A circular saw can be a valuable tool in any workshop. Whether you’re cutting wood, metal, or other materials, this versatile power tool is capable of tackling a wide range of tasks. There are many different types and styles available on the market today, however not all models are created equal. In order to find the best compact circular saw for your needs it’s important to look at some factors like blade size (diameter), features, and weight.
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Factors to Consider When Buying Compact Circular Saws
Blade
Blade size is the most important factor when considering a circular saw. The blade should be wide enough to handle your cutting needs, but not so large that it’s too bulky for more delicate work or storage in tight spaces.
Most professionals recommend blades with diameters of around six inches to ten inches. For new woodworkers and hobbyists, smaller sizes are easier to use because they can’t cut as deep into wood grain without getting stuck. Blades range from five inches up to twelve inches across at most hardware stores today; you’ll need an oversize one if you’re cutting metal pipes or other objects made out of steel or aluminum.
More expensive models come equipped with electric brakes, which keep the blade from spinning after it’s been shut off. This is a vital safety feature for anyone working with sharp blades and tools.
Features
The features of your circular saw should depend on what you need to do most often in your workshop.
Durability, power (measured in watts), size, weight, price range are some considerations that come into play when deciding between models. You’ll want to match up the tool you purchase as closely to your needs as possible so that it can be used safely every day without having any issues or technical malfunctions down the road – if this happens more than a few times within its warranty period then chances are good you’re going to have big problems later on.
Generally speaking, the more features you have on your compact circular saw, the higher the price. Higher prices also mean a heavier weight – this model of tool can weigh as much as ten pounds or more with lots of added bells and whistles so it’s important to consider how portable you’ll need your circular saw to be before deciding which one is right for you.
Work Environment
Lastly, when choosing what type of compact circular saw will work best for your needs consider how often you’ll need access from different angles. If you typically work from left to right, then an electric saw is a good choice for you because it can be flipped over and used in either direction without any manual adjustments on your part.
For some specialty jobs, such as cutting into tight spaces or other tough angles that don’t allow for much space use the cordless model with its adjustable depth of cut; this type also eliminates the need to worry about cords getting in the way when working at awkward angles like ceilings since they’re wireless.
5 Best Compact Circular Saws
The following list contains 5 different compact circular saws that represent some of the best options currently available on the market:
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
This circular saw is great for a variety of cuts and can cut through hard materials like metal. It’s easy to use with an adjustable bevel that has detents at 45 degrees and 90. Keep your cordless circular Saw powered up for never-ending work by using any Black+Decker 20V MAX* power tool right out the box (battery and charger not included).
Buildings in need of renovations, people looking to help protect their property from storm damage, or builders just starting on new construction projects will find this 5 1/2 inch cordless circular saw is ideal for quick, accurate cutting without cords or wires that get in the way. The compact design is also excellent for people who have space limitations but still need the power of a corded circular saw.
Makita SH02R1 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit
Makita’s SH02R1 12V Max CXT Cordless Circular Saw Kit is a great tool for construction workers and home improvement contractors. This powerful saw has bevel-cutting capability, allowing you to make angled cuts of 45° in either direction.
It features an adjustable cutting depth range from 1″ at 90 degrees and 5/8″at 45 degrees, meaning it can tackle any project with ease. Makita built the motor to run at 1,500 RPM for faster cutting. The 3-3/8″ blade provides a maximum cutting depth of 1″.
Worx Nitro WX531L.9 Cordless Compact Circular Saw
Worx Nitro tools are engineered to provide greater power, performance, and runtime in a compact design for excellent maneuverability. The brushessless motor of the Worx Power Share intelligent battery maximizes power, performance, and runtime; it is compatible with all Worx 20V and 40V tools as well as outdoor lifestyle products.
Comes with an ergonomic grip to reduce vibration, and a bevel adjustment lever that simplifies the process of switching from straight cuts to 45-degree angles or any other angle up to 46 degrees.
For power, performance and portability, Worx Nitro tools have a compact design. The brushelss motor stays cool to make the job easier with quick rip and plunge cuts. Share batteries with all your Worx tools for more power.
SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw
Keep your cuts clean, quick and accurate with the SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw. This cordless saw has a very visible blade line visor to help keep your cut straight, and a bevel cutting capacity of 50 degrees for any angle needed! Its thin kerf carbide tipped blade also makes fast, clean, precise cuts ensuring you can reach all those DIY projects around the house.
If that isn’t enough for you then how about long lasting battery life? Its PWR CORE20 Lithium battery will not disappoint as it has an innovative temp management system to make sure that power lasts when you need it most.
BOSCH Bare-Tool CCS180B
Bosch’s balance and compact CCS180B Circular Saw Bare Tool is ideal for the jobsite, skillfully cutting through at 90 degrees through 2-inch thick material or at 50 degrees in 1-9 16th inch material. It features a heavy duty aluminum foot to withstand years of abuse from tough jobs with its 3,900 no-load rpm perfect for power-to-weight ratio.
This saw also includes Bosch’s Motor and Cell protection to prevent overload and overheating as well as their team’s ultimate precision woodworking craftsman which offers an extremely thin kerf so you can produce outstanding results in less time!
Tips for Blade Maintenance
You should never underestimate the importance of blade maintenance when using any power tools. Dirty blades will dull quickly due to metal dust gathering in hard-to-reach places; they’ll then break off during use and put both user and bystanders at risk for injury if not dealt with promptly. To keep your blades cutting efficiently, always clean them after each project by removing all debris from between teeth and using a buffing wheel or wire brush to restore their original edge.
The blades on your circular saw should be replaced every twelve months at the very least, and sooner if they start to show signs of excessive wear such as deep grooves forming in teeth. This is so important because it not only helps you avoid accidents but also reduces cost over time by preventing ongoing replacements that could become costly after some time. Blades are inexpensive enough – around $50 for an average blade size (ten inch) – that there’s no reason not to replace them regularly while maintaining proper safety precautions in this way.
