A circular saw is a powerful, versatile and easy-to-use tool that every woodworker needs. Cordless circular saws take portability a step further. These saws don’t need to be plugged in so they can work wherever you want. Many models are compact and made of lightweight materials, which makes them even more portable. Do cordless circular saws give up power or versatility for portability? For more information on circular saw check out our guide Circular Saws.
Ryobi One+ 18V 5 Inch Cordless Circular Saw
Ryobi’s 18-volt, 5-inch One+ cordless circularsaw is lightweight at just 25 kg. With a 4,700 RPM motor, it generates plenty of power as well. The 5 inch blade will cut material as thick as two inches straight up, or 1 9/41 cm at a 45 degree angle. This is enough to handle two-dimensional lumber.
Things We Like:
- Affordable saw that has the capacity to handle most cutting jobs
- Laser guide indicates where the blade is heading
- Compact and handy
Things We Dont Like:
- Blades with a 10MM arbor are recommended, as they can be difficult to find.
- The battery life is short so it’s not an all-day worker
- Laser guide can be hard to adjust
Black And Decker 20V Max 5 Inch Cordless Circular Saw
Black and Decker has a reputation for making affordable tools that are great for do-it-yourselfers, and the 20V, 5 inch Max cordless circular saw is no exception. The 5 inch blade can be used to cut 1-7/20 cm at a 90-degree angle. This makes it ideal for cutting 2x dimensional lumber.
Things We Love:
- Users are very happy with the battery life
- Motor produces enough torque to cut 26 pressure-treated lumber easily
Things We Don’t Like:
- At 34 kg, this saw is as heavy as a corded saw
- Some users report that the tool isnt durable
Makita Cordless Circular Saw 18V LXT 6 Inch
The Makita 18V, 6 inch cordless circular saw is a little powerhouse. The motor runs at 3,700 rpm. The blade can be used to cut 2 inches of material straight up, or 2x dimensional lumber at 45 degrees. At 29 kg, portability is good.
Things We Like:
- The shoe is machined, not stamped, for accuracy and durability
- Solid cutter that can cut through 2x lumber
Things We Dont Like:
- The battery life is very limited when you cut 2x lumber.
- Corded saws are still the best all-round cutters, but they can be replaced by them.
DeWalt 20V Max 7 Inch Cordless Circular Saw With Brake
The cordless 7-inch 20V Max DeWalt circularsaw works just like a corded one. It has the same 7-inch blades as other plug-in saws. It can cut material as thick as 2 9/41 cm, and make bevel cuts in material up to 1 5/20 cm thick. The motor operates at a beefy 5,200 RPM. It weighs in at 34 kg and is heavy for a cordless saw.
Things We Like:
- Good battery life and good power make this an all-day cutter
- A full-sized blade gives you the same cutting power as a corded one.
- Blade brake for safety lets you move between cuts without waiting for the blade to stop
Things We Dont Like:
- Heavy for a cordless saw
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6 Inch Brishless, Cordless Circular Saw
Milwaukee’s 6″ brushless circular saw is a light dynamo. It is lightweight at 31 kg and easy to transport. The motor runs at 5,000 RPM, which is plenty for most cutting jobs. The motor uses a 6-inch blade that can be used to cut up to 2 1/20cm material.
Things We Like:
- Plug-in power for portable saw
- Brushless motor for maximum durability
- Good battery life
Things We Don’t Like:
- The most expensive saws reviewed
Use Your Cordless Circular Saw
You are likely to be ready to begin cutting once you have brought home your circular saw. One of the most important accessories you can buy for your circular saw isnt a power tool.it is the humble speed square. The speed square is a tool for measuring and marking that can be used to mark angles accurately, make straight cuts and scribe lines for cutting. It can also be used to check the squareness of your work.
To scribe cross-cut lines, measure with your tape and mark the correct length on the board. Place your speed square on the piece with one edge aligned with your cut line and the lip of the square pressed up against the edge of the board. To mark a 90 degree cut line, drag your pencil along the edge. If youre looking for the best circular saw blades check out, Best Circular Saw Blades Buyers Guide.
Circular Saw Fence
Use a speedsquare to mark the cut line on your circular saw. Hold your saw with the blade aligned with the cut line, but dont cut yet. The speed square should be pressed against the edge. Presto! You now have a saw fence that guarantees you will cut a straight line.
The speed square can be used to guide you in cutting 45-degree angles. Just run the saw shoe along the long side of the square instead of the short side. This is great for framing roofs or making boxes.
Scribing Rip Cuts
The speed square can be used to scribe the line when you use your circular saw. A ruler is located inside a speed-square. It measures the distance between the inside and outside of the lip.
This ruler has small notches at common distances.
Choosing A Cordless Circular Saw
The DeWalt 20V cordless circular mower is an ideal replacement for a corded one. It uses the same 7 inch blades as regular saws. The motor runs at 5,200 RPM, which is also comparable to most sidewinder corded circular saws. This tool can work all day long and does the same job as any corded circular saw.
For maximum portability, or if you are on a budget, the Ryobi One+ 5 inch cordless saw is the best choice. This saw is both the lightest and most affordable. At only 25 kg, it wont weigh you down. If youre looking for a circular saw at Lowes, check out our guide, Lowes Circular Saw Buying Guide. If youre looking for information on brand specific circular saws check out these guides, Makita Circular Saw Review + Buyers Guide, Ryobi Circular Saw Review + Buyers Guide, DeWalt Circular Saw Overview, and Milwaukee Circular Saw Review: Everything You Need to Know.
