Editor's Choice
Value for Money
Product Name
Product Name
GALAX PRO Circular Saw
DeWalt DWE560-GB Compact Circular Saw
Makita HS7601J Circular Saw
Power Source
Power Source
Corded Electric
AC
Corded Electric
Wattage
Wattage
1400 watts
1350 watts
1200 watts
Voltage
Voltage
230 Volts
240 Volts
220 Volts
Blade Length
Blade Length
185 mm
184 mm
190 mm
Cutting Depth
Cutting Depth
62 mm
65 mm
66 mm
Special Features
Special Features
Pure copper motor windings, Laser and rip fence, Double switch controllingIntegrated dust extraction,
Dust blower, Lightweight, Cutaway inner guard
Rear angular guide, Bevel cuts 0 degrees to 45 degrees, Single action lever
Product Dimension
Product Dimension
32.1 x 25.2 x 19.6 cm
25 x 31.5 x 22.5 cm
30.9 x 23.2 x 25.5 cm
Product Weight
Product Weight
4.22 kg
5.36 kg
7.19 kg
The Best Circular Saws For Beginners Reviews & Buying Guide
Circular saws are a super versatile saw, they can make rip cuts, crosscut, and even dado cuts when set-up properly, hence why you find them in nearly every person’s workshop.
Short On Time?
Our Recommended The Best Circular Saw For Beginners Is The Galax Pro 1400W 5500RPM Circular Saw!
Editor's Choice
- Efficient and powerful motor: 1400W Powerful pure copper motor windings, this circular saw can deliver full-size performance at 5,500 rpm to cut through tile, wood, metal panels, plastics, and flooring in a single pass with accurate blade.
- Adjusting the depth of cut and bevel angle: This circular saw has a depth fast and accurate adjustment lever to allow for adjustment of the saw's base plate.
- Laser and rip fence: This electric circular saw is equipped with an adjustable fence for thinner cuts, with graduated ruler markings on the base and fence.
- Integrated dust extraction: Powerful integral blower keeps the line of cut sawdust free.
These power tools are super durable too and will last you many years to come, however, with so many on the market it can be hard to find the right circular saw for you.
So to help you out, we have rounded up the best circular saws for beginners below and reviewed them one by one to find the best circular saw on the market currently.
Our Top Beginner’s Circular Saw! –
The GALAX PRO 1400W 5500RPM Circular Saw (Editor’s Choice)
For people who want an affordable circular saw, this GALAX PRO could be an excellent choice.
Top specs of this circular saw are its 1400W powerful motor and speed of 5,500 rpm. The saws depth adjustment can be controlled by the single lever at 90 degrees, 62mm, and 45 degrees, 46mm. It also has a 0-45 degree tilt function for making mitre cuts with your circular saw.
In terms of the blade, this GALAX PRO is fitted with a 2.45 inches size blade and has a lower blade guard for extra safety. It also has an angle guide for accuracy. A laser and rip fence allows you to saw straight and accurate lines.
Design-wise the GALAX PRO has a hex key for easy replacement and a double switch for better safety. There is an integrated dust blower to keep your workshop clean and weighs around 4.2kg.
Conclusion
Overall, this GALAX PRO circular saw is one of the most budget-friendly models on our list and has plenty of power for sawing through a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, and metal.
We like this circular saw in particular due to its lightweight which makes the circular saw ideal for portable use on construction sites.
Negatives of the circular saw are the battery cover which is said to be hard to fit. The blade guard is also made of plastic instead of metal.
Pros
- Ample power for the motor.
- 5,500 rpm speed.
- Angle guide for accuracy.
- 0-45 degrees tilt function.
- Laser and rip fence.
- Single lever depth adjustment.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Battery cover is hard to fit.
- Blade guard is made of plastic, not metal.
Our Second Choice – The DeWalt DWE560-GB 240V
DeWalt is pretty well known in the power tool industry for creating reliable products.
This circular saw in particular from the brand features a 1,350W circular saw motor and has a 184mm blade size with a no-load speed of 5,500rpm. Maximum depth gauge of the model is 42mm at 45-degrees and 65mm at 90-degrees, it has a bevel cutting capacity of 48-degrees.
For the design this DeWalt circular saw has an inner guard for a better view of the cutting line, improving accuracy when cutting as well as a built-in dust blower port to minimise dust in the workshop. Total weight of the saw is 3.6kg.
Conclusion
Overall, this DeWalt circular saw is very lightweight and easy to use, making it one of the most beginner-friendly portable models on our list.
Accuracy is also ensured with this feature-loaded model thanks to the inner guard which improves vision on cutting materials.
Downfalls of this DeWalt model are the soleplate which is said to be too flimsy.
Pros
- High-end corded models design.
- Beginner in mind features.
- High speed for maximum performance.
- Lightweight.
- 48-degree bevel capacity.
- 184mm blade size.
Cons
- Soleplate is too flimsy.
Makita HS7601J/2 240V 190mm Circular Saw
The Makita circular saw comes with a 1,200-watt motor and can deliver a blade speed of up to 5,200 rpm.
Feature-wise, the Makita circular saw has a depth cut at 90 degrees at 66mm and at 45 degrees, 46mm. You can also make bevel cuts with your blade length of 190mm from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. The cutting depth can be adjusted by the model single lever.
For the design this Makita circular saw has an aluminium base plate and an aluminium cover to protect it, it is also equipped with a rear angular guide for more accurate cuts and accurate depth adjustments. Dust collection ports are included with model plus is compatible with a guide rail (needs to be purchased separately).
Conclusion
To conclude, the Makita circular saw has great power and is super easy to cut with, making it an excellent beginner tool.
Its blade is easy to change out and also durable, accuracy can be achieved by using the circular saw with its guides.
Downfalls of this Makita circular saw are its weight which is said to be too heavy. Some users have also said the saw to be hard to adjust.
Pros
- Powerful motor.
- Can make depth cuts at 45 and 90 degrees.
- Single lever adjustment.
- Aluminium housing for durability.
- Rear angular guide.
- Dust collection ports.
- 5,200 rpm.
Cons
- Heavyweight.
- Can be hard to adjust.
Einhell Hand-Held Circular Saw TE-CS 190/1
The Einhell hand-held circular saw comes with a 1,500-watt electrical power motor with a top speed of 5,500 rpm to help you cut through beams or DIY furniture.
Main features of the circular saw are its total circular saw blade size of 190mm and has an easy to adjust cutting depth of 48mm at 45-degrees and 66mm at 90-degrees. You can change the saw easily due to the spindle locking system.
Design-wise the Einhell model’s blade is made out of high-grade carbide for durability against blade rust. There is a large handle on the saw for comfort and the table is designed with lightweight aluminium. Total weight of the saw is around 4.6kg.
Conclusion
For people who want an easy to use portable saw for cutting wood, this Einhell model should meet your expectations, it has an easy to change circular saw blades system and is highly durable.
However, the circular saw has been reported to only be good for stationary use, otherwise becomes quite inaccurate. It additionally is said to be quite heavy.
Pros
- High power electric motor.
- Adjustable cutting capacity.
- 190mm carbide-tipped blades.
- Bevel adjustment.
- Spindle locking system.
- 5,500 rpm speed.
Cons
- Heavyweight.
- Not good for use off the saw table.
Evolution Power Tools F165CCSL Circular Saw
The Evolution branded circular saw has a 165mm blade length and can reach a speed of up to 3000 rpm with its corded power from the 1200W motor.
Feature-wise this power tool has a bevel angle adjustment up to 45-degrees a depth gauge of up to 53mm. The carbide-tipped blade allows you to cut through a variety of materials with ease and simplicity and can cut up to 34mm depth at a 45-degree angle.
When it comes to the design of this tool, the model has an easy adjustment from its thumb handle and an ergonomic T grip for comfortable usage during long periods of cutting. The saw additional functions with an integrated vacuum and blower to keep your space free of sawdust.
