Circular Saws

Circular saw types and sizes

Though larger circular saw blade sizes are available, reviews recommend these three sizes for most users:

Blade Diameter	Uses	Recommended for cutting:
7.25 inches	All-around workshop and construction use	Can cut 2X lumber in one pass even at a bevel of 45 degrees or more (which is often needed for construction tasks)
6.5 inches	Found on most cordless saws	Still capable of cutting 2X lumber at a 45 degree bevel
5.5 inches	Trim work	Ideal for overhead work and for cutting molding, trim, 1X lumber

Since size and power also mean weight, expert reviews recommend choosing the smallest, lightest circular saw that will get your jobs done. Take the size of your hands into account, too, and whether or not you wear gloves. Quite a few reviews recommend Milwaukee tools for users who wear gloves, because there's plenty of room at the trigger. People with small hands, however, often find Makita power tools much more comfortable.

For cross cuts to shorten a board, circular saws provide a kerf (saw cut) indicator so you can see the cutting line you've marked. Some saws also project a laser line to help you follow your cutting line. Often circular saws also come with a lightweight "rip guide" to help guide the saw when ripping long boards.

For long cuts on panels or sheet stock, a guide rail or trolley helps. Festool circular saws not only fit a unique guide rail system, but they can also "plunge cut" into the middle of the workpiece instead of starting at the edge as other circular saws do. See our "Alternative Considerations" section below for details on Festool plunge saws and on other guide-rail options, as well as for recommendations for metal-cutting circular saws.

Reviews recommend that the first circular saw you buy be a "sidewinder" model, meaning that the motor and handle are positioned at the side of the blade rather than in front of it as in a "worm-drive" saw. Sidewinder circular saws are lighter, and in most situations, they’re better balanced and easier to handle. Although several worm-drive saws and their close cousins, hypoid (spiral gear) saws, get good reviews from owners, most experts suggest them for professional construction crews. If you plan a big construction project, though, they're worth considering for their extra speed and power.

Most sidewinder circular saws are "right-bladed" -- meaning that the motor is mounted to the left of the blade. This keeps the handle and heavy motor on the supported part of the board, but gives less view of the cutting line. "Left-bladed" circular saws usually give a clearer sightline (and are better for left-handed users), but they can be more awkward to handle, since there's nothing to support the heavier part of the saw on the cutoff side of the piece. Worm-drive and cordless saws are left-bladed.

Cordless circular saws offer less power than corded models (with a few exceptions) but more convenience, especially now that lithium-ion batteries increase runtime while reducing the weight. Imagine trimming the deck of a tree house with a cordless circular saw, compared with dragging an extension cord up the tree. Even at ground level, cordless circular saws are lighter than corded saws of the same size -- and you don't have to worry about cutting the cord. Their main drawback now is their higher price.

Corded sidewinder circular saws

A 6.5-inch trim saw, the Ridgid Fuego (*est. $140) is getting quite a bit of attention in reviews currently, including an Editors' Choice Award from Tools of the Trade Online. It's also recommended in a review at This Old House, but so far, we've found no head-to-head tests comparing the Fuego with other circular saws. Single-product reviews of the Ridgid Fuego say it has enough power and speed (at 6,200 rpm) to serve as the main circular saw for many users. Its light, 8-pound weight is big plus, as is its lifetime warranty. Its composite base is designed to survive a drop of up to one story, and owners reviewing the Ridgid Fuego at Home Depot praise its excellent visibility and handling.

Despite its 10.4-pound weight, reviews consistently give the 15-amp Milwaukee 6390-21 (*est. $130) top ranking among 7.5-inch corded circular saws, finding it comfortable and well balanced. Review praise the way the Tilt-Lok handle provides plenty of room for gloves, as well as adjusting to various angles. This not only helps match the handle to individual preferences, but also lets you change its position for different cuts -- for a long reach over a sheet of plywood, for example. An additional front handle provides extra leverage and control, yet doesn't interfere with the excellent view of the cutting line. Reviews also praise this circular saw for its power, flawless blade-guard performance, sturdy base plate and five-year warranty.

