Choose a hand-held circular saw for wood

Purpose of the tool

In a private house, a circular saw is indispensable, especially when high performance is required from the tool..

Circular saws are used for:

  • Pruning large branches and felling trees
  • Longitudinal or transverse cutting of boards, beams and battens
  • Cutting plastics and soft non-ferrous metals
  • Dissolution of sheet materials

Circular saws device

choose, hand-held, circular, wood

The saw blade design is relatively simple.

In addition to the body, which unites all the parts of the tool into a single whole, it includes:

  • Electric motor with mechanical gearbox – required for generating and converting torque.
  • Saw blade – fixed on the gearbox spindle with a fixing nut, is a consumable that serves directly for making cuts.
  • Riving knife platform – provides a secure stop and a consistent angle to the seating surface, and prevents the cutting disc from getting caught in the lumber.
  • Protective covers – parts that redirect sawdust ejected when cutting wood downward.

In some models, additional units and mechanisms are installed. So, recently, laser trajectory indicators, sawdust suction systems have gained popularity, and in powerful industrial “circulars” – additional safety covers that exclude accidental injury to workers.

Classification of “circulars” and criteria for their selection

The most obvious criterion for classifying a power tool is power

It is important to take into account that with an increase in the power of a circular saw, its weight and cost inevitably increase, so think three times before overpaying for a top-class tool if you plan to saw it, for example, plywood..

So, according to the power of the “circular” is divided into:

  • Low-power (up to 800 W)
  • Middle class (800-1500 W)
  • High class (more than 1500W)

Finally, the third criterion for classification is the type of power supply of the instrument. Depending on it, circular saws are divided into network saws (connected to a regular household outlet with a voltage of 220 V) and rechargeable ones (they have a power source built into the body). The latter are preferable in the case when there is no centralized power supply near the future place of the main work. But you can not count on long autonomous work – with such engine power for most “circulars” it is limited to 1-2 hours.

Choosing a hand-held circular saw for wood

Working with lumber in small volumes is a task that hand-held hacksaws and jigsaws can quite cope with. But what if you want to get maximum performance in minimum time? The obvious solution is the use of hand-held circular saws, which, firstly, have sufficient power, and secondly, they are distinguished by convenience and mobility, which are not characteristic of stationary sawmills..

We offer you to get acquainted with the classification and design features of circular saws for wood, as well as take a look at the rating of the most popular models of this year.

How to choose a circular saw and discs for it?

Types and features of saw blades

Saw blades differ, first of all, in diameter – the larger it is, the greater the cutting depth the tool can provide

Since the disc can only penetrate into the material up to the level of the support platform, it is usually about 40% of the diameter.

In addition, discs are classified by purpose, for example:

  • For soft woods
  • For medium and hard rocks
  • For sheet lumber
  • For aluminum profile
  • For plastics, etc..

Plunge-cut circular saws

Submersible circular saws are used for the manufacture of grooves, slots, grooves. The toothed disk of circular saws of this class is located below the base plate, there is no lower part of the protective cover, which allows you to cut in any place, at different angles. Plunge-cut circular saws are more convenient for repairing floors, roofs, working with multi-layer materials. In the latter case, cutting is done in two passes, which avoids chipping. The design of the tools makes it possible to adjust the cutting depth with an accuracy of 1 mm.

Types of circular saws

Many types of circular saws are produced, which differ in design, power and other parameters..

Cordless circular saws

Designed for use in places where it is difficult or impossible to connect to the power supply. For example, at a height during the repair or construction of roofs, summer cottages, where electricity has not yet been supplied. Modern models of circular saws are equipped with accumulators to ensure sufficient continuous operation of the tool. Sometimes two rechargeable batteries are used. Their charging time is minimal, in some models it is only 30 minutes. In terms of torque and power, cordless circular saws are just as good as their plug-in counterparts..

Circular saws for woodworking

Circular saws for woodworking are best chosen with the ability to adjust the speed in the range from 50 to 90 m / s. With the help of such a circular saw, you can process wood of any species and quality. For woodworking, it is much more important to find the right scratch disk:

  • toothed disks with carbide taps are used for cutting across wood fibers, sawing multi-layer chipboard boards, processing hard wood;
  • discs with variable teeth and reduced cutting thickness are used for longitudinal cutting, when performing work that requires high precision. Not suitable for processing soft woods such as poplars;
  • universal discs have the widest range of applications, perfect for construction and repair in the country, in everyday life. Not suitable for cutting exotic woods.

