Written by Timothy Dale | Published 9:24 AM, March 3, 2021

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Circular saws are an important tool in many workshops, capable of custom cutting a variety of materials, including metal, concrete, wood, and plastic. However, some motors are bulky, which limits flexibility. To solve this problem, compact circular saws are smaller and easier to use with one hand, so there is no need to sacrifice accuracy when cutting in narrow places.

The best compact circular saw for your workshop or garage should have a comfortable, ergonomic handle and a lightweight construction that is easy to operate. This guide will explore some of the most important factors to consider when buying this versatile tool and explore several top products on the market.

Whether you are removing old laminate floors, laying gypsum boards or cutting metal sheets, using a compact circular saw (with the most suitable blade) is essential for clean cutting and reducing the risk of injury.

Before choosing a new compact circular saw, please consider factors such as motor type, saw speed and current intensity, and safety features. In addition, please consider whether the power of a corded model or the increased mobility of a cordless circular saw is more suitable for your project.

Depending on where the motor is placed, there are usually two types of circular saws. Sidewinder circular saws are designed for high saw blade speeds, so they have a motor mounted on the side, where a spur gear provides up to 6,000 rpm for the saw blade. Rattlesnakes are short and wide, and more square, making it difficult to manipulate in narrow spaces. However, they are generally lighter and can reduce hand and arm fatigue during long hours of work.

Worm-driven circular saws have a motor mounted on the back to form a slim profile that makes it easier to navigate in corners and narrow areas. These saws mesh with the blade through two gears in the motor, transferring energy to the blade, driving it to a speed of approximately 4,500 rpm. Due to the larger gears, these circular saws can generate more torque and are therefore very suitable for heavy cutting, such as processing concrete.

Like many power tools, the compact circular saw can be connected to a power outlet via a power cord or powered by a battery for cordless operation.

The corded compact circular saw is limited in range by the length of the power cord, the location of the power socket, and the availability of the extension cord. The corded compact circular saw has several advantages, including stable speed, continuous power (with power socket), and increased torque. However, the suspended power cord may create a trip hazard and cause serious injury.

The cordless compact circular saw is more suitable for outdoor mobility and versatility, because there is no need to worry about finding a socket or tripping over a wire. The obvious disadvantage is their dependence on battery energy. When the battery runs out, the saw will have to recharge, which may cause some frustration in the project.

Both speed and amperage are measured values ​​attributable to the motor:

The size of a compact circular saw usually determines the size of the saw blade that needs to be paired with it, and there is little room for change between the saw blade and the saw blade. It is also important to note that just because the diameter of the blade is 7.25 inches does not mean that the saw can cut to a depth of 7.25 inches. Check the product details and the information provided by the manufacturer to determine the maximum cutting depth of the compact circular saw.

The type of blade is the main factor that determines the type of material that the saw can cut. Compact circular saws use a variety of blades to cut wood, metal, plastic, tiles and even concrete. Normally, the saw blade will be marked with a broad category of material to be cut, but be sure to check the manufacturer's information to make sure it is certain.

Safety should be a key issue when using power tools, especially when the tools have sharp and fast-rotating blades. To reduce the risk of injury, many compact circular saws include a retractable blade guard and a blade brake that can quickly stop the blade when the trigger is released.

The compact circular saw may also include an auxiliary trigger switch, so the blade will not start unless both trigger switches are engaged at the same time. This helps prevent accidental activation of the saw due to finger sliding. Another important safety feature is a built-in vacuum port, which allows a small vacuum hose to be connected to the saw, sucking out dust and debris from the work area, improving visibility and improving air quality.

Although the main features of the best compact circular saws are the blade type and motor power, some additional features can make the tool easier to use:

The following models were selected based on multiple criteria, including affordability and overall quality, and taking into account the shopping considerations listed above. Read on to discover some of the best compact circular saws on the market.

This corded circular saw is ideal for processing a variety of materials, including two 60-tooth 4 1/2-inch wood blades, two 24-tooth 4 3/4-inch wood blades, and two 4 1/2-inch blades for diamond cutting blade. The 8.27-pound saw is equipped with a 5.8-amp motor that can drive the blade to a maximum speed of 3,500 rpm, making it relatively easy to cut wood, metal, ceramic tiles, plastic, slabs, and cement.