Users have given top ranking to the Milwaukee 6390-21 circular saw (*est. $130) in the annual Taunton Press survey of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking readers for several years in a row, and the editors at Fine Homebuilding concur. Although the saw lacks a 45-degree bevel stop, it can bevel to 50 degrees -- a feature that reviews say is important. The Journal of Light Construction review says the 1-degree markings on the bevel scale make setting the correct angle easy, and the Quick-Lok cord attachment enables fast cord changes between the standard 10-foot cord and an optional 25-foot cord.

The deluxe version, the Milwaukee 6394-21 circular saw (*est. $170) , gets top ranking at Popular Mechanics, which is the most recent comparison circular saw review we found. The Milwaukee 6394-21 adds a blade brake as well as onboard storage for the blade-changing wrench. A blade brake is a basic safety feature that stops the blade from spinning within seconds as soon as it's turned off -- but not all circular saws have one. Although reviews are divided about whether or not professional users need a blade brake, most experts do recommend it for anyone who doesn't use a circular saw day-in and day-out. Reviews say it definitely adds a margin of safety. This is important, because power tools with blades continue to cause serious accidents.

Both of these Milwaukee circular saws have received some minor complaints over the years. Some owners complain that the baseplate can catch on rough wood and is so flat that it can slip when used with a flat guide rail. Others indicate that the Milwaukee circular saw directs sawdust right at the face.

At Amazon.com, the Porter-Cable 325MAG (*est. $150) is one of the few circular saws to earn a perfect 5-star rating from owners (although it only had eight reviews at the time of our last visit). The Porter-Cable MAG saws provide an adjustable dust port, so you can direct sawdust where you want it or even attach a shopvac hose or optional dust bag (*est. $13). Many owners are quite happy with the dust collection, though the Journal of Light Construction finds that it clogs easily. In addition to their light weight, reviews praise the Porter-Cable MAG saws for their innovative tool-less blade changing. A cord clip keeps the cord securely away from the blade.

This circular saw also comes without a blade brake as the Porter-Cable 324MAG (*est. $140) , as well as in left-blade versions with and without a blade brake. All four Porter-Cable saws use a magnesium baseplate that helps them weigh about a pound less than the Milwaukee saws discussed above. However, checking or replacing the motor brushes (recommended for every 100 hours of actual use) requires a trip to an authorized service center. The left-bladed Porter-Cable 423 MAG (*est. $130) and 424 MAG with brake (*est. $160) get mixed reviews, with some owners reporting quality-control problems. All the Porter-Cable MAG circular saws carry a rather short one-year warranty and are among the loudest models at 117 decibels.

Reviews say the brake-equipped DeWalt DW369 (*est. $130) also provides an excellent view of the cutting line, is quieter than the Porter-Cable saws above, and carries a longer, three-year warranty. The Journal of Light Construction praises its balance and easy adjustments, noting that though testers dropped it several times, the composite baseplate came through just fine. Experts say that circular saws get dropped inevitably, so baseplate sturdiness is important. Owners reviewing the DeWalt 369 at Amazon.com note some quality control problems, with two complaints about baseplate and blade alignment, but the recent Popular Mechanics review finds the alignment fine.

Other circular saws get mixed reviews. The Makita 5007FAK (*est. $120) includes a rip guide in the basic price, as well as an LED light to improve visibility of the cutting line. Reviews say it's a good saw, but it doesn't bevel beyond 45 degrees and has scales that are hard to read.

The Ridgid R3200 (*est. $100) has better scales, and reviews give it top marks for power and speed. Reviewers also like the long 12-foot cord, lifetime warranty and dust blower. However, the R3200 is noisy and -- more important -- lacks a blade brake. Owners give it reasonably high ratings at Home Depot, but complain about some vibration, and one professional review finds too much base-plate flex.

Budget corded circular saws

Most professional reviews don't cover consumer-grade circular saws made by Black & Decker, Craftsman, Skil or Ryobi. However, we did find great information at Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics. We also found useful owner-written reviews at Amazon.com, Sears.com, Lowes.com and Home Depot.com.

Most of these consumer-brand circular saws carry two-year warranties, but reviews say they're not built for steady hard use. Nor do they make accuracy easy, especially on long straight cuts, and visibility isn't the best. Baseplates are usually stamped steel, which can get bent or misaligned with the first accidental fall. None of these budget circular saws come with a blade brake, an important safety feature, but some do provide a switch lock to prevent accidental turn-on and a spindle lock to keep the blade from turning while you're changing blades.

