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Plus, we asked two experts for advice on how to choose a circular saw for your needs.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
“Also, I think it might last me the rest of my life!
In addition to Boylen, we spoke toRoman Smolevskiy, the owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento.
You may experience wobbling with the included blade.
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Our top recommendation is the Dewalt DWE575SB circular saw.
It features a 7 14 inch blade that easily cuts through two-inch wood or siding.
To ensure your view isnt obscured, theres a blower to clear away the dust while you work.
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If the blade youre using isnt right for your task, you’re able to easily swap blades.
Keep in mind that its corded, so you might find mobility is limited.
It has a small motor and may not be able to handle large projects.
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It cuts wood up to 2 12 inches thick once its set at a 90-degree angle.
Otherwise, if youre making a 45-degree cut, it goes as deep as 1 34 inches.
The saw comes with adjustable guides that actually stop you from cutting deeper than necessary.
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For smaller DIY projects it might be more than you need.
This is also beneficial because you dont have to buy an additional table or work surface.
Smolevskiy really likes this option because it ensures consistent, straight cuts every time and has efficient dust extraction.
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you’ve got the option to cut planks up to 4 feet long with the saws guide rail.
For longer pieces of wood, you’re free to buy a bigger track.
This Festool saw also comes with a riving knife which allows it to make more accurate cuts.
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Because of how easy it is to use, its worth buying for all types of jobs.
It is extremely heavy and could be hard to control if youre less experienced.
A hypoid circular saw gets its name from its gear structure,” Boylen says.
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“The motor is on the right and the blade on the left.
Its designed with the pro framer, builder, and general contractor in mind.
It also features oil seal technology that dampens the motor, plus makes it more long-lasting.
Youll notice that the blade wrench is attached to the saw, so its easy to change the blade.
It might be more suited for contracting jobs rather than small home projects.
The 7 14-inch saw has a 15-amp motor and a speed of 5300 RPM.
Its a red beam that projects onto the surface and helps you cut in a straight line.
Plus, a safety lock on the body ensures that theres no way you could start it by accident.
It has a short electric cord.
The is the best saw for small DIY projects or cutting small strips of wood.
Use it tocut lumber, tile, metal, and plastic up to 2 inches thick.
If you need a stronger blade, Worx sells other options you’re free to use.
Feel free to make the same cuts that you do with other saws.
Its also fairly easy to store, since its so compact.
Its not a good fit for cutting thicker pieces of lumber.
In addition, its blade is only 6 12 inches long which makes it compact, too.
Plus, the handle is designed to be used two-handed for help with balance.
For a cheaper price, theWen 36725 12A Circular Sawis a great choice for many projects.
The distinguishing feature is that the motor is located next to the blade.
If youre looking for asaw with more oomph, consider a worm-drive saw.
The motor is behind the blade, providing more torque.
I often prefer this for heavier tasks, Smolevskiy explains.
Hypoid circular saws are another punch in that appears on our list of top picks.
Power Source
Circular saws can be corded or battery-powered, and both have their benefits and drawbacks.
For jobs where mobility is key, I sometimes prefer cordless.
Sometimes heavier saws are more challenging to balance and keep straight for beginners.
Using a circular saw efficiently means ensuring safety first.
Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection, Smolevskiy says.
Always allow the blade to stop moving entirely before setting the saw down.
The depth a circular saw can cut through depends largely on the blade diameter and the motors horsepower.
Most standard 7 14-inch circular saws can cut through material about 2 12 inches thick.
Also, a carbide-tipped blade can be used to help cut thicker wood.
What is the most common size of circular saw used by carpenters?
Blade size key to determining if a saw will be able to cut a piece of wood.
But, not all saws can handle multiple-sized blades.
How long do circular saws last?
With proper care and maintenance, a good-quality circular saw can last upwards of 10 years, Smolevskiy says.
I’ve had some of my trusty saws for years, and they’re still running strong.
How much do circular saws cost?
According to Smolevskiy, the price can vary based on features and brand.
you’re free to get a reliable entry-level saw for around $50-$100, he says.
Professional-grade models can go for $150 to $300, sometimes even more.
The best circular saws featured here range from about $40 to about $700.
