5 Best Circular Saws on Amazon

Circular saws are a must-have tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. With the variety of options available on Amazon, choosing the best circular saw can be quite challenging. This article will guide you through some of the best options currently available, with an emphasis on versatility, durability, and affordability. Let’s explore a world of power and precision, where the only limit is your imagination.

5 Best Circular Saw List:

• DeWalt DWE575SB Circular Saw
• Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw
• Skil 5280-01 Circular Saw
• Bosch CS5 Circular Saw
• Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Circular Saw

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Understanding Circular Saws

Circular saws are robust instruments primarily used for crosscutting wood (slicing against its grain) and ripping (cutting along the grain). Apart from the rear-handle saws discussed, the models we reviewed show minimal design differences. Generally, they feature blades approximately 7.25 inches in diameter, located to the motor’s right. When the blade is entirely descended, it achieves a cut depth of around 2.25 inches, or a tad more.

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1. DeWalt DWE575SB 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Circular Saw

The DeWalt DWE575SB is designed for ease of use and portability, making it a top choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its compact size fits snugly into tight spaces and is easy to transport, without sacrificing the robust power needed for demanding tasks. Equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor, this circular saw handles heavy-duty cutting with ease, slicing through dense hardwoods and multiple material layers, suitable for a range of projects from construction to home renovation.

Safety is paramount with the DeWalt DWE575SB, which includes an electric brake to quickly stop the blade when the trigger is released. This critical feature enhances safety by preventing accidents, especially during unexpected binds between the blade and material. Additionally, its ball-bearing lower guard ensures smooth, precise cuts regardless of external conditions, maintaining high performance even in adverse weather.

Another standout feature is the ToughCord system, specifically designed to prevent cord pullouts that can occur with sudden tugs or trips, offering three times the resistance of standard models. This system not only enhances the saw’s durability but also ensures consistent operation without power interruptions, making the DeWalt DWE575SB a reliable tool for continuous, intensive use.

2. Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

The Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw perfectly marries robust power with lightweight design, making it suitable for both professionals and home DIY enthusiasts. Constructed primarily from magnesium, this saw offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for easy handling and reduced fatigue during extended use. This is especially beneficial on demanding job sites or during long work sessions where durability and ease of maneuverability are key.

This saw features dual LED lights that enhance visibility, ensuring precise cuts by illuminating the line of cut even in dim conditions, boosting accuracy and safety. Such features make it invaluable for those who often work in varying light environments.

Moreover, the Makita 5007Mg includes a built-in dust blower that keeps the cutting path clear of obstructions like sawdust and debris. This not only maintains clean visibility but also contributes to accuracy and a safer work environment by minimizing potential hazards that could obscure precise measurements or lead to cutting errors.

3. Skil 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

The Skil 5280-01 circular saw is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts due to its user-friendly features and powerful performance. It is equipped with a robust 15-amp motor, making it capable of handling a variety of home projects, from cutting laminate to sawing through thicker hardwoods, making it a versatile addition to any home workshop.

Safety is a key feature of the Skil 5280-01, which includes a guarded trigger to prevent accidental starts, adding an extra layer of protection. Additionally, it features a safety lock that prevents the saw from being turned on unintentionally, enhancing its safety profile further.

For precision in cutting, the Skil 5280-01 boasts a single-beam laser guide that projects a clear line on the material, showing exactly where the cut will be made. This ensures accuracy and clean cuts, crucial for quality results in DIY projects. An integrated dust blower also helps maintain a clear line of sight on your cut by removing sawdust and debris, contributing to both cleaner results and a safer work environment.

4. Bosch CS5 120-Volt 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

The Bosch CS5 Circular Saw expertly combines speed, power, and ergonomic design, enhancing the cutting experience for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It features a robust 15-amp motor that provides high cutting speeds, facilitating quicker and more precise cuts, which significantly reduces the time spent on tasks. This powerful motor ensures the saw’s longevity, even under heavy use.

What sets the Bosch CS5 apart is its left-blade design, which enhances the visibility of the cutting line, allowing for more accurate and error-free cuts. This is particularly advantageous when precision is critical, such as in intricate designs or fine finishing work.

Additionally, the Bosch CS5 includes an anti-snag lower guard that facilitates smoother operation by allowing continuous cuts without manual intervention, even during bevel cuts. This feature is especially useful for making joint cuts, as it prevents the blade from snagging on the material, ensuring seamless operation. These features make the Bosch CS5 a user-friendly tool that appeals to both seasoned professionals and hobbyists.

5. Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

The Milwaukee 2731-20 cordless circular saw stands out for its efficient power delivery and portability, making it a top pick for professionals who need freedom from cords. It runs on the M18 REDLITHIUM battery system, renowned for its long life and ability to deliver more cuts per charge than standard batteries. This feature is particularly beneficial on job sites where power outlets are scarce, allowing for prolonged use without frequent stops to recharge.

Enhancing its performance, the Milwaukee 2731-20 includes the REDLINK PLUS intelligence system, which ensures optimal communication between the tool, battery, and charger. This not only maximizes efficiency but also provides overload protection, safeguarding the tool and battery from potential damage due to excessive heat or overuse. This system guarantees both sustained performance and increased durability of the tool.

Additionally, the saw is equipped with an LED light that brightens the cutting area, enhancing visibility and precision, especially in low-light conditions or tight spaces. This feature is crucial for achieving accurate cuts and maintaining high-quality workmanship on all projects.

