Corded Circular Saws - A Toolstop Buying Guide
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 5th Aug 2024
This Toolstop Buying Guide focuses on Corded Circular Saws, their benefits, uses and some of our must haves. Corded Circular Saws come with their benefits. We will reccomend some of our favourite 110V Circular Saws to hopefully help you find the best corded circular saw.
Circular saws are indispensable tools for any woodworking project, but when it comes to choosing a circular saw, you have the option between corded and cordless models. While cordless saws offer portability, corded circular saws provide consistent power and performance, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks. This guide will help you understand why a corded circular saw might be the best choice for your needs, explaining their benefits, key features to consider, and providing our top recommendations to help you make an informed purchase.
Why Choose a Corded Circular Saw?
Corded circular saws have several advantages over their cordless counterparts:
- Consistent Power: Corded saws provide continuous power without the need for battery replacements or recharges, making them ideal for long and demanding projects
- Higher Cutting Capacity: With more power, corded saws can handle thicker and tougher materials with ease
- Cost-Effective: Typically, corded saws are less expensive than cordless models when considering the cost of batteries and chargers
Key Features to Look For
Cutting Capacity, Cutting Depth, and Bevels
One of the primary considerations when selecting a circular saw is its cutting capacity. This includes the maximum cutting depth at 0° and the bevel cutting capacity at 45°. These specifications determine the thickness and angle of the cuts you can achieve.
- Cutting Depth at 0°: This is the maximum depth the saw can cut when used in a standard position
- Bevel Adjustment: Look for saws that offer easy adjustment of the base plate to allow bevel cuts, typically up to 45° or 90°
Choosing the right blade is also crucial. Ensure the saw is fitted with a blade suitable for the material you’re cutting and that the blade depth is correctly set. Find out everything you need to know about circular saw blades in our guide.
Speed and Control
The power of the saw’s motor, usually measured in watts, directly affects the speed and control of the blade. A higher wattage motor will spin the blade faster, resulting in a higher RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). This provides better control and the ability to cut through tougher materials.
Plunge Cutting Capability
If your projects involve frequent plunge cuts, a dedicated plunge saw might be the best investment. However, if you occasionally need to perform plunge cuts, a circular saw without a fixed riving knife (or one that allows the riving knife to be removed) can handle the task. Be mindful that the riving knife is a safety feature designed to prevent kickback, and removing this could also affect your warranty.
Our Top Corded Circular Saw Picks
- Makita HS7601J 190mm Circular Saw
- Makita 5903RK 235mm Circular Saw
- Bosch GKS85 235mm Circular Saw
The Makita HS7601J is a compact, lightweight, and powerful saw perfect for precision cuts.
Features:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Compatible with Makita Guide Rails for straight cuts
- Rear dust exhaust port for a cleaner workspace
- Ergonomic grip for comfort
- Aluminium base plate for durability
Specifications:
- Cutting Depth @ 90°: 66 mm
- Blade Diameter: 190 mm
- Cutting Depth @ 45°: 46 mm
- Power: 1200 W
- Speed: 5200 rpm
- Weight: 4.0 kg
The Makita 5903RK is a robust and powerful saw designed for heavy-duty tasks.
Features:
- Anti kick-back riving knife for safety
- Electronic brake for quick stops
- Double insulated for added safety
- Soft start for smooth operation
Specifications:
- Max Cutting Depth @ 90°: 85 mm
- Blade Diameter: 235 mm
- Max Cutting Depth @ 45°: 64 mm
- Power: 1550 W
- Speed: 4500 rpm
- Weight: 7.6 kg
The Bosch GKS85 is built for deep cuts and tough tasks, with a high-performance motor.
Features:
- Powerful motor for deep cuts
- Durable steel base plate
- Optimised chip deflector for better visibility
Specifications:
- Power: 1700 W
- Speed: 5000 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 235 mm
- Cutting Depth @ 90°: 85 mm
- Cutting Depth @ 45°: 65 mm
- Weight: 7.5 kg
For more information and to shop our range of corded circular saws, visit our Corded Circular Saws category page on Toolstop. If you decide a cordless saw might be better suited for your needs, check out our Cordless Circular Saws page. For tips on using a circular saw, read our blog on How to Use a Circular Saw.