Lightest corded circular saw for builders and beginners

• Power. Corded power saws are powered by electricity and are usually more powerful than cordless models. For most DIY uses, however, many battery-operated cordless saws provide sufficient power.
• Base plate. Base plates are usually made of magnesium or steel. Magnesium plates are lighter than steel, but also stronger and more durable, and are less likely to be damaged when the tool is dropped.
• Motor size and design. Bigger motors generally provide more cutting power, although they may be more difficult to handle. You should be able to find a cordless mini circular saw that provides a good balance between power and easy handling. For prolonged cutting jobs you might want to opt for a plug-in model. And for ripping timber you should get a bigger-sized saw.
• Blade size. Bigger blades allow you to cut thicker workpieces. But don’t just fit a larger blade onto your existing saw. Circular saws are designed to accommodate only a specific range of blade sizes to ensure safety and optimal performance. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing new blades.
• Weight. The most powerful circular saws tend to be quite heavy, so you will have to consider the added weight if you need to do a lot of cutting overhead. Heavier models will be difficult to hold up for longer periods, so you might want to compromise a bit on power and get a lighter unit for long periods of overhead work.

Before you buy a circular saw…

Consider durability

Whether you got for a handheld or a fixed-rail model, a corded or a cordless, your circular saw should be durable enough to handle a wide variety of jobs without breaking down.

When you have to work with hard and dense woods a lot, a more durable model will really come in handy. 

Get the right brand.

Some of the best circular saws on the market are made by Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, Hitachi, and Skilsaw. It’s always better to buy a professional model from a reliable manufacturer instead of a DIY model from a lesser-known brand.

Branded saws may cost more at the outset, but you will get a lot more value for your money, and it should last a lifetime with care

Don’t think too hard about the price.

Don’t settle for the cheapest circular saw you can find, also considering you can get a pro brand for a cheap price anyway if you get a smaller saw.

Saving pennies now will only end in tears when you have to replace or get replacement parts down the line. Get the best model you can afford in your price range, and your circular saw will reward you with years of reliable service. 

Opt for a brushless motor.

Brushless motors are more efficient than standard motors, so go for these models if you have a choice. With standard brush-equipped motors, there is often a lot of friction when the brushes rub against the mechanism. This can prevent cordless motors from reaching maximum efficiency.

Pick the right base-plate material.

Go for a magnesium base plate if possible. Magnesium base plates are a lot stronger than stainless steel and are less likely to get warped or broken.

Also, look for a circular saw with an adjustable plate that allows you to cut at an angle if you plan on making bevel cuts.

How much power should you go for?

Always choose a circular saw in a size that is suitable for your needs. If you regularly have to rip through thick slabs of timber, get a bigger and heavier saw by all means.

But if you don’t plan on ripping timber that often, you will find that many smaller saws are more than adequate for DIY and professional use cross-cut, with a small amount of ripping. 

Smaller saws are lighter, easier to use, and are safer because they have less power it is easier to control “kickback”. Even if it does jamb and kick back on occasion, they are easier to control because of their lighter weight and smaller motor.

They are also less likely to cause strain and hand fatigue, so you could use them for longer periods. 

I recommend getting a 10-11AMP circular saw for most DIY applications. They provide sufficient power for most cutting jobs but are easy to handle for tradies and even for beginners. 

Difference between a worm drive & sidewinder saw

Circular saws come in two designs: sidewinder and worm drive saws. Sidewinder saws are the most commonly used and seen.

Their blades are positioned right next to the motor, which turns the blade directly. Sidewinder saws generally have higher RPM than worm drive saws.

Worm drive saws have the blade set in front of the motor, with the blade operated by a threaded worm drive running along the shaft. This design produces more torque, making them better for cutting hard and dense materials than standard circular saws. 

I like sidewinders better as they are more lightweight, worm drives are good for faster cuts and ripping timber, but I prefer to use a table saw for ripping timber while using the sidewinder as a lighter more portable saw.

What’s the best circular saw for beginners

If you are just starting out with circular saws, it’s a good idea to go with a smaller model that packs enough power to remain useful as your needs grow.

Having a corded circular saw is always a good choice since you don’t have to worry about running down the battery. But for many jobs, a cordless saw is sufficient, safer, and easier to use. As I mentioned previously, a corded small 10-11AMP circular saw provides a good balance between power, performance, and easy handling.

It is also light enough to use for longer periods without strain, and you can regain control much more easily when the saw kicks back if you come across a knot in the wood you are cutting.

Remember to never attempt to cut curves with a circular saw it can end with a kickback. To safely go aboutcutting curves in wood or metal, you want to use the best cordless jigsaw tool.

#1 Best circular saw overall

Makita’s 5007MGA is an 7 ¼” model that weighs a surprisingly light 10.6 pounds. Like most premium Makita products, the 5007MGA combines impressive power and performance with a host of useful features that make it a great choice for DIYers as well as building and construction professionals.

#1 Best circular saw for power and blade depth

The 5008MGA has a powerful 15-amp motor that is rough and ready for even the most demanding industrial applications. Powerful enough to cut through thick slabs of timber, it is nevertheless easy to handle even if you’ve never picked up an electric saw before.

The 5008MGA also has a 3” cutting capacity, making it a great choice for framers and roofers that demand the best circular saw that money can buy.

Its best to have both a lightweight saw or a cordless small circular saw for general portable cutting jobs and a bigger circular saw like the 5008MGA for ripping cuts.

#1 Easiest to use and control circular saw

The Makita HS7600 is a lightweight and remarkably well-balanced model that combines state-of-the-art features and outstanding power and performance.

Designed for professional framers and builders, it is easy enough to use even by beginners and DIYers due to its lightweight design and excellent balance. It is compact enough to take with you to remote job sites and is built to handle the rigors of outdoor use. 

