A circular saw is a hand-held tool for cutting workpieces from a wide range of materials: wood, plastic and even metal. The tool is indispensable on a personal plot where a country house is being built. In an apartment, a saw will be necessary during renovations: it can be used to cut plywood, laminate, door panels, and plastic panels.
Working principle and application
The circular saw is a very popular tool among DIYers and professional builders. And this is not surprising, because this tool allows you to cut large volumes of wood, chipboard sheets, fiberboard, OSB, MDF, plywood, etc. relatively quickly and with virtually no physical effort from the operator. By changing the disks and “playing” with the rotation speed, you can cope with sawing plastic, slate, metal and artificial stone. Cuts can be made along, across and at an angle to the main plane of the material.
Important! The only thing this tool cannot do is make curved cuts.
A modern “circular” is a technically complex instrument consisting of several required elements:
- Housing (bed) with controls placed on it (handles for convenient holding by the operator during manual operation);
- Power unit. The engine can be electric or gasoline;
- Cutting disc;
- Guide platform;
- Protective cover;
- Lubrication and ventilation system.
Circular saw device
Despite some design differences, the operation of all circular saws without exception is based on the principle of transmitting torque from the shaft of the power unit to the cutting disc.
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.
Selection options
So, which model of circular saw should you choose for your home? The first thing you should pay attention to is the technical characteristics of the device. The main parameters of circular saws include: power, depth of cut, rotational speed of the cutting tool, capabilities and availability of additional functions. Let's look at the selection options in more detail.
Power
The power of the device is the determining factor in determining the depth of cut and the permissible density of the material being processed. Here the more the better.
The more power the device, the better
Manufacturers install power units on their models, the power of which depends on the intensity of use:
- household - up to 800 W;
- universal - from 800 to 1.2 kW;
- professional - from 1.2 to 5 kW.
It should be understood that a more powerful powertrain provides better performance, stability and continuous runtime.
Weight
Power affects not only the performance of the device, but also its weight and size. You should not chase very powerful models, which may simply be inconvenient to perform certain types of work. For example, to perform most roofing work, specialists use compact and ergonomic battery models.
For roofing work, choose a battery model
Cutting depth
This parameter directly depends on the diameter of the cutting disc used in the circular saw. The larger the disc, the thicker and more massive workpieces can be processed. However, in order to spin a large cutting tool and maintain its rotation speed at the desired level, more torque will be required, and as a result, a more powerful motor.
The depth of cut depends on the diameter of the cutting disc
Based on this, manufacturers assemble their models with electric motors of a certain power, each of which supports a certain cutting depth:
- Household - provide a cutting depth of 40-50 mm. Used for sawing sheet materials;
- Universal. This indicator varies between 50-60 mm. Used to solve a wide range of problems;
- Professional - allow you to process workpieces with a thickness of 65–140 mm.
Advice! When choosing the best circular saw model for your home, always focus on your needs, giving priority to the balance of ergonomics, versatility of use and power of the device.
Speed
The rotation speed of the cutting blade affects the quality of the cut. The higher the better. However, we should not forget that the higher the shaft rotation speed, the lower its torque. When sawing material, the cutting tool inevitably heats up, and the higher the speed, the higher the temperature. For example, plastic tends to melt at high temperatures, which can cause the disk to jam and the engine to fail.
The higher the cutting blade rotation speed, the better
Attention! When choosing a “circular”, give preference to models with adjustable shaft speed.
Adjusting the bevel cut
One of the important points when choosing the right circular saw for your home is the ability to make miter cuts. This function is provided by the design of the platform, which can change its position relative to the axis of the cutting disk.
Depending on the model, the tilt can be adjusted to 30, 45, 55°. The platform position is adjusted using a thumb or clamping mechanism.
Ability to work with metal
Most general-purpose (semi-professional) circular saws can process metal by installing an abrasive or toothed carbide blade.
Metal processing with a circular saw
Compared to an angle grinder, this tool has many advantages:
- Higher cutting quality and accuracy;
- Convenience when performing work;
- Possibility of cutting at an angle;
- No sparks.
The disadvantages of cutting metal with a circular saw (compared to an angle grinder) is the high cost of consumables.
Housing material
In the production of circular saw bodies, manufacturers use impact-resistant materials that can withstand high loads and temperatures. Among the most common are:
- Metal - typical for professional equipment;
- Heat-resistant plastic - lightweight, which is a characteristic feature of household appliances;
- A mixture of metal and plastic is considered by experts to be an ideal option. Metal increases the life of the tool, and plastic significantly reduces its weight.
Diameter and type of cutting discs
Accessories are the main and consumable element of any circular machine. The performance of the device and the quality of the cut depend on its quality, tooth design and diameter. There are different types of saw wheels:
- Monolithic. Without soldering, may have a sharp or curved tooth. Withstands several re-sharpenings. Used for cutting wood;
- Carbide. Carbide brazing provides the tool with greater functionality and durability. However, they require professional sharpening on specialized equipment.
Monolithic (left) and carbide (right) disc
The outer diameter can vary from 130 to 250 mm. The maximum diameter of the equipment is limited by the dimensions of the protective casing of the device. Depending on the purpose, saw wheels can have 10, 12, 24 and 40 teeth.
Kolner KCS 185/1500
Convenient product from Chinese manufacturers. The product's weight of 3.6 kg allows it to be used for a long time in manual work. Moreover, the slots can be made not only at right angles, but also the disk can be rotated at an angle of 45 degrees. A good passage depth is ensured by using a disk with an outer diameter of 185 mm.
Circular saw from Chinese manufacturers Source Yandex.Zen
An electric motor with a power of 1.5 kW can spin the shaft up to 5000 rpm. For convenience, parallel stops are provided. And safety is ensured by blocking against accidental activation. Connection to a vacuum cleaner has been implemented. Supplied with spare brushes.
Positive points:
- good performance;
- reliable assembly;
- soft work;
- ease of use.
Minuses:
- short cord;
- flimsy sole.
Additional functions
Modern circular models are equipped with serious functionality, among which the most popular are:
- Constant speed maintenance system. The controller reads the shaft rotation speed, when it drops (for example, when entering an area with a more viscous and dense material), the electronics automatically increases the speed due to the power reserve of the device;
- The soft start system allows you to reduce starting currents and the load on the electrical network. The equipment smoothly picks up speed, thereby increasing the resource of the gearbox and the life of the tool;
- The overload protection system will automatically stop supplying power if the motor windings overheat;
- The electrodynamic brake stops the rotation of the equipment at the end of the sawing process. This option increases operator safety when using the tool;
Electrodynamic brake increases operator safety - The slip clutch eliminates the possibility of a kickback and failure of the power unit when the disk jams;
- Protection against accidental activation is an additional button to turn on the device. To start the device, you need to simultaneously press the start buttons, which is almost impossible to do accidentally;
- The spindle stopper makes it easy to replace accessories using just one key;
- The parallel fence and guide rail allow the operator to perform straight cuts parallel to the edge with the highest quality;
- The spring-loaded casing completely hides the equipment, releasing the saw blade only when it rests on the workpiece;
- Adjusting the idle speed allows you to manually select the best process parameters for cutting a particular material.
Don't forget about ergonomics. There are models specially designed for left-handers. Pay attention to the handles. They can be made in the form of a staple, have a straight or mushroom-shaped design. Regardless of the shape, the handles must have anti-slip pads.
Rating of the best manufacturers of circular saws
What a circular saw is is more or less clear. Which model to choose for home use? The answer to the question will be the rating of the most popular models from various price segments.
Budget models
| Model | Characteristics |
| Bison ZPD-900 A fairly compact and lightweight model for occasional use in the household. The 900 W motor allows you to process wood and sheet materials, providing a cutting depth of 45 mm, and at an angle of 45° - 28 mm with equipment with a diameter of up to 140 mm. Spindle speed 4500 rpm. Features: stepless adjustment of cutting depth and platform rotation, additional handle, possibility of permanent installation. Safety is ensured by two protective covers that slide at the same time. The average cost is 3 thousand rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
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| Bort BHK-160U A very good choice for periodic use during repair and construction work at home and in the country. The Bort BHK-160U circular hand saw is equipped with a 1200 W motor, which allows you to work with equipment with a diameter of 165 mm. Cutting depth - 55 mm, at an angle of 45° - 32 mm. Disk rotation speed - 5300 rpm. Features: adjustable cutting depth and base rotation. Equipment: parallel guide, set of spare brushes, keys for replacing the disk, saw wheel for woodworking. Weight - 3.5 kg. The average cost is 3200 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
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| Elitech PD 1600L An excellent model with good technical characteristics. The 1600 W motor provides high performance when sawing material up to 65 mm thick. The rotation speed of the equipment is 5000 rpm. The maximum diameter of the equipment is 190 mm. Features: cutting depth adjustment mechanism, laser pointer, ability to connect an external dust collector or vacuum cleaner. Equipped with a parallel stop. Weight - 4.8 kg. The average cost is 4.5 thousand rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
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Middle price segment
| Model | Characteristics |
| Bosch PKS 40 Ergonomic and lightweight model from a well-known manufacturer. The motor power of 850 W is enough to easily cope with wood and its derivatives up to 40 mm thick. The depth of cut at an angle of 45° is 26 mm. This model uses equipment with a maximum diameter of 130 mm. Rotation speed - 4200 rpm. The functionality is limited to mechanisms for adjusting the depth of cut and fixed rotation of the platform. Equipment: rip fence, carbide saw blade Speedline Wood. Weight - 2.4 kg. The average cost is 6 thousand rubles. Advantages:
Disadvantages: modest functionality. | |
| Whirlwind DP-235/2200 A hand-held circular saw powerful enough to handle most home and garden renovation tasks. The model is equipped with a 2.2 kW motor, which allows you to easily cope with wood up to 85 mm thick, with a disk with a diameter of 235 mm. The maximum spindle speed is 4500 rpm. Functionality: angle cutting mechanism and the ability to adjust the depth of cut. Equipment: carbide equipment, key for replacing the disc, guide. Weight - 8.5 kg. The average cost is 7,300 rubles. Advantages:
Disadvantages: poor set of functions. | |
| DeWALT DWE560 A lightweight, low-noise and ergonomic model with good performance, which is provided by a 1350 W motor with a maximum spindle speed of 5500 rpm and a saw blade diameter of 184 mm. Cutting depth - 65 mm, at an angle of 45° - 42 mm. Features: angle cutting mechanism and the ability to adjust the cutting depth with a range adjustment of up to 48°. Equipment: carbide equipment, wrench, adapter for connection to an external dust removal system, parallel stop, can be equipped with a case. Weight - 3.7 kg. The average cost is 8100 rubles. Advantages:
Disadvantages: weak functionality. |
Premium models
| Model | Characteristics |
| DeWALT DCS576N Powerful battery model for maximum autonomy when performing repair and construction work. Engine power - 1500 W. Cutting depth - 67 mm. The maximum disc diameter is 190 mm. Excellent cutting quality is ensured by a high spindle speed of 5800 rpm. Features: adjustment of cutting depth and rotation of the base by 45°. Contents: saw blade, guide, vacuum cleaner adapter, key. Weight - 3.7 kg. The average cost is 14.5 thousand rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
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| Makita SP6000 A reliable and functional professional circular saw from a well-known brand is equipped with a 1300 W motor capable of providing high quality and a cutting depth of up to 56 mm at a speed of 5200 rpm. Functionality: adjustment of cutting depth and rotation of the base by 48°, soft start, electronic protection of the power unit, electrodynamic braking of the motor. In addition, this model has additional options: smooth speed control, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner. The kit includes a key for replacing the equipment. Weight - 4.1 kg. The average price is 19 thousand rubles. Advantages:
No deficiencies found. | |
| BOSCH GKT 55 GCE A professional model that can handle almost any job thanks to a good set of functions and reliable design. Motor power - 1400 W, spindle speed - 6250 rpm. The maximum size of the equipment is 165 mm. Cutting depth - 57 mm. Features: the immersion mechanism allows you to make cuts from any point. Functionality: adjustment of cutting depth and rotation of the base by 48°. Additional options: soft start, electronic protection of the power section, smooth speed control, the ability to connect an external dust collector. Weight 4.7 kg. The average cost is 31,100 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
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PATRIOT CS 195
The saw has a fairly strong electric motor. Its power of 2 kW allows you to spin the spindle up to 5500 rpm. Therefore, the tool can easily cope with any wood. Even very hard varieties.
Transforming a hand tool into a stationary machine Source sankt-peterburg.abc.ru
Immersion depth – 65 mm. The cutting angle can be changed from straight to 45 degrees. Moreover, the regulator is very convenient to use. Disc cutters must be selected with a hole to fit on a spindle with a diameter of 24.5 mm.
The model has holes on the base for secure fastening to the tabletop. And the fixation for a stationary position of the instrument is very simple and easy to perform in a short time. There is also a connector into which a vacuum cleaner hose is connected. The device allows you to carry out sawing work in complete comfort. Without dust and shavings scattered throughout the room.
Users also note the convenience of the ergonomic rubber-coated handle. This allows you to use the not-so-light saw more confidently in manual mode. The weight of the device is provided by a strong electric motor. Therefore, the manufacturer tried to simplify the design wherever possible. For example, I used a sole made of aluminum alloys.
Positive points:
- good assembly;
- powerful motor;
- convenient angle adjustment;
- Possibility of using the tool permanently.
Minuses:
- large mass.
Tips for choosing
As a conclusion, here are some tips from professionals on choosing a circular saw for home use:
- For irregular work and non-professional use, models with a power unit power from 850 W to 1.2 kW are ideal;
- To carry out repair and construction work in a private house or country house, pay attention to models with basic functionality, engine power from 1.2 to 2 kW and a cutting depth of at least 60 mm;
- If you are a professional builder, choose the most durable models with an engine power of at least 2 kW, a cutting depth of more than 60 mm and a speed of 5.5 thousand.
It should be understood that a large number of functions simplifies use and expands the scope of application, but significantly increases the cost of the tool.
That is why the choice of saw according to this parameter should be approached carefully and wisely. Watch a video on how to choose a circular saw
