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Good compact circular saws are a great tool, and it is essential to all do-it-yourself lovers. There are some situations where you will need a smaller and more compact alternative circular saw that will provides greater versatility.
Circular saws can be heavier and harder to control doing usage due to their size and weight. If you use a heavier saw for a long period, there would be a reduction in their weight.
There is no need for you to be deterred. We have engaged in several studies, and a list of the great circular saws you can manage has been assembled. We are not only listed the best compact circular saw but we also reviewed them all with their outstanding features, pros, cons, and our expert opinion on each saw.
Table of Contents
Our Favorite Picks
| MODEL | PRICE | WEIGHT | EDITOR RATING |
Makita SH02R1 12V Max
|
3.5 Ibs |
4.6 |
|
| Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2
|
5 Ibs |
4.4 |
|
| WORX WORXSAW
|
4.4 Ibs |
4.4 |
|
| Genesis GCS545C 5.8
|
6 Ibs |
4.2 |
|
| Rockwell RK3440K
|
4 Ibs |
4.4 |
|
| Genesis GPCS535CK
|
12 Ibs |
4.1 |
|
| MasterMind 800344
|
9 Ibs |
3.2 |
The 7 Best Compact Circular Saw
1. Makita Sh02R1 12V Max
The Makita SH02R1 is one of the best compact circulars saw that is cost effective on this list, but what makes this saw different than other cordless saw is the saw design, which was model to be similar to a regular circular saw even though the saw use 3-3/8 blade.
The saw has excellent functionality and a robust nature that allows you to handle everything without stress. This compact saw is the best suited for any home decoration, particularly if you are a DIY enthusiast.
The saw can cut gypsum, MDF sheet, and other household materials. The cutting depth is adjustable, and it can be modified to suit between 1 and 5/8 cutting depth.
You can make bevel cuts and adjust it according to your particular needs between 0 and 45 degrees with this saw.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Suitable for bevel cut
- Versatile and durable
- Durable battery with fast charging feature
Cons
- No dust collector features
Our Verdict
SH02R1 is portable, lightweight, user-friendliness with great usability features that make it the best option among the other available saw in the market.
- Makita-built motor delivers 1,500 RPM for faster cutting
- 3-3/8" blade delivers a maximum cutting depth of 1" for a wide range of cutting applications
- Adjustable cutting depth from 1" at 90° and 5/8" at 45°
- Tilting base for bevel cuts from 0° - 45°
2. Rockwell Rk3441K 4-1/2
If you are working on complex wooden surfaces, the Rockwell RK3441 K is a decent option. It runs on an electric 5 amp engine that delivers 3500 RPMs, which is very high compared to what models offer. With this power, you can cut various wooden surfaces easily, thereby improving your woodworking experience.
It comes in a lightweight form that allows you to use it for a longer period without bothering about hand fatigue. Thanks to the saw ergonomic handle that allows you full leverage when operating on wooden surfaces.
All power tools are expected to safely use and the Rockwell RK3441 K is safe to use features that are expected from a compact circular saw. It has a lock switch that releases the blade unless it is in use.
The Rockwell RK3441 K is suitable for experienced contractors working on large timber pieces, with a maximum cutting depth of 2 inches. This circular saw blade can be bent at a 45 degree angle, allowing you to make oblique and other unique cuts on wooden surfaces.
If you want to make a good cut, then you will need a compact saw that offers better visibility when using it. The Rockwell RK3441 K has a left hand blade configuration that makes spotting the cut line easily for more precision and spectacular performance.
This lightweight circular blade weighs just 5 lbs, making transportation and maneuver fast. If you also operate on overlapping surfaces, you will appreciate how light it is, so the tool will not strain your hands.
Pros
- Compact with great performance
- Slim, ergonomic design for one handed operation
- Great bevel cutting 0-45 degree
- Powered with 5 amp motor
Cons
- Poor design and engineering
- Not versatile as it has 10 inch cord length
Our Verdict
Rockwell is a powerful and portable circular saw with great features that enhance all its cutting activities. This is a corded saw with a 5 amp powerful motor that delivers excellent RPMs of 3500 to execute different cutting tasks.
- [MORE MANEUVERABILITY] All the functionality of a full-size circular saw but in a compact design that’s easier to use, and...
- [REAR MOTOR] For a more balanced feel. With the motor in the handle, you control much of the weight of the saw with just the...
- [EASY DEPTH SETTING] The readily accessible adjustment lever lets you change the cut on the fly, and the bevel adjustment...
- [SPINDLE LOCK BUTTON] For quick and safe blade changes. Just grab the included blade key and switch out any brand’s...
3. Worx Worxsaw
If you are changing depth or angle, the lightweight Worx circular saw is easy to set up. The handle is secure, and you find the saw is balanced on your hand to allow you to operate it. It’s thin and maneuverable easily.
One of these saw’s unique features is the mode of its design that was position on left hand side, which offers great visibility of the tool and the cutting item. This enhances the cutting process of different materials with upright and great precision. It will be ideal for beginners and those with smaller hands who struggle to handle bigger power tools.
The blades were position in a great area that makes them suitable for that use left hand (left-hand user), so they experience any issue was using this Worx saw. It is also essential to note that this saw is suitable only for little tasks, but it fails for larger projects. Some users challenge the assertion it is capable of reducing 2×4.
Pros
- Great handle with ergonomic grip
- Greater cut line visibility
- 0-45 degree bevel cut capacity
- Extremely lightweight
- Led light for better sight
Cons
- Low power
- Cut slowly.
Our Verdict
This is the perfect saw for both homeowners and the crafter used circular tools for a little project or fix wood items. The saw compatibility makes it the best traveling saw.
- [SMALL FOR A REASON] Quick, more efficient cuts and you can take it with you when you don’t want to lug a big saw around
- [EZ-SET DEPTH GAUGE] The lever lets you go from 0-45 degree bevel settings with quick adjustment
- [MADE FOR LUMBER] Excellent depth-of-cut for slicing up to 2" stock lumber. Cut 2x4s in a single pass. It also cuts metal,...
- [SEE THE CUT] Left-sided blade optimization gives you a clear line of sight on anything you’re cutting
4. Genesis Gcs545C 5.8
Genesis is probably the best saw design in a way that is reminiscent of power tool user desires and comfort. The handle is incredibly flexible, allows quick access to items, including deep cuts, with the maximum ability of project completion.
The built-in vacuum cleaner warranty the visibility of sharp edges. The vacuum adapter ensures all dust particles are collected correctly to enhance cutting visibility so that you can cut wood quickly. It is also powerful with a 5.8 amp engine that delivers over 3,500 RPM.
The fasting ability of this saw can cut ranges of the saw materials at x2 rate. With 2 year manufacturer warranty, so you can be confident about the quality of this saw. The compact shape allows for fast handling and great deep cuts without any obstacle.
The angle adjustment, deep depth allows the user to use the saw to suit their needs and comfort.
Pros
- Select Compact
- Strong pace to the blade
- A tiny saw
- For good results, it works perfectly.
- Simple to use
Cons
- Suitable for minor cuttings only
Our Verdict
This compact saw has an ease of use feature that assists in being comfortable with all their cutting tasks. This means it is not limited to a deep cut, so it is built so that it is an ideal easy adjustment.
- Add the powerful, compact, and lightweight control grip 4-1/2 in. Compact circular saw to your tool set today!
- Powerful - 5. 8 amp motor and 3500 RPM uses triple‐gear reduction for maximum torque | Cut through 2x material with ease...
- Convenient - quickly cuts through all 2x material with included tungsten-carbide-tipped blade | with 4-1/2” blades, you...
- Clean - built‐in dust port and vacuum adaptor keeps cutting area Clear of debris | connect to your shop Vac with the vacuum...
5. Rockwell Rk3440K Versacut
Two Rockwell compact circular saws were included in this review of the best compact circular saw. The first has been discussed above, while this Rockwell RK3440K Versacut is the second one, an ultra-compact saw with a pistol grip designed to look like a regular circular saw.
The angled handle allows you to put your weight behind the blade, so you have more strength to maneuver along the cut line. On certain cutting angles, the angle can be a little uncomfortable. However, it is still easy to maintain on long cuts. It is kept perpendicular to the cut line by an integrated laser guide to ensure a perfect line at each point.
