How to choose a circular saw for your home

Choice of mitre saw. Answers to the most important questions

When it comes to making fast, accurate and accurate cross cuts, the cross-cutting saw is an indispensable helper. The machine was originally designed for the needs of carpenters. mainly for simple sawing jobs. but it was quickly adopted by a wide range of craftsmen. From a simple cutting machine, the facing saw has become an indispensable tool that has become equally popular in factories and at home. This led to a huge choice of models, different classes, devices and prices.

How not to be confused by the characteristics and choose the facing tool that will become a workhorse in your workshop? All these and other important questions are discussed in detail in today’s article.

What the end miter saw is used for?

This question may seem naive to some, but there is nothing wrong with it. Trimmers long ago went beyond the joinery industry, expanding the boundaries of its use. So it is quite appropriate to dwell on how this tool is used today.

Trimmer, aka trimmer, shrink-fit or pendulum saw. a machine for cross-cutting long workpieces at the correct angle. The main advantage of the tool is the ability to maintain given cutting angles with surgical precision. The saw unit can be swivelled to the right and left so that the halves of the workpieces can be sawed exactly at 90° or any other programmed angle. The saw can also be tilted sideways, so you can cut straight or beveled ends as desired. The crosscut and bevel settings are set on the vertical and horizontal cutting scale. All functions required to reach the pre-set cutting parameters are performed by the mechanics.

Primarily used for working with wood: boards, boards, planks, laminate, etc.д. Trimmer is indispensable for cutting skirting boards, purlins and mouldings or any other sawing jobs where accurate and tightly fitted joints are required. Depth stop models are ideal for jointing joinery. they are used for grooving and tenoning.

Machine can be used to cut composite materials, thin-wall pipes and light metal profiles if equipped with appropriate discs.

In 1957, the Italian company Felisatti released its first product catalog, which included, among other things, the world’s first portable crosscut saw for cutting wood and thin-walled profiles. Thanks to its mobility and functionality, the tool has quickly gained recognition and the brand itself has gained authority among manufacturers of power tools.

How to choose a circular saw

First of all, you should determine which circular saw is suitable for a particular job, as by design this tool can be:

• Stationary. actually a machine that is a frame-mounted saw. Requires available space in the workshop, and sometimes a separate room. Designed such a circular saw for permanent processing of lumber, and in large volumes.
• Desk top. the previous version in miniature, installed on a separate workbench or table, is also used for sawing large amounts of wood, such as in the construction of the sauna.
• Manual. a mobile tool designed for machining workpieces in different planes. This is the most common type of circular saw, but the least powerful of those described. Requires periodic rest during work, is used for cutting small amounts of material.

Manual tool is more universal than stationary variants. It costs much less, but under certain conditions is able to cope with the same tasks, though with less efficiency. When choosing it, you should be guided by the following criteria.

Power

According to the type of power supply electric circular saws are divided into 2 classes:

• Mains. operate from a 220 V household power supply. If we talk about professional machines, they require a line for a trimmer for 380 V. The disadvantage of this connection option. the need for power at the site of the work, as well as some inconvenience of operation because of the wire.
• Cordless. works in stand-alone mode, also requires a socket, but to charge the battery, so their range of operation is not limited by anything. Depending on battery capacity, can work on a single charge for up to 50 minutes.

The second variant only makes sense if a chain saw cannot be used for whatever reason.

Type of work

Standard circular saws are designed for sawing wooden workpieces at different angles, but there are also special versions of this tool:

• Plunge-cutting saws. available as stationary or handheld models. Their difference lies in the fact that the saw blade in the initial position is above the workpiece, capable of descending into its center. It makes it possible to start cutting not from the edge of the material, to cut through holes.
• Circular saws for metal. powerful models that are equipped with stronger or abrasive discs. Able to cut sheet metal, pipes, profiles. Some of them are equally good at working with wood.

Power

The diameter of the blade is directly related to the power of the electric saw motor. The more power the tool has, the bigger the blade it can rotate, the more stable the rotation speed of the blade, the longer the continuous work time, the lower the possibility of wedging. Powerful saws can also cut thicker material but are heavier. For example, a 2 kW model weighs on average 7 kg and a 1.2 kW model weighs about 4 kg.

Saws can be divided by power as follows:

• Up to 0,8 kW. low-power tool for working with small work pieces.
• 0,8-1,2 kW. medium-powered tool, able to cope with most domestic tasks.
• than 1.2 kW. saws for professional use.

