Circular saws are indispensable for home renovation and DIY projects, enabling precise cuts through materials like plywood for tasks such as building kitchen cabinets or crafting a dog ramp.
Docia Boylen, owner of Handyman Connection of Golden in Colorado, regards the portable circular saw as a crucial tool, ranking second only to a cordless impact driver. She expresses confidence in its longevity, suggesting it could last a lifetime.
To assist others in finding the ideal circular saw for woodworking projects, we conducted extensive research, evaluating various models based on type, power output, power source, and weight. Our aim was to identify options suitable for both big and small woodworking endeavors.
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Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Top 5 Best Corded Circular Saws of 2024
1.DeWalt DCS391B
- 5150 RPM motor of DEWALT circular saw delivers power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with ease
- High strength and lightweight magnesium shoe of the corded circular saw provides jobsite durability for long-term cut accuracy
- Optimized rubber overmolded comfort grip of the compact circular saw delivers optimal balance and control
Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
First glance, the DCS391 circular saw may seem unassuming, lacking flashy features like laser guides or LED lighting. Its simple design, without extra buttons or levers, might make it blend in with other right-handed saws. However, it’s in the hands-on experience that this saw truly shines.
Despite weighing 7 pounds, the DCS391 feels remarkably lighter due to its ergonomic design. It effortlessly slices through materials, and its rubber handle remains comfortable even after extended use. Remarkably, after an hour of continuous operation, the battery only depletes by a third.
While the DCS391 may lack some advanced features, it compensates with exceptional quality. It boasts a high-grade magnesium alloy shoe and a quick blade brake that engages instantly when you release the trigger. Despite its small 6 1/2-inch blade, it handles bevel cuts on 2-by-4 lumber with ease.
One of its standout advantages is its compatibility with DeWalt’s 20-volt battery platform, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated with a wide range of other tools. This versatility enhances its value, making it not only a great standalone tool but also an excellent addition to a tool system.
However, it’s worth noting that purchasing a battery and charger separately will add an additional to the overall cost. Despite this drawback, the DCS391 remains an incredible workhorse of a saw, delivering exceptional performance and versatility for various woodworking tasks.
Pros
- Lightweight yet powerful design, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
- Long-lasting battery ensures extended usage without frequent recharges.
Cons
- Lacks additional features such as laser guides or LED lighting, which could enhance precision and visibility in certain applications.
2.Skil 5280-01
- Powerful 15-amp motor delivers 5 300-RPM for greater speed and faster cuts
- 7-1 4-inch carbide-tipped blade included. Spindle lock for easy blade changes.
- 51° bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45° for a wide variety of cuts
Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
When you plug in the SKIL 5280-01 circular saw, a prominent square red LED illuminates on the handle, providing a clear indication of power, which is a simple yet valuable safety feature, especially for those dealing with extension cords and uncertain wiring. Like many other corded saws, the SKIL 5280-01 boasts a durable full metal plate (steel) and a metal blade guard for added safety.
The handle of the SKIL saw is reasonably comfortable, and the safety features are conveniently located within reach of the hand on the trigger. Additionally, it includes a blade lock for easy blade changes and a laser guide to assist with making accurate cuts.
However, compared to some other saws, the readability of the plate on the SKIL 5280-01 can be somewhat challenging, which may make adjustments more difficult. Nevertheless, adjusting for beveled cuts remains straightforward with this saw.
One important consideration is that, similar to other corded saws, the SKIL 5280-01 lacks an electric brake. Therefore, users should exercise caution as the blade will continue to spin for a short duration after releasing the trigger.
Pros
- Bright red LED indicator provides clear indication of power status, enhancing safety especially in environments with extension cords or uncertain wiring
- Laser guide assists in making accurate cuts, improving precision and efficiency.
Cons
- Plate readability is somewhat challenging, potentially making adjustments more difficult and impeding workflow.
3.Bosch CCS180B
- ERGONOMIC MAIN HANDLE: Angled for ease in pushing the saw forward
- 6-1/2 IN. SAW BLADE: Cuts through 2 in. at 90 degrees and cuts through 2x material across entire bevel range
- CONVENIENT 50 DEGREE BEVEL RANGE ON SAW: Contributes enhanced versatility
Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
The Bosch CCS180 circular saw offers a range of features comparable to those of the DeWalt model, sporting a stylish gray and blue design with a left-blade orientation. Weighing in at 6 1/26.6 pounds, it’s slightly lighter than the DeWalt, enhancing maneuverability. Its ergonomic rubber-coated grip and conveniently located safety button ensure comfortable and safe operation.
Safety is a top priority with the Bosch CCS180, featuring a quick-stopping blade brake that engages when you release the trigger and a left-sided blade orientation. This left-sided placement not only improves visibility of the cutting area but also enhances safety in case of kickback.
However, users accustomed to right-handed blade orientations may find the left-sided blade position initially awkward. Despite this potential adjustment, the Bosch CCS180 delivers clean cuts in materials like particleboard and drywall.
The Bosch batteries feature a charge indicator similar to DeWalt’s 20v battery, although checking the gauge requires removing the battery from the tool, which may be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Pros
- Left-blade design enhances visibility of cutting area and improves safety, particularly in case of kickback.
Cons
- Need to remove the battery from the tool to check the charge gauge, which may be inconvenient for some users, especially during busy work sessions.
4.Ryobi P507 One+
- ONBOARD GUIDING BASE allows you to maintain precise control over your cuts with both hands on the tool
- CUT A VARIETY OF ANGLES with the easy-to-use bevel adjustment knob on the side of the unit. Adjust your angle up to 56 degrees
- TOUGH ABS PLASTIC keeps the tool lightweight and sturdy so you can rip through wood with greater control
Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
The Ryobi ONE+ circular saw demonstrates impressive cutting capability, effortlessly handling various materials. However, users may find the handle uncomfortable due to a seam that rubs directly on the palm. Additionally, once the battery is attached, the saw’s balance may feel slightly awkward.
