The Best Circular Saw You Can Buy – Full Review

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Our runner up is the best cordless circular saw you can find for the price, the DeWalt DCS391B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Circular Saw is unparalleled by most within the same price range. With so much mobility and durability it’s difficult to find any other circular saws made with such attention to high quality like this one.

However, these machines are not made equally. You need to know the machine itself, the voltage or fuel it requires, and what type of saws it can handle. You’ll also need to pay attention to reviews and be cautious about where you are buying it.

Buying Guide for Circular Saws

Knowing certain aspects of the tool you are buying is important, here are the most important qualities to pay attention to:

Know The Manufacturer

The Manufacturer is an entity that creates and reproduces equipment for suppliers. It involves “raw materials, components, or assemblies, usually on a large scale with different operations divided among different workers,” (BusinessDictionary, 2017). You don’t need to know complex mechanics on how a circular saw is made, just the quality. The Manufacturer makes the machine and the blade.

The Blade

This is important because you don’t want to use the wrong tool and get something you didn’t need or perhaps end up breaking the blade and hurting yourself. Here is a list of blades you didn’t know you might need:

• Crosscut: Cuts across the grain
• Ripping: Cuts with the grain, (do not use on Plywood)
• Combination: Cuts all types of woods
• Fine-tooth finish: Makes smooth cuts
• Finish or Paneling: Cutting paneling, veneer, plywood, laminates, plastics and other light-gauge materials
• Nail-cutting: Cuts wood with nails and other obstructions
• Metal-Cutting: Cut metal sheets and pipes
• Abrasive wheel: Masonry and metal
• Dry-diamond: Masonry and tile
• Dado-cut: Cuts wood into shape
• (Home Depot, 2016, Circular Blade Types and Applications)

Now, much like the machine that wields the blade, you need to know how durable the blade is. You check the Price (for quality and durability benefits), Teeth, Tooth Hook, Expansion Slots (prevents warping), Laser-cut Features (helps with accuracy), and Coating (helps maintain life expectancy), (Home Depot, 2016, Saw Blade Features).

The Power

Of course, getting the right tool isn’t enough; you need to be ready to fuel the power. Check to see if the circular saw you bought has what you need to accomplish any task you have for it. When buying a circular saw to complete the task, be sure you can control it.

When buying a power tool, you need to know the power it gives, and need to know how you can maintain such a dangerous tool. You don’t need so much power to cut through a house, just enough to get the project done. Does the tool require gasoline or electricity?

When you’re handling a project that requires small pieces of lumber, you will possibly need an electric. However, if you are expecting to continue to use anything large, you will possibly need gasoline-powered. Electric may be more energy efficient, but won’t be able to handle anything large. A Gasoline fuel circular saw can handle large projects but may become expensive overtime. When you click through to purchase the best circular saw, be sure to know what you intend to do.

Take safety into consideration

When the saws overheat or hit a foreign object, it can damage the blade or damage the user. Therefore, you need to purchase safety equipment, such as goggles, gloves, and lastly, you need to be sure the tool is safe to use. The box will mention what safety feature it has and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are supplies nearby that can help with maintaining a saw, be sure to put these into consideration as well.

Durability

As mentioned in the blade section above, you will need to check the features of the saw. Blades will overheat and get worn, how you take care of the blade is up to you. No matter how the tool is made, if it isn’t taken care of, the blade will break. Check the following:

• Tooth Hooks
• Coating
• Expansion Slots

Be sure you have the right blade that can handle any task at hand. Take note on what you’ll be cutting, because no matter how durable the blade may be. If you buy the wrong saw for the wrong task, you would either ruin the blade or have some unsatisfying result.

A Writer of Saw Blades Only shared an experience,

Benefits of the Best Corded Circular Saw

The main advantages of the time-tested corded circular saw are power and reliability. With no battery to drain, a traditional corded saw can have you powering through wood easily for hours on end.

