3 best hand-held circular saws and tool selection criteria

Operating principle

The choice in favor of a circular saw is justified by the effectiveness of the tool in cutting wooden workpieces. This is ensured by a powerful electric motor and a cutting disc in a cast or stamped design. If this is a manual model, then the driving element is built into the body of the circular saw. Stationary tools can be equipped with a separate motor, and torque is transmitted to the disk through a belt and pulleys.

Replaceable equipment has large sharpened teeth along the outer diameter, and rotation occurs at high speed. Therefore, the following are important for a circular saw:

• strict alignment of the constituent elements;
• ensuring maximum security measures;
• use of high quality materials.

Thus, manufacturers equip circular saws with various mechanical-electronic systems and devices. They are aimed at protecting the user in operating mode and blocking the tool in the event of certain malfunctions.

The operating principle of a circular saw is based on the transmission of torque from an electric motor to the saw blade. Manual models are moved by the user, stationary ones remain in place. The workpieces being cut must be moved.

Stationary tool model Source sezontruda.ru

Materials are cut in a straight line at one angle or another. The graduation depends on the design of the devices. Budget options are usually designed for 90 and 45 degrees. For professional samples, it is possible to install the platform at almost any degree.

What is it and what can she do?

A circular saw is a specialized tool primarily intended for cutting wood and wood products. Structurally, it can be divided into the following types:

• Stationary;
• Manual;
• Tabletop;
• Submersible.

In all cases, a metal disk with teeth located around the circumference is used as a cutting element.

With a circular saw you can make cuts in wood up to 60-70 mm deep; some craftsmen even manage to evenly cut a 100x100 beam or a 150x150 log with a circular saw using special devices.

The tool can also cut plywood, chipboard, chipboard, MDF and even soft metals. The main thing is to select the right disk for each task, use the correct cutting techniques and devices.

Classification or how to choose a circular saw for wood at home

The line of circular saws is represented by many models depending on design, mobility, and technical characteristics. Each criterion can be considered a justification for the effectiveness of a particular tool.

For example, manual circular saws are intended for household needs with a small amount of work. They further differ in the type of power supply: mains or battery. The disadvantage of the latter is the operating mode is from 15 to 50 minutes, charging time is about 4 hours. On stationary models, you can perform a noticeably larger amount of work, but the tools themselves are more expensive, take up more space, and they must be installed on a stable and level area (preferably on concrete).

Battery powered tool Source prom.st

Another criterion for deciding which circular saw to choose: household and professional type. The former require periodic unloading after use. The periods of each action are approximately the same - on average 15 minutes. The second option is acceptable for continuous operation during the day, since there is more serious equipment with cooling and protective devices. They are also more versatile regarding the density and nature of the materials being cut.

Design features and ergonomics

For a home workshop, as a rule, users opt for a household hand-held circular saw. Here it is important to first consider the ergonomics of the tool, since the convenience of sawing work will depend on this. This is an individual process, so the experts do not give specific recommendations. The table describes the main points that need to be considered before making a purchasing decision.

Ergonomics - the actual performance of the saw Source 220-volt.ru

About the handles, it is additionally worth noting the anti-slip moment. A model with a rubberized handle is considered more practical. This way you can control the work process better than with textured plastic.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in repair work, remodeling and rebuilding of houses

Technical specifications

After determining the appropriate design, you need to decide which circular saw to choose in terms of technical characteristics. The productivity of the work performed will depend on this. The table describes the basic criteria for a circular sawing tool.

Sawing discs for wood Source kilowat.kz

Regarding the support platform, it is worth noting two types of design. The budget option is made of stamped steel and is shock-resistant. Cast from light alloys hold their shape better.

Additional functions

The presence of a large number of auxiliary and protective systems is due to the high risk of injury of the circular saw. They protect the tool from damage and the owner from injury, so it would be useful to find out what types of protection are installed on the saw by the manufacturer.

