With the industrialization of modern instruments and DIY projects, modern sharpening tools have become very important in household jobs. People now involve in compact hand tools to get all the jobs done by themselves.
Back in the days, circular saws used to be the ones that had big tables and many buttons and big blades for heavy-duty jobs. The compact tools are becoming powerful, and finding the best mini circular saw is not very hard.
Reviews Top 7 Best Compact Circular Saw
Today, we will take a look at some of the best handheld saw with lots of groundbreaking features.
Best Overall – TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle
If you want everything done by your hand, this is the best cordless mini circular saw with everything in the package. The removable handlebar makes it super handy and easy and comfortable to control. You grab and do not mode or do any incorrect cutting on your woods.
This is not only good for your wood projects; this can be the perfect choice of weapon for metal cutting or tiles cutting. In the box, you will find three types of blades for three types of operation. The blades go through every material like butter.
I like some unique features of this mini saw. The motor can generate an insane amount of power to cut through everything. When cutting metal or concrete, some motors malfunction over time, but this goes on and on. It does not show any signs of burning or any issues.
For accurate cutting and accurate tracking, it has a laser painter to follow through. To ensure that you don’t get injured or hurt by accident, it has a spring-loaded blade cover and smooth plate to glide on the surfaces.
Pros
- Has everything to starts any projects
- A versatile tool for all sort of operations
- One of the best performances in compact circular saws
- Designed with safety and accuracy
- Compact and controllable for a single person
Cons
- Cutting at an angle is not comfortable and easy
- The safety button placement is a bit odd
Best 4 1 2 Compact Circular Saw – WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″
At a budget range, Worx 4-1/2 is the best mini circular saw you can buy for smooth cuts in all the woodworking projects and all of your professional works if you want. The power combined with dexterity gives it a perfect grip to work.
Using this with one hand feels very natural because of the weight and size. You can run this cutter on a ply or sheet of wood and use only one hand to operate.
You can rotate the plate up to 45-degree angle, and that is an awesome angle to make bevel cuts. 2 inches f cutting depth is also enough for regular household works. This provides a very tight hooking point for plunge cutting, and that digs down to the woods easily.
The protection of this set of circular saw in amazing, you The spring-loaded blade shield works smoothly, and you can also unlock the guard with a latch trigger. In the box, you will get everything to start your wood projects with. You can cut plies, blocks, and even logs with it.
Pros
- Weights very low than the traditional mini saws
- Comes with everything for woodworking projects
- Provide accurate cuts
- A lot of guides and support for precise operation
- Controllable power to operate with one hand
Cons
- Does not work with concrete or metal
- Not a versatile tool
Best Mini Circular Saw – Rockwell RK3441K
Rockwell RK3441K is the best circular saw for small hands, and that’s because it is a mini boy with a big punch. This has a very compact handle and small body shape, but the blade is big enough for your home projects.
Swinging this with one hand is just a piece of cake. It weighs only 5 Lbs, which is far lower than the average mini handsaws. As this is very compact and small, this does not have many things in the visibility area.
I also like the smooth cuts out of this excellent mini saw. You can see everything clearly and cut through woods effortlessly with maximum cutting accuracy. Anyone can even maneuver this instrument to cut reverse shifted walls or an extra bit of wood on your roof. Moreover, you can change the angle of the blade to work on angles o corners or angled cuts.
Taking this with you is effortless, and this is the major tool for the woodworkers and carpenters working on houses. This is a perfect choice for a lightweight and manageable blade. For a compact size, the power is incredibly amazing and sustainable for a professional working environment.
Pros
- Small and compact size for one-hand operation
- Has very good visibility for precise cuts
- Size to power ratio is incredible
Cons
- Safety measure is not enough
- The blade bolt is not very strong for heavy-duty works
Best Cordless Circular Saw – Makita SH02R1 Saw Kit
If you are looking for the best cordless mini circular saw in the market, you cannot find a better alternative than this one. It has incredible portability for DIY lovers who want to work on his project. This is a step to the modern approach for the carpenters. It does come with a dock to charge your device and use without messing with tangling wires.
