If you’re looking to make cuts in tight spaces, a full-size circular saw might be challenging to use. For such instances, a compact circular saw is an excellent alternative.
This power tool is much smaller in size with blades that average 3 ⅜ inches long. They may be corded electric or cordless, meaning they’re powered using batteries. They come at reasonable prices too.
Want to buy the best compact circular saws? We’ve got you covered. In the following post, we’ve reviewed top-rated mini circular saws and included a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision
Reviews of the 5 Best Compact Circular Saws
1. Makita SH02R1 CXT Cordless Circular Saw
Have you been searching for the best cordless compact circular saw that’s also affordable? If you have, the Makita SH02R1 CXT is the ultimate choice.
Measuring 14.5” by 8” by 10.2”, and weighing under 4 pounds, it’s one of the most compact saws on the market.
Despite its compact size, Makita SH02R1 comes equipped with a 3 3/8 -inch blade that can easily cut at a decent speed of 1,500 rpm. It offers a maximum cutting depth of 5/8 inches at 45 degrees and 1 inch at 90 degrees.
Makita SH02R1 compact circular saw is powered by two 12V Max CXT lithium-ion batteries. We particularly like that the batteries have a slide-style design, which provides better ergonomics and balance over pod-style batteries.
However, this circular saw’s key strength is the fact that it can be used for flooring and trimming. It's very easy to maneuver, which prevents you from having to haul around a full-sized circular saw or a miter saw so that you can make cuts in a straight line.
Another feature you’re sure to love about Makita SH02R1 12V Max entails an ergonomically-designed handle. It has a rubberized soft grip that enhances user comfort. This prevents operator fatigue even when you work for an extended period.
Also present on the cordless circular saw is a dust blower. This captures all the dust; hence, keeping your cutting line free of debris.
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Cons
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive circular saw kit, the Rockwell RK3440K Versacut is precisely what you need. It's a corded compact model that comes with a wide range of attachments, offering you maximum value for money.
Let’s start with the fact that it’s shipped with an edge guide. This is useful for simplifying long cuts at a given distance from the material’s edge.
On top of this, you’ll find two hex wrenches. These come in handy when you want to make necessary adjustments to the blade. Lastly, a bag has been provided to help you keep all these accessories neatly arranged.
It also includes three sets of blades, making the Rockwell RK3440K mini saw highly versatile. It can be used to cut a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and tile. The blades are driven by a powerful motor, which has a 4.0 amp capacity. This motor delivers a speed of 3500 rpm.
The icing on the cake, however, is the pivoting metal guard this tool comes equipped with. This makes it possible to perform plunge cuts.
The laser guide is another feature that sets this ultra-compact circular saw apart. It projects a laser beam, helping you align your blade properly; hence, cut in a straight line.
Plus, there’s a vacuum adapter, resulting in a pretty efficient dust extraction method. This way, you'll never have to worry about dust or dirt getting in your way and compromising visibility.
Pros
Cons
If you have a shoestring budget, you’re probably not planning to spend a ton of money. In that regard, the Worx WX429L Worxsaw is the best compact circular saw available.
Measuring 18.11” by 3.7” by 5.31”, the Worx Worxsaw is pretty small in size. But this doesn’t take away from the fact that it can be used for several light-duty applications.
The heart of this mini saw lies in the 4.0 amp motor it’s equipped with. Sure, it’s not as powerful as what you’d get from a full-size model. But we like that it uses this power very efficiently, so you’ll never experience a drop or dip in performance.
Better yet, this tool offers a pretty decent cutting power. It can cut stock up to a maximum depth of 2 inches. In fact, it’s even suitable for tackling 2 by 4s within a single pass. It manages a speed of 3500 rpm.
When it comes to handling, the Worx WX429L Compact really sets itself apart. It boasts an even weight distribution; hence, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. And, it has an ultra-soft grip that comprises a built-in safety switch that’s easy to access when activating the trigger.