Constant speed control system

The unit for maintaining a given disk rotation speed under load is also called constant electronics. It is based on a controller, which receives data on the engine shaft speed. When the operator begins to drive the saw faster or it simply hits a knot or a denser part of the workpiece, the engine speed decreases and the controller sends a signal to the electronics about the need to increase power, which happens without the operator’s participation. The same thing, but exactly the opposite, happens in the opposite case - when the rated speed is exceeded, the engine power decreases.

To correctly perform this function, the circular saw engine must have a certain power reserve, which is not always possible on low-end and even middle-class devices. If a budget saw indicates the presence of this option, then you should pay attention to the ratio of the diameter of the disk and the engine power.

If the simplest stabilizing device can equalize the rotation speed of the disk to only one given standard frequency, then the highest class is considered to be the presence of a stabilizing mechanism on an engine with a smoothly varying number of revolutions.

Soft start system

There is no need to prove the importance and usefulness of this function, especially considering the average rotation speed of the electric motor shaft:

• The service life of the electric motor increases, since when it starts, excessively large starting currents do not arise in the winding.
• If for some reason the saw is started in a partially cut groove, then the possibility of the saw teeth cutting into the material and the accompanying sharp jerks of the tool are eliminated.
• When used in a gearbox design, a soft start system significantly brightens up its life, which otherwise would necessarily be spoiled by sharp jerks at the start.

Overload protection system

Practice shows that most often, overheating of the motor of a power tool is caused not by beginners, but by craftsmen with extensive experience, who, due to haste or for some other reason, stop “listening” to the condition of the engine. In this case, the safety of the windings and their protection from overheating is taken over by the motor overload protection system, which monitors the level of energy consumption and turns off the power if there is a sharp jump in the load on the network.

Electrodynamic brake

The weight of the steel cutting disc creates a fairly high rotational inertia, which is fully manifested after turning off the power at idle. When the start key is released, the disk can spin for a minute or two with enough force to cause injury. To eliminate this possibility, an electrodynamic brake system is used - after releasing the start key, the motor rotor is braked by counteracting the movement of the stator field, making only a few revolutions.

Such a system protects the operator from injury, the workpiece from accidental damage, and the circular saw itself from kickback if the disk teeth catch on a hard surface.

For a demonstration of how an electrodynamic disc brake works, watch the video:

Slip clutch

When the saw blade suddenly stops, none of the existing braking systems is capable of instantly stopping the engine so that its inertia does not create a reverse shock, tearing the saw out of the operator’s hands. To protect against this kind of accident, a slip clutch is used, which, instead of trying to stop the engine, simply breaks the contact between it and the saw blade. The latter remains in the material, and the motor continues to rotate on its own. However, the operator will immediately turn it off, because when the slip clutch is activated, a short-term “heaving” of the motor will occur due to a sharp increase in speed due to a decrease in load.

Protection against accidental activation

Unintentionally turning on a circular saw is so fraught with the creation of a traumatic situation that the designers tried to eliminate this possibility altogether. To do this, the saw starts only after pressing two separate buttons, one of which is often recessed into the plastic of the case.

On many instruments, manufacturers install a separate button that allows you to lock the instrument in the on state. It is useless to look for such a blockage on a circular saw - safety comes first.

Spindle stop

To make it more convenient to change working discs, the saw motor shaft can be locked with a separate button or lever - sometimes quick-braking mechanisms for the disc are used for this and the locking can occur in any position. It may be the other way around - in some cases, manufacturers consider the spindle stopper an unnecessary function, and then the disk has to be changed with two keys.

The nut that tightens the disc does not have to be tightened with a wrench. In some cases, it is tightened with a screwdriver or even made with a quick-release fastener - for tightening by hand.