Metal circular saws

Versatile tools, allow you to cut profiles, sheets, pipes made of steel, non-ferrous metals and softer materials. Equipped with tungsten alloyed tool steel toothed disc. Powerful circular saws for metal can cut steel sheets up to 12 mm thick, pipes and profiles with a wall up to 4 mm.

Choosing a circular saw for your home

Circular saws are used for longitudinal and transverse cutting of wood, its derivatives (plywood, fiberboard, MDF, fiberboard, etc.), various types of plastic, slate, metal, organic glass, multilayer materials. The first 220V household circular saws were developed by AEG in the last century. Nowadays, this tool is a complex device with a large number of additional functions, which has become almost indispensable for carrying out all kinds of construction and repair work on a personal plot and at home. For example, to select a quarter of a board. Read more about cutting a quarter with a circular saw on

The main parameters for choosing circular saws

The main parameter to consider when choosing is the diameter of the cutting blade. The larger it is, the more powerful the engine should be, the more complex the stabilization system, the larger and more massive the tool itself, the thicker the part it can cut. When sawing thick workpieces, it is not necessary for the toothed disk to pass through it, cutting can be carried out from both sides.

Another important characteristic is the maximum cutting depth (for beveled and perpendicular edges). She, as a rule, is indicated in the passport data of the circular saw. According to this parameter, tools are divided into the following classes:

  • household (used mainly in working with sheet materials) – 40-50 mm;
  • universal (suitable for the whole range of works) – 50-60 mm;
  • professional – 65-140 mm.

It is necessary to take into account the mass and maneuverability of the circular saw, the more its weight, the less maneuverability.

Also, circular saws are distinguished by their power output:

  • household – up to 800 W;
  • universal – from 800 to 1200 W;
  • professional – above 1200 W.

It should be noted that the classification according to the given parameters is conditional. Each manufacturer has its own classification.

Pay attention to the rotational speed of the disk. This characteristic affects the cleanliness of the cut. In addition, the higher the speed, the greater the heating. High speed models are not suitable for fusible materials. It is more advisable to choose hand-held circular saws with adjustable rotation speed.

Electronic and mechanical systems that enhance productivity and safety are also important features of the tool. Constant electronics, for example, stabilize the rotational speed of the toothed disk. When working with a circular saw equipped with this system, jamming of the blade is practically excluded, the cut quality is much higher. Adjusting the idle speed allows you to manually select parameters for working with materials with different characteristics.

The presence of a smooth descent and an overload protection system protects the circular saw from damage to the mechanical part (gearbox) and the electric motor. Electrodynamic brake, which abruptly stops the toothed disc, protects the tool from kickback, the operator from injury, the workpiece from damage.

A jammed rig can result in kickback and damage to the motor. It is better to choose a hand-held circular saw equipped with a slip clutch. When this system is triggered, the working shaft will continue to rotate if the disc is jammed..

Many parameters of a circular saw depend on its support platform. It contains fasteners for accessories and mechanical adjustments. The base plates of higher quality hand-held circular saws are made from cast aluminum alloys. Also, professional tool platforms are often made of steel by stamping. Such plates are more resistant to shock loads..

The cutting angle is adjusted by changing the position of the platform relative to the disc. Some models allow cutting angles from 30 ° to 50 °. When buying a hand-held circular saw, it is recommended to pay attention to the reliability, accuracy of fixing the adjusting knobs. Backlash should be absent.

Choosing Circular Saw Blades – Ace Hardware

Quality tools, especially heavy circular saws, must be stationary. Thus, a machine is created without a special table..

There should be a slot on the bottom of the tool to control the mowing line for cutting, a groove for the guide bar, with the help of which the straightness of the cut is achieved. Some models of circular saws are equipped with laser pointers, when working, you just need to combine it with the line of the marking.

The ergonomics of the instrument are very important. Most people prefer circular saws with a mushroom front handle that is easy to hold in any position. The handles should be rubberized to help control and hold the tool securely. Some firms produce models for left-handers. The handles of such circulars are mirrored. Before buying, it is better to hold a circular saw, evaluate the viewing area, convenience when working in different positions.

You should also pay attention to the removal of sawdust from the working area. In most models of circular saws, this is done by blowing the cutting area away from the operator. There are circular saws with the ability to connect an industrial pump and a container for collecting sawdust.

It is more expedient to choose a tool with a rear location of the supply cable, equipped with a rigid protective sleeve, since it is easy to cut it through carelessness.

Depending on the proposed work, their duration and the individual characteristics of the operator, you can choose the right tool. In most cases, a universal circular saw of medium power with an adjustable speed is sufficient for a summer cottage and at home..

Read more about the choice of circular saws for the home on

Replacing carbon brushes

It is not required so often, but in any case it is better if there is a special window for this operation. Additionally, the brushes can be self-disconnecting – when grinding the graphite rod, the chain is broken, and there can also be an indication of the status of the brushes.

Base plate and cutting depth: straight and angled

The cutting depth indicates exactly how much the blade can be immersed in the workpiece. Nobody gives an exact classification here, but it is conventionally accepted to divide saws according to the following cutting depths:

  • 4-5 cm – the initial, least powerful class of instruments.
  • 5-6.5 cm – representatives of the universal “golden mean”.
  • 6.5-14 cm – heavy, professional devices.

The cutting depth is not always determined solely by the difference between the outer radius of the saw blade and the bore hole. To a greater extent, it is necessary to look at how much the disc protrudes beyond the plane of the base plate, since this part additionally “eats” 1-1.5 cm, and normal work is simply impossible without it. It is also necessary to take into account the ability of the circular saw to make cuts at an angle, which again is determined by the design of the base plate..

If a circular saw allows you to cut at a variable angle, then in the characteristics the manufacturer usually indicates the cutting depth for 90 ° and 45 °.

For an example of an adjustment and an angle cut, see

When choosing a circular saw with the ability to adjust the cutting angle, special attention should be paid to the quality of the base plate and the fasteners and graduations located on it. The main features of quality are the simplicity of changing the position, the ease and reliability of fixing the clamps, as well as the absence of backlash. Not all manufacturers succeed in getting rid of them completely, but if the base plate of a new tool “backlash” after fixing all the “lambs”, then you should think about finding an alternative.

The base plate material is often cast light alloys, but not uncommon and stamped steel platforms. The former are lighter and hold their shape well, while the latter are more resistant to impacts.

Stamped outsole.

Molded outsole.

Spindle stopper

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

The disc tightening nut does not need to be tightened with a wrench. In some cases, it is tightened with a screwdriver or generally made with a quick-release – for hand tightening.

Circular saws by type of work performed and used materials

Various wooden elements can be cut into pieces with a conventional circular saw. A conventional circular saw is able to cut various wood pieces at different angles into pieces. However, there are circular saws for special purposes. Some of them are capable of sinking into wood, others are adapted to work with metal.

Metal circular saw. A saw that is supposed to work with metals should be more powerful and adapted to work with different cutting blades – standard abrasive and high strength. In fact, it is the most versatile tool that allows you to cut any materials: sheets, pipes and profiles made of metal, wooden blanks, plywood, plastic and the like..

Plunge-cut circular saw. This class includes hand-held circular saws and stationary, with a movable saw blade. The cutting edge of such tools can go down to the center of the part and start sawing from this point, which allows you to cut through holes in the workpieces. Such devices are most often used for working with plywood, OSB and similar sheet materials..

A visually noticeable feature of submersible circulars is the absence of an automatic lower protective cover and a special design of the base plate, which allows you to adjust the cutting depth with millimeter accuracy. This allows you not only to make through cuts, but also to make straight and curly (if the saw design allows you to make cuts at an angle) grooves, grooves and slots.

Before choosing a circular saw for wood for your home, it is imperative to consider such devices, since they have maximum versatility..

Power cord

To prevent the wire from twisting at least near the saw itself, the cable is led out of its body through a long and rigid input sleeve.

Constant speed control system

The block for maintaining a given rotational speed of the disk under load is also called constant electronics. It is based on a controller that receives data on the engine speed. When the operator starts to drive the saw faster or it just hits a knot or a denser part of the workpiece, the engine speed decreases and the controller signals the electronics to increase power, which happens without operator intervention. The same, but exactly the opposite, happens in the opposite case – when the rated speed is exceeded, the engine power decreases.

