How to choose a circular saw for your home

For work on metal and concrete

Machines for cutting these materials are structurally designed as cutting (trimming, pendulum) for wood. a platform (bed) for placing the workpiece and a saw unit that rises on the hinge up / down and has the ability to adjust for cutting at an angle.

On the market, such devices are sometimes called pruning saws. Two main differences from woodworking machines are the use of a special disc for stone or metal, greater protection of the engine from the ingress of fine concrete, brick or stone dust.

In theory, you can put a disc for metal and wood on a regular circular hand saw for wood. In practice, this should not be done for two reasons:

  • Fitting and outer diameter of discs are incompatible.
  • Such a hand saw is inconvenient to cut, for example, a stone.

Selecting the Circular Saw that’s Right for You

In practice, it is more convenient and practical to use an angle grinder with special discs for cutting metal or brick.

Today in the EU countries there are analogs of manual circulars on wood used for cutting metal and concrete. This is a relatively new type of instrument and has not yet received distribution in the Russian Federation. The main difference from saws for wood is a special disc, increased speed, protection of the engine from dust.

choose, circular, your, home

Hypoid

A hand saw of this type repeats the design and functionality of the classic circular saw. Difference in layout. The engine is located not across (perpendicularly), like in classic models, but along, like an angle grinder (“monkeys”). For this, a hypoid transmission in the gearbox is used, which gave the name to such power tools.

Advice Hypoid variants are more convenient to work with, better balanced. Their saw blade is displaced to the left from the center, closer to the operator, if he holds the handle with his right hand.

Disk rotation speed

The higher the rotational speed of the blade, the more accurate and cleaner the cut. However, according to the laws of physics, “an increase in speed decreases strength.” Therefore, with the same engine power, the “faster” disc rotates with less force.

The range of the most popular models and manufacturers is small, from 4.5 to 5.5 thousand rpm, so there is no particularly tangible difference in performance. However, experienced technicians will notice a difference in the rotational speed of the disk.

Tip For fine, clean carpentry work, a higher rotation speed is preferable. Low, more force is better for construction work.

Middle price segment

We present to your attention a selection of tools from the middle price segment that you should pay attention to before buying. These saws are suitable for household, hobby and professional use.

Additional functions

The modern power tool is equipped with additional functions that have become available thanks to the development of electronics. Also, different models may have additional features that are performed using mechanical devices.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of these functions and know what they give the user. Let’s analyze the main ones in more detail.

VORTEX DP-190/1800

  • Power: 1800 W.
  • Drank depth 68 mm at a right angle, 47 mm at an angle of 45 degrees.
  • Rotation speed 5,500 rpm.
  • Disc diameter 190 mm, landing diameter 30 mm.
  • Weight 4.7 kg.
  • Price for mid-2021 is about 5,200 rubles.

VORTEX DP-190/1800

tips for choosing a circular saw for wood for home and garden, table installation and home workshop

All sawing devices in which a circular disc is used as a cutting element are commonly called circular saws (circular saws). In the industry and in everyday life, hundreds of different designs of such saws are used, from powerful single or multi-saw machines for sawing logs, to hand-held ones that replace a conventional hacksaw. Other names for such equipment are sawing machine, hand circular. But machines with a different cutting element. a tape, a flat blade, are never called a circular. A circular saw is always a circular cutting blade. Hand circular saws, also called circular saws.

  • Design and principle of operation
  • Views
  • Classic disc, manual type, for woodworking
  • Mini
  • Submersible
  • Hypoid
  • Stationary for table installation
  • Trimming
  • Rechargeable
  • For work on metal and concrete
  • The main characteristics that are worth paying attention to in the first place
  • Power
  • Disk rotation speed
  • Cutting depth
  • Changing the angle of inclination
  • Saw blade
  • Additional functions
  • Rotational speed stabilization system
  • Soft start system
  • Overload protection system
  • Electrodynamic brake
  • Slip clutch
  • Protection against accidental activation
  • Spindle stopper
  • Rip fence and guide rail
  • Spring loaded casing
  • Ergonomics
  • Equipment
  • How and what to choose for home and summer cottages?
  • How to choose a circular saw to install on a table?
  • Miter or circular saw. which to choose and why?
  • We select the best option for a home workshop
  • Reciprocating or circular saw. which to choose and why?
  • Popular models and manufacturers
  • Budget models
  • Bosch PKS 55
  • Interskol DP-190 / 1600M
  • Hammer CRP 1500 D
  • VORTEX DP-190/1800
  • Middle price segment
  • Bosch GKS 600
  • Bosch GKS 190
  • Makita 5477NB
  • Makita HS7601
  • Metabo KS 55
  • Premium models
  • Makita 5903RK
  • Bosch GKS 85 G

