Best Mini Circular Saw

To find the best mini circular saw we went through plenty of saws. We looked at big brands of saws, variants and also how each unit functions while performing a certain task. Though we have mentioned 7 high quality mini curcular saws, paste is our personal favorite. Because it allows you to make precise cuts also it is highly durable.

Best Mini Circular Saw

1. Makita Sh02r1 12v Max Cxt

The Makita SH02R1 is one of the best mini circular saw in the market. Each kit comes with a 12V Max CXT 3-3/8″ Circular Saw, two 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah Battery, a 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Charger, a 3-3/8″” 20T C.T. Saw Blade, and a tool case. On inspecting the quality, the product seemed to lack finish. For a beginner it might be uncomfortable at first, but once you are used to the machine it is very good to use.

Coming to the performance test, we checked all its functionalities. The motor has the ability to revved at a maximum of 1500 RPM, which is quite decent for a mini circular saw. We tested it on plywood, MDF, pegboard, melamine, and drywall. Powered by a 2Ah battery it cuts all materials with ease. The blade is 3-3/8” thick, and has a max cutting depth of 1″. On inspecting the adjustable cutting, there was a bit stiffness at the 45° tilt cutting. Therefore, it takes additional effort to slice the material at that angle.

The durability is great for Makita mini circular saw due to its less-heating technology. However, the battery drains faster than we expected. Being a 2Ah battery, it has slightly lower operation time. But, you can extend the operation by managing the power more effectively. This Makita product is perfectly suitable for wooden materials. We won’t recommend it to be used for cutting metals.

Bottom Line

The Makita SH02R1 is one of the best compact circular saw available. If you are planning to use the saw for cutting wooden material, it is a perfect machine.

2. Rockwell Rk3441k

Rockwell RK3441K is compact yet powerful circular saw. The kit consists of a 24 Tooth Carbide-Tipped Blade, a Parallel Guide, a Vacuum Adapter, a Hex Key, and the Rockwell 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw. On a detailed inspection, we found the product to be more appealing. The fit and finish are quite impressive with remarkable cut-line visibility. This product is slim and therefore is easy to maneuver. And, being a 4-1/2” circular saw, it weighs only 5 pounds. This figure is quite less compared to conventional 7-1/2” circular saws.

The Rockwell RK3441K has a powerful motor that runs on a 5A circuit. It generates an immense 3500 RPM, which is twice the Makita SH02R1. The performance test is quite different for this Herculean machine. We selected plywood, MDF, pegboard, drywall, and metal. Having a cutting diameter of 2″, it cuts wood as a hot knife goes through butter. However, you must take extra care while using it for metals. It throws sparks that may be dangerous to the naked eye. But for wood, it’s the best handled circular saw.

When it comes to durability, this product lasts long. However, if you limit it’s application only to wood, it will last for years. The company provides a 3-years warranty card that might be useful in some cases. The 24-teeth/inch saw will undergo more wearing, if this machine is used for metals. In that case, you’ll have to afford a high-maintenance.

Bottom Line

Due to its high efficiency, the Rockwell mini circular saw deserves to be on the list. You can compare it with the Makita mini circular saw.

3. Dewalt Atomic 20v Max

This cordless Dewalt mini circular saw atomic is a 20V max with 4-1/2” dimensions. The pack contains a DCS571 20V Max Brushless 4-1/2 inch Circular Saw, a Woodcutting blade; a Blade change key, a dust port adaptor, and a Rip fence. It also embedded with a removable auxiliary handle for better control and maneuverability. On inspecting the weight, it was found to be 6.6 pounds. Being a cordless mini circular saw, we consider it to be heavier than its rivals.

We tested the performance keeping several factors of judgment. As usual, the testing medium was plywood, MDF, pegboard, melamine, and other materials except for metal. For plywood, pegboards, and melamine, it is quite easy to work with. However, there was some stiffness issue with the hardwoods, where the machine needs an extra power supply. The machine is easy to control but, we had to handle the vibrations. Its brush shell motor allows to cut up 339 linear feet with a ¾” depth. So, the product ensures longevity. Besides, it is capable of cutting 2”×4” at right angles.

When it comes to its resilience, this Dewalt product has an extended durability. The company claims better durability With a bevel gear design, the material is capable of all wooden slicing. Using it for meal carvings will drastically reduce its durability. Therefore, we recommend you to use it only for wooden crafts.

Bottom Line

Just like other Dewalt products, the atomic 20V Max is a sign of efficiency.

4. Tacklife Circular Saw

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This Tacklife product is a corded circular saw. Its packaging quality was perfect, and it impressed our team. The  pack contains a Tacklife TCS115A circular saw, 6 blades(2x120mm for wood cuts/2x115mm for wood and soft-metal cuts/2x115mm for tile cuts), a metal handle, a parallel guide, an elbow dust port, a hex key, and a user manual. Full of innovations, the machine has many unique features embedded in it. Assembling or dissembling the hexes are quite easy, which is done by rotating the handle. So, you won’t need the help of an auxiliary tool.

We made the performance test a bit different for this product. This time, we have PVC pipes along with wood as the testing medium. The motor had a max RPM of 3500 and draws its power from a 5.8A source. However, there was no problem in slicing any wood, PVC, or tiles but we encountered a problem. The machine overheats easily with the first 10 minutes of its use. Therefore, you have to give it some breaks. It easily cuts 1-11/6” deep at 90°, and 1-3/8” deep at 45°. With laser navigation technology, the cuts become more sharp and precise.

The Tacklife circular saw is more durable than its rivals. As stated above, the machine might overheat, but that doesn’t deplete the durability. The vacuum adaptor makes it a more user-friendly product. It collects all the littered wooden bits and prevents your place to be a mess. However, the product is suitable for all low, mid, and high intensity works. With the double protection switch, it can be preferred without any doubt.

Bottom Line

With a powerful motor and better ergonomics, the Tacklife circular saw is the best handheld circular saw for craftsman.

5. Worx Worxsaw

The ‘Worx mini circular saw  is a 4-1/2” sized compact circular saw. The pack consists of 4-1/2” WORXSAW, a 24T Carbide-tipped Blade, a Parallel Guide, a Vacuum Adapter, an Allen Key, and the manufacturer’s 3-year warranty. Unlike the circular saws mentioned above, this pack lacks additional blades. In case the blades wear off, you have to purchase another set of 4.5” size. On inspecting the weight, it is found to be 4.4 pounds that are 50% less than other 7-1/4” saws.

Coming to the performance test, we have selected wood, plastic, and metal. The thin 4.4” thin blade rotates without any strain. Its motor produces a maximum RPM of 3500 that can draw its power from a 120V source. The depth gauge lever is easy to use, and the machine can slice a 2” wooden block with ease. In the case of metals, our team reports a bit stiffness. Therefore, it needs to be handled with a firm grip for extra grip.

However, durability has some complexities. The main body of the Worx Worxsaw machine is durable. However, the circular hexes lack durability and wears off easily. Therefore, you have to change those at regular intervals. Low and mid-range works are the most suitable tasks for this device.

Bottom Line

Due to its powerful motor, it’s one of the best compact saw in the market.

6. Hychika Mini Circular Saw

The Hychika company manufactures one of the best mini circular saws in the market. On unboxing, we found that the  set consists of a Compact Circular Saw, a 30T Saw Blade; a 36T Saw Blade, a Diamond Blade, a Hex Wrench, a Scale Ruler, a Dust Exhaust Pipe, 2 Cells for Laser Guide, and a user manual. We found the weight to be 6.4 pounds that is quite heavy for a mini circular saw.

The performance test was done by using several testing mediums such as wood, ceramic tiles, and metals. Thanks to the laser indicators, as helps a lot in crafting a proper cut. It has a maximum RPM of 4500RPM that draws its power from a 4A source. The 500-watt motor seems flawless in carving wood and ceramic tiles. Besides soft metals like tin, we found a sudden stiffness in carving hard metals.

Made from aluminum, this circular saw is more durable than we expected. It is capable of self-maintenance, it comes with a vacuum adaptor. Using it to carve hard metals might reduce its durability. So, it’s perfect for handling low, and mid-range works.

Bottom Line

As one of the best selling mini circular saws, the Hychika paves its way on the list.

 

7. Genesis Gcs4455e

The Genesis GC4455E is one of the 4-1/2” decent rated mini circular saws in the market. On receiving the product, we found the packaging to be quite decent and simple. Each pack consists of a Compact Circular Saw, a 24T Carbide-Tipped Blade, a Rip Guide, a Wood-Cutting Blade, a vacuum Adapter, and an Allen Wrench. It also has a barrel grip for one-hand operation. Weighing a mere 4.7 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver. So, we would like to rate full for the ergonomic design.

Just like the previous product, the performance test remains the same. The powerful motor goes through all types of wood without any difficulties. It draws the power from a 120V 4A alternating source. The depth and bevel controls are simple to operate, and the cuttings are precise. However, you can’t expect a precise cutting on metal surfaces, as it may vibrate a lot. Don’t worry to change the blades, as spindle lock eases your efforts. When it comes to cleaning, the vacuum adaptor and dust cord will serve you best.

However, you might face some durability issues. The fit and finish quality isn’t up to the mark, that reflects a lifetime durability. Using it to curve hard metals will reduce the resilience for sure. It will hurt the low fit and finish by worsening it. Therefore, the Genesis GC4455E is best suitable for all low and mid intense tasks. The company issues a 2-year warranty which is quite less than its rivals.

Bottom Line

For value for money seekers, the Genesis GC4455E is the perfect option to buy.

Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider While Buying  the Best Mini Circular Saw?

Buying mini products is more of a beneficial aspect than a mere investment. The best mini circular saw comes with such advantages that you can’t ignore upon. Well, we are going to discuss the factors behind such benefits in this buying guide section. So, let’s explore the points below.

1. Power Consumption

First of all, check for the nature of the tool and its related power consumption factor. This factor is quite essential while buying the mini circular saw. It ultimately determines the kind of performance you are going to get with the saw. However, these saws come with an average amp rating of 3-5 being the compact ones. So, you need to go with a powerful mini circular saw which is available in larger amps. Thus, a circular saw with an amp of 5 is more potent than a saw with an amp of 3. You can also consider corded or cordless saw to go for. Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages to count upon. Well, you need to decide the preference based upon and features of a particular product. It’s also easy to calculate the power by multiplying operating current with the operating voltage to get a unit of power as Watts.

2. Blade

The type and cut of blades also play a significant role while choosing the best mini circular saw. Check for the kind of edge applicable in a particular machine. This is because sometimes, you need to buy the blade separately. At the same time, the blades you are going to buy must be of high-quality. They should be easy to replace after getting dull. The mini circular saws with a package of two or three blades are worth consideration. The Makita Sh02r1 12v Max Cxt is perfect package to buy interms of blade.

3. Durability

For the highly demanding and frequent work sessions, these saws are required to be durable. The operation of mini saw may look easy at first, but it will start getting wear off quickly in case of cheap material. Your material concerns should be metallic alloy and stainless steel. The stainless steel helps prevent corrosion of the saw and provides it a durable finish.

4. Ease of Use

The factor of easy to use includes several things to look for. If the saw is easy to use, it will be lightweight, ideal for beginners, guided by the user manual, and so on. Both the beginners and seasoned workers must find it a breeze to use the product. On the other hand, you can look for overall ergonomics. Better ergonomics will help you handle the product quite easily without any discomfort.

5. Cutting Depth

The cutting depth or torque is a great feature to look for in a high-quality mini circular saw. It determines the number of jobs done and overall precision. However, the deeper the cut, the less precise it will. So, what you can check is the torque of the mini saw that tells you how easily a saw will cut through any material.

6. Safety

Look for the safety measures and guidelines in a specific mini saw. Each comes with different guidelines and standards. So, you may overlook the saw with quite complex instructions. Even though it’s small, it can still be dangerous to operate as well. Saws are not toys and should be accepted only when it comes to specific safety guidelines.

7. Extra Features

The extra features are worth considering in mini circular saws. Most manufacturers offer things such as dust port, bevel cutting, laser guides, waterproof systems, etc. to work over the machine efficiently. So, it depends upon you to select particular features based on the rating and overall functionality.

8. Price & Warranty

Looking at the pricing model and warranty of saw will provide you a necessary experience in the long-term. The cost should be within your budget specifications and worthy of all the functions provided. On the other hand, the warranty must not be overlooked. It will give you a better and positive feeling regarding the quality claims of the product. A mini circular saw with a reasonable period of warranty, and an affordable price is worth notable.

9. Beveling

The beveling allows greater flexibility by giving you the desired cuts except for straight-line cuts. You can tilt the saw to the required degree or extent and get the cut you need at the most. It is generally used for angular cuts and is one of the best functions to look for. You must check the beveling touch or bevel cut stops while purchasing the best mini circular saw. Smaller stops are great to get more kinds of cuts with angular options.

10. RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

RPM is generally the speed of a circular saw. So, high RPM is better to go with. It will give you a large number of cuts in the shortest time possible. These compact models are comparatively fast and quick than standard models. The ideal range of RPM is about 3500. The Makita Sh02r1 12v Max Cxt has the best RPM on this list.

Top Essential Safety Tips to Use Mini Circular Saw

The excerpt applies to the usage of mini circular saws as well. Following the safety tips and guidelines is a sign of professional workers, no matter how seasoned they may be. So, let’s discuss those essential safety tips as follows.

• Learn right holding

The proper holding comes by determining the kind of saw you are using. It is either a sidewinder, or a worm drive saw. They are further divided into right-handed and left-handed saws for righties and lefties, respectively. However, it is not a hard and fast rule to use them as it is. The point is to check for the right placement of your hands on the saw. If you are holding the main handle with the right hand, it must not cross your left hand holding the auxiliary handle. The ideal holding is not to cross both your hands on a mini circular saw. However, you would find it an easy tip to follow, especially in compact saws.

• Check your saw

Invest some time checking each part of your saw. You should explicitly check to retract lower guard as one of the best safety features in a saw. You can consider its operation and recovery. Make sure that the circular saw is working freely before actual usage. Remove the battery before checking the cordless circular saw.

• Wear safety equipment

You can wear the mentioned or required safety equipment while using such tools. For instance, you can wear hearing protection, dust gloves, safety goggles, and so on while using the compact circular saw even though its size is quite handy than standard saw. Still, the dust coming out of operation can damage your eyes or skin for the long term.

• Use ideal depth cut settings.

Setting the cut’s depth is a good habit that determines your ultimate exposure of blade into the wood. It will also help you match the thickness on the board you are trying to cut upon. At the same time, you should lower the blade’s tooth doesn’t extend after 1/8-inches below the board or lumber you are cutting.

• Use sharp & high-quality blades.

While using the blades, you should direct them and not force them to cut through the material. Direct your saw and its blades to the board and see if they are easy to cut or not. Using dull blades won’t make you any good and even require more effort on your hand to cut through. So, sharp and high-tech blades are safe, better, and easy to use.

• Secure the board

Before you cut via any board or lumber, use safety clamps to hold it in place properly. They will protect the accidental slipping of the board or stock during actual operation. An unclamped stock is unsafe to cut and should not be worked upon as well. Also, you can check through the stock or wood material for any obstructions. This is because working your saw over these obstructions such as nails or screws can damage the parts of a circular saw. Thus, you need to make sure that the surface is free of any hassles before cutting.

• Use blade guards

They may look an additional investment sometimes. But, using blade guards could be beneficial for the product as well as the product’s owner. Sometimes blade guards can cause disturbances while actual working, which could be fixed by allowing the saw to move little forward. However, you must not use anything to prop out the blade guard into an open position as it can leave exposed the blades.

• Use certain guides

You can use certain guides while making straight-line or square cuts etc. in a circular saw. You just need to align the saw blade with cut line and position combination square with its lip to form a square. Likewise, you can make other cuts while using specific guides. After cutting is completed, you can release the trigger while keeping its base in contact with the wood or board you are working on until the rotation stops. Also, make sure that the power cord is away from the rotation wheel. Else, it gets cut with the wood as well.

• Your status

What should be your status while using the circular saw? First of all, you must not wear loose clothes or any jewelry or open hair that can be pulled into the machine during operation. Secondly, you must stand on the side while cutting to avoid any sort of potential kickbacks. Always use both of your hands on circular saw even if you’re an expert.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thought

After testing several best mini cycle saws we realised that each has their own advantage. It is the type of job you want to perform that will determine the unit you should go for. We advise you to check out manufacturer’s  or sellers website before making a purchase.