Circular Saws Buying Guide

The most used power saw in any construction site or workshop is likely to be the circular saw. Circular saws combine portability and power, making them useful in a variety of situations. They can rip or crosscut wood with precision on a stable surface, or be lifted to trim and cut material in place. Every carpenter uses a circular saw and all of them have their own favorite model.

The main types of circular saw are differentiated by the kind of motor used. The classic circular saw is often called a "sidewinder" because the motor sits just off the side of the blade. Worm and hypoid drive motors use a gear system that is mounted parallel to the blade.

Because it is used so often, it's important to find a circular saw that fits your hand and needs. You may want to try out different models before making your final choice. If you have friends that own circular saws, ask if you can borrow their saw or help with their projects in order to get the feel for yourself.

Be sure to note how well the blade guard moves when you are testing a circular saw. You'll want it to move easily and spring back quickly into place. You'll also want to make sure it doesn't obstruct your view of the cut line.

Sidewinder Drives If you picture a circular saw in your mind, you are probably seeing a sidewinder drive. These saws have a motor set perpendicular to the blade, with the handle arching over it. This is the classic circular saw design and isn't usually designated as "sidewinder" but simply called a circular saw. While worm drives are designed to transfer more power to the blade, those who use circular saws regularly find little difference between the force of the different drives. More important is the ease in using the tool, which is mainly a personal preference based on the weight, balance, and feel of the tool.

Worm Drive Circular Saws The worm drive was invented four years before the sidewinder drive, but isn't quite as popular. Instead of a direct shaft from motor to blade, the worm drive uses a series of gears. The makers of worm drive saws claim this delivers more force to the blade, resulting in a faster cut and less wear on the blade. Sidewinder manufacturers dispute this claim. The other major difference between these two types of saws is handle placement. Worm-driven saws have handles set behind, rather than over, the drive. For some users, this is more comfortable.

Hypoid Drive Saws Hypoid drive circular saws are a subset of the worm drive saws. They deliver the same amount of power and torque. The main difference is that hypoid saws use an enclosed system that means the user never needs to change the oil (circular saws need their oil changed regularly, depending on use). Like worm drives, hypoid drive saws place the handle towards the rear of the blade.

Cordless Circular Saws Cordless circular saws are useful when there are no electrical outlets available. They run off batteries, which can add to the weight of the tool. The main disadvantage to a cordless circular saw is, obviously, that battery power is limited. This makes the tools useful for short jobs and emergencies, but not for large jobs or every day use.

Trim Saws Trim saws are smaller, lighter circular saws. They are built to get into small areas and to cut through trim and finishes. They tend to have a smaller blade capacity (up to 5 3/8") than basic circular saws, which usually hold 7 1/4" blades. Trim saws are useful for finishing, but not for heavy work.

Blade Capacity

When purchasing a circular saw, pay attention to the blade capacity. This will determine the maximum depth of the cut you can make. A 5 3/8" blade capacity will allow you to crosscut a 2x4 easily with one pass. But, if you need to cut the wood at a 45° angle, you'll find that the blade won't go all the way through. You'll need a saw that can handle a 6" or larger blade for that. Be aware, though, that a larger blade capacity requires a larger and heavier saw.

Bevel Capacity

Most of the cuts made with a circular saw are either 90° or 45° angles. If you find that you change angles often, you'll want a saw that clicks automatically at 45° and 90°.

If you need to do custom bevels, look for a saw with 1° guide lines, which are much easier to set than ones with 5° marks. Also, check the bevel capacity. Some saws will not go beyond 45°, but some will go to 50° or more.

Durability

It's almost inevitable that your circular saw will get dropped sooner or later. So check the materials and make sure you buy something that can stand up to rough treatment.

Weight

Circular saws are hand-held tools. After a few hours of lifting the saw and pushing it through stock, you're going to realize the importance of weight! Some circular saws can weigh almost 17 lbs, some of the lighter models are under 8 lbs. Look for as light a saw as you can find without going below the blade capacity you need for your big jobs.

Feel

The most important consideration in buying a circular saw is how it feels in your hand. If you regularly work with wood and building materials, this is a tool you are going spend a lot of time using. It's worth finding the right fit. If possible, try to use a particular model before purchasing it to make sure if feels comfortable to you.

Vibration

Working with a circular saw is a hands-on experience. Any added vibration is going to be felt in your body. When you are testing a potential purchase, pay attention to how much the tool shakes as you rip through the material.

Visibility

When you are cutting, you need to watch the cut line. With all the knobs and levers on a circular saw, the view can become obstructed. Some saws include laser guides, which are helpful, but not necessary as long as you can see your own line plainly. Make sure you can see your cut line without having to twist or strain.

Design Features

Beyond the basic motor drive, some circular saws offer special features that make the saw safer or more convenient to use.

• Look for a handle that can pivot as you cut. The Tilt-Lok feature allows you to change the position of the handle to maintain a good balance in a variety of cutting angles.
  
• A spindle lock makes it easier to change blades by preventing them from turning while you are removing it from the drive.
  
• An electric brake will stop the blade much quicker, which is not only safer, but a lot less noisy.
  
• Sky hooks, which allow you to hang the saw from a beam or truss cord, can be rigged or purchased separately from the saw. Some manufacturers will include this useful attachment with their machine.

Once you purchase your circular saw, you might want to add on some useful attachments. Here are some practical suggestions to make your work easier.

Blades

After the saw itself, which blade you use is a major decision. For longest use, look for blades with carbide tips. Carbide is more durable than steel or high steel and keeps its edge longer. Most people use circular saws to cut wood, but special blades can be found for cutting ceramic tiles, masonry, concrete and bricks. However, if you are going to regularly use your saw on materials other than wood, it's worth investing in a saw designed specifically for metal or masonry.

Beam Cutting Attachments

Want to turn your circular saw into a beam cutter? This attachment will extend the depth of the cut, making your saw even more versatile.

Rip Fence

The rip fence guides the blade in a straight line on long cuts. It's well worth investing in if you want to cut plywood or narrow strips of planking.

Saw Guides

Rip fences help with straight cuts. For angled cuts, you'll want to use a saw guide or gauge.

Under $50

There are a few circular saws available in this price range. They are all basic sidewinder drives, with few or no added features. There are no worm drives, cordless drives, or large blade capacities available. But, if you are looking for a basic circular saw, you can certainly find one.

$50-$100

In this price range, you can start finding smaller cordless circular saws, as well as sidewinder saws with one or two extra features.

$100-250

Most of the new circular saws cost between $100 and $250, including those with worm or hypoid drives. You'll find the most variety in this price in features, including bevel and blade capacity. You'll also find the larger, more powerful cordless saws.

Over $250

There's no need to pay more than $250 for a circular saw, unless you need something specialized, like an extra-large blade capacity for deep cutting, a system designed specifically for metal or masonry, or one of the more powerful cordless saws.

Black and Decker
Bosch
Craftsman
DeWalt
Makita
Milwaukee
Porter-Cable
Skil