The recent Popular Mechanics review includes budget circular saws by Black & Decker, Firestorm, Ryobi and Skil -- all priced around $70 to $80. Though none of these circular saws wins any praise for accuracy, editors prefer the 13-amp Skil 5755-01 (*est. $80) for its adjustable twin-laser guide that shows both sides of the kerf. (Reviews say that adjustable twin lasers are the best kind of laser guide). Despite its less powerful motor, the Skil cut a bit faster than the other budget circular saws tested there. However, it only bevels to 45 degrees, and other drawbacks include a short six-foot cord and relatively heavy 12-pound weight.

The 15-amp Black & Decker Firestorm FS1500CSL (*est. $70) has an adjustable kerf indicator to aid cutting accuracy, plus a long 12-foot cord. As with the Skil, however, the Firestorm bevels only to 45 degrees. It has a plain, nonadjustable laser. Owners give it reasonably good ratings at Lowes.com, especially for ease of use.

The 12-amp Black & Decker CS1000 (*est. $60) gets relatively low ratings from owners reviewing it at Amazon.com. It lacks a switch lock to keep the saw from starting accidentally, and there's no spindle lock.

The 13-amp Sears Craftsman 10871 (*est. $70) bevels to 54.5 degrees -- which is helpful for remodeling and construction projects. This budget circular saw gets the highest possible ratings from owners reviewing it at Sears.com. It's equipped with dual LED lights, plus a non-adjustable laser guide that aligns with only one side of the blade. Owners praise its features and power, saying it's ideal for homeowners doing construction projects.

Two Ryobi circular saws get good -- but not the best -- ratings from owners reviewing them at HomeDepot.com. The 14-amp Ryobi CSB141LZK (*est. $70) has a laser guide, but it only bevels to 51.5 degrees. This saw does have a dust port that directs sawdust away from the user, or it can be hooked to a shop vac. The 12-amp Ryobi CSB121K (*est. $50) lacks the laser and dust blower, but still bevels past 45 degrees and comes with a carbide-tipped blade, spindle lock and cord clamp. These features make it the budget pick at Consumers Digest, but owners reviewing it at HomeDepot.com give it a lower rating than the slightly more expensive Ryobi CSB141LZK.

The Black & Decker Firestorm FS1300CSL (*est. $50) also gets relatively low ratings from owners reviewing it at Lowes.com, especially for quality, and though it comes with a laser guide, the blade doesn't bevel past 45 degrees. Neither does the Pit Bull circular saw (*est. $50) , covered in Woodworker's Journal review of inexpensive Chinese-made power tools. Reviews say beveling past 45 degrees is important for almost all construction and remodeling jobs, so the Ryobi and Craftsman budget models look like better buys.

Cordless lithium-ion circular saws

Cordless circular saws powered by lithium-ion batteries initially cost more than NiCd or NiMH batteries, but runtime between charges is longer, and experts say lithium batteries can go through about twice as many recharge cycles, offsetting the cost. In addition, the batteries stay charged for a long time while stored -- a boon to homeowners who don't use a saw regularly.

Lithium-ion batteries offer other advantages too. Saws powered by them run at full power until the battery is "empty," instead of gradually losing oomph. In addition, power-level readouts in the saws help you estimate the remaining runtime. Even more important, lithium-ion batteries are lighter in weight. This is especially good news when it comes to cordless circular saws, which have historically been underpowered compared to their corded counterparts.

Milwaukee was first out of the gate with a line of cordless tools using lithium-ion batteries. Mike Guertin, circular saw reviewer for Fine Homebuilding, says he seldom uses a corded circular saw for his remodeling jobs anymore, finding that the 28-volt Milwaukee V28 0730-22 (*est. $370 with charger and two batteries) offers enough power and stamina, along with much more comfort and convenience than corded alternatives. This lithium-ion powered cordless circular saw incorporates the best features of the corded Milwaukee sidewinder saws, but at 9.4 pounds, it weighs a pound less -- and you don't have to deal with a cord. Milwaukee guarantees the 3-amp-hour V28 batteries for two years instead of the standard one-year; the saw itself has a five-year warranty.

