A circular saw is a versatile power tool that can make quick work of many wood and building material cutting tasks. With the right blade, circular saws can cut lumber, plywood, melamine, laminate, plastic, metal, and more. They are available in different sizes and styles to suit DIYers and professional builders.

If you are looking for a circular saw, consider what projects you will use it for. Look at the cutting depth, bevel capacities, blade sizes, and other features to select the best circular saw you need. Then, learn how to use proper safety measures and techniques to get clean, accurate cuts.


Types of Circular Saws

There are four main types of circular saws, categorized by size and cutting depth abilities:

  • Full-size circular saws: The most powerful and versatile option. Can cut 2-3/8″ depth when outfitted with a carbide-tipped blade. Good for cutting lumber, plywood, melamine, etc. Popular for framing, deck building, and other construction projects.
  • Compact circular saws: A lighter, more portable version of the full-size saw. The 5-1/2″ blades can cut up to 2″ depth. It is handy for general DIY tasks, especially when you need to make cuts in tight spaces.
  • Trim saws: Designed for finish carpentry and fine woodworking. Super lightweight with 3-1/2″ to 4-1/2″ blades that cut 1-1/2″ depth. Great for cutting moldings, trim boards, cabinetry components, and delicate materials.
  • Cordless circular saws: Provide the freedom to cut anywhere without dragging a cord. Today’s lithium-ion models deliver ample power for most DIY tasks. Large models rival corded saws, while compact versions are ideal for quick cuts.
Today’s Homeowner Tips

Consider what you will use your saw for most when deciding which type is right for you. Full-size and compact corded saws provide the highest cut capacity for construction projects, while cordless models offer superb convenience. Trim saws excel when doing finish carpentry.

While all circular saws operate similarly, the capacities differ greatly between models. Compare ‌blade size, bevel abilities, cutting depth, and adjustments to choose a saw that can handle your typical cutting tasks.


Key Features of Circular Saws

These are some of the most important features and specifications to evaluate when choosing a circular saw:

  • Blade size: Full-size saws use 7-1/4″ blades. Compacts commonly use 6-1/2″ and trim saws up to 4-1/2″ blades. The larger the blade diameter, the deeper the potential cutting depth.
  • Arbor size: The mounting hole size in the blade’s center. The saw blade arbor and tool shaft must match. Common sizes are 5/8″, 1″, and 30mm.
  • Bevel capacity: How far the footplate tilts, allowing angled cuts. Larger capacities, up to 57°, provide more versatility.
  • Cutting depth: Maximum thickness the saw can cut when fully extended. Depends on blade diameter and saw power.
  • Cutting guides: Parallel, edge, or laser guides for aligning cuts. Helpful for making straight cuts without a guide.
  • Dust blower: Port that pushes air to keep the cutting line free of sawdust. Important safety and visibility features.
  • Brake: Stops the blade quickly when power shuts off. An essential safety feature on all quality saws.
  • Tool-free blade change: Allows fast, hassle-free blade swaps without tools. Convenient for switching between materials.

How to Use a Circular Saw

Follow these steps for basic circular saw operation:

  1. Select an appropriate saw blade for the material. Use fine-tooth blades for melamine, veneer, and laminates. Use coarse-tooth blades for thicker wood.
  2. Adjust the bevel for angled cuts if needed. Loosen the bevel lock and tilt the footplate to the desired angle.
  3. Set the cutting depth. The depth gauge sets how much the blade protrudes below the workpiece. Allow 1/8″ clearance for the kerf.
  4. Mark your cut line. Measure carefully and use a straightedge for reference. Extend the cut marks a few inches beyond the cut.
  1. Clamp a straightedge to guide the saw if possible. This improves control and provides a straight cut. Use two clamps to hold it securely.
  2. Start the saw and allow it to reach full speed.
  3. Align the saw. Position the blade just ahead of the cut mark on the waste side. Keep the edge guide tight to the straight edge.
  4. Cut smoothly in one continuous motion following your cut line. Let the blade do the cutting. Apply smooth, even pressure.
  5. Allow the blade to stop before setting the saw down. Don’t force the coasting blade to stop prematurely.

Follow all safety precautions, including eye and ear protection. Make practice cuts on scrap material to get comfortable with proper technique before important cuts.


Circular Saw Safety Tips

Circular saws are very dangerous when not used properly. Using a circular saw safely is critical to avoiding injuries. Always follow these precautions:

  • Wear eye protection to shield your eyes from debris. You should use ear protection, too, since circular saws are loud.
  • Check the blade guard is working properly before each use. The guard encloses the teeth when not cutting.
  • Keep your free hand well away from the blade. Severe injuries can happen if your hand slips.
  • Support large panels to minimize blade binding and kickback. Ask a helper to hold the panels stable. 
  • Let the blade reach full speed before starting a cut. Forcing a slow blade increases binding.
  • Pay attention to the spinning blade after finishing a cut. Do not set down a running saw.
  • Unplug corded saws before changing the blade. This prevents accidental start-ups.
  • Maintain control and use extreme caution when making freehand cuts. Guide the shoe plate along a straightedge when possible.

Tips for Accurate Circular Saw Cuts

Here are some helpful tips to get the best results:

  • Check the blade is parallel to the shoe plate before cutting. Adjust if it’s not 90° square.
  • Cut with the good face down when working with plywood. This technique prevents tear-out along the top-cut edge.
  • Support large panels properly to prevent the weight from tipping the saw. Ask a helper to support the waste side if needed.
  • When rip-cutting longboards, use a saw guide with clamps for straight cuts. You can make DIY guides easily.
  • Make relief cuts when cutting out panel insides. Relief cuts remove binding and kerf closing.
  • Use fine-tooth blades to score the line before cutting through for clean laminate and melamine cuts.
  • When cutting metal, use abrasive blades and lubricate the line to prevent overheating. Cut slowly to avoid tooth damage.
  • For old, dull blades, carefully touch them up with a dressing stone. Dressing removes nicks and restores some sharpness.
Today’s Homeowner Tips

Take time to practice on scrap material. Check cuts are straight and square, and adjust as needed. Developing good technique provides great results when it counts.


Circular Saw Maintenance

A well-running saw is essential for optimal performance and safety. Keeping your circular saw in good working order is important for safety and performance. You should do these tasks periodically:

  • Inspect the cords on corded saws periodically. Don’t use saws with frayed cords.
  • Check for debris in the motor vents. Clean out dust and chips regularly.
  • Lubricate the blade occasionally. Put household oil on the teeth and let it penetrate before wiping it off.
  • Check blade tightness frequently. Tighten the arbor nut if the blade has up/down play.
  • Watch for worn parts. Replace damaged or badly worn components like cords, guards, and handles.
  • Clean the tool after each use. Carefully use a brush and vacuum to remove sawdust and debris.

Periodic inspection and cleaning help circular saws run smoothly for years. Proper maintenance is also critical for safety. Consult the owner’s manual for model-specific tips.


So, Is a Circular Saw a Must-Have Tool?

A quality circular saw is a wise investment for any home DIYer who takes on frequent woodworking projects. The ability to accurately and efficiently cut lumber, plywood, melamine, and sheet goods makes many projects easier.

Portable circular saws also provide flexibility for breaking down materials and crosscutting where a table saw is impractical. Compact options allow access to tight spaces. Cordless convenience simplifies quick cuts anywhere.

With the right selection for your typical tasks and needs, plus smart safety practices, a good circular saw can be indispensable for any home workshop. If you often work with wood on projects like fences, sheds, planter boxes, and sawhorses, having your own saw and other types of saws makes achieving professional results much easier.


FAQs About Circular Saws

Can any circular saw cut metal?

No. You need a metal-cutting saw with abrasive blades to cut metal or masonry. Metal will damage standard wood blades.


What size saw makes the deepest cuts?

Generally, the larger the blade diameter, the deeper its cutting capacity. Full-size 7-1/4″ blades can cut 2-3/8″ depth with a specialty blade.


Should the blade turn up or down?

The teeth should point down at the front edge for right-handed saws for standard cutting. Some left-handed models have upside-down blades.


Can I sharpen circular saw blades?

We don’t recommend it. You can’t sharpen the hardened carbide tips on most blades at home. It’s better to replace worn blades.


How do I cut a perfect 90° with a circular saw?

Use an adjustable square aligned to the blade to precisely set the bevel angle to 90°. Test cut scrap material first to confirm before proceeding.



Further Information

Editorial Contributors
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Jonathon Jachura

Contributor

Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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Sabrina Lopez

Editor

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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