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Best Circular Saws on Amazon Comparison Table

Model	DeWalt DWE575SB	Makita 5007Mg	Skil 5280-01	Bosch CS5	Milwaukee 2731-20 M18
Blade Size	7-1/4 inches	7-1/4 inches	7-1/4 inches	7-1/4 inches	7-1/4 inches
Motor	15 Amp	15 Amp	15 Amp	15 Amp	M18 Cordless
Max Speed (RPM)	5,200	5,800	5,300	6,200	5,000
Weight	8.8 lbs	10.6 lbs	6.95 lbs	9.3 lbs	8.5 lbs
Depth of Cut at 90°	2-9/16 inches	2-1/2 inches	2-3/8 inches	2-7/16 inches	2-1/2 inches
Depth of Cut at 45°	1-3/4 inches	1-3/4 inches	1-15/16 inches	1-7/8 inches	1-5/8 inches
Bevel Capacity	57°	56°	51°	56°	50°
Electric Brake	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Dust Blower	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Cord Length	6 ft	8.2 ft	6 ft	9 ft	Cordless
Material Housing	Magnesium	Magnesium	Plastic	Aluminum	Magnesium

A Stronger Saw Doesn’t Always Equal Better Performance

It’s tempting to aspire to the tools professionals use. Saws designed for contractors might have blades positioned on either side of the motor. Corded versions can draw up to 15 amps. Such saws come with larger, sturdier bases, robust trigger switches, enhanced bearings, and durable yet flexible cords, all of which contribute to longevity. However, this added durability can also make the saw heavier. A typical saw designed for homeowners (with a 12-amp motor) might weigh between 8 to 9 pounds, while contractor-grade saws start at 10.5 pounds and increase from there.

Surprisingly, using a contractor-grade saw doesn’t necessarily mean quicker job completion. While professional saws can cut more rapidly than those intended for homeowners, their primary advantage is resilience. An average homeowner may find a professional circular saw too cumbersome, making it challenging to utilize its full capabilities.

With the current emphasis on crafting cordless tools, you might ponder whether they are the right choice for your needs. Saws designed for homeowners can easily handle tasks like cutting 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 lumber, pine boards, and plywood. However, for more complex tasks, like cutting through an indoor floor, framing a basement, or slicing pressure-treated wood, you might want to consider a professional-grade cordless or corded circular saw.

All in All Summarization

From heavy-duty professional tasks to DIY home projects, our review of five circular saws showcases their varied specialties:

1. DeWalt DWE575SB – Known for safety and durability, features an electric brake and ToughCord system, ideal for demanding environments.
2. Makita 5007Mg – Combines power with lightweight magnesium construction, suited for prolonged professional use, and enhances visibility with dual LED lights and a dust blower.
3. Skil 5280-01 – User-friendly for DIYers with a safety lock and laser guide, perfect for precise home projects.
4. Bosch CS5 – Stands out with its left-blade design for easy visibility, making it versatile for both professional and hobbyist use.
5. Milwaukee 2731-20 – Offers portability with its cordless design, favored for sites without direct power supply, and includes advanced features like the REDLINK PLUS system.

Each saw is tailored to different user needs and project requirements, emphasizing the importance of considering specific factors like power, usage frequency, mobility, and budget when selecting a circular saw.

FAQs

1. What is a circular saw used for?
   A circular saw is a versatile tool used for cutting various materials such as wood, masonry, plastic, or metal. It’s commonly used for making straight cuts in woodworking and carpentry.
2. What’s the difference between a corded and cordless circular saw?
   Corded circular saws require a power outlet to operate, providing consistent power for prolonged use. In contrast, cordless circular saws run on rechargeable batteries, offering greater mobility and convenience but may need recharging during large projects.
3. What does the term ‘bevel capacity’ mean?
   Bevel capacity refers to the ability of the circular saw to tilt its base to make angled cuts. A saw with a higher bevel capacity can make a wider variety of angled cuts.
4. How can I choose the right blade for my circular saw?
   The choice of the blade depends on the material you intend to cut and the type of cut you want to make. For example, blades with more teeth produce a cleaner cut and are typically used for plywood or finish work, while blades with fewer teeth remove material faster and are used for rough cuts or framing work.
5. Is it worth getting a circular saw with a laser guide?
   A laser guide can help improve cutting accuracy by projecting a laser line on the workpiece. However, it is not essential and depends on personal preference and the precision required for your projects.
6. How do I maintain my circular saw?
   Regular cleaning, occasional oiling, and proper storage are key to maintaining your circular saw. Also, it is important to regularly check the blade for sharpness and replace it as needed.
7. What safety precautions should I take when using a circular saw?
   Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using a circular saw. Make sure the workpiece is properly secured before cutting, and never hold the workpiece in your hand or across your leg. Keep your hands away from the cutting path, and make sure the saw is switched off and unplugged before changing blades.
8. What is the meaning of a saw’s ‘RPM’?
   RPM stands for “Revolutions Per Minute,” and it’s a measure of how fast the saw’s blade spins. A higher RPM means the blade spins faster, which typically results in faster and smoother cuts.
9. What is the difference between a sidewinder and a worm drive circular saw?
   In a sidewinder circular saw, the motor is located alongside the blade, making it lighter and more suited for most DIY projects. On the other hand, a worm drive saw has its motor at the rear, making it longer, heavier, and more powerful, ideal for professional construction tasks.
10. How deep can a circular saw cut?
    The cutting depth of a circular saw depends on the size of its blade and the angle of the cut. A 7 1/4-inch circular saw, for example, can typically cut just over 2 inches deep at a 90-degree angle and 1 5/8 inches at a 45-degree angle.

Curious about the top circular saws available on Amazon? Share your expertise and recommendations regarding the 5 best options in the comments below. Your insights can assist fellow shoppers in making well-informed purchasing decisions, ensuring they get the right circular saw for their needs. Let’s collaborate to enhance the shopping experience for everyone seeking quality tools on Amazon!