The blade design on this 4 1/2 inch circular saw is also unique. While most compact circular saws have their blades positioned on the rear, the blade on this tool is positioned on the left. Thankfully, this positioning still allows you to have a clear and unobstructed view of the cutline.
Achieving precise cuts when using a mini circular saw can be particularly challenging. Worx understands this which is why they’ve incorporated a parallel guide attachment, making it incredibly easy to keep the saw aligned.
Another thing you’ll like is the strategic location of the saw’s depth gauge. It’s positioned right next to the blade, meaning all the operator has to do is reach over and make the necessary adjustment.
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Despite being a fairly recent brand, Rockwell has quickly established a reputation for itself in the power tool industry. Thus, it’s not surprising that another one of their innovative tools has made it to our list.
The Rockwell RK3441K is an excellent example of a circular saw that is compact and powerful. Factor in its low price tag, and you have a mini circular saw that’s ideal for DIY projects, especially in instances where there's limited storage ability.
While it’s small in size, this saw doesn’t compromise its functionality. It’s powered by a 5.0 amp motor that spins the blade at an astounding speed of 3500 RPM. Most handheld circular saws manage a speed of just 2,500 rpm. So the Rockwell RK3441K is certainly a cut above the rest.
Another feature that makes this small circular saw unique is the fact that it has a longer blade. While most mini saws have a 3 3/8-inch blade, the blade diameter on this unit is 4 1/2 inches.
Better yet, the manufacturer has equipped it with a spindle lock, facilitating swift and safe blade changes.
Also important to note is that the motor on Rockwell RK3441K is located in the handle. This gives you ultimate control of the saw's weight, resulting in a more balanced feel.
The compact mini circular also comes fitted with a built-in vac port to facilitate an efficient dust collection system.
Pros
Cons
If you’ve been shopping for a compact circular saw for a while, you’ve probably noticed that the majority use 4-amp motors. Need a compact saw that is a little more powerful? Then the Tacklife TCS115A is the ideal investment.
This circular saw is equipped with a 5.8 amp motor, giving you more cutting power to work with. Thanks to this motor, you get an impressive speed of 3,500 rpm, and you’ll be able to tackle most cutting jobs that can be handled by the larger, full-size models.
Another reason why this is considered one of the best mini circular saws entails the array of blades provided in the saw kit. Included in the package are two 24T blades. Each of these is a carbide-tipped blade, making it ideal for chopping wood.
The second pair of blades are made of high-speed steel (HSS) and contain 60 teeth per inch. These are meant for slicing through soft metal. The last blade design comprises grit diamond, making the blades suitable for tougher materials.
The scaled gauge is another feature that makes this Tacklife TCS115A saw exceptional. It allows you to set the blade at either 90° or 45°, and perform bevel cuts. This allows you to get a cutting depth of 1 ⅜ inch at 45 degrees and 1 11/16 inches at 90 degrees.
Moreover, the blade is designed to sit on the left side, offering an unobstructed view of the cut line. Safety is also guaranteed thanks to the double protection switch that prevents accidental start-ups.
The metal handle onboard this power tool is yet another unique feature. The metallic construction provides a stronger clamping force, allowing you to make more stable cuts whilst minimizing fatigue. Add to this the laser guide, and you have everything you need to perform highly-accurate cuts.
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What a Compact Circular Saw is Best For
Whether you’re a woodworker, machinist, or contractor, there are times when you need a portable cutting tool that can slice through any material.
For such instances, there’s no power tool better than a compact circular saw. This piece of equipment is usually a fraction of the size and weight of a full size circular saw.
This makes it super easy to carry from your workshop to the jobsite. This also means that you can wield it in your hands for a prolonged time without getting overly fatigued.
The best part is, this mini circular saw can be used to perform different types of cuts. Here’s a list of things that you can do with this tool:
Use it as a Miter Saw
One of the things we like about this saw is that it doubles up as a miter saw. All you need to do is attach a tilting shoe underneath, and transform it into a miter saw.
Use it for Bevel Cutting
The fact that you can transform a mini circular saw into a miter saw automatically means that you can use it to make bevel cuts as well.
Chopping Long Plywood
Another handy use of a compact mini circular saw entails using it to slice through long plywood. Just be sure to place a support structure underneath the plywood so as to keep it straight.
Performing Rip Cuts
Miter and bevel cuts aren’t the only kind you can perform with the best compact circular saw. You can make quick rip cuts too and this saves you from having to bring the massive table saw with you.
As long as you place an edge guide underneath and attach it to the circular saw’s rear, then you should be able to make accurate rip cuts within seconds.
How to Choose a Compact Circular Saw
Are you having a difficult time trying to find the best compact circular saw? Here are a couple of points you should keep in mind:
Power
Sure, you probably don’t plan to use your mini saws for heavy-duty projects.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should compromise on power. The best compact saw is one that will offer enough power to tackle your projects without necessarily adding to its weight.
On that note, look for models that have at least a 4-amp power rating. The higher the amperage, the more power the tool can generate. This will, in turn, help you slice through harder materials and cut faster.
If you’re planning to tackle harder materials like metal or concrete, then ensure your small circular saw has a more powerful motor. The Tacklife TCS115A- with its 5.8 amp motor; and the RK3441K by Rockwell- with a 5.0 amp motor, are ideal examples of such powerful, small circular saws.
Accuracy
For the most part, compact saws are more accurate than their full-size counterparts. Thanks to the position of the handle on these smaller tools, they provide a clearer cut line, and as a result, you’re able to perform precise cuts.
To be specific, this handle is usually positioned on the blade’s rear as opposed to being on the side. This helps you avoid the whole right- or left-sided blade argument that arises when it comes to full size circular saws.
According to experts, the blade should be positioned on the right if you’re left-handed, and vice versa. With a compact circular saw though, you’ll never have to worry about what side the handle or blade is on.
Cord vs Cordless
Another grand decision you’ll have to make is picking between corded and cordless circular saws.
A mini circular saw will either be connected to an electrical outlet via a power cord or have a battery compartment for a cordless operation. Here’s a brief overview of each:
Corded Compact Circular Saws
The biggest drawback of using these compact saws is that they’re limited in range by the length of the power cord. Since they have to be plugged into an electrical outlet to operate, you can only work as far as the power cord allows you.
On a more positive note, this compact saw will offer benefits like a consistent and stable speed, higher torque, and continuous electrical power. That said, be mindful of the power cord’s placement. If it’s not well-positioned, it may pose a tripping hazard and result in severe injury.
Cordless Compact Circular Saws
With a cordless compact saw, you’ll never have to worry about the availability of electrical outlets.
These small circular saws are powered using batteries. Therefore, your only concern is that the tool has a fully charged or replaceable battery. Otherwise, you can carry it with you and use it in any outdoor space.
The disadvantage with this is that some batteries don’t last that long. It can be quite frustrating if the battery runs low when you’re mid-way through your project.
Blade
The blade design is another factor worth considering. More specifically, you'll want to pay attention to the blade diameter, which determines the material it can cut.
Some blades are designed to cut through tile, others can cut wood, plastic, and even concrete. The good thing is that saw blades come labeled with the category of materials they can slice through.
Another factor you should consider is the material used in the blade's construction. Whenever possible, opt for a carbide-tipped blade rather than one made of steel. With a carbide-tipped blade, it cuts faster without binding and maintains its sharpness for longer.
Cutting Depth
The majority of these compact circular saws have a maximum cutting depth of between 1 and 2 inches. This means that you may not get as much cutting depth as you would from their full-size counterparts.
But if your projects involve cutting small stock, this cutting depth is more than adequate for your applications. If you’re planning to tackle very large workpieces, then you’ll likely have to invest in a full-size circular saw.
Vibration
If you’re planning to use your compact saw for extended periods of time, then you could benefit from one with an anti-vibration system.
This way, you don’t have to worry about the side effects that stem from using vibrating power tools like circular saws.
Dust Management
If you’ve had an opportunity to use an ordinary circular saw, then you have a rough idea of just how fast dust accumulates.
It is why it’s crucial that every circular saw has a dust management system. It’s even more important for a compact saw because there’s little room around the blade and housing. This means that any dust that accumulates in this area can be a real pain to clean.
To avoid this, always look for a mini circular saw that has either a dust port or vacuum adapter for an efficient dust collection method.
Safety Features
Anytime you’re using a power tool, safety should be your top priority. This is particularly so when the equipment in question is fitted with a sharp and rapidly spinning blade.
To mitigate the risk of injury, compact circular saws have several safety features. For instance, some have retracting blade guards to prevent the blade from coming into contact with your skin. Others have blade brakes that bring the blade to an immediate stop once the trigger is activated.
You may come across other small sized circular saws that contain a secondary trigger switch. These tools are designed in this way to prevent the blades from accidentally starting up unless the two trigger switches are engaged.
Ease of Use
The most essential features that you look for when purchasing a compact circular saw are the kind of blade and power rating. But there are a few other features that can make this tool much easier to use. These include:
Laser Guide
One particular feature you’re likely to find in the best-rated mini circular saws is a laser guide. Ideally, it should be mounted on the saw’s top so that it can direct a beam at the material being cut. This enables you to cut accurately and make extremely straight cuts.
Bevel and Depth Adjustments
For compact circular saws that can be used for bevel cuts, they may allow certain adjustments. More specifically, they allow you to tweak the cutting angle and depth; hence achieving your desired cuts.
Carrying Cases
Given how small and compact these saws are, it’s not unusual to find a few that have carrying bags. These cases are particularly handy if the circular saw is sold with multiple accessories like extra blades, wrenches, and more.
Tips for Using a Compact Circular Saw
Whenever you’re using a compact circular saw, here are a few tips you should take into account:
- Never push the power tool too aggressively into the workpiece.
- When you’re lining up the stock, be sure to keep your fingers off the trigger switch.
- Exercise patience and wait for the blade to come to a complete halt.
- When you’re done cutting, remember to unplug the saw if you’re using a corded electric model.
- Measure twice before you embark on the cutting process. This is because once the saw kicks into action, there’s no turning back.
- Always set the blade to the correct height. The rule of thumb here is that the blade ought to be ⅛” lower than the workpiece. If you set the saw too low, you’ll end up with unclean cuts
- Set your stock so that the good side faces down since the blade is designed to spin upwards.
- Use the right blade for your project. For instance, if you’re cutting metal, then use a blade that’s powerful enough to slice through such material.
FAQs
What are compact circular saws good for?
If you’re looking for a powerful but portable cutting tool, a compact circular saw is a great choice. It packs a ton of power in a small package, making it light enough to carry around without compromising on its cutting capability.
Are mini circular saws safer?
Mini circular saws aren’t any safer than their full-size counterparts. It all depends on the safety mechanisms equipped in each tool, and how effectively you use it.
It’s important that you first learn to use the compact saw safely, and configure the right settings. Similarly, never try to overreach when making cuts and unplug whenever the saw is idle.
What is a mini circular saw?
This is merely another name for a compact circular saw. It means its size and weight are a fraction of its full-sized counterpart.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for the best compact circular saws, one that comes highly recommended is the Makita SH02R1 CXT.
It measures 14.5” by 8” by 10.2” and tips the scales at 3.5 pounds, resulting in a fairly compact kit. The circular saw itself is equipped with a 3 ⅜-inch blade that provides a decent cutting depth of 1 inch. The base of the saw can be tilted, helping you perform bevel cuts in the range of 0° to 45°. And the best part is that it can be used to slice through different materials, including melamine and drywall.