For the correct operation of this function, the circular saw motor must have a certain power reserve, which is not always realizable on weak and even middle class devices. If the presence of this option is indicated on a budget saw, then you should pay attention to the ratio of the blade diameter and engine power.

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

Varieties and selection of the required type of circular saw

To choose the type of circular saw suitable for the planned work, you need to imagine their existing varieties.

Criteria for choosing a circular saw

When you decide on the type of circular saw, you can go directly to the selection of its performance characteristics, on which the productivity and convenience of work depends..

Tool specifications

The saw is rightfully considered the ancestor of a large family of hand tools. Since the creation of the first type of tool from iron, the saw has undergone many changes, having managed to acquire numerous “sisters” capable of performing dozens of jobs.

In the household, it is impossible to do without “toothy helpers”: they are indispensable when pruning a garden, small carpentry and joinery

Hand saws for wood differ in many ways: blade size, steel grade, tooth shape, handle design. Let’s dwell on each parameter in more detail.

Types of hand saws for wood

Parameters of teeth on the blade

The determining indicator of the productivity of the tool and the accuracy of cutting wood is the size of the teeth.

The teeth of a hacksaw for woodworking have a double function: they cut the wood and at the same time remove the sawdust

Cutting accuracy is determined by the “TPI” – the number of teeth per inch.

There is an inverse relationship between these technical parameters:

  • blades with large teeth set a high speed of work, but the saw cut is rough and sloppy;
  • fine-toothed hacksaws guarantee a clean and precise cut, but at a relatively low working speed.

When determining the required size of the teeth, one should be guided by the type of material being processed. For example, for work with chipboard, where high cutting accuracy is required, choose a tool with a high TPI 7-9, and for sawing logs and work in the garden, where the cleanliness of the cut is not so important – TPI 3-6.

When choosing the optimal hacksaw option, be guided by the rule that the minimum thickness of the log should in any case be greater than the pitch of three teeth

If we compare a hardened and an ordinary tooth, then the difference is that in the first version, subject to domestic use, the product does not dull for a long time. But a hacksaw with a hardened tooth cannot be re-sharpened. When it starts to cut badly, you just have to throw it away..

An ordinary tooth lends itself to sharpening. It can be periodically performed using a special file marked with an accident (for sharpening saws). To sharpen the blade, it is enough to perform a few movements on each tooth.

Depending on the type of teeth used, there are three types of hacksaws:

  • For rip sawing. The products are equipped with teeth in the form of an oblique triangle and look like hooks. The tool allows you to cut wood along the grain. Such saws are sharpened on both sides of the tooth, due to which they are able to cut both when going forward and in the opposite direction..
  • For cross cutting. The teeth of the tools are made in the form of isosceles triangles. This design makes it easy to cut the material both when the cutting edge is carried forward and in the opposite direction. But this type of tooth is only suitable for working with dry pieces, not fresh wood..
  • For mixed sawing. The products have a combined composition, in which triangular edges are combined with slightly elongated semicircular notches. This solution allows, when the hand moves forward, the semicircular teeth perform a guiding cut, and when returning, triangular expand the channel, removing chips and sawdust from it..

Some types of modern tools are equipped with teeth that are trapezoidal. This solution allows you to make the blade more durable and wear-resistant..

But it should be borne in mind that sharpening such a blade is very problematic, since it is difficult for trapezoidal teeth to give the desired shape. This significantly reduces the service life of the product, after which it is necessary to change the blade or purchase a new tool..

For cutting fresh branches, it is more convenient to use blades equipped with triangular teeth, processed with parallel sharpening, in which each element is sharpened only on one side and in a staggered manner

Often on the market you can find a modernized type of hacksaws..

Upgraded hacksaws are easy to distinguish by groups of teeth located on the blade, between which the gaps are clearly visible

Upgraded hand saws are effective for cutting raw wood. Wet chips through the gaps between the teeth in the process of cutting easily come out of the cut, without hindering the movement of the tool.

Option # 3 – with backing

Both narrow and conventional saws tend to bend as the material becomes more rigid. In these cases, it is effective to use canvases equipped with a backing, which acts as a kind of stiffening rib.

Hand saws equipped with a backing are designed to create shallow cuts in a wooden surface of any thickness

The presence of the backing prevents the saw from making a cut deeper than the width of the blade, since it prevents the cutting blade from going further into the tree.

