easy controlling and storing
- Ergonomic design
- Precise cut
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty tasks
- Not powerful motor
This item is lightweight, well-made, easy to use, and ergonomic. With all of these strong points, this product is ideal for beginners and D.I.Y. lovers.
#8 Best for Bevel Cut: SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw
If you are looking for the best circular saw for bevel cuts, look no further than the Skilsaw SPT77WML. It is expensive because it is a tool that can incredibly improve your working performance with ease. The saw has the lightest magnesium shoe to reduce fatigue.
And also, the measurements of the saw are apparent so you can make an accurate depth cut. And the 53-degree angle allows you to complete a variety of cuts, especially the bevel cut. It also comes with no-load R.P.M. of 5300 to enhance your performance.
And last, the saw also comes with an anti-snag lower guard to protect the user from accident and injury. This guard can also provide you smooth operation for smart cut-off pieces.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Precise cut
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons
- It is on the pricier side
This item is a very helpful circular saw, which is lightweight and durable. It is an excellent saw for formwork installation and general carpentry.
#9 Most Reviewed: TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle
The circular saw that received the most compliments from customers is the Tacklife circular saw. This item comes with a very reasonable price and all the useful features that you need for the right pamphlet saw.
What we like most about this product is the metal handle to help to reduce fatigue. As a result, you can use and control the saw with one hand while you still can ensure a more strong clamping force for a stable cut.
And last, it is very flexible. You can easily set up the depth of the cut and also the angle of the cut. And the parallel guide attachment allows you to create straight and precise cuts quickly.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Precise and stable cut
- Flexible and ergonomic
Cons
- Not a strong motor
This item is a great option for DIY projects and home use. But if you want to use it for heavy-duty tasks, it cannot last for that long.
#10 Best in Budget: WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
The last product in our circular saw reviews is the Worx Worxsaw compact circular saw. And it is also the best circular saw for those on a limited budget.
This saw is a 4-½ inch circular saw, which is 50% lighter than the traditional 7-¼ inch circular saw. It means that it is very simple to store, handle, use, and maneuver. But it also means that it is not as reliable and effective as the normal sized ones
And last, it is a left-sided blade design, so this item is ideal for high cut-line visibility. As a result, you can create an accurate cut with ease.
Pros
- Very lightweight and compact
- Easy to control and maneuver
- Precise cut
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Weak motor and blade
This circular saw is only suitable for small DIY projects or household tasks. Since it is lightweight and easy to control, it is ideal for beginners.
Features to Consider when Buying the Best Circular Saw
When looking for the best circular saw, you should consider the following features:
Blade Types and Size
The blade size is the main factor that makes your circular saw different from other saws. The most popular size of the saw is from 1/2 inch to 16-5/16 inches. For daily uses, you can finish most of your tasks with a 7-1/4 inch model.
There are some popular types of blades, including framing, Plywood, finish, and all-purpose. The tooth-count is also a determining factor in deciding what projects the saw can do. The lower tooth-count blade is more suitable for framing or demolition.
Shoe Material
“Shoe” is a term to describe the base plate that rides on the material. And the shoe of the circular saw is often made of three elements: steel, aluminum, and magnesium. Each element will have its pros and cons:
- Steel is the most popular material. It is not expensive, yet still very sturdy. However, it has a heavy weight and can wear out after some time.
- Aluminum is a better material. It is much lighter than steel. However, it is not as robust as steel, plus it’s more expensive than steel.
- Magnesium is the high-tech metal of choice. Of course, it is much more costly than the previous two materials. However, it is more durable than aluminum and steel and more comfortable to manufacture.
So, based on your budget and your working requirements, you can make the best choice to have the most suitable circular saw for your upcoming projects.
Amperage and speed
The amperage is the limit of electrical power that the motor of the saw can withstand. Recently, most of the circular saws have a 15 amp engine. And it is enough for you to finish most tasks.
The faster the blade spins, the quicker it can cut. The speed of the saw depends on the amperage and also the size and types of the saw. For example, a saw used 15 amp motor can spin a 7-1/4 inch blade faster than the 10-1/4 inch blade.
The ideal speed of the saw is from 500 to 5500 RPMs. It is enough for you to get accurate and fast results. Any lower rate than that is not the right choice.
Ease of Adjustment
The best circular saw is the one that allows you to make accurate and quick depth adjustments easily. And in our experience, the saw with the lever is better than the saw with a knob. The leaver allows you to release and tighten quickly.
Although it is a hassle to loosen and tighten the knobs of the saw, especially when you wear work gloves, knobs are more accurate at setting the perfect angle. So, you can also choose the knobs if the manufacturer puts them in an easy-to-access place.
Tips for Using the Circular Saw
Here are some tips for you to use the circular saw effectively:
- The circular saw can inevitably leave tiny slivers of wood and create noticeably rough edges, which is very annoying. So, you should lay a piece of painter’s tape over the cutline to minimize tear-out. It will help to keep all fibers in place.
- The blade can cut more efficiently when you set it correctly. Don’t set the edge too deep because it can lead to so many annoying problems. Firstly, it is more dangerous for you when using it.
- Always set the blade depth before you cut. Although you can adjust the edge, you should place the blade depth carefully before using the saw. It will help you to create a proper cut.
- To prevent the kickback problem, you should not cut wood that is supported on both ends. You may find it is okay at first, but when you almost finish, the wood will bow downwards and pinches the blade. And finally, it will cause the blade to buck.
- Always prepare excellent support for plywood cutting. Cutting Plywood without support can make the saw bind and make your Plywood tear when the cutoff piece drops. So, always prepare excellent support before you start with plywood cutting.
Commonly Asked Questions About Shopping For The Best Circular Saw
Q: What is the best circular saw: corded or battery?
A: As we mentioned, it depends on your working requirements. It is because each type of saw has both pros and cons, so you can only decide which one is better based on your needs.
Q: What size circular saw is best?
A: The best size is 7-1/4 inches. This size is also the most common and useful size for most woodworking tasks. This size is enough for you to cut through 3-inches thick material. Also, this size fits perfectly with the widest variety of blades so you can use it for cutting other materials.
Q: How do you choose a circular saw?
A: “Which material that you usually cut” and “how thick it is” are the two questions that you need to answer. Then you should check how much you can pay for a circular saw. After understanding your requirements, you can compare it with the saw on the market and make the final choice.
Q: When do you need a circular saw?
A: If you always have to make a large variety of cuts, you must have a circular saw no matter if you are only a DIY lover or a woodworker. The circular saw can make a variety of cuts and will be very helpful for you to finish your work.
Q: Which one is better: a left-handed circular saw or a right-handed circular saw?
A: If you hold the workpiece with your left hand, you can accidentally touch the blade. And it is a severe problem. So, in some cases, a right-handed circular saw is much safer. However, the left-handed can show the cut line better.
Best Circular Saw For Woodworking And Home Use – Final Words
Thank you for reading our collection of the ten best circular saw options, with the latest circular saw reviews. Hopefully, this has helped you to decide if which one is suitable for you. Remember, we gave you the four most important features that you should consider when looking for the best circular saw.
We hope that the information in this article will help you to choose the most suitable circular saw for your workshop and have the best performance with minimal effort. If you have any questions and experiences to share, please leave a comment and share with us.
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