8 Best Circular Saw for Woodworking- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Image of Rockwell RK3441K, the Best Circular Saw for Woodworking

Circular saws are powerful and versatile cutting tools, owning one as a woodworker comes with many benefits other than portability and convenience. You will find them existing in different designs, styles, types, but they are built for home as well as commercial usage. You need the very best circular saw for woodworking that you can find in the market to get the best out of your projects.

For starters, and even some experienced woodworkers, it is always a tall order to get the best circular saw that would meet your needs. To help with this, I reviewed the top products that you should buy thanks to my intensive research, consultation with professionals in woodworking, and personal experience using different types of circular saws.

Here’s the list:

1. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide

Skil 5280 is my overall best circular saw for woodworking due to its many amazing features. If you have this beast, expect a woodworking tool that delivers greater power in relation to its size. This power tool is about 15% lighter, standing at just 8.7 pounds, making it movable from one point to another. It is arguable the best cheap circular saw that you would find on the market today.

With this tool, you get a 15-Amp motor, which gives so much power as well as high levels of accuracy. The motor can generate up to 2.5 HP of power with the top single-speed of 5,300 RPM, the highest of the products in this list. This high speed translates to faster cuts.

The motor of this Skil 5280 drives a 7-1/4 inches carbide-tipped blade that has proven reliable, especially the durability and sharp cutting edges. It has a 24-tooth blade that works excellently on woods as well as sheets. Besides, this tool gives you a cut capacity of 1-15/16 inches(45 degrees) and 2-7/16 inches (90 degrees).

What’s more about this tool is its 51 degrees bevel capacity, and a positive stop at 45 degrees makes this tool provide greater cutting capacity if you compare it to the Skil 5680. 

Finally, it has a lower guard design that gives snag-free cuts.

The Summary of Top Features

  • It comes with a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers 5,300-RPM for faster cuts.
  • This power tool has a 7-1/4-in carbide-tipped blade and a spindle lock for easy changing of blade.
  • The tool gives you a 51-degree bevel capacity for a wide variety of cuts.
  • It is lightweight for portability.
  • The machine comes with a dust blower that keeps line-of-cut free of sawdust for improved visibility.
  • Presence of anti-snag lower guard help in reducing snags when making narrow cut-offs

Advantages

  • It’s a lightweight 
  • The tool comes with a laser guide for more accurate cuts.
  • It comes with a greater bevel capacity of 51 degrees.
  • The tool comes with a torque clutch to minimize kickback.
  • It comes with a durable carrying bag for easy transportation.

Disadvantages

  • The steel plates on the base are not flexible.
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2. DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake, 15-Amp (DWE575SB)

At 8.8 pounds, DeWalt DWE575SB is among the lightest circular saw, together with its qualities, it is rightfully the best circular saw for woodworking. It doesn’t require so much effort to handle, and you can attribute this to its lightweight construction.

This power tool, the DeWalt DWE575SB, is straight up the best worm drive circular saw you would find out there. It comes with a 15-amp motor capable of generating up to 1,950 Watts. When unloaded, the motor has a speed of 5,200 RPM, which explains its high cutting power. With this high speed, you get to make faster cuts with so much control over the saw.

This tool’s blade size is the same as the one on Skil 5280, which measures 7-1/4 inches in diameter. It comes with a depth of cut of 2.55 inches (90 degrees) and 1.9 inches (45 degrees), which places it almost at the same level as those of Skil 5280. One area where this DeWalt DWE575SB trounces the Skil 5280 is its greater bevel capacity of 57 degrees, making stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees. These dimensions give you flexibility for a wider range of applications.

Safety-wise, this circular saw comes with an electric brake as well as a dust blower that ensures clear visibility of the cut lines. Additionally, you get a patented cord protection system that resists cord pullout.

