The best way to tackle a project at home is by having the right tools to help you complete woodworking tasks rather than turning to somebody for help every time. Or is it? One such essential tool to have in your workshop is a circular saw that will allow you to cut surfaces with precision and accuracy.
Many circular saws are in the market right now but choosing the one that will meet your needs can be an overwhelming task. Besides, to get clean finishes on woodwork projects, you need a powerful tool but one that also features ease of use in mind. In this review, we will look at the best circular saws in 2019 and compare each to the closest competitor in its category so that you can have an easy time choosing the one with a capacity to deal with various cutting tasks.
Top Circular Saws Comparison Table
| Product | Performance | Special Features | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw
 |
Powerful 5150 RPM no load speed motor for precise cuts on the most demanding projects. 0 to 50 degrees bevel cuts | Cordless and battery-powered model making it portable for use | 4.8/5 | Check Price |
Makita 5007F Circular Saw
 |
Reliable 15Amp with a no-load speed of 5800RPM motor and 0 to 45 degrees bevel cuts | Flat motor housing design for solidity | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18V Cordless Circular Saw
 |
Powerful 18V high-torque motor with a no-load speed of 3500 RPM 0 to 45 degrees bevel cuts | Cordless design Electric break safety feature included | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
Ryobi One P505 18V Li-Ion Cordless Circular Saw
 |
No load speed of 4700 RPM 5 ½ inch blade for deep cuts 0-50 degrees easy to adjust bevel capacity | Gripzone Overmold technology Transparent lower guard design | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
TACKLIFE Classic PESO1A Circular Saw
 |
12.5Amp motor No load speed 4500RPM 0 to 45 degrees bevel capacity 7-¼ inch blade | Comfortable, rubberized anti-slip rubberized handle Double switch control | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
PORTER-CABLE PCE300 Circular Saw
 |
15 Amp motor with 5500 RPM 0 to 45 degrees bevel capacity | Durable steel shoe Lightweight | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
Circular Saw Reviews
1. DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw
The DCS391B model is a top-model circular saw from DEWALT that delivers plenty of power, versatility, and precision making it an outstanding choice for woodworkers and DIY’s who want excellent finishes on the most demanding cuts with ease.
DEWALT DCS391B Highlights
If you’re looking for a solidly made portable circular saw that would give you incredible accuracy and precision in DIY projects and light professional jobs, then we’d recommend DCS391B Circular Saw. This saw features a dominant 460MWO 5150RPM no load speed motor for faster burn-free cutting tasks.
Besides, compared to other circular saws in the same category like the Makita 5007F Circular Saw which offers the most common angles of 0 to 45 degrees, DEWALT DCS391B goes the extra mile and provides you with a higher bevel cut angle of up to 50 degrees.
Main Features
- 0 to 50 degrees bevel capacity
- No load speed of 5250RPM
- High strength Magnesium shoe
- Cordless design
- Electric blade safety feature
- Lightweight
The Good
The DCS391B 20V MAX Li-Ion Circular Saw will cut through wood quickly and feels comfortable in the hands. Additionally, this ‘must have’ tool features a decent battery life making it a very dependable choice for home use and light projects.
The Bad
While DCS391B series is a robust and lightweight tool for hobbyists and professionals, it doesn’t come with a blade wrench or a feature that can take the blade on and off which may not be a huge deal but something that could be improved.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Efficient electric brake for safety
- Easy to use and portable
- Easy dialing and fine-tuning
Cons
- Relatively expensive than models in its category
2. Makita 5007F Circular Saw
The 5007F series is a reliable circular saw and a powerful tool for use in all your DIY projects from the Makita brand. It delivers a fast spinning blade powered by a robust 15Amp motor with a no-load speed of 5800RPM for proven performance and resilience.
Makita 5007F Highlights
The 5007F is a compact saw engineered with easy to use features for accuracy, power, and convenience in all your home projects every time. The 15Amp motor combined with large cutting capacity will allow you to cut the most common angles in both professional and DIY projects.
Makita included a Heavy gauge wraparound aluminum base for improved durability while the Flat housing design increases stability when changing blades – which is a nice feature to have. Unlike the DeWalt DCS391B, this model comes with a built-in LED light that illuminates the cutting line for increased accuracy.
Main Features
- Powerful 15Amp with a no-load speed of a 5800RPM motor
- 0 to 45 degrees bevel cuts
- Flat motor housing design
- Built-in dust blower
- Heavy gauge aluminum base
- Large numbers of the bevel
The Good
The Makita 5007F is the perfect mix of portability and power to work on a wide range of framing and cutting applications. The easy to use features included by the manufacturer in this model will allow you to frame walls, sidings, roofs, and floors.
