Circular Saw Complete Guide: How to choose a circular saw

Circular saws are one of the most common power saws in woodworking. This is largely due to its portability, affordability, and versatility.

In this article, I will explain what exactly a circular saw is and its uses, types of circular saws, blades, and jigs, and circular saw how-to guides.

What is a circular saw?

A circular saw is a handheld saw with a circular blade that can cut various materials like wood, metal, and depending on the make and model, concrete.

Circular saws have gained popularity because this handheld power saw is very portable and can be used for jobsite locations and you can even take it to your local hardware store to rough cut lumber to fit in your vehicle.

12 Features to look for in a circular saw

There are 12 features to consider when choosing a circular saw. Before reading these features, think to yourself what is important to you in a circular saw. Do you prioritize power, portability, versatility, easy of use, or affordability?

Blade size
Cutting Material
RPM
Motor HP/Torque
The max cut depth at 90 and 45
Bevel Detents
Bevel Capacity
Saw brake
Saw weight
Laser guide
Dust collection
Corded vs Cordless

Below, I will go over each feature and give you the information to pick the capabilities that are important to you.

Blade size
- The size of the circular saw indicates the blade size the saw can support.
- Trying to use a blade that is too large or too small can damage the saw and/or cause injury.
- Larger blades can cut deeper material while smaller blades are more portable and tend to be lighter.
- The most common blade sizes are 5 1/2, 6 1/2, 7 1/4 inches.
- The maximum cutting depth for 7 1/4″ blades are normally 2.5 inches at a 90 degree angle.
- The maximum cutting depth for 6 1/2″ blades are normally 2 inches at a 90 degree angle.
Cutting Material
- The material that you can cut with a circular saw is largely dependent on the blade and the motor.
- To cut concrete, you will likely need a special blade that you can purchase separate from the circular saw.
- However, you will want to get a circular saw that is powerful enough to cut concrete and other materials.
RPM
- The RPM is the number of rotations per minute and is correlated to the speed that you can cut the material.
- The blade type, blade condition, and motor are important, but a higher RPM relates to quicker cutting speeds.
Motor HP/Torque
- Torque and horsepower are two similar measurements of power.
- For circular saws, higher torque and higher HP correlate to a more powerful tool, quicker cutting speed, and the ability to cut denser materials like concrete.
Max cut depth at 90 and 45
- The max cut depth is the maximum depth of material that you can safely cut with the circular saw.
- It is important to take into account the maximum cutting depth at 90 and 45 degrees, because the cutting depth at 45 degrees is shallower than at 90 degrees.
Bevel Detents
- Bevel detents are detents in the circular saw fence that lock in the perfect angle by using bevel stops.
- The most common bevel detents are 0, 45, 30, and 15 degrees. The 0 degree detents will cut a 90 degree angle with a level circular saw fence
Bevel Capacity
- The bevel capacity is the maximum angle you can cut with your circular saw.
- Common bevel capacities range from 45 to 57 degrees.
Saw brake
- Many circular saws do not have an electric brake. The blade slowly stops rotating after you release the trigger.
- However, with electric brakes, you can stop the circular saw blade quickly.
- Electric brakes do wear over time, like the brakes in your car.
Saw weight
- The saw weight is very important because you will be holding most of the weight with one hand.
- For consistent, regular use, anything over 10 pounds may fatigue the average user.
- Saw weights of 5 – 6.5lbs are lightweight enough for the average user to use regularly with minimal fatigue.
- Note: You will commonly need to trade off durability, power, and blade size for weight. There are many powerful saws in the 9-10lb range, but anything over 10lbs may be difficult to operate.
Additional features
- Laser guide
  - A laser guide uses a laser to make it easier to stay on track.
  - Without a laser guide, you will have to rely on the divot in the front of the fence to guide the saw.
- Dust collection
  - Dust collection is a luxury for all power tools. It helps keep the workplace clean with minimal dust to clean up.
- Corded vs Cordless
  - Corded circular saws are normally cheaper than cordless circular saws. I personally do not mind my corded power saw.
  - Cordless circular saws are more expensive on average but are more portable and are ideal for jobsite locations.

