It can be tough working with a large saw. They’re often bulky and put a lot of strain on the hands and arms. Luckily, compact circular saws can make your job easier. As the name suggests, compact circular saws are compact, light, and don’t take up much space. Read on to find out if any of the saws here would make a good fit for your needs.
The 6 Best Compact Circular Saws for Your Woodworking Needs
This guide presents six of the top compact circular saws on the market. They get the work done fast, and sometimes much cleaner, than a regular saw would. Some of them have additional features that emphasize safety and accuracy, making carpentry more efficient. Check out the top picks below.
1. GENESIS Compact Circular Saw with 24T Carbide-Tipped Blade
The Genesis compact circular saw works well for both indoor and outdoor carpentry projects. It operates with a motor rated at 4 amperes, which drives the 24-tooth blade. This saw works well enough to replace larger saws, and can work with or without bevels.
The saw also comes with a barrel grip for an easy, one-handed operation, as well as a long warranty period. A rip guide is included to help you cut along the grain and shave off less material.
Worried that the blade you’re using might be dull? Fret not, as this saw has a spindle lock you can use to safely and easily switch out your blades. Dislike a messy cleanup after every job? This product comes with a dust port and a vacuum adapter to clear your area of debris.
This saw makes a great choice for the following reasons: (1) a compact and light design, (2) a spindle lock for easy changing of blades, and (3) a dust port and vacuum adapter for a cleaner workspace.
Specifications
- Model number: GCS445SE
- Weight: 4.7 lbs
- Size: 18 x 5 x 6 inches
- Color: Black
- Type of Grip: Barrel Grip
- Maximum speed: 3500 RPM
- Warranty: Yes, 2 years
- Included components: Circular saw, 24-tooth carbide-tipped wood-cutting blade, rip guide, vacuum adapter, Allen wrench
Pros
- Ergonomic with a one-handed barrel grip for easy operation
- Works well for both rip cuts and cross cuts
- Long warranty period
- Spindle lock for easy and safe blade changing.
- Lightest compact circular saw on the list
- Dust port for a cleaner workspace
- Rip guide for a better rip cut
Cons
- Comes in only one color
- Motor has the lowest rating with no overload protection
- Requires an AC power supply to function
2. WEN Beveling Compact Circular Saw
Worried that your saw might not cut through various materials? Don’t be, because this saw can cut through wood, drywall, tile, sheet metal, pipes, and many other materials. Need to carry your saw around? This saw comes with an additional carrying case with a lot of storage compartments.
Although the say is compact, it is not cordless, and requires a nearby AC power supply to function properly.
This saw is another great product because: (1) it can create bevels up to 45 degrees, (2) it has a built-in laser for better accuracy, and (3) its carrying case has a lot of compartments for extra tools.
Specifications
- Model number: 3625
- Weight: 5.1 pounds
- Size: 21 x 9.3 x 5 inches
- Color: Black
- Type of Grip: Not specified
- Maximum speed: 3,500 RPM
- Warranty: Yes, 2 years
- Included components: Circular saw, 24-tooth carbide-tipped wood cutting-blade, dust extraction tube, blow-mold carrying case with extra compartments
Pros
- Good choice for both rip cuts and cross cuts
- Long warranty
- Creates bevels up to 45 degrees
- Laser guide for better accuracy
- Dust extraction tube for a cleaner workspace
- Carrying case has many compartments for extra tools
Cons
- Saw is a little bulky
- Requires an AC power supply
3. GENESIS Control Grip Compact Circular Saw
The Genesis Control Grip Compact Circular Saw gets woodworking done in a clean and safe manner. It also features a 24-tooth blade, which, coupled with fast speed, is good for quickly removing excess material while cutting.
It shares many of the features with the other Genesis saw on this list. The main difference is in the ergonomic design. This saw has a control grip which provides better handling.
Safety-wise, it also includes a rip guide to help cut along the grain and shave off less material. A dust port and vacuum adapter are available so that the user won’t have a problem clearing debris. Unfortunately, though it may be a compact circular saw, it is also corded. It requires a nearby AC power supply to function properly.
This saw has the following great features: (1) a control grip for better ergonomics, (2) a rip guide for better positioning, and (3) a dust port and a vacuum cleaner to make workspace cleanup easier.
Specifications
- Model number: GCS545C
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Size: 16 x 4.25 x 8 inches
- Color: Gray
- Type of Grip: Control grip
- Maximum speed: 3,500 RPM
- Warranty: Yes, 2 years
- Included components: Circular saw, blade wrench, vacuum adapter, 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, rip guide, owner’s manual
Pros
- Good option for rip cuts and cross cuts
- Long warranty
- Has a high current rating
- Dust port for easier workspace cleanup
- Rip guide for better, cleaner rip cuts
- Comes with an owner’s manual
Cons
- Heavy for a compact saw
- Requires AC power to work
4. BOSCH 6½-Inch Circular Saw Kit
It is fairly heavy given the blade diameter, and has only 18 teeth on the blade. This means that the saw will be great for rip cuts, but not cross cuts. The product comes with a long warranty period, but the maximum speed is not specified. Unlike other circular saws, the ergonomics is quite unique because it uses an angled grip for better handling.