The blade’s emplacement is towards the center of both the saw body and the fence. For cutting boards, sheets, tiles, and wood, the blade has different depth and power settings.
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight
- Powerful with 4.0 amp
- Fast and accurate cutting with 3,500 RPMs
- Dust extraction port
Cons
- Not suitable for bevel cut
- Poor cutline visibility.
- Low cutting depth
Our Verdict
This is really compact, ergonomic, and easy to use than most other circular saw. Although this saw is not suitable for large projects due to its low maximum cutting depth if they offer great utility.
- Powerful, 4.0 amp, multi-functional, ultra-compact circular saw
- Cuts wide variety of materials such as tile, wood, sheet metal, plastics, flooring, and more
- Ergonomic design with slim grip handle improves comfort and enhances grip and control – guide with just one hand
- Built-in laser guide helps you align the perfect cut
6. Genesis Gpcs535Ck
Genesis GPCS525CK is a robust and robust lightweight circular saw. This tool is durable to perform several cutting tasks but portable enough to use only one hand. It has a cemented carbide blade, a metal cutting tool HSS 44 T, and a diamond blade.
This feature is incredibly flexible right out of the box because coniferous wood, hard materials, and other materials can be cut without needing to go to a local or online store to buy new blades. You have everything you need inside the saw box.
This little circular tool holds a laser cutting to guide. This will enable you to precise cuts always.
The TrakRunner miter tool enables you to get precision cuts even in tight spaces, this makes the power tool to be more flexible. The drawback of this lightweight circular saw is that we’ve seen it’s very strong when we compared it to others. This power tool is lightweight as it’s 12 Ibs, but other tools weigh around 5 or 6 Ibs in this range. It also features great RPMs compare to other power tools.
Pros
- Powerful with 5.8 amp motor
- Fast cutting delivery with 4500 RPMs
- Ergonomic Handle
- Easy to use precision depth control
Cons
- Costly
- Heavy with 12 Ibs
Our Verdict
For those that need a quality and durable, compact circular tool, this saw is an ideal one. It is powerful with a 5.8 amp motor that delivers fast 4500 RPMs to enhance your cutting activities.
- Powerful 5.8 amp motor 4500 RPM
- Laser-light cutting guide for quicker set up and improved accuracy
- Plunge cutting capacity up to 1-1/8" with easy-to-use precision depth control
- Ergonomic grip for one-handed operation
7. Mastermind 800344
The incredible circular saw has a massive 2800 RPM power, which is very high. Materials like tiles and concrete don’t have a chance against this excellent circular saw’s cutting power. The depth control can also be easily modified, which makes disassembly easier too.
Furthermore, the saw has a real laser guide that helps an operator to cut a straight line. If you are working in a dark or dim environment, you will be directed accordingly by LED saws.
As far as the handle is concerned, it is very powerful and comfortable and fits perfectly in three variable positions, which is some of the best stuff we will find with a saw. The saw can be a little heavy for some people as it weighs around 9.2 lbs, so after extended use, you can feel the hands’ fatigue.
The package also features a suction tube adapter, which increases its efficiency by extracting particles of dust during the cutting process. As the mini circular saw manufacturers say, it’s great for solving tasks like plumbing, flooring, electrical work, tiles, and much more.
Pros
- Powerful and Versatile
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Feature led and laser light
- Excellent accuracy and precision cutting
- 5 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Poor design
Our Verdict
You can trust this reliable circular saw. The saw has all ability to allows achieving smooth and sharp cuts for all cutting tasks. You can use it many times, and it will produce excellent results.
- Three-position ergonomic handle
- Precision-cuts most building materials up 7/8 inch and tile up to 3/8 inch
- LED and laser light
- Quick plunge capability
Buying Guide
Several compact circular saw models in the market, with severities of many saw, have made it difficult for people to identify durable and versatile ones easily. There are some key features to note when it comes to buying the best compact circular saw, and these features will help you in choosing a great saw. Here are key features to remember when purchasing your compact circular saw:
Blades
A circular saw has a primary function of making a great cut, and as such, you must be very careful by checking the blade of the saw you’re buying. Most models come with a basic carbide blade, best suited for wood cutting. But if you plan to use the saw to cut various materials, you need to find a model supporting different blade styles. The number of teeth on the blade will decide the cleanliness of the inserts normally made.
