There are few different types of a saw; the worm drive, the hypoid, the helical, and the spur gear. They also come in different styles; rear handle, sidewinders, blade left and blade right, plus corded and cordless. I know that sounds like a lot, but we will be focusing on the sidewinder circular saws for today, the best sidewinder circular saw for that matter. After this, you’ll have a better understanding of it all and know what saw fits your projects best.
A sidewinder motor is perpendicular to the blade, and the handle is closer to the body of the saw. A typical one uses simple spur gear, which is straight tooth gears. They have a larger contact ratio excelling quietness, less vibration, and transmitting a larger force. This type of saw comes in both corded and cordless and rear handles, and blade left or blade right. It is inexpensive, quieter, and has a smoother operation.
This article is split into two parts. The first being the product review section that contains detailed information regarding different sidewinder circular saw. Section two consists of a comprehensive review with detailed information of aspects of sidewinder circular saw that you need to know before shopping.
Table of Contents
Here are the Various Types of Best Sidewinder Circular Saws
1. SKILSAW Southpaw SPT67M8-01 Magnesium Left Blade Sidewinder Circular Saw
The Skilsaw is very well-built and very lightweight with a magnesium base making it arguably the best sidewinder circular saw in the market. The magnesium coating provides excellent dimensional stability and repeatability. It comes with a blade and also comes with a tool to change the blade. A brand new design is comfortable to hold and has an exceptionally long cord than some older models. The consistent power source allows the power of the tool to be consistent. It further enables the tool to perform with 100% effectiveness.
The attached 7-1/4 inch 24 tooth carbide blade saw is easily adjustable; you can cut multiple angles with it. The left blade saw can slant up to 56 degrees with bevel stops at 0 and 45 degrees.
This power tool blade can be changed as it comes with a conveniently located tool in the blade changing tool at the plate’s bottom. Cutting at an angle is made possible using the visible guideline. You flip up the lever at the back, the plate turns, and you get to adjust the depth of the saw. That’s an efficient power tool that is ideal for framing, siding, ceilings, and decking.
Summary of top features
- The saw has a standard stop setting of 45 degrees.
- Nicely and marked bevel and depth
- Maximum bevel capacity of 56 degrees
- A quick move and lock levers for depth and angle adjustment
Advantages
- 24 tooth carbide-tipped blade
- Improved accuracy
- Maximum cutting capacity of 2-7/16 inches at 90 degrees
- Handles soft and hardwoods
- Packed with a stay real guarantee full refund
Disadvantages
- Has no soft start
2. WEN CT1065 Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw
With this saw, you can always be confident of getting a clean and splinter-free cut that will require a little sanding afterward. No one wants to rework a piece to eliminate splinters. The track saw provides speeds of up to 5500 rotations per minute. It Makes it higher than what you get from other saws like this. This high speed gives the capacity to make a wide variety of cuts, and it would be ideal for various projects, from ripping plywood, trimming doors, building furniture to making full plunge cuts and long, precise cuts.
The blade comprises three different settings that make it easy to choose the setting you want for your cuts. There is one for scoring cuts that go 1/8 inches deep, one for full plunge cuts, and another to simplify blade changes. There is a back-mounted dust port that allows attachment to your favorite dust collection system. This feature controls the sawdust and limits clean-up. You can set the depth gauge anywhere from 0 to 2-1/3 inches to control how deep the saw plunges.
Summary of top features
- The cut capacity of up to 2.33 inches thick
- A powerful 10 Amp motor
- Designed with a non-slip base
- Rotates up to 5500 times per minute
Advantages
- The track-saw exists on its own as a plunge saw.
- A 2-year warranty
- Can easily switch between 3 different blades
- Dust collection system to control sawdust
- Friendly customer care helpline
Disadvantage
- Exceptionally difficult to slide on the track.
3. Makita 5007Mg Magnesium Circular Saw
The Makita is one of the saws that is going to feel very light in your hands. Manufactured with highly durable magnesium components that are well balanced and Jobsite tough, it weighs only 10.6 pounds. You get to feel the fantastic grip in the handles when you are doing the cuts. Everything is just in the right place for a useful purpose, and it makes you feel natural.
There is a quick adjustment knob for the angles that have been strategically placed for convenient angle changes. The saw has a cutting capacity of (2-1/2 inches at 90°) with a maximum bevel capacity of 56° and positive stops at 22.5° and 45° for quick back-and-forth changes. There is black contrast with that of Makita where the markings have been stamped, making it easy to see in high and low light conditions.
Another great feature is the LED light by the blade, which illuminates your cutline. You get to complete your project in low-light conditions as it saves you a reasonable amount of time setting up lights. Let’s not forget the blower in there that blows sawdust away from the blade. They purposely designed the saw to push air to that spot to keep it dust-free. The supersaw is easy to use and has been engineered for a range of applications.
Additionally, a 15-Amp motor with a blade spins 5800 rotations per minute to produce impressive silky smooth cuts. Furthermore, the price is more than acceptable even when you are working on a limited budget. It’s worth a shot to maintain it in good condition so that it can last for years to come.
Summary of top features
- Built-in dust blower-clears the line of cut for better accuracy.
- Easy to read settings with oversized numbers
- Built-in LED lights that illuminate the cut for better accuracy
- Positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degree
Advantages
- Handles are rubberized for a good grip.
- High quality and up to standards
- There is a blade wrench for fast and convenient blade changes.
Disadvantages
- The equipment has a short power cord.
- The motor is on the left side, which makes it hard to supervise the cut lines.
4. SKILSAW SPT67WL-01 Sidewinder Circular Saw
One of the factors that make this tool unique and top of its class is the lightweight—designed with a lightweight resin housing and durable magnesium guard and footplate. At only 8.6 pounds, magnesium contributes to excellent dimensional stability and repeatability. The compound is the lightest of all structural material, makes this equipment the king of the jungle.
A 10-foot cord is the other feature the engineers impressively got right for superior cutting power. It minimizes hanging on sheet materials and slowing down your project. The 7-1/4 inch saw has a maximum cutting capacity of 2-7/16 at 90 degrees with 56 degrees. An integrated dust blower always keeps the line of cut clear as it assists in getting accurate cuts. This 15 Amp motor that converts the electricity into spinning the saw ensures power for each demanding cut. As it delivers 5300 rotations per minute, the cut-ready level can adjust the depth quickly for ¼ ply, ½ ply, and ¾ ply.
This masterpiece is ideal for applications such as framing, decking, siding, and ceilings. Coupled with a genuine stay-true guarantee and a full refund, you get to return the equipment within one hundred and eighty days if you are not satisfied. Talk about excellent customer care service; you will not be disappointed.
The worm drive-inspired technology has been integrated into this circular saw for long-lasting, more torque, accuracy, and power. Add the on-tool multi-function wrench for blade and brush changes and a 24 tooth carbide Skilsaw blade to the list of benefits.
Summary of top features
- Delivers 5300 Rotations per minute
- Integrated dust blower
- 56-degree beveling capacity
Advantages
- One year limited warranty
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- It is lightweight
Disadvantages
- Difficult to flip the lever while wearing gloves.
5. WEN 36725 Sidewinder Circular Saw
The sidewinder circular saw is more of a DIY type. If you’re somebody who needs to cut around the house, this is a pretty good choice for you. It’s a well-balanced, lightweight circular saw weighing a mere 8.7 pounds for easy portability and storage. At 7-1/4 inch 24-tooth blade, it features a 5/8-inch arbor and carbide for cutting both hard and softwood. The carbide material is the magic behind this tool. It retains its cutting edge hardness at high temperatures generated by the high cutting speeds and feeds that reduce the equipment cycle time. Another benefit is that it does not wear out quickly, and its durability is unmatched.
Attack boards up to 2-1/2 inches thick as you dive into a variety of projects. With a bevel capacity of up to 45 degrees to the right, the tool delivers accurate and precise cuts giving you the morale to keep working. The adjustable depth stop allows you to adjust the depth to your desired cutting depth for the perfect plunge cut.
Wen considered several factors when designing a dust hose connection port. It works as a safety measure and prevents sawdust build-up all over your workshop and onto your workpiece. The tool kit comes with the 1-1/2-inch dust port adapter as an added advantage. Manufacturers also had the pleasure to design a blade guard that automatically retracts during operation as a safety measure in between cuts.
Summary of top features
- A hex wrench for tightening and loosening
- A reliable rip cutting guide
- Adjustable depth stop
- A 24 tooth carbide blade
Advantages
- Easy to change the blade
- Ergonomic support handle
- Dust collection port
- Retractable blade guard
- It comes in a one-year warranty
Disadvantage
- When you buy the model on the picture, they send you a different one.
6. SKILSAW SPT67FMD-01 Sidewinder Circular Saw
They are specifically made for cutting fiber cement boards. What is a fiber cement board? For the sake of amateurs, let’s dig in. They are building materials used to cover the exterior of a building in both domestic and commercial applications. For this blade, for a total fiber cement solution, it cuts right out of the box. Silica dust is produced from cutting this kind of material, which can shorten the motor life, causing wobble and compromised cuts.