This is one of few compact circular saws that is truly cordless. Made by Bosch, it is built to use any of Bosch’s 18-V lithium-ion batteries, providing high performance and a workspace unconstrained by a cord. You also get one free battery with your purchase.
This saw seems to be the most versatile of them all, with: (1) an angled grip for better control, (2) use of high-performance Bosch batteries, and (3) a free battery of the same caliber from Bosch.
Specifications
- Model number: CCS180-B15
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Size: 13.4 x 8.9 x 11.2 inches
- Color: Blue
- Type of Grip: Angled
- Maximum speed: Not specified
- Warranty: Yes, 3 years
- Included components: Circular saw, 18V lithium-ion battery, fast battery charger, 18-tooth carbide circular blade, hex wrench, carrying bag
Pros
- Long warranty
- Angled grip for better control
- Cuts bezels up to 50 degrees
- Powered by Bosch high-performance batteries
- Comes with a fast battery charger
Cons
- Quite bulky for a compact saw
- Fewer teeth, so not a good choice for cross cuts
- Maximum speed is not specified
5. RIDGID Fuego Magnesium Compact Framing Circular Saw
This compact circular saw by Ridgid is the heaviest saw on the list, but is also powered by a 12-ampere motor which guarantees overload protection. It comes with an angled grip for better control, as well as an 18-tooth blade that is only suitable for rip cuts. Again, the maximum speed was not specified here.
One downside for this saw is that it does not have a warranty. However, many user reviews state that the saw works more than fine. The saw is quite bulky though, and requires a nearby AC power supply to work.
Even with its limitations, this circular saw is still a good option for those looking for: (1) high overload protection, (2) a more affordable circular saw that still works like brand new, and (3) good ergonomics.
Specifications
- Model number: R3204
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Size: 13.8 x 8.1 x 11.3 inches
- Color: Orange
- Type of Grip: Angled
- Maximum speed: Not specified
- Warranty: No warranty, refurbished
- Included components: Circular saw, 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade, hex wrench, operator’s manuals
Pros
- Good overload protection
- Ergonomic design for better handling
Cons
- Heaviest circular saw on the list
- Refurbished product, so no warranty available
- Only used for rip cuts
- Maximum speed not mentioned
- Requires a nearby AC power supply
6. WORX Worxsaw Brushless Cordless Compact Circular Saw
The WORX compact circular saw is another saw quite heavy for its size. It resembles a pizza scutter with its vibration-absorbing handle and left-sided design for better viewing. Even though its maximum speed is not specified, its blade contains 24 teeth, which makes it good for both rip and cross cuts.
This saw is cordless and powered by the Worx 20V battery, which can be recharged with a complimentary battery charger. This saw also makes bevels up to 45 degrees with an easy-to-use bevel adjustment lever.
The saw also comes equipped with a dust port for easy cleanup, a spindle lock to change blades safely, and two triggers to prevent accidental turn-ons.
This circular saw is a solid option for those who: (1) care about safety and accident management, (2) like maintaining a clean workspace, and (3) want to work anywhere as long as the battery is charged.
Specifications
- Model number: WX531L
- Weight: 8.98 pounds
- Size: 15.25 x 3.72 x 5.6 inches
- Color: Black
- Type of Grip: Ergonomic
- Maximum speed: Not specified
- Warranty: Not specified
- Included components: Worxsaw, battery, battery charger, 24-tooth general cutting blade
Pros
- Good for both rip cuts and cross cuts
- Vibration-absorbing handle
- Fast battery charger
- Bevel adjustment lever
- Dust port for a cleaner workspace
- Spindle lock to change blades on the go
- Two-trigger mechanism to avoid accidents
Cons
- Unspecified warranty period
- Quite heavy and bulky for its size
- Maximum speed is not specified
Buyer’s Guide for Compact Circular Saws
All six of these compact circular saws are great options. Still need some help choosing? Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide which saw will be your go-to tool.
Best Saw for Outdoor Projects
Purchase either the Genesis Control Grip Compact Circular Saw or the Wen Beveling Compact Circular Saw if you are looking to work outside. Both work great for rip cuts and cross cuts, and will help keep your workspace clean. Less tidying up after a long day outside!
Best Saw for Indoor Projects
The best option for indoors is the Bosch 6½-Inch Circular Saw. This saw offers an angled grip for better control in tight spaces. It also ensures you won’t accidentally cut through materials you don’t want to cut! A cordless saw, this is a great choice for indoor work.
Best Saw for Ergonomics
Buy the Worx Worxsaw Brushless Cordless Compact Circular Saw if you’re looking for a unique saw with a great grip. Its vibration-absorbing handle and left-sided blade helps you see your progress more clearly.
Best Saw for Overload Protection
The Ridgid Fuego Magnesium Compact Framing Circular Saw is perfect if you’re looking for a high-amperage motor. Just keep in mind that this saw doesn’t come with a warranty.
Best Saw Overall
The Worx Worxsaw Brushless Cordless Compact Circular Saw is our clear preference here. It may not be super lightweight, but it’s sturdy and runs on batteries instead of AC. It’s a unique saw that helps keep your workspace clean, and lets you safely swap out blades.
Conclusion
We hope that this buyer’s guide was helpful in deciding on the best compact circular saw for your carpentry needs. But don’t feel like you only have to choose among the products listed here. You can always check out our other related product reviews for more options. Happy shopping!