Circular hand saw – how to choose, rating of the best models, how to work correctly?

To work with wooden, plastic and even metal workpieces at home, a circular hand saw is often used as a more productive analogue of the simplest sawing tool. It has several varieties and application nuances that are important to consider when working.

Circular hand saw device

When constructing and repairing both your own home and on a professional basis, a circular hand saw becomes a convenient aid in your work. The tool is very convenient for sawing wood of different thicknesses, thin metal and plastic products, such as baseboards. There are several varieties of this manual circular saw, but the design of each of them is typical. The standard design consists of:

Protective plastic housing with one or two handles.
A special casing for the saw blade that performs protective functions during operation.
Platforms for holding and guiding the disc. It is necessary to adjust the depth and angle of the cut.
Riving knife. It is needed to free the knife if it gets stuck in the wood.
Electric motor. A special disk is attached to its shaft using bolts.

Types of disks

To work with wood, it is not enough to purchase a good electric tool with one cutting wheel. This widely demanded material comes in many varieties. And each of them has its own hardness and elasticity.

In addition, in the process of work, tasks of varying complexity arise. And solving them requires an individual approach. That is, the use of a specific attachment suitable for the highest quality processing. Therefore, the master’s arsenal must be equipped for all occasions.

The circular saw blade for wood is available in only two types. The monolithic structure consists entirely of either high-carbon steel or high-speed steel. An inexpensive product that can handle any wood. In addition, it can cut polymer alloys.

A good advantage of a cast disc is its ease of sharpening. Moreover, it can be done repeatedly and independently. Because of this, the tool has a very long service life.

Set of cast saw blades Source prom.st

The carbide structure is made of tool steel. But its teeth are made of very strong alloys, to which tungsten carbide is added. This solution allows you to saw not only the most capricious wood, but also process many metals.

In addition, the design with hard solders has a number of advantages compared to the monolithic one:

The disc does not require tooth alignment.
One sharpening of the cutters allows you to work out the time during which the monolithic analogue will be sharpened several times. Therefore, the service life of a carbide disc is several times longer.
It cuts through any material with literally a perfect clean cut and takes less time.

But sharpening a carbide blade for a circular saw cannot be done at home. This requires special equipment. And the price for such an instrument is very high. True, experts say that the disc manages to pay for itself even before re-sharpening. And many craftsmen do not spend money on it, but immediately buy a new cutting wheel.

Disc with carbide cutters Source s-bol.com

In addition to the main two types of disks for circular saws, mention should be made of disk cutters. The tool was developed for metal processing, but many wood operations are performed with its help. For example, a milling cutter is used when you need to select a groove in a wooden product.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in redevelopment of country houses of any complexity

Working principle of a circular hand saw

The tool is used for even sawing of surfaces, longitudinally or transversely. Arc cutting is not possible with a circular hand saw. The principle of operation of such a unit is simple:

Torque is transmitted from the electric motor shaft to the cutting disc.
The sawing disk rotates around its axis at high speed, making it easy to cut the desired surface.

Depending on the cutting depth, the tool is divided into several categories:

Mini circular hand saws are capable of cutting material up to 46 mm thick.
The average tool can handle surfaces up to 55 mm.
Large equipment can cut workpieces with a thickness of about 70 mm.
Professional equipment cuts products about 140 mm thick.

Design and principle of operation of individual components

To better understand the operating principle of the tool, it is necessary to understand the structure of its main components.

Electric motor

Modern circular saws use a commutator-type electric motor. It has small dimensions, weight, high efficiency and can operate on both direct and alternating current.

The insides of the electric motor, namely its stator part.

Its operation is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction that occurs in the stator winding. When you press the power button, electric current is supplied to the winding, and the resulting force field sets the motor armature in motion.

