What Is a Circular Saw?
A circular saw is one of the most common power saws in do-it-yourself work. An electric motor turns a circular blade at high speed to quickly cut — depending on the blade type — wood, aluminum, masonry, tile and more. Use a circular saw for:
- Crosscuts: Cuts across the wood grain and board face
- Rip Cuts: Cuts along the wood grain and board length
- Square Cuts: Cuts at a 90-degree angle relative to the board edge
- Miter Cuts: Angled cuts relative to the board edge that aren’t at 90 degrees
- Bevel Cuts: Angled cuts relative to the board face
Watch our DIY Basics video, What’s That Cut Called?, to see examples of different kinds of cuts.
Parts of a Circular Saw
- Blade Guard: A shield that covers the blade when the saw isn’t in use and retracts for cutting
- Foot Plate or Shoe: A flat plate that rests on the workpiece, steadying the saw and helping align cuts
- Depth Adjustment: A mechanism that raises or lowers the blade to cut workpieces of different thicknesses
- Bevel Adjustment: A feature that lets the saw tilt relative to the foot plate for bevel cuts
- Arbor: The shaft that turns the saw blade, secured to the blade with a stud
Matching Blades to Your Circular Saw
Follow the saw and blade manufacturers’ specifications for choosing a blade. Our guide to circular saw blades gives you details on different blade types. Here are the key points:
- The blade must be the correct size for the saw.
- The blade must be suitable for the workpiece.
- A blade with more teeth cuts cleanly while one with fewer teeth cuts quickly.
- Carbide-tipped circular saw blades have a longer cutting life than high-speed steel blades.
Circular Saw Types
Circular saw types fall into several categories: design, size and power type.
Circular Saw Designs
Sidewinder saws, also known as direct-drive or
inline saws, are the most common. The motor operates along the same axis as the
blade. Sidewinder saws are more compact and lightweight than worm drive saws.
A Worm Drive Saw Transfers More Power to the
Blade
On a worm drive saw, the motor sits at a right angle to the saw blade. Gearing
between the motor and blade increases torque, or rotational force, making the
worm drive saw excellent for pro or heavy-duty DIY use.
Circular Saw Sizes
Circular saw size refers to the blade size the saw can accept and determines the thickness of material the saw can cut. Larger saws can handle thicker materials and bigger projects, but smaller, lighter saws are easier to use for simpler projects.
Check your saw and blade documentation for depth capacities specific to your saw.
7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
This is the most common and the most useful size for DIY projects. You can
easily cut through 2-by boards (2-by-4s, 2-by-6s, etc.) with a 7-1/4-inch circular saw.
- Typical 90-Degree Cut Depth: 2-1/2 inches
- Typical 45-Degree Bevel Cut Depth: 1-1/2 to 2 inches
6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw
If you buy a power tool combo kit with a circular saw, it’s often a 6-1/2-inch circular saw. This saw size can make straight cuts through 2-by workpieces. It
doesn’t have the capability of a larger saw but is a bit easier to handle.
- Typical 90-Degree Cut Depth: 2-1/8 inches
- Typical 45-Degree Bevel Cut Depth: 1-1/2 inches
4-1/2-Inch Circular Saw
While less common, this circular saw size is useful for quick cuts and small
workpieces. A 4-1/2-inch circular saw is lighter, easier to control and capable
of more detailed cutting than a full-size saw.
- Typical 90-Degree Cut Depth: 1-1/2 inches
- Typical 45-Degree Bevel Cut Depth: 1 inch
For larger workpieces and precise angle and bevel cuts, consider a compound miter saw. Our guide to miter saws explains available features. See our overview of power saws to learn about more saw types.
Cordless Circular Saws vs. Corded Circular Saws
The power source you need for a circular saw depends on where and how you need to work.
Cordless Circular Saws Combine Power and Portability
Cordless circular saws are convenient where extension cords aren’t practical. High-voltage, high-amp-hour batteries provide power and runtime for heavy-duty projects. However, dense material drains a battery quickly, so have a spare ready. For extra convenience, look for a saw that can share a battery with other tools so you’re always ready for a project.
Corded Circular Saws Have Long-Running Power
Corded circular saws offer continuous power for tough jobs. They’re great for projects that require lots of cutting. A corded saw is usually cheaper than a comparable cordless saw but requires an extension cord. Factor this into the total expense. Follow the device manufacturer’s recommendations for compatible extension cords and see our power cord safety tips.
Circular Saw Features
Pay attention to available features to make sure you get the best circular saw for your projects.
Power Rating
Higher voltage (V) for a cordless saw and amperage (amps) for a corded saw indicate more cutting power. For DIY projects, consider:
- An 18- to 20-volt max cordless saw
- A 15-amp corded saw
With a cordless circular saw, also note the amp-hours rating of the battery. In general, a higher rating indicates a longer runtime.
Brake
An electric brake reverses the flow of electricity in the motor when you release the trigger, quickly stopping the blade. A brake can stop a spinning blade in as little as two seconds.
Dust Handling
A dust port that fits a shop vacuum hose makes it easy to reduce the hazard of airborne particles. Connecting the saw to a vacuum also keeps your work area cleaner.
Brushless Motor
A brushless motor runs more efficiently than a brushed motor, making better use of battery power and improving tool life. See our comparison of brushed and brushless motors for details on the benefits.
Comfort and Ergonomics
A comfortable saw reduces fatigue and strain. Also pay attention to blade orientation:
- A blade to the left of the motor can give a right-handed operator better visibility.
- A blade on the right side of the motor might suit a left-handed operator.
Other Features
- A spindle lock or shaft lock immobilizes the blade to make blade changes easier.
- Bevel stops are presets that allow quick adjustments for bevel cuts.
- A work light helps improve cutting accuracy.
- A dust blower removes dust from the cutting path so you can see your cuts better.
Circular Saw Uses
If you use a blade appropriate for the material, there are a variety of projects you can take on with a circular saw, including:
- Cutting posts and decking boards to length when building a deck
- Cutting plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to size for installing a subfloor.
- Cutting fence pickets to the correct height
- Cutting boards to length for custom shelving
- Cutting polyvinyl chloride (PVC) moulding for home interiors
- Cutting pavers to fit a patio or walkway
Circular Saws and Safety
The fast-spinning blade and high cutting power of a circular saw mean safety is key when operating a circular saw. Follow the safety instructions in your saw manual, but in general:
- Disconnect the saw from power before changing the blade and before adjusting, cleaning or maintaining the saw.
- Ensure your blade is sharp, in good condition and suitable for both the saw and workpiece.
- Tie back long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing and jewelry.
- Wear eye protection, hearing protection and a respirator.
- Check the workpiece for fasteners or knots.
- Clamp your workpiece to a stable surface and ensure the saw side of the workpiece is properly supported.
- Don’t set the blade depth more than 1/4 of an inch greater than the workpiece thickness.
- Keep your hands away from the blade.
- Don’t remove the saw from the workpiece until the blade stops.
Cutting jigs and guides help you make quick, precise cuts with a circular saw. Just make sure the guide is compatible with your saw.
Key Takeaways for Choosing the Best Circular Saw
Add a circular saw to your toolbox to take on building projects around your home and landscape. Keep these points in mind:
- A 7-1/4-inch sidewinder saw is the most common type and handles a wide range of projects.
- Cordless circular saws are highly portable, while corded saws offer continuous power.
- Higher voltage or amp ratings indicate more cutting power.
- Features like a brake and a dust port compatible with a shop vacuum make using a circular saw easier and safer.
- Wear eye protection, hearing protection and a respirator when using a circular saw.
- Follow the saw and blade manufacturers’ instructions for use and safety.
Shop Lowes.com for circular saws and blades, whether you’re cutting boards for decking or paneling for a living room. We’ve also got the safety gear you need to protect yourself. Before you buy, visit your local Lowe’s to see which saw feels comfortable in your hands. A Lowe’s Red Vest associate can help you find the circular saw you need and make sure you have the blades and safety gear you need to do the work right.
FAQ for Choosing a Circular Saw
Use these quick answers to find the best circular saw for your projects.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Circular Saw?
Pay attention to the size and power. Larger saws accept larger blades to cut thicker material. Smaller saws are easier to control. Voltage ratings on cordless saws and amp ratings on corded saws indicate cutting power.
What’s the Best Circular Saw for Home Use?
A 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw with a 20-volt max battery is a great option for home use. These saws can cut through 2 by 4s, decking boards, plywood and more, and you aren’t restricted by a cord. Choosing a saw that shares a battery with other tools and outdoor equipment lets you swap batteries between your equipment, so you always have a fresh battery ready. You can also consider a 6-1/2-inch saw. It’s smaller and lighter but handles many typical DIY projects.
Is a 6-1/2-Inch or 7-1/4-Inch Saw Better?
A 7-1/4-inch saw takes a larger blade, giving you a cutting depth that’s suitable for more projects and materials. This saw size is the most common, so there are lots of available models and it’s easy to find compatible blades. A 6-1/2-inch circular saw is a good option if you don’t need to cut thicker materials and if you want a lighter more compact saw. Power tool combo kits with circular saws typically include a 6-1/2-inch saw, giving you a quick way to build out a power tool kit.