Ability to work with metal

Saws capable of cutting metal are a multi-tool. It is also successfully used to perform work on wood, plastic.

In comparison with the usual angle grinder, which is used for metal cutting, most of the cutting characteristics performed with a circular saw have better parameters.

  • Higher productivity;
  • Reducing noise and vibration;
  • The ability to cut metal at an angle;
  • No sparks;
  • The metal hardly heats up;
  • Safety (the disk is not prone to tearing);
  • Higher resource of the carbide disc (100 times higher than the disc for the angle grinder);
  • Low cutting price (only the guillotine is cheaper);
  • High cut quality (no burrs).
  • Relatively high price per disc.

Additional functions

Most of the models have additional functions that make work easier and more comfortable:

Smooth start. when cutting the workpiece, sharp cuts into the material are minimized, the quality of the cut is increased. Engine service life is increased.

Collecting sawdust. the presence in the structure of a branch pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner.

Laser mark. the laser beam forms the trajectory along which the cut must be made. The beam avoids the use of a guide bar when working with a circular saw. However, to master the function, a certain skill of owning the instrument as a whole is required.

Stationary chip removal system. practical for small volumes of work, when there is no need to connect a vacuum cleaner.

Start blocking. protects the master from accidental starting of the tool (to turn on the saw, press two buttons).

European and Asian companies have been competing for a long time, fighting for a place as a leader in the construction tool market, while improving product quality and expanding its functionality.

Top circular saw manufacturers:

Body material

Most of the models are made of high-strength plastic. The body of a professional tool can be made of metal, which increases the working life of the tool.

Cordless circular saw

The tool is powered from its own power source. a rechargeable battery. The saw is used to work in hard-to-reach places. Depending on the type of battery used and its charge capacity, the tool may be sufficient for a short working period of 15 to 50 minutes. After which the battery needs to be charged, which lasts about 4 hours.

  • Compactness, mobility;
  • Ability to work in the absence of an external power source.
  • Short working time;
  • High price for models that can run for about an hour.

Diameter of discs used

The outer diameter of the blade does not affect the working speed; it determines the cutting depth. This diameter depends on the dimensions of the protective cover. For most models, it is in the range from 130 to 250 mm.

Inner bore diameter: from 16 to 32 mm. It must match the diameter of the power shaft.

Circular saw design and how it works

Most circular saws have a similar design, the difference is additional elements that expand the functions of the tool or increase the safety of working with it.

The main elements of the saw design:

  • Body with one or two handles;
  • Saw blade guard;
  • Platform for holding the disc in the desired position;
  • Riving knife to free a disc stuck in wood;
  • An electric motor on the shaft of which the disc is attached with bolts.

The peculiarity of the saw. with its help, you can cut the material only in a straight line (transversely or longitudinally), without the possibility of arc cutting.

The principle of operation is to transfer the torque from the motor shaft to the saw blade, which rotating at high speed around the axis, cuts off wood or other material.

Depending on the cutting depth, the tool is divided into saws:

  • Small. 40-46 mm;
  • Medium. 50-55 mm;
  • Large. 65-70 mm;
  • Professional. 65-140 mm.

Power

The thickness and density of the processed parts depends on the power of the tool. When working with wood, it must be borne in mind that the density of wood depends on its species. A more powerful tool will deal with tighter wood faster.

It should be noted that the power of the saw is directly proportional to its weight. Working for a long time with a heavy tool is uncomfortable.

How to Choose and Use a Circular Saw | This Old House

After analyzing the expected amount of work, select the saw power, which can be:

  • Small. up to 0.8 kW;
  • Medium. from 0.8 to 1.2 kW;
  • Large. more than 1.2 kW.

