|

Best Compact Circular Saw Reviews

Spread the love

Introduction

There are few instruments better than a small circular saw for machinists, woodworkers, and contractors who need a compact saw that can cut through almost any material. These saws are carefully made to be a small percentage of the size and weight of a conventional circular saw, making them simple to travel from your workshop to the field and preventing arm strain from holding the saw.

Traditional circular saws are adaptable but can also be too heavy for various jobs. A tiny, portable circular saw is useful in this situation. You can work on a range of little chores using this equipment, even if you don’t have much room.

The functionality of a portable circular saw is identical to that of a standard circular saw, but it is much more adaptable and portable.

You will need to use a circular saw if you wish to cut large-sized timber planks.

However, you could be seeking something smaller because most circular saws are too big to use at home. For the same, you may think about selecting one of the best small circular saws on this list, which was chosen based on the following criteria:

Blade Diameter:

Checking the blade diameter of a circular saw is crucial since you want one that is small in size. Since larger blades perform better while cutting larger-sized wooden boards, the blade size not only impacts the circular saw’s form factor but also how well it cuts. Additionally, the majority of small circular saws use a 4 1/2 cutting blade to provide an excellent balance between cutting performance and form factor.

Motor Speed:

Even though the blade on your compact circular saw is huge, a weak motor will render it useless. As a result, you should also look at the motor’s speed rating because a motor with a higher speed rating—for example, 4500 or 5000 RPM—will function considerably better than one with a lower rating, such as 3000 RPM.

Motor Power:

To get a sense of how well your compact circular saw performs, you may also look at the motor speed rating. A higher rating, such as 5 amps or 6 amps, will perform better than a lesser value, such as 4 amps, for this motor power rating.

In addition to these, there are numerous other factors to take into account when choosing small circular saws. As a result, all of the top compact circular saws listed below come with an explanation of their key features and specs. By the end of this list, you will even find a thorough “Buying Guide” and pertinent FAQs about the best small circular saws, allowing you to choose the ideal small saw.

Best Compact Circular Saw 2023

Worx WX429L 4 Amp WORXSAW 4.5″ Electric Compact Circular Saw
  • Uses a 4.5-inch cutting diameter blade
  • Rated for a maximum cutting depth of up to 2 inches
  • Includes 1 cutting blade in the box
  • Offers a maximum motor speed of up to 3500 RPM
  • Powered by an electric motor of up to 4 amp current draw
  • Backed by a 3-year-long warranty for reliability
Rockwell 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw
  • Uses a 4.5-inch cutting diameter blade
  • Rated for a maximum cutting depth of up to 2 inches
  • Includes 1 cutting blade in the box
  • Offers a maximum motor speed of up to 3500 RPM
  • Powered by an electric motor of up to 5 amp current draw
  • Backed by a 3-year-long warranty for reliability
Genesis GCS445SE 4.0 Amp 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
  • Uses a 4.5-inch cutting diameter blade
  • Rated for a maximum cutting depth of up to 2 inches
  • Includes 1 cutting blade in the box
  • Offers a maximum motor speed of up to 3500 RPM
  • Powered by an electric motor of up to 4 amp current draw
  • Backed by a 2 year-long warranty for reliability
PowerSmart Mini Circular Saw
  • Uses a 4.5-inch cutting diameter blade
  • Rated for a maximum cutting depth of up to 2 inches
  • Includes 3 cutting blades in the box
  • Offers a maximum motor speed of up to 3500 RPM
  • Powered by an electric motor of up to 4 amp current draw
  • Backed by a 2 year-long warranty for reliability
Mini Circular Saw, HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw
  • Uses a 3 ⅜ inch cutting diameter blade
  • Rated for a maximum cutting depth of up to 1 inch
  • Includes 3 cutting blades in the box
  • Offers a maximum motor speed of up to 4500 RPM
  • Powered by an electric motor of up to 4 amp current draw
  • Backed by a 2-year warranty for reliability
WEN 3625 5-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Beveling Compact Circular Saw
  • Uses a 4.5-inch cutting diameter blade
  • Rated for a maximum cutting depth of up to 2 inches
  • Includes 1 cutting blade in the box
  • Offers a maximum motor speed of up to 3500 RPM
  • Powered by an electric motor of up to 5 amp current draw
  • Backed by a 2 year-long warranty for reliability
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Circular Saw
  • Cuts 2x material at 90° and 1x at 45°
  • Removable handle for tight cuts + onboard wrench
  • Spins the blade up to 4500 RPM
  • Compatible with all ATOMIC batteries (up to 12 hours)
  • High accuracy of cuts

Worx WX429L 4 Amp WORXSAW 4.5″ Electric Compact Circular Saw

A superb compact circular saw from the well-known Worx line of power tools gives excellent performance statistics despite being very tiny and portable.

