Buying Guides - Circular Saws

What is a circular saw?

A circular saw is a heavy-duty saw, essential for quick, accurate, straight cutting of any type of wood - but especially heavy-duty timber and sheet materials. The saw will glide through timber in seconds and can be fitted with an assortment of blades that rip through everything from nail-embedded wood to concrete blocks and bricks.

The saws come in various sizes, with the cutting capacity directly related to the blade diameter, which is most commonly 184mm. All circular saws have a maximum cutting depth, which is dependent on the angle that is being cut.

For light jobs or occasional use it is worth considering a cordless model. While these saws are not designed for use on large-scale projects, they offer surprising power and convenience.

Requiring little in the way of accessories, you will however benefit from using a rip guide with your saw. This is a metal attachment designed to increase the accuracy and flexibility of your saw. If your model doesn't include one we recommend you buy one.


Features and benefits

Power rating

The motor power of corded circular saws ranges from about 500w to 1500w. The larger, more powerful models offer bigger blades and a greater maximum depth of cut, up to about 65mm. The power of cordless models is measured in volts. The higher the wattage or voltage, the more RPM (revolutions per minute). The faster the speed (RPM), the greater the power and control.

Depth adjuster

The depth of cut can be easily and precisely adjusted simply by altering the height of the saw body relative to the base plate. This is useful for cutting through materials of varying thickness, such as the tongues of floorboards.

Parallel guide

A parallel guide attached to the base plate is useful for making accurate straight cuts at a set distance from an edge. This feature comes as standard across most models.

Adjustable base plate

Look for this feature as it will allow you to tilt the base plate in order to make angled cuts ('bevels'). The ability to cut at 90 degree and 45 degree angles is essential if you wish to cut mitres. If you wish to make a broader range of mitres, look out for a mitre cutting facility of 0-45 degrees.

Handles

A handle at the front and rear provides a secure two-handed grip for more comfortable and controlled cutting. Look out for soft, non-slip handles.

Dust extraction

If you like a tidy workspace, choose a model with a dust bag or the facility to connect to a vacuum cleaner, so you can clear up as you work.

Blades

To get the most from your saw, it is important to pick the right blade for the job. Saw blades come with different teeth settings, designed for cutting along or across the grain. Tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) blades last longer and cut faster than standard steel blades, and are especially suitable for use on hardwoods. Also available are abrasive cutting discs for use on metal and masonry. As a general rule of thumb, the more teeth the blade has the finer the cut.

Laser generator

Many models now incorporate a laser generator that shines a small laser beam onto the work surface designed to give direction when sawing in a straight line.

Safety features

For safety purposes, most models offer a safety switch or lock off button, to prevent the saw starting up accidentally. A blade guard shields the blade in use. A soft start switch starts the blade moving at a slower speed to make the initial cut easier to make. As a precaution, it is wise to use an RCD plug-in safety adapter when using any electric saw.