Best Overall
Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw Kit
Runner-Up
DeWalt DCS573B 20V MAX 7¼" Cordless Circular Saw
Best Bang for the Buck
Greenworks 24V 7¼" Cordless Battery Circular Saw
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Anyone who ’s worked on a construction site or been part of their plate ’s refurbishment sleep together how various rotary saw are . When it comes to breaking down a sheet of plywood and spend a penny speedy , repetitious cuts on a stack of framing lumber , it ’s the best cock for the chore . Still , with the abundance of saw brands , superpower selection , and features available , choosing the right one can be challenge . That ’s why we prove 10 top model to see which will push your project along and which might hold you back .
To help us select the model we feel convinced recommend , we also reached out to a habitation improvement expert to get his take on how to choose one of these knock-down tool . Based on his brainstorm and our manpower - on tests , we chose theMakita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼ ” Circular look Kitas our favorite circular saw for its tone contraction and user - friendly operation .
The results of our tests on the Makita XSH06PT and the sleep of the saws is below , alongside a quick peek at a intersection that was n’t reliable enough to make our list . After push thesetoolsto their limits cutting timbers , particle - strand lumber ( PSL ) , plyboard , and dimensional timber , we can accurately say the following batting order represent a satisfying selection of the better circular saws on the market place .
Circular Saw Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
Choosing a circular saw does n’t have to be confusing . Review the outcome of our hands - on tests as well as each tool ’s pro and cons to help you select the theoretical account that ’s right for your next project .
The 36 - V cordless Makita round adage take on top honor in our lineup of the best rotary saws for several cause . First , its groundwork ( or “ shoe ” ) and its retractable blade guard are made from magnesium , which offers more durability than steel or aluminum at a lighter weight . It ’s also powerful , has a long list of easy - to - use feature film , and volunteer an impressive cutting capability .
We essay the Makita by making neat and cant cuts of various depth on plywood and dimensional lumber . It powered through swimmingly with no torque loss , even after the battery indicators showed less than half a rush . We made repeated cut over an hour , and the Makita ’s motor and housing never wake up .
We also liked that this bombardment - powered round power saw has a handy immediate - variety slant adjustment , reserve cuts up to 56 degrees with positive stoppage at stock angles of 22½ , 45 , and 56 degrees . Its depth is easy to conform up to 2⅝ inches , gain this putz great for quick - propel project where you do n’t want to give up and use a wrench to exchange options . While this handheld circular saw also has a sawdust discharge nozzle for wet / teetotal vacuum hose connect , we noticed quite a snatch of sawdust still get out from around the blade guard , making this feature of the saw the only one we do n’t totally endorse .
study our full inspection : Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼ ” Circular meet Kit
What our tester says:“If I could only choose one round saw for most nonshop situations — either a twilled 7¼-inch model or the Makita XSH06PT — I’d choose the Makita . It offer as much cutting force as most corded saws , and buy a couple of superfluous atomic number 3 - ion batteries extinguish any downtime . Corded models are cracking when you ’re in a workshop with plenty of outlets , but this Makita is splendid when portability issue . ”—Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews examiner and author
Get the Makita 36V circular saw atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Runner-up
DeWalt is a drawing card in the power tool market , and this 20 - V cordless rotary saw is a consummate example of why . It ’s smartly design and comfortable to employ , and its powerful 20V motor with 5,500 RPM speed allow us to make repeated straight and angle test cuts of various depths over an time of day without it lose world power or heating plant up . It has a bevel capacity of up to 57 degrees , with confident full stop at 45 and 22½ stage , making it handy to cut standard angles without needing to analyze the slant measuring cautiously before locking in . At 2 9/16 inches , it also propose a deep cutting deepness than most of its competitor .
While we would prefer a magnesium base instead of Al , we do n’t consider this a deal breaker . The steel - angle - adjustment lever and the deepness - adjustment lever save time when making registration , and the building block ’s rafter hook adds to its versatility . For labor like redact a roof social organization with dimensional lumber , it ’s nice to be able to hang the saw on a rafter while perform another task and grab it when you ’re ready to geld again .
What our quizzer says:“We like this DeWalt examine for pros , but we also recall consecrated DIYers will use it a lot . It ’s a corking combination of well designed and ergonomic , and it had just as much force on the last baseball swing of our psychometric test as the first . ”—Glenda Taylor , intersection Reviews examiner and writer
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the DeWalt 20V circular saw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Greenworks 24V 7¼" Cordless Battery Circular Saw
Not everyone needs all of the feature of a top - of - the - line cordless saw or the heavy - duty potentiality of a timberland - framing model . For DIY project that admit an occasional pocket-size frame job or breaking down plywood shroud — peculiarly when redeem money is a priority — the affordable Greenworks 7¼-Inch circular adage might be the correct selection .
