Sawing wood with round saws, also called circular saws, is the most common type of wood processing. The simplicity of the equipment, its relatively low cost, combined with high productivity, make it possible to use circular saws in all cutting operations, both in primary and secondary wood processing.
However, despite all the visible advantages, sawing with circular saws has one serious drawback. It lies in the difficulty of ensuring the stability of the circular saw in the cut. As a rule, a circular saw is installed on the saw shaft and fixed. A disk of large diameter but small thickness, having only one support in the center, works with significant loads, including those located outside the plane of the disk.
Due to insufficient rigidity, the disk deviates from the plane of rotation, heats up touching the walls of the cut, which leads to loss of working stability, which means defects and loss of time due to frequent machine stops. The only way to increase the lateral rigidity of a saw is to increase the thickness of the blade, which also leads to a decrease in the useful yield of lumber due to an increase in the amount of sawdust.
How to choose a hand-held circular saw for wood at home
A hand saw seems like a simpler tool than a stationary circular saw. However, it must be chosen very carefully, otherwise the instrument may disappoint.
Power
The average figure for a hand-held circular saw is 1.2 kW. If you need to equip a home workshop, and there are increased demands on performance, you can choose a model with 1.6 kW or higher.
Power type
Manual circular saws can be powered either by mains or by battery. As a rule, models with a built-in battery are less powerful and require regular recharging, but they can be used anywhere in the garden. Corded saws are always limited by the length of the cord; they must be plugged in close to an outlet or extended to the required location.
Disk rotation speed
For hand saws, this figure is usually 3000-6000 rpm. The higher the speed of the tool, the smoother and better the cut will be, even in very dense wood.
Attention! When comparing hand-held circular saws, the best models are those that can maintain a constant speed. They maintain the quality of the cut even in areas with hard knots.
The constant speed of rotation of the circular saw helps to achieve the highest quality cut
Angle adjustment
Some models of circular saws can only cut at right angles. But most devices support a tilt of 45 °, and they should be preferred.
Smooth start
If the circular saw is started immediately at full speed, this leads to an unpleasant jerking of the device in the hands. In addition, the engine in this case wears out faster. A soft start is responsible for ensuring that the tool starts working and accelerates gradually. This feature improves ease of use and extends the life of the saw.
Spindle lock
When changing a blade on a circular saw, the spindle must be locked. This can be done either using special keys or using a button on the device body. Push-button hand saws make changing attachments very quick and easy.
Overload protection
The circular saw may become very hot during operation. The built-in protection system will turn off the tool automatically if its temperature reaches the limit values.
Protection against accidental start
Some models of circular saws are equipped with an additional button to prevent accidental activation. To start the tool, you must first press this key, and then the normal start, which is quite difficult to do accidentally.
How to set up a saw for an even cut?
The saw blade must be strictly perpendicular to the support platform. This can be seen both in the position of the disk and in the degree scale on the adjusting arc. If the disk is at an angle:
- The locking screw is released.
- The platform tilts to the desired position.
- The screw is fixed.
You should be more careful with tightening. On some models, over-tightening can strip the threads or break off the head.
Then it depends on how and what to cut.
across the board
When cutting in this way, the length of the workpiece must be accurate. Use a tape measure to measure the desired size. Two marks are made with a pencil (marker, sharp object) - at the beginning of the future cut and at the end. The marks are connected by a line. This is the place of the future cut.
On the front part (end) of the platform of each manual circular saw there is a notch. It is located opposite the disk and shows where the cut will go. The notch is aligned with the cut marking and sawed, making sure that the notch follows the marking.
On different hand saws, the cut can be shifted 1-2 mm to the left or right of the mark. Therefore, when using a new saw for the first time, you should try it on unnecessary workpieces where the cut will actually go.
Sometimes it is more convenient to make a marking strip not at the place of the cut, but along the left edge of the platform. Then it will be easier to control the accuracy of the cut. With this marking, the full length of the workpiece is marked, the saw blade is placed against it, and a mark is made on the left along the edge of the platform.
When sawing problematic workpieces (hard, thick, steamed or twisted wood with twisted fibers), there is a possibility that the blade will move away from the mark. In such cases, instead of a mark, a guide block is screwed from the edge of the platform with screws or pressed with clamps. They saw, pressing the platform to the block.
Board along
The easiest way is to make a cut along the entire length on an edged board. To do this, use a support bar on two rods, which is included in the delivery of most models. Also, it is also called a rip fence.
Rip fence
The rods are inserted into the eyes on the platform. Set the desired cutting width and secure the rods with screws. They saw by pressing the support bar against the edged board. Pencil markings are not needed.
They are required when you need to cut a wedge-shaped blank from an edged board (one end is wider, the other is narrower) and for cutting along or trimming the wane of an unedged board. In these cases, a circular saw is used to follow the markings, similar to the cross-cut described above. But we must remember that longitudinal cuts are many times longer than transverse ones.
At the same time, the engine operates with a fairly large load, especially on thick boards (35-50 mm). Therefore, they saw, moving the circular saw at such a speed that the engine does not lose speed, and the disk has time to select the wood and throw sawdust out of the cut.
Which blade is best for a hand-held circular saw?
When choosing a hand-held circular saw for your home, it is important to pay attention to the attachment:
- For a medium-power household appliance, 185 mm discs are suitable.
- Semi-professional devices are distinguished by increased cutting wheel sizes - up to 210 mm.
- Professional tools have the widest discs up to 235 mm.
The smoothest cut is ensured by discs with frequent and small teeth.
The more teeth the cutting disc has, the smoother the edge. In particular, it is recommended to choose:
- 50-60 teeth for a neat, almost planed cut;
- 40 teeth for standard cutting;
- 18-25 teeth for sawing wood along the grain.
Advice! When choosing, you need to take into account the maximum rotation speed for a particular wheel; it must be greater than the declared spindle speed.
Why does it cut crookedly?
The disc cuts the line to which it is directed. In this case, the tool should be held or pressed against the guide firmly enough so that it does not move to the side.
If, despite all efforts, the cut turns out to be crooked, the reason is an unusable disc. A scorched disc with double-sided blue spots may begin to wobble at the slightest heat. If the teeth on one side are normal, but on the other they are knocked out or dull, the saw may pull in one direction, no matter how hard you try to hold it.
Rating of inexpensive circular hand saws
If a circular saw is rarely needed at home, then there is usually no point in spending money on expensive devices. Construction stores have quite a few budget but functional hand tools.
Ryobi RWSL 1801M
The cordless hand saw is equipped with a 150 m blade and makes a neat cut in wood - 45 mm for straight and 32 mm for acute angles. Equipped with protection against accidental start-up, the model has a spindle lock. The handle of the saw is rubberized, so it is comfortable to hold.
You can buy a Ryobi circular saw for 5,500 rubles
AEG KS 55-2
The unit with a power of 1.2 kW operates from the network and maintains a speed of 6100 rpm. The diameter of the nozzle is 165 mm. The circular saw is quite lightweight, has a 4 m cable, and you can work with it within the confines of your home or garage without resorting to extension cords. You can connect a vacuum cleaner to the device to collect sawdust directly during operation.
Among the disadvantages of the model, users note the lack of a soft start; the saw starts working immediately at maximum speed.
The cost of the AEG KS 55-2 hand saw is 9,400 rubles
Stanley STSC1618
The circular saw is suitable for cutting wood lengthwise and crosswise, as well as for processing chipboard and plywood. The engine power is 1.6 kW, the angle of the tool attachment can be adjusted up to 45 degrees. The model has an effective sawdust removal system and supports the connection of a vacuum cleaner. The body of the circular saw is light and durable, and it is comfortable to hold the tool. An accidental start blocker is provided, although users note that the location chosen for it is not the best.
The average cost of a Stanley hand saw starts from 5,900 rubles
Top 10 best hand-held circular saws in terms of quality and reliability
When choosing a circular saw for your home, you can study an overview of the most reliable models. The user rating contains tools with a reasonable price but good quality characteristics.
Hammer CRP 1500 D
The cordless circular saw for the home copes well not only with wood, but also with metals. Suitable for the workshop and for garden work, it has a productivity of 1.5 kW, and is equipped with a laser that ensures precise cutting. The safety of the tool is ensured by a lock button against accidental start; you can connect a vacuum cleaner to the device so that sawdust does not fly away in all directions.
The cost of a Hammer circular saw starts from 3900 rubles
Makita HS7601
The popular 1.2 kW hand saw is suitable for vertical and angled cuts. Maintains a speed of 5200 revolutions per minute, copes with wood, metal or plaster. The width of the disk is 190 mm; during operation, the device is not as noisy as other circular models. You can connect a construction vacuum cleaner to the saw.
Among the advantages of the tool, users also note the cast metal base, rubberized handles and the absence of backlash. The model comes with 2 additional discs and a parallel stop.
You can buy a Makita hand saw for 6,900 rubles
Military DS1250
An inexpensive circular saw for cutting boards, timber and soft metals, it has a power of 1.25 kW and comes with a 185 mm blade. It receives power from the mains, weighs only 3.4 kg, and is easy to carry from place to place. During operation, it hardly vibrates, but the model also has a minus - there is no locking on the case against accidental activation.
The Military hand saw is inexpensive, only 2400 rubles
Bort BHK-185U
The circular saw with a 185 mm blade copes with wood and other materials up to 64 mm thick. It is easy to use, has an ergonomic body with a rubberized handle. Maintains a maximum speed of 4500 and makes cuts quickly. The disadvantages include the weak fastening of the screw responsible for adjusting the depth of cut.
The average price of a Bort hand saw is 3,400 rubles
Status CP90U
The universal saw has a power of only 0.6 kW, but operates at a speed of 5500 rpm. The diameter of the discs is 89 mm, the tool is suitable for both cutting wood and processing metal to a depth of 3 mm. The model is equipped with a laser sight and a parallel stop, they improve the quality of work and help maintain clear lines.
You can buy a Status hand saw for 6,300 rubles
Black&Decker CS10004
A high-quality and easy-to-use circular saw is suitable for processing wood of any hardness. The device weighs only 3.6 kg, is powered from a household network and has a power of 1.4 kW. The wide disc attachment can cut not only vertically, but also at an adjustable angle of up to 45 °C.
Black&Decker is relatively inexpensive - 3900 rubles
Einhell TC-CS 860 Kit
A mid-budget circular saw with a low power of 0.45 kW supports 6000 revolutions and is equipped with a blade with a width of 85 mm. Can cut to a depth of 23 mm.
Important! The model is very miniature and takes up almost no space in the apartment; it can be freely placed on the balcony or in the closet.
You can buy a compact Einhell circular saw for 5,300 rubles
Interskol DP-210/1900 M
The circular saw has a high-quality assembly without any signs of play. Supplied with an aluminum base, it is mains powered and supports 5000 rpm at 1.9 kW. The model is capable of making both straight and oblique cuts with a disk blade with a width of 210 mm. Among the advantages, it is especially worth noting the presence of a soft start, which protects the engine from premature wear.
The price of an Interskol hand saw averages 6,100 rubles
Diold DP-0.55 MF
The domestically produced unit is suitable for wood and metal work. It has a very small weight - only 2 kg. With a low power rating of 0.55 kW, it rotates 4500 revolutions per minute, and the disc width is 85 mm. The tool is capable of cutting with a depth of 25 mm.
The model does not provide for smooth start-up and constant speed maintenance. But it can work with a guide rail, which significantly increases the clarity and accuracy of the cut.
You can buy a Russian hand saw Diold for 4,000 rubles
Bosch GKS 190
A small circular saw with a 190 mm blade can easily cut through dense wood. The device is equipped with a 1.4 kW motor and has a high rotation speed of the nozzle - 5500 rpm. Can perform bevel cuts up to 56°, equipped with a turbo fan to clean the working area from chips and sawdust.
Bosch GKS price - about 7,400 rubles
Rip sawing with circular saws
Rip sawing with circular saws is the most common type of wood cutting. These are machines that saw logs, carriages and beams into boards, as well as edging, notching, slatting, rib, etc.
The main load during longitudinal sawing falls on the main cutting edges of the saw teeth. They cut the wood fibers and form the bottom of the cut. The side cutting edges process the cut walls.
Longitudinal sawing occurs at high speeds of the main movement (50...70 m/s) and feed (up to 120 m/min). The equipment has a relatively simple design, is easy to use, but can be integrated into technological chains to automate processes. Sawdust losses reach 12...16% of the sawing volume.
Rating of the best hand-held wood circular saws for the home in 2021
When choosing a home circular saw, you can familiarize yourself with the best models that have earned high ratings from users. Such devices support cutting of any wood, regardless of its hardness, and the price remains affordable for everyone.
Bosch PKS 40
The 0.85 kW manual device copes with both longitudinal and cross cuts. Equipped with the CutControl system, which monitors the evenness of the cut, and is equipped with a pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner. The set also comes with a 40-tooth attachment, which is suitable for most cuts. Comes with a solid molded sole, easy to hold with one hand. The only disadvantage users consider is the lack of speed control.
You can buy a Bosch PKS hand saw for 5,100 rubles
ZUBR ZPD-2000
The semi-professional circular saw has a productivity of 2 kW. It maintains a speed of 4500 revolutions, cuts to a depth of 70 mm and copes with almost any solid wood.
It is equipped with a parallel stop and a 210 mm disk, a key for changing attachments. The safety of the device is ensured by the spindle lock and 2 metal casings, and the safety of the engine is ensured by a smooth start.
With all the advantages, the ZUBR ZPD-2000 is quite inexpensive - 4,700 rubles
DeWalt DWE560
Lightweight hand saw with a weight of 3.7 kg suitable for working with solid wood, boards, chipboard and plywood. The productivity of the device is 1.35 kW, the tool comes complete with a 184 mm disk.
When using a saw, you can adjust the angle of the attachment and the depth of the cut, and this is done without a key. The device is comfortable for the hands, accurate and neat, with a low noise level - about 88 dB.
The average cost of a DeWalt circular saw is 8,100 rubles
Rating of hand-held circular saws with soft start
One of the most important additional options for circular saws is soft start. It is rarely found in budget models; usually devices that support this option are expensive. But if a manual unit is needed for constant use, it makes sense to spend money on a model with a gradual increase in speed.
Crown CT15134-165
The powerful 1.3 kW device is equipped with a disk attachment with a diameter of 165 mm. It makes 5000 revolutions within a minute, but when turned on, it starts smoothly and does not twitch in the user’s hands. The model also allows you to adjust the speed, and it is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner. The device is equipped with a guide rail for easier and more convenient operation.
The Crown CT15134-165 hand saw is not cheap - about 15,000 rubles
Makita SP6000
The functional circular saw has increased productivity; it is capable of making 5800 revolutions with a power of 1.3 kW. The device has a medium-sized blade, 165 mm, and the model weighs 4.4 kg. Equipped with a soft start and speed control system, equipped with a special tire to improve cutting accuracy.
The Makita soft-start saw is priced at 17,000 rubles
DeWalt DWS520K
The 1.3 kW manual device belongs to the semi-professional category. At a speed of 4000 rpm it performs a very neat and smooth cut, copes not only with dense wood, but also with metals. The position of the support sole can be changed at an angle of up to 47°, speed adjustment and smooth start-up of the device are provided.
A DeWalt saw with a smooth engine start is expensive - from 28,000 rubles
What devices should I use with a circular saw for an even cut?
In addition to the complete guide bar, guide bars of various designs are used together with manual circular saws. With their help, you can evenly trim both edged and unedged boards without pencil markings.
The difference between tires and a guide bar is that the bar moves along the already cut, even edge of the board. And the guide rail is installed on top of the board and at the required distance. The electric saw moves along the bar or inside the bar, depending on the design of the guide. Tires come in two fundamentally different options.
- A flat plane along which the saw moves.
- The grooved plane as the saw blade moves inside the bar.
The first option is the simplest. As such a guide rail, you can use available materials - a flat block, a rail, a corner.
Dozens of varieties of such devices are offered for sale. There are also many videos on the Internet on how to make guides for such work with your own hands.
We also recommend reading an interesting article with tips that will help you choose a circular saw.
