Choosing A Circular Saw For Home
Choosing a compact circular saw for your home: key parameters
If you are an economic person who loves to do something with your own hands, then surely at home you have almost all the tools that you need to carry out all kinds of repair and construction work. But what do you saw? How, still a hacksaw? No, this, of course, is a reliable and proven tool, however, we live in the 21st century, and it would not hurt to replenish the set of tools, which without problems, quite quickly, and, most importantly, you can definitely saw almost everything, starting from wood, and ending with plastic and laminate.
And the choice in our time is quite extensive. Hand-held circular saws alone are produced in considerable quantities. But how to choose from them exactly what will suit us in all respects, and for this you will not have to pay an exorbitant fee? Let’s figure it out.
What parameters are really important for a circular saw?
Let’s first turn our attention to the power of the device. If you decide to use a circular saw at home or in the country, we recommend choosing a device that gives a cut to a depth of 55 millimeters. It is suitable for cutting most types of wood used in repair and construction.
Well, if you need to saw logs or thick boards, then it is preferable to choose a more expensive, but professional tool.
- Disk rotation speed
Well, with the first moment, we, in principle, figured it out. What else we need to know about the disk “circular” in order to more accurately make our choice?
An important and even one of the main factors is the disk rotation frequency. The higher it is, the denser the material can be cut. But here you really have to choose between “two fires”, since a high rotational speed will require a higher power of the “circular” motor, and all this rests against our electric meter, which will show us a much higher electricity consumption. As they say, think and define.
- Availability of soft start
By the way, along with the rotational speed, it will be useful to get acquainted with the possibility of a circular saw as a smooth start. Its presence significantly prolongs the life of the device, since it does not allow sudden jumps in the engine, its overloads and overheating, the spindle is fixed, and the voltage surges in the network will not be very significant, and will not harm either the wiring or household devices at home or in the country.
Don’t forget about safety!
As always, the main thing in any production is to ensure and comply with safety regulations. Carefully study the instructions for the purchased saw, work in overalls that protect your hands and body, preferably with glasses, so that particles of wood or plastic do not get into your eyes. Although the latter is already a reassurance, since in modern circular saws, garbage is removed in a special bag, which is cleaned after the end of the work, or during it as it is filled.
During work, the tool must be held with both hands, the object that needs to be cut must be securely fixed on the work table. To increase the accuracy of the cut and to prevent the disc from jamming, it is necessary to use a guide bar. If the blade is stuck, first turn off the saw and then try to remove the jammed device. Failure to do so can provoke kickback, which could result in serious injury.
And don’t forget to choose the right drive.
Another tip is to decide which disc and what you will cut. Discs are available for rough and precise cutting of wood, laminate and plastic. Their purpose can be found out from the seller or on the manufacturer’s website on the Internet.
That, perhaps, is all there is to say about choosing a hand-held circular saw. It seems that following our instructions, you can easily decide what kind of tool and for what purposes you need. There are a sufficient number of brands of such products, there are plenty to choose from. So we wish you a successful purchase of a circular circular saw and use it with benefit in your household for many years.
What parameters are really important for a circular saw?
Let’s first turn our attention to the power of the device. If you decide to use a circular saw at home or in the country, we recommend choosing a device that gives a cut to a depth of 55 millimeters. It is suitable for cutting most types of wood used in repair and construction.
Well, if you need to cut logs or thick boards, then it is preferable to choose a more expensive, but professional tool.
- Disk rotation speed
Well, with the first moment, we, in principle, figured it out. What else we need to know about the disk “circular” in order to more accurately make our choice?
An important and even one of the main factors is the disk rotation frequency. The higher it is, the denser the material can be cut. But here you really have to choose between “two fires”, since a high rotational speed will require a higher power of the “circular” motor, and all this rests against our electric meter, which will show us a much greater electricity consumption. As they say, think and define.
- Availability of soft start
By the way, along with the rotational speed, it will be useful to get acquainted with the possibility of a circular saw as a soft start. Its presence significantly prolongs the life of the device, since it does not allow sudden jumps in the engine, its overloads and overheating, the spindle is fixed, and the voltage surges in the network will not be very significant, and will not harm either wiring or household devices at home or in the country.
Choosing a compact circular saw for your home: key parameters
If you are an economic person who loves to do something with your own hands, then surely at home you have almost all the tools that you need to carry out all kinds of repair and construction work. But what do you saw? How, still a hacksaw? No, this, of course, is a reliable and proven tool, however, we live in the 21st century, and it would not hurt to replenish the set of tools, which without problems, quite quickly, and, most importantly, you can definitely saw almost everything, starting from wood, and ending with plastic and laminate.