For this reason, the unique dust collection system was designed to channel the dust away from the motor. This application encourages improved life and increased efficiency. The blade can also be used to cut wood.
The bevel capacity is 56 degrees maximum, with bevels stops at 0 degrees and 45 degrees to allow quick adjustment for the cuts. It also includes a polycrystalline diamond-tipped, 1.5 inches’ vacuum adapter and a 2.5 inches’ vacuum hose adapter. The removable nylon cord and hose sleeve protect against snagging and marring boards when cutting. As it weighs only 9 pounds, the equipment has a resin body with a magnesium guard that makes it easy to carry around and lift.
With the saw, you get to unpack and use it for one hundred and eighty days. You’re not completely satisfied; you get to return it to the manufacturer for a full refund—world-class customer care service at its best. There aren’t many circular saws that are designed for particular functions like fiber. When you get an opportunity of bumping into such a substantial, powerful saw like this, grab it. Finish that woodworking project, and you’ll be referring this tool to a friend.
Summary of top features
- 15 Amp powerful motor that stays cool during cuts
- 56-degree bevel capacity
- 8-foot vacuum hose
Advantages
- The lightweight magnesium component
- Dust collection system that protects the motor from dust
- Removable nylon cord
- Multi-function wrench
Disadvantages
- A bit expensive
7. Makita 5402NA 16-5/16-Inch Circular Saw
Let’s talk about this large-capacity beam and timber saw. Probably the most significant circular saw you have ever seen. When it comes to people who use large laminated columns or even the industries working with dense or heavy to cut material, this tool will cut any 6x material at 90 degrees and 4x material at 45 degrees in a single pass.
You get to adjust the depth you want by using the large depth control lever for convenience and secure adjustments. It goes a long way to make your work so much easier. The fantastic machine is powered by a 15 Amp motor with 23000 rotations per minute with a large cutting capacity.
The saw is 16-5/16 blade diameter, an imperial inch’s measurement, not metric. It takes a whole amount of energy to spin this blade, and this is where the motor plays a significant role. Weighing only 32.1 pounds, the Makita is a sidewinder side-mounted motor that allows you to push into the material efficiently. The blade on the right enables visibility of your blade and your line of cut. It has a design for dust management in that it blows the sawdust right across the cut you’re making on your workpiece.
That drawback is covered up by many other impressive features like the lower noise level at only 87 Db. Carbide tipped blade comes with a blade stabilizer for consistent blade rotation and superior cutting performance. When using this monster saw, safety is always a concern. People are always worried about kickbacks and the uncertainty of what might happen if you get off. The engineers included an electric brake for maximum productivity.
An oversized trigger handles together with its big support handle ensures operating with ease and comfort, with or without gloves.
Summary of top features
- Large depth control lever for secure adjustments
- Blade stabilizer for stable rotation
- A shaft lock for quick blade changes
- Electric brake for maximum productivity
- Powerful motor that delivers 1800 maximum watts’ out
Advantages
- Lower noise level for quieter operation
- Large cutting capacity
- It comes in a 1-year warranty description
- Disadvantages
- Poor dust collection feature
Disadvantage
- The guard is difficult to move without shoving or lifting.
8. SKILSAW SPT67WMB-01 Magnesium Sidewinder Circular Saw with Brake
The secret to a lightweight design is all magnesium construction. This big saw weighing only 10 pounds is well balanced and with an assurance of effortless portability. Running at 15 Amp powerful motor, it provides reliability and durability. Whether you are a professional framer or a DIY homeowner, this saw is designed for you.
The magnesium alloy used in motor housing keeps the motor cooler for powerful, better performance. It has a bevel capacity of 56 degrees, with bevel stops at 0 degrees and 45 degrees. Integrated is a convenient and efficient dust blower that enables a woodworker to have a clear cut line as it keeps it away from dust.
Included in the box are a 24 tooth carbide blade and a wrench. The wrench is used for fastening and turning as well as tightening and loosening while changing the blade. Convenience/electric brake quickly stops the blade so that a woodworker can make the next cut quicker.
Summary of top features
- 24 tooth carbide-tipped blade
- 15 Amp powerful motor
- Integrated dust blower
- A big 7-1/4-inch saw
Advantages
- Quick electric brake stops
- All magnesium saw making it lightweight
- Motor cooler for powerful performance
- Cast magnesium sol-plate
Disadvantages
- When used for a long time, the foot no longer becomes square to the blade.
Best Sidewinder Circular Saw Buyer’s Guide
Let’s look at some of the essential factors you need to consider when buying the best sidewinder circular saw for woodworking.