This TACKLIFE model provides top-mounted laser guide rails, so users can cut straight lines accurately. The versatility of this saw allows the cutting depth to be set to a maximum of 1.7 inches and the blade angle to be adjusted from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. The ergonomic handle can reduce hand fatigue. To prevent accidents and injuries, the saw cannot be turned on unless both switches are activated at the same time.

This compact Rockwell circular saw is designed for maneuverability; the rear motor helps balance the 5-pound tool from front to back for enhanced control. Depth and bevel adjustments allow the saw to be set to a maximum depth of 1.7 inches or to change the cutting angle to 45 degrees.

The wire saw is equipped with a 5 amp motor that can drive the blade to 3,500 rpm to ensure clean cutting of the target material. The Rockwell saw also includes a 4 1/2-inch wood cutting blade and vacuum adapter to keep the work area clean while improving visibility.

The Makita compact circular saw weighs only 3.5 pounds, but it can drive 3 3/8-inch wood blades through plywood, MDF, pegboard, particleboard, melamine, and drywall at speeds up to 1,500 rpm, with a maximum depth of 1 inch. The cordless saw kit also includes a blade, battery charger, two batteries and a suitcase to protect each item.

Since the tools, the box and the extra battery are very light, it can be used as a backup battery when there is no power outlet, so it is very suitable for commuting to and from the workplace. This compact saw has an ergonomically designed handle and rubber handle to improve comfort and control. The tilting base allows the angle to be adjusted. When the battery power is low, the LED power indicator will display.

The SKILSAW sidewinder saw has a side-mounted 15 amp motor that drives the blade at a powerful speed of 5,300 rpm, allowing it to cut wood materials cleanly. The lightweight magnesium construction makes the wire saw easier to control and operate, and weighs 10.6 pounds. It includes a 24 tooth carbide blade with a diameter of 7 1/4 inches, which is ideal for processing softwood, hardwood and engineered wood.

This compact rattle saw is designed to cut at an angle, with a maximum bevel capacity of 56 degrees, and a preset stop at 0 and 45 degrees. The maximum cutting depth can be adjusted to 2.45 inches, enabling the saw to cut 2×4 quickly.

Worm-driven circular saws are a good choice for tasks that require torque and precision. This SKILSAW model has a powerful 15 amp motor for cutting hardwood and unprocessed wood. The blade speed can reach up to 5,300 rpm, allowing clean cuts without jamming and shifting.

The rear worm drive motor provides a narrow profile designed for easier balance and accurate cutting in narrow places. The maximum cutting depth of the blade is 2 3/8 inches, and it can be tilted to a bevel angle of 51 degrees, allowing extensive customization for a range of projects. This wire saw is slightly heavier, weighing 14.2 pounds.

This wire saw is particularly good at maneuvering in narrow corners, with a simple paddle trigger and a 4.4-pound lightweight body at the bottom. Use the included 4 1/2 inch cemented carbide wood cutting blade for precise cuts with a maximum depth of 1.7 inches.

The WORX saw contains a 4 amp motor that can drive the blade to 3,500 rpm. This high cutting speed allows it to cut cork and leave a clean, smooth finish. Although it is designed for wood, it can also cut plastics, tiles and metals. This saw also has a safety switch, which needs to be pressed with a trigger to start the saw blade, preventing the finger from sliding to open the tool.

This WEN circular saw uses a wired design, which is very suitable for busy workplaces where users may not have time to wait for the battery to recharge. The saw weighs only 5.1 pounds, so it can be held, controlled and operated for a long time with only one hand. A 5 amp motor drives a 4 1/2 inch blade with a speed of up to 3,500 rpm, and a laser guide rail mounted on the top ensures smooth and precise cutting.

This compact saw contains a 24-tooth carbide wood cutting blade. The vacuum tube connects the vacuum to the built-in port. The molded plastic structure of the included suitcase protects the saw and accessories and is neatly arranged for easy storage.

Using a compact circular saw provides greater freedom of movement, making it easier to make precise cuts. Please remember that any power tool can be dangerous if used incorrectly. To learn more about these powerful and versatile tools, check out some of the most frequently asked questions about compact circular saws.

The compact circular saw designed for 7.25 inch blades has a maximum cutting depth of 2.5 inches.

Yes, if the compact circular saw is equipped with a diamond blade, you can use it to cut concrete.

It is not difficult to maintain the compact circular saw correctly. Please follow the guidelines below to maintain your tools:

If properly maintained, compact circular saws can last 10 to 20 years.

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