The Worx WX429L compact circular saw is listed first because it’s the ideal choice for people who don’t want to sacrifice performance in favor of a small form factor. It comes with a 4.5-inch cutting blade, which is the first thing to mention about its form and functionality.

You get a respectable cutting depth rating of up to 2 inches with this blade. There is only one blade included in the box, which is to be anticipated given how reasonably priced it is.

With regard to its electric motor, it has a maximum speed limit of 3500 RPM, which is considered to be fairly powerful for most. It features a very effective motor with a maximum current rating of up to 4 amps to enable such speeds. The best part of choosing this little circular saw from Worx is that it comes with a 3-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Pros

  • Fairly powerful compact circular saw for the given size
  • Highly efficient motor with a low-power draw
  • Great build quality along with a superb warranty period

Cons

  • Only offers a single cutting blade in the box

Rockwell 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw

If you want something that is quite dependable and can last for a very long time, similar to its compact circular saw stated above, you can also take into account Rockwell and its power tools.

Rockwell’s RK3441K small circular saw, which is quite dependable and has respectable performance numbers, is listed in second place on this list. This circular saw features a 4.5-inch cutting blade, which contributes to its cutting efficiency.

When working with hardwood boards, you may use this cutting blade to make cuts that are up to 2 inches deep. Additionally, this Worx small circular saw includes a single blade in the box, just like the previous Worx model.

The fact that this Worx compact circular saw likewise has a maximum motor speed of up to 3500 RPM is another commonality between both. Unfortunately, to operate at the same speed, this small circular saw needs a larger power demand of up to 5 amps. Despite this, this small circular saw comes with a 3-year warranty, which still makes it a top choice for most people.

Pros

  • With a cutting blade that is sharp, cutting performance is rather good.
  • Long warranty duration and a build that is extremely robust
  • Circular saw with a portable and tiny form factor for use while traveling

Cons

  • Power consumption may be a little excessive given the performance figures.

Genesis GCS445SE 4.0 Amp 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw

For those of you searching for an entry-level and cost-effective compact circular saw, Genesis is a considerably more affordable and budget-focused brand of power equipment.

This Genesis GCS445SE compact circular saw is included in third place in this article because it is the most cost-effective choice available, making it ideal if your budget is limited. This tiny circular saw has a 4.5-inch blade, just like more expensive models.

The fact that it even offers a comparable cutting depth of up to 2 inches with this blade is more significant. It comes with just 1 blade, as you might anticipate from a compact circular saw that is affordable.

Thankfully, Genesis has not sacrificed its performance figures as it makes use of a potent motor that can reach speeds of up to 3500 RPM. Furthermore, it can maintain such speeds while drawing up to 4 amps of power. With this entry-level small circular saw, you do have a 2-year guarantee, but the build quality does reflect the lower price.

Pros

  • Excellent compact circular saw for buyers on a tight budget
  • Solid performance numbers and cutting performance for the given price
  • High-quality cutting blade with sharp teeth 

Cons

  • Build quality could have been a little better

PowerSmart Mini Circular Saw

Since it offers much more than just a circular saw in the package, PowerSmart, a relatively new brand of power tools and cutting instruments, manages to be a fantastic alternative for the majority of people out there.

If you’re looking for a saw that has several blades included in the box, the PowerSmart Mini small circular saw is a fantastic choice. Additionally, all of the included blades have a diameter of 4.5 inches to guarantee that you receive a tiny and portable circular saw. In terms of the number of blades included in the box, this small circular saw comes with three blades altogether. Any of these blades can be used to achieve a cutting depth of up to 2 inches.

This tiny circular saw offers a motor speed rating of up to 3500 RPM, much like the majority of other models on the market. In actuality, it shares the majority of other devices’ motor power ratings of 4 amps. You’ll also be happy to learn that the PowerSmart small circular saw, along with the three blades it comes with, are covered by a 2-year warranty.

Pros

  • Great value for money thanks to multiple included blades
  • Quite powerful thanks to a high-performance electric motor
  • Decent cutting performance with all of the included blades

Cons

  • Changing the included blades can be a bit difficult

Mini Circular Saw, HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw

Hychika is significantly smaller than the majority of other manufacturers of tiny circular saws, but it is still an option for most people because it frequently includes a lot of accessories with its power tools, including this compact circular saw.

Many people may find the Hychika small circular saw to be a fantastic choice because it comes with a variety of tools, including various blades, guides, rulers, and a carrying case. But first, let’s look at how well it cuts: this small circular saw has a 3 3/8 inch cutting circle.

Its cutting depth is only 1 inch since its blade size is a little bit smaller than that of other knives. Having said that, the box does include three different types of blades, which might be pretty useful for many.

This little circular saw offers a greater motor speed rating of up to 4500 RPM to make up for its smaller blade size. And the best thing is that despite having a motor power rating of up to 4 amps, this circular saw can still provide the same services. Hychika, a new and small power tool manufacturer, even includes a 2-year warranty with this small circular saw, which increases its reliability.

Pros

  • Pretty high motor speed rating compared to others
  • Offers a wide range of accessories including multiple blades in the box
  • Fairly durable and reliable with the given build quality and warranty period

Cons

  • Uses a slightly smaller blade size than others

WEN 3625 5-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Beveling Compact Circular Saw

For anyone wishing to purchase a powerful and useful item without having to pay a premium for it, Wen and the majority of its power tool products, which also include the small circular saw listed above, can be another possible option.

The Wen 3625 small circular saw is probably the one that offers the best value for the money because, while being inexpensive, it still comes with extra tools and a carrying case. When examined closely, the small circular saw has a cutting blade with a diameter of 4.5 inches. With this blade, you can get a cutting depth of up to 2 inches, which is rather impressive.

It only includes 1 cutting blade in the box, which is to be expected, but it does come with other useful accessories.

When it comes to this little circular saw’s motor speed, it has a maximum speed rating of 3500 RPM. Unfortunately, to reach its maximum motor speed, it needs a motor power draw of 5 amps. Fortunately, Wen’s small circular saw is still quite dependable and sturdy, and it comes with a 2-year warranty.

Pros

  • Compact circular saw with incredible value and many bundled extras
  • With its sharp cutting blade, it performs cutting with great depth
  • Quite good construction quality and an extended warranty duration

Cons

  • Requires a higher power draw for maximum motor speeds

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Circular Saw

American power tool maker DEWALT is well-known and has a long history in the industry. This Baltimore-based company has been a pioneer in its field since 1924, and evaluations for it are consistently favorable.

My preferred tiny circular saw overall is the ATOMIC DCS571B for a number of factors. It is compatible with a great 20V li-ion battery series, start. The work time can be increased from 1.5 to 12 hours by selecting from 4 different battery kinds.

Unfortunately, you must get the battery and charger separately because the tool doesn’t come with either. It will take only one DCB205 battery pack to cut up to 339 feet of 34 OSB.

For such a small companion, the brushless motor has excellent torque to spin the blade up to 4500 RPM. My studies indicated that the 4-1/2″ blade size is sufficient to cut two times the amount of material at a 90° bevel angle. Be prepared to work with a maximum of 1x material if you require 45° cuts.

Because of how well the weight and ergonomics are balanced, the tool is incredibly simple to use. With all the extra components added, it is 6.6 pounds heavy. You can attach an additional handle on top of it to have a better grip if you don’t feel like carrying it in one hand. Additionally, the dust port is detachable, allowing you to conceal it while not in use.

Pros

  • Cuts 2x material at 90° and 1x at 45°
  • Removable handle for tight cuts + onboard wrench
  • Spins the blade up to 4500 RPM
  • Compatible with all ATOMIC batteries (up to 12 hours)
  • High accuracy of cuts

Cons

  • Battery and charger are sold separately.

Compact Circular Saw Buying Guide

Before making a purchase, there are a lot of factors to take into account. Let’s look more closely at each of the factors that can influence the workflow: power, blade type, ergonomics, and a few more.

Power

Because compact circular saws have smaller motors, each unit of power counts. Finding a model with the highest power value—measured in Watts—will help you make cuts more quickly. It is easy to locate because this index is listed in the description of every machine.

The highest available RPM for each model is something else you should be concerned about. Most of the time, more Watts also equate to higher peak RPM. An RPM switch is yet another significant component. The better, the more RPM modes it has.

Amperage is another way to distinguish one model from another. Although 10-12 Amps is also a viable option if you only use the saw rarely, 15 Amps is the industry norm. If you require a little saw primarily for ripping, certain models may give more than 15 Amps, which is a good deal.

Power Source

Both corded and cordless variants are available; each has advantages and disadvantages. In other words, corded devices can only be used in locations with direct access to outlets, but cordless ones are significantly more portable and allow you to work away from electricity and in difficult-to-reach places. More information on both categories is provided below.

Blade

The simplicity with which each model’s blade can be changed should be considered. Although most of the time it’s simple, exceptions do happen. In addition, it makes sense to look at the reviews of the blades, the quantity of them in the package, and the accessibility of replacement blades in your area. You most likely won’t encounter any issues with this.

It’s crucial to match the top RPM of replacement blades with the possible modes on your tool when shopping for new blades.

Ergonomics & Safety

You need a gadget that won’t put too much strain on your hands at once. It should have practical control locations and be as light as possible. Another crucial factor is the size of the grip. The instrument should be comfortable and feel natural to use.

Next, check to see if the saw you select includes at least one safety feature. Even though these tools are little, they are just as deadly as larger tools. A power brake that instantly stops the blade is one of the greatest safety alternatives.

Cutting Depth

The more task types you can complete, the deeper cuts your saw can make. For 7 14″ models, the most typical cutting depth is 2 1/2″. The greatest variety of replacement blades is available for these tools. 6 1/2″ and 8 1/4″ saws are examples of smaller sizes. The smallest trim saws typically have blades that are 4 1/4″ or 4 1/2″.

Extras & Warranty

Additional features could include a laser guide, a dust port, integrated lighting, an adjustable bevel (the common angles are 22 1/2° and 45°), or even waterproof qualities. Select the choice that best satisfies your needs.

In terms of the warranty, it is safe to purchase the tool with the longest warranty available. Longevity is often measured by a longer warranty. A tool with a replacement or refund warranty is also a plus. Typically, only US-based manufacturers provide this choice.

Battery-operated vs corded

All hand-held circular saws were corded at first since batteries weren’t light enough to carry around or powerful enough to drive the blade. Circular saws powered by batteries are now even more portable and practical to use than circular saws powered by cords. In spite of the lack of outlets, you can take them just about any place.

On the other hand, compared to corded machines, your workday will be shorter. This means that if you want to be able to use a tool without having to stop and recharge it, you must buy one that includes replacement batteries. This substantially raises the cost of battery-powered products. The average amp-hour rating, however, ranges from 5 to 9 hours, which is a considerable amount of time.

You may need to take breaks more frequently because the batteries are fairly weighty. However, there are times when managing cords are simply impossible or too complicated! All the benefits of cordless tools really start to pay off in that situation.

Concerns about other power sources are connected to the strength of the tool. That’s actually no longer a concern. The market is flooded with cordless saws that can cut just as effectively as corded ones. It only concerns your financial situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I buy a small circular saw?

For do-it-yourself projects around the house, little circular saws are very helpful. When you buy a high-quality tool, you get a dependable working companion for the following 10–20 years. You can carry out a number of tasks with this tool.

You may cut a number of materials using a circular saw, including wood, metal, plastic, and even stone (if you install a diamond cutting edge). With this comfortable tool, you may perform precise cross-cutting tasks as well as quick and harsh ripping. At last, it’s simple to use with just one hand!

Are mini circular saws any good?

A number of tasks benefit greatly from the use of small circular saws. Although they have lesser power, RPM, and cutting depth limitations than conventional circular saws, they nonetheless perform the same functions. You will adore this tool if these constraints aren’t too low for your tasks. I swear.

What kind of wooden planks can you cut using a given compact circular saw?

A tiny circle saw works similarly to a full-size circular saw in that it makes quick work of cutting practically any type of wood. However, you can quickly learn about all the varieties of wood that you can work on by checking the compatibility list of your small circular saw if you want to be certain that you are able to cut a specific type of wood.

How do you change the blade of a compact circular saw if it gets damaged or worn out?

You must first activate your compact circular saw’s arbour lock in order to change the blade. The blade must then be moved to the unlocked position so that you can continue removing the arbour nut. The blade will then pop out after that and can be changed with any cutting blade of your choice.

What power source does a compact circular saw use for its functioning?

Even though there are a few cordless, battery-powered tiny circular saws available, the majority of high-performance models will be corded models. This simply means that before using any of the tiny circular saws listed above, they must be connected to a wall outlet.

Conclusion:

For those of you who frequently work on carpentry projects, a circular saw is your best bet for slicing through huge timber plans. Although some of you might be seeking for something smaller, like the finest compact circle saws mentioned previously in this list, given that circular saws are generally very huge. You may learn about the important features and options of each of these small circular saws. Not only that, but we have also provided a thorough buyer’s guide and the most frequently asked questions about the top compact circular saws.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *