Choosing a circular saw always starts with determining which material to cut and which tasks you plan to perform. After all, the design of the saw, its technical characteristics, additional functions, class, and type are the main contributors to its performance quality.
1. The standard circular saw is the most versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks.
2. The miter saw is perfect for making clean, precise cuts in molding or trim.
3. The jigsaw is ideal for cutting curves or irregular shapes.
4. The table saw is the power tool of choice for serious woodworkers.
There are many types of circular saws. And it can be difficult for a newbie in the store to get the perfect option they need the first time. Of course, you can trust the consultant in the shop, but it is better to be fully armed, and that’s where I can help you.
Read more about Types of Electric Saws.
Different types of circular saws
Contents
Like many other tools, these devices are divided into different types of circular saws. Some of them have larger cutting blades. They are more powerful, more efficient, and can handle thicker material. Some tools are smaller, lighter, and designed for thinner cuts. Let’s consider the types of circular saws in more detail.
Stationary saw
This type of circular saw is also known as a table saw since it is designed for sawing wooden beams, cutting boards along and across, as well as cutting fiberboard, plywood, and other types of production materials. Stationary saws are based on a stand in the form of a ‘bed’. The advantages of these devices are that they have an insignificant level of vibration, high precision of the cutting line, as well as the rigor of settings. The stationary saw can also be called a horizontal circular saw.
Hand saw
Hand saws are the most widespread kinds of electric saws. It is a handy cutting tool that allows you to process wood, plastic, and even minerals. If you need, you can transform it into a stationary device using a circular saw of a hand type by fixing the device to the base or make it a mounted circular saw if needed. Circular saws are very popular due to their advantages, including an affordable price, ease of use, the ability to process materials of different types, as well as high efficiency.
Household saw
This is the simplest type of circular saw that is designed to perform household work. The main feature of a household tool is that it is not intended for continuous use without interruption. If you do not take this recommendation into account, the tool will eventually fail very quickly. This is due to the fact that average-quality materials and spare parts are used for the manufacture of household devices. Household saws are rarely used as metal cutting circular saws.
Professional circular saw
This is a separate type of cutting tool that belongs to the category of non-portable. Due to the fact that the saws are extremely potent, which is important for processing materials of varying degrees of hardness, they are also divided into several kinds. A professional-type circular saw that is equipped with additional devices is called a track saw. Another type of professional saw is tile saw, and it is mostly used by professional builders. A miter saw that is also known as a chop saw, can be used for both household and more professional needs.
What should I look for when buying a circular saw?
There are not so many basic parameters that you need to consider when choosing a circular saw. Pay attention to:
1. Size and cutting depth
The diameter of the cutting blade determines the rest of its working parameters. The class of the device depends on the maximum possible diameter: household, semi-professional, professional. The higher this indicator, the deeper the device cuts.
2. Power indicators
The more powerful the saw, the more productive it is, and the more it can handle the toughest materials.
3. Rotation speed
If the speed of blade rotation is high, then the device cuts the densest materials very quickly and efficiently. But remember that a high speed of rotation also means intense heating of the material. At high temperatures, the plastic melts, and the wood begins to smoke and burn.
A Quick Look on Choosing a Circular Saw
Now you know that it is not difficult to choose a suitable circular saw for home or professional use. To do this, I recommend writing down all the actions that you plan to perform with the tool and then choose the best option.
Have you already used a circular saw? If no, please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below!