If you’re measuring simply in terms of power there’s no question that a classic corded model is the best circular saw around. Best corded circular saw tend to be preferred by professionals not only for their power but for their durability and dependability. You can’t beat a corded tool for reliable performance on big jobs. A good, well-maintained corded saw can take a beating and last for decades. They also have a distinct advantage for the budget-conscious among us: while corded saws may be tough on wood, they tend to be lighter on the wallet than the cordless options, which usually run in a higher price range. If what you need is a trustworthy tool that can do tough jobs for lengthy periods of time, a corded circular saw is the best electric saw for you.

Drawbacks

Though the larger size of a corded model adds extra power, this power comes at the cost of convenience. The cord will always be the boon and bane of even the best corded circular saw. It provides you that reliable abundance of power but also acts as a tether – keeping you tied to a wall socket or generator.

Cords can also be a point of vulnerability: cords tend to get in the way and a broken wire can send you running to the hardware store for repairs or replacements. The larger, faster blade also means more weight and more noise. While advances in technology mean that today’s corded saws are lighter and more able to absorb shock and noise than their ancestors, even the best corded circular saw will be a good deal heavier and louder than its cordless counterparts.

Consider This

If you’re doing a job that keeps you moving around a lot or if you’re concerned about keeping the noise level down, a corded model may not be the best electric saw for your needs. The weight that comes with all that power also makes the average corded tool less maneuverable and harder to control than a smaller, lighter corded model.

Though a corded saw will always be the best circular saw when it comes to power, if you need something that gives you a little more freedom and convenience a cordless circular saw may be a better bet.

Benefits of the Best Cordless Circular Saw

Cordless circular tools are smaller, lighter, and quieter than the classic corded models. While not as heavy-duty as the corded models, cordless circular saws are perfect for work around the home or any job where you need the extra mobility.

Cordless models also offer greater control and maneuverability, making them ideal for freehand work which the more clunky corded options wouldn’t be able to handle. Advances in technology mean that the portability and flexibility of the best cordless circular saw doesn’t come at the same cost in power that it once did.

Manufacturers have been making great strides in improving the battery life and the power of their cordless models, with the best cordless circular saws claiming capacities close to rivaling their corded counterparts. A cordless model is often the best circular saw for those looking to do DIY work and odd jobs. Cordless circular saws are even seen increasingly on professional job sites, particularly new brushless circular saw models that can offer more power and durability in a cordless model than ever before.

Drawbacks

The first drawback most will notice when browsing their options is an obvious one: price.

While you can find some entry-level cordless models at relatively low prices, the numbers quickly climb as you move up in quality. For a saw that offers decent power and durability in a cordless model you’ll generally be looking at a significantly higher price bracket than you would with a corded model.

Despite the higher price tag, even the best cordless circular saw can’t outlast or out-power a corded saw. Though cordless models are more powerful now than in the past, a corded saw will still offer the best circular saw blade and the most power for handling tough, thick material. Today’s cordless saws have the power to see you through many jobs, but if you need a saw for sustained heavy-duty work a corded model may still be the best circular saw for you.

Consider This Also

The power offered by a cordless circular saw will wane as the battery is depleted, so if you plan on working for long periods of time you’ll want to have an extra battery handy. These batteries will also start to hold less of a charge over time. The decrease in capacity is not only inconvenient, but will end up adding to the long-term cost of your saw. Depending on how often you use the saw, you may have to shell out for costly new batteries within a few years.

If you want a heavy-duty saw that can last a lifetime, the drawbacks of a cordless model may not outweigh the substantial benefits it offers when it comes to convenience and flexibility.

Rated best circular saw

A circular saw offers an invaluable balance of power and control – letting the user get muscle comparable to a table saw, but with much greater maneuverability. This balance makes the circular saw a jack of all trades that no professional or DIYer should be without!

Light weight 

The Makita 5007MG might just be the best circular saw when it comes to providing a balance of power and flexibility. At just over ten pounds it’s one of the lightest corded circular saws of its class on the market.

The reduced weight of the Makita circular saw means you can work longer hours before having to rest your arms. If you’re going to be working long days, your body will definitely thank you for lightening the load! This lighter weight doesn’t come at the cost of durability. Makita doesn’t cut corners; the saw is made with high-quality magnesium components which keep the weight down while still holding up under pressure.

