The high-quality circular saw can even be used for up to ten years or more once you buy it. Circular saws are designed for cutting a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and more.
They come with different features that give you more or less the ability to cut through different materials. So, how to choose the circular saw? And why do you need it? You can even use a powerful circular saw for tough jobs like concrete and brick cutting
It was first invented in the late 18th century and used mainly in sawmills. But a circular saw has become an essential tool in most DIY shops and carpentry workshops for many years.
Why Do You Need A Circular Saw
A circular saw is the perfect power tool for ambitious DIY projects. Both professionals and DIYers occasionally encounter situations where a hand saw or jigsaw just isn’t cutting it, and that’s when a reliable circular saw is at our disposal.
Whether you are building a birdhouse for your birds or cutting the occasional wood board, there is no need for a circular saw. However, there is no better choice regarding larger woodcutting projects.
This is for you if you’re looking for a tool that cuts wood easily. You can rip, crosscut, and even bevel with precision if you have the right circular saw.
How to Choose Circular Saw: What To Look For
Many features and statistics are listed online, so finding the key information can be difficult. You can find what you need to keep an eye out for when buying a circular saw with our informative categories explaining all the terms and specifications.
Blade Size
The blades of circular saws come in various sizes. For DIYers, 7 and 1/4 inches is the most common and useful size. In addition, the largest sizes of saws feature the most blade options for cutting substances other than wood, so they are ideal for cutting material thicker than 3 inches.
Various general-use saws are also available in six-1/2-inch and eight-1/4-inch sizes for lighter and heavier applications.
The blade diameter of the smaller trim saws is only about 4¼ to 4½ inches. Some of these tools can also cut wood, but they’re usually used to cut thin materials like panels.
Sidewinder
The motor is mounted alongside the blade, resulting in a lighter saw in terms of weight and maneuverability (around 11 pounds).
Higher-end sidewinders, including Milwaukee 6390-20, offer more torque due to the helical gearing and thus are worthy competitors against worm drives.
Cordless
With batteries becoming more powerful, battery-driven designs are becoming increasingly popular when electricity is unavailable. However, cordless saws still produce less torque and run for a shorter period.
Worm Drive
When used in framing or major renovations, a worm drive is an excellent solution for slicing moist wood or cutting through concrete. With the handle placed further back, the 16-pound saw can be controlled through long rips with better stability and less kickback.
Trim Saw
A wall-mounted trim saw, with blades measuring 3½ to 4½ inches, is preferred for finish work. Only one worm drive is available on the market: Porter-Cable 314, with a 4½ -inch blade. The rest are sidewinders.
Small Sidewinder
The weight, the balance, and the handle size of the saw should be considered when choosing one that fits you.
Cutting Depth and Capacity
With a large capacity saw you can cut through thicker timber and finish more tasks.
It is important to look at the diameter of the maximum cut made at 90° when selecting a circular saw – this will vary from 35mm to 70mm.
Safety Features
It’s vital to pick a saw with adequate safety features to protect your fingers. Circular saws with electric brakes are more convenient. Stopping a blade (especially one rotating at 5000 revolutions per minute) can be lifesaving. Your tool will come to a complete stop in seconds with an electric brake.
Capacity of Bevel
Circular saws do more than cut at 90 degrees. A power saw capable of making simplistic bevel cuts can make bevel cuts up to a maximum angle of 55 degrees. A base plate that can be adjusted is used for this purpose.
When buying a circular saw, ensure the tool supports bevels, which angle the bevel can reach, and the highest cutting depth it can achieve at 45 degrees.
No-load Speed
Power tool motors rotate milliseconds at varying speeds, determining the precision with which you can work with your tool.
It is important to pay attention to the free-loading speed as it is a good indication of sawing speed, so the more revolutions per minute (RPMs), the better it is!
Ergonomics
Every circular saw, except for one color, is similar from a distance. When you hold and use them, you notice a distinct difference in how they feel.
If you want to experience this difference, you should visit your local tools store. Are you comfortable holding it? Are you satisfied with the balance of the saw and its weight? Are the blades and adjustment components visible to you?
When choosing a circular saw, consider the shape and balance of the handle and blade. These features can make the saw more comfortable and efficient.
Additional Features to Notice While Choosing the Circular Saw
A strong blade and motor are essential if you’re looking for a circular saw to cut adequately. Some features to look for include:
- The blade can be quickly stopped with the power brake
- An easy way to change blades with a spindle lock
- Cast magnesium instead of steel to make saw feet
- Guideline laser for maintaining alignment
- Integrated work lights for the illumination of the workpiece
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which circular saw to buy?
It would help if you looked for features in an efficient circular saw: good blade visibility, accurate cutline markers, and a flat shoe set parallel to the blade.
What are the differences between circular saws?
Circular saws come in two designs: the slide winder and the worm drive. A warm drive saw contains a motor having more torque, thus making it easier to cut thick and hard materials like hardwood.
What is the most useful circular saw size?
The most well-known and helpful size for DIY and professional workers is seven ¼ inches.
Conclusion
I will be using the circular saw for the most important question you must ask when buying a circular saw. A DIY-grade saw I cannot keep up with the demands of long continuous hours of use.
In addition to being durable, DIY-grade tools offer strength and reliability. Although, it does not mean a professional environment can withstand the long hours and heavy operations involved.
If you do some DIY work on weekends or only need a saw occasionally, a DIY-grade saw is ideal, but if you plan on using it regularly, our professional range is perfect for you.