Design And Ergonomics
A circular saw will look the same from afar. But if you look at each model closer, you see a lot of differences. Choose a saw built ergonomically for the perfect handling and comfortable grip. That means checking the saw yourself before making a buying decision. As long as the handle fits in your hand securely, you can work better.
Weight
Although, all our selected tools are lightweight and compact in form. It is advised that the circular saw’s weight should be taken into account not to strain the muscles during exercise. It is the weight of the saw you choose that will determine how long you can work without having hand fatigue.
Power Of The Saw
Power is one of the essential features that require full attention when buying any power tools. It is the power of your saw that determines how quickly you will get your cutting job. The more power you saw have, the sooner you will be able to get your job done. Since compact circular saws are not as strong as standard ones. So, they are not expected to be as powerful as the standard saw. Compact circular saws typically have up to 5 amps, but some have 6 amps.
Safety Features
Operator or user safety is very important when dealing with power tools of different sizes. People seem to believe compact saws are less risky than big saws. This is very wrong; risky is dangerous either little and severally. So, when selecting the best portable circular saw, you should consider the safety techniques integrated into each tool. Although there is no saw with 100% user protection, they should make an effort to make their products safe to use.
The Depth Of Cut
The saw cutting is another significant aspect to remember when buying a compact circular saw. This will determine the number and different types of work you can do with the saw. A lightweight circular saw should preferably be capable of cutting at least 1 inch deep. A deeper cut can, however, have less accuracy depending on the torque of the saw.
Ease To Use
The compact circular saw the size, the position, and the form of controls. The weight and ergonomics influence the saw’s ease of use. Start familiarizing yourself with the compact circular saw before buying. Is the saw suits your hands perfectly, and did you feel comfortable when holding the saw? You’re expected to purchase a saw that will not hurt your hand doing the cutting process.
Angles
The type of saw in question is usually used to make bevels cut. The angles in relation to the material to be cut can be generated using the mowing guides. The possibility of saw beveling allows for different applications.
Laser Cutting Guide
This feature is supplied with laser light for clear straight line visibility on the material that would be cut. Just glue to the straight line with the blades and get your great cuts.
Depth Adjustment
This is another essential feature; the best compact circular tool is expected to possess. With these features, you can easily make different and various cutting sizes. Also, it is this feature that will dedicate the saw depth cutting rate without getting stall.
This is the feature that determines compact circular saw versatility. Any tool that possesses these features will you modify your cut rate or stay with your preferred cutting depth. If you want accurate work, you must prioritize depth adjustment.
Type Of Saw
The essential advantage of lightweight circular saws is their portability. Their type is also an important feature that needs to be considered. Either they are corded or cordless, which is an addition to the saw versatility.
Long ago, corded power tool has existed until today before the invention of cordless power tools that make use of batteries to run. Both corded and cordless are powerful tools but easy to use. Portability, life span, and other features are what differentiates them. Cordless saws are certainly much easier and more compact to use, but they still cost more than their counterparts. This creates a situation where portability and quality have to compete.
Extra Features
Some producers provide additional features, including laser guides, waterproof plumbing systems, dust, and cutting functions. Although you can work without most of it, these extra features incorporate them to improve the user experience. It would also be best if you know the duration of the warranty that comes with the saw.
Warranty
Of course, it feels nice to get a warranty on any product you are buying, primarily a power tool. When you purchased a power tool with an excellent manufacturer warranty, this will give a peace of mind that within the warranty duration, if anything happens, you can request the manufacturer either repair or replacement. The longer, the better; any circular saw with a more extended warranty period is better than those with a short warranty duration.
Final Words
Either at the workshop and home, all the above best compact circular saws are excellent saw. But if we suggest any tool, it would be the Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw as our overall best tool. On other compact circular saws, this Makita is very similar to the regular circular; it is lightweight, robust, easy to use, well built, and delivers precise cuts.
Although we prefer the WORX WORXSAW WX429L 4-1/2 as our cheaper option, which is also a lightweight circular saw, these are our views on these particular types of saw, and they might not work best for you. So are advised to check any compact circular saw before purchasing.
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