Power

The 5007MG doesn’t sacrifice power for this ease of operation. A 15 amp motor powers the blade at an impressive 5800 RPM when unladen, giving it the power to glide effortlessly and precisely through the densest of wood. The power that comes in its light package makes it one of the best circular saw for woodworking. The motor starts smoothly with minimal kick-back and keeps cool so that you can keep at it for longer without worrying about the saw overheating.

Its ergonomic design is well-balanced to give you optimal maneuverability. The eight-foot cord is specially reinforced to help it stand up to worksite wear and tear. A wraparound heavy-gauge aluminum base keeps the saw stable and gives the operator added control and accuracy. While you can find a lighter saw, particularly if you choose to go cordless, the power, reliability, and stability that the Makita 5007MG puts into its lightweight package make it possibly the best corded circular saw of its class.

Blade performance and benefits

The 5007MG comes equipped with a rugged 7.25 inch blade, which was a pleasant step up from most stock blades. This comes with a 24-toothed Makita blade and is carbide tipped for extra durability and coated to reduce friction. The unique ‘M’-shaped blade tooth design has two beveled tips to guarantee a cleaner, faster cut. It’s sharp enough to make smooth work of knotted or nail-ridden wood and tough enough to hold up over a number of jobs.

Of course, a good saw – and this is a seriously good saw – will outlast any blade, so you may want to invest in a higher-end replacement eventually. While you may be able to find a better blade if you’re willing to shell out for one of the big names, for a stock blade it offers surprisingly good performance and durability and of course a large cutting capacity.

The Makita offers an impressive cutting depth of 1.75 inches at 45° and 2.375 inches at 90°. While there are more powerful beasts on the market, the Makita 5007MG gives you everything you need for tough jobs while still being comfortable and easy to handle. With this unbeatable combination the 5007MG may just be the best electric saw for cutting wood!

The blade of the 5007MG is easy to adjust and equally impressive when it goes off the straight and narrow! The 5007MG can perform bevel cuts at anywhere from 0° to 56°. A rubberized, easy-to-grip lever and a solid locking adjustment knob with positive stops at 22.5° and 45° lets you quickly set the saw to your preferred angle. The saw’s low guard design also makes it easy to handle at an angle, letting you make simple work of complicated cuts. All this makes for an extremely versatile piece of equipment.

Impressive features

The Makita 5007MG is designed to be not only powerful and light but smart. There are a number of clever features which put this saw a cut above many competitors. To start, a built-in depth indicator leaves no guesswork, giving you all the information you need to make precise, accurate cuts at any angle. There’s also the well thought out design of the blade wrench, which is stored securely within the handle of the saw for easy access and quick replacement or adjustment of the blade.

Perhaps the cleverest of its bells and whistles are two built-in LED lights to illuminate your cut line. While this may seem like a gimmick at first, you’ll be amazed at how invaluable it is when working in low-light conditions or under heavy shadow. This thoughtful feature lets you make precision cuts safely every time, without having to strain your eyes or crane your neck.

For extra clarity and easy clean-up, the 5007MG has a built-in dust blower to keep your line of cut clear as you work! If you’re willing to spend a little extra, Makita also offers a sister model, the 5007MGA that comes with an electric brake for added safety and precision.

Concluding thoughts

If you’re looking for a cheap circular saw there are lower-priced options available but the quality of the Makita is worth spending extra on. The quality and reliability that the Makita name implies, as well as a number of innovative design features make this the best circular saw for the money. A model that can hold up over time will save you money in the long run, and the Makita can certainly stand the test of time. It will get you through tough jobs where a lower-quality saw would have you running to the store for repairs. If you’re looking for an exceptional balance of ease and power, this could be the best circular saw on the market!

Second best circular saw 

DeWalt’s DCS391B is a powerful entry onto the cordless circular saw market. This model’s weight is listed at just two pounds, though this is without the battery.