RPM and disc diameter

the bigger the disc diameter, the more powerful the electric motor must be, the thicker the workpieces the saw can handle. Seating diameter is another parameter that determines whether a particular blade will fit the selected saw. The most common standards here are 20 and 30 mm.

Higher speeds require less torque to cut, which means dense material is easier to handle. Please note that the temperature of the material in contact with the saw increases with higher RPM, the same laminate or plastic requires less RPM. Ideally a saw with variable speed is the best choice.

Cutting depth

This parameter depends not only on the disc diameter, but also on the design features of the saw itself, it indicates to what depth the plunge of the saw element is possible. Conditional classification of saws according to the depth of cut:

• 40-50 mm. entry level models with lowest power.
• 50. 65 mm are the most common saws, solving most of the problems.
• 65 to 140 mm. Professional class models are heavy-duty tools.

Values shown relate to cutting material at right angles. Some models are capable of changing the angle of cut in a wide range, so the manufacturers usually specify the depth for 90 and 45 degrees.

Additional features

Safety and auxiliary systems that reduce the risk of injury and protect the tool from breakage:

• Electronic feedback control maintains saw blade speed under load.
• Soft start increases service life of motor and gearbox, eliminates tool jerking when starting.
• Overload protection switches off the tool in the case of a power surge and prevents the motor from overheating.
• Electrodynamic brake for quick stop of the saw blade.
• Sliding clutch prevents breakage of saw in case of sharp blade jamming.
• Unintentional start protection. separate button for unlocking the start button.
• Spindle stop locks spindle, prevents it from turning, making it easier to change the saw blade.
• Guide rail and parallel stop for more accurate sawing.
• The spring-loaded blade guard automatically covers the teeth of the blade when it is not in contact with the workpiece.

Pay attention to the saw’s ergonomics, among other things, when choosing. This includes the shape of the handles, their location, and the presence of rubberized inserts. It is also necessary to visually assess the viewing area of the tool, which depends on the design features.

The best handheld circular saw

The Makita HS6601 is designed for sawing wood, including hardwood. At the heart of the machine is a 1050 W electric motor that produces 5.2 thou. RPM and powered. The saw is equipped with a 165 mm disc, which has an inner diameter of 20 mm, which is a very common size, so you do not have to look for consumables for a long time. This tool provides a maximum cutting depth of up to 55 mm, which means that the tool is ideal for sawing board-five. Disk changing is simplified by the spindle lock function.

Circular saw has not only high quality body assembly, but also ergonomic design, the model belongs to the professional class of tools. Compact design combines comfortable rubber-coated handles for easy grip and a dust extractor connection. Can cut at 90° to 45° angles while working. Cutting depth in the latter case is approximately 37 mm. The model is equipped with a 2.5-meter long mains cable for connection to the mains. J-supplied with carrying case.

Features

• Engine: power. 1.05 kW.
• Saw blade: max. 5,200 rpm. rpm, Ø external. 165 mm, Ø fitting. 20 mm.
• Cutting mitre cuts (max. depth). 54 mm.
• angular cut. up to 45°.
• 220 V power supply.
• noise: 98 dB.

Advantages

• build quality;
• common fitting diameter;
• Cutting height is optimal for most tasks;
• motor brake function;
• has a parallel stop.

Handheld or table-top?

The choice of a particular variant depends, of course, on you. Where you will work? Suppose you have a separate place in your workshop at your country house or garage and that’s where the work will be done. In that case choose a table saw.

Table models usually have higher power. Also on such a stationary machine is very convenient to work.

By the way, there are special devices that allow you to fix the handheld circular saw on the table upside down. The result is a mini-machine on which you can work with great convenience. True, such mounts will not fit all models.

There are also models of circular saws, which are already provided in the kit for installation on the bed. Keep these features in mind when making your choice.

Main characteristics

Let’s look at the features of circular saws that can not be ignored.

Engine power

powerful motors can cut the material faster and the density of the material can be higher. The sawing process will be much easier. Have you ever cut wood that has knots in it?? A low-powered saw can easily get jammed on one of the knots. As they say, there is a direct correlation between power and efficiency. On the other hand, low-power circular saws have a “weighty” advantage. is a low weight, so you can carry the tool around with you without much strain. So, a 2000 watt model weighs about 7 kg, but a 1200 watt model weighs only 3-4 kg.