Saw blade

The saw blade is the main working unit of the circular saw. Designed for cutting wood and products made from it. Structurally, it is a metal disk with a toothed rim, with the help of which wood is cut. The number of teeth ranges from 12 to 100 pieces. Depending on the material of manufacture, they are divided into the following groups:

Monolithic. Tool steel is used as the material for their manufacture. They have high strength, reliability and maintainability;
Carbide. The main part of the disc is made of tool steel, and the cutting crown is made of various alloys based on tungsten carbide. Their distinctive features are high tooth strength and long service life, which is why they are used for processing hard wood.

Cutting angle adjustment system

The cutting angle adjustment system includes a support sole, an adjustment device with a lock and a measuring scale.

The support sole is located at the bottom of the tool. Made from aluminum or structural steel. Serves for convenient movement of the tool along the surface being processed. There are devices for adjusting the cutting angle vertically and horizontally.

For ease of use, the saws are equipped with a measuring scale, which allows you to more accurately adjust the working angle.

Safety system

The safety system of a hand-held circular saw is represented by a protective casing, which is located around the saw blade. It is designed to prevent the operator's hands from coming into contact with the saw blade and to prevent injury from damage to the saw blade. High-strength structural steel is used as the material for the manufacture of the casing.

The casing design consists of two segments. The upper one is rigidly fixed to the saw frame, the lower one is movable. When it comes into contact with the surface being processed, it fits into the gap between the disk and the upper part and does not interfere with work. After completion of work, it automatically returns to its original position thanks to a coil spring.

How does the circular saw emergency stop work?

No way, because There is no emergency stop for a hand-held circular saw. That is why during operation the operator must stand to the side of it and hold it firmly with both hands, and there should be no one around. When the disk jams, the tool can fly out of the operator’s hands and fly several meters upward or to the side. In the best case, the casing will have time to work and close the saw blade.

Some manual models use an intermediate shaft between the disk shaft and the electric motor, which shears during jamming, but this is more aimed at preserving the electric motor than at operator safety.

Stationary power saws have an electromagnetic brake that stops the blade from rotating. This also allows you to simply stop the disk spinning faster.

Types of Circular Hand Saw

There is a large selection of circular saws on the shelves of construction stores. All variety can be divided into:

A hand tool that the master moves independently.
A stationary saw on a special table, designed for placement in work shops and workshops.

The circular hand saw is divided according to power classes into:

Household appliances with power up to 2.2 kW.
Semi-professional models that are more powerful than household ones. They have great functionality.
Professional units with increased power and functionality. Used in production.

Another difference is the method of transmitting torque, so they distinguish:

Electric models connected to a standard power supply.
A cordless hand-held circular saw is convenient where you don't need a nearby power outlet.
Models with manual drive, which are currently practically not used, are becoming a thing of the past.

How to choose a circular hand saw?

When purchasing a tool, you should focus on a number of specific parameters:

Engine power. The higher it is, the faster and with less effort you can cut. In addition, large-diameter cutting discs can be installed on powerful saws (from 3 kW).
Cutting depth. There are 4 standard sizes that you need to select based on your needs.
A hand-held circular saw for wood can have an adjustable cutting angle.
Stationary chip removal system or the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner. A very convenient option that allows you to work practically without dust and debris in the workshop or at home.
The start lock is an important safety feature that prevents the tool from being started accidentally.

Functions of a circular hand saw

The main “duty” of a circular saw is to cut large quantities of boards, drywall, laminate, plastic panels, soft metal and more. It is indispensable when building a house or cottage, and is also useful when laying floors in an apartment or covering walls with decorative panels. For speed of work and ease of use, the circular electric hand saw is equipped with a number of additional functions:

Immersion in the material. This function is very convenient when working with large slabs.
Adjusting the speed of rotation of the cutting disc. To work with different materials, different rotation speeds are required to obtain an even cut without burrs.
The soft start function is necessary to increase the service life of the cutting blade. Thanks to it, the saw smoothly picks up speed after starting, rather than immediately spinning the shaft to maximum speed.
A laser pointer is an optional accessory for a handheld circular saw. However, such a pointer is convenient to use when carrying out quick work.

Circular saw blades

An important consumable in a cutting tool is the cutting disc. Each model has its own characteristics:

height and number of teeth;
cutting profile geometry.

Conventionally, all disks for hand-held circular saws are divided into:

Consumables for soft materials such as wood or plastic. They have a positive sharpening angle, the number of teeth is about 50-100, which ensures an even cut.
Discs for hard materials are produced with a negative sharpening angle and fewer teeth. They can cut through harder materials, but the edges will be more jagged.

Main technical characteristics

To understand how to choose a circular saw, you need to know the range of characteristics and their influence on the cutting process. We present in the table the main parameters and capabilities of the circular saw, as well as recommendations for its intended purpose.

Characteristic	Options, range, explanations
Power	It happens 600-2000 W. The higher, the heavier the tool, but it can cope with denser materials, work faster, and stay cool longer under load. For periodic use in the country, 800-1200 W is sufficient.
Weight	Affects the convenience of lifting and cutting vertical surfaces. If you often work on the roof, choose a 4-5 kg model.
Saw blade speed	The range is 3000-6000 rpm. The higher the speed, the cleaner the cut, the less burr sticks out, and there is no need for careful grinding of the end. To produce furniture in a home workshop, you need a frequency of 5000 rpm. For rough cutting of boards, this parameter affects only the speed.
Diameter and type of cutting disc	It happens 160-230 mm. Affects the cutting depth of 45-85 mm. The largest models have a circular saw cutting depth of up to 140 mm at a time on one side. The choice depends on the cross-section of the materials with which you intend to work. There are discs for wood and stone. The teeth are monolithic and carbide. The first ones are curved or straight. Straight ones are suitable for longitudinal and cross cutting of any species. Curved - for soft wood. Carbide - for wood and stone, last longer, but cost more.
Adjusting the angle of the circle	In addition to 90º, some models are capable of changing the position of the saw wheel up to 45º. This is useful for oblique cuts, cuts, and then connecting the parts at an angle of 90 degrees. Necessary when assembling boxes, furniture, wooden greenhouses, windows, etc.
Spindle lock	Needed when changing saw equipment. Without it, two wrenches are usually used - one to hold the shaft, and the other to turn the nut. The spindle lock in advanced versions is performed with a button. It's more convenient (no key needed) and faster. It comes in handy when you often need to change circles of different diameters or switch from cutting stone to cutting boards.
Accidental start protection	Additional safety button. Without pressing it, pressing in the trigger does not start the rotation of the circle. Increases security.
Constant speed support	When cutting hard materials, the rotation speed drops, productivity decreases, and the quality of the cut suffers. While maintaining constant speed, the electronic system itself determines the load level and ensures compliance with the specified parameters.
Overload protection	During prolonged operation, the motor winding heats up. This leads to melting of the wires and a short circuit. With protection, the saw will turn off earlier, which will prolong its operation without breakdowns.
Smooth start	The circle begins to rotate at low speeds, gradually picking up speed. Reduces the load on the network due to the absence of high starting currents, helps to accurately align the equipment with the cutting line.

Rating of circular hand saws

Professional builders and home craftsmen identify certain tool models that have the most optimal characteristics for the job. Among them:

Makita HS7601
is an excellent device for home use with two branded disks included. Cost – $121.

DeWALT DWE560
is a model with the ability to connect a construction vacuum cleaner. Cost – $140.

Hammer CRP 1500 D
is a high-quality lightweight saw with a convenient carrying case. Cost – $93.

Bosch GKS 190
. The Bosch hand-held circular saw is considered one of the best tools in its price segment. Cost – $128.

How to make a homemade circular saw

For a homemade machine, a hand-held circular saw with the possibility of stationary installation and a frame with a mount for its installation are used.

Before carrying out work, you should create a drawing of the future installation, taking into account the characteristics necessary for convenient and safe operation of the device. To make a table for a circular saw with your own hands, you can use boards, metal sheets or plywood. It can also be made from angle steel or wooden blocks. The choice of material is determined by the needs and capabilities of the master.

To make a circular table with your own hands, you can use boards, metal sheets or plywood

To ensure the safety of the device during its operation and to prevent possible contact of a worker with rotating components, it is necessary to make a protective casing. To do this, you can use plywood with holes for air circulation, which helps cool the electric motor.

A hole is made on the working surface of the table for the saw blade. The manual circular is attached using screws. At the bottom of the table there should be a socket with a wire that is connected to a stationary switch. The cord of a hand tool is inserted into the outlet. Such a homemade circular can be installed anywhere.

Characteristics of stationary circular saws "Makita"

It is very popular among manufacturers of construction tools, whose products are distinguished by high quality workmanship, practicality and reliability. Circular saws are characterized by a high reserve of power and torque, increased efficiency of power drives, coating of the disc surface with diamond sputtering, and a variety of carbide attachments.

All Makita devices have the option of speed control and soft start

Makita circular saws have minimal vibration and noise levels. The tool is equipped with a splitting knife, which protects the dusty disk from getting jammed in the workpiece.

The Makita SP6000 model opens the rating of circular saws. The power of the device is 1300 W. The model is equipped with a saw blade with a diameter of 165 mm, capable of cutting with a depth of up to 5.5 cm. The device has the option of speed control and soft start. You can buy the tool for 12 thousand rubles.

The powerful, reliable and convenient Makita 5704 RK circular saw, equipped with a saw blade with a diameter of 190 mm, creating a cut with a depth of 60-65 mm, is popular. The power of the device is 1200 W. The disc rotation speed reaches 5200 rpm. You can buy the tool for 9 thousand rubles.

Among the powerful models that can process denser materials, the Makita 5008MG saw stands out. The working disk has a diameter of 210 mm, which allows for cutting with a depth of 70-85 mm. The power of the device is 1800 W, the disk rotation speed is 5200 bpm. The saw is capable of cutting at 90 and 45 degree angles. Moreover, its depth reaches 57 mm. The model is equipped with additional functions such as lighting and air cleaning of sawdust. The cost of a Makita circular saw is 15 thousand rubles.

Makita circular saws are distinguished by high quality workmanship, practicality and reliability

Characteristic features of Interskol circular saws

The best domestic manufacturer of power tools is Russian. It offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. Each manufacturer’s model is characterized by an optimal price-quality ratio.

One of the best circular saws from this manufacturer is the Interskol DP-190-1600M model. The power of the tool is 1600 W. The device is equipped with a disk with a diameter of 190 mm, which provides a cutting depth of up to 65 mm. This multi-purpose saw can be used for cutting natural wood, parquet boards and laminate.

The blade speed is 4800 rpm, which ensures a clean cutting line. The model is equipped with a soft start function, protection against engine overheating, and is equipped with a spindle stopper. You can buy a saw for 9.3 thousand rubles.

For household use, the Interskol DP-140/800 circular saw with a power of 800 W has proven itself well. The tool is equipped with a saw blade with a diameter of 140 mm, which provides a cutting depth of up to 45 mm. The rotation speed of the cutting element is 4500 rpm. The model is equipped with a spindle stopper. The price of a circular saw is 8 thousand rubles.

The power of the Interskol DP-190-1600M tool is 1600 W

The Interskol DP-165/1200 model is popular. The tool develops a power of 1200 W, engine speed is 4700 rpm. Thanks to the saw blade with a diameter of 165 mm, it is possible to make cuts up to 50 mm deep. This tool can cut not only at an angle of 90, but also 45 degrees. The cost of the tool is 6.5 thousand rubles.

Popular models of circular saws from other well-known brands

Bosch offers a wide range of high-quality power tools. The products are distinguished by the high quality of their models, their versatility and versatility.

The Bosch GKS190 circular saw with a power of 1400 W is deservedly popular. The rotation speed of the saw blade is 5500 rpm, which ensures an even and clean cut. The diameter of the cutting element is 190 mm, which creates a cut with a depth of 70 mm. The Bosch circular saw has an auto-braking function for the engine and is equipped with a fitting for dust extraction. You can buy the tool for 15 thousand rubles.

The Bosch GKS190 circular saw is of high quality and versatility

Powerful, efficient and high-quality equipment is offered by the Japanese company Hitachi. One of the best practical models is the Hitachi C7SS circular saw, which is suitable for all types of wood. It has a power of 1000 W. Thanks to the cutting element with a diameter of 165 mm, a cutting depth of up to 55 mm is ensured. You can buy a Hitachi circular saw for 11 thousand rubles.

It is considered to be a direct competitor to the domestic one. Circular saws of this brand are characterized by an optimal price-quality ratio.

A good model is the Zubr ZPD-1600 saw, which is distinguished by a high-quality cutting line and high operating speed. The power of the tool is 1600 W. The rotation speed of the working element reaches 4500 rpm. The diameter of the disc is 185 mm, which provides a cutting depth of up to 65 mm. The model is additionally equipped with a power lock function, protection against accidental switching on, has a spindle stopper and a fitting for connecting a vacuum cleaner. You can purchase the tool for 6 thousand rubles.

A powerful and productive model is the PIT PKS200-S circular saw with a power of 2000 W. The diameter of the cutting element is 200 mm, which provides a cutting depth of up to 75-80 mm. The tool can work at an angle of 45 and 90°. Thanks to the blade rotation speed of 5500 rpm, a clean cut is ensured. The cost of the saw starts from 8 thousand rubles.

The Zubr ZPD-1600 circular saw is distinguished by a high-quality cutting line and high operating speed

The circular saw is characterized by its versatility. It is suitable for a wide range of tasks that involve cutting wood, metal and plastic products. When choosing a carpentry tool, you should take into account the further purpose of the device, for the effective operation of which its technical characteristics must be taken into account.

Hand circular saw table

When working with a large volume of sawn material, it is not always comfortable to hold the tool in your hands for a long time. It is much more convenient to secure the tool on a special table, so the cut will be more accurate and faster. All masters prefer to use:

Factory tables purchased from a store. They can be either stationary or portable.
Homemade tables, the advantage of which are individual sizes suitable for the workshop area and additional options.

After making your own table, it is important to know how to properly secure your handheld circular saw to your table. There are just a few rules here:

The instrument is placed inside a prepared compartment that is exactly the right size for the instrument.
The saw base is securely attached to the table with bolts.
The disk should fit freely into the slot.

Rating of electric saws for quality and reliability

Looking at the circular saws on the shelves at a power tool store, it may seem that they are not much different from each other. But in fact, some instruments cease to please a couple of weeks after purchase, while others serve the owner for many years. I will try to build my rating based on reviews from real customers.

Bosch PKS 40

A simple and reliable household circular saw with an 850 Watt motor and a cutting depth of 40 mm. For work, 130x16 mm discs are used.

When connecting a vacuum cleaner, the standard dust removal system works well. There is a small amount of debris after work, but there is no “pillar of dust” effect.
Compact and lightweight – the tool is designed for suspended work.
High quality stock disc. But we must take into account that it has a large number of teeth and is not always suitable for working with multilayer materials - chips may form.
It is possible to start sawing the workpiece from the middle.

A budget support platform made of stamped metal, however, with acceptable rigidity.
The lightness of the tool gives the impression of being “flimsy” - if you have any preconceptions about this topic, then it is better to hold the saw in your hand before purchasing.
There is no riving knife - if the saw stops during operation, you will have to move it back before starting it again.

Price: from 5,379 rub.

The first impression is an excellent saw, small, light, moderately resourceful and the most interesting thing is how the magpies pecked it. BEAUTIFUL, if only I could pay attention to the power. In terms of quality, of course, the thing is not bad, but the stated cutting depth of 40 mm does not work, the saw gets stuck and cannot cope. 12 mm plywood, also saws with tension. Therefore, I had to purchase another, more powerful saw.

Bison ZPD-900

High-quality domestic entry-level circular saw. Powered by a 900 Watt motor with 140x20 mm discs. It provides a maximum cutting depth of 45 mm, and the support platform allows you to cut at an arbitrary angle.

Value for money and characteristics.
The weight of the saw allows you to work with it with one hand - a good option for use in hard-to-reach places where you have to hold the tool suspended.
Durable and stable metal sole.
The original system for setting the cutting depth and the shape of the rest for the second hand.
When registering on the manufacturer's website, the warranty period increases to 5 years.

The short length of the network cable is only 2 meters.
There is a slight play in the sole - it does not affect the quality of work, but it is unpleasant.
The maximum reach of the rip fence is only 17 centimeters.
The location of the disk does not allow direct observation of the cutting area - you have to navigate solely by the mark on the bed.

Price: from 3,260 rub.

The case material is of good quality, the power is quite decent. The brushes are of low quality, under load they burn out and the speed begins to float (the problem is solved by replacing the brushes with copper-graphite ones). A gearbox without bearings on metal bushings, almost without lubrication, has strong backlash. The original saw blade can be immediately thrown away or used for rough cutting (the sharpening of the blade is simply terrible, it doesn’t saw, but gnaws). The disc height adjuster is very flimsy. The saw sole is weak, deforms when sawing, and also has lateral play. It’s not suitable for professional work; it’s better to pay extra and buy a saw from another manufacturer.

AEG KS 55-2

The 1.2 kW motor rotates the working disk at a nominal speed of 6100 rpm. The base sole allows cutting at angles of 90° and 45°, with cutting depths of 54 and 41 mm, respectively. For work, discs with diameters of 165x20 mm are used - outer and landing.

Cast sole made of light metal alloy - a combination of strength and light weight. If it has a slight play, it only appears when fully lowered for the minimum cutting depth.
The relatively light weight of 3.3 kg allows you to work while holding the saw with your arms outstretched.
The package includes a rip fence and a carrying bag.
A long network cable - 4 meters is enough for comfortable work.
Good ergonomics and weight distribution of the tool - it fits comfortably in your hands and moves easily across the surface.

There is no smooth start - with an engine of such power, it is felt, although not strong, but a noticeable jerk at start.
If you have experience with other saws, you may be confused by the lack of a power button lock.
The diameter of the vacuum cleaner nozzle is most likely made according to American standards - it may not fit a home vacuum cleaner. It can be treated by purchasing an adapter.

Price: from 7,779 rub.

Great saw. It cuts clearly and without any problems. The angle is precise, the saw is even and smooth. More than enough power. But the frame is made of cheap plastic; if you press it, it will crack. Adjustment of the inclination and depth of the cut using eccentrics, which are very poorly tightened and always release spontaneously. AEG service is complete nonsense. Replacement parts cost the price of a new tool and are usually out of stock. To order from China, it takes about two weeks in transit through Germany.

How to use a circular hand saw?

There are standard instructions on how to use a hand-held circular saw, which for different models will differ only in nuances:

Before starting work, it is important to ensure that the tool is in working order.
Secure the cutting blade, adjust the position of the guide pin, check the protective cover and the parallelism of the stop with the groove and the pin.
Set the minimum required cutting depth.
Set the guide to the size of the material and mark it.
Make a test cut 3-5 mm long.
Continue working without stopping along the entire movement of the disk.
You can use adhesive tape at the cut site to prevent chipping.

Additional devices

Additional functionality will not only extend the life of the saw, but also prevent situations that are dangerous for the master.

The soft start device will protect the engine from overloads;
The speed control device automatically adds power for denser material;
The anti-jamming device will prevent the disc from breaking when it is clamped by the material;
Overload protection will protect the tool from damage;
The instantaneous braking device will stop the rotation in the shortest possible time;
Adjustment of rotation speed and depth of cut;
The sawdust drainage pipe will keep the work surface clean;
The laser pointer and LED are optional, but can greatly simplify the work in some cases.