- Motor
For sidewinders, the motor is on the left side of the equipment. This machine is powered by electricity and supplies the motive power for the saw to run. The design allows you to work without using too much force. Due to the motor’s position, it has a manageable weight balance—the greater the motor power, the stronger the cutting capacity.
Investing in a large saw with added power will be ideal, especially if you’re going to be cutting hardwood all day long. In summary, how much power you need depends on the task you’re going to handle.
- Depth
The depth of the saw is important since that dictates how deep the saw can cut. Depending on your project, you’re most likely to be cutting wood of different sizes. A 15 Amp saw with a 7-1/4 saw has a maximum cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inches at ninety degrees with a bevel of 53 maximums.
- Weight
Circular saws are mostly held by hand when carrying or using them. Look for a saw that is engineered with magnesium as it is a light component. A particular special saw is portable with ease.
- Blade
The blade material should be extra hard to avoid breakage since most of the material cut is hard. Purchasing multiple blades will ensure you manage to perform each cut and improve your cuts results. Ensure that among the many, some can be used for crosscutting and ripping. For thicker material, large blades are recommended since they penetrate well into your workpiece. Tungsten-tipped blades are amongst the hardest, but other blade materials equally play the same role.
- Dust extraction
Sawdust usually spreads and gets everywhere, especially when using a saw. Having a dust collection port designed and made with the saw saves you clean-up time. You could have preferably been using that time to finish up your project. An important reason to have it is that it protects your health. Creating a better and safer work environment ensures that your woodworking shop and equipment remain in good condition.
- Quality
When you test the quality of a circular saw, it assures you of the material’s reliability. Never miss inspecting the tool you are planning to use before starting your work. If the saw is damaged or broken or weirdly loose in some joints, do not use it. This signifies that you need to return it and get a refund or a new one back.
With excellent customer care services, the helpline number should always have the manufacturers available to assist. Faulty tools can be costly to the business and extremely dangerous to people. Checking an equipment’s quality is a big step in ensuring no accidents, personal injuries, or fatalities occur.
- Durability
This is not just about a tool built and designed to last longer but having better performance. The combination of these two will assure you a top-notch saw that delivers excellent results throughout its lifetime. These are essential characteristics of good circular saws. The machine will withstand long hours of cutting through the most challenging material and maintain its performance.
- Cordless or corded
If you’re going to be using the same power tool for long hours, then the corded tool will be the preferred option. You do not need to be worried about charging the equipment after a few hours of work. You can keep using the tool and having a consistent power supply that gives 100% performance and effectiveness.
We can all agree that a reliable power source allows the tool to handle more work than expected. A cordless power supply allows maximum freedom as they are portable. They often use cartridges or batteries and are lightweight. Without having a cord passing through your workstation, it ensures safety in the case of accidents.
Additionally, your workspace also becomes less crowded. The power to purchase a cordless or corded tool lies in your hands. Do not forget this will be guided by the nature of your work.
- Easy to use
The circular saw should give you an easy time when using it. An important factor here is you should have a clear view of the cutting line as you hold the saw in your hands. The power switch should be within reach, and additional safety buttons soft and manageable when pressed. With or without gloves, a woodworker should navigate the machine comfortably. The way the saw is held is fundamental as it contributes to dictating the delivery of good results.
Variable speed
Circular saws operate at different speeds depending on the manufacturer’s design. The rotation should always follow the engineer’s instructions. The RPM represents the number of turns the motor allows the saw to make in a minute. This information is found on the packaging and the guide provided.
When you have purchased the best sidewinder circular saw, always wear protective gear before starting the machine. Ensure to hold the hold firmly when the motor starts as it uses force and can twist your hand. Always read the user/operations manual thoroughly and carefully before embarking on your project work.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a single user, apprentice, professional, or expert, one thing is for sure, you need a sidewinder circular saw. Please do not go for the all-plastic unit under any circumstances since they always malfunction at some point. The metal part is better, but magnesium is the real deal. Now that we have gone through many sidewinders, you can always find something that better suits your workshop.
Of all the products that I have reviewed in this article, I find the SKILSAW Southpaw SPT67M8-01 as the overall best sidewinder circular saw that you need to consider for your various woodworking projects. This tool is complete and comes with all features a woodworker would need in a circular saw.
Much as I prefer SKILSAW Southpaw SPT67M8-01, under no circumstances does that mean that it’s what you should buy, I’ve picked the tool based on my personal preferences and you too have the freedom to pick what works for you. I hope that this article is helpful even as you embark on your shop. If you have any concerns, kindly share them with me in the comment section below.
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.