An important parameter especially for a circular saw, which is suspended during operation. It is preferable to choose a lightweight version.

Battery type

At home, rechargeable models are often used. These cordless saws are very handy and allow you to cut wood even in hard-to-reach places. There are two types of batteries commonly used in power tools:

  • Li-ion. Modern batteries that drain slowly. The only drawback is poor frost resistance.
  • Nickel-cadmium. Outdated but still in use batteries. They are rarely installed in circulars, since they are quickly discharged.

Electric motor power

The performance of the saw depends on this parameter. The higher the power, the thicker the tree the circular can cut. Depending on the power of the electric motor, saws are divided into three types:

  • Up to 1000 watts. Suitable for cutting plywood.
  • Up to 1500 watts. They can be used to cut logs, thick boards and wooden beams.
  • From 1500 W. Professional tools that can work 5-8 hours a day.

For home, it is better to choose budget models with a capacity of 1000-1500 W.

Which outsole is better

Often times, people cannot choose the best blade sole for their circular saw. Many experts claim that the cast platform is the most reliable. However, such circulars are very expensive and few can afford them.

A cheaper and more affordable option is products that are equipped with forged platforms. They are quite tough and thick. In terms of quality, they are almost in no way inferior to more expensive cast platforms.

How to choose a circular saw for your home?

In this article, we will take a look at such a power tool as a circular saw. This tool is designed for sawing wood and is widely known among both professionals and DIYers. If you are planning to buy a circular saw for your home, but do not know which one is better to choose, then this article will help you choose the right tool. You will find out what types of circular saws there are and which are suitable for the home, what technical characteristics you should pay attention to before buying, and how a household circular saw differs from a professional one.

Disk rotation speed

This indicator affects the speed of the circular. People who are going to frequently process hardwoods are advised to use models with a high rotational speed. This will allow you to make a better cut.

The average rotation speed is about 5000 rpm. Many professional saws run up to 6500 rpm.

Types of circular saws

Depending on the constructive performance of the instrument, one can distinguish the following varieties:

We RANKED Every CIRCULAR SAW From BEGINNER LVL To EXPERT LVL (What Level Are You?)

  • Stationary. Suitable for installation in production halls or workshops.
  • Tabletop. Smaller models that are much easier to transport. Such circulars can be installed on any table.
  • Manual. Most compact saws used for cutting small amounts of wood.

Which circular saw to choose for the home

Many do not know how to choose a circular saw for the home. To make the right choice, you need to decide how often the tool will be used:

  • for regular use. a model with a power of 1500 W and a cutting depth of at least 55 mm is suitable;
  • for rare use and cutting thin boards. hand circulars up to 1000 W.

Specifications

Before choosing a circular for a summer residence, you need to familiarize yourself with the main technical characteristics of this tool.

Disk rotation speed

For hand saws, this figure is usually 3000-6000 revolutions. The higher the speed of the tool, the smoother and better the cut will be, even in very dense wood.

Power

The average for a hand-held circular saw is 1.2 kW. If you need to equip a home workshop, and increased requirements are imposed on productivity, you can choose a model for 1.6 kW and above.

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 location for it is not the best chosen.

Average

Type of food

Circular saws of the manual category can be operated both from the mains and from the battery. As a rule, models with a built-in battery are less powerful and require regular recharging, but they can be used anywhere in the garden. Chain saws are always limited by the length of the cord, they must be turned on near the outlet or pulled to the desired location by extension cords.

Military DS1250

The inexpensive circular saw for planks, timber and soft metals has a power of 1.25 kW and comes with a 185 mm blade. It receives power from the mains, weighs only 3.4 kg, it is easy to carry from place to place. During operation, it almost does not vibrate, but the model also has a minus. there is no blocking from accidental activation on the case.

The Military hand saw is inexpensive, only 2400 rubles

Tilt angle adjustment

Some models of circular saws can only cut at right angles. But most devices support a 45 ° tilt, and they should be preferred.

Rating of hand-held circular saws with smooth start

One of the most important additional options for circular saws is soft start. It is rarely found in budget models, usually devices that support this option are expensive. But if a manual unit is needed for constant use, it makes sense to spend money on a model with a gradual set of revolutions.

choose, circular, your, home