Buying Guide: Circular Saws
A circular saw is essential for making quick and accurate straight cuts in wood, steel, masonry, and ceramic. It can also be set up to make reliable and consistent bevel cuts, a task normally time-consuming and tricky when done by hand.
In both DIY and professional settings, having a good circular saw in your arsenal can allow you to make light work of almost any project, saving you both time and frustration.
A high-quality circular saw will last you many years, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one, so it’s worth spending some time choosing the right one. By the end of this post, you should have all the information you need to decide which circular saw best fits you.
Circular saw basics
Circular saws are the go-to tool for making speedy, accurate straight cuts through wood, steel, masonry, and ceramic when paired with the right blade. The cutting action is performed by a toothed or abrasive blade, driven in a rotational axis by a motor. A Cordless circular saw is powered via lithium-ion batteries, and as you might have summarised, a corded circular saw draws its power from the mains.
What features to consider
Consider Branded Tools
Branded tools are essential for their superior quality, reliability, and comprehensive support. Leading brands invest in strict quality control measures to ensure their products meet high performance and durability standards. This reliability is further supported by warranties and access to customer service, giving users peace of mind and assistance when needed. Additionally, branded tools often offer compatibility with various accessories and innovative features, increasing their versatility and efficiency. While they may come with a higher upfront cost, their long-term value, durability, and ease of maintenance make them indispensable for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
No-load speed
No-load speed refers to how quickly the blade rotates when not cutting material. It is usually measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). No-load speed is a reasonably reliable indicator of cutting power. Therefore, it’s generally accepted that a higher RPM implies more cutting power. It is, however, worth noting that blade diameter will be a factor in how quickly a blade spins. To avoid boring you with a lengthy physics lesson, just know that smaller blades will spin faster, and larger blades will spin more slowly. For serious cutting tasks, opt for a higher no-load speed. This DeWalt circular saw spins at an impressive 5800rpm and will handle most cutting tasks you decide to throw at it.
Voltage
A higher-voltage circular saw is usually more powerful and has more torque, allowing you to cut tougher materials easily. However, higher-voltage saws generally weigh more since they use bigger motors to take advantage of the higher voltage the power source provides. If weight is a consideration and you don’t need the extra power, opt for a lower-voltage circular saw.
Cutting capacity
Cutting capacity refers to how deep a saw can cut. As a rule of thumb, a larger blade will inherently have a greater cutting capacity or depth. If you work with a lot of thicker material or need multiple cuts at once, consider opting for a greater cutting capacity, such as this Makita circular saw. Cutting capacity is less important if you primarily work with thinner materials.
Cordless vs corded
The type of application you’ll primarily use your circular saw for will determine the power source you opt for. Corded circular saws’ main advantage is the constant supply of power, which, in practical terms, a corded circular saw is a good choice if you are working on a project that requires frequent power-intensive cuts in thick, hard material. You have access to a mains outlet. On the other hand, a cordless circular saw trades a constant power source for portability, allowing you to work anywhere the task requires, obviously an invaluable advantage for tradesmen and contractors. The lack of a power cord also eliminates a potential on-site tripping hazard.
Types of circular saw
Sidewinder and worm drive circular saws
The most commonly seen type of circular saw and what probably comes to mind when most people think of a circular saw. “Sidewinder” refers to saws where the motor is mounted directly adjacent to the blade and drives the blade directly. In contrast, the motor in a “worm drive” sits behind the blade and drives it via a gear, providing more torque. These portable saws require minimal maintenance and are great for cutting wood.
Mitre saws
A mitre saw is a circular saw mounted on a swinging radial arm, allowing the operator to bring the cutting blade down onto the material precisely. This design makes mitre saws ideal for accurate angled cuts, particularly in framing, moulding, and trim work. Their fixed nature enhances safety, making it easier for less experienced users to achieve consistent results while reducing the risk of errors. However, mitre saws are usually more expensive than hand-held circular saws, but their accuracy, ease of use, and added safety make them a valuable investment.