The batteries they have used are lithium-ion batteries. They are super-fast to charge up and does provide an incredible amount of power to the motors. For better handling and superior control over the rotating device, it has a very grippy handle.
Safety in this device is a very important issue, and the angle of the handle makes it very safe to use. Even though the blade is small and does not cut deep into the wood plies, it has very good speed to cut through woods like butter.
For carrying all the tools together and keep it stored safely inside, you will get a toolbox. Overall, this product is a very good choice for beginner DIY workers.
Pros
- Very lightweight package for one-hand operation
- The cordless mechanism makes it super portable
- Comes with case, docs, and all the things necessary
Cons
- Does not have a lot of power to deliver
- Small saw blade capacity
Best for Small Hand – Rockwell Amp Ultra-Compact
Rockwell is known for its kickass products for hard workers. RK3440K is a classic handheld mini saw with rock-solid power output, and the efficiency is sky-high. This device has been made for efficiency and precision. For a smoother workflow, there are several features added to this compact saw.
This saw has an incredible feature that is variable shoe length. You can even cut small holes without much effort, and the precision will be on point. There are several clamping points to settle. Like other compact saws, this one is also very easy for small jobs.
There are also indications of height adjustment that you can use to ensure that your measurement is going right. For more precision, it also has laser attachments on the upper guard. You will find three blades provided in the box that can be used for any kind of operation, including metal and concrete cutting.
The blade changing experience is super easy. You can change the blade by using just one hand. The weight and size are super compact to take anywhere on the go. This is a must-have handsaw in every house.
Pros
- Powerful motor couples with a very small and lightweight package
- Ergonomic design and grippy handle for better handling
- Has variable depth options for more precision
- Proper safety mechanisms
Cons
- The blade size is small
Best for Heavy Workloads – BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX
This is one of those cordless mini circular saws out there, which has the superior blade and power to cut through hardwoods for your home project. Black+Decker has bigger blades for big logs and big branches.
I like how it can cope with the lighter works as well as medium loads of jobs. As these are chordless, you can even take this in your backyard to clean the bushes.
This is the best corded compact circular saw with big blades. You can cramp a big 5-1/2 inch blade on this. For your roof design to columns, you can cut through logs like butter. The handling technique is just like the bigger ones.
You can give more pushes while you are cutting the wood pieces. For more stability and steady cuts, you can use both of your hands to grab on the extra palm rest.
For adjusting your bevels, you can change the shoe angle with ease. You can also adjust the depth of the blade with latching points and indications. The quality of the materials provided in this unit also feels very high quality, and that does stand the powerful vibration and kicks of long cuts.
Pros
- The tool is for heavyweight workloads
- This can take wide blades
- Handling this feels very natural and easy
- Operates by a battery, and the freedom is endless
Cons
- Heavy for small projects
Best-One Hand Small Circular Saw – Dremel SM20-02
Dremel SM20 is a very powerful mini-tool for all your corers and small and tiny cuts. This is the best handheld circular saw if you want to use this for cutting plies, tiles, concretes, or even metals. As this saw can take small blades, the amount of power it can deliver is incredible.
The torque on this blade is amazing. It makes straight cuts smooth like butter. As this is a very small unit, this is very easy to handle and maneuver on the surface. For making flush holes and cutting metal pipes or vents, this works like a charm.
Most of the professional tile’s worker use this kind of cutters for less vibration. To protect you from dust or splinters, it has a large guard to save your eyes. Though this has very small blades, you can also change the blade height according to your needs.
In the box, you will get three types of blades to cut three types of materials, which will be enough just to start any of your projects.
Pros
- Very small tool to handle with one hand
- High torque output on the small blade
- it’s almost everything, including metal and stone
Cons
- Does not take big blades for cutting thicker woods or thicker materials
Buying guide for Compact Circular Saw
In the market of thousands of choices, it is normal to get tangled about which one to buy. The buying choice should not be dependent on the price tag or the specifications it does have. It has to be the one that meets your needs.
You have to be considering several factors regarding choosing the perfect weapon for your job, and here, we have explained what you should be looking for in a handheld circular saw.
How Much Power Can It Transform?
In the question of power transmission, the only factor that comes ahead is, is it enough? You also have to keep in mind that the handheld saws are not made like the industrial ones. These are toned-down versions of the professional cutters.
The power output of a regular handheld saw cutter should be from 3 to 5 watts.
Keep in mind that the more powerful it is, the more electricity will be consumed. Hugh power devices are sometimes hard to handle and control. For household works and DIY projects, you must keep the power as low as you can manage and maneuver.
Is it versatile enough?
The main question of versatility comes forward when you see yourself as a versatile worker. Handheld saws are made to be used by the people who like to do things without using a saw table. A handheld saw can be used for woods, concretes, or even metals.
If you are working on metal surfaces or metal sheets, this saw has to be powerful enough to deliver a lot of power, and the bolt clamp has to be strong enough to tolerate the vibration and pressure on the saw unit. You have to be clear about what purpose you will serve you saw for and decide what to buy.
What is the connection type?
It has now been too long that a compact circular saw uses only electricity, and the only source can be the outlets.
But with the integration of lithium-ion batteries, you can use a handheld saw without any cord or wired connections.
Therefore, this makes them more portable and user friendly.
As these saws are becoming more wireless and less power-hungry, you also have to be skeptical so that the power output is not very low so that it does have no ability to cut through woods. Most of the cordless, battery operated saws are to cut through thin woods and plies.
What is the blade size?
Blade size is the determinant of how deep you can cut. The bigger the blade is, the deeper and thicker your workable wood can be. The best size would be 4-1/5 inches. These saws are not very small and have enough torque and power delivery efficiency to work under pressure.
The bigger ones would be 5 inches or more than 5 inches. These also deliver more power, and more power can be an issue while handling with one hand. The smaller 3 inches ones are great for plies and good for metal, concrete, and tile works.
Speed matters
The high revolution of a saw can give you cleaner cuts and smooth operations. If the blades’ speed is not very high, it will leave the fibers open to touch, and this might need further retouching and sanding. It would be better to have an RPM of 3000 to 5000.
Dexterity and controls
As we are on compact saw reviews, it has to be the ones that can be handled with ease and ergonomics.
It is not necessary that the saw has to be the biggest or the tiniest one. It has to be the one that suits your style and your flow of work.
Some saws come with better handles and ergonomics. This handleability also depends on the weight distribution and overall weight of the saw unit. If the saw is comparatively a bigger one, it has to have grips for two hands. Smaller ones are easier to handle, but you also have to consider the smaller ones’ power.
Does it have enough safety mechanisms?
Hand saws are not a joke to pick up as a weapon. It has to have all the safety mechanisms to avoid any accidents. Blade covers are a must for an open designed saw. A spring-loaded mechanism on guard also helps keep the workflow smooth and easy.
Switch and button positioning is also important to keep everything safe when working. If your finger comes closer when pressing a button or triggering any switch, it might be an issue for further accidents. So, button positioning is important.
Portability is the Key
Not all the handheld circular saw comes with a carrying case, but having a case that fits will allow you to take it anywhere you want to. It should also be lightweight so that you can maneuver it with one hand or both of your hands to reach tight corners.
Cutting depth and angle
The bottom part of a handheld saw is called a shoe. The angle of the show determines what angle are you going to cut the piece f wood. By default, it is always straight. Some of the saws have the option to angle it sidewise to cut corners or bevels.
There are also options to adjust the height of your saw. Height adjustment is necessary for making holes and blanks for joints.