For household works the tool with power of 1000-1200 W is quite suitable. Unless you work professionally with the tool, its power reserve will remain unused.

The price of the complete product also depends on the power. This makes sense. The price difference can be as much as a hundred percent or more.

The rotational speed of the circular saw blade

The power indicator shows how effectively the saw blade works. A blade that rotates at a higher speed will cut harder wood more efficiently. Higher RPM. less chance of the blade jamming in the wood. Also the cut is cleaner and smoother.

By the way, the RPM can be high even on low-powered circular saws, so choose a model with as high a RPM as possible.

Cutting depth

How the cutting depth depends on? Of course, depending on the diameter of the blade used. Consequently, the size of the machine itself should increase in relation to the size of the working disc and this, of course, leads to an increase in weight.

Depending on the material you are cutting, you select the depth that the circular saw blade can plunge into. Lightweight models used for domestic work have a plunge depth of 40-45 mm. Such a depth is quite sufficient for cutting chipboard, plywood, fibreboard, inch boards. If you plan to saw material of bigger thickness choose circular saw with cutting depth of 50-55 mm. This is the most popular size, which most people choose for cottage works. 60-70mm depth needed for professional applications, for example, with lumber. Of course, such a wide disk can effectively spin a powerful enough motor.

There are also circular saws of larger size and weight, which can cut material to a depth of up to 140 mm. Such devices are used on an industrial scale, so we will not dwell on them.

Availability of a battery

Cordless saw. The tool can work autonomously, although it has a lower performance. RPM in cordless circular saws is of less importance than in electric circular saws. These models are well suited for cutting thin, sparse wood. Rechargeable battery lasts only 30-50 minutes of work, after which it must be recharged. This can be inconvenient, as it takes up to 4 hours to charge the battery.

Ability to work at an angle

Most models are designed to make cuts at a 45-degree angle. However, there are already models that are capable of sawing even at an angle of 60 degrees. As a rule, you can only adjust the angle of cut on one side, as the other side is the motor. Although there are varieties of saws that have adjustable angle of cut on both sides. For example, this convenience is available in the Makita MLS100.

Producers

Interskol saws

One of the leaders of domestic tools, including manual circular saws, is the scientific and production company “Interskol”, founded in 1991. Interskol absorbed all the best of the USSR’s leading electric and vibration tools research center and the world’s top brands in its designs.

The result is an excellent, inexpensive and very reliable hand tool. The main production facilities are located in Spain, Russia, China. Shanghai, China. Jinhua.

In assortment of the company a whole line of the tools with power from 800 to 2000 watt, equipped with the various electronic components for easier start-up and protection of the electric equipment. Designed for domestic and professional use.

Bosch saws

An international concern with products ranging from household kitchen appliances to spacecraft components. The main activity in the manufacture of hand tools is based on the use of the latest achievements of technology, combined with German precision and reliability.

The tools presented by the company are available in different versions ranging from 600 to 2200 watts, with saw blade size from 65 mm to 235 mm. The main model range consists of models for professional use.

Overview of top models

Circular saw Interskol DP-140/800 is the smallest of the models presented by Interskol, the main purpose. domestic use.

Interskol DP-165/1200 circular saw is the most popular model, designed for most everyday applications.

Circular saw Interskol DP-190/1600M model is designed for both professional and domestic use

The Interskol DP-210/1900M circular saw is a model close to the professional segment that meets higher professional requirements.

The Interskol DP-235/2000M circular saw is the most powerful model, designed for professional use.

Power

This is the main technical parameter of the saw. Power determines what materials the tool can work with, how quickly it makes a cut, and how long it can work without interruption.

The choice of power depends on the area of application:

Up to 0.8 kW: for working with wood-based materials such as plywood, particle board, OSB. Such a saw is also suitable for cutting laminate, thin boards made of soft wood.

0.9-1.5 kW: the universal saw that can handle logs, logs, thick hardwood boards.

From 1.5 kW: a professional tool for frequent use with workpieces of different thickness and density.

Cutting depth (90°)

It depends on the previous parameter. Household models up to 800-1000 W can cut up to 40-45 mm deep.

Universal saws with 1000-1500 W can cut up to 50-65 mm deep, and the powerful professional models can make the cut up to 85 mm deep.

If the saw blade is turned at a 45° angle, the kerf will not be as deep. By the way, most circular saws can tilt no more than 45°.