With no cord to tether you to a wall or generator, you can pick up and go wherever your work takes you. The exceptional portability of the DCS391B makes it the best skill saw for DIYers or those who have to move around a lot on the job site. While a corded model may pack more power, they can’t match the flexibility of a cordless saw and even with its smaller body and blade the DeWalt DCS391B shouldn’t be underestimated!

Motor

The DeWalt’s 460 MWO, 5250 RPM motor is powerful enough to drive the blade through touch hardwood and smooth enough to give you optimal control. This strong little motor punches above its weight and comes with an efficient cooling fan to help extend the saw’s life and keep it performing optimally over long stretches.

Blade

The 6.5 inch blade is smaller than that of most corded models, but still gives you an impressive 2.5 inches of cutting capacity, enough to get you through some pretty thick material. The DeWalt also cuts powerfully on an angle; it offers a bevel ranging from 0° to 50° and has a cut capacity of 1.63 inches when cutting at 45°. The cut depth is easily adjustable through a streamlined quick release system.

This saw is great for going through two-ply but can also handle tougher material, like hardwood. It’s not recommended for use on masonry but for those looking to do DIY projects or carpentry around the home this might be the best circular saw for woodworking. The stock blade that comes with the saw is perfectly serviceable, but if you want to swap it out for something a little more top of the line, the 5/8 inch arbor gives you a lot of options to choose from.

Handle

The handle of the DCS391B is over-molded with rubber for exceptional comfort and a wraparound magnesium shoe gives the saw great stability, keeping it well under your control as you glide through lumber. Its thoughtfully designed shape is similar to that of a worm drive saw in that it gives you a clear view of the blade and your work surface, this makes it simple and straightforward to operate.

Durability and Weight

The light weight of the DSC391B certainly doesn’t mean it’s not durable. This saw lives up to the DeWalt name, which as most circular saw reviews will tell you stands for tools that are not only simple to use but rugged and tough. The DSC391B may be built light but it’s also built strong enough to tackle both DIY and professional jobs. While its ease of use makes it a great choice for first-time users, this versatile saw can also take a beating and stand up to professional-level demands.

Notable features

The DeWalt DCS391B has some nifty added features, including the always welcome addition of a blade brake.  DeWalt’s brake will stop the blade the instant you release the trigger, letting you work safely and efficiently.

It also has a built-in LED light – an underestimated feature – which lets you make accurate precision cuts no matter what the light conditions. Its clever design redirects sawdust and debris away from the cut line and away from your eyes to make sure nothing gets between you and your work. All this makes for a versatile, straightforward tool that’s ready to use right off your work shelf.

Performance

A battery-powered saw can’t offer the same consistency in performance but they’re getting closer than ever and depending on your needs the convenience and flexibility of a cordless model may make up for the gap. The DCS391B is part of Dewalt’s exceptional line of cordless tools that run at 20V. It will take any of DeWalt’s 20V batteries and DeWalt has some great options at the 20V level.

While the 3.0 amp hour battery may be a bit lighter, we recommend their 4.0 amp hour battery, which gives remarkably consistent performance over a considerably long battery life. If you’re going to need a tool that can go all day it might be wise to invest in a spare battery, but the DeWalt 4.0 amp can get a surprisingly long way on just one charge. The DCS391B also has a handy LED battery read out, to let you know well in-advance when you’ll need to charge or replace your battery.

Under extremely heavy prolonged use, the DCS391B – like most cordless circular saws – does tend to heat up. If you’re looking for something that can give 110% all day long without a break, a corded model may still be your best bet, but for casual and even many professional jobs the DCS391B is more than up to task!

Concluding Thoughts

The DCS391B is a fairly cheap circular saw but doesn’t sacrifice on quality. Its price, along with its comfort and ease of use, makes it possibly the best circular saw for sale for casual or entry level users. Nonetheless, this is a serious tool with some serious power. No matter how lightweight a saw is, if it doesn’t have the power to handle tough jobs then it’s not easy to use. Make no mistake: this is a top circular saw that can handle demanding jobs. The power and convenience of the DCS391B makes this perhaps the best cordless circular saw not only for casual users but for professionals who need a tool that can go where they need it to.