Small Circular Saw Types
Depending on the operations and workload, you will find several types of circular saws in the market. They might not have a huge difference in spec sheets, but you might find one better than the others while operating.
Sidewinder Saws
In the specification, the sidewinder has to be the most compact one. This has a motor on the side of the blade. The axel that the blade is attached is the axel of the engine. The motor drives the blade directly, and this keeps the whole process efficient for the saw mechanism.
These types of saws are more compact and lightweight. The speed of the blade s also higher than the other ones, but the torque will be less than the others. One other thing is that most of the sidewinder saws have their blade on the right side. You should pick this type of saw if you are a right-handed person.
Worm-Drive Saws
It’s a saw with a mechanism including a lot of gears and power shifting. These are more popular around the world for being the most powerful one. This type of saw motor is situated on the rear at an angle of 90 degrees with the saw blade.
The high torque is the main selling point of this saw. The speed of this saw is as low as 3000 to 4000 RPM. These machines are also heavier than the other compact saws. If you purchase this one, the maintenance and servicing might be a regular thing to consider to keep it safe and sound.
Abrasive Saws
These are more on the industrial side of saws. They are heavier and tougher. These are rarely portable, and in most cases, they are used for metal cutting. The main section of this saw is the high power motor. This motor can be either directly connected to the axel or have gears to join them.
The saw blade and the motor are on a bar. This bar can be raised and down to cut through wood or any materials placed on the bench. The bench can sometimes be called turntables. This can be turned in various degrees, depending on the materials and job.
This saw cuts effortlessly and has a perfect amount of power to cut through any material. The main downside of these saws is they are rarely portable and weigh more than 20 pounds.
Compact, Handheld Saw
Compact handheld saws are the most popular ones in the market that is bought by the DIY people. These are very small and can be handled by one hand. They are less power-hungry and also intakes small blades. They take blades up to three inches, which is low, but the torque becomes powerful due to small blades.
These are also versatile enough to cut plies, metal, and tiles. When you are purchasing these saws, they will come with three types of blades to work without barriers.
Circular Saw Maintenance
Mini circular hand saws do not generally need a lot of maintenance to work properly. As they are cheaper than the professional saws, the maintenance cost is also low as buying oil, nuts, and bolts.
Electric cord and circuits
A compact circular saw uses electricity to generate high speed and great power. Before you use your handheld circular saw, make sure that the cord it is connected to the outlet does not have any issues like leakages or torn parts.
You also have to check the outlets if it has proper fuse and voltage stabilizer so that any high voltage flow through the wire is not present. If your outlet does not have an adequate fuse or voltage stabilizer, you can buy a separate one to use with your saw.
Change the blades often.
The blade is the heaviest duty part of your circular saw blade. Due to cutting through many woods, metal, or concrete, the blade can wear off or gum up. This might create resistance while cutting, and this resistance can be a cause of machine malfunction.
After you have used your saw on a project, check and recheck the condition of the blade. If the blade is missing any teeth or has worn off, you might change it. You can wash your gummed blade if it has gummed up with wood resins.
Oiling and lubricating
As an electrical and industrial component, the joints and bearings have to stress out a lot. You have to make sure that they are well-greased and maintained after and before a long period.
You also have to make sure that the hose pipes are cleaned after use. Detach the axel’s blades and clean them with water and soap, and other lubes if needed.
Checking safety mechanisms
As handheld saws are a very powerful yet very dangerous tool to work with, you have to be sincere about not getting hurt by the blade by any means.
Make sure that the emergency cutoff button works. The spring-loaded cover is doing well with spring, fully covering the blade.
Conclusion
It has now been clear that all the circular saw blades are good at what they are supposed to do. From our recommendations, the best 4-1/2 compact circular saw is the one that suits all your needs, and from the spec sheet, you can figure them out easily.
If you are a total beginner, you can start with the one with the most safety features and accessories, and you can take it up to the professional level by working on your strategy. You surely will get better and faster with your choice of tool.