A three-year warranty is included with the Evolution circular saw for buyers confidence.
Conclusion
To conclude, this Evolution circular saw has desirable built-in features for its price such as the T-grip and integrated dust blower, making the saw comfortable for beginner users.
We also like this circular saw because of its lightweight and durable carbide blade for cuts on strong material.
Negatives of this Evolution saw are its cable which is quite short at only 1m, the guides and adjustment controls of the model have also been said to be made with low-quality plastic.
Pros
- Easy blade angle adjustment.
- 165mm blade length.
- T-grip for comfort.
- Integrated dust extractor.
- 3000rpm speed.
Cons
- Very short power cable.
- Parts are made with low-quality material.
Which Circular Saw Is The Best For Beginners?
To round up our best reviews of these circular saws, the top model which is beginner-friendly and has high performance has to be the GALAX PRO 1400W 5500RPM Circular Saw.
This saw has everything you need in a beginner circular saw, from safety features to fancy features such as its laser guide and rip fence which are helpful for accuracy on cutting material. The circular saw from GALAX also packs plenty of power with its motor to cut strong material.
As a runner up, we also suggest checking out the DeWalt DWE560-GB 240V circular saw, this model is super lightweight and simple to function for beginners with a helpful feature of the inner guide making it easy to cut.
We didn’t place the DeWalt saw as our number one however because of its low-quality soleplate.
What To Look For In a Circular Saw For Beginners? (Our Best Buying Guide)
Now we have reviewed and found some of the top circular saws for beginners, we must get to know more about these tools before making a final buying decision.
To help you out, we have composed an extensive buying guide below which will cover everything you need to be looking for in your first circular saw as well as how to use one properly.
So without further chat, let’s get into it!
Top Features To Consider In Your Circular Saw
From the power of your saw to the size and durability of the blade, when you are buying your circular saw for the first time it’s important to keep in mind the features you need and what to avoid in your model.
We have listed the essentials to watch out for in your circular saw down below.
- Power & speed – One of the first specs to consider in your saw is power. You should look for an amp motor power of at least 15-amps motors if you want a decently powered saw, the higher you go, the more of a beast it will be. For speed, this determines how fast the rpm motor can cut through materials, look for an rpm motor speed of around 5,500.
- Cordless/corded – Cordless circular saws use lithium-ion battery technology for power which makes them portable for cutting than a corded model which is restricted by the size of the cord. Corded models however have the advantage of never running out of battery life and can often pack more power, which is why they still are used mostly on construction sites.
- Blade & type – The bigger the blade the more material it can cut, on average most beginner circular saw options will come with a blade size of a 7¼-inch blade. You can get different blade types from all-purpose to framing depending on what you will be cutting, carbide-tipped types tend to be the most durable. You should also consider the number of teeth your blade has, a higher tooth count is better for delicate work while a lower is better for rough cutting jobs.
- Depth of cut – According to your model it will come with different depth capacities at a 45 and 90-degree angle, this determines how deep your saw will be able to handle thicker material. Also, check if your saw has a bevel cutting capacity.
- Circular saw shoes – You need to make sure that your circular saw has a tough shoe material (where the workpiece sits on the base of the saw), this will be made out of either; aluminium, steel and magnesium. An aluminium or magnesium shoe is most desirable as they keep the saw light in weight but magnesium shoes are often most expensive.
- Adjustment – For a beginner especially your circular saw should be easy to adjust, this is because you will be adjusting the depth of your cuts often according to the type of material which you are cutting. The adjustment will be either a knob or lever, this should be placed within easy reach for quick and easy use.
- Weight – Depending on the material used to build your circular saw, some can have a pretty heavyweight if you are not careful, if you are after a portable and lightweight model check this beforehand as you will ideally want a saw under 3kg.