Reviews and independent testing labs show the Milwaukee V28 0730-22 circular saw can make over twice as many cuts per charge as the best regular 18-volt cordless circular saws -- and almost twice as many cuts as the 24-volt Bosch GKS (*est. $275) circular saw. A review at the Journal of Light Construction praises the Milwaukee V28 0730-22 circular saw's comfort, adding that, "it feels sturdier than any other cordless saw I've used." A more recent comparison review at Tools of the Trade criticizes the blade-depth gauge and says the setting tends to stick; otherwise it's excellent.

Like most cordless circular saws, the Milwaukee V28 0730-22 saw is left-bladed (which gives an excellent view of the cutting line), with a 6.5-inch blade that can cut 2X lumber even at a 45-degree bevel. The main drawback to the Milwaukee V28 0730-22 is its price. Several reviews recommend buying the four-piece V28 tool kit instead, as the most cost-efficient solution, since all four tools can share the same batteries and charger. The 28-volt Milwaukee 0928-29 kit (*est. $540) includes a hammer drill/driver, reciprocating saw and work light (plus charger, two batteries and carrying bag). Lithium-ion-powered drills are covered in our report on cordless drills.

The 24-volt Ridgid R855 (*est. $100 without battery or charger, $280 with R935 battery kit) can also use 18-volt NiCd batteries. The Tools of the Trade's review finds it well balanced, powerful, and smooth, with excellent depth and bevel adjustments. The main drawback is that it lacks a blade brake.

If that much power isn't essential, 18-volt lithium-ion-powered circular saws offer lighter weight. The Milwaukee V18 0830-22 (*est. $340) weighs just 8.9 pounds. One advantage is that unlike the 28-volt Milwaukee saw, this one can also use NiCd batteries -- handy if you already have other 18-volt Milwaukee tools.

Among 18-volt lithium-ion circular saws, however, reviews give top ranking to the Makita BSS610 LXT (*est. $360) , which is even lighter at 7.1 pounds. It includes twin LED lights to illuminate the cutting line, plus a blower to clear dust off the line. Comparing lithium-ion powered circular saws, Tools of the Trade finds the Makita BSS610 LXT powerful for its weight, but notes that the blade brake is slightly slower than some. The batteries recharge in 45 minutes, and Makita provides a three-year warranty on the saw, with one year on the batteries.

Several reviews note that Makita power tools fit smaller hands better than most others do. The Makita LXT lithium-ion-powered tools use a four-pole motor, which is more efficient than most tool motors, so you get more power for the weight. Reviews praise the four-piece Makita LXT400 kit (*est. $650) , which includes a hammer drill/driver, work light and impact driver, as well as the circular saw. Larger kits even include a cordless angle grinder. If you already have another Makita LXT tool and battery kit, you can get the circular saw by itself (minus battery and charger) as the Makita BSS610Z (*est. $170) .

Among budget choices, Ryobi is now making lithium-ion-powered tools, but only in kits so far. The four-piece, 18-volt Ryobi P843 kit (*est. $270) includes a 5.5-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, two-speed drill and work light. The kit comes with two lithium-ion batteries, but if you already have Ryobi 18-volt NiCd batteries, you can use those too. The circular saw weighs 5.3 pounds without the battery, and it runs at up to 4,200 rpm. This kit is starting to accumulate positive feedback from owners reviewing it at HomeDepot.com, but we haven't yet found any comparison reviews or professional reviews of these tools. The main drawback of Ryobi circular saws is that they bevel only to 45 degrees, which isn't always enough.

At the other extreme, both DeWalt and Bosch make 36-volt lithium-ion-powered circular saws. Of the two, Tools of the Trade gives more praise to the 10.1-pound Bosch 1671K (*est. $325) for its balance, power and blade brake. However, the 36-volt batteries are only 2.0-amp-hour, and the warranty on the saw is for only one year. The 9.9-pound DeWalt DC300 (*est. $380) has a 7.25-inch blade and three-year warranty, but tests show the blade guard tends to get hung up, causing the saw to lose power. Also, the tool-free blade changing system is awkward to use.