How to choose a circular saw?

Depending on your needs, you may prioritize power, portability, versatility, ease-of-use, or affordability. The below table will show you which features you will benefit when choosing a circular saw.

	Power	Portability	Versatility	Ease-of-use	Affordability
Larger Blade size	X		X
Smaller Blade size		X			X
Higher RPM	X
Higher Motor HP/Torque	X
Higher Max cut depth			X
Bevel detents			X	X
High bevel capacity			X
Saw break				X
Lightweight		X		X
Laser guide				X
Dust collection				X
Cordless		X	X	X
Corded					X

Important Note:

The RPM is not the only factor in how quickly you can cut material. The RPM is just how fast the blade rotates. The motor HP, motor torque, and blade condition are all important factors in how quickly and easily you can cut material

Circular Saw Purchase Guide

There are 4 main categories that circular saws fall into for the purchase guide. You can get a circular saw for the power, portability, versatility, and ease-of-use. Most people will not fall into one particular category and may prioritize features that span multiple categories.

This guide is to help you find the saw that fits your needs.

Power

If you are looking for a circular saw with power, then you will need to consider the RPM and motor HP. A larger blade will be needed to cut through thicker material.

Worm drive circular saws offer the most torque in comparison to other circular saw types.

Portability

If you prioritize portability, then you will ideally want a saw with a smaller blade size, is lightweight, and is cordless.

Depending on the material depth that you will need to cut, a smaller blade size may not be possible.

7 1/4″ circular saws have a common maximum cutting depth of 2.5″.

6 1/2″ circular saws have a common maximum cutting depth of 2″.

Note: When choosing a circular saw, consider if the weight is “tool only” or with the blade included. The average circular saw blade is between .5 to 1lb.

Circular saws for portability

Name	Blade size	RPM	Item Weight	Price	Price per pound
BAUER20V Cordless 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw – Tool Only	6 1/2″	4000	6.25lbs*	$56**	$8.96
SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw – CR540602	6 1/2″	4500	7.78lbs	$99	$12.72
CRAFTSMAN V20 20-volt Max 6-1/2-in Cordless Compact Saw Circular Saw	6 1/2″	4200	5.6lb	$80	$14.29
Kobalt 24-Volt max 24-volt Max 6-1/2-in Brushless Cordless Saw	6 1/2″	5400	6.73lbs	$130	$19.32
Bosch 18-volt 6-1/2-in Cordless Circular Saw	6 1/2″	3900	6.7lbs	$130	$19.40
Kobalt 24-volt Max 6-1/2-in Cordless Circular Saw	6 1/2″	5400	6.5lb	$130	$20
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw	6 1/2″	3700	4.1lbs*	$153**	$37.32
Metabo HPT Multi-Volt 36-volt 7-1/4-in Brushless Cordless Circular Saw	7 1/4″		8.2lbs	$200	$24.39
M18 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw	7 1/4″	5000	8lbs*	$240**	$30

* Tool only saws, weight is adjusted with the average blade weight being .8lbs **Adjusted price with equivalent blade

Results

The lightest 6 1/2″ circular saw is the Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw at 4.1 pounds (adjusted). However, you will be paying a whopping $37.32 per pound. Amazon link

The saw with the biggest bang for you buck, in the weight category is the BAUER20V Cordless 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw – Tool Only at $8.96 per pound. With this say you do get 4000 RPM. Amazon link

The saw with the most features and a reasonable price is the Kobalt 24-Volt max 24-volt Max 6-1/2-in Brushless Cordless Saw that is $19.32 per pound and has 5400 RPM. Amazon link

Another saw that I recommend is the SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw CR540602 that is $12.72 per pound, has 4500 RPM, and is cordless. This saw is less per pound and you get included accessories like a battery, charger, and dust collection feature. Amazon link

“Important Note: The RPM is not the only factor in how quickly you can cut material. The RPM is just how fast the blade rotates. The motor HP, motor torque, and blade condition are all important factors in how quickly and easily you can cut material.”

