Top 3 Circular Saws
The first time I used a circular saw was twenty years ago while working on a barn in Cambridge MA. At the time it was an intimidating machine, with a big blade, a loud motor, and not much safety. But soon enough with bits of knowledge from other carpenters, I learned to use it skillfully on the job site.
Circular saws are mostly used for construction work but they have evolved over the last 20 years. Battery technology has improved immensely. Nowadays, Cordless is the way to go, I would say if you’re going to use a skill saw more than 10 times a year, you should get a cordless skill saw.
For home projects, a cordless circular saw is an ideal choice because it's less cumbersome and safer to use. If you’re building a tree house for your kids, you don’t have to worry about having a long extension cord.
For construction sites, a corded circular saw may be more suitable because it can cut through plywood and other framing materials all day long without needing a charge. However, you can also go without the cord and just bring another battery.
Price is also a determining factor. I would suggest the less expensive option for outdoor framing work. The higher-end saws like the Festool are exceptionally accurate and can be used for Fine Cabinetry work.
Ok, Let's Dive Right In.
# 1 DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw 15-Amp, Corded (Best Value)
The DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw has a powerful 15 amp motor to cut through tough material. It is the perfect tool for both the home and job site. The Dewalt is accurate enough for home projects that need precise cuts and is also reliable on the construction job site for doing rougher work. It can easily rip through ¾” plywood, OSB, and framing materials without much effort. The rubber grips take a lot of the vibration of the saw and are easy on the hands. It's also the most lightweight saw on the list at 8.8lbs. I still have this saw from over two decades ago and surprisingly, it still works great! That’s why it's number one on the list.
(Best Overall Circular Saw)
The TS 55 REQ Skill Saw is one of the most powerful saws Festool has ever made with an optimized motor that delivers up to 4,000 rpm for precision cutting at medium cutting depths even in tough materials like 12/4” Ash. What makes this saw so special are the two-blade system for less vibration and double insulation for more power, which means you can work more comfortably.
The First time I used this saw, the cutting experience was so smooth that I didn’t even realize the blade was cutting into the wood. Like every machine Festool designs this is a premium power tool that is far superior to any other circular saw. If you can afford the expense the Festool TS 55 REBQ is certainly worth it for those who want convenience and precision in their cutting experience.
Pro Tip:
Get the guide rail track, the saw, and track work perfectly together. Every cut creates a precise clean edge.
Note:
This Circular Saw is expensive upfront but will pay off in the long run because it makes cleaner more accurate cuts that are easier on the hands.
(Best Battery Powered)
The Bosch Circular Saw is a great buy for someone looking to do some more heavy-duty work with it. It's durable yet lightweight and the grips are comfortable to hold onto while working with it. This skill saw can power through even the toughest of woods.
I used this Skill Saw while building my cousin's deck in CA. We worked with Red Balau decking which is a tough dense hardwood. The Bosch Circular Saw cut through it like it was pine.
Pro Tip:
The dust port on the saw is excellent. Hook it up to a good vacuum and it will reduce the dust by 90%.
(Best Budget)
The Metabo 6000 no-load RPM 15 Amp motor is powerful and makes cuts fast and burn-free. Because of its power, it's ideal for cutting sheet goods, 2x10’s, and other typical framing materials. The weight is 9.5 lbs which is a bit heavier than the Dewalt, but far less fatiguing than the older skill saws. At its affordable price, it’s an excellent choice because it’s powerful enough for the construction site. The durability of this saw is pretty good but lacks the finesse of the more expensive options.
The Makita HS7600 is an affordable, easy-to-use, powerful circular saw that’s reliable on the job site. It has a 10.5 AMP motor that delivers 5,200 RPM for performance and will cut well through any type of lumber and sheet goods. There is no need to worry about its durability because it has a dust and water-resistant design and an aluminum blade guard.
The Makita HS7600 Circular Saw also has an easy-to-read depth stop for quick and accurate cuts, making it perfect for just about any type of project. It is a very well-balanced tool and has a good ergonomic rubber grip. It makes the list because it performs well and is inexpensive.
The DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is a battery-powered saw that is lightweight and compact. It can be used for various projects and materials such as plywood, framing, and other construction site materials. It has a powerful 15 amps motor and 15,000 RPM for increased cutting power. It also has an intuitive design with a one-touch guard system and spindle lock.
This Circular Saw is equally as powerful as the Bosch, it's also less expensive. You might ask why was it not the best cordless? The reason is that it does not have a dust port that can be hooked up to a vacuum. Dust extraction may not be a factor on the construction site, however, if you're ever doing an indoor job it makes a huge difference in clean-up time. If the dust port doesn't matter much to you, then this is the cordless saw to go with.
The SKIL 5280-01 is a good tool for people who are on a budget but still want to get the job done. One of its most notable features is that it comes with a laser guide, which makes more accurate cuts possible. Its second-best feature is that it’s under $60.
It’s not as high quality as some of the models but I recommended this circular saw for people who want to do basic wood cutting and don’t have a lot of money to spend. It has more features than other saws in this price range.
Note: This saw is best for home projects, not on the construction site.
So there's my Top 7 Skill Saw List.
If you want a dependable circular saw with little thrills go for the Dewalt.
If you're on a budget go for the Metabo.
If you want versatility and a cleaner saw cut go for the Bosch.
If you're a cabinet maker or furniture maker needing perfection go for the Festool.
Hopefully, you found this article helpful. If you have one of these circular saw, what do you like or dislike about it? Is there a Circular saw that you think should be added to this list?
Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: I only recommend products that I have used myself and have in my workshop. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.