Rip fence and guide rail

When deciding which hand-held circular saw to choose, not the last issue will be the accuracy of its operation, for which parallel stops and guide bars are used. The first of them is, in fact, an ordinary stand or ruler on which the sole of the saw rests when it is moved along the workpiece. In general, a good method, but it requires a certain skill in operating a circular saw - you have to guide the saw and at the same time press it against the rip fence.

The guide rail ensures greater cutting accuracy, since the tool does not have the ability to “sway” to the side during operation. To do this, a special groove is provided in the sole of the saw, with which it is “put on” a pre-set guide bar.

If it is necessary to maintain the direction of the cut manually, various sighting devices are used - from a slot opening on the base plate to a laser line builder that will show where the saw “goes”.

Spring loaded housing

For maximum protection of the user, the saw blade is hidden from him by casings - the main upper one and the spring-loaded one at the bottom. It looks like the entire disk is hidden under the covers and rotates under them when turned on. When sawing of the workpiece begins, the spring-loaded casing hooks onto its edge and is pulled under the main one. When the saw is removed from the workpiece, the spring-loaded guard immediately returns to its place, protecting the user from possible contact with the rotating blade. Also, this design does not allow you to simply trip or otherwise get caught on the teeth of the saw, even when it is stopped and de-energized.

Rating of circular saws for home

Which circular saw for wood is better is an individual decision, taking into account certain performance characteristics. However, in addition to the basic criteria, you can additionally consider the rating of hand-held electric circular saws. This is an overview of the models that have seen greater demand over a specific period of time.

Rating of circular hand saws

Let's look at the top models that turned out to be the most popular in 2019-2020. Thus, the list of the best circular saws includes Makita 5008MG. This is a professional tool (according to the manufacturer) with a power of 1.8 kW for a disk with a diameter of 30/210 mm. The permissible thickness of the workpieces is 76 mm, speed is 5200 per minute. The device weighs 5.1 kg. Sawing of wood and composite is possible. The start button is protected from accidental pressing by a locking mechanism.

Makita 5008MG Source prom.st

Pros from users:

• reliable body made of magnesium alloy;
• three-mode tilt angle up to 50 degrees;
• the equipment changes when the shaft is blocked;
• good sawdust blowing;
• powerful electric motor;
• lightness of the tool;
• ergonomic design.

Only one flaw was identified. It touches the protective cover. The element does not protect the user well enough from sawdust.

BISON ZPD-2000 is considered to be the solution to which electric hand-held circular saw is better among inexpensive models. Here the engine power is 2 kW, the rotation speed reaches 4500 rpm. The thickness of the workpieces can be equal to 70 mm. Cutting is possible at right angles and 45 degrees. The diameter of the equipment is 30/200 mm.

ZUBR ZPD-2000 Source yunimag.ru

Purpose

Having selected the appropriate equipment with a circular saw, you can cut:

• sheet panels,
• tiles,
• wooden parts and structures,
• logs,
• plywood,
• boards,
• sandwich panels,
• laminate,
• plastic,
• asbestos cement,
• metal

Parquet flooring can be used to cover almost any structure, except for high-density building materials such as cement, brick, cinder blocks, and plaster. But it is not suitable for arc cutting, so a jigsaw is better suited for curved cutting. A circular saw only performs longitudinal and transverse cutting of various materials and bevel cutting.

Video description

Video review of mid-price models from popular manufacturers:
Bosch GKT 55 GCE - deciding which manual circular saw to choose for professional work. This is a lightweight model (4.7 kg), which, with a power of 1.4 kW, reaches up to 6250 rpm. The cutting depth with a 20/200 mm disc is 57 mm. The platform tilt reaches 47 degrees.

Bosch GKT 55 GCE Source bricoman.pl

According to users, the advantages of the tool are as follows:

• high productivity throughout the day;
• You can cut wood, plastic, and low-density materials;
• there is a pipe for connecting a dust collector;
• ergonomics;
• there is adjustment and auto-stabilization of speeds;
• smooth start;
• cutting is possible anywhere on the workpiece.

