Ever tried to cut a straight line with a wonky saw? It’s frustrating, right? That’s why knowing about basic circular saws is so important. These tools are super handy for all sorts of projects, from building a simple shelf to tackling bigger home improvements.
Choosing the right circular saw can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and features! You might wonder which one is best for your needs. Do you need a powerful one, or will a basic model do the trick? Picking the wrong saw can lead to bad cuts, wasted wood, and a lot of headaches.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion! You’ll learn about the different types of basic circular saws, what features to look for, and how to use them safely. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick the perfect saw for your projects. Let’s dive in and become circular saw experts!
Our Top 5 Basic Circular Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Basic Circular Saw Detailed Reviews
1. Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
The Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Red is a powerful tool. It is great for cutting wood. This saw has a strong motor. It also has helpful features to make your work easier. This circular saw is designed for both professionals and DIYers. It is easy to use and gives great results.
What We Like:
- The 13-Amp motor gives the saw a lot of power. It is more powerful than the SKIL 5380.
- The saw is 15% lighter than the SKIL 5380. This helps reduce tiredness when you use it.
- It can bevel up to 51 degrees. The positive stops help with accurate cuts.
- The spindle lock makes changing blades simple.
- The dust blower keeps the cut line clear. You can see what you are doing.
What Could Be Improved:
- (This section can be left blank, or you can add potential cons.)
The Skil 5080-01 is a solid choice for any woodworker. It is a powerful and user-friendly saw. You will be pleased with its performance.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw
Rating: 9.0/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw (DCS391B) is a powerful tool. It’s a cordless circular saw that is ready for any job. This bare tool is a great addition to your tool collection. It features a fast motor and a durable design. This saw is built to make your cutting easier. The saw does not include a battery or charger.
What We Like:
- The 5150 RPM motor gives you power. It helps you cut through tough materials with ease.
- A magnesium shoe makes the saw strong. It also makes it light.
- The rubber grip gives you good control. It helps you balance the saw.
- You can make angled cuts with the 0-50 degree bevel.
- The 6-1/2 inch blade cuts through a lot of material. It does this at different angles.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it is a bare tool, you will need to have a battery and charger.
- Some users may prefer a larger blade size.
The DEWALT DCS391B is a great circular saw. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and professionals. It’s a reliable tool that can handle many different projects.
3. SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide – 5280-01
Rating: 9.3/10
The SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw (5280-01) is a powerful tool. It is great for cutting wood. This circular saw has a strong motor and a sharp blade. The saw also has a laser guide to help you cut straight. It is designed for both DIYers and professionals.
What We Like:
- The 15-amp motor gives the saw a lot of power. This allows for fast and clean cuts.
- The included 7-1/4 inch carbide-tipped blade cuts through wood easily.
- The spindle lock makes changing blades very simple.
- You can make angled cuts up to 51 degrees. There is a stop at 45 degrees.
- A dust blower keeps the cut line clear. This helps you see what you are doing.
- The safety lock and trigger prevent accidental starts.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the laser guide isn’t always perfectly accurate.
This SKIL circular saw is a solid choice for many cutting tasks. It is a reliable tool for your workshop or job site. You can depend on it for your projects.
4. LITELEPH Circular Saw
Rating: 9.3/10
The LITELEPH Circular Saw is a small but mighty tool! It’s designed for cutting wood, soft metal, tile, and plastic. This compact hand saw has a built-in laser guide for straight cuts. It also has a powerful motor and comes with two blades. This saw is great for small projects around the house.
What We Like:
- The 4Amp motor gives you a fast 3500RPM speed.
- It comes with two blades for different materials.
- The laser guide helps you cut straight.
- You can adjust the cutting depth.
- It has a safety switch to keep you safe.
- The handle is soft and comfortable to hold.
- It comes with everything you need, including a rip guide.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the 4-1/2” blade size limiting for larger projects.
The LITELEPH Circular Saw is a handy tool for DIY projects. It’s easy to use and has some great features for accurate cuts. This saw is a good pick if you need a compact and versatile saw.
5. CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Circular Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
The CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Circular Saw (CMCS551B) is a powerful tool. This 7-1/4 inch saw is a “bare tool,” which means it doesn’t come with a battery or charger. It is designed to help you cut wood. It features a brushless motor for strong performance. This saw also has an LED light to help you see where you are cutting. It can bevel up to 56 degrees.
What We Like:
- The brushless motor provides a lot of power. It gives up to 75% more power.
- An LED light helps you see your cut line. This is helpful in dark areas.
- The saw can bevel up to 56 degrees. It has stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
- The upper metal guard is strong. It helps protect the saw.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “bare tool”. You must buy a battery and charger separately.
This CRAFTSMAN circular saw is a good choice for people who need a cordless saw. It is powerful and has helpful features.
Your Guide to the Basic Circular Saw: A Simple Start
This guide will help you pick a great basic circular saw. It’s perfect for beginners and DIY projects. Let’s get started!
Key Features to Look For
When buying a circular saw, look for these important things:
- Blade Size: Most basic saws have a 7 ¼-inch blade. This size works well for many tasks. Some saws have smaller or larger blades.
- Motor Power: The motor’s power is measured in amps. More amps usually mean more power. Look for a saw with at least 12 amps. This is good for cutting through wood.
- Cutting Depth: Check how deep the saw can cut. You need to cut through the material. Make sure it’s deep enough for your projects.
- Bevel Adjustment: This lets you tilt the blade. You can make angled cuts, like for picture frames.
- Safety Features: Look for a blade guard. It covers the blade when you’re not cutting. A trigger lock helps prevent accidental starts.
- Dust Collection: Some saws have a port for attaching a dust bag or vacuum. This keeps your work area cleaner.
Important Materials
Circular saws are made from different materials. The quality of these materials matters:
- Housing: The housing is the main body of the saw. It’s often made of plastic or metal. Metal housings are usually more durable.
- Base Plate: The base plate sits against the material you are cutting. It’s often made of stamped steel or aluminum. Aluminum is lighter. Steel is stronger.
- Blade: The blade is the most important part. It’s made of steel. The teeth are designed for different materials.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality makes a big difference. Here’s what affects it:
- Motor Quality: A strong motor cuts better and lasts longer. Check the brand reputation.
- Construction: A well-built saw feels sturdy. Look for tight joints and a solid base plate.
- Blade Quality: A good blade makes cleaner cuts. Choose a blade made for the material you are cutting.
- Ergonomics: Does the saw feel comfortable in your hand? Look for a good grip. This reduces fatigue.
- Warranty: A longer warranty suggests the manufacturer trusts their product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a circular saw is simple once you understand how it works.
- Use Cases:
- Cutting plywood for shelves.
- Trimming boards to the right length.
- Making angled cuts for projects.
- Cutting through wood for a deck.
- User Experience:
- Easy to use: Most saws are user-friendly.
- Safety first: Always wear safety glasses and ear protection.
- Follow directions: Read the saw’s manual.
- Practice: Practice on scrap wood before starting your project.
- Make straight cuts: Use a guide or a straight edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about basic circular saws:
Q: What size blade should I get?
A: Most beginners use a 7 ¼-inch blade. It’s a good size for many projects.
Q: How do I change the blade?
A: Unplug the saw. Follow the instructions in the manual. It’s usually pretty easy.
Q: Is a corded or cordless saw better?
A: Corded saws have more power. Cordless saws offer more freedom. Choose what fits your needs.
Q: What safety gear should I wear?
A: Always wear safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask.
Q: Can I cut metal with a circular saw?
A: Yes, but you need a special blade designed for metal. Be careful!
Q: How do I make a straight cut?
A: Use a straight edge or a guide. This helps keep the saw on track.
Q: What is the bevel adjustment for?
A: It lets you tilt the blade to make angled cuts.
Q: How do I know how deep to cut?
A: Adjust the blade depth so it cuts slightly deeper than the material.
Q: What does “amps” mean?
A: Amps measure the motor’s power. Higher amps usually mean more power.
Q: How do I clean my circular saw?
A: Unplug the saw. Use a brush to remove dust and debris. Clean the blade regularly.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.