And the choice in our time is quite extensive. Hand-held circular saws alone are produced in considerable quantities. But how to choose from them exactly what will suit us in all respects, and for this you will not have to pay an exorbitant fee? Let’s figure it out.
Don’t forget about safety!
As always, the main thing in any production is to ensure and comply with safety regulations. Carefully study the instructions for the purchased saw, work in overalls that protect your hands and body, preferably with glasses, so that particles of wood or plastic do not get into your eyes. Although the latter is already a reassurance, since in modern circular saws, garbage is removed in a special bag, which is cleaned after the end of the work, or during it as it is filled.
During operation, the tool must be held with both hands, the object that needs to be cut must be securely fixed on the work table. To increase the accuracy of the cut and to prevent the disc from jamming, it is necessary to use a guide bar. If the blade is stuck, first turn off the saw and then try to remove the jammed device. Failure to do so can provoke kickback, which could result in serious injury.
And don’t forget to choose the right drive.
Another tip is to decide which disc and what you will cut. Discs are available for rough and precise cuts in wood, laminate and plastic. Their purpose can be found out from the seller or on the manufacturer’s website on the Internet.
That is, perhaps, all that can be said about choosing a hand-held circular saw. It seems that following our instructions, you can easily decide what kind of tool and for what purpose you need it. There are enough brands of such products, there are plenty to choose from. So we wish you a successful purchase of a circular circular saw and use it with benefit in your household for many years.
Choosing a circular saw for your home
A circular saw
Due to their ecological and aesthetic properties, wood products, as in the old days, do not lose their popularity today. In order to turn a piece of wood into a product, circular saws of various modifications are used. The circular saw is designed for cross-cutting and longitudinal cutting of both hard wood and softer ones. Also, the power tool copes with sawing various wood-chip materials, such as chipboard, fiberboard, MDF and sheet plywood brands FS and FSK.
The main criterion for choosing the best saw. this is its power, since it is impossible to use a low-power tool for sawing hard wood, for example, for oak blanks. Material processing is carried out using a blade with sharp teeth, which, rotating at maximum speed, cuts the workpiece.
You don’t have to be a professional to figure out how to work with a circular saw. The tool is quite simple to operate. It can be customized to perform a specific task. To do this, you need to set the depth, width and angle of the cut. Some models provide for setting parameters, as well as replacing the saw blade. manually, without the use of locksmith keys. The powerful motor tool can be equipped with a soft start system and can be protected against accidental starting. The saw works from a 220 V network, although some time ago there were models that run on rechargeable batteries.
Choosing a circular saw for your home
Like all power tools, circular saws can be roughly divided into two categories: household and professional. A professional tool, as a rule, is more durable, accurate, reliable and has a long service life. But this does not mean at all that only specialists work with it, it will be convenient when doing woodwork for everyone who knows how to handle a power tool.
Choosing Circular Saw Blades. Ace Hardware
When choosing a circular saw, it is necessary to pay attention to the diameter of the blade, on which the cutting depth depends, as well as to the rated power of the engine and the number of revolutions per minute. It is important to consider the balance between motor force and blade diameter, since a large diameter blade designed for deep cuts will only work correctly with a powerful engine. For example, a disc diameter of 210 mm is able to cut 45 mm of material, and in order for the engine not to overheat when working with such a circle, its power must be at least 1 kW.
In total, all models of circulars are subdivided into three groups according to engine power: low-power. up to 900 V, medium. 1600 V and with the highest power. over 1600 V. The most powerful models are distinguished by a long service life, accuracy, and high performance. But if a saw is needed to solve certain tasks in everyday life from time to time, then, as a rule, a tool is chosen from the first two groups, low or medium power.
When choosing a circular saw, it is necessary to decide for what tasks this power tool will be used. Become familiar with the characteristics of the tool, what power it has and whether the blade is suitable for the required cutting depth for balanced saw operation. The brand under the name of which the tool was released is also important, well-known manufacturers produce circular saws, which have a long service life, contribute to high-quality work.
Design and basic principles of work
The main working tool of a circular saw is a metal disc with teeth, which cuts wood. It is powered by an electric motor. The transmission of torque is carried out by a system of pulleys on which the belt is pulled.
The steel disc rotates at a fairly high speed, so it is very important to be extremely careful when working with the device. Home tool makers use high quality and reliable materials. However, in order to avoid an accident, the user must carefully monitor the correct alignment of the parts and take the necessary safety measures.