Option # 4 – bow

Bow-type saws are more bulky devices that act as an analogue of a jigsaw.

The main purpose of saws of this type is to create an accurate cut when working with surfaces located at any angle.

Due to the solidity of the design and the threaded connections of the handles, the bow-type saws are able to easily overcome knots, cutting along radii and curved patterns.

Depending on the purpose and design of the saw, there may be:

  • swinging – for longitudinal cutting;
  • transverse – for sawing blanks across the wood fiber;
  • circular – for cutting holes, making rounding and curly sawing;
  • thorns – for cutting connecting spikes, as well as cutting out simple geometric shapes on the workpiece.

Only with an onion-type hacksaw can you cut the material up and down, sawing blanks with complex fishing lines and performing the work alone without the involvement of an assistant.

Option # 1 – narrow

A small, narrow saw is a structure that consists of a straight, flat blade and a handle. She performs delicate work: through cuts, cut out curved parts.

This type of tool is designed for sawing wood blanks, the thickness of which does not exceed 8-10 cm, sawing small branches and small gardening

In the manufacture of narrow models, manufacturers install blades with triangular double-sided teeth, or with parallel sharpening. The disadvantage of the tool is that when pressed during operation, the blade is able to deviate from a given direction.

How to choose the right hacksaw: looking for the best hand saw for wood

In the arsenal of a home craftsman there is always a functional and easy-to-use circular saw. But there are situations when you need to saw off a part and perform a small amount of woodwork, and there is no time or desire to unfold and connect the unit. In these cases, a hacksaw is excellent. But how to choose a hand hacksaw for wood so that it is convenient to use and easily “gnaws” any wood species, we will consider in more detail.

Ryobi RWSL 1801M

The cordless hand saw comes with a 150 m blade and makes a neat cut in wood – 45 mm for a straight angle and 32 mm for an acute angle. Equipped with protection against accidental start, the model provides a spindle lock. The saw handle is rubberized, so it is convenient to hold it.

You can buy a Ryobi circular saw for 5500 rubles

Status CP90U

The universal saw has a power of only 0.6 kW but operates at 5500 rpm. The diameter of the discs is 89 mm, the tool is suitable for both cutting wood and metal processing to a depth of 3 mm. The model is equipped with a laser sight and a parallel focus, they improve the quality of work and help to maintain clear lines.

What type of saw do I need for which job?

You can buy a Status hand saw for 6300 rubles

DeWalt DWS520K

The 1.3 kW manual device belongs to the semi-professional category. At a speed of 4000 rpm, it makes a very neat and smooth cut, copes not only with dense wood, but also with metals. The position of the support sole can be changed at an angle of up to 47 °, speed adjustment and smooth start-up of the device are provided.

Saw DeWalt with a smooth engine start is expensive – from 28,000 rubles

Stanley STSC1618

The circular saw is suitable for cutting wood lengthways and across, as well as for processing chipboard and plywood. The motor power is 1.6 kW, the angle of inclination of the nozzle at the tool can be adjusted up to 45 degrees. The model has its own effective sawdust removal system and supports the connection of a vacuum cleaner. The body of the circular saw is light and durable, it is convenient to hold the tool. An accidental start blocker is provided, although users note that the place for it is not the best chosen.

Average

Makita SP6000

The functional circular saw has increased productivity, it is capable of 5800 revolutions at a power of 1.3 kW. The canvas of the device is of medium size, 165 mm, the model weighs 4.4 kg. Equipped with a soft start and speed control system, equipped with a special tire to improve cutting accuracy.

Saw with a smooth start Makita is estimated at 17,000 rubles

BlackDecker CS10004

The high-quality and easy-to-use circular saw is suitable for processing wood of any hardness. The device weighs only 3.6 kg, is powered by a household network and has a power of 1.4 kW. The wide disc nozzle can cut not only vertically, but also at an adjustable angle up to 45 ° C.

BlackDecker is relatively inexpensive – 3900 rubles

DeWalt DWE560

The lightweight hand saw weighing 3.7 kg is suitable for cutting solid wood, planks, chipboard and plywood. The device has a capacity of 1.35 kW, the tool is supplied with a 184 mm disc.

When using a saw, you can adjust the angle of inclination of the nozzle and the depth of cut, and this is done without a key. The device is comfortable for hands, precise and accurate, with a low noise level – about 88 dB.

Average