Masters also pay attention to the disadvantages. This is not a precise enough adjustment of the cutting depth; it requires effort to change the position of the platform relative to the angle.

Miter cutting

The modern model of electric parquet flooring is a convenient and quick option for making oblique cuts. Sawing at an angle is realized by changing the position of the platform at different angles; parquet flooring is produced with a guide rail.

The width or depth when cutting at an angle is affected by the diameter of the blade. Its rotation speed is adjustable. They allow you to obtain a large cutting width. Fine disc teeth give the best results.

If you rub the saw blade with paraffin, it will not get stuck in the blade being processed.

Briefly about the main thing

The main focus of a circular saw is cutting wood material. Options are available for working with plastic and metal.

A circular machine for home can be manual or stationary. The first is powered from an outlet or battery.

Before choosing a particular model, it is important to consider a number of basic and additional characteristics. Among them are power, cutting depth, disc diameter, platform inclination angle, user and tool protection system.

The rating of circular saws is compiled based on demand and feedback from users.

Ratings 0

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Types of parquet floors

Today, manufacturers produce different types of tools that work autonomously or stationary if installed on a bed. The line of circular saws is conventionally divided into types:

• household devices for cutting sheets 3-5 cm thick,
• semi-professional products for cutting fabrics 5-7 cm thick,
• professional equipment cutting materials 6.5-14 cm thick.

The most common are semi-professional products. If the parquet is electric, it produces less noise, operates at any temperature, allowing many types of materials to be adjusted to the required size.

Rechargeable

Thanks to the advent of powerful chargers, designers have developed an autonomous power supply system for circular saws. The technical parameters of such products are not inferior to the characteristics of equipment powered by electricity or fuel.

Such models are especially in demand by roofers working at heights and by emergency workers in hard-to-reach places. Most manufacturers equip modern products with a pair of backup batteries, which require approximately 30-40 minutes to fully recharge.

Submersible

The submersible model is convenient to use for local roof repairs, selective dismantling of floor boards, making grooves, gutters, gaps, and holes of various configurations. For example, in the cabinet there is a hole for a washbasin or a kitchen sink.

Such products do not have a lower protective casing, which allows you to start cutting the surface at any point, and not just from the edge. Their functionality does not depend on the shape of the plane being processed.

Submersible products are reliable assistants for repairing floor coverings, roofing surfaces, and walls. When working, the saw can be tilted, which can greatly facilitate the cutting procedure.

Stationary

Parquet models differ from miter saws in that they have their own working platform, thanks to which the tools rest on the workpieces being cut. If used frequently at home, they can be installed on a homemade or purchased table.

For this purpose, manufacturers include special clamps for fastening in the kit. For safe operation, professionals recommend that you make your own table of a rigid structure, with legs and a smooth tabletop.

The manual parquet is installed exactly in the center of the table and should not tip it to the side.

For metal

Among their brethren, saws and parquet floors for working with metal workpieces stand out. Essentially, these are multifunctional models that make it easier to work with such products as:

• pipes,
• tin,
• complex profiles,
• Sheet steel,
• stainless steel,
• soft non-ferrous alloys.

Metal saws differ from ordinary parquet flooring not only by special cutting discs, but also by the lack of tilt adjustment. This limitation is because working at an angle may cause the thin disc to jam or break.

Among the advantages of such models:

• ease of cutting thanks to the integrated foot,
• high sound insulation,
• low level of heating of the processed material,
• no emissions of fine particles.

Ergonomics

When designing a circular saw, manufacturers try to arrange all the components in such a way that the tool is as convenient to use as possible. Some manufacturers do this better, others worse.

To appreciate the convenience, it is enough to pick up several different models. Even with the engine not running, the difference in weight and arrangement in the center of gravity will be immediately noticeable.