We ’ve tested plenty of puppet from many manufacturers , but this is the first Greenworks power tool we tried , and we were pleasantly surprised . Despite its affordable toll , this circular power saw made repeated straight and chamfer cuts in plyboard and dimensional timber over an hour of solid testing without heating up on us or lose baron . It crown out at 4,500 rev , which is slightly less speed than some of the other sawing machine we essay , but it will be sufficient for cutting the type of wood most DIYers will need to cut .
The CR24L00 K features quick adjustments for both angle thinning ( up to 45 degrees ) and write out profundity ( up to 2½ inches ) , and we notice it simple to adjust both . The base shoe is made from stamped metal , which is to be expected at this price point , but we were disappointed that the blade sentry go is plastic — it really should be metallic element . The blade sentry go did n’t break dance during our tests , but it ’s a weak distributor point in the tool ’s design .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Greenworks rotary saw ( creature only ) atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orGreenworks .
Best Small
Makita XSS03Z 18V LXT Cordless 5⅜" Circular Trim Saw
For part - prison term DIYers or smaller - framed users , Makita ’s 18V LXT cordless 5⅜-inch orbitual saw ’s small size and minimal weight make it an attractive , portable option . This lightweight circular power saw weighs just 6 hammer , allowing DIYers of any size and accomplishment level to wield it . It ’s well suited to command processing overhead thin where it is n’t comfortable to wield a heavier circular proverb .
Despite its minimum size and small blade , this Makita cordless round saw has a profundity of cut of up to 2 inches , offering more than enough capacity for cutting dimensional lumber . Its 3,600 - RPM top stop number should be capable of manage most undertaking , though the speed is less than some competitory role model . The base bevels up to 50 degrees to allow users to make angled cuts .
Although small , we found that this portable orbitual saw packs quite a punch . It easy power through square and angled cuts in plywood and dimensional baseball bat . While the dual support thickening is a little on the modest side , we were capable to utilise it to keep the saw stable while cut . Most pros will plausibly forgo the two-fold support and use this model as a one - handed saw .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Makita 18V orbitual see atAmazon .
Best for Framing
Skil CR5429B-20 PWR CORE 20 Brushless 7¼" Circular Saw
Those seeking a pro - plane rotary saw for DIY jobs should consider this Skil PWR CORE model . While it looks like a worm - driveway saw because of its duration and heft , it ’s really a sidewinder with its motor located next to the blade rather than behind it . Upon inspection , we realized the extra length comes from the positioning of the double - battery case , which sits to the rear of the motor .
In our tests , hold in the adage when cutting dim forest and larger pieces of dimensional lumber was made easy by grasping the rear handgrip and the treble stabilizer bar at the front . The saw ’s two 20 - volt , 5Ah battery , provide more than enough magnate to make repetitive flat and angle cut on plyboard and dimensional lumber . Since it ’s placard as a heavy - duty model , we also test the power saw on laminated facing lumber ( LVL ) , which is very dumb and difficult to cut down , and it burn through without bogging down .
We like this proverb ’s mystifying - than - average cutting profundity of 2 9/16 inches and its up to 53 - degree - angle cutting capacity . What we do n’t like is having to agitate a second lever to adjust the leaf blade angle beyond 53 degree , as it experience uncomfortable and seems unneeded . We also would prefer a magnesium foundation horseshoe to the aluminum one , but we apprize how the elongate skid style helps stabilize the saw on rich cuts .
What our tester says:“This see is well design , ergonomic , and suitable for heavy - duty DIY manipulation . It ’s the Skil example we experience bridges the spread between a stock consumer and a pro tool . ”—Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews examiner and writer
Get the Skil PWR CORE round saw atAce Hardware , Lowe ’s , orTarget .
Best Laser Guide
Skil 5280-01 Corded 7¼" Circular Saw
get down the hang of using a circular saw can be dispute , but function a round proverb with laser guidance make the process much easier . This Skil galvanizing rotary saw feature a single - beam optical maser that permit exploiter to uphold coherent pass on cutlines , take some of the encyclopaedism curve out of straightforward cuts . While we ’ve bump that some laser guides are faint or do n’t extend more than a few inch , the laser on the Skil saw is a renowned exception . Even outdoors on a mostly gay day , it was visible on our slip fabric for more than 2 feet .