The Bad
Although the 5007F comes with salient features, there are a few tweaks to improve in this model. For instance, we noticed that the built-in dust blower doesn’t blow all the dust efficiently from the working area. However, this is a minor flaw that can be overlooked considering that the saw delivers powerfully.
Pros
- Plenty of power with a 15Amp motor that delivers 5800RPM
- Relatively lightweight
- Durable
- Quick and accurate cuts
- Affordable
Cons
- The built-in dust blower could be improved
3. Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18V Cordless Circular Saw
M18 2630-20 circular saw is a portable circular saw that allows you to handle most home projects and large woodworking tasks with ease thanks to the unique properties that Milwaukee included in this model.
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Highlights
When it comes to doing simple woodworking projects at home, you need a circular saw that will give you a tremendous amount of versatility without sacrificing power. The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is an 18V Lithium-Ion powerhouse that delivers the highest grade power and resilience for DIY projects.
Milwaukee included a robust safety feature that consists of a high-quality electric break to keep you safe when cutting at the same time delivering depth and angle cuts up to 45 degrees. Besides, this tool notably features a durable housing made from magnesium that guards the top and the bottom of the blade making it a great addition to your workshop.
Main Features
- Potent 18V high-torque motor with a no-load speed of 3500RPM
- 0 to 45 degrees bevel cuts
- Cordless design
- Electric break safety feature
- M18 compatible
The Good
We appreciate the simplicity and flexibility included in the M18 2630-20 that make it an excellent choice for hobbyist working on a tight budget but are also looking for strength and precision in their cuts.
The Bad
There’s too much flexibility on the blade when pressure is applied, but M18 2630-20 is a very portable power tool thanks to the cordless design that Milwaukee included in this series.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Efficient safety feature
- Excellent for DIY projects
- Usable right out of the box
Cons
- We wish the blade could be improved, but you can use your own
4. Ryobi One P505 18V Li-Ion Cordless Circular Saw
The P505 series is a dependable cordless circular saw from the Ryobi brand with a no-load motor of 4700RPM that enables you to handle both small projects around the home successfully. It also comes with a comfortable handle that you can use for extended periods allowing you to make simple cuts quickly.
Ryobi One P505 Highlights
The Ryobi One P505 circular saw will offer you higher performance with a no-load motor of 4700RPM than most cordless circular saws in its category like Milwaukee M18 2630-20 circular saw. Besides, this model is an excellent product for light-duty users and occasional DIY projects around the home.
Besides, Ryobi includes a rubber mold lining on the grip that improves control by increasing the friction between your hand and the tool for improved grip. You can also set the angle up to 50 degrees with an easy to adjust bevel. You can make deep clean cuts, with the 5 ½ inch blade that is ready to use out of the box.
Main Features
- No- load motor of 4700RPM
- Gripzone Overmold technology
- Transparent lower guard design
- 0-50 degrees easy to adjust bevel capacity
- Extra side handle
The Good
Ryobi One P505 undoubtedly isn’t made for professional projects but will work well for home use and occasional DIY projects making it an excellent choice for hobbyists. It comes with a reliable, durable motor that allows you to make all the necessary cuts that you need on plywood.
The Bad
We appreciate that the product is compact and can handle small projects around the home efficiently. However, the blade position is not convenient to align along the cutting line which doesn’t accommodate left-handed people very well. However, these are some compromises that you get for the price.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Handy little saw for small works
- Relatively quiet
- Affordable
Cons
- The blade position could be improved
5. TACKLIFE Classic PESO1A Circular Saw
This is a 12.5Amp robust copper motor circular saw from Tacklife with 4700RPM speed for powerful cutting making it an ideal choice for home improvement and DIY projects. Unlike most circular saws in its category, this saw features highly flexible and easy operation providing you with longer run time.
TACKLIFE Classic PESO1A Highlights
Tacklife PESO1A Circular Saw is a powerful tool that will handle several woodwork projects efficiently thanks to the 12.5Amp motor with 4700RPM speed for fast and smooth cuts. It comes with an easy to adjust bevel of up to 45 degrees and a maximum depth capacity of 2-1/2 and 1-4/5 to meet both everyday and complex cutting needs.
Just like the DEWALT DCS391B series, the PESO1A model includes powerful safety features like the dual switch control that protects you from that prevents you from coming into contact with the sharp blade while the soft rubberized anti-slip handle offers comfort and grip.
Main Features
- Soft auxiliary handle
- 12.5Amp motor with 4700RPM
- Ergonomic laser switch
- Double safety switch
- Aluminum alloy guard
- Adjustable angle bevel tilt and depth
- Two 24 teeth blades
- Comfortable, rubberized anti-slip handle
The Good
Tacklife is a relatively new brand in the market with high-quality tools at an affordable price. PESO1A model is a unique circular saw with a comfortable grip that will allow you to work on projects for long periods making it an excellent choice for DIY projects.
The Bad
Though the PESO1A model comes with powerful and flexible operation, it’s less potent than the heavy duty DEWALT DCS391B series and even the Makita 5007F. However, it seems like a durable product that will serve you a long time to come.
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Compact and portable
- Comfortable grip
- Accurate
Cons
- Bevel adjustment needs more improvement
6. PORTER-CABLE PCE300 Circular Saw
PCE300 series from PORTER-CABLE is a circular saw that features a heavy-duty steel shoe with a dependable 15Amp motor that delivers 5500RPM faster than the closest contender in its category the PESO1A model. It’s a convenient choice for hobbyists looking for an affordable circular saw that doesn’t sacrifice power.
PORTER-CABLE PCE300 Highlights
PCE300 series features a heavy-duty steel shoe with an upper and lower metal guard for added durability. Though you wouldn’t expect it to rip through hardwoods or professional projects, this circular saw with 15Amp motor and 5500RPM provides power and speed for different types of home projects.
The PCE300 series also offers Spindle lock and depth adjustment for quick adjustment up to 45 degrees bevel capacity. Besides, PORTER-CABLE included an AUX handle that provides comfort and a clear line of sight.
Main Features
- Durable steel shoe
- 15Amp motor with 5500RPM
- Lightweight
- 18 tooth carbide tipped blade
- Allen wrench
The Good
Though it may not cut a lot of lumber, you’ll quickly find out that this compact circular saw packs plenty of versatility and will deliver cuts at different angles on small projects.
The Bad
The longevity of the PCE300 model is questionable, and it’s not easy to change blades which is annoying though it will outperform a jigsaw.
What we liked the most
- Compact and portable
- Comfortable grip
- Easy, quick adjustments
- Accurate cuts
What we liked the most
- Depth gauge is a little hard to adjust
Circular Saw Buying Guide
How to choose a suitable circular saw?
The main function of a circular saw is to cut the wood, whether it is hard or soft, but you can also cut, thanks to some machines, other materials such as plastic, non-ferrous metals, PVC and others laminated surfaces. So, you need to specify the material that you want to cut, this will let you determine the motor power and the blade type that you want.
The power
The motor power sets the rotation speed for a given diameter, and therefore the weight. For 7 ¼ inch blades, it requires a 15 amp motor. They generally offer a rotation speed of 5200 to 6200 revolutions / minute. Beyond that, you may be limited in your use, and the cut may be less precise or less clean.
The materials
When we talk about the material of the circular saw, we don’t mean to talk about the blade material, but the material of the sole plate or the shoe. The sole plate is the lower part of the saw that allows to slide on the wood.
Steel soles are the most common on the models, but they have their drawbacks. Like aluminum ones, they tend to be brittle in case of a fall, and if your sole is twisted, your saw is virtually unusable.
There are also the magnesium sole plates, they are much stronger and durable.
The bevel angle
Most of the circular saws I presented above can cut more than 45 degrees. It is rare for you to need a greater inclination unless you are working on a roof structure.
The key is to be able to change this setting quickly and easily, accurately and safely.
The height adjustment
To change the height – so the depth – of the cut, the system is usually always the same for years. Lift the safety lever, slide the sole plate up or down, and then lower the lever. So it is not a big deal for the circular saws.
How to Use a Circular Saw
Final Verdict
Our favorite circular saw is the DEWALT DCS391B 20V MAX that delivers the best mix of precision and power among saws in its category. It comes with a cordless design for greater portability and a great electric break that will keep you safe while working. Additionally, it also delivers 5800RPM for sufficient cutting power to provide an excellent, clean finish making it the best choice for home projects and light use.
However, not everyone can fit in DEWALT DCS391B Circular Saw budget space. Therefore the Makita 5007F series would be our best budget pick that will provide you with impressive high-quality cuts without sacrificing power on any woodwork project.
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