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Circular saws are the best tools for cutting on flat surfaces, and even excel in some above-head tasks. However, circular saws are notoriously large and relatively heavy. There are, however, many small circular saw products available that are significantly lighter and more convenient. Sometimes, they even match the heavy-duty models in terms of motor power and capabilities.
In this guide, we’ll help you choose your best small circular saw, whether you’re a newbie in this field, or a seasoned cutter who needs a smaller, more precise tool for their projects.
Here’s the list of the best small circular saws of 2021, along with a guide that will teach you what to look for when buying a small circular saw.
Best Small Circular Saw Reviews
DeWalt DWS535B Circular Saw
- DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw has lightweight magnesium and aluminum construction including durable magnesium foot plate
- Extra wide sawhook of the corded circular saw accepts materials up to 2-3/4-inch (70mm0
- TOUGHCORD Cord Protection System of the compact circular saw has 4 times better cord jerk protection
The DeWalt 7 1/4 circular saw has lightweight magnesium and aluminum construction including durable magnesium foot plate.
This has extra wide saw hook of the corded circular saw that accepts materials up to 2-3/4-inch.
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, you’ll be surprised by the price tag that the DeWalt offers. It features a 15 amp motor and the blades can spin at as much as 4,800 RPM and features 53-degree bevel capacity for advanced applications.
The DeWalt features lightweight and durable magnesium construction for optimum user handling, comfort, and strength of the DeWalt saw and includes electric brake which stops the blade after the trigger is released. This makes the DeWalt very versatile.
Safety-wise, DeWalt is more than satisfactory. The manufacturer has employed a system that doesn’t allow you to start the saw until you’ve pressed the two safety buttons at the same time.
The Good
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to DeWalt. With extra wide sawhook of the corded circular saw accepts materials up to 2-3/4-inch this model can tackle wood, tiles, plastic, and various other materials. Safety is also high on the agenda. The magnesium and aluminum construction including durable magnesium foot plate guard bring even more protection to the table. Add its great specs, and you have one solid circular saw.
The Bad
They say that you can’t overthink safety. Well, DeWalt came very close to overdoing it with safety here. With the weight of 1.6 pounds makes this a far more inconvenient saw to use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small and compact, easy to move | Has no compressor |
| Quiet | Lacks power |
| Automatic shut-off for tank | Sensor sometimes fails prematurely |
| Inexpensive | Only suitable for short-term, light use |
| Best Dehumidifiers Reviews |
Worx Worxsaw WX429L Circular Saw
- Quick, more efficient cuts and you can take it with you when you don’t want to lug a big saw around
- The lever lets you go from 0-45 degree bevel settings with quick adjustment
- Excellent depth-of-cut for slicing up to 2 stock lumber. Cut 2x4s in a single pass. It also cuts metal, tile, and plastic
The WX429L is a lightweight, portable, easily operable small sidewinder circular saw. If you’re looking for a compact circular saw that packs a much bigger punch than meets the eye, check out the Worx Worxsaw WX429L.
Product Highlights
Although it’s rather small and compact, you’d be amazed by the WX429L’s versatility. Some of the much bigger circular saws can only cut through wooden materials, and maybe plastic. This model cuts through brick, ceramic, some metals, and plasterboard, and many other materials with ease.
Moreover, the WX429L is very easy to operate, which makes this tool perfect for your home DIY projects, but also more advanced work. This is because the gauge level is very quick to set and can go up to 45 degrees. This means that all you need to do is set the depth you need and start cutting.
Oh, and it comes with a plethora of accessories. You get a vacuum adapter, an Allen key, a parallel guide, a carbide blade. Plus, you get three years of warranty.
The Good
Light and compact as it is, you wouldn’t expect 3,500 RPM from a saw the size of the WX429L. And yet, 3,500 RPM is this saw’s maximum rotation speed. It’s light, but powerful enough to cut through as much as 5mm-thick metal. With a bevel range of 0-45 degrees, making angle cuts is as easy as it is on the traditional circular saw. It’s also safe to use and versatile.
