Circular Saw Buying Guide
A circular saw is one of the most common power tools in use today. With the appropriate blade, this tool is capable of cutting wood, steel, masonry, and ceramic tile. Learn how to find the circular saw design and features that will make your projects successful.
Find the Right Circular Saw
Circular saws are affordable, flexible, and easy to use, making them one of the most popular items in a tool chest. Knowing which design is perfect for which job is the first step. Once you’ve learned which saw is right for you, shop for it either online or in-store.
Circular Saw Basics
Circular saws make quick, straight cuts across a board (crosscuts) or along the board's length (rip cuts). You can also set a circular saw to make bevel cuts (cuts made on the edge of the wood). Standard components in a circular saw include:
- Blade Guard: A safety mechanism that covers the blade when the saw isn't in use, and retracts to expose the blade during use.
- Foot Plate or Shoe: This piece steadies the saw against the workpiece.
- Depth Adjustment: This setting allows you to use workpieces of varying thicknesses.
- Bevel Adjustment: The foot plate tilts in relation to the blade when making bevel cuts.
Circular saw blades are usually classified by the diametre of their blades. Sizes of 5 1/2 to 7 1/4 inches are the most common. There are also many options available on circular saws, so pick the one based on your specific needs.
Types of Circular Saws
When choosing your saw, you'll have two basic designs to choose from: sidewinder (or inline) saws, or worm-drive saws.
Sidewinder Saws
Sidewinder, or inline, saws are the most common, traditional saws. The motor is located along the same axis as the blade. A shaft runs directly from the motor to drive the blade. Sidewinder saws are more compact and lightweight than worm-drive saws and are well-suited to most circular saw applications.
Worm-Drive Saws
Worm-drive saws have their motors positioned at a right angle to the saw blade. The motor uses gears to increase the torque transferred to the blade, which makes the saw well-suited for heavy-duty use. Worm-drive saws are longer than sidewinder saws and tend to be quieter.
Power Sources
When and how you use your circular saw will help determine the power supply you need. Two types are available: corded or cordless.
Corded
Corded circular saws don't depend on batteries for power and are better suited for tough cutting jobs like masonry, steel, and continuous woodcutting. These models are available in many sizes, but the most common is 7 1/4 in. A corded circular saw requires a suitable extension cord.
Cordless
Cordless circular saws are convenient when working in areas where extension cords are difficult to use. And, since they are smaller than most corded saws, they work well in confined spaces. Cordless saws are best suited to cutting wood and wood products, due to the limitations of their batteries. They typically range in size from 5 3/8 to 6 1/2 in.
Features
Once you've decided on the design and power source, compare the features.
Amps & Volts
Amps on corded saws and volts on cordless saws measure power. Higher amps and volts mean more cutting power.
Blade Capacity
This determines the maximum depth of cut. The most common blade diameter is 7 1/4 in. Most saws with blade capacities of 6 in. or more can cut through 2 in. dimensional lumber at a 45 degree angle in a single pass. A 5 3/8 in. saw can cut through 2 in. dimensional lumber in one pass at 90 degrees but requires two passes at 45 degrees.
Electric Brakes
To reverse the flow of electricity in the motor, release the trigger. Reversing the current stops the blade's momentum quickly. Electric brakes can stop the blade in as little as two seconds, much quicker than a blade on a saw without this feature.
Spindle Or Shaft Locks
The shaft lock immobilizes the shaft and blade, making it much easier to change the blade.
Bevel Capacity & Stops
Bevel capacity indicates the maximum bevel the saw can make, while bevel stops are presets that allow quick adjustments for bevel cuts.
Laser Guides
Laser guides help improve cutting accuracy by projecting a beam of light onto the work piece.
Blades
A key part of the saw is the blade. Different blades are available for different applications. When purchasing a blade, make sure it's compatible with your saw. The four most common blades are: high-speed steel blades, carbide-tipped blades, tile-cutting blades, and masonry blades.
Carbide-Tipped Blades
Carbide tips are attached to the teeth. They are more expensive than other blades, but stay sharp much longer than steel or high-speed steel blades.
Tile-Cutting Blades
These are specially designed for cutting ceramic tile. Better tile-cutting blades have diamond-tipped blades.
Masonry Blades
This style is made of abrasive material for cutting concrete, brick, cinder block, and other masonry materials.
Caution
Always follow the device manufacturer's operating, maintenance, and safety instructions, including instructions on what safety gear to wear.
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