Specifications: how not to make the wrong choice
In the process of choosing a saw, you need to pay attention to its technical characteristics. The most significant of them we will describe in detail below.
Saw blade diameter
It depends on him whether the saw can cope with the processing of thick materials. The larger the diameter, the higher the power and torque of the electric motor must be.
Choosing a “circular”: device type
How to Choose a Good Circular Saw for Your Home? First of all, you need to decide on the type of device that is needed for certain purposes:
- Stationary saw. Designed to perform a large amount of work and in the overwhelming majority of cases is used in manufacturing and woodworking enterprises. Requires a lot of space to install, so it will require a specially equipped workshop or a spacious separate room.
- Table saw. Works on the same principle as stationary, but takes up much less space. Great for home use.
- Hand saw. A compact device that can process not only wood, but also soft metal workpieces, polymer materials. It loses significantly in terms of power to the products of the two previous types, but its main advantage is mobility. Heats up quickly, so you need to periodically unplug the device.
In addition, circular saws differ from each other in a number of other criteria:
- Scope of application: professional, capable of withstanding prolonged intense load, and household.
- Working with materials: classic saws for wood, devices for metal processing, plunge-cut devices, the cutting tool of which literally “bites” into the center of the workpiece and quickly cuts it in half.
- Type of power supply: network, operating from a power supply system with a voltage of 220 or 380 volts, and rechargeable batteries. The latter are noticeably inferior to network ones in power and efficiency, and can be used to process only thin and soft materials.
How to choose a circular saw for your home
The circular saw makes any woodworking work much easier. It is a relatively simple in design, but very dangerous tool to use. Therefore, for home use, you need to choose specially designed devices equipped with all the necessary protection mechanisms. It is also important to pay attention to a number of other criteria, which we will discuss in this article.
Motor speed
It is best to choose a saw that is capable of operating at the highest possible speed. This will provide the following benefits:
- Simplify handling of high density materials.
- Smoother, cleaner cutting line.
- Reduced risk of permanent disc sticking in the workpiece.
At the same time, too high a speed when working with soft materials will inevitably lead to melting of the mowing line of the cut. To solve the problem, you can recommend purchasing a tool equipped with a speed regulator.
Circular saw power
This is the key parameter that affects the speed of rotation of the cutting tool. The maximum disc diameter that can be installed on the device is also important. By power, the following types of devices are distinguished:
- Saws for processing thin and soft materials. up to 0.8 kilowatts.
- Household appliances capable of handling more serious tasks. For such purposes, we choose a tool whose power is 0.8-1.2 kilowatts.
- Professional models for intensive work with any materials. over 1.2 kW.
It should be noted that if the saw can develop enormous power, and the maximum diameter is not too large, then the work efficiency will be low. Therefore, you need to take into account both criteria at the same time.
Cutting depth
It is not as important indicators as the first two, but, nevertheless, the depth is also worth paying attention to when choosing.
Makita 5704R is the most popular model on the market. It can even cut metal. Good cutting depth
This characteristic is given in order to give an understanding of the potential consumer about the possibility of the tool, because each possible owner has an approximate idea of what size wooden products will be sawn.
Usually in passports and catalogs the values of the cut depth are given at two different angles. 90 degrees and 45 degrees. This refers to the angle between the plane of the saw blade and the plane of the tool platform.
In the standard position, this angle is 90 degrees, however, many models of circular saws have a movable platform, which, when turning relative to the saw blade, changes the angle.
It is easy to guess that the cutting depth depends on the size of the blade itself. For example, a saw model equipped with a saw blade with a diameter of 235 mm, in the standard position of the platform, is able to “cope” with a wooden product with a thickness of 87 mm.
When the platform is rotated at an angle of 45 degrees, the thickness will decrease to 65 mm. In passports and catalogs, parameters such as the frequency of revolutions per minute, the presence of a soft start, the length of the power cord, etc. are often given.
These values are not decisive when buying a circular saw, therefore, it does not make much sense to consider each of them in detail.
Mount to table
Or the workbench makes it possible to use a saw in the form of a kind of mini-machine, with which you can saw products of considerable size, since such a design allows for two people to work.
Power consumption
For these household products, the power values are in the range of 1300-2200 W. Professional models can also have greater power, which is understandable, because in this case, the emphasis is put, first of all, on increased resource and increased productivity.
Various modifications of circular saws
There are models of saws, the appearance and principle of operation of which is somewhat different from standard saw-parquet floors. However, the purpose remains the same. sawing wooden elements. Let’s consider several of these modifications:
Choosing a circular saw
A person who decides to purchase this device must have a set of knowledge in order to ultimately make the right choice and acquire the model, the functions of which will be used to the maximum in his household.
The aforementioned set of knowledge implies, first of all, an understanding of the main characteristics, properties and capabilities of this tool, as well as legibility in the modifications of circular saws.
The optimal budget circular saw for the home, user opinion. video
Choosing such a product, one can come across a wide variety of brands on the market. there are eminent brands such as “Zubr”, “Interskol”, “Bort”. The popularity of a tool with this name is primarily due not to the high quality, but to the large amount of advertising of these brands.
It is worth noting that when purchasing a product bearing an unfamiliar name, it is not at all necessary to expect an early breakdown. its quality is unlikely to be worse than the quality of “celebrities” on the power tool market.
It’s just that in this case the dealer failed to promote his brand so much that it became recognizable by everyone. The only unpleasant moment that may arise in the event of purchasing a product of an unfamiliar brand is a guarantee for the tool, or rather, its possible absence.
A dealer of popular brands will certainly provide you with free service during the warranty period, but you cannot say this with confidence about non-promoted brands. When selling their products, such dealers may not have a service center authorization to enable them to service end-user products.
Plunge-cut circular saw
This type of tool is usually found in the use of professionals. If a hand-held circular saw comes across on sale everywhere, any rulers are filled with it. whether it is a household class, or a purely professional and expensive tool, then not all rulers are equipped with plunge-cut saw models. This is due to the fact that this position is much more expensive than ordinary circulars and has properties that cannot always be fully realized in the hands of a common man in the street.
Selecting the Circular Saw that’s Right for You
Plunge saw operation using a bar
The plunge-cut circular saw has a number of advantages over a simple electric saw.
- Convenience and safety at work. The saw blade of this type is located above the sole of the tool and is fully protected by a protective cover, which provides greater compactness, convenience and increased safety.
- Cutting precision. On the soles of such a saw, pillars are made, which allow you to fix the tool in the desired position according to the marking. This property allows you to accurately follow all dimensions, without deviating from the set course during the sawing process.
- Compatible with the guide rail. Each plunge-cut saw has grooves in the sole to enable it to work with the bar. Working in tandem with a tire, again, provides additional cutting accuracy.
The presence of a stationary mount
Typically, the use of a circular saw involves manual operation. This refers to the situation when the product being cut is securely fixed, while the operator, moving the tool along the desired axis, performs the sawing process.
BauMaster CS-50200X is a popular model, due to its reliable attachment to the table, it can be used as a circular
An addition to the set of a stationary mount allows you to change the situation exactly the opposite. the tool is fixed at one point, and the operator moves the wooden product along the sole of the circular saw.
Using the supplied clamps, the circular saw is attached to any fixed support. a simple table or a construction workbench. Attachment takes place in such a way that the sole with the saw blade points up.
Saw Bossh PKS 40 (disc)
It is a reliable and simple circular saw for domestic use. To work with it, you will need 131.6 cm discs.
- The standard dust removal system works great when connecting a vacuum cleaner. After work, very little debris remains, and there is no “dust pillar” effect.
- Convenience and compactness. the tool is adapted for use by weight.
- The quality of a regular drive. The quality is excellent, but keep in mind that it has a lot of teeth and is not always suitable for working with multi-layer materials, as there is a risk of chipping.
- You can start sawing the workpiece from the middle.
- Low-cost support platform, made of stamped metal of acceptable rigidity.
- Due to its lightness, the impression of “flimsy” can be created. if you have your own troubles in this regard, then we advise you to hold the instrument in your hand before buying.
- No riving knife. if the saw stops during operation, then retraction will be made only at start.
There is no need to expect miracles from a tool of this class, but if you use the circular saw only for its intended purpose, the purchase will pay off.
Saw Makita 5008MG (disc)
The 213 cm working disc produces 7.55 and 5.7 cm deep cuts, even at a 56-degree tilt. Confidence in the tool is added to the engine power of 1.8 kW, which accelerates the disc to 5200 rpm.
- It has not the highest weight for a saw with such characteristics. only 5.11 kg.
- When working, you will feel the power of the engine. the saw will go smoothly, without jerking.
- Level distribution and ergonomics. if necessary, you can guide the saw with one hand.
- Smooth and clean cut on all materials of correct thickness.
- The handles have rubber pads, which makes it possible to confidently hold the tool in hand.
- The length of the network cable is only 2.5 meters, which is not always convenient.
- The parallel stop will spring, so you will not always be able to confidently “keep the trajectory”.
- No groove in the outsole for easy movement on the guide rail.
- At the start, the backlight turns on automatically even when it is not needed.
- Difficulties in reviewing the working part due to the structural features of the instrument.
The saw is good, powerful and versatile in its way. Suitable for a wide range of tasks, but you will have to get used to the tool. a little uncertain fastening of the stands and a lack of smoothness during start-up exchange a lot of power for accuracy.
Saw AEG KS 66-2 (circular)
The power of the motor and the number of revolutions of the blade per minute position this saw model as a tool for a wide range of actions in the tasks of the carpenter. It can cut 6.4 and 4.7 cm at 45 and 90 degrees.
- High level of ergonomics. the shape of the handles is anatomical and rubberized hands allow you to comfortably hold the instrument in your hand.
- Build quality. no backlash.
- The power of the engine is quite enough for working with materials up to 6.5 cm thick.
- The setting range for bevel cutting is up to 57 degrees. The position of the disc is fashionable and easy to adjust with thumbscrews with latches.
- The length of the power cord is 4 meters, which is convenient and suitable for many types of work.
- The sole is “flimsy”. there are no ribs on it, which is unexpected from the manufacturer of such a powerful tool. But it is worth noting that there were no complaints about the breakdown of this part.
- No smoothness when starting the engine.
- The tool is still classified as a household class, the recommended operating mode is 15 minutes, after which 10 minutes of rest are needed.
This is a circular saw for semi-professional and domestic tasks. suitable for sawing during the day without spending a lot of time.
Saw Makita 5477NB (disc)
What to look for in order to choose the right circular saw? Even in a relatively small device like this model, a well-powered motor can handle all tasks and reduce the likelihood of wheel jamming in the process. Use discs only 18.51.58 cm adapter to 3 cm.
- The device is equipped with a hypoid transmission that applies force to the shaft. The location of the motor is along the line of the cut, so when working with this saw much less effort is expended.
- One of the few models that allows you to hold the tool with one hand.
- Ergonomic and reliable. the saw fits well in the hand and glides on the surface.
- Power can handle many materials well.
- Excellent visibility of the workplace. easy to observe the cutting line when working.
- Lack of smooth start. when starting, the device may “jerk” in the hands in the wrong direction.
- Weight is a disadvantage for long work, but a clear plus for the “feel” of the saw in the hand.
- The set does not include a stop for longitudinal sawing. this can be corrected with a Svenson’s angle.
- When working with a roof, you will feel the absence of fasteners with which you could hang the saw on the beams during a break.
- “Gentle” retainer, which sets the cutting depth. sometimes they complain about the fragility of this part.
Many buyers of this circular saw are engaged in roofing work, or they bought a saw for building a house. For use in household work, it is not needed. the price and power are too high for simple repair work.
Saw Blask Desker CD 601 (circular)
This is a great example of a circular saw for difficult types of cutting plastic and wood workpieces. bevel and cross. The work uses discs 171.6 cm (landing and outer diameter).
- Unpretentious and at the same time reliable design is very easy to maintain and operate.
- The saw blade can be changed very quickly. just tighten with a standard hex head bolt.
- Excellent value for money.
- A decent warranty period. 2 years.
- There is a ruler for the side stop securely fixing the base plate for cutting at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Small network cable length. only 2 meters. If the work will be around the perimeter of the entire room, you will have to connect the device through an extension cord.
- Weighs almost 5 kg (4.78). if you have to hold the saw for a long time, your hands will get tired.
- No groove for guiding the tool along the guide rail.
- Lack of smooth start. when starting work, you need to hold the saw firmly in your hand.
If you are still thinking about which circular saw to choose, do not pass by this model. It is suitable for large volumes of work for semi-professional or domestic use.
Saw DеWALT DWЕ 560 (circular)
The 3.78 kg weight, engine power and disc revolutions make this model an excellent tool for carpentry work, where you need to work with material up to 6.5 cm thick.
- There are difficulties in finding accessories and spare parts. For example, the native size of the disc is not the most popular on the market, so it will not be easy to find it.
- The depth of cut must be determined with a flag. not a very good solution against the background of the same wing screws.
- Before the first use, you need to check the inclination of the disc and its marking with a square.
The combination of characteristics, weight and cost makes this model an excellent choice for household and partly professional work.