Are you tired of using a conventional saw for cutting things?
Well, it is understandable as those saws cause hand fatigue and are not very efficient. This is why you need a new circular saw, which is both compact and practical. Considering this, we have brought you our top picks of compact circular saws with a buying guide.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Compact Circular Saws
- OUR TOP PICK: Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT
- RUNNER-UP: DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake (DWE575SB)
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw
Comparison of the Best Compact Circular Saws
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What Are The Best Uses for a Compact Circular Saw?
A compact circular saw is definitely useful for modern users who need quick and reliable working. These saws have a diverse range of uses, which makes them worth the investment. So, let’s have a look at the best uses to see what the hype is all about.
Cleaner Cutting
The best thing about compact circular saws of today is that they offer a very clean cutting experience. They have vacuum tubes that suck all the dirt and shavings, leaving your workplace safe. They also cut more finely, so there are lesser shavings of material in the first place.
DIYing
Another great use is that they help DIY lovers across many dimensions. These saws cut through all kinds of material, whether metallic or wooden sheets. This makes the saw great for crafting experts as well who play around with different materials and creative ideas.
Safer Cutting
Safety in cutting is also an important side of using the compact circular saws. There is a safety switch on all the circular saws, so you can be safe while working with your bare hands.
How to Choose a Compact Circular Saw
Choosing a compact circular saw is quite crucial as both your money and time are invested in it. You need to buy the right circular saw also because it affects your rate of working. So, to make your choice easier, we have enlisted a few features you should look for.
Size
Size is a primary concern when you are choosing a circular saw because it has to be highly compact. As you have to deal with a saw on your own, its size should be practical enough for you to work with.
DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake DWE575SB)
Speed
The world is moving at a very fast pace, and everyone tries to keep up with it. So, people want to have high-speed saws to do more work in lesser time. Thus, you should go for a saw which has a speed of at least 2500 RPM.
Portability
Circular compact saws should be light in weight and small in size. If a saw has high portability, you can easily take it to the place you work at. You will not be limited to your workshop and can take it to the place where your client needs your work.
Blade Positioning
The position of the blade is quite a significant factor to consider, as well. The blade should be on the left side of the saw so that you can see the blade easily. Also, it should be in clear view of the user to avoid any accidents.
Review of the Best Compact Circular Saws
You are already familiar with the uses of a compact circular saw and what to look for in one. So, now you must be wondering which one to buy. Well, we have got you covered in this regard too. Here is a complete review of some of the best ones to help you out.
Best Overall:
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are very happy with their purchase as this saw helped them quicken up their work. The speed of 3,700 RPM impressed them the most as it took very little time to cut things as compared to saws they previously used. They also liked it because it generates lesser noise and creates a relaxing environment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out to us with its versatile blade working. The blade is both sharp and efficient, so it can take heavy workloads. Its 3-year limited warranty on tools is also a nice feature, which makes it seem more reliable. Moreover, we find its machined base, which makes cutting even more precise without any extra tools.
Who Would Use This Most
This is very useful for people who need to cut through thick wooden sheets. It is also great for heavy-duty functioning as it has a powerful motor and strong blade. Its lighter weight of 7.3 pounds makes it great for those who work remotely from the office too.
Bottom Line
All in all, it is a great compact circular saw, which promises both high quality and quick working. It helps you save your time while you are at work, and you can deal with more clients in lesser time. It also has a safety switch to help keep your hands safe.
Runner-up:
DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake DWE575SB)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This compact circular saw has won over recent buyers with its superior functioning. They liked the current requirement of its patented motor the most. 15 Amp current is quite common, and they did not need any adaptors for this. The buyers found its case to be quite helpful too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It catches our eye with its integrated dust blower as it helps in keeping the workplace clean. Its frame is also quite impressive, with the dimensions of 16.25 x 10.12 x 10.5 inches. Furthermore, it has a stylish yellow and black bag, which is made of a reliable fabric. So, traveling with it from one to another is not an issue.
Who Would Use This Most
The people who do not want to have any mess around them while working will find it very useful. The dust blower removes all the shavings and dust itself, and you do not get bothered by them. The case also helps the users in carrying the saw around easily, so it is great for remote workers.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this deserves to be the runner-up compact circular case on our list due to all the features it offers. The motor is quite powerful and keeps working for years. So, you should go for it if you want to have something reliable.
Best for the Money:
HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who bought it lately approve of this product by HYCHIKA. They loved the ergonomic design of the handle. Its soft rubber helped them in using it without any hand fatigue or blisters due to constant use. They found the cord a little thin for all the power that it transfers. But, this works fine, so it is not a deal-breaking issue.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its powerful motor, which needs only 4 Amp to run. The motor delivers unbelievable power and turns the blades super-fast. The speed of 4500 rotations per minute is one of the highest that circular saws in the market offer.
Who Would Use This Most
This is best suited for the needs of people who have to work with a saw for long durations. It has a comfortable handle and a low weight, which makes using it quite easily. Moreover, the people who need to cut accurate angles of things will also like its laser guide.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this one is that it is definitely one of the most cost-effective options on the market. The saw has an amazing speed and a practical design, which helps in using it. The laser guide and parallel guide attachments make cutting even more accurate.
Best Cordless Compact Circular Saw:
Makita SH02R1 12V Max CXT
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found this quite helpful in terms of working with blades. Buyers liked how the blade wrench made it easy to change blades and set the one that worked the best for them. They also liked its 3-year warranty, which means that they can rely on the company for any repairs.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It makes it to our list due to its cordless functioning. In contrast to most cordless circular saws that have heavy batteries, it has lighter weight. The battery protection circuit also makes its use safe as it prevents overcharging and overheating.