NiCd and NiMH cordless circular saws

Although reviews favor lithium-ion-powered cordless tools if you can afford them, cordless circular saws powered by NiCd or NiMH batteries cost only about half as much -- at least initially. However, as noted above, lithium-ion batteries last longer, offsetting the higher cost. As with the lithium-ion-powered models, these cordless circular saws use 6.5-inch blades set to the left of the motor.

While reviews say that 14.4-volt cordless drills have enough power for most jobs, that's not enough power for circular saws. So, if you plan to buy a kit or assemble a set of cordless tools that share the same batteries and charger, reviews recommend looking for 18- or even 24-volt tools. Even then, reviews say the work will take longer than with a corded saw, because the maximum RPM on cordless saws is usually less. For example, the top-ranked corded Milwaukee 6394-21 can achieve 5,800 rpm.

The 18-volt DeWalt DC390K (*est. $200) , in contrast, has a maximum rpm of 3,700. But it's recommended in more reviews than any other regular cordless circular saw. The bevel adjusts to 50 degrees, and its 6.5-inch blade can cut through standard 2X lumber in one pass, even at a 45-degree bevel. It weighs 8.7 pounds, with a magnesium base plate and upper guard. The main drawback reported by owners is that the safety switch can get clogged with sawdust.

Reviews also recommend DeWalt kits that combine this circular saw with other tools. One example is the four-piece DeWalt DW4KIT2 (*est.$500) , which also includes a reciprocating saw, hammer drill/driver and work light. Owners reviewing this kit at Amazon.com give it a high average rating of 4.5, but do post some complaints about the saw's base plate being flimsy. A Fine Homebuilding review of cordless kits names the two-piece DeWalt DC988SA kit (*est. $350) its "best value." This starter kit includes just the hammer drill/driver, circular saw, battery and charger.

For even more power, the DeWalt DW007K2 (*est. $425) uses 24-volt batteries and can also be used with a special AC adapter. Once plugged into an outlet, of course, you can run the circular saw indefinitely. The top pick in a 2002 review at the Journal of Light Construction, the 24-volt DeWalt circular saw has an electric brake and weighs 9.8 pounds. The review reports that the DW007K2 made 169 2x4 crosscuts on a single charge, which is more than the less-expensive 24-volt Bosch 1660K-24 (*est. $265) . The Bosch 1660K-24 does cut a little faster, however, and feels very well balanced, but the short run-time put it far down in the review's rankings.

The lighter 7.5-pound Makita 5620DWD cordless circular saw (*est. $290) uses 18-volt NiMH batteries rated at 2.6 amp-hours for longer run-time per battery charge. The bevel adjustment goes to 50 degrees, and the motor brushes are externally accessible for easier replacement. This is the number one choice among circular saws in the Journal of Light Construction review of cordless kits, because its light weight and balance make it so comfortable. The safety switch is placed conveniently, and the handle is especially comfortable for users with small hands. If a circular saw is your top priority in a cordless combo kit, the Journal of Light Construction recommends the Makita DK1052DL (*est. $550) , which includes circular saw, reciprocating saw, hammer drill/driver and light.

According to the kit review at the Journal of Light Construction, the 18-volt Milwaukee 6310-22 (*est. $260) circular saw cut more per battery charge than the Makita, but it weighs 9.1 pounds and is less comfortable to use. However, when all the tools in the kit are taken into account, the Journal of Light Construction gives the Milwaukee kit the top ranking, as does Taunton's 2007 Tool Guide.

Fine Homebuilding's review of the Milwaukee kit notes, "The saw looks, feels, and performs like the best of circular saws, with excellent power and endurance." Editors also like the carrying bag. The four-piece Milwaukee 0923-29 kit (*est. $475) includes a hammer drill/driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw and work light. A smaller two-piece kit, the Milwaukee 0902-28 (*est. $345) has just the drill and circular saw, and it’s getting harder to find.

Budget cordless circular saws

For a budget 18-volt cordless circular saw, reviews at both Fine Homebuilding and Workbench recommend the smaller Ryobi P500 (*est. $60, or $110 with battery and charger). This is really a trim saw with a 5.5-inch blade, but it can make 90-degree cuts on standard 2X lumber. The Ryobi cordless circular saw is part of the cordless 18-volt Ryobi ONE+ System, which offers an extensive array of budget consumer-level tools. In-depth coverage of the system at Australia's Online Tool Reviews is favorable overall, but notes that the "one-hour charger" takes closer to two hours to fully charge the batteries. A review of cordless kits at Do! Magazine also recommends Ryobi, saying the circular saw's 4,000-rpm speed makes for "quick and easy cuts."

For household or occasional use, the Ryobi P500 circular saw is certainly a bargain, though its performance can't come close to that of a corded saw, which costs about the same and is apt to last longer. Although the Ryobi tools carry a two-year warranty, reviews make no assurances about their durability. The Popular Mechanics review says the Ryobi P500 circular saw is okay, "but only when treated gently." Still, when the Ryobi tools are bought as part of larger kits, they do look like bargains, and they usually get relatively high ratings from owners reviewing them at HomeDepot.com. For example, the Ryobi P861 (*est. $200) includes the P500 plus three other tools, along with a wet/dry vac, radio, two batteries, charger and a tool bag.

The 18-volt Skil 5850 (*est. $100) is another budget choice worth considering. It's unusual among cordless circular saws, because it uses a full-size 7.25-inch blade. This model is easiest to find as part of the four-piece Skil 2887-20 combo kit (*est. $150) that includes the circular saw, a jigsaw, reciprocating saw and drill. A review at Popular Mechanics finds that despite its size and power, the Skil cordless saw cuts no better than smaller models by Craftsman and Ryobi. However, the kit gets near-perfect ratings from owners reviewing it at HomeDepot.com -- higher than the less expensive Ryobi P500. Owners say the Skil 5850 circular saw bogs down on 2x12 lumber, but it cuts 2x4s "like butter." This saw runs at 3,400 rpm.

Experts warn that none of these budget cordless circular saws have anywhere near the power of a corded circular saw. Nor do they bevel beyond 45 degrees. If you have much cutting to do and access to an outlet, a corded budget model will serve you better.

Wormdrive and hypoid circular saws

For big construction jobs, you might consider a wormdrive saw for more power and faster cutting. With the motor mounted behind the blade, wormdrive and hypoid circular saws use oiled gears that make them more powerful than sidewinders. Wormdrive saws need regular oil changes, but the newer hypoid saws have permanent oil, with no changes ever needed.

Wormdrive and hypoid saws are heavier, so they're more tiring, but the extra weight can actually be an advantage in guiding the saw on long cuts, and you can tilt the work to let gravity help. Since the handle is behind the blade rather than beside it, you have a longer reach -- useful for cutting sheet stock, as well as when reaching down to the floor or up overhead. Tom Silva at "This Old House" notes that since the handle is further from the blade, you get a little more margin of safety from kickback. Reviewing wormdrive saws for Fine Homebuilding, Scott Grice agrees. Many framing crews love wormdrive saws as timesavers, and most come with convenient rafter hooks.

For many years, the Skil wormdrive saws have led the market, and the recent Fine Homebuilding review gives top ranking to the 14-pound magnesium-based Skil Mag SHD77M (*est. $190) , praising its comfort and power. Owners reviewing it at HomeDepot.com give it a perfect 5-star rating, but the Journal of Light Construction finds that the baseplate can bend from just a short fall from a sawhorse. The Skil Mag saw has other drawbacks: It bevels only to 45 degrees, its blade guard sometimes gets hung up, and reviewers say it kicks quite a bit on startup.

This extra kick at startup is typical of the most powerful wormdrive saws, including the Milwaukee 6377-6 (*est. $180) . Fine Homebuilding praises this saw's power and balance, but it weighs a full pound more than the Skil Mag. Other reviews agree that it's just too heavy, noting also that its thick cord is awkward. Like the Skil, the Milwaukee wormdrive saw bevels only to 45 degrees.

The Ridgid R3210 (*est. $170) bevels to 51.5 degrees, though Fine Homebuilding says it's hard to adjust past 45 degrees, especially with one hand. Another drawback is that the baseplate lacks rolled edges for strength. Still, reviews say it's well balanced even with its 14.25-pound weight. The Ridgid R3210 ranks third in the Tool of the Trade Online review, which praises its 45-degree detent, big adjustment levers, sizeable markings and excellent blade guard. Its lifetime warranty is another plus.