Versatility

A circular saw with versatility will have larger blade size and cut depth, bevel detents, high bevel capacity, and will be cordless.

Cordless circular saw will give you the ability to use it in any location and a high bevel capacity will allow you to cut higher bevels.

A larger blade size will allow you to cut thicker pieces of wood and bevel detents allow you to use the saw to easily cut exact degrees.

Additionally, Circular saw have bevels of 45 – 57 degrees, with 57 degrees giving you the most versatility.

Circular saws for versatility

Name	Bevel Capacity	Cutting Depth	Bevel Detents	Variable Speed	Corded or Cordless	RPM	Price
SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide	51	2 3/8″			Corded	5300	$60
CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw, 15-Amp (CMES510)	55	2 1/8″	22.5 & 45		Corded	5500	$80
RIGID 18V Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw	56	2 9/16″		X	Cordless	5400	$189**
Kobalt 15-Amp 7-1/4-in Corded Circular Saw	56	2.375″		X	Corded	6200	$90
WORX Power Share 20-volt 7-1/4-in Cordless Circular Saw	57	2 9/16″				6100	$190
DEWALT XR 20-volt Max 7-1/4-in Brushless Cordless Circular Saw	57	2 9/16″	22.5 & 45		Cordless	5200	$200

** Tool Only

Results

It seems as if you will likely have to choose between having variable speed or bevel detents in your circular saw. That is because bevel detents and variable speed features are fairly rare in circular saws. If you absolutely need both features, then a miter saw may suit you better.

To learn more about miter saws and their benefits and limitation, then you should check out my article here.

The above table is outlined by bevel capacity and then price. Depending on your needs, you can determine which features you will benefit from the most.

Ease-of-use

A circular saw with ease-of-use can be easier for a beginner to use and it can make the life of an experienced woodworker easier.

A circular with high ease-of-use will have bevel detents, a saw break, a laser guide, a dust collection system, be cordless, and lightweight.

Circular saws for ease-of-use

Name	Corded or Cordless	Brake	Laser Guide	Dust collection	Material	Weight	RPM	Price
ENVENTOR Skill Saw with Laser Guide	Corded		X		Wood, Soft metal, Plastic	9.39lbs	5800	$50
SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide	Corded		X		Wood	8.7lbs	5000	$60
AVID POWER Circular Saw, 15 Amp Corded Circular Saw 7-1/4 Inch Electric Saw	Corded		X		Wood, plastic, metal	7.9lbs	5000	$60
PowerSmart 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw	Cordless		X	X	Wood, Plastic	8.9lbs	4300	$119
DEWALT XR Power Detect 20-volt Max 7-1/4-in Cordless Circular Saw	Cordless	X			Wood, plastic, metal	7.9lbs		$250
Evolution Evosaw 15-Amp 9-in Corded Circular Saw	Corded	X	X	X	Wood, plastic, metal	20lbs	2900	$330

Affordability

When choosing a circular saw, you may prioritize more than one thing like power and ease of use. However, if you prioritize affordability, then you may have to scale back slightly in another section. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot get a durable, high quality, circular saw.

To get a cheaper saw, you may need to sacrifice Motor HP, lightweightness, blade size, and some additional features.

However, the price is not the only indicator of the features you will get.

As an affordable circular saw with adequate features, I would recommend the SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch at $60. With the SKIL 15 Amp, you get a laser guide and enough power to cut through most 2-inch and 4-inch wood.

Conclusion

In this article, you learned about the different features in circular saws. Afterwards, you were able to determine what was most important to you in a circular saw. Then you were able to see which features aligned with different circular saw needs like portability, power, ease-of-use, and versatility

Then with each category of needs, you were able to compare the different prices with different features. The lists in this article are by no means all inclusive. The circular saws in this article have been heavily reviewed and ranked by other users.

To learn more about circular saws and how to operate them, you should check out my subsequent article “Circular Saw Use Guide: How-to”.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article and I wish you luck on your woodworking journeys!

EverythingDiyProjects is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.