Despite these ergonomic concerns, if you already own other tools in the Ryobi ONE+ battery platform, this circular saw still performs well and could be a valuable addition to your toolbox. Keep in mind that purchasing a battery and charger will cost low, which adds to the overall investment.
Pros
- Easily slices through various materials, demonstrating impressive cutting capability.
- Affordable pricing makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Handle is uncomfortable due to a seam that may rub directly on the palm, potentially causing discomfort during prolonged use.
5.Black & Decker BDCCS20B
- VERSATILE 5-1/2 IN. BLADE – Fast-cutting blade is ideal for a range of DIY tasks.
- VARIABLE-SPEED TRIGGER – For enhanced control over every job.
- ANGLED CUTS – Bevel detents at 45 and 90 degrees for angled cuts.
Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
The Black and Decker BDCCS20 offers comparative portability, which is a positive aspect. However, it comes with the smallest blade size among the saws reviewed, measuring at 5-1/2 inches. This limitation restricts its capability to cutting only thin materials. When attempting to cut particle board, the BDCCS20 tends to freeze and cannot advance beyond about 2 inches. Similarly, during drywall cuts, the resulting cuts are ragged and significantly more uneven compared to other saws.
Given these limitations, it’s challenging to identify the ideal user for the BDCCS20, aside from individuals whose cutting needs involve solely trim or boards no thicker than one inch. However, it does come with a charger and battery, which adds some value.
In summary, while the BDCCS20 offers portability and includes a charger and battery, its limited cutting capabilities and uneven results make it suitable only for specific, lightweight cutting tasks.
Pros
- Includes a charger and battery, providing convenience and immediate usability out of the box.
Cons
- Small blade size (5-1/2 inches) limits its capability to cutting only thin materials, restricting its versatility and usefulness for thicker materials or larger projects.
What You Should Know About Circular Saws
Power Source: Consider your options carefully before making a circular saw purchase, including whether you want a corded or cordless type. Going wireless used to require giving up electricity. That isn’t the case now. Because of the considerable advancements in battery technology over the past few years, cordless instruments are now more competitively priced than their corded counterparts. Considering this, where and how you want to use the circular saw will determine whether or not you should switch to a cordless version. You might want to think about getting a corded circular saw if you work often in an area with power outlets or if you can move the material you are cutting closer to a power source. That’s wonderful to hear because corded power tools are frequently more costly than its equivalents that run on batteries, particularly when you account for the extra expense of a battery and charger. Nonetheless, it makes more sense to include a cordless circular saw in your toolset if you regularly operate in places without easy access to electricity.
Compatibility: is an important consideration if you’ve determined that a cordless circular saw is the best option for your working environment. Purchasing a saw that runs on the same batteries as your other cordless power tools would be a wise choice, for instance, if you already have a lot of them. By doing this, you’ll be able to use the saw without having to pay extra for a new battery and charger. If this is your first battery-operated tool, consider what other products (such as a cordless drill) the saw’s maker may sell that you could find useful in the future.
Blade Size: The most popular circular saw blade size on the market right now is 7 1/4 inches 7.25. On the other hand, the blade size of a cordless saw is often slightly smaller, measuring 6 1/26.5 inches. Choosing a saw with a standard size facilitates the purchase of new blades and provides you with an instant overview of the saw’s cutting capabilities.
Is a saw left- or right-handed? In contrast to scissors, saws are designated based on which side of the motor the blade is on, not on the user’s preferred hand dominance. The blade on left-sided circular saws is located to the left of the motor, whereas the blade on right-sided saws is located to the right. That means you can utilize either sides blade with ease, regardless of which hand you choose to use for writing, eating, and other tasks. Basically, preference for a blade just comes down to having a different cutting configuration—keeping your arms out of the way of the cutting area and being mindful of where your saw motor is placed on the table. I use a right-handed saw, but I like the left-sided saw more. I’m not required to review the motor to see my cutting area and I prefer to stand to the left of the saw rather than directly behind it. That said, I found it easy to switch between the two different sided saws by either changing the direction of my cut, or the way my material is supported.
conclusion
In conclusion, after assessing a variety of circular saw models, each boasting distinct features and performance attributes, it’s evident that no single saw emerges as universally ideal for all users or tasks. The DeWalt DCS391, a cordless option, offers reliable performance and comfort, yet lacks some advanced features. Its compatibility with DeWalt’s battery platform adds to its appeal. On the other hand, the SKIL 5280-01, a corded saw, prioritizes precision and safety with its LED indicator and laser guide, but users may find issues with plate readability and the absence of an electric brake. The Bosch CCS180 stands out for its left-blade design and ergonomic grip, prioritizing safety and comfort, though some users may need time to adapt to its left-sided blade orientation.
Moving on to the Ryobi ONE+, while it delivers impressive cutting ability and compatibility with Ryobi’s battery system, its shortcomings in handle comfort and balance may be notable. Nonetheless, it remains a cost-effective option for existing Ryobi tool users. Finally, the Black and Decker BDCCS20 offers portability and comes with a charger and battery, yet its small blade size restricts its utility to cutting thin materials, limiting its suitability to specific light-duty tasks.
Ultimately, choosing the best circular saw hinges on individual needs, preferences, and budget constraints. Whether prioritizing power, convenience, safety features, or tool compatibility, careful consideration of these factors will steer users towards the most appropriate choice.