The Bosch 1677M (*est. $170) is similar to the Skil Mag saw, but it weighs half a pound less and bevels to 50 degrees. The Fine Homebuilding review prefers the handle arrangement on the Skil, but says that otherwise the Bosch is fine. However, the Journal of Light Construction says the depth adjustment didn't work well after the saw was dropped a few times. Reviews say this is also a problem on the Makita 5277NB (*est. $140) hypoid saw and note that the baseplate doesn't seem sturdy enough. Both saws carry one-year warranties.

The lighter 12.75-pound DeWalt DW378GK (*est. $180) hypoid saw is the first choice in three comparative reviews, including Tools of the Trade Online and the Journal of Light Construction. Even the Fine Homebuilding review, which criticizes both the handle and power, agrees that blade-guard performance is flawless. Editors at the Journal of Light Construction do like the balance on the DeWalt hypoid saw, and Fine Homebuilding notes that people familiar with using a sidewinder will probably find the DeWalt easier to use than most wormdrive saws. Its light weight and handle position make it especially good for overhead cuts, and it carries a three-year warranty. Overall, if you need the extra power of a hypoid or wormdrive saw, most reviews say the DeWalt DW378GK looks like the best choice.

Important Features: Circular saws

Reviewers say a rafter hook is apt to be handier than you might think, as are canvas bags instead of hard-shell cases, because they're easier to pack. An LED light can illuminate a cutting line, but laser guides get mixed reviews. These are all conveniences, while reviews recommend the following features as most important:

• The blade guard must work smoothly, every time. This is a crucial safety factor. Even when the bevel is set to an acute angle or when trimming wood just a tiny bit, the blade guard should operate smoothly. Note that most circular saw recalls have been for sticking blade guards -- see Circular Saw Recalls, below. An electric brake is an additional safety option recommended in many reviews, especially for anyone who doesn't use a circular saw often.

• Both a spindle lock and a safety switch are important safety features. The spindle lock keeps the blade from moving while you switch blades, and a safety switch (sometimes called a "lockout switch") prevents accidental starts. The latter is especially important if children might get access to the saw.

• Consider weight and balance. A circular saw that feels light enough when held for a few minutes can cause a lot of fatigue after hours of use. However, reviews say that balance is even more important than weight. If possible, test-drive a tool in the store before you buy. If you wear gloves, make sure the trigger has plenty of space for them. Also, be sure to consider the positions in which you'll most often use the saw; the most comfortable handles for overhead work may not be best for long cuts across plywood.

• A stable, sturdy baseplate should be truly parallel with the blade. This is essential for making accurate cuts. Aircraft aluminum and magnesium baseplates get the best reviews, and rolled edges not only add strength but also make it easier to use a guide rail. Stamped steel baseplates are okay for occasional use, but they’re less durable since they bend and get out alignment more easily. Experts say all circular saws get dropped sooner or later.

• A bevel adjustment beyond 45 degrees is important. While most bevel cuts are at 45 degrees, saws that only bevel to 45 degrees have trouble if cuts are off just slightly. Most saws adjust the bevel to 50 degrees, but 56 degrees is even better. A bevel stop at 45 degrees is convenient. Scales with one-degree markings make it easier to make precise adjustments without having to make test cuts.

• Corded circular saws need 15 amps; cordless at least 18 volts. For greater power in a cordless circular saw, look for 24-volt or 28-volt power.

• For cordless saws and kits, lithium-ion or NiMH batteries are preferable to NiCd. Lithium-ion batteries are the most compact and lightweight; they also run at least twice as long as NiCds, last longer in storage between uses, can withstand many more recharging cycles and keep the tool running at full power even as the batteries start to run down. Second best are NiMH batteries. These are better for the environment than NiCd batteries, offering between 45 to 100 percent longer run time between charges.

