Reviews Of The Top Circular Saws For Beginners
1. Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw
As a heavy-duty circular saw, Makita 5007Mg makes every cutting process efficient with its 5800 RPM operational speed. You can also use the convenient adjustment levers to quickly change your saw blade.
It features magnesium components and only weighs around 46 kg, so we still categorize it as a lightweight saw.
During our hands-on tests, we could execute accurate cuts without difficulty as its cut angles allow a bevel capacity of up to 56 degrees. Users can also rely on the units positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees.
What We Like
- Built with an integrated dust blower
- LED lights for better cut-line accuracy
- Easy blade adjustments and changes
- Heat vents to prevent overheating
- It is lighter than most circular saws
What We Don’t Like
- It does not include an electric brake
- More expensive than other beginner circular saws
2. DEWALT DWE575SB Circular Saw
If were talking about safety features, we dont doubt that DEWALT DWE575SB is the best circular saw for beginners. It has an electric brake, which is a great feature. Thanks to this, the saw blade will immediately stop as soon as the motor is turned off.
The blade brake also allows this Dewalt circular saw to pause in every cut, making it less prone to wearing and tearing. The maximum bevel angle is 57 degrees. You can use it at the positive stops 22.5 and 45 degrees.
Itscircular saw bladealso has a carbide tip, so it can resist wearing and abrasion during usage.
What We Like
- For added safety and productivity, use an electric brake
- Dust blower for less sawdust production
- For tough applications, circular saws that are suitable for such applications
- It has a high cutting and bevel capability
What We Don’t Like
- It is not as fast as the corded circular saws.
- Blades can be purchased separately
3. PORTER-CABLE PCE310 Circular Saw
If you are on a budget, we recommend buying corded circular saws like the PORTER-CABLE PCE310.
If you ask us, one of the cool features of this unit is its convenient spindle lock and cut depth adjustment. Thanks to these, making accurate cuts dont bring so much hassle. Upon closer inspection, we also noticed its upper and lower blade guards are designed with metal that adds to the models durability.
Unlike a cordless saw that relies on its battery life, this 7 -inch circular saw can run as fast as 5500 RPM because of its powerful 15-amp motor.
What We Like
- Can handle metal and wood materials
- This tool has easy-to-use built in adjustments
- More affordable than other circular saw models
- Durable and stable during the operations
4. Milwaukee M18 Cordless Saw
At first glance, you wouldnt be able to guess that Milwaukee M46 cms soft grip handle has unique mechanisms. Only after conducting hands-on testing did we discover that Milwaukee’s top handle design allows the unit to tilt in eight different positions.
Its heat-treated steel blade operates at 5800 RPM, making it extremely accurate.
For their flexibility and mobility, some people prefer to use cordless tools. However, this unit comes with a 2.7m power cord which will allow you move as far as you like from the outlet.
What We Like
- Adjustable and soft-grip handle
- Suitable for long cutting durations
- Wider cut-line for extra accuracy
- Rafter hook for hassle-free storage
What we don’t like
- Not as light as other models
- Not for professional application
5. SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw
SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw is another affordable option. Despite its lower price tag, it includes a single-beam laser guide thats not typical on models of the same class. Its a convenient feature that allows you to cut the marked line accurately.
We also found the indicator light which allows users to check if the unit has been turned on.
The blade has a spindle lock that makes it easier to perform blade changes during hands-on testing.
What We Like
- Cut-line accuracy is higher than other brands
- Designed with a spindle lock for convenient adjustments
- The bag comes with a carry bag
- To avoid an accidental startup, safety trigger
6. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C
You can find cordless circular saws like the BLACK+DECKER BDCCCS20C if you are looking for a lightweight tool. It has a smaller blade and fewer teeth, making it lighter than the previous ones we tested.
Its batteries are also interchangeable with other BLACK+DECKER power tools, so you dont have to buy extra batteries if you have one at your disposal. And because it operates with lithium-ion batteries, you can expect it to last longer than standard battery-powered tools.
As we tried it in different materials, its adjustments allowed us to set bevel angles at 45 and 90 degrees.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly cordless tool
- It doesn’t have to be charged frequently
- Fast-cutting and versatile saw blade
- Easy to use and to carry around
What we don’t like
- Not as powerful as other alternatives
- The cutting time is limited by the battery level
7. BOSCH CS10 Circular Saw
BOSCH CS10 comes with a wrench and spindle lock so that beginners can easily change blades. We also believe that youll find its angle and depth easy to adjust as its equipped with levers.
The handles are soft and easy to grip, making it easy to use for long hours. It also has a blower built in that reduces sawdust while being used.
If you inspect it closer, youll notice its bevel louvers. You may not know, but this feature enhances the tools dust management.
What We Like
- It is easy to switch between blade options
- Angles and depths are highly adjustable
- Visible cutting line and improved dust management
What we don’t like
- Sold at slightly higher prices
- Its not a lightweight power tool
Circular Saw For Beginners Buyers Guide
Construction Quality And Durability
Like it or not, your tools durability and material quality will determine its stability. And, of course, you can only expect an accurate cut if your machine is wobbling through the operation. If you dont want that to happen, we suggest getting a model with a footplate or a shoe.
These features should be made from magnesium or composite materials if possible. These metals, although light in weight, have strong and stable properties that can withstand heat and vibrations caused by cutting operations.
Youll also encounter units that are made of steel. This option will save you money as theyre widely available and cheap. It is important to remember that they are heavier than other options.
Upon our quick scan of todays market, its hard to ignore that most models with high-end constructions are made with either aluminum or magnesium .
Units made from plastic materials are also available on the market. Although some units can make decent cuts, they are not recommended for long-term usage.
Size And Weight
Woodworking projects can take a while to complete. It is important to note the tool’s weight as you will be holding it down.
These tools are not stationary, but you can move them around in any cut. Because of this, a heavier model can cause a hassle.
One of the features that affect the units mass is its motor. Brushless motors can be compact and lightweight, but worm drivealternatives can be more heavy.
We recommend lightweight circular saws for beginners. Models that you should consider are between six and nine pounds.
Rotations Per Minute (RPM).
Your saws rotations per minute (RPM) determine how fast the blade can operate. Normaly, the blade will operate at a speed of approximately 0.2 seconds per minute (RPM).
However, dont forget that these specifications are categorized as no-load speed. It means that the RPM can differ when engaged with a material.
As long as the tool you choose runs at a range of 5300 to 5800 RPM or more, it should be fast enough to handle tough materials. The faster the blade can rotate, the more product it will cut during usage.
Performance And Reliability
You must choose the correct size blade for your project if you want your circular saw to work well. As you know, only some blade types can execute the same smoothness and accuracy.
If you have circular saw blades with fewer teeth, they will cut faster. The ones with more teeth, however, will produce finer cuts.
You must also consider the motor power, as this feature will determine if the tool is powerful enough to tackle the task. The higher the amps of the motor, the faster it cools down.
And if it doesnt heat up while you cut the material, the more productive and reliable the tool will be.
Depth And Bevel
If youre dealing with thick boards, the circular saws depth of cut is a crucial feature to consider. This will indicate how far the blade can cut through the material.
Based on regular woodworking tasks, saws that can cut around 2 inches deep should be enough to fulfill most project requirements. If your material requires deep cuts, we recommend using bandsaws and other cutting tools.
There will be models that allow the blade to adjust up to 57°. You can opt for these options if you intend to create miter joints. It should be easier to do angled cuts as the unit can tilt in different directions.
Corded Or Cordless?
Corded saws always have more power than cordless. Their power is not tied to battery levels. They are not as portable as cordless ones.
Corded saws are also much more affordable than battery-powered. Cordless saws must come with extra batteries and chargers. They are more expensive because of this.
It’s Easy To Use
If youre a beginner, you wont have any problem using circular saws as long as they have visible cut lines, guides, or work lights (if possible).
Even though changing blades can be difficult, it is possible to make the process simpler if there are spindle locks and a wrench on the unit.
Which Blade Is Left Or Right?
Manufacturers understand that not all people use the same hand to hold a tool, which is why youll encounter two types of circular saws in the market. The first has its blade loaded on the right side, while the second has the disc mounted on the left side.
Technically, the blade position does not impact the tool’s performance or reliability. It is possible to imagine that a left-handed individual may prefer a unit with a left side blade to one with a right.
Logic aside, its safer for the users to use a power saw with the blade positioned on the same side where their hand is because it lessens the chances of being hit by woodchips. It can increase operations stability.
Blade Change
Blade changes will be much easier if your unit has an integrated wrench tool. On top of that, the spindle lock will immobilize the blade, making the process safer for you.
Electric Brake
As youll need to make quick pauses when making cuts, waiting for the blade to stop spinning can get annoying.
But if your power saw has an electric brake, the rotation will halt immediately when the motor stops. You can rely on this feature if you need to do successive sawing cuts.
Laser Guide
Although it is not an essential feature, it can be helpful for beginners when aligning material. It is not available on all circular saws, so it may be worth shopping around to locate one.
Laser guides arent 100% accurate all the time, but its a great measuring tool if you dont have an exact ballpark figure for your cut.
Price
The best circular saw for beginners isnt always sold at a ridiculously high price. In fact, you can choose from options ranging from over to around However, this price range can increase depending on the tools construction and features.
What Are The Parts Of A Circular Saw?
Shoe
A shoe should be located at the bottom of the saw’s frame. This will ensure that the unit is stable. This place is where you slide the material, so it plays a crucial role in controlling blade depths and angles.
Blade Guard
This prevents accidental blade contact which can cause injury to the operator and saw. It serves as a cover for the exposed saw blade. If your circular saw stops working, you will need to replace the cover if it is bent or broken.
Motor Housing
Your tools motor is an important component of your tool’s cutting performance. As the operation will likely cause vibration, having a durable motor housing can dampen the wobbling and prevent any internal damage.
Adjustment of the Bevel
Circular power saws are versatile because they can be used for different projects due to their reliability in bevel adjustments. This feature allows you to adjust the blade angle to suit your project.
Trigger Switch
As soon as the operator clicks the trigger switch, the power saws motor will start or stop the blade from operating.
Batteries or Power Cord
If youre using a cordless power saw, batteries will be part of the tool and will be responsible for its power. Corded models will be equipped with power cords that can plug into electric outlets.
FAQ
Is a cordless circular saw good for beginners?
If you don’t have an outlet, a cordless circular power saw is a good choice for beginners. You can also carry it around easily because it is lightweight and portable.
However, its not recommended if you intend to use it in different projects. Cordless models also cost more than corded alternatives, so its not a wise choice for users on a tight budget.
Which is the best brand to go for?
The brands we included in this product roundup are all proven and tested over the years.
It will be clear that Makita and DeWalt have a reputation for making durable, long-lasting power tools.
Every brand has saws that suit different budgets and needs, but you can rest assured that there are options for beginners.