Who Would Use This Most
This will be great for people who prefer safety above everything else. The battery protection circuits prevent any electrical mishaps. In addition, the safety switch on the saw minimizes the chances of any physical injuries by a long shot. Its lightweight body makes it likable for light-duty use as well.
Bottom Line
Summing up, this Makita circular saw impresses both the users and us with its safe design and durable body. Its working is also great as it is so easy to maneuver the saw due to its weight being only 3.5 pounds. So, this can be a nice choice for the people who want a small saw for light use.
Best 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw:
POPOMAN MTW510B
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This POPMAN compact circular saw got multiple kinds of reviews. Most of them were positive, while some had minor complaints. But the buyers liked its quieter functioning on the whole. They also liked the range of bevel cutting angles, which suits all the major situations where these saws are needed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product distinguishes itself to us with its 9.5 inches long metal plate. It helps in reducing the vibrations to a negligible level, making its balance better. The dust removal tube is also an incredible feature that helps in clearing all the mess simultaneously.
Who Would Use This Most
This item is made for heavy-duty use because it has such a strong blade. The speed of 4500 RPM increases its usability for heavy-duty use even further. This saw is well-suited to those too who have kids nearby. It has a metal blade guard that makes sure that kids do not have access to it.
Bottom Line
The final verdict is that it is a wise choice for those who need to cut through soft metals and other trick materials. However, those who need a saw for DIY projects or soft use should not spend all the extra money on it.
Best Worx Compact Circular Saw:
WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2" – WX429L
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This compact circular saw left its mark on the people who bought it. Buyers liked its blade the most as it is so sharp and thin. While being thin, it does not lose its strength, which made these people like it even more.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It grabs our attention with its 3-year warranty, which makes it more trustworthy. The positioning of the blade on the left side is also quite impressive as it has greater visibility this way. We like its bevel angle settings between 0 and 45 degrees as well since they help in adjusting the blade.
Who Would Use This Most
If you are looking for something sleek and highly compact, then this is the right circular saw for you. It is 50% more compact as compared to other circular saws available in the market. It is also useful for people who need to work with different materials as they can change its bevel angle.
Bottom Line
Considering it all, this is a winner when it comes to clear in-line visibility. It makes the use of the blade easier and safer as well. It also helps in setting the blade at the right angle for cutting as the blade has a better display.
Best Rockwell Compact Circular Saw:
Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers gave mixed responses regarding this compact circular saw by Rockwell. They found its construction quite amazing as it is so sleek. They liked it for weighing only 5 pounds, which helped them in carrying it. The fine finishing of the blade and the overall saw also gained the approval of its users. They, however, found it hard to assemble as it has 5 parts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its 5 Amp motor the most. This motor has a small size and needs lesser current, but delivers high power. The speed of 3500 rotations per minute also makes it gain our attention. We are fond of the handle on this saw as well because it has an ergonomic design.
Who Would Use This Most
This is most useful for people who prefer to have an eye on what they are doing. They can easily monitor the direction of the blade as it is on the left side of the saw. Its in-line grip is also soft and easy to hold on to, making it even more comfortable to use.
Bottom Line
In our opinion, this option by Rockwell is well worth the investment. It has a nice motor which does not get unbearable with its noise. The placement of the blade and handle is appreciable as well.
Best Dewalt Compact Circular Saw:
DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Brake
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers liked this DEWALT circular saw for the most part. They came up with positive feedback about its nominal voltage of 18 volts. It makes the saw high energy-efficient as it gets up to 20 volts only with a load attached to it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It gets to be on our list of best compact circular saws because of the unbelievable speed of 5200 RPM. This is something that gets your work done in half the time that other circulars take. The dimensions of 11 x 8 x 10 inches make it even more worth liking.
Who Would Use This Most
This is most useful for people who need to work with heavy materials. It also helps those who need speed and accuracy. The blade placement and the safety switch make sure that the users keep working with it without any accidents.
Bottom Line
Overall, it is one of the best options for people who need a speedy and less noisy motor. The quickness of its blade and the practical design make it one of our favorites. So, we know that you will love using it, too, if it stays within your budget.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
Before you set out to buy a new circular saw, you have to be very careful about some aspects. They are important because they make a huge difference when it comes to working. So, read ahead to find out the points which need a major focus.
Battery Type
Well, most of the circular saws operate on corded electricity, but some work on batteries. There are many batteries that offer differing power and have different lives. So, choose a model that has a highly energy-efficient battery to avoid charging it frequently.
Blade Thinness
The thinness of the blade directly affects its sharpness. The thinner the blade, the sharper it is. And a sharp blade guarantees a cleaner cutting experience. There will be lesser dust and lesser loss of the materials which you are cutting. So, be mindful of the thinness of the blade before choosing a circular saw.
Voltage Used
As the circular saws are operated on electricity, they need a particular voltage. The circular saw you choose should be compatible with the voltage supply in your area to avoid investing in adaptors.
Warranty
The warranty for a circular saw matters a lot as well. It ensures the buyers that the product is trustworthy. And if anything happens, the company will help in repairing or replacing the product. So, you must invest in a saw which has a reliable manufacturer’s policy.
Conclusion
Keeping all of this in mind, we can conclude that circular saws are not only faster than other saws but also safer. They are handier and have high portability. So, it is better to go for them than conventional saws. So, go through the options given here and see which one suits your needs best.