Circular saw recalls

Bosch recalled four Skil circular saws in August 2007 for defective switches that could turn on the saws unexpectedly, but in the past, most circular saw recalls have been for blade guards that stick. In April 2007, Craftsman asked customers to remove the Craftsman label from the upper blade guard because it could start to interfere with the blade guard. In November 2006, two DeWalt circular saw models were recalled for blade guard problems, and the year before, Porter-Cable MAG saws for the same problem. In May 2005, the Bosch CS10, CS20 and CS20-XC circular saws were recalled after three reports of blade guard problems, including one amputation. These Bosch circular saws were sold from February 2004 through April 2005.

Reviews recommend checking the blade guard action carefully on any new circular saw, first with the power off and not only with the blade set at 90 degrees, but at various bevel settings as well. Problems are more apt to occur when trimming small bits from a board at an extreme bevel. Because of quality control problems in contemporary manufacturing, it's a good idea to check this yourself and return any defective saw immediately for a refund or exchange.

The batteries used with cordless circular saws are also sometimes subject to recall. For example, Milwaukee recalled 14.4-volt and 18-volt 2.4-ah NiCd batteries manufactured between July 1999 and February 2004. A vent on the battery pack could get damaged during use, causing the battery to explode.

Experts recommend registering any power tool with the manufacturer right away so you'll be notified promptly about any problems or recalls. (In some cases, as with Ridgid, this also gives you a longer warranty.) For information on recalls, see the Consumer Products Safety Commission website.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Corded Circular Saws	Details from Amazon.com
5	Milwaukee 6390-21 sidewinder (*est. $130)	details
4	Ridgid R3200 sidewinder (*est. $100)	details
3	Festool TS 55 EQ sidewinder (*est. $440)	-
3	Porter-Cable 423MAG sidewinder (*est. $130)	-
3	DeWalt DW378GK hypoid (*est. $180)	details
3	Ridgid R3210 worm-drive (*est. $170)	-
2	Skil HD77M-22 worm-drive (*est. $180)	-
2	Bosch 1677MD worm-drive (*est. $170)	details
2	Milwaukee 6394-21 sidewinder (*est. $170)	details
2	Bosch CS20 sidewinder (*est. $150)	details
2	Porter-Cable 325MAG sidewinder (*est. $150)	details
2	Porter-Cable 424MAG sidewinder (*est. $150)	-
2	Porter-Cable 324MAG sidewinder (*est. $140)	details
2	Ridgid Fuego sidewinder (*est. $140)	-
2	DeWalt 369CSK sidewinder (*est. $130)	details
1 each	Sidewinder saws: Craftsman 10871, Craftsman Pro 25817, Festool TS 75 EQ , Hitachi C7BD , Makita 5007FK , Porter-Cable MAG , Ryobi CSB121K, Skil 5755 , Skil HD5510 . Hypoid: Makita 5277NB .
# of picks	Cordless Circular Saws	Details from Amazon.com
8	28v Milwaukee 0730-22 (*est. $370 with charger and two batteries)	details
5	18v DeWalt DC390K (*est. $200)	details
3	18v Makita BSS610 LXT (*est. $360)	details
1 each	Craftsman11578, 36v DeWalt DC300K , Hilti WSC 70-A36, 18v Milwaukee 6310-20 , 18vt lithium-ion Milwaukee 0830-22 , 24v Ridgid R855, 18v Ryobi P500
# of picks	Cordless Combo Kits	Details from Amazon.com
6	28v lithium Milwaukee V28 0928-29 (*est. $540)	details
4	18v lithium Makita LXT l (*est. $650)	details
2	18v DeWalt DC2PAKSA (*est. $350)	details
2	18v Ryobi P840 (*est. $160)	-
1 each	Bosch CPK40-18 , Craftsman 11404, Craftsman 11514, lithium-ion Craftsman 26325, Hitachi KC18DVF , Makita MForce DK 1052DL , 18v Milwaukee 0902-28, 18v Milwaukee 0925-24 , Ridgid R922, Skil 2887-20, Skil 2887-16 , Ryobi P861

Among corded circular saws, Ridgid models are challenging the better-established Milwaukee 6390-21 and Porter-Cable MAG sidewinders and the DeWalt DW378GK hypoid saw; Both Festool saws get excellent reviews for long cuts. Among cordless circular saws, the top-ranked lithium-ion-powered saws are by Milwaukee and Makita, but the NiCd-powered DeWalt circular saws also get high marks, with Ryobi as a budget choice.

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