Circular saw blades

When choosing a saw you need to look at the diameter and thickness of the blade. The last parameter can be from 0.8 to 4 mm. The thinner the blade, the finer the cut, but the thin blades are only suitable for “jewellery” and infrequent work.

Also the larger the outside diameter of the saw blade, the deeper the cut will be. For example, 140 mm disc cuts 40 mm deep, 184 mm saw blade. 50 mm, and 255 mm disc will cut 90 mm deep. You should refer to the manufacturer’s data sheet.

The arbor hole diameter and the saw shaft diameter should be the same. There must not be any play between the two. Note that if washers are used the blade seating diameter can be larger.

Rotational speed of the disc

A high rotational speed has its own advantages:

But a high frequency of rotation leads to heating of the material. That is, you should not cut plastic or laminate at high speeds.

If you need to cut different materials and densities, it is better to use a circular saw with adjustable speed.

Vacuum cleaner or dust collector connection

Connecting an industrial vacuum cleaner or bag will allow you to do all the work without dust, which is harmful if you inhale. This feature is highly desirable for long hours of work.

Laser marking

Laser marker creates a path that does not require a guide bar when working with the saw.

Electrodynamic brake

Because of its weight, the saw blade is capable of rotating by inertia for up to one minute after the saw has been turned off. This is enough to cause injury to the operator. Electrodynamic brake models stop the blade by counteracting the movement of the stator field, and the blade makes only a couple of revolutions before coming to a complete stop.

Handle shape

The front handle comes in three varieties: straight, mushroom-shaped and staple-shaped. The first one is very useful for pulling the saw away from you and the second one if you need to guide it sideways. And the staple handle is versatile.

Advantages and disadvantages of operation

This tool has a rather wide range of applications. It can be used, from the production of wooden wood products to the manufacture of furniture and work in the home workshop. However, in order to understand how relevant the purchase of such a tool is, it is necessary to establish what pros and cons this equipment has during operation.

The multifunctionality of hand saws can be considered as the main advantage. In the presence of this tool in the arsenal of a specialist and home craftsman, there is an opportunity for high-quality performance of accurate cuts to form workpieces. They can easily cut edges of furniture panels made of chipboard or hardboard. If, in addition to the basic tool, additional accessories are available, the specialist has the opportunity to form a shaped cut.

Advantages

Additional positive qualities of this equipment include the following:

• All types of cutting. longitudinal and transversal. The only exception is for shaped work with a small radius of curvature.
• even weight distribution in the structure. This ensures labour-intensive work and has a positive effect on the quality of the work performed;
• machining accuracy. It is provided due to the peculiarities of the design of these saws, as well as the precise positioning of the saw blade in the area of the future cut;

Disadvantages

The relative disadvantages, which are present in the manual saws, can include a high price for this tool compared to conventional models. High cost of the tool is caused by the fact that the design of the system of setting the position of the cutting device of the equipment relative to wooden workpieces has its own difficulties. Besides, there can be some problems when using circular saws in cutting along the width of workpieces in which this parameter has insignificant value. Its minimum size for workpieces is limited by the dimensions that the supporting part of the saw has.

The plunge-cutting saw has a mechanism for regulating the speed of the electric motor. This makes it possible to select the most suitable working mode for the tool, focusing on the configuration of the part, as well as taking into account the type of wood. Adjustment mechanism must be located in the most convenient part of the tool so that the operator has the possibility to change the cutting speed of the tool directly while working.

Technical Specifications

If you have realized for yourself the necessity of purchasing this equipment, then you should carefully read the main technical characteristics available in the submersible saws. They may differ slightly in design and performance.

When selecting a saw for your tasks, the main attention should be paid to the power of the installed electric motor. In most models that are available on the market, the power unit present in the design of plunge-cut saws is designed to work in the network of 220 V. This makes it possible to use this tool even by a home handyman. When choosing the equipment, it should be taken into account that the power of the electric motor, which is equipped with a saw, depends on the speed with which the processing of workpieces will take place. Additionally, the hardness of the parts, relative humidity, as well as the depth of cut should be taken into account.

The main technical features present in the saws are the following:

• maximum cutting depth. This parameter largely depends on the feeding block, the diameter of the saw blade, as well as the angle of the cut. For plunge-cutting saws, it can vary from 45 to 90 degrees;
• power of the installed electric motor;
• The distance from the blade to the edge of the support pad;
• saw parameters. You should take into account the maximum and minimum diameter, taking into account the fitment size and thickness;
• RPM of the drive shaft. In order to reduce the weight, manufacturers use gear transmissions of torque from the motor to the cutting tool in the design of such tools;
• Diameter of the nozzle for connection of the shavings vacuum cleaner;
• the weight of the machine.

When selecting equipment, the cutting speed should be taken into account as an additional parameter. This parameter depends mainly on the density of the workpiece, as well as the parameters inherent to the saw blade.

In order to process wooden pieces with a circular saw quickly and to obtain good quality end results the choice of the instrument should be made in the right way. To do this, you need to know the basic types of tools, and be able to understand the symbols on the circular saw blade.

Handheld models with low weight

Bosch UniversalCirc 12

Cordless model with quality 85 mm blade for clean and precise cuts. Bevel angle in wood up to 26 mm deep can be easily adjusted. Suitable for gardening and household chores. Weighs 1.4kg.

Makita HS300DWE

Weight of the electric saw. 1,5 kg. Comfortable handle. Speed of the disk in 85 mm. 1400 per minute. For cutting at 45° lends itself to 16 mm of wood, plywood and other material. Carrying case.

DOLD DP-0,55 MF

500 W motor. Gearbox with worm mechanical gear. Circle disc. 85 mm. Cutting depth. 25 mm. Dust bag is necessary. Requires lubrication and does not overload.

Bosch

Known brand with 133 years experience. German quality and reliability. Main product line for professional applications. There are devices with engine 400. 2200W. Circular saw blade 65. 235 mm at 2,100. 6,250 rpm. Weight 1,9. 7,8 kg.

Used guide rails for accurate sawing. Depth of the saw ranging from 16. 85 mm. Many models are endowed with great functionality.

Makita

Japanese company, producing more than 1000 items. The tools of this brand are popular and sell in Russia. Its production plants are also located in Romania, Germany and the UK. The main features of the products are efficiency, carbide inserts included in the set, diamond coating.

According to power all products are classified into 3 categories. up to 800 watts and 1200 watts, over 1.2 kW. Depending on the strength of the motor is applied in different conditions.

Hammer

Brand of Germany produces measuring equipment and other electric household, garden and semi-professional tools. Built to last: quality materials with a long service life. Virtually all products are supplied with genuine spare parts. In particular guide bars.

The saw heads are equipped with automatic lubrication, cooling system, various settings and adjustments. The latest in manufacturing technology is used.

So, the rating will help you choose a circular saw for any purpose, taking into account the needs and financial capabilities of buyers.

What is a crosscut saw? A coping saw is a tool for making precise, predominantly cross-cutting cuts in a workpiece. Most mitre saws are small and portable. Unlike stationary crosscut saws, you can pull it out and mount it on a temporary base, placing the lowering mechanism (sometimes called a drip mechanism) over your workpiece. The size of the discs most commonly used for crosscut saws range from 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm).

What a coping saw is used for? You can use it to make cross-cuts in one swift motion. But more importantly, you can do it at a chosen angle. It’s the best choice if you need to cut slats and moldings.

Cut-off saws are useful when you need accurate cross cuts of your workpieces. This saw is also a great option for cutting at an angle. This is one of the main competitive advantages of this saw over other types of saws. Crucially, the coping saw is one of the safest.

Disadvantages Despite all the advantages, the mitre saw is useless when you are going to cut large-sized workpieces. While it is the best choice for cross sections, the cross-cutting saw can be ineffective for long cuts (over 15 centimeters). Trimming saws are a luxury rather than a necessity.

Circular saw

Also called circular saw, this saw has a toothed or abrasive disk that allows you to cut different materials in a rotary motion, moving around an axis.

What is a circular saw used for? The circular saw is commonly used in a variety of woodworking projects. However, the cutting tasks depend a great deal on the type of blade you have on your circular saw. This saw can be made for both left- and right-handed use. When working, the circular saw relies heavily on the part of the structure in which the motor is located.

Pros The circular saws are very compact in size, making them easy to move. Usually, you carry the circular saw to the workpiece, and conversely, in the case of circular saws, you take the material to where the saw is already mounted. These saws are capable of making long length cuts. Cons This type of saw is much more difficult to use than a coping saw. The circular saw requires more skill, and it takes a lot of experience to use it. From a safety standpoint, a coping saw is a better choice than a circular saw.