Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by teamobn
Circular saws are an essential tool on any construction site and in any DIY toolshed. But like many other momentous innovations, the history of the circular saw is the subject of debate, discord, and colorful mythology.
By all accounts, the concept seemed to have developed similarly and independently throughout parts of the world. The stories of the circular saw’s rise in Europe seem completely separate from its emergence in America — or, at least, from American legends.
In the US, the story goes that a Shaker woman from Massachusetts named Tabitha Babbitt invented the circular saw in 1810. As legend has it, the idea struck her while she watched two Shaker men toiling with a pit saw. The two-man saw could only cut in one direction, making ripping logs a difficult and tedious task.
Babbit is said to have observed how much time and energy the men expended just moving the saw back and forth, only cutting on the forward stroke. She realized the inefficiency of this method and set out to make a saw that would waste less time and effort.
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The Best 5 Best Circular Saws of 2024
These days, of course, the circular saw is among the most used tools in construction sites, woodshops, and DIY workshops alike. So much so that you will find countless brands and models on the market, all of them designed to perform two basic functions: to cut fast and to cut with precision.
We here at OBN constantly test circular saws because we use them in our own projects. Below, you’ll find a selection of the five best circular saws we’ve tested this year.
1. DEWALT DWE575 Circular Saw
DeWalt recently redesigned its flagship 15-amp circular saw, reducing the weight and refining some other features. The result is the DEWALT DWE575 – an impressive blend of precision and power in one outstanding tool.
This sweet little circular saw delivers on the tradition of craftsmanship and innovation that has become synonymous with the DEWALT brand. We liked the DWE575 circular saw right out of the box. We even liked how it looked.
Like many DIYers, we were big fans of the DEWALT DW364, which weighs around 2 lbs and had a 2-7/16″ depth of cut. The DWE575 is far lighter, operates with the same amount of power, and offers a deeper cut and wider bevel angle.
15 Amp Cutting Power
Equipped with a robust 15 Amp motor, the DEWALT DWE575’s rotation speed sets it apart from the competition. The motor allows this circular saw to achieve a rotation rate of 5,200 RPM. That gives you a serious cutting edge.
This high speed ensures swift and accurate cuts through delicate materials and thick hardwood. We took it out to a test construction site and tried it on framing material, siding, exterior siding and trim materials, and plywood. We were not disappointed.
The DEWALT DWE575’s solid aluminum base offered outstanding stability during our tests. We also appreciated its compact and lightweight profile, which allowed us to move around without any problems.
The Anti-Snag Ball bearing lower guard of the DEWALT DWE575 Circular Saw enhances both the performance and usability of this tool. The system ensures smooth and effortless cutting by minimizing friction and eliminating any potential snags or binding during operation.
The ball bearings, which are integrated into the lower guard, reduce the chances of kickbacks. Anyone who has ever worked with a circular saw knows that kickbacks can be hazardous.
These little mishaps occur when the saw blade gets caught or pinched in the material, causing the saw to jerk back toward the user. Obviously, an accident like that can cause you serious injury. The anti-snag bearing mechanism on the DWE575 prevents that from happening.
The mechanism itself is self-lubricating, which means you will have no need to oil the system. This makes maintenance fast and hassle-free.
Exceptional Features, Robust Performance
We found the DWE575’s electric brake system quite impressive and useful, as well. It responded quite quickly to the release of the trigger, bringing the blade to a complete halt each time. This feature not only offers superior safety but also more precise control over the cutting process.
We think investing in the DEWALT DWE575 means experiencing a remarkable blend of power, performance, and reliability. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a dedicated DIY enthusiast, this tool will elevate your cutting experience.
Now, we can’t say this DeWalt product is perfect. It isn’t. While the DW575 is lighter than the DW364, it is still heavier than other circular saws at the same price point. We also think the dust management system could be better.
Still, with its exceptional features and robust performance, we think the DEWALT DWE575 is a worthy addition to any toolbox or workshop. We say it certainly deserves the top spot on our list of the best circular saws of 2024.
2. Black & Decker BDECS300C 13-Amp Circular Saw
The Black & Decker BDECS300C 13-Amp Circular Saw is a versatile and reliable cutting tool that ought to satisfy DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. We think the BDECS300C offers outstanding value for its price.
This circular saw touts a good, powerful motor, a laser guide, and a durable, lightweight design that make it one of the best tools we’ve tested this year.
The BDECS300C has a bevel capacity of up to 45 degrees, which provides you the flexibility to create angled cuts, chamfers, and miter cuts with ease. The bevel adjustment is quick and easy, too.
The bevel lock mechanism ensures stability and reliability during operation, preventing any unwanted movement or slippage. The integrated laser meanwhile projects a bright, clear line onto the material, a visual guide for precise cutting.
Laser-Guided Precision
Black & Decker’s laser guide is one of the special features of this model. You do not need to draw lines on the material before cutting.
The light will turn on once you press the trigger and the blade starts to move. We think the product would have been a tad better overall if you could activate the light before the cutting process starts, but that isn’t much of a big deal.
We figure both these features would be particularly helpful when you work with delicate or expensive materials as they do help to maintain the accuracy and integrity of each cut.
This circular saw is excellent for tasks that require a heavy-duty tool. We cut into 2x lumber and ripped-cut plywood with smooth ease. We did not even break into a sweat.
We liked the build quality of the BDECS300C, too. Black & Decker has undoubtedly prioritized toughness and longevity in designing this circular saw. We could actually feel its solid construction from the moment we picked it up.
The saw includes a spindle lock that allows for easy blade changes, minimizing the risk of accidental injuries. The integrated dust blower keeps the cutting line relatively clear of debris.
Overall, we liked the Black & Decker BDECS300C 13-Amp Circular Saw. We think it is an excellent choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
No wonder its performance, durability, and user-friendly features have garnered positive feedback from customers. You can add us to its list of fans.
3. Bosch CS5 Circular Saw
The 15 Amp motor of the Bosch CS5 Circular Saw brings outstanding cutting power and versatility for a wide range of cutting tasks. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast working on softwood or hardwood, we’re pretty sure the Bosch CS5 will help you complete your projects with efficiency and accuracy.
This CS5 boasts a 6200 RPM no-load capacity, which we put to the test on pieces of lumber of varying thicknesses in our workshop. We quickly discovered that it could cut through 3/4″ plywood and other dense materials like a hot knife slicing through butter.
We’ve read and heard users complaining about the left blade design of the CS5. We actually found it quite beneficial. By placing the blade on the left side, the Bosch CS5 provides you with a clearer line of sight, especially for right-handed users. You get a direct view of the cutting path.
Good Spindle Lock, Easy Blade Change
The bevel on this circular saw adjusts to within 56 degrees, which we think is ample. The spindle lock on the CS5 is a significant upgrade from earlier models from Bosch and makes blade changes quick and effortless. The aluminum lower guard prevents snagging.
The CS5 comes with a Bosch 7 1/4-inch 15 A left-blade circular saw, a blade wrench, and a 24-tooth carbide blade.
The dust chute works, which we found pleasing. One thing you should note, though, is that it blows the sawdust toward you rather than away from you. We don’t know how the engineers at Bosch missed that little detail.
This means you should expect to get covered in sawdust as you cut through material such as plywood. We didn’t mind that at all. We never go into the workshop thinking we’d be spotless when we come out. But then some may find an issue in that.
On-Tool Storage, Excellent Investment
We liked that Bosch decided to include on-tool wrench storage, a carefully considered and thoughtful detail that both the professional and the avid DIY enthusiast will appreciate.
Our only complaint here – if it is a complaint – is that the magnesium base plate feels rather flimsy, especially so with its curved edges. You do not get the confident, solid feel you would otherwise get with a flat piece of steel to support your work.
Despite this drawback, we think the Bosch CS5 circular saw would be an excellent investment for anyone who does woodworking. We also think it well deserves its place on our list of the best circular saws on the market this year.
4. SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw
The SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw offers impressive performance and excellent value for money. With its user-friendly features and reliable cutting capabilities, we say this cutting is yet another good choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The SKIL 5280-01’s 15-amp motor delivers ample cutting power, allowing the saw to slice through hardwood, plywood, and even thicker lumber. The high-performance motor ensures smooth and precise cuts, making it suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks.
The design of the SKIL 5280-01 is both ergonomic and user-friendly. Its lightweight construction and comfortable grip provide excellent control and reduce fatigue during extended use.
SKIL-fully Designed
In fact, this circular saw weighs only 6.95 pounds when in operation. We found this rather impressive. The SKIL 5280-01 should appeal to those who want less fatigue when operating their tool. A lightweight tool is also easier to handle, which makes it perfect for those just starting out with circular saws.
We particularly liked the saw’s balanced weight distribution, which served to further enhance maneuverability and enabled us to make accurate cuts during testing.
Like the Black & Decker BDECS300C, the SKIL 5280-01 is built with an integrated laser guide for improved accuracy. The 0-51° bevel capacity allows for a wide range of bevel cuts, adding ample flexibility for a variety of projects.
The SKIL 5280-01 looks and feels tough. The obvious high-quality build should ensure long-lasting performance, even under demanding conditions. The aluminum guard and steel shoe provide durability and stability, contributing to the overall reliability of the saw.
For Experts and Beginners Alike
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner, you’ll find this saw intuitive and easy to handle. We were quite pleased with its performance, which made for exceptional value for money.
Compared to other circular saws in its price range, the SKIL 5280-01 delivers comparable, or even superior, performance. This makes it an obvious choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
“Pushed this puppy to the limit over nearly 5 punishing hours to whack up a granite block to make steppingstones… It did the job,” says one customer on Amazon. Need we say more?
5. WORX WORXSAW WX429L 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
The WORX WORXSAW WX429L 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw is a handy tool that builds on ease of use and versatility for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. The first thing you’ll notice about this circular saw is its compact size.
The WX429L weighs half as much as other circular saws, which makes it an excellent tool to have around the house and the office.
Compact Power
Don’t let its size fool you, too. This WORX WORXSAW Circular Saw has the power to cut 2×4’s in a single pass. The trigger lock and trigger are strategically situated and easy to use. You can use this tool to cut through any 1″x10″ board. The depth of the blade is adjustable up to 2 inches and offers angle cuts.
The saw’s compact design also permits easy maneuverability. This Worx Saw comes with a thin blade that makes less tool strain. The result is a full-size circular saw’s cutting speed and accuracy.
That said, we were warned that this particular Worx model suffers from overheating issues. We saw this for ourselves during testing. During extended use, the WX429L tends to generate excessive heat, which does impact its performance and, consequently, its durability.
The overheating problem manifests in reduced cutting efficiency. As the saw heats up, it struggles to maintain consistent cutting speed and power.
Cuts Power Costs and Cuts Metal, Too!
While the saw does come with a built-in cooling fan, it falls short of effectively mitigating the overheating concerns. That can be a problem if you work long hours on your projects.
What we did like about this product is that it consumes far less power than the other circular saws in this line-up. That counts for something by our environmentally conscious reckoning.
It is also exceptional for cutting metal, hardwood, and steel. The package contains some high-quality blades that are tough and durable, too, if used with proper care.
While we wouldn’t replace a full-sized circular saw with it, we think the WX429L is great for light to moderate work. Its compact size makes it ideal for small, intricate projects. It is not a tool for prolonged or heavy-duty tasks. We don’t think it was designed for that purpose, anyway.
Choosing the Right Circular Saw for Your Needs
Selecting the appropriate circular saw for your home workshop or professional requirements is crucial to making fast, safe, efficient, and precise cuts. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential to consider certain factors to make an informed decision.
Determine the power requirements based on the materials on which you will be using the saw. Choose a saw with a motor size that suits your needs. A more muscular motor will handle tougher materials with ease, while a smaller motor may suffice for lighter applications.
Consider the blade size that best suits your projects, as well. Smaller blades are ideal for cutting through thinner materials, while larger blades, like 7-1/4 inches, are better suited for thicker materials and deeper cuts.
The ergonomics and weight of the circular saw are important factors to consider, especially if you’ll be working for extended periods. A lightweight saw with a comfortable grip reduces fatigue and allows for better control and maneuverability.
Consider additional features that may improve your workflows, such as laser guides or built-in lights, which could provide better visibility and accuracy during cuts.
Finally, of course, you should assess your budget and compare prices, keeping in mind that quality often comes with a higher price tag. Either way, keep in mind that a reliable and durable circular saw that will withstand regular use in your workshop is always worth the investment.