In summation to its optical maser beam , this corded circular saw also boasts a 5,300 - revolutions per minute top speed from its 15 - amp motor , offering plenty of exponent and capability . It cut angles up to 51 degrees and comes with a positive stop at 45 degrees — the angle used most often when cutting miters . Adjusting both angle and depth is dewy-eyed via lever , and the peter comes with a maximum cutting profundity of 2.4357 inches .
While we hold this saw a serious option for seduce square and angled cut on plyboard and dimensional lumber , it ’s not for heavy - duty sawing . The motor drive passably warm to the touch after about 45 minutes of economic consumption , which told us that we were pushing it further than it was designed to go . The saw also has several plastic components , which help keep the terms down but make it right for novice DIYers needing a saw for modest projects .
Get the Skil corded round saw atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Best for Timbers
Skil SPT70WM-01 10¼" Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw
Though this large orbitual saw from Skil weighs a brawny 16.45 pounds , has a strong 10¼-inch brand , and operates at a respectable 4,700 rev — it ’s neither the biggest nor the fastest good example on our list . Still , it produces enough torsion to keep spinning through thick and dim timber associated with post - and - ray and timber framing . During examination , we used it to make a variety of straight and angled cut on dimensional baseball bat and an LVL , and it did n’t fire up up at all .
As with most of today ’s worm - drive saws , this model is cord because its size and torque demand more power than most lithium - ion barrage fire can produce . It performed cleanly when we used it to chamfer the edge of a large 8 - foot - long 12 - inch by 12 - inch Hem - Fir beam , and it has an enviable cutting astuteness of 3 11/16 inch . It cuts angles up to 51 stage , and both the blade angle and deepness are easy to adjust via levers . Over our examination period , our arms and shoulders did get a bit tired from the weight of this saw , making this model a chip much for occasional - usage DIYers . If you need to cut ample dimensional timber or timbers , however , this is the machine for you .
Get the Skil Worm push back circular saw atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best Kit
Bosch Profactor 18V 7¼" Circular Saw Kit
We ’ve purchase “ tool - only ” power tools in the past , only to find we had to devote as much or more to then corrupt a compatible electric battery and charger . The Bosch Profactor orbitual saw gets around that issuing by including the brushless circular byword , battery , courser , and a grueling - duty canvas udder as a accomplished kit .
But the Bosch is n’t just about a sealed quantity of pieces , it ’s also a quality creature that cuts up to 50 - degree angles and 2½-inch depths . It features easy - to - modification allowance , and though its stand shoe and blade guard are aluminum , it ’s a well - built proverb that , at 12 Pound , weighs slightly more than some of the like 7¼-inch framework we tested .
We made most - constant full-strength and angled cuts through dimensional baseball bat and plywood for over an hour , and this saw did n’t come tight to overheat . An interesting aspect of this framework is that its leaf blade is on the left , whereas the blades on most 7¼-inch circular sawing machine are on the right . While this took a little acquiring used to , we did n’t finger it was a downside — the saw can be used easily by a properly - handed or left - handed user .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Bosch circular saw atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Best for Pros
DeWalt DWS535B 7¼" Worm Drive Circular Saw
DeWalt is well have sex for bring out high - timbre power dick , and the trade name ’s 7¼-inch worm - parkway circular proverb is no exception . It features a magnesium base horseshoe and lightweight aluminum blade guard , meaning it ’s not as heavy as many worm drives . We also care its elongated base - horseshoe excogitation , which creates a stabilizing effect when cutting denser materials . It has an easy - adjust blade slant that cuts bevels up to 53 degrees and offers positive stops at 22½ and 45 arcdegree , which are standard Angle in the construction manufacture .
During our tests , we made both angled and unbowed cutting on plyboard , dimensional lumber , and LVLs , and this DeWalt saw powered through all of them without heat up or bogging down . This corded circular adage features 4,800 rev , which is less than some framework , but it take a shit up for the slow amphetamine with higher torsion powerfulness . It feature a 2.438 - in maximum carving depth that ’s also easy to adjust via a lever tumbler lock . We would have liked a cryptical baseball swing capacity , but this is still a top - performing 7¼-inch circular sawing machine .
Get the DeWalt worm drive rotary sawing machine atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orLowe ’s .
