#1. Skil 5280-01 Corded Circular Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

Skil 5280 is equipped with a 15-Amp motor built for power and accuracy. The motor generates a power output of 2.5 HP and has the highest single-speed of 5,300 RPM on the list. The result is faster cuts with greater control.

The motor drives a 7-1/4 inches carbide tipped blade designed for long-lasting durability and sharpness. This 24-tooth blade makes easy work of wood and sheet material. It delivers a cut capacity of 1-15/16 inches at 45 degrees and 2-7/16 inches at 90 degrees.

The 51 degrees bevel capacity with positive stop at 45 degrees gives Skil 5280 a greater cutting capacity compared to Skil 5680. Accuracy of each cut is assured by a single beam laser that provides a clear view of the cut line.

The lower guard design provides snag-free cuts while a dust blower comes in handy to make the line of cut more visible. Skil 5280 comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

Skil 5280 is for the more experienced user who requires a powerful circular saw that’s got advanced features. This circular saw is best used for cutting lumbar and sheet material.

#2. DeWalt DWE575SB Lightweight Corded Circular Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.8 / 5)

DeWalt DWE575SB is the best worm drive circuar saw on the list. It is powered by a 15-amp motor that generates a maximum power output of 1,950 Watts. The motor generates a no-load speed of 5,200 RPM, which makes it the second fastest on the list. Such a speed lets you make faster cuts while giving you greater control over the saw.

DeWalt DWE575SB has the same blade size as that of Skil 5280, measuring 7-1/4 inches in diameter. The depth of cut is 2.55 inches at 90 degrees and 1.9 inches at 45 degrees, specs that almost match those of Skil 5280. However, DeWalt DWE575SB provides a greater bevel capacity of 57 degrees with stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees. This makes it suitable for a wider range of applications.

This circular saw provides the safety of an electric brake and a dust blower that provides a clear view of the cut line. A patented cord protection system comes in handy to provide 3 times resistance against cord pullout. Convenient storage has been factored in by including an on-board storage and carry case designed for easy portability. DeWalt DWE575SB is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

DeWalt DWE575SB packs plenty of muscle power to withstand some of the toughest applications. This circular saw is ideal for workshop projects, DIY projects and general contractors.

#3. Worx WX429L Compact Circular Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

Worx WX429L makes use of a 4-1/2 inches, 24-tooth carbide tipped blade. But unlike most carbide blades, it comes thinner. This functions to minimize tool strain and hence improve cutting speed and performance. The blade spins at a no-load speed of 3,500 RPM for fast cutting.

This blade has a bevel capacity of 45 degrees, which is quick and easy to adjust. Positioned to the left, the blade provides great cut-line visibility. This circular saw provides an ergonomic grip for increased comfort, balance and control. Worx WX429L comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

Worx WX429L provides the convenience of a lightweight construction and ease-of-adjustment. It’s a great circular saw for light-duty DIY cutting projects.

#4. Rockwell Compact Circular Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

This circular saw is powered by a 5-amp motor. Fitted with a thin 4-1/2 inches carbide blade like that of Worx WX429L, you get less tool strain. Combined with a no-load speed of 3,500 RPM, Rockwell RK3441K provides a cutting performance that almost matches those of 7-1/4 inches circular saws.

Rockwell RK3441K delivers a cut capacity of 1-11/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-1/8 inches at 45 degrees. It can cut 2x4 lumbar and sheet material with the same efficiency as the regular 7-1/4 inches circular saws.

The ergonomic handle comes slim for maximum comfort and enhanced grip. There’s a dust port that lets you connect the saw to a vacuum. This circular saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

Rockwell RK3441K comes feather light and ultra compact. It’s a good choice for DIYers or professionals in search of a mini circular saw that’s pretty solid and powerful.

#5. DeWalt DC390B 18V Cordless Circular Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

DeWalt DC390B is a light circular saw that weighs at 6.3 pounds for minimum user fatigue. Like Rockwell RK3441K and Worx WX429L, its blade comes thin but relatively larger at 6-1/2 inches. It’s a durable carbide tipped blade designed to stay sharper for longer.

The blade is driven by a powerful fan-cooled motor at a no-load speed of 3,700 RPM for faster rip cuts and cross cuts. It delivers a cut depth of 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees. DeWalt DC390B has a rip capacity that can slice through any 2-by dimensional lumbar. Additional cut capacity is made possible by a 50-degree bevel capacity, a feature that makes the saw ideal for a multitude of applications.

The handle has a padded ergonomic grip that dampens vibrations while providing more comfort in big projects. DeWalt DC390B is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

DeWalt DC390B provides an ideal solution to home improvement needs. It’s great durability guarantees precise cuts for years to come. This circular saw is a helpful tool to have, whether you’re a regular DIYer or professional craftsman.

#6. Milwaukee 2630-20 18V Cordless Circular Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.6 / 5)

This circular saw has a lightweight construction of 8.8 pounds and comes compact enough to save you space. It’s high-efficiency motor spins at a no-load speed of 3,500 RPM for fast cuts. It engages the 6-1/2-inch 24-tooth carbide blade that’s got a reputation of staying sharper for longer.