The Summary of Top Features

  • The tool is lightweight and compact standing at 8.8-Pound
  • It comes with an electric brake
  • Hasa patented 15-Amp motor
  • The tool comes with a 57-degree beveling capacity with positive stops at 45-Degree and 22.5-Degree
  • It comes with an integrated dust blower

Advantages

  • It is light yet can handle the toughest woodworking tasks
  • The tool comes with a snag-free ball bearing lower guard that offers smooth guard protection
  • Its sturdy cord gives up to 3 times durability 
  • At 2-9/16 inches, this tool offers a great cutting capacity
  • It comes with an extensive bevel capacity of 57 degrees to match most applications
  • The machine has onboard storage as well as a carrying case for easy transportation

Disadvantages

  • Some users find it vibrating a lot.
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3. Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw

Rockwell RK3441K is the best circular saw for woodworking, especially if you are looking for a very light yet compact saw for your projects. It’s the lightest tool on our list, and its best description would be super light and ultra-compact. The machine weighs only 5 pounds. It gives you all the freedom that you need to, especially on portability.

You get a motor power of 5-amp and a thin 4-1/2 inches carbide blade like the one you will find on the next product, the Worx WX429L, it gives you reduced tool strain. It has a tremendous no-load speed of 3,500 RPM, which almost matches those provided by the 7-1/4 inches circular saws.

The Rockwell RK3441K circular saw for woodworking offers you a cut capacity of 1-11/16 inches at 90 degrees plus 1-1/8 inches at 45 degrees. It can cut 2×4 wood and sheet material at a similar efficiency as that of a 7-1/4 inches circular saws.

The Summary of Top Features

  • It comes with a compact, powerful 5-amp electric motor that matches the performance of the full-size circular saw.
  • It is lighter, weighing 5 lbs.
  • The tool has a left-handed blade design that offers excellent cut-line visibility.
  • It has a slim grip design for comfort, balance, and control.

Advantages

  • It is light and easy on hands.
  • The tool comes with a compact design that fits tight well in workspaces.
  • It comes with a slim handgrip for comfort and control
  • The device has a laser guide for accurate cutting
  • It gives you a quick and precise depth adjustment

Disadvantages

  • It does not make bevel cuts.

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4. WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw – WX429L

If you are working on a budget, then Worx WX429L is the best circular saw for woodworking that you should consider. This tool is compact and powerful. It is arguably the cheapest tool with so much output that will meet your woodworking tasks; it is lightweight, standing at about 4.25 pounds. You’d say it is about 50% lighter than the standard 7-1/4 inches circular saws. The tool is easy on hands, making it simple to work with, especially in tight spaces.

The Worx WX429L uses of 4-1/2 inches, 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade though its carbide blade is thinner than those found on most circular saws. The thin blade plays an important role, especially in minimizing tool strain, which, in return, improves the tool’s cutting speed. When unloaded, the blade spins 3,500 RPM, which is a breakneck cutting speed.

This circular saw has a blade with a bevel capacity of 45 degrees and is easy to adjust. Above all, this circular saw comes with an ergonomic grip that enhances comfort, balance, and control.

The Summary of Top Features

  • It can cut 2×4’s in a single pass. 
  • The tool weighs 50% less than a standard 7-1/4″ circular saw.
  • The tool has a thin blade responsible makes for less tool strain.
  • It comes with a no-load speed of 3500/rpm
  • Its left-sided blade design gives excellent cut-line visibility

Advantages

  • You can easily adjust the depth of cut 
  • The tool comes with a vacuum port to clear the dust
  • It weighs 4.25-pound which reduces fatigue
  • The compact space-saving size can fit in tight spaces
  • It comes cheap

Disadvantages

  • It does not make deep cuts.
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5. DEWALT DC390B 6-1/2-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Circular Saw

The DeWalt DC390B deserves its place on our list of the best circular saw for woodworking. This tool gives you a cordless convenience with so much power as well as performance. Besides, the saw is powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery and works well with the DeWalt DW9117 15-minute charger as well as the DeWalt 18-volt XRP battery pack.

It is not a massive tool; this saw weighs only 6.3 pounds, which minimizes user fatigue. As in the case of the Rockwell RK3441K and Worx WX429L, this tool has a thin blade, but it is a little larger at 6-1/2 inches. This power tool has a durable carbide-tipped blade that lasts longer with excellent sharpness.