Photo: Amazon
ALSO TESTED
We had high promise for theBlack+Decker 20 - Volt Compact Circular Saw , but it did n’t quite experience up to our standards . Unfortunately , this niggling 5½-inch adage could n’t rally enough power to make a ½-inch - inscrutable cut in plywood , even though its 20 - volt 1.5Ah atomic number 3 - ion battery should have been sufficient for such a shallow cut .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Circular Saws
Putting together a listing of upright circular saws was more fun than work — after all , we have years of experience with these tools . Drawing on our expertise , we whittled our examination lean down from over 25 to just 10 carefully selected models . We then used our selected saws to make unbent and angled cut in a variety of materials for a solid hour .
When cutting , we only used manufacturer - indicate textile for each model , not endeavor to slew LVLs , which are very dense and difficult to dilute , withcompact circular sawsthat are not made to withstand that type of cutting . Likewise , we did n’t bother cutting plywood with insect - drive saws , which are explicitly designed to cut denser , thick-skulled material like timber .
We monitored each watch to see whether it get hot during use , how comfortable / challenge it was to adjust steel angle and cutting depth , and if it live up to the manufacturer ’s depth claims . We scored each machine based on a rubric and used our results to determine each tool ’s best use .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a Circular Saw
Motor coalition , run speed , amperages , and brand type are all substantive aspects of a circular byword , so here ’s a quick undercoat on all the types of circular adage and necessary considerations to get your search started .
Corded vs. Battery-Powered
As with anytype of saw , cord rotary proverb tie the user to the power source ( i.e. , an electric socket ) , whereas barrage fire - operated models can be used anywhere . On professional Book of Job sites , cordless circular power saw were once ostracise in favor of corded models , but with the recent improvements in lithium - ion barrage , this is changing .
Today ’s battery - operated cordless circular saw have much more magnate and far long barrage fire life than other example . Much of this improvement is due to the adoption of brushless motors ( the latest , most efficient , upkeep - free technology ) and high - character Li - ion batteries , though the most powerful models are still corded .
agree to Ron Shimek , President ofMr . Handyman , a Neighborly ship’s company , “ A twilled adage is the good option for reproducible force and performance . cord saw typically volunteer ranking power and cutting content , particularly for necessitate tasks like pull through thick lumber . ” He points out , however , that cordless option are idealistic for outdoor or removed Job , so you may call for different creature for dissimilar circumstance .
Photo: Amazon
Sidewinder vs. Worm Drive
Crotalus cerastes and dirt ball drive refer to motor alignment and place on a circular proverb . A Crotalus cerastes model ’s motor is installed in line with the blade , enabling it to run at gamy speeds in a compendious footmark .
A worm - movement circular saw has a motor in the tail end of the sawing machine and uses a set of worm gear mechanism ( so - called because of their spiraling worm form ) by the vane . insect - drive saws , which are unremarkably long , larger , and heavy than horned rattlesnake , tend to dilute speed but growth torque ( forcefulness ) . They also require oil to lubricate the gears , so user should check their oil level daily .
For speed , size , and ease of criminal maintenance , a Crotalus cerastes model is the elbow room to go . For business leader and torsion , worm - drive saws reign supreme .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Amperage and Speed
Amperage is the amount of electric power a motor can stand firm without its inner element failing . In the past , electric motors were watery and not as capable , so amperage ( amp ) was an important specification to tout . Nearly all moderncorded circular sawsfeature 15 - amp motor .
A saw ’s speed , however , can be a consideration since the faster the blade spins , the quicker it can cut through a fabric . But speeds tend to be relative because a 15 - amp motor can spin a 7¼-inch brand quicker than a 10¼-inch blade . Generally speaking , when it comes to 7¼-inch proverb , stop number between 4,000 and 5,500 rotation per mo ( rev ) are common and should be adequate for fast , accurate results . Worm drive may put up slightly lower speeds but amount with more torsion ( spinning force ) , so while they may skip more tardily , they wo n’t overheat or bog down down during gravid cutting chore .
Keep in judgement that blade upper has very little to do with the density of material a proverb can cut . This is largely subordinate on the vane case and quality , and you may want tochange a circular proverb bladeto a gamy - timber reading to cut denser substances .
Photo: Amazon
Blade Size and Type
One detectable dispute among orbitual saw models is the size of their leaf blade , as each uses a specific - size blade . The fair pro or DIYer can get most framing and twist line of work done with a 7¼-inch model . Compact adage might boast blades in the 5⅜-inch chain , while large saw sword can be 10¼ inch or more .
Popular case ofcircular saw bladesinclude all - function , frame , finish , and plyboard blade . The tooth count ( the act of tooth around a blade ) learn which propose a leaf blade shape best for . The low the tooth count , the rougher the cut will be , making these blades suitable for framing or demolition . gamey - count blades should be used for cabinetmaking , plyboard , and cease piece of work .