The blade delivers 2-1/8 inches cut at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 inches cut at 45 degrees. The grip is soft and non-slip for maximum user comfort. Milwaukee 2630 has aircraft aluminum shoe that’s much easier to read. The lower and upper guards are made of magnesium, which provides the best-in-class durability.

A fuel gauge is included to display the remaining run time. Milwaukee 2630 comes with a generous 5-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

Milwaukee 2630 is a lightweight and balanced portable circular saw. The run time is good and the power is impressive. This is a good circular saw for home improvement projects and cutting applications out in the field.

#7. Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Cordless Circular Saw

Editor's Rating:  (4.7 / 5)

The motor drives the blade at a no-load speed of 3,700 RPM, which matches that of DeWalt DC390B. With such speed, you get faster cutting and ripping through wood. The 6-1/2 inches carbide blade delivers a maximum cutting capacity of 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 inches at 45 degrees to match a wide range of applications. What’s more, you get a bevel capacity of 50 degrees for increased versatility.

User comfort is guaranteed by a lightweight construction of 7.3 pounds without the battery. A rubberized handle provides a soft non-slip grip for increased comfort in your job. Makita XSS02Z is a durable circular saw featuring a heavy-gauge precision machined base that can withstand harsh job site conditions. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy?

Makita XSS02Z is designed to be as compact and lightweight as it can be. Its power and speed are impressive for a cordless circular saw. Makita XSS02Z is a good choice for both professional contractors and homeowners.

Power Sources of Circular Saws

When it comes to circular saws, there are two kinds of power available: corded and cordless. The best circular saw between the two will largely depend on your specific tasks. Let’s look deeper into each type with the pros and cons if any.

#1. Cordless Circular Saws

The lack of a power cord makes cordless circular saws compact enough to be used in tight workspaces. But according to cordless circular saw reviews, they generate less torque and have limited run time compared to corded circular saws. Another distinction is the blade size. Cordless circular saws generally have a smaller blade, measuring a maximum of 6-1/2 inches. This makes them quite difficult to use on thick materials.

Who Should Buy?

Cordless circular saws are great for working in tighter spaces. They’re a perfect choice for cutting through wood products. But you should know that the tougher the task, the quicker the battery drains.

​#2. Corded Circular Saws

Who Should Buy?

Due to the continuous supply of power, corded circular saws are ideal for tackling demanding jobs. These include cutting of wood, masonry and steel.

Styles of Circular Saw

Circular saws come in three different styles: worm drive, sidewinder and trim.

#1. Worm Drive

The motor of the warm drive circular saw is positioned in such a way that it is in line with the blade. This ensures that sufficient torque is delivered for cutting through wet lumbar or concrete. Due to its great capacity, worm drive circular saw is ideal for huge renovation projects like those done by professional carpenters.

#2. Sidewinder

Side winder circular saws have the blade positioned beside the motor. This design makes them the lightest in circular saw styles. The lightweight construction of sidewinder circular saws makes them much easier to maneuver. Generally, these saws weigh a maximum of 11 pounds. Some models come with helical gearing, a feature that functions to improve the torque and equal the power of worm drive circular saws.

#3. Trim

Trim saws are miniature circular saws. This makes them smaller and lighter. Most trim circular saws have blade sizes of 5-1/2 inches or 5-3/8 inches. However, some of them come as small as 4 inches. As the name suggests, trim circular saws are great for smaller cutting jobs.

Such jobs include trim work (molding, paneling, cabinetry), ripping thin sheet, cutting floor materials, among others. Trim circular saws provide perfect cuts on thinner materials and are generally less expensive.

What to Look for When Buying a Circular Saw

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#1. Design

Most people are quick to put power and cutting abilities into consideration when looking for the best circular saws. But then, many models come with similar power and cutting features. It’s for that reason that design ought to be your first consideration. Design functions to separate quality models in the world of circular saws. For instance, one circular saw can do a great job while another can do an ok job.

Some important aspects to consider when it comes to design are the dust chutes and blowers. You’ll find out that some circular saws will come with either a blower or dust chute. However, there are those that come with both. Other design factors to consider include weight and storage accessories.

It’s always good to go lighter while sacrificing the least power and performance. Circular saws that come with carry cases are a god choice since you get convenient storage and access to your tools.

#2. Power Features

The motor watts and speed are something that you need to look at when determining the power of a circular saw. However, there are situations where several circular saws sport the same watt and RPM. In such a situation, you need to test them out to determine the speed, how they handle and whether or not they jam. Go through each phase of testing and determine the one that displays the most power and performance.

#3. Cutting Features

Circular saws have the major function of cutting. Therefore it’s reasonable enough to consider its cutting features. The cutting features to compare are the bevel capacity, bevel stops and depth of cuts. Such considerations come in handy when cutting a material more than 2 inches.

#4. Safety Features

In case you’re not an expert or professional in using circular saws, then you’ll need to consider the safety features included in the saw. The safety features to look pout for include electric brakes, trigger locks and power indicator lights. These features will help minimize the risk for injuries.

#5. Help & Support

Any reputable manufacturer ought to have an established customer service. The brand also needs to have a warranty for its product to cater for defects in parts or poor workmanship. Some feature “Frequent Asked Questions” and circular saw reviews sections to help you make an informed decision and get some tips on how to maintain your circular saws.

Reference: thisoldhouse.com, sears.com