A powerful fan-cooled motor drives the blade of this circular saw at a no-load speed of 3,700 RPM, which facilitates faster rip cuts as well as crosscuts. With this tool, you get a cut depth of 2-¼” at 90 degrees plus 1-⅝ “at 45 degrees. DeWalt DC390B guarantees a rip capacity capable of slicing through any 2-by dimensional wood. Extra cuts are possible thanks to the 50-degree bevel capacity. This saw is perfect for many applications.

The Summary of Top Features

  • It has a 3,700 RPM for fast rip cuts and crosscuts.
  • The saw comes with a 6-1/2-inch carbide tipped blade for 2x cutting capacity at 90 and 45 degrees.
  • This power saw has high strength magnesium shoe and upper guard that provides increased durability.
  • The circular saw has 0-50 degrees bevel capacity for additional capacity and many applications.
  • It has a fan-cooled motor that comes with replaceable brushes for maximum power and durability.

Advantages

  • It is light weighing 6.3 pounds for more extended operation
  • The tool comes with a double cutting capacity that matches many cutting applications.
  • It has a durable and robust construction using high-strength magnesium.
  • The circular saw is quiet, unlike other models.

Disadvantages

  • It does not come with the batteries or the charger.

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6. Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw, Tool Only

The Makita XSS02Z is another cordless tool that comes with an 18V lithium-ion battery. This battery is powerful enough to provide extended run time. Besides, the charge has a fan cooling system, which adds efficiency.

When it is not loaded, the motor drives the blade at 3,700 RPM; this speed is equivalent to that of the DeWalt DC390B. Such a high speed allows this circular saw for woodworking a faster cutting and ripping through the wood. Additionally, this saw comes with a 6-1/2 inches carbide blade that delivers a maximum cutting capacity of 2-¼” at 90 degrees and 1-9/16″ at 45 degrees to handle several different applications. Moreso, there is a bevel capacity of 50 degrees from this saw that increases the versatility of the tool.

The tool comes with so much user comfortability due to its lightweight construction of just 7.3 pounds with no battery. It comes with a rubberized handle for a soft non-slip grip, which increases comfortability during your projects.

The Summary of Top Features

  • Makita motor delivers a no-load speed of 3, 700 RPM for faster cutting of the wood
  • It comes with a heavy gauge, a precision machined base for smooth, high accuracy in cutting, and durability
  • The circular saw has 50-degree maximum bevel cutting capacity
  • It weighs 7.3 pounds with no battery for minimum operator fatigue

Advantages

  • It has a compact and ergonomic design for increased user comfort
  • The saw comes with a lightweight construction of 7.3 pounds
  • It has a durable heavy-gauge machine base

Disadvantages

  • Does not come with a battery or charger
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7. Milwaukee 2630-20 18V Cordless Circular Saw

Another best circular saw for woodworking that you can have for your workshop is the Milwaukee 2630. This tool provides cordless portability that you can move with from one point to the next. This circular saw uses an XC high-capacity 18V lithium-ion battery. The battery offers your tool extended run time and produces up to 20% more torque. 

It is a light circular saw that weighs 8.8 pounds and compact enough to occupy the smallest space in your workshop. The motor has a no-load speed of 3,500 RPM for fast cuts. When you buy this tool, you get a 6-1/2-inch 24-tooth carbide blade that stays sharper for an extended duration. 

Its blade can deliver 2-⅛” cut at 90 degrees and 1-9/16″ cut at 45 degrees. This tool gives you a soft yet non-slip grip that grants the user the much-needed comfort when in use. 

The Summary of Top Features 

  • It comes with electronic brakes that stop your blade faster as soon as you are through with your cuts.
  • The circular comes with a soft grip handle for maximum comfort. 
  • It has bevel as well as depth adjustment.
  • The magnesium guards on this tool protect it from impacts.

Advantages

  • Comes with an extended run time
  • It can generate 20% more torque for more powerful cuts
  • It is a durable circular saw
  • The tool is lightweight at just 8.8 pounds.