The Bad
One of the biggest downsides of the WX529L is a solidly thick handle. People with smaller hands might not find using this tool the comfiest experience ever. However, small handles don’t work well with people with large hands, so it’s just a matter of physique. Sure, the handle could’ve been thinner, but this won’t deter anyone from buying Worx Worxsaw WX 429L.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s a powerhouse at removing humidity. | Some reviews complain that the unit is noisy. |
| Has a humidity control panel that allows you to set your desired humidity range. | Must purchase a separate hose for continuous drainage. |
| Automatic shut off when the water reservoir is full. | The plug is only 6 feet long, so it must be near an outlet; manufacturer recommends avoiding use of an extension cord. |
| Continuous drain option for easy access. | Can put out a lot of heat and raise utility bills. |
| Best Dehumidifiers Reviews |
Rockwell VersaCut RK3440K Circular Saw
- Powerful, 4.0 amp, multi-functional, ultra-compact circular saw
- Cuts wide variety of materials such as tile, wood, sheet metal, plastics, flooring, and more
- Ergonomic design with slim grip handle improves comfort and enhances grip and control – guide with just one hand
This is an ideal small sidewinder circular saw for those who haven’t had too much experience with this type of tool in the past. Rockwell VersaCut RK3440K provides you with everything you need to get into the world of circular saw cutting.
Product Highlights
One of the best aspects of the RK3440K is that you’ll get everything you need to get started, right off the bat. There are three blades for wood, metal, and tile, accordingly. Although long cuts are almost second nature for seasoned circular saw users, they may turn a bit problematic for newbies. This is why the RK3440K comes with an edge guide,
This Rockwell model also has plunge cut capability. If you aren’t familiar with plunge cuts, you’ll be happy to learn more about them. Plunge cutting is brilliant for center-of-stock cutting and cutting previously installed material. With the RK3440K, it’s as simple as setting the cut depth, placing it on the material that needs plunge cutting, and turning the safety on. Then, all you need to do is press down and push forward.
You may think that advertising the tool’s power cord length is unnecessary or irrelevant, but it’s actually a very good point. For some reason, most circular saws, especially the small ones, come with significantly shorter cords. This means that you may set everything up, only to realize that your circular saw can’t reach the cutting surface. With the RK3440K, there’s no frustration in this department.
The Good
Rockwell VersaCut RK3440K is one of the best beginner’s small circular saws. It’s ready for use, as soon as you skim the manual and plug it in. The plunge cutting capability isn’t something you’ll find on many beginner’s models, especially not at this price. The 10-foot power cord may sound like overkill, but it’s actually very refreshing to see a small circular saw with a solid cord length. Oh, and the laser and edge guides are very important for beginners.
The Bad
For a beginner, this price tag may seem like too much. Granted, you’ll find cheaper small circular saws out there. However, you won’t find one that does this good a job and is this simple to use. So, yes, the price tag might not be the lowest one, but you certainly get a lot for the money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No water reservoir to empty. | Not suitable for entire rooms. |
| Eco-friendly and energy-efficient. | Must be charged before use. |
| Long life span, up to 10 years. | Unable to buy just one. |
| Best Dehumidifiers Reviews |
SKILSAW SPT77W-01 Worm Drive Circular Saw
- Lighter construction (1 pound lighter than SKIL SHD77), reduces user fatigue for less down time
- Cut-ready depth of cut system helps with quick, accurate depth measurements
- 51° bevel allows users to complete a wider variety of cuts
SKILSAW SPT77W-01 is quite a heavy-hitter in terms of features, but still remains light and user-friendly. This worm-drive saw specializes in woodwork but can tackle many other tasks.
Product Highlights
The first thing that we should mention here is that the SPT77W-01 does feature the renowned SKILSAW worm drive. The 15 amps from the Dual Field motor manage to give this circular saw an HP of 3.25, which is solid for much larger circular saws than this one.
One of the coolest things about this motor, and the SPT77W-01, in general, is the fact that it can stay cool after long hours of heavy loads. This is thanks to its dual-copper windings.
All this, and a 24-tooth SKILSAW blade is packed inside a 14lb. tool that makes for a brilliant choice for beginners and veterans alike. If you have a DIY project, you can rest assured that the SPT77W-01 can handle it.
Although the safety standards meet all the required standards and more, SKILSAW SPT77W-01 won’t take you by the hand and treat you lightly. It remains a dangerous tool if not handled correctly. However, if you do things slowly and follow all the guidelines, you’ll have nothing to worry about, even as a total newbie.
The Good
Although the SPT77W-01 is packed with brilliant features that make the tool very unique, one of the best features aboard this circular saw is the motor casing. It’s lined with dual copper windings, which increases the saw’s surface area by as much as 40%.
This means cooler temperatures during long hours of hard work. Overheating is a well-known concern with most circular saws, especially if they’re small. SKILSAW SPT77W-01 doesn’t have any worries in this department.
The Bad
The blade guards on the SPT77W-01 are more than functional. However, they could be better. Additionally, there have been some concerns about the tool’s lack of power. You have to bear in mind, however, that using the right extension cords is as important as it is underestimated.
The 8 ft. cord should be more than enough for you. If not, get an extension cord that’s capable of handling 15 amps. If you do all this, you shouldn’t experience any power issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet, whisper technology. | AC Adapters are noted by reviewers to have issues. |
| Automatic shut-off | Only suitable for smaller areas. |
| Collects up to 8 ounces of water a day. | Some reviewers note a manufacturing, sizing error with the power cord. |
| Energy-efficient | May be underpowered for some jobs. |
| Best Dehumidifiers Reviews |
Genesis GCS445SE Compact Circular Saw
- 4.0 Amp Motor and 3500 RPM
- Barrel Grip for One-Handed Operation - Save time and energy by using a lighter saw!
- Easy-To-Use Depth and Bevel Controls - make beveled cuts, plunge cuts, and cross cuts with ease!
The Genesis GCS445SE doesn’t specialize in a particular type of cutting work. It’s a multi-functional sidewinder tool that cuts through plastics, woods, metals, cement blocks, bricks, fiber glass, you name it. Versatility is the name of the game here.
Product Highlights
With versatility being so prominent with the GCS445SE saw, versatile blades pretty much go without saying. This Genesis model comes with, 24T carbide tipped blade, a dust collector hose, parallel guide, and Allen wrench. This new saw can cut through 2X material and can bevel 45° for cutting through wood.
The GCS445SE also features quite a powerful motor, at 4 amps. This motor is capable of producing a decent speed that tops at 3,500 RPM. This RPM count is actually impressive, it’s capable of tackling most cutting tasks fairly quickly.
The Genesis GCS445SE is also very comfortable and durable. Its ergonomic design will make your cutting experience very enjoyable. This model has a brilliant bevel, which makes meeting cut requirements very easy.
The Good
The premium 24T carbide tipped blade is decent for the vast majority of cutting tasks. Despite the fact that these blades are so versatile, they actually do a brilliant job on most materials. This is all thanks to the 3,500 RPM cutting speed, which works perfectly in combination with two blade types.
The Bad
One major downside of using Genesis GCS445SE is that you won’t make your neighbors happy. It has been known to produce excess noise. But your work area is supposed to be loud, so you probably won’t mind some excess noise too much.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Removes a whopping 50 pints of water a day. | Puts out a lot of heat. |
| Continuous draining option but beware of potential issues with hose attachment. | Some reviews claim it’s flimsy. |
| Three great settings, including one that restores your settings if the power goes out. | Noisy compressor, according to reviewers. |
| Electronic controls with a 24-hour timer. | Hose attachment isn’t made well and potentially leaks water onto the floor. |
| LED display | Coils frost over easily in lower temperatures. |
| Best Dehumidifiers Reviews |
Buyer’s Guide
When looking for a circular saw, no matter how big or small, you need to know what you’ll be using it for. With this knowledge and the factors provided below, you’ll be able to make the perfect choice. Here are some of the most important things that you need to focus on when choosing a circular saw.
Style
There are two main circular saw types: sidewinder and worm-drive. The two saw types do look different, but it’s not only down to aesthetics. The position of the gearing and the motor are the main difference between them.
Sidewinder saws feature a motor located on the side of the user’s arms when cutting. Worm-drive saws feature the motor in the rear part of the tool, while the actual saw is located underneath it.
Sidewinders feature the blade on the right side, with the weight of the tool on the left. This makes it more difficult to see the cutline. However, sidewinders are lighter than worm-drives, making above-head work both easier and safer.
Worm-drive saws are easy to use with precision but are generally heavier and more difficult to manipulate.
Power
Power is an important factor in choosing a circular saw, although you don’t have to think too hard about it. Essentially, a 15-amp saw will handle every heavy project. Ten- or 12-amp tools will handle more casual use. The more powerful the amp, the more expensive it is. Therefore, you really need to know what projects you’ll be using them on, in advance. If money isn’t an issue, a 15-amp is a no-brainer choice.
Speed and Control
Some circular saws have speeds that go to as much as 6,000 RPM. This speed brings more precision and efficiency to the table. However, you may not need to work at these speeds. As a rule of thumb, a max RPM of 3,000-3,500 is more than decent for a small circular saw.
With that said, the bigger the number of RPM, the more control you’ll have over your cutting projects.
Blade Capacity
Blade capacity on circular saws refers to the max cut depth that a tool can achieve. It’s simple, really – the larger the blade is, the deeper the cut will be. Small circular saws don’t go overboard in terms of blade size, so don’t expect incredible depths.
The upshot to using a saw with a smaller blade capacity is that these tools tend to be smaller, lighter, and significantly easier to maneuver. With the most common diameter of circular saw blades being 7¼”, you’re looking for a smaller capacity than this model when browsing small circular saws.
Bevel Capacity
If you’re looking for a saw to make simple, straight cuts, you don’t have to worry too much about its bevel capacity. However, if you want to get more precise, making bevel cuts goes without saying. Bevel capacity refers to a saw’s ability to tilt its foot plate to make more precise bevel cuts.
Small circular saws with a solid bevel capacity will make the most precise cuts.
Brands
As a rule of thumb, you won’t find too many no-name brands when it comes to circular saws. Even if you do, you should steer clear of them, as circular saws are potentially dangerous tools. Stick to the big brands like the ones mentioned in the list above. They’re all reliable and have met the required safety standards.
Small Circular Saw FAQs
How do you make straight cuts with a circular saw?
The best small circular saw makes it easy to make relatively straight cuts. If you’re looking for cutting perfection, you’re probably going to have to get an additional tool. If you want to make great straight cuts with your circular saw, get a fence or a cutting guide. You can also use a speed square if you need to make short, straight cuts.
How do you cut plexiglass with a circular saw?
You can use a plexiglass knife or a jigsaw to cut plexiglass. However, a circular saw, especially a smaller one, will yield better results. Controlling the speed is essential here, as plexiglass is sensitive to high temperatures. Teeth-wise, you should go with as many as you have on your blades. Ideally, 80 teeth are perfect for handling plexiglass, but 60 will also suffice.
How to choose a circular saw
It all depends on your needs. If you don’t have a lot of experience with circular saws, getting a small one that’s on the cheaper side might be the way to go. That way, you get a small circular saw for above-head cutting tasks and those that require a more detailed approach. Even if you buy a large circular saw at some point, you’ll still be using the small one you’ve first bought.
How do you cut thick wood with circular saw?
Cutting thick wood with a small circular saw might not be the easiest thing to do. Start by measuring the thickness of the wood that you want to cut and checking your saw’s blade capacity. If the capacity isn’t at least half in size in comparison to the wood thickness, you should find another way to cut it. Still, if the wood is thicker than the blade capacity, you’re going to have to cut both sides of the wood. Even if you measure everything precisely, you may not do a perfect job.
When cutting thick wood, it’s all about the blade capacity.
How to adjust circular saw depth
Ideally, the blade’s teeth should just barely protrude below your workplace’s bottom side. This, however, varies. It all depends on your current project. To make a compromise, set the blade so it goes about quarter of an inch below the workpiece’s thickest point.
There’s a lot to learn when it comes to adjusting the saw depth. Mostly, you’ll learn from your mistakes. So, at the beginning, make sure that you’re cutting as much as possible, not for particular projects, but just for practice.
Final Verdict
The SKILSAW SPT77W-01 might be the only circular saw on the list that features a worm-drive, but this is what makes it so special. When it comes to large circular saws, those with a worm-drive are often too heavy and their use is limited.
With small circular saws, such as the SPT77W-01, worm-drive works like a charm. It also features a 15 amps dual field motor, which is pretty much good enough for any cutting endeavor. It isn’t too expensive for what it has to offer and it’s definitely worth the money.