Table saws
A table saw features a fixed cutting disk mounted on a sturdy table. Unlike handheld saws, where the tool moves across the material, the material is pushed toward and across the blade with a table saw. This setup ensures high precision, making it ideal for projects requiring accuracy, such as woodworking. However, table saws are bulkier, less portable, and require more storage space, making them better suited for workshops rather than on-site use..
Disc cutters
Disc cutters have powerful motors and robust, sharp blades, making them ideal for easily cutting through tough materials like concrete, brick, paving slabs, and stone. Their high performance and durability make them especially suited for demanding projects where precision and strength are crucial. Whether you’re working on landscaping, civil engineering, or construction, disc cutters excel at slicing through hard materials quickly and efficiently.
Our top picks
DeWalt DCS570N 18V XR 184mm Brushless Circular Saw
The Dewalt DCS570N is made for professional use with the same power and the same benefits as the DWE575 but without the cable. The DCS570 also adds an over-mould handle for improved grip and ergonomics. Featuring XR technology, this circular saw can be used in trades where you’d use a corded circular saw, such as Roofers, Concrete Form Workers, Furniture Makers, Kitchen Fitters, Shop Fitters, Plumbers, Joiners, Carpenters, Landscapers and Boat Builders.
Makita LS0815FLN 216mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw 1400W 240V
This Makita circular saw is compact and efficient with its 1400w motor and a maximum cut of 65mm. The LS0815FL is lightweight, and the carry handle makes this tool easy to transport, while a durable 48-tooth TCT blade with laser guide and trench cutting facility ensures accurate cuts. Secure your LS0815FL firmly with a clamp and extension arms and minimise mess with a dust bag and dust extraction facility. A soft-start motor extends the life of this tool, and the manufacturer’s warranty can be extended to three years for extra peace of mind.
DeWalt DCS7485N 54V XR Flexvolt Brushless 210mm Cordless Table Saw (Body Only)
The DeWalt DCS7485 XR FlexVolt Cordless Table Saw features a powerful brushless motor for high performance in any task. Its cast tabletop, rack-and-pinion fence system, and large, clear scales ensure precise and easy use. With a 610mm rip capacity, it efficiently cuts large sheet materials, while the steel roll cage provides protection against jobsite impacts. The overload protection system ensures reliable performance in tough conditions, and the quick bevel lock allows for accurate adjustments.
DeWalt XR FlexVolt batteries, the first convertible 18/54V batteries, deliver high power for heavy-duty tools while being compatible with existing 18V products, offering extended runtime.
Evolution R300DCT 300mm Electric Disc Cutter Concrete Saw 110V 1600W
The Evolution R300DCT electric disc cutter is ideal for cutting through standard and steel-reinforced concrete, stone, brick, and paving. With a cutting depth of 115mm, it’s one of the deepest 300mm machines on the market. Powered by a high-torque 1600W motor, it maintains peak performance even under heavy load, starting reliably every time without emitting harmful fumes, perfect for indoor or enclosed spaces.
There is no need for expensive fuel or servicing, and its wheeled skid plate makes ground-level cuts easy, lifting the blade off the ground for safe handling. The saw also features Power Protect Technology, shielding internal components from dust and water for longer durability.
FAQ
How do I choose the right saw for my project?
Consider the material you’ll be cutting, the type of cut required (straight, angled, or curved), and your skill level. Each saw is designed for different applications.
What is the difference between a mitre saw, and a compound mitre saw?
A standard mitre saw can make angled cuts, while a compound mitre saw can tilt the blade for bevel cuts, allowing for more complex angles.
Can I use a table saw to cut metal?
Table saws are primarily designed for wood. While some can cut metal with the right blade, using a saw specifically designed for metal cutting is generally recommended.
Need help deciding which to choose? Need some help with your order? Our new help centre has a wide range of helpful articles and guides!
If you have any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01358 726719 or by email at admin@toolden.co.uk