Disadvantages

  • The tool comes with no battery or a charger.
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8. CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw, 15-Amp (CMES510)

In case you are going to work on projects that are not too big and include tasks such as framing jobs or breaking down of plywood sheets, then you need this CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw. It will make an excellent choice if you are also looking to save move in the process.

It is a 15-amp model that runs at 5,500 RPMs and a magnesium shoe that reduces its weight. The tool has plastic components such as the depth and angle adjustments play an essential part in the saving of weight; it comes with 11-pounds of weight couple with so much durability and efficiency in work.

The Summary of Top Features

  • The circular saw comes with a high-performance motor with a top speed of 5, 500 RPM’s for aggressive fast cutting.
  • It has a 71/4inches 18T Carbide-tipped blade with 21/8inches Capacity for 2x material.
  • The saw comes with magnesium shoe for durability.
  • The metal upper and lower guard adds durability.

Advantages

  • It’s powerful 
  • It is lightweight such that you can carry around
  • The saw comes with magnesium shoe for durability

Disadvantages

  • Does not come with a carrying bag
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Best Circular Saw for Woodworking Buyer’s Guide

Earlier on, I noted that several people find it hard to shop for the best circular saw for woodworking. To make it a little easier for you to make your choices, I’ve included some of the factors that you need to consider before shopping for a circular saw for woodworking.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Circular Saw

The Design

Usually, you will find that so many woodworkers prefer to look at power as well as the cutting abilities of saws such as table saws, circular saws, etc before everything else, but what’s the point if the tool is going to get you fatigued before you are through with your tasks? Always consider a circular saw with the best design that will allow you to work with comfort and for as long as you can.

Furthermore, pay attention to design components such as dust chutes as well as blowers. Some saws will come with a fan without the dust chute and vice versa; others come with both.

From my experience in woodworking and using circular saws, I’d encourage you to sacrifice a bit of power for a lighter tool. A circular saw that you could carry about comes with unmatched advantages.

The Power Features

The speed of the motor, as well as the power that it delivers, are some of the crucial things that you need to consider when shopping for the best circular saw for woodworking. Even so, you might find that most of the saws come with almost the same watt and RPM. If that is the case, test them so that you determine the ones that can handle tough tasks without jamming along the way.

The Cutting Features of the Saw

Circular saws are crucial when it comes to the cutting of different wood projects. For that reason, you should ensure that you go for the tool with the best cutting features. Such features include the bevel capacity. The bevel stops as well as the depth of cuts. Such considerations help you get it right, especially when you cut materials that are more than 2 inches thick.

The Safety Features of the Circular Saw

If you are a starter in the woodworking industry, I would like to advise that you just don’t rush to buy a circular saw without considering the safety features that you get. Some of the most crucial safety features that must first come to your mind include the electric brakes of the saw, the trigger locks, and the power indicator lights. With these features, you will minimize the potential risks of getting injured.

Help and Support From the Manufacturers

You want to buy a circular saw from a reputable manufacturer with the best and well-established customer service. Additionally, the brand that you settle for needs to be with a viable warranty so that any possible defect before you use the tool sufficiently has a cover. I’d advise that you consider customer reviews and the “Frequent, Asked Questions” to get the best help you can in acquiring the circular saw that would serve you right and give you the best possible return for your investment.

Here’s a video on how to use a circular saw for woodworking:

Conclusion

If you are a woodworker, then you understand why it is essential to have the best circular saw for woodworking as one of your store’s tools. For the best cuts, you will need tools with high power, precision as well as high motor speed.

In this article, I have reviewed only the very best tools you can find in the market. My overall best circular saw for woodworking is SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guidethis tool comes with some fantastic features as you might have seen in the above review. If you choose it, this saw will serve and exceed your needs. Remember that I have reviewed only the very best products, and anyone that you will be from this list will get your work done.

Share your opinion on this article with me, as well as your experience using a circular saw for woodworking on the comments section below. In the meantime, happy shopping! 

Image of a woodworker wearing hearing protectors for woodworking

Tyron Otieno

Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking.

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