Circular saws are essential tools in any woodworker or hobbyist carpenter\u2019s toolkit, and the first power tool you should master. It\u2019s the equipment used to achieve a wide variety of cuts, cleanly and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Circular saws have a notorious reputation as being dangerous and accident-prone, and they are if you don’t use them properly. But once you’ve got the hang of it, they are actually straightforward to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using them is one thing, but buying a decent circular saw is an entirely different matter. Lots of conflicting information and advice can further confuse a first-time user. Buying the wrong saw can even risk your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So today we\u2019ll run through the best circular saws in the UK, as well as a quick buying guide to help you pick the right one.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main advantage of circular saws is that they can make clean cuts quickly and efficiently. If you\u2019ve ever used a hand saw before, you\u2019ll know it\u2019s super hard to do it manually and get professional results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can do various styles of cuts with a circular saw, including crosscuts and rip cuts, which is cutting against and with the wood grain respectively. You can also perform plunge cuts, which is lowering the circular saw and slowly cutting wood from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also certain situations where cutting is impractical or impossible without a circular saw. These include cutting through a fixture (such as a door) or on things overhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that circular saws aren\u2019t terribly expensive. You can get a decent one for as little as \u00a360. Once you\u2019ve got through the learning curve, there really is no reason not to own and use a circular saw.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like any power tool, circular saws come with many different features and types. Getting acquainted with them will help you navigate through the options, and find the perfect one for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the things you need to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Type of Circular Saw<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Circular saws can be categorised based on how the saw blade itself is attached to the motor. They come in one of two kinds: sidewinder <\/strong>or worm drive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In sidewinder saws<\/strong>, the blade and the motor sit next to each other. Rotational power from the motor is transferred directly to the blade via a small gear. This gives sidewinders more RPM (rotations per minute). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sidewinder saws are generally lighter when compared to worm drive saws, giving them much better manoeuvrability. For cutting things overhead or on elevated surfaces, they’re the saw of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These saws are also recommended for beginners since they are easy to handle, plus they\u2019re less expensive than worm drives. However, professionals also tend to go with them for prolonged sessions, where soreness of the arm becomes an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Worm drive saws<\/strong>, on the other hand, have the motor located behind the blade. Power is transmitted through a worm gear, hence the name. This setup makes worm drive saws heavier than sidewinders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their weight does give them a significant advantage. In essence, worm drive saws are much more powerful than sidewinders, because of the extra power the worm drive gear gives them. They excel at cutting power which can make quick work of wet, dense, or engineered timber with relative ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The design of most worm drives is longer than sidewinders. The handle is placed nearer the motor, far away from the spinning blades. The result is that you\u2019ll be able to handle kickbacks safer and better with less risk of injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main drawback of the weight, however, is that they\u2019re harder to control. Your hands can quickly tire out, especially during more extended periods of use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, if you\u2019re wondering which one is better, the answer is there\u2019s none. Both have their own pros and cons. In fact, it would be beneficial to have both types in your toolbox to handle a wide range of woodworking situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you have to pick one, we recommend trying them out and getting a feel for each one. If you haven\u2019t handled a circular saw before, a sidewinder might be more beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Power<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The next thing you need to look at is the cutting power of the circular saw. This is measured in RPM or revolutions per minute. It tells you how fast the saw blade is spinning and, therefore, how effective it is at cutting through materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a rule of thumb, 4,500 RPM should be the absolute minimum to buy. If you\u2019re working with particularly tough material, go even higher. You should also take a look at the amp rating of your circular saw. Make sure it can handle up to 15 amps for best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, the goal of the circular saw is to be able to glide through wood effortlessly. Anything less than that, and you\u2019ll risk getting jagged edges in your cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Power Source<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Circular saws can be either be uncorded or corded, and each has its own specific best use scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corded circular saws<\/strong> need a continuous connection to a power source via an electric outlet. They are best when used for tough cutting tasks for extended periods, like when dealing with steel or hardwood. The added power means corded saws come in a wider variety of sizes, with 7 \u00bc inches being the average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When shopping around for corded saws, make sure the cable is long enough. Ensure that you can easily manoeuvre around freely without the cord getting in the way or accidentally getting yanked from the socket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cordless circular saws <\/strong>don’t require an electrical outlet to run. Instead, they rely on batteries. The freedom of not having any cord makes these types of saws much more manoeuvrable. If you work in smaller spaces where you need to move around a lot and cut in unusual angles, cordless saws could be the best option. However, cordless circular saws can\u2019t quite match a corded saw in terms of cutting power. Doing so will quickly drain the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blade Size<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You also need to consider the size of the blade when shopping around for a circular saw. The size determines how deep your saw can cut through a material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, this is a case where there is no “right” size. What you pick will rely on what kind of cutting you need to do regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The standard blade size is 7 \u00bc inches, which is suitable for the majority of woodworking needs. Smaller sizes, such as 6 inches or 5 3\/8 inches, can cut through materials up to 2 inches in depth. They’re more limited in how deep they can cut through, but have the advantage of being lighter and easier to control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blade Materials<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The blades of a circular saw are removable, allowing you to easily swap them on the fly. There are various blades you can use, each with their own properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most durable blades is the carbide steel blade<\/strong>. They are steel blades fitted with carbide “teeth”. The reinforced edge makes the blade stay sharp for longer, but they tend to be much more expensive than other types. If you do a lot of woodwork, these blades can be a good investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High-speed steel blades <\/strong>are the more common blade type. They\u2019re \u201cworkhorse\u201d blades, which you can rely on for regular cutting tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there are the speciality blades<\/strong> which you use for specific purposes. Tile-cutting blades, for example, are usually tipped with a diamond so that they can cleanly cut through ceramic tiles. Masonry blades have abrasive blades to facilitate cutting through rough materials like brick or concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On a different but related note, you should also note the number of teeth<\/strong> in the saw blade, as this has an effect on how powerful or fast the blade cuts. This number ranges from 10 to 48. The more teeth there are, the slower but cleaner it cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adjusting the Depth and Bevel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All circular saws will come with levers that allow you to adjust the depth and bevel of your saw. Setting the correct depth of the saw is important because they cut much better. When set too deep, too much of the blade gets exposed, which is a hazardous proposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for levers that are easy to set. Make sure that the scale is readable, so you can make accurate adjustments. The scale should be engraved or embedded into the saw itself so it won’t ever fade away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safety Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Circular saws are hazardous power tools that can cause serious injury if misused. That’s why one of the crucial things you need to look for in a circular saw is its safety features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An electric brake is one of these features. It reverses the flow of current to the blade motor if the saw trigger (which you\u2019re holding) is released. This action instantly stops the blade within seconds to prevent further injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the other safety nets is the blade guards. These protect your hand from the spinning blade and prevents any injuries. Look for blade guards that can give ample protection for the users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cutting Guides<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Like scissors, cutting perfectly straight lines using a circular saw takes steady hands and plenty of confidence. Fortunately, most saws are equipped with features that make achieving this much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common cutting aid is an adjustable guide, which is a ruler placed parallel to the base. For a more advanced solution, some circular saws have a laser pointer as a continuous guide to help straighten your cuts. Both methods still need concentration on your part, however, and don\u2019t always guarantee a perfectly straight cut (but it comes close).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the straightest cuts possible each and every time, consider using a guide rail. This is placed onto the surface being cut and kept in place using clamps. You then slide the circular saw along the rail, ensuring straight cuts consistently. Specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Makita is one of the most well-known manufacturers of power tools in the world, and they extend that legacy to the 5008 MG\/J. This is a lightweight, yet powerful circular saw that can achieve 5,200 rpm with 1,800 watts powering it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Performance-wise, the cut depth of 75mm covers a lot of different situations, as well as the max bevel of 50 degrees. It gives the 5008 MG\/J quite a lot of versatility on where it can be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What we noticed is that this saw might be bigger than what most people are comfortable with. While it means more cutting power than your average sidewinder, it’s going to be less manoeuvrable because of the size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 5008 MG\/J can achieve cuts with depths of up to 75.5mm, making it suitable for a wide variety of situations. You can cut through a 9×3 piece of timber or a 4×4 plywood in seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of people recommend swapping the supplied blade of any circular saw as it\u2019s usually of substandard quality. However, the blade that comes with the 5008 MG\/J is pretty resilient. It has thus far cut through everything we\u2019re thrown at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of cutting aids, the 5008 MG\/J provides you with a pair of LED lights you can follow for a straighter cut. It also has a rule guide attached, plus a built-in blower to clear the line of any dust so you can follow it more accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One slight drawback is that the screw that holds the guide rail is obstructed by the bevel adjustment lever. It’s a minor annoyance to have to manoeuvre over it just to be able to use the guide rail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, the Makita 5008 MG\/J is a lightweight powerhouse that cuts better than any of its class. The added bulkiness of this unit is a good tradeoff for the cutting power you get, in our opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rating: 4.4 \/ 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Tacklife is one of the best mini circular saws in the UK we\u2019ve seen in a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This handy tool has been pared down to make for quick cutting tasks that can be done with just one hand. For one, the metal-assisted handle is very comfortable to grip, even when the saw is ripping it out at full speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The smaller, compact size gives this saw great manoeuvrability and is one of the better ones to use for overhead or elevated tasks. It felt nicely balanced, and it had enough heft to it that you can easily apply pressure when cutting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Initially, we were concerned that the smaller frame of the Tacklife wouldn’t be powerful enough to do a decent job. But despite the size, the saw handled itself pretty smoothly when we tried it out on a 16mm piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 3,500 rpm motor (which would be underpowered, specs-wise) was surprisingly powerful. Given that the maximum depth of this model would be lower than most (this is expected), it still made cuts so accurately that we could barely notice them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Tacklife comes with a set of 3 blades, 2 from each type, which allow you to use the saw to cut through a variety of materials from wood to tile and even soft metal. So it\u2019s good that it\u2019s versatile right out of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also like the laser and rip guide, which made cutting straight lines relatively easy. It was accurate from first use with no adjustments needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, this is one of the best compact circular saws in the UK. It has a winning combination of balance, compactness, and power that make it a great addition to your power tool kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rating: 4.7 \/ 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Specs<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dewalt is a big name when it comes to power tools and saws in general. The DCS391N carries this legacy by being one of the best cordless circular saws in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, to clear things off, this is a bare unit. It runs on an 18V XR lithium-ion batteries that you need to purchase separately. It also doesn’t come in a Dewalt box. The good news is that this brings down the price somewhat. If you wanted to own a Dewalt for cheaper and have spare batteries from a previous saw or drill, this is a bargain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, on to the performance of the saw itself. First thing you’ll notice is that this is a well-balanced circular saw. Even with a battery fitted in, it wasn’t too heavy to the touch. It fulfils the role of a cordless tool quite well by being easy to manoeuvre around. The handle is comfortable to touch, and the trigger is perfectly placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, you\u2019ll feel in total control while you\u2019re using this saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, the DCS391N looks AND feels durable. It has a cast magnesium base that gives it rock-solid construction, perfect for repeated use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DCS391N comes with a lot of little features that all add up to a great experience. It has safety features built-in like an electronic brake and lock-off switch. There’s also a dust extraction port. A spindle lock allows for quick blade changes on the fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also have no problem with the saw\u2019s runtime. If you use it for lighter work, it could last you an entire day. It might struggle with tougher materials, but this isn\u2019t what it\u2019s made for anyhow (best to have a corded circular saw for that).<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, the Dewalt DCS391N delivers. You get a workhorse tool that gives you total freedom on where and how you use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rating: 4.8 \/ 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Evolution Fury 1-B is one of the best budget circular saws in the UK. It\u2019s a fantastic general purpose power tool you can use in a variety of situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the price, the saw performs admirably well. The construction and quality of the unit and blades also hide the fact that this is a budget-priced power tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 1200 watt motor gives enough torque and power to cut through anything we\u2019ve ever put in front of it so far. The included multi-purpose blade can cut through old nails or screws, making it particularly useful when working with reclaimed timber. The optional diamond blade adds even more versatility by allowing you to work with concrete, brick, or stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can do a variety of cuts with this, including plunge cuts, and tilts of up to 45 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, it can do what every other expensive saw can. So far, it has yet to choke on us, and we\u2019ve been using it a lot recently for most of our woodwork needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What the Fury 1-B lacks, however, is the guide and adjustment levers. The construction feels shoddy, and the material looks cheap. It’s a shame, but we think they had to cut corners somewhere to keep the price down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But overall, you get what you pay for (and even more) with the Evolution Fury 1-B. That\u2019s why we think it\u2019s the cheapest circular saw in the UK that anyone should own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rating: 4.7 \/ 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bosch GKS 190 is considered one of the best professional circular saws in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a favourite among woodworkers thanks to its high torque and power \u2013 one of the highest in its class. The 5,500 rpm is hard to beat and gives the GKS 190 unparalleled cutting power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once we used it, we understood how relevant that was. Ripping through even the heaviest of wood was effortless, like a hot knife gliding through butter. It leaves a clean cut that\u2019s hard to tell at first glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a powerful saw for the most demanding of applications, plain and simple. The cutting depth and maximum tilt bevel make the GKS 190 very flexible in a wide variety of situations a professional will encounter in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, all that power means the GKS 190 is heavier than most circular saws. The storage box is very large and could be a problem for those with limited space in their tool shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Little icings on the cake include a turbo blower and wood chip deflector. Both of these work to give you a clearer view of what you’re cutting. The soft-grip handle is ergonomic and comfortable, which is a must for such a powerful hand tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One minor annoyance is that the blade shield sometimes gets in the way, especially if you\u2019re working on thicker materials. Once you start, however, the problem goes away. As we said, it\u2019s minor but slightly annoying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a professional looking for a powerful and versatile circular saw, the Bosch GKS 190 is your best bet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rating: 4.9 \/ 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst not a well-known brand, the HYCHIKA Circular Saw nevertheless delivers reliable cutting performance. Because of its friendly price point, we consider this the best circular saw under \u00a3100 available in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A useful feature of the HYCHIKA we didn’t find anywhere else is the adjustable torque. You can select cutting speeds from 2,200 rpm to a maximum of 4,700 rpm. This allows you to adapt the saw based on the density of the material you\u2019re working with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The HYCHIKA includes two cutting aids that will help you make the perfect cut. The scale ruler allows you to align the saw, while the built-in laser guides you to make straighter cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This circular saw is lightweight and manoeuvrable, making it easy to work with. It complements the tilt feature well (up to a maximum of 45 degrees) to give you the ability to make smooth turns and bevels as you cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for the cutting performance, it\u2019s pretty decent. Not as perfect as more expensive saws, and you might need to sand edges on occasion. But for the price point, it\u2019s fantastic. Works well as a \u201cpre-cutting\u201d tool, but not as much for finer details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re someone who just woodworks on the side and doesn\u2019t want to spend a small fortune with circular saws, the HYCHIKA is a good choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rating: 4.2 \/ 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Worx WX427 is a mini circular saw that can be operated with one hand. This tells you how flexible and manoeuvrable this hand tool is. Despite this, the WX427 comes equipped with enough power (710 watts) for most cutting needs. You can work through wood as well as harder materials like brick and stone using any of the 3 blades included in the package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Handling wise, the WX427 has a slim, in-line grip that makes the unit comfortable to the touch. The balance is also just right, making it perfect for extended cutting sessions without tiring you out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the WX427 was made for one-handed operation, in practice, we tend to use two hands for better support. It\u2019s where the lightness of the WX427 worked against it, as it\u2019s easy to veer away and make uneven lines when cutting. It\u2019s even more evident if you\u2019re cutting thinner materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, we often use the WX427 as a rough cutting tool for preliminary work (or occasionally chopping up firewood). Getting fine cuts right takes a bit of practice to pull off, more so than with other saws in our experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One other drawback of the WX427 is that it\u2019s considerably more expensive than other compact circular saws in the market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, if you\u2019re looking for a quality saw for smaller tasks or rougher cuts, the Worx WX427 is a good candidate. It’s also great as a substitute for your main circular saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rating: 4.2 \/ 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Next: <\/em>Rust on your tools? Check out the best UK rust converters<\/a>. Or read our guide to the best MIG welders<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Circular saws are essential tools in any woodworker or hobbyist carpenter\u2019s toolkit, and the first power tool you should master. It\u2019s the equipment used to achieve a wide variety of cuts, cleanly and efficiently. Circular saws have a notorious reputation as being dangerous and accident-prone, and they are if you don’t use them properly. But … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":844,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[17],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/810"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=810"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/810\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=810"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=810"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reviewers.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Circular Saws in the UK<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Makita 5008MG\/J<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tacklife Mini Circular Saw<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dewalt DCS391N-XJ<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Evolution Fury 1-B<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bosch Professional GKS 190<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
HYCHIKA Circular Saw<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WORX WX427<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n