- Accessories – Some circular saws included accessories such as a carry case or fences and guides for accuracy, these can be helpful and make your saw better value for money. Some even have an LED light to improve visibility which is perfect for beginners.
- Safety features – Circular saws can be dangerous to use, especially when you are new to these kinds of tools, you should ensure your model includes an electric safety brake and a cover guard blade for safety.
- Warranty – Always make sure your new power tool comes with a one-year warranty, this makes sure that you are covered in case there is a problem with your model or any faulty parts.
Value for Money
- Dust blower which clears dust and debris from the cut line
- Efficient dust extraction port minimises airborne dust particles when connected to a dust extraction unit
- Circular saw has direct compatibility with the DeWALT AirLock system for easy, secure connection to extraction hose
How To Use a Circular Saw As a Beginner
Using a circular saw for the first time can get overwhelming, these saws are very powerful tools and even with a helpful safety feature of an electric brake or guard, you still need to make sure you know how to use one properly.
We have listed out the best step by step guide to using your circular saw as a beginner below.
- Step one – First of all you need to measure and mark your work, knowing where to place your circular saw with a reference line will help with accuracy. Use some masking tape to mark your cutting line.
- Step two – Next make sure that you use scrap lumber to support your workpiece if you are worried it will fall, do not make cuts in between two sawhorses as they can cause the material to pinch.
- Step three – Prepare your circular saw to cut, make sure you are using the right type of blade for the material that you are cutting and inspect the saw beforehand to make sure everything is set how it should be.
- Step four – Now you need to adjust the depth of the saw, unplug your circular saw, retract the blade guard and hold it against the edge of the wood. Use the adjustment lever to set the depth of the blade at least 1/4-inch under the base of the wood.
- Step five – After setting and adjusting the depth of the saw you can start the cutting process. Wear your safety equipment and switch the saw on, allow it to reach full speed then align with the notch on the saw foot and move it in a forwards motion slowly, keep going until the cut material falls off then release the trigger and allow the blade to stop spinning before replacing the guard.
Safety Tips For Using a Circular Saw
Since circular saws use sharp blades and high speed, you need to understand how to use one safely to protect yourself.
We’ve listed our best safety tips for using your circular saw below.
- Wear protective equipment – To use a circular saw you will need to make sure you are wearing safety equipment such as hearing equipment, goggles and a mask, also make sure you are not wearing hanging jewellery or loose clothes.
- Use sharp blades – Using a blunt blade on a circular saw to cut material will not only ruin your finish on high-quality material but can also potentially be dangerous as they have more chance of getting stuck in the density of the material.
- Check the stock – Before cutting any framing materials or general wood check the stock for any obstacles such as a screw or nail which could get in the way.
- Hold it well – Make sure you are holding your circular saw properly, beware these tools come in both left-handed and right-handed models so you choose which is right for you.
- Secure your material properly – Always double-check two times material is secured properly with clamps before cutting, if not it could potentially fly off during the cutting process.
Our #1 Beginner Circular Saw For Accurate Cutting
Our number one circular saw for beginners and accuracy is the GALAX PRO 1400W 5500RPM Circular Saw thanks to its high amp motor power and great depth gauge with easy adjustment, the incredible tools model is also full of great features for accuracy making it excellent value for money.
As a second option, we recommended the DeWalt DWE560-GB 240V saw as it is a lightweight tool with easy depth and bevel adjustment making day-to day tasks easy for a beginner.
Editor's Choice
- Efficient and powerful motor: 1400W Powerful pure copper motor windings, this circular saw can deliver full-size performance at 5,500 rpm to cut through tile, wood, metal panels, plastics, and flooring in a single pass with accurate blade.
- Adjusting the depth of cut and bevel angle: This circular saw has a depth fast and accurate adjustment lever to allow for adjustment of the saw's base plate.
- Laser and rip fence: This electric circular saw is equipped with an adjustable fence for thinner cuts, with graduated ruler markings on the base and fence.
- Integrated dust extraction: Powerful integral blower keeps the line of cut sawdust free.