Everything matters - how comfortable the handle is in the hand, what kind of coating it has, the total weight of the tool, whether the saw hangs freely in a horizontal position, or whether you have to make an effort to level it into the working position.

Especially for left-handers, there are models on sale that are made in a mirror arrangement.

The availability of an overview of the sawing direction risks in front of the platform is also important. They are guided by them in order to make an even cut according to the markings.

Sawdust removal for all models is organized through a pipe. If desired, you can attach a bag for collecting sawdust or a vacuum cleaner hose to it so as not to clog the workspace.

The vacuum cleaner is connected quite rarely. But without it, some budget models already have a disadvantage during operation - the outlet pipe can constantly become clogged with sawdust, especially when sawing raw wood. This happens more often if the pipe is small in diameter and has a complex shape.

ELITECH PD 1600L

Among budget models, Korean products also performed well. The saw is equipped with a 1600 W electric motor. This is quite enough to spin the shaft up to 5000 revolutions and cope with hard boards and beams. A cutting depth of 65 mm will be provided by a 190 mm cutting disc.

The device allows you to perform a perfectly even cut. This is facilitated by a laser marker. The model also has a connection for a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, cleaning the premises after work is reduced significantly. But the weight of about five kilograms makes manual work difficult, since control over the device decreases over time.

Positive points:

• good power;
• laser pointer;
• the handle is covered with rubber;
• You can connect a vacuum cleaner.

Minuses:

• heavy weight;
• flimsy sole.

DIOLD DP-0.55 MF

Another device that was invented to perform minor manual operations. With an electric motor power of 550 W, the device has a maximum speed of 4500 units. The weight of the device is record low. Only 2 kg.

Super-compact circular saw Source stroyday.ru

The manufacturer has done everything so that the device does not take up much space and can be taken with you on a trip. For the road, there is a convenient case that holds not only the saw, but also spare blades, as well as cables and a hose for connecting to a vacuum cleaner.

The only drawback of the device is the inability to perform serious operations. Because a disk no larger than 85 mm in diameter is installed on the device. But the saw will cope with minor needs. However, it is necessary to take frequent breaks during operation, since the motor quickly overheats.

Positive points:

• compactness;
• good assembly;
• ease of operation;
• practical equipment.

Minuses:

• overheats quickly.

ZUBR ZPD-2000

Some experts consider this model to be the best in the line of the most inexpensive ones. And all because the small unit has very high performance thanks to a powerful 2 kW electric motor. The device also holds a record among its peers in terms of cutting depth. He is as much as 7 cm.

Powerful and convenient domestic circular machine Source m.onlinetrade.ru

Mechanical Features

The functionality of the parquet flooring is significantly influenced by the parameters of the base plate, where all fasteners and auxiliary elements for mechanical adjustment are mounted. Traditionally cast platforms made from light alloys are considered to be of higher quality. This detail immediately reveals a professional-class tool.

Platforms made of stamped steel with a large thickness are distinguished by their high strength. They do not crack from accidental impacts. All saws (except submersible ones) received the ability to cut material at an angle thanks to a rotating mechanism mounted on the base plate.

Choosing the best option for a home workshop

Here the selection criteria are exactly the same as when choosing for a home or cottage, described above.

The only difference is that the workshop involves the production of material assets, so a low price is the last thing you should pay attention to. (The tool in the workshop must pay for itself).

First of all, brand quality, convenience and reliability. If you do not need to cut powerful workpieces, you should not chase power. Power comes with a high price and weight. As a result, when cutting small workpieces, a carpenter may want to pick up a light hand saw instead of a heavy power saw. As in many things, there is an unmistakable “golden mean” in terms of power and weight, but with high brand quality.

Tip #10. When choosing a circular saw for your home workshop, we recommend taking a closer look at more expensive tools from the mid-price segment: BOSCH GKS 600, Makita 5477NB, Metabo KS 55 and premium models: Makita 5903RK, BOSCH GKS 85 G