Picking out a new, often expensive power tool is rarely easy. But that doesn't mean it can't be fun. The current circular saw market provides many options to consumers in blade size and configuration, motor type, power, and cost. To be clear, this article, and the accompanying circular saw review, focuses on saws with 7 1/4-inch blades. However, we have a cordless circular saw review that features several different blade sizes that may be of interest. This article will help guide you through the best 7 1/4-inch battery-powered and plug-in saws on the market. We will examine the pros and cons of going cordless, having a right- or left-sided saw, and the advantages of brushless versus brushed motors. Finally, we delve into the nuances of hypoid, worm, and direct driver saws. After reading this article, it should be clear which saws are right for you, and that's where the fun comes in. With this information, you can return to our line-up of saws, select the right model, and get to cutting on your next project.
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Generally speaking, battery-powered saws have lower power and shorter run times than their plug-in counterparts. This difference is a result of the device's power source. While plug-in power is unlimited, battery power is restricted by the size and weight of the power cell—no one wants a saw with a car battery attached to it. Given the limitations of batteries, manufacturers must balance power output with runtime. Plug-in saws are not limited in this way. However, battery-powered saws do not require an extension cord and, thus, are more portable and offer greater flexibility in their use.
Since plug-in saws' strengths are their power and run time, they tend to lean into this advantage. Worm drive saws epitomize this distinction as they have higher torque and greater cutting accuracy. However, they are also quite heavy.
The choice between a battery-powered and a plug-in circular saw depends on the specific requirements of the task, the user's preferences, and the amount of money one is willing to spend. Ultimately, both battery-powered and plug-in saws offer users practical advantages such that professionals often own one of each.
While some think that blade-right and blade-left saws are designed for right- and left-handed users, this is not the whole story. Deciding on the blade side often has more to do with the types of cuts one will most often make. Safety concerns and familiarity with a saw type also play a role. That said, let's look at the advantages to right and left-handed users first.
Generally speaking, right-handed users will find that a blade-left saw provides better visibility of the cutting line but less stability for narrow cuts. A blade-right saw provides greater stability but makes it difficult to sight the blade when making a cut. In both scenarios, the opposite is true for left-handed users.
The above descriptions may be hard to visualize, so allow us to explain further. Circular saws place the bulk of the shoe under the motor and handle with only a portion of the shoe on the outside of the blade. Ideally, one wants the motor, and thus, the widest portion of the shoe, on the working side of the board. This setup is desirable because it provides greater stability and, as a result, accuracy in the angle of the cut. Some cut orientations allow this, while others do not. What cuts do or do not depend on the orientation of the saw and blade side.
In the end, blade-left or blade-right preference comes down to the type of cut being made, as well as the user's experience and skill. Both saw configurations have their pros and cons. With time, one will learn how to set up their cuts with either saw so that they are safe and accurate.
If you've been shopping for circular saws, you've probably noticed that brushless power tools are a lot more expensive than their brushed counterparts. We will not go into the mechanical differences that make them more expensive (that information can be found our Cordless Circular Saw Buying Advice article). Suffice it to say that they are quite a bit more sophisticated. However, we will tell you why buying a brushless tool may be worth the extra money.
Brushless motors offer several benefits over brushed saws. To start with, they are more efficient. Brushless saws produce less friction and thus generate less heat. As a result, they use less power. These features are particularly important for battery-powered tools as they can result in longer run times. Brushless motors also have fewer moving parts than brushed motors, which means they are less likely to wear out or require maintenance.
On the other hand, brushed motors are typically less expensive, and, for the time being, more models are available. Saws with brushed motors are a good choice for users who will employ the tool less frequently. However, the brushless models are often higher-end. Accordingly, they regularly have more of the ease-of-use bells and whistles we like. If it's within your budget, it's worth looking at the brushless circular saws, even if maintenance isn't a leading concern.
The difference between these three systems is how they transfer power from the motor to the saw blade. Without getting too bogged down in the nuances of mechanical engineering, the choice of drive mechanism affects the efficiency and configuration of the saw. Hypoid and worm drives are closely related as they use gears to transfer power from the motor to the blade. Saws with these drive systems allow the motor to sit behind the saw blade, which allows for a narrower profile. Conversely, the motor is directly adjacent to the blade in a gearless, direct drive system. These drive systems are responsible for the distinct design differences between the two saw types.
Like many circular saw features, both drive systems have pros and cons. Some may argue that direct drive saws are quieter and require less maintenance, that warm saws are more powerful and offer the user better sightlines and control, and that haploid saws are lighter, more compact, and less expensive. Modern technology has blurred the lines considerably. After testing dozens of saws over several years, we believe that, as a general rule, direct drive saws are best for more general, lighter use. Conversely, warm drive saws are best suited to heavy use where power and precision are of the utmost importance.
The choice between different types of circular saws, such as battery-powered vs. plug-in, right-side blade vs. left-side blade, and brushless vs. brushed, will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Battery-powered saws offer greater portability and flexibility, while plug-in saws offer more power and run time. The blade position may be chosen based on the user's preference and dominant hand. Brushless saws offer improved efficiency, performance, and reduced maintenance compared to brushed saws. We recommend that the user aiming to put a lot of hours into their saw focus on a worm drive saw. Conversely, the DIYer or casual user should look to direct drive saws.
If you're interested in other types of tools, check out our tool review to see our favorites across all categories.Many of us remember a time when all power tools needed to be plugged in to function. Your personal tool kit may still be made up of these classic corded tools that have served you well for years.
But improvements in battery technology have led to many cordless power tool options, with a lot of working professionals and do-it-yourself enthusiasts making the switch.
It may seem like an obvious choice to make the upgrade if you haven’t moved to cordless yet, but there are a few things to consider between the two.
If you’re yet to make a decision, here are the advantages - and disadvantages - of both corded and cordless power tools, so you can make the right choice in your next big power tool purchase.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way.
With cordless power tools, you won’t need to worry about annoying power cables holding you back.
When using corded power tools, your movement is limited to just a few feet and distance is restricted by the nearest power outlet. But with cordless power tools, you’re free to move wherever you please and continue with your important work for as long as you have battery life.
Speaking of which…
Despite not being plugged into the mains, cordless power tools can still pack a real punch thanks to the power of their rechargeable batteries.
Better still, modern power tool batteries like lithium-ion batteries are compact, fast-charging and very resilient to power drainage. Meaning if you’re working with a lithium-ion battery-powered cordless tool, you can work to your heart’s content knowing you’ve got a powerful, reliable piece of equipment to help you get through the job.
Plus, if you’re worried about your battery running out on you, you can pick up multiple batteries for the same tool, so you never run out of power.
At Evolution Power Tools, we carry our own brand of high-grade, professional cordless power tools and accessories, powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Any time you introduce a potential trip hazard into a working environment, you run the risk of causing an accident or suffering one yourself. That’s exactly the risk you take with corded power tools.
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But cordless power tools don’t carry this burden. Not only do you not need to worry about causing a fall, but you also don’t need to worry about getting tangled in any loose or hanging cables you lose track of.
Cordless power tools are always the safer option and are well worth considering if you’re working in an environment with a lot of people or other tools around you and want to keep accidents to a minimum.
While you’re working with a cordless power tool, the time will inevitably come when your battery dies and you need to put it back on charge before you can continue.
This kind of interruption doesn’t serve a project well and wouldn’t be the case with a corded power tool.
However, the beauty of most cordless power tools is that the battery is interchangeable and isn’t built directly into the unit. So you could have several batteries pre-charged and at the ready for when your current one gives out.
Most modern lithium-ion batteries hold considerably more charge than their older counterparts and are far more power-efficient, so you won’t need to change batteries as much as you may have done with older cordless tools.
Cordless power tools aren’t quite as powerful as tools that are constantly connected to a power source.
They are, however, still incredibly powerful, with modern batteries giving your cordless tools plenty of juice to get the job done.
Traditionalists value the continuous power output offered by corded power tools.
With no reliance on batteries, the only time the tool should stop working is if there’s a problem or you finally put it down to go grab some lunch.
Other than that, you’re free to carry on with your projects without fear of interruption. Perfect for tradesmen who prefer long stretches of work.
Even though most cordless power tools are more recent than corded tools, those of the cordless variety often end up being heavier than corded tools.
This is because the interchangeable batteries can be a little on the chunky side and need the extra weight to uphold the required power.
Corded power tools don’t have this problem and only need to rely on power offered from the mains, so there’s no need for them to have heavier battery technology built into them.
Most job sites will have a mains power source readily available, but that’s not always the case.
If you’re working in an area with a limited power supply, or somewhere rural or outdoors, your corded power tools could be rendered completely useless if you don’t have a nearby plug. Whereas, cordless power tools will work anywhere, anytime, as long as you’ve got a charged battery.
Corded power tools are quite literally tethered to your nearest mains power source.
While this works great for uninterrupted working, you’ll start to struggle if you need to use your power tools at awkward angles, or if you need to move further from the power source.
Plus, angling your tools will often lead to the cables getting in the way, which puts you at risk of accidentally cutting through them.
Between and , there were over 440,000 injuries in UK workplaces sustained as a result of slips, trips or falls, according to a Health and Safety Executive report. The report also highlights trip hazards, like cables, are one of the many causes.
Any time cables are introduced to a working environment, there’s a possibility they will be a trip hazard, especially if they’re not secured in place.
There are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of trips as a result of straying cables, like using duct tape to secure the cables to the floor, but it’s a much safer alternative to eliminate cables and use cordless power tools.
Your corded power tools might still be working well for you, which is fantastic if you’re working with something you’re comfortable with.
But if you’d like a little more freedom in your work, moving to cordless power tools is a no-brainer.
At Evolution Power Tools, we’re home to a massive range of exceptional cordless power tools, like cordless circular saws, cordless jigsaws, cordless impact drivers and cordless drills that’ll help you plough through your jobs with speed and ease.
Or if you're looking at complete cordless kits, you can grab multiple tools at once with our build-your-own-bundle options.