The HS7600 is driven by a powerful 10.5 amp motor and has a sturdy aluminum base. It can cut up to 2 ½” at a 90° angle, and a bevel range of 0° to 45°. If you are looking for an all-around circular saw that could handle pretty much any framing, building, or carpentry job,

the HS7600 is a serious contender even though it’s small and lightweight to use.

What is the best worm-drive saw

Makita makes some of the best worm drive saws on the market. Their models are lighter and cheaper than other brands, alongside that is an excellent performance with the“Makita”.

Their higher torque also makes them more efficient for cutting hard pieces of wood, and they are usually a bit more accurate than standard circular saws.

#1 Best value worm drive saw

The Makita 5477NB matches precision magnesium components with a unique hypoid gear system that maximizes the amount of power that the motor puts out. Despite its 15-amp motor that spins the blades at 4,500 RPM, the 5477NB is well-balanced and easy to handle, like the best Makita circular saws. 

The hypoid gear system is arguably the 5477NB’s best feature. This design allows for better surface contact, resulting in the transfer of more power over a wider area. This results in a more powerful saw tool that is also as durable as it gets. The 5477NB’s hypoid gears are sealed in an oil bath as well, so you could expect reliable performance with hardly any maintenance necessary.

Corded vs. Cordless saws

The choice between corded and cordless circular saws often comes down to convenience. On the one hand, corded models allow you to keep working without having to worry about a battery running out of juice. But you also have to consider whether or not being tied to a power outlet is worth this advantage. 

With cordless models, you do have to keep an eye on your battery level and make sure that you always have a spare battery pack or two with you when working in remote locations.

Some chargers can charge up your battery within 15 minutes so you could go on working, but keep in mind that chargers and spare batteries will also add to the cost. 

Power doesn’t usually factor into the equation, as many cordless saws from Makita and DeWalt have the power that performs fast sharp cuts.

Keep your blades sharp and your batteries charged, and your cordless saw should be able to handle most jobs that a corded model can, with the convenience of not having to run a lead. For a builder having both corded and, cordless crosscuts saw is standard.

When you need to have a big circular saw

Although I generally recommend that DIY’ers get a smaller circular saw, sometimes you need to have a bigger tool to handle bigger jobs. If you have to do a lot of ripping timber along the grain, for instance, you really want to have the power of a bigger saw at your disposal.

Cutting against the grain doesn’t really require a lot of grunt, but if you are going to be doing a lot of ripping along the grain, you will appreciate the added power that a good heavy-duty model provides.

For ripping jobs where accuracy is critical you would be better off with a fixed circular saw that attaches to your work surface instead of a handheld model. However, you could use a hand-held skill saw using a straight-edge and clamps to use as a guide.

In some cases, you are much better at doing your ripping timber work with a faster and more accurate tool like a portable table saw.

Tips for using a circular saw

It is a must to have a residual current device (RCD) when operating a circular saw or any other power tool. These devices help protect you from electric shocks if you accidentally cut the power cable or if there is a short in your saw.

You could get an RCD for your fuse box, which provides protection for all connected power sockets. At the very least, you should also have an RCD for the outlet where you will plug in your circular saw. 

Of course, it is always better to practice safe working habits. Try to keep the cable away from the blade as much as possible. Or better yet, go for a cordless model if you don’t need to have a lot of power on tap. 

Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when using your circular saw when cutting man-made materials. Many builders don’t bother wearing protective eyewear when cutting framing, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure to keep your clothing away from the blade as well. 

Before you begin cutting, check to see that your workpiece is supported and fixed securely. Also, make sure that excess wood you cut off will fall away from the saw freely. Have good quality wood clamps on-hand so they are there when you need them.

Finally, don’t try to force the blade back into line if you make a mistake. It’s safer to turn the motor off, allow the blade to stop spinning completely, and start over again where you marked off the cut line.

Most importantly never go backward with your saw, only forwards as doing so can cause the saw to kickback unexpectedly .

Irwin and Bessy both make great wood clamps you should have a pair of quick grip clamps to act as an extra hand or two to securely hold your work while making a power cut.

What does history say

Historical accounts vary as to who exactly invented the circular saw. The earliest known use of the tool dates to the late 18th century when rip saws were used to make lumber out of logs. Before then, logs were made with a hand-operated pit saw or powered saws that cut in an up-and-down motion. 

Here’s a bit of trivia: circular saws were also commonly known as “buzz saws”, due to the sound that the blade made when cutting through wood.

The sound was noticeably different from that produced by the up-and-down saws that were more common in those days. Think about that the next time you fire up your circular saw! But the most common name is a circular saw and Skilsaw and both are used interchangeably sometimes.

Comparing the top electric saws

Conclusion

Makita is the clear winner in this roundup, with three of its models winning the “best of” spots in three different categories. The Makita HS7600 is a solid all-arounder that delivers excellent performance in almost any application. The 10.5 amp motor cranks out sufficient power for most jobs, and it is especially well-suited for framing work. 

The Makita 5008MGA is no slouch either. An 8 ¼” model that weighs in at a modest 11.4 pounds, it has a 15-amp motor that can cut through even hard and heavy timber slabs with ease. If sheer power is what you are looking for in a circular saw, the 5008MGA is your guy. 

Finally, check out the Makita 5477NB for another fine Makita model that delivers superior bang-for-the-buck. With its powerful 15-amp motor and innovative hypoid gear design, the 5477NB is a lot more efficient than any other worm-drive circular saw in its class.

I also recommend getting a smaller Dewalt, or Makita cordless circular saw, they are more portable and easier to use to make quick cuts for your simple jobs. Or could be used as a “one-and-only” for DIY’ers.