The Best Compact Circular Saw: A Mini Tool that’s Big on Versatility
Contents
- The Best Compact Circular Saws Are:
- 1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw
- 2. WORX WORXSAW 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw WX429L
- 3. Rockwell RK3441K 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw
- 4. Genesis GCS545C 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw
- 5. Dremel SM20-02 Compact Circular Saw Kit
- 6. Makita SH02R1 Cordless Compact Circular Saw
- 7. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Compact Circular Saw
- Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Compact Circular Saw
- Blades
- Cordless vs. Corded
- Focus on the Ergonomics
- Depth of Cut
- Safety
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A compact circular saw is a small, light power saw with a 3- to 5-1/2-inch blade. With the right blade it cuts wood, plastic, thin metal, and tile, and it is easier to handle than a full-size saw.
The trade-off is cut depth: most compact saws cut less than 1-3/4 inches deep. Below we review seven models and explain what to look for.
OUR TOP PICK
We just love the Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw as it is one of the lightest on the list and comes with three blades and a laser guide.
The Best Compact Circular Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw | 1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw | - No-load speed: 3,500 RPM - Blade: 24T carbide, 44T High-Speed, and a Diamond Blade - Weight: 4 pounds - Power Source: Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 2. WORX WORXSAW 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw WX429L | 2. WORX WORXSAW 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw WX429L | - No-load speed: 3,500 RPM - Blade: 4.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade - Weight: 4.4 pounds - Power Source: Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 3. Rockwell RK3441K 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw | 3. Rockwell RK3441K 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw | - No-load speed: 3,500 RPM - Blade: 4.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade - Weight: 5 pounds - Power Source:Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 4. Genesis GCS545C 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw | 4. Genesis GCS545C 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw | - No-load speed: 3,500 RPM - Blade: 4.5 inches, Tungsten Carbide-tipped blade - Weight: 6 pounds - Power Source:Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 5. Dremel SM20-02 Compact Circular Saw Kit | 5. Dremel SM20-02 Compact Circular Saw Kit | - No-load speed: 17,000 RPM - Blade: 3 inches, Carbide-tipped blade - Weight: 6.75 pounds - Power Source: Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 6. Makita SH02R1 Cordless Compact Circular Saw | 6. Makita SH02R1 Cordless Compact Circular Saw | - No-load speed: 1,500 RPM - Blade: 3.375 inches, 20T Carbide-tipped blade - Weight: 3.5 pounds - Power Source: Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
| 7. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Compact Circular Saw | 7. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Compact Circular Saw | - No-load speed: 3,700 RPM - Blade: 5.5 inches, Carbide-tipped blade - Weight: 6 pounds - Power Source: Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw
The Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut is an ultra-compact saw that weighs about 4 pounds. It is light enough for long sessions of overhead or one-handed work.
With the included blades it cuts softwood, hardwood, plywood, flooring, plastics, thin sheet metal, and tile. The motor runs at 3,500 RPM, and the slim grip lets you use it with one hand.
It has an inbuilt laser guide to help you follow the cut line. The pivoting metal guard allows plunge cuts; clamp the work and start the cut slowly, since plunge cuts are where small saws most often kick. A dust extraction adapter connects to a shop vacuum.
It comes with a carry case and three blades: a 24-tooth carbide blade for wood, a 44-tooth high-speed steel blade for plastic and soft metal, and a diamond blade for tile. Cutting tile makes silica dust, so connect a vacuum or cut outdoors and wear a dust mask.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 24T carbide, 44T High-Speed, and a Diamond Blade
- 4 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Three blades
- Dust extraction adapter
- Precise and quick depth adjustments
- Laser guide
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Small blade limits cut depth to about 1 inch
- Bevel cuts are a bit difficult with this machine
2. WORX WORXSAW 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw WX429L
For a lightweight, affordable saw, the WORXSAW is a good option. Its depth is easy to adjust, it runs at 3,500 RPM, and it comes with a 4-1/2-inch, 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade.
It comes with an easy-to-set depth gauge and it allows you to adjust the cutting angle up to 45 degrees. Compared with a top-rated circular saw using a 7-1/4-inch blade, it weighs about half as much. It cuts through a 2x4 laid flat in a single pass. The thin blade wastes little material.
It features a left-side blade design that offers you great cut-line visibility. The grip has an easy-to-reach lock-off trigger to prevent accidental