Pro Tip : rotary saws bring down on the “ upswing , ” intend the cutting one-half of the blade ( the part under the shoe ) spins toward the front of the sawing machine . This will inevitably cause tiny slivers of wood to “ tear out ” of the wood — in particular when cutting plywood — creating noticeably scratchy bound that detract from the calibre of work . To minimize this , lay a piece of cougar ’s tape over the cutline to hold these fiber in place . It ’s also possible to issue wood face down to eliminate tear - out concerns on the brass of the wood . For more tips , see our guidebook onhow to use a circular saw .
Photo: Amazon
Shoe Material
The base plate that ride on the workpiece is known as a brake shoe , which will broadly speaking be made of one of three fabric :
Ease of Adjustment
sure materials , such as plywood and other sheet good , require a shallow leaf blade profoundness , while others ( framing applications , 4×4 posts , etc . ) demand the full depth a proverb can muster . For true versatility , a circular saw should allow the user to make quick and exact depth adaptation .
Almost all models sport levers or knobs to adjust the blade angle , known as the “ bevel . ” Knobs run to be more exact at dialing in the stark angle , although they ’re a bite of a rough-and-tumble to loosen and reduce when wearing work boxing glove .
The most important consideration when it total to blade angle adjustment is an well accessible level or node . Some manufacturers put these knobs in an inconvenient situation — for instance , the rear of the sawing machine between the handle and blade guard — but an angle - adjustment node in front of the motor where it ’s light to get at is the most paying attention design .
Photo: Amazon
Safety
manufacturing business establish safety feature into their machine to combat the dangers constitutional to circular saws . One helpful rubber feature is an electric brake , which block off round adage blade almost at once after the user liberate the initiation . honest-to-goodness models would allow the vane to add up to a stop on its own , which could leave in a spinning blade coming into contact with something unintended .
Built - in light-emitting diode lights and spring - debase steel guard also offer pregnant safety bill . study lights remove the workpiece , set aside the user to see the cutline and any debris or impendent mistakes they should avoid . Retractable guards plow the leaf blade as shortly as the blade is removed from the workpiece , helping to minimise dangers .
Safety is also the province of the user , so be sure to wear eye and ear auspices when using a rotary sawing machine , miter saw , racecourse adage , ortable saw .
Photo: Amazon
Additional Features
Some of the best rotary saws offer additional features that make the job easier and faster . For instance , some models have dust - appeal ports and detachable accumulation bags to help belittle the amount of sawdust on the cutline . Depending on the outfit , cordless saw might come with surplus batteries .
Another helpful feature that manufacturers tender with their saws is a progress - in raftsman bait . These hook swivel out of the saw , allowing the user to hang them from a rafter , ladder , sawhorse , or another tough ledge . builder have been attaching hooks to their saws for years , and manufacturers are now catching on .
FAQs
The most common use for a circular power saw is cutting framing baseball bat to duration . However , it can also trim deck of cards boards , cut plywood sheet into cabinet venire , cut metal , and even trim plastic .
orbitual saws cancut straight line , make cuts with chamfer Angle , and even make a serial of thin , shallow cuts known as dadoes or rabbets . These kinds of cut are doable on both laborious and gentle stuff admit insistency - treated or hard wood .
Both theMakita 36V round sawand theDeWalt 20V circular saware among the good rotary saw for a sort of home projects , including those DIYers are most likely to tackle .
The best way to keep a rotary saw straight person is to clamp a straight edge to the workpiece and flow the stem against it . Another method acting is to station a small clamp on the front of the al-Qaeda to act as a guide . Ron Shimek , President of Mr. Handyman , a Neighborly company , also points out that “ features like laser guides , bevel capabilities , and precise blade depth adjustment contribute to exact cuts ” and unobjectionable , straight lines .
Kickback can occur for a few reason : Don’t start the adage with the brand against the workpiece . permit the sword to get up to f number before push it through the workpiece . Semi - shortened workpieces tend to droop , and this droop can cause crabwise friction on the steel , pinching it in place . Support the workpiece until the stinger is everlasting . Hitting a knot in the wood can make kickback because knots are harder than the rest of the wood . Look for knots when appraise the wood , and assay to avoid cutting through them .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author specializing in the construction , remodeling , and veridical acres industriousness . She and her husband own a general catching company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial edifice applications . She prove a wide scope of power cock as well as other habitation advance , family , and lawn - and - garden product .
extra research allow for by Tom Scalisi .
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