Buying Guide to Circular Saws

Is a circular saw right for your project? There are many benefits to owning a circular saw. The versatility, ease of storage, and ability to go from one project to the next makes this saw a must for all builders, craftsmen, or do-it-yourselfers.

Circular saws are power tools that use a circular tooth blade that rotates at a high RPM, or revolutions per minute, to make an accurate and clean cut. Depending on the blade that is used it can cut through wood, metal, plastic, and masonry.

The standard circular saw blade diameter is 7 ¼”, but can range from 5” to 12” depending on your needs. A smaller blade is easier to control, but will struggle with thicker and tougher materials. Circular saws can be used to rip or crosscut wood by varying thickness, and the angle of the blade can be adjusted to make bevel cuts as well.

There are two different power sources to be considered when deciding on a saw. Corded  electric saw or a battery powered cordless saw.

Corded Saw

A corded saw offers the most power depending on the amperage rating of the saw. The higher the amperage the more power of the tool. Keep in mind the more power of the corded saw comes at the expense of convenience and flexibility.

Cordless

A cordless saw offers the flexibility of using the saw in areas where there is limited access to electricity. It also gives you the convenience of not dealing with extension cords or generators. Cordless saws have recently advanced to the point that they nearly match the corded counterparts in terms of power output.

Another aspect to consider in choosing a saw is how the blade is connected to the motor. 

Direct Drive Saw

On a direct drive saw the blade is located next to the motor, allowing the blade to to be connected with very few additional gears.  This creates a saw with lower torque, but much higher RPMs.  These types of saws are more compact making them easier to use, but they may have more difficulty cutting through thick or harder materials.

Worm Drive Saw

On a worm drive saw the motor is located behind the blade, connecting through a series of gears mounted at 90 degree angles.  This lowers the RPM of the blade, but gives the tool a higher torque rating.  Most worm drive saws are bulkier and heavier than their direct drive counterparts, which can make them more difficult to use.

Choosing the right saw for you comes down to your budget, the individual project needs, and ultimately, your personal preference.  When it comes to selecting any new tool for a project, let the experts at Stillwater Building Center help.