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Small Circular Saw Reviews | 5 of the Best Compact Saws on the Market

Selecting the right small circular saw for your woodwork can be a real pain without the proper information regarding the type and specs required to give you perfect work. Fine woodwork requires precision, and there is nothing better to give you that than an excellent piece of high-quality equipment.

Let's take a look at five of the best small circular saws available on the market today! These are:

How to choose the right handheld circular power saws

Motor size

Source: ​QEP​​​

The bigger the motor, the faster it can cut. For a cordless saw, the battery size will determine its strength and speed. The type of work to be done determines the kind of saw to get. For example, light cutting jobs can get a lighter tool and vice versa.

Ergonomics

Different circular saws have different specs, and the most important is the ease of use. For any cutting need, you require a tool that will not only do a good job but one that will also ensure comfort and ease while doing it. The best power saws are those that have a smooth firm grip.

Cost

Circular saws cost differently for different reasons. Some circular saws may be expensive because of their brand name while others may be costly because they are among the top rated power saws. It is important to match your saw needs with the affordability of the saws.

Warranty

It is good to understand what is covered, what is not, and for what period in case of a problem with your compact circular saws.

Size and weight

The size and weight of the saw are crucial in determining the kind of work it can do and the ease of handling. A heavy hand-held power saw will not only tire the user but can also make a messy cut because it is not easy to control. As such, portable circular saws could make the best saws for DIY projects.

Ease of adjustment

Different tool specs can be adjusted to meet the user's dimensions. For example, a hand grip can be tailored to fit various holding positions and hand sizes. It is crucial to pick out an item that can easily be adjusted to meet the user’s preferences.

Power source

Corded small circular saws do not provide convenience during use, as they cannot be used in places without a power socket. A battery-powered circular saw is often a small circular saw that can be carried and used anywhere.

Advantages of circular saws

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    They cut faster than the reciprocating saws making them the best saws for DIY projects.
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    They can cut different designs because they can be fitted with special blades for different types of cutting.
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    They come in different sizes making them suitable for various cutting needs.
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    They are easy to use since they do not require a lot of effort making them some of the most attractive power saws for women.

Circular saws are differentiated in terms of weight, motor size and speed, blade size, and design. All these differences depend on the type of use apart from the design that is for aesthetic purposes. The mode of cutting with a circular saw depends on the type of cuts you want to make. The basics are that you need to start your saw, place it on your wood then move it in the direction you want to cut towards.

The two main cuts are the crosscuts that go across the grain and rip cuts that go with the grain. You can watch a YouTube tutorial video on how to use a circular saw here: 

Prior to using the circular saw, you need to have the necessary experience to prevent injury. You also need to make sure your saw is in excellent condition. The user has to have protective gear for the eyes and the ears. Loose clothing and hair should also be secured.

Small Circular Saw Reviews

The Worx’s performance is similar to 7'1/4 saws. It has a very thin blade that ensures high speed and has parallel guide attachments to ensure straight cutting. It also ensures ease when cutting a variety of easy two-inch depth bevel cuts for up to 45 degrees. It is also lightweight ensuring easy use and maneuvering with its easy adjustment for cutting depths.

It comes with a 24T Carbide-tipped blade, a parallel guide, an Allen key, a vacuum adapter, and a three-year warranty. It also has a smooth grip to ensure comfort, control, and balance. The saw is also inexpensive making it attractive for different users. The vacuum port minimizes dirt when working keeping your place clean.

PROS

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    Precision cutting
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    Has a vacuum port to enable easy dusting
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    Easy to adjust the depth of cut
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    0-45 degrees adjustable calibrations

CONS

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    The saw is not long lasting

The Rockwell circular saw cuts more like the older circular saws because of its very powerful motor. It is a lightweight tool making it easy to use and transport. The saw cuts with precision using its four-inch blade which is small and narrow and highly resistant to wear while doing the same tasks as other saws whose lifespan is way higher than it. It also comes with a vacuum port that makes it easy to keep workspaces clean.

PROS

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    It has three blades for heavy and perfect cutting
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    Fast, accurate cutting
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    Laser guide to ensure that cutting is done on a straight line.
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    Keeps the workspace clean as it can be attached to a vacuum for easy cleaning

CONS

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    It cannot make bevel cuts
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    Its grip is too large
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    Not suitable for thick materials

Being lightweight, this circular saw is ideal for people who need a saw that can cut well while not being too hard on the hand. The saw has a blower to clear the cutting line and has soft grip handle to make cutting easier. The saw is cordless making it easy to handle without having to pull a cord wherever it goes. This also makes it easy to use over different locations due to ease of movement.

PROS

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    It is lightweight making handling easier
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    Has a three-year warranty 
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    Soft grip handle for easier cutting
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    Has a blower to clear the cutting line

CONS

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    The battery might need constant recharging
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    This saw is not the best for big tasks due to frequent recharging

The Master Mind 800344 is a precision cutter. It features a laser light that makes it great when cutting in a straight line and has a LED light to help in cutting in darker areas. It has an incredible adjustable depth control and plunge cutting ability. The saw also comes with a vacuum adapter to help in dust cleaning

It comes with an edge guide, storage case, a vacuum hose, two non-scratch base covers, a carbide-tipped blade, and two hex wrenches. It can be used for several building operations not only carpentry. 

PROS

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    It has an extended warranty period
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    Quick plunge ability

CONS

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    Parts are not easy to get

The Genesis has a powerful blade that makes it one of the best for tough cutting jobs. Its Tungsten-Carbide-Tipped Blade can cut up to two times of every material from copper to all other building materials. It also features a triple reduction gearbox that gives it the optimum power to cut even the hardest of construction materials with great precision.

It has a vacuum cleaner adapter and dust port to ensure a clean working area. The saw is easy to use and lightweight for easy handling but it has a weak plunge ability and unstable hand grip. The saw cannot lock deeper making it ineffective.

PROS

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    Lightweight and compact
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    Easy to handle
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    Has a dust port

CONS

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    Plunge ability is not good
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    Hand grip is not efficient​​​​

Conclusion

The Worx WX429L WORXSAW 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw is the clear winner of this roundup. It is easy to use as it is lightweight and allows for quick adjustments. It also has a great grip ensuring good control and perfect cuts. Together with its blade and fantastic plunge ability, this handy tool makes for a great piece of construction equipment, and a must-have in your builder toolbox. It is also attractive for the rational consumer as it is quite affordable and lasts long.

It is among one of the best corded circular saws on the market right now. All the five circular saws reviewed above demonstrate a good ability for wood cutting and are great choices. Each has a unique feature that sets it out from the other even if it is just its design. Different people have different options, and anyone can select the one that suits their preferences best.

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Categories: Circular Saw Saws
Alex Harris: