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.

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.

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.

5 Best Circular Saw List:

1. DeWalt DWE575SB Circular Saw
2. Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw
3. Skil 5280-01 Circular Saw
4. Bosch CS5 Circular Saw
5. Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Circular Saw

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

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Specifications

• Power Source: Corded-Electric
• Power: 15 Amps
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 Inches
• No Load Speed: 5200 RPM
• Max Cutting Depth at 90°: 2.55 Inches
• Weight: 8.8 lbs

The DeWalt DWE575SB is a highly adaptable and compactly designed circular saw that can comfortably fit into tight workspaces and is easily portable for on-the-go applications. It is compact but doesn’t compromise on power, as it features a robust 15-amp motor. This high-powered motor gives it enough strength to tackle even the most challenging jobs, such as cutting through dense hardwoods or multiple layers of material. This feature makes it ideal for professional construction, woodworking, and DIY home renovation tasks.

Safety is a vital aspect of any power tool, and the DeWalt DWE575SB incorporates an integrated electric brake. This brake immediately halts the motion of the blade once the trigger is released, significantly reducing the risk of accidental injury. This feature is particularly useful in situations where you need to stop the blade quickly, such as when the saw blade accidentally binds with the material being cut.

The DeWalt DWE575SB also has a ball-bearing lower guard which provides a steady, consistent operational capacity. This feature helps to maintain a smooth and precise cutting motion, irrespective of environmental conditions. Even in extreme weather situations, such as cold or rainy conditions, this saw maintains its performance, providing clean, smooth cuts.

One of the distinctive features of the DeWalt DWE575SB is the patented ToughCord system. This feature is engineered to provide superior resistance to cord pullouts, which are often caused by accidental tugs or trips over the cord. The ToughCord system offers three times the pullout resistance of conventional saw models, which enhances the tool’s overall longevity. It minimizes the possibility of power disruptions or tool damage, particularly during intensive cutting operations. This means that you can trust this tool to maintain consistent performance and not fail you in the middle of a crucial project.

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

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Specifications

• Power Source: Corded-Electric
• Power: 15 Amps
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 Inches
• No Load Speed: 5800 RPM
• Max Cutting Depth at 90°: 2.5 Inches
• Weight: 10.6 lbs

The Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw is an optimal blend of power, performance, and lightweight design, making it an ideal tool for professional carpenters, builders, and even DIY enthusiasts.

The saw’s construction primarily comprises magnesium, a material known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Magnesium is significantly lighter than many other metals commonly used in power tool construction, such as steel or aluminum. Despite its lightness, it offers comparable durability, which is crucial for a tool that is expected to withstand the rigors of demanding job sites and long working hours. This material choice makes the Makita 5007Mg substantially easier to handle and maneuver, particularly for extended periods, reducing user fatigue and enhancing productivity.

One of the distinguishing features of the Makita 5007Mg is the integration of dual LED lights. This innovative design addition improves visibility, ensuring you can see your line of cut clearly, even in low-light conditions. Enhanced visibility directly translates into better accuracy when cutting, a crucial factor in delivering quality workmanship. Whether you’re working early in the morning, late in the evening, or in poorly lit environments, the LED lights help maintain high precision.

Additionally, the Makita 5007Mg comes equipped with a built-in dust blower. This feature ensures that the line of cut remains clean and free from sawdust or debris that may obstruct the view and potentially compromise the quality of the cut. By continuously blowing air across your cutting path, it enhances visibility, ensures precision, and contributes to a safer working environment.

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

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Specifications

• Power Source: Corded-Electric
• Power: 15 Amps
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 Inches
• No Load Speed: 5300 RPM
• Max Cutting Depth at 90°: 2-3/8 Inches
• Weight: 8.7 lbs

The Skil 5280-01 is a circular saw tailored to suit the needs of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) enthusiasts. Its key features and ease of use make it a reliable choice for home projects, even for those who might not have extensive experience with power tools.

Powering the Skil 5280-01 is a robust 15-amp motor. This motor provides enough power to easily handle a wide range of home projects, from small touch-ups to more significant renovations. Whether you’re cutting through thin laminate or thicker hardwood, this saw can cater to your needs, making it a versatile tool in a DIY arsenal.

Safety is paramount in any power tool, and the Skil 5280-01 places a strong emphasis on it. One unique safety feature is the guarded trigger which adds an extra layer of protection against accidental starts. This minimizes the risk of the saw starting unintentionally, enhancing user safety. Additionally, the saw comes with a safety lock. This feature provides an added layer of security, ensuring that the saw can’t be powered on accidentally, further contributing to its overall safety profile.

An outstanding feature of the Skil 5280-01 is the single-beam laser guide. This guide projects a straight line onto the material you’re cutting, indicating precisely where the blade will cut before it makes contact with the material. This feature enhances accuracy and ensures straight, clean cuts, which are crucial for quality results in DIY projects. It also reduces the chances of wastage caused by inaccurate cuts.

Adding to the tool’s functionality is an integrated dust blower. This handy feature helps to keep your work area clean by blowing away sawdust and debris as you cut. It keeps the line of cut clear, allowing for better visibility, which further enhances the accuracy and safety of your cuts.

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

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Specifications

• Power Source: Corded-Electric
• Power: 15 Amps
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 Inches
• No Load Speed: 6200 RPM
• Max Cutting Depth at 90°: 2-7/16 Inches
• Weight: 10 lbs

The Bosch CS5 Circular Saw is a prime example of how power, speed, and ergonomics can be seamlessly integrated into a power tool to make cutting tasks easier, quicker, and more efficient.

Under the hood of the Bosch CS5 is a powerful 15-amp motor. This high-performance motor provides a fast cutting speed that not only reduces the time spent on cutting tasks but also delivers clean, precise cuts. The robustness of this motor contributes to the tool’s overall durability, promising a long lifespan even under rigorous usage. Whether you’re a professional contractor with demanding jobs or a DIY enthusiast with various home projects, the Bosch CS5 is built to last.

The Bosch CS5 stands out with its left-blade design. Unlike traditional right-blade circular saws, this unique design offers improved visibility of the cut line. With an unobstructed view of the blade, as it moves through the material, users can achieve more accurate cuts and minimize errors. This design feature is particularly beneficial when precision is essential, such as when working on intricate designs or when making fine finishes.

One of the exceptional features of the Bosch CS5 is the inclusion of an anti-snag lower guard. This innovative design feature enables users to make continuous cuts without having to manually advance the guard, even while making bevel cuts. Bevel cuts, which are angled cuts typically used for joints, can often be challenging due to the changing orientation of the blade. However, the anti-snag guard prevents the blade from catching on the material’s edge, thus ensuring smooth operation. This feature simplifies the cutting process, making the tool more user-friendly for both professionals and hobbyists alike.

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

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Specifications

• Power Source: Battery (M18 REDLITHIUM)
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 Inches
• No Load Speed: 5000 RPM
• Max Cutting Depth at 90°: 2-1/2 Inches
• Weight: 7.5 lbs (without battery)

The Milwaukee 2731-20 offers an impressive combination of power, portability, and longevity in a cordless format, making it one of the leading options on the market for those seeking cord-free convenience.

One of the defining features of the Milwaukee 2731-20 is that it operates on an M18 REDLITHIUM battery. The M18 REDLITHIUM batteries are known for their exceptional performance and efficiency, offering longer runtime compared to conventional cordless circular saw batteries. This enables users to make more cuts per charge, reducing the frequency of battery replacements and ensuring continuous operation for longer periods. This feature makes the tool ideal for large projects or worksites without ready access to power outlets.

In addition, the Milwaukee 2731-20 incorporates the unique REDLINK PLUS intelligence system. This advanced system is designed to ensure optimal performance of the tool by communicating between the tool, battery, and charger to improve overall system performance and lifespan. Furthermore, it offers overload protection, preventing damage to the tool and battery caused by overloading or overheating. This safeguarding feature ensures the durability of the saw and enhances its operational longevity, giving users confidence in the reliability of their tool.

Another useful feature of the Milwaukee 2731-20 is the built-in LED light. This light illuminates the work area, enhancing visibility and precision when cutting, particularly in low-light conditions or in confined spaces. The increased visibility allows for accurate cuts, contributing to the quality of workmanship and the overall success of the project.

Comparison Table

All in All Summarization

After a detailed review of the five circular saws, we can see that each saw is designed to cater to different needs and requirements, ranging from heavy-duty professional use to DIY home projects.

The DeWalt DWE575SB stands out with its safety and durability features like the electric brake and ToughCord system. Its powerful motor makes it well-suited for demanding jobs, while its smooth operation makes it ideal for working in harsh conditions.

The Makita 5007Mg is a mix of power and design, with its lightweight magnesium construction making it perfect for professionals who require extended usage. The dual LED lights and built-in dust blower add to the accuracy and precision of the cuts.

The Skil 5280-01 is perfect for DIY enthusiasts with its user-friendly features like the safety lock and guarded trigger. Its single-beam laser guide and integrated dust blower ensure precision and clear visibility during cutting, enhancing the accuracy of home projects.

The Bosch CS5 differentiates itself with the left-blade design and anti-snag lower guard, making it ideal for both professionals and hobbyists. Its powerful motor and fast cutting speed make it a solid all-around choice for a variety of tasks.

Finally, the Milwaukee 2731-20 is an excellent cordless option, offering portability and flexibility, particularly for job sites without ready access to power outlets. Its advanced features, such as the REDLINK PLUS intelligence system and LED light, ensure optimal performance and accuracy in different working conditions.

In conclusion, each of these circular saws has unique features and specifications that make them suitable for different types of users and applications. It is essential for prospective buyers to consider their specific needs, such as power requirements, usage duration, mobility, and budget, to choose the most suitable circular saw.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about circular saws:

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!

David Murray

Forestry Author

I'm David Murry, a forestry equipment specialist with a focus on chainsaw operation. With over 13 years of experience, I've honed my skills in operating and maintaining a wide range of machinery, from chainsaws to log splitters. My passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainable forestry drive my work, which emphasizes safety, efficiency, and staying updated with industry advancements. Additionally, I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and promoting environmental awareness within the forestry community.