Circular saws are incredibly versatile and can be used to cut a range of different materials. The portability of these devices means you can carry them around with you, and you can easily hold them in your hand during use.
Most people use circular saws for quick, straight cuts, and you can buy ones with blades that are made for wood, metal, and so on. Regardless of whether you’re a DIY beginner or professional, you need a circular saw to make up your tool arsenal.
Of course, there are a plethora of options out there to explore. You’ll be pleased to know there’s no need to look at every single option on the market.
Below, you’ll find six top contenders that are battling it out for the best corded circular saw title. Check out our corded circular saw reviews, and you’ll soon find the best corded circular saw for you.
Our Recommended Best Corded Circular Saws
1. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 has a lot of features that you’ll enjoy. It’s powered by a 15 amp dual-field motor that’s wonderfully dependable.
This motor is designed to stay cool – thanks to an increased copper surface area – which allows you to power through some of the more difficult cutting tasks without worrying about overheating issues. The blade doing all the cutting is 24-toothed, and carbon tipped to provide the best possible performance.
When looking for the best corded circular saw, you want something lightweight and portable. This is one of the lightest corded circular saws out there, with a weight of just 11.6 lbs.
There’s a comfortable, ergonomic handle as well, making this a very lovely saw to hold and use. This is a 7-1/4 inch circular saw with a max cutting capacity of 2 ⅜ inches at 90 degrees.
You also get a Cut Ready depth adjustment level that makes it so easy to make little adjustments when cutting different types of wood. The adjustments available are for ¼ ply, ½ ply, ¾ ply and 2x.
This saw also has a handy anti-snag feature where the blade is protected by a guard, so it doesn’t snag when you cut thinner materials.
If you’re looking for a corded circular saw that cuts wood, then this is an option for you. The blade works on soft, hard and engineered woods – which means it’s perfect for things like decking, framing, and so on.
It’s a very easy saw to handle as well, and there’s a brilliant balance to it. This allows you to make precise cuts very quickly, so it’s a good option for DIY beginners.
- Lightest magnesium construction reduces user fatigue for less down time
- Cut-ready depth of cut system helps with quick, accurate depth measurements
- 53° bevel allows users to complete a wider variety of cuts
- 15 Amp of power gives users the power to rip through more lumber in less time
- The anti-snag lower guard provides smooth operation for small cut-off pieces
2. DEWALT DWE575SB
Next, we have the Dewalt DWE575SB at a lightweight and compact 8.8lbs. This corded circular saw is a great industrial corded alternative to some of the other circular saws that we have mentioned so far.
Boasting 5200 RPM this heavy-duty handheld corded circular saw gives the Makita and Milwaukee saws a run for their money whilst also being a cheaper alternative.
The Dewalt DWE575SB can handle applications ranging from cutting plywood and siding to exterior finishing and framing walls and would make a durable addition to both a domestic and commercial tool kit.
With a 2 9/16 inch depth of cut capacity, 57-degree bevel capacity, and detents at 22.5 and 45-degree angles, the saw can be used for a variety of cuts and is considered one of the best corded circular saws in its class.
Although corded, the Dewalt DWE575SB has some clever design features designed to stop the cord from weighing you down including a ToughCord cord system that provides the saw with three times more resistance to cord pullouts when compared to other corded devices.
Like the Milwaukee M18 2630-20, the Dewalt DWE575SB also has an electronic brake that instantly stops the blades from rotating at the end of a cut providing additional safety and speeding up efficiencies.
So if you’re not convinced by a cordless circular saw just yet or are looking for a lightweight yet powerful corded circular saw to handle a variety of domestic or commercial jobs then don’t rule the Dewalt DWE575SB out of the running just yet.
- Lightweight and compact 15A (Ampere) saw delivers power for the toughest applications
- This product is manufactured in China
- Robust structural foam box with large interior space
- Removable tray for hand tools
3. Makita 5007MG
This Makita circular saw is made out of magnesium components to keep it nice and lightweight. When combined with the 15 AMP industrial motor – offering 5,800 rpm – you get a product with a fantastic power to weight ratio.
While it may only weigh 10 lbs, the Makita 5007MG corded circular saw is very durable and robust – it can even stand up to regular use on a construction site or workshop.
That powerful little motor gives you the boost you need to saw through some of the thickest lumber without any issues at all.
You’re also treated to a large cutting capacity of 2 ½ inches at 90 degrees, and there are positive stops at 22.4, 45 and 56 degrees, so you can change the angle with ease for bevel cuts.
All of this means that this corded circular saw offers high efficiency when you use it – which is always a bonus.
In effect, you can cut for longer with greater accuracy!
Speaking of which, some key features are put on the saw to help improve your cutting ability. It comes with a built-in LED light and integrated dust blower to help you see the line of cut more clearly and remove any debris from the surface.
Then, there are numbers and ruler markings on the base of the saw so you can really map out your cuts with more precision than ever before.
Of course, we have to look at the blade itself. Right away, it boasts a unique tooth design with two pointed tips and two 10 degree bevel faces.
The tips of the blade are coated in carbide to make them last for as long as possible and withstand difficult conditions. Not only that, but it’s ultra-coated to stop heat from building up and damaging the performance from a dull blade.
The result is a blade that cuts as smoothly as a knife through butter – and it makes quick work of all types of dense woods, as well as masonry and metal cutting.
As such, the Makita 5007MG is a fantastic option if you’re serious about cutting and need a circular saw that offers precision performance all the time.
- Magnesium components create a lightweight saw (10.6 pounds) that is well balanced and jobsite tough
- Powerful 15.0 AMP motor delivers 5,800 RPM for proven performance and jobsite durability
- Two built in L.E.D lights illuminate the line of cut for increased accuracy
- Large cutting capacity (2 to 1/2 inches at 90 degree) and bevel capacity (0 degree to 56 degree) with positive stops at 22.5 degree and 45 degree
- 1 year warranty
4. Bosch CS10
The Bosch CS10 impresses with a powerful 15 AMP motor that gives a very high output. As a result, cuts are made quickly, and they’re extra smooth as well.
You get 5,600 no-load rpm, which gives excellent torque-to-weight efficiency, particularly when you consider this only weighs 10.2 lbs.
The blade diameter of this Bosch circular saw sits at the standard 7 ¼ inches, and there’s a total of 24 teeth on it. You can cut through 2 7/16 inches of material at 90 degrees, which is highly productive.
There’s an outstanding bevel capacity as well (56 degrees), and you get positive detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees to let you switch quickly for different bevel cuts.
The Bosch CS10 is actually built for professional use, so you know you’re getting something that works really well and is made to be comfortable.
This is seen in the soft-touch handle and composite footplate, giving you more control and stability than you get with a lot of other circular saws.
When it comes to ease of use, things are made simple by the unmatched line of sight. You don’t have anything obscuring your view, so it’s easy to see what you’re cutting to get a higher degree of accuracy.
Also, there’s a built-in dust blower to clear all dust from your eye line as well, which further enhances the accuracy.
- Robust circular saw design features a 15 Amp motor for cuts up to 2-7/16 In. at 90°, and is only 10.2 Lbs. in weight. Die-cast magnesium footplate for unmatched durabiltiy and flatness.
- Saw hook — convenient saw storage between cuts. 56° bevel capacity
- Bosch-exclusive bevel louvers direct blower output to clear away dust. Optimized sight lines for unmatched visibility.
- Anti-snag lower guard - provides smooth operation for small cut-off pieces. High-contrast bevel and depth scales - for greater accuracy. High strength and lightweight magnesium upper guard.
- Soft grip handle - for added comfort. Heavy-duty 22 amp switch. Removable end cap — easy, re-useable brushes. Spindle lock - for quick and easy blade change.
5. PORTER-CABLE PCE310
The next product in the running for the best corded circular saw is the neat and compact Porter-Cable PCE310. Coming in at only 9 lbs, it’s one of the lightest options on this list.
But, you don’t sacrifice weight for power with this compact circular saw as it still boasts a 15 AMP motor that can run at a mighty 5,500 rpm. This gives you all the power you need to glide through different woods at a very fast pace.
One thing that stands out about this circular saw is the build quality. It’s constructed with a magnesium shoe and metal guards.
As such, you get something that’s wildly durable – which is why it’s backed by a 3-year guarantee from the manufacturer. You can use this for days on end at a busy job site without worrying about the quality dropping of parts breaking.
This circular saw has a 7 ¼ inch 18 tooth carbide-tipped blade that will only cut wood, so bear that in mind. You have a max cutting depth of 2 ½ inches at 90 degrees, which stands up to a lot of the other contenders in this review.
The line of sight is also very clear, and you have a spindle lock and depth adjustment that quickly lets you transition between different angles and depths.
The handle is effortless for you to hold and feels comfortable in your hand, so you get a real sense of control when you use this saw.
- 15 amp motor running at 5,500 RPM provides power and speed through applications
- Magnesium shoe, metal upper & lower guards provide added durability
- Spindle lock and depth adjustment for quick adjustments on the job
- Only 9.0 lbs, with Aux handle, provide comfort and clear line of sight
6. BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Laser
The BLACK+DECKER BDECS300C 13amp Circular Saw with Laser Guide and 13-AMP 120-Volts power is a great budget circular saw to enable you to complete a wide variety of cuts.
It has a laser guide for accurate cutting all the way down the lattice keeping you straight through wood, gaps, and all!
It features bevel stops and depth adjustments up to 2.5 inches at 90-degrees.
A spindle lock provides easy blade changes. At just 7-lbs, this circular saw offers a lightweight design to reduce user fatigue and to allow you to complete your job with ease. Its dimensions of 14 x 9.9 x 8-inches mean that it’s easy to handle.
You have the reassurance of the BLACK+DECKER name, backed by BLACK+DECKER’s 2-year limited warranty. Included are a circular Saw, a 7-1/4 inch circular saw blade, a blade wrench, and a hex key.
If you’re looking for a budget circular saw the BLACK+DECKER BDECS300C is a great choice as it has a lot of features for a budget circular saw making it suitable for all your projects and needs.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN – Helps keep you comfortable and in control while minimizing muscle fatigue.
- POWERFUL MOTOR – Circular saw’s 13 Amp motor delivers effective and efficient cutting for most applications.
- LASER GUIDE – Illuminates the cut line for enhanced accuracy.
- SPINDLE LOCK – Allows for quick and easy blade changes.
- EASY BEVEL ADJUSTMENT – Make accurate angled cuts up to 45 degrees.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
When you are on the hunt for the best circular saw, there are a lot of factors to consider. Remembering all of the important features and specifications isn’t always possible when there are a lot of them to consider.
Corded, Not Cordless, Circular Saw
Cordless circular saws have their benefits; for one, they are great power tools to have in your kit if you are a professional. They make cutting wood and other material easy when you are called out to a construction site with limited plug sockets.
The only problem with cordless saws is that they are only suitable for completing quick jobs. They lack the power that corded saws have, and if cordless tools run out of power, the tool is entirely redundant.
Understanding the difference between a corded and cordless circular saw is a crucial step, and deciding between the two saw types is the first thing you should do when looking for a circular saw.
The best circular saws have most or all of the following features, as well as being comfortable and easy to use.
Following our buying guide will ensure you purchase the best corded circular saw for your needs.
See Related Topic: The DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw
Drive
There are two types of drive systems used in most circular saws:
Sidewinder
A sidewinder circular saw has the motor mounted to the side of the blade, generally on the left of the blade, making the right-hand side more visible. The motor spins in line with the blade which produces a higher rpm and blade speed.
The setup of a sidewinder circular saw affects the balance in handling with the weight of the motor to the side.
Worm drive
Worm drive circular saws have their motor mounted at the rear of the blade, usually to the right, so leave you with a left-sided blade.
The worm drive spins the blade using gears. This reduces the rpm but increases torque so a worm drive circular saw is useful for certain jobs.
Due to its different design, a worm drive circular saw has its weight at the rear.
So the choice of worm drive or sidewinder comes down to the balance of handling, side of the blade, and torque versus rpm to help you decide the best corded circular saw for you.
Blade Size
Most circular saws have blades with a diameter of just over 7 inches. These saws can cut through about two inches of lumber in just one pass. Smaller blades, between five and 6-inch in diameter, will require two or more passes to cut through two inches of wood.
A blade’s kerf refers to the thickness of the blade. Blades are rarely thicker than an inch, and some heavy-duty blades have a kerf of ⅛ inches.
Line of sight
Left-handed users will struggle to use a right-handed saw and vise versa. Saws smaller than 6 ½ are generally left-handed, as are the majority of cordless circular saws.
You may decide to choose a worm drive circular saw or a sidewinder based on the line of sight of each.
Obviously, there are exceptions, but it is essential to think about which hand you will use to guide the circular saw to create your cutting line as it will affect your line of sight.
Blade Material
Steel and chrome are the typical material used to make circular saw blades. Chrome and chrome-plated saw blades are good for cutting melamine boards, while food-grade steel blades are used for cutting wood and other standard material.
Blade Adjustability
High-quality circular saws can cut material at a 90-degree angle, and be adjusted accordingly to cut at a 45-degree angle. If you require a versatile circular saw that has various cutting depths, the saw must have depth adjustment settings.
Blade Guards
Saws that are going to be transported from place to place must have blade guards. An upper blade guard is vital as it covers the whole blade, while retractable lower guards prevent damage in transit.
Durability
As you already know, circular saws are designed for cutting through hard material, so the saw must be very durable. The saw blade should be made from rustproof material that will not bend when cutting hard substances.
Power
Heavy-duty saws have a turbo boost button that cranks up the saw’s power and cutting ability. The majority of circular saws have a 15 amp motor, which is in line with lower home circuitry capacity.
If the saw’s motor is less than 15 amps, it is a red flag, and most probably will not have enough power to do the job you require.
Cord Length
As we are not looking at a cordless circular saw then the cord length is important to bear in mind. As with any corded power tool you can always use an extension cable but it’s still nice to have sufficient length built-in to not need an extension most of the time.
Ease-of-Use
Circular saws are easy to use, even for beginners. Cutting a straight line is far easier than cutting curves; however, both can be done with the right saw without breaking into a sweat.
Saw blades should be sharp and glide through the material you are cutting. If the motor isn’t powerful enough or the blade is blunt, it will really affect the saw’s ease of use.
Bevel Capacity
The maximum bevel capacity varies from saw to saw. And some saws have bevel stops that allow you to adjust the bevel cuts at preset angles.
More Features
1.Laser Guides
A single beam laser guide is a brilliant feature on a circular saw as it will allow you to make the most accurate cuts possible. Beginners should use a circular saw with a laser guide until they are more confident in their cutting abilities.
2. Electric Brakes
Electric brakes will stop the blade from moving in less than three seconds. Saws that do not have an electric brake system take far longer to stop and can result in inaccuracies in the cutting, or worse, accidents in the workplace.
3. Spindle Locks
Let’s start off by highlighting that not all circular saws have a spindle lock. A spindle lock is a lock feature on the saw that stops components from moving and that you would use to quickly change components on the saw, such as the blade.
Safety
Electric brakes and spindle locks are safety features on a corded circular saw, as well as blade guards and an easily accessible on/off switch.
Safety features have just a small part to play in keeping you safe while using the saw, and your conduct while completing work will be the difference between working professionally and safely and putting yourself and others in danger.
1. Wear Gloves
Thick, industrial work gloves are the best gloves to wear while cutting material using a circular saw.
2. Wear Eye Protection
Just like with every construction job, you must wear eye protection at all times. Some materials can be extremely unpredictable, and debris can fly up and damage your eyes if you fail to wear protective gear.
3. Do Not Wear Loose Clothing
Loose clothing can get entangled in the blade. Tuck in your shirt and wear close-fitting pants while using a circular saw.
4. Inspect the Blades Regularly
Blunt blades are extremely dangerous, not only that, they will make the job ten times harder for you!
5. Remove Nails and Screws From the Object You Wish to Cut
Nails and screws could fling up and hit you if they are run over by the saw. Inspect the material thoroughly before proceeding to cut it.
6. Wait for the Blade to Stop Moving
Never touch a moving blade, or attempt to put the saw away before the blade has stopped completely.
7. Always Use Both Hands to Cut
Yes, cutting through softwood material does not require a lot of force or control. Regardless of how “easy” you find cutting the material, you must keep two hands on a circular saw at all times for maximum control to keep yourself and others around you safe.
8. Stand to the Side When Cutting
Standing directly above a circular saw is dangerous as shavings and wood chips could fling up and hit you. Standing to the side of the blade gives you the space to move out of the way if such an incident occurs.
9. Cutting Depth
Never allow the blade to protrude lower below the object that you are cutting more than a centimeter or two.
FAQ
Below is a collection of frequently asked questions that many construction workers who are on the hunt for the best corded circular saw ask. We hope the following questions help clear up the last of your corded circular saw confusion.
Q: What is the best DeWalt circular saw?
A: The DeWalt DWE575SB is the best DeWalt circular saw on the market.
Q: Who makes the best-corded circular saw?
A: Makita and DeWalt make the best corded circular saws.
Q: Are Skil circular saws any good?
A: A Skil circular saw is made from high-quality, durable material that slices through hardwood easily. The Skil brand is so synonymous with circular saws that, like Hoover for vacuum cleaners, many people refer to circular saws as ‘Skil saws’.
Q: What is better, jigsaw or circular saws?
A: They are both good at different things. Jigsaws are great for DIY projects, while a circular saw is good at making straight and precise cuts.
Q: What is the most versatile saw?
A: The DeWalt DWS780 is probably the most versatile corded circular saw on the market.
Q: How does a circular saw work?
A: A trigger must be squeezed to start the blade rotating. Once the blade is in motion, push the saw forward to cut the material.
Q: How Does a saw stop without electric brakes?
A: You can push the saw ever so slightly to the side to create friction that eventually causes the blade to stop.
How To Choose A Circular Saw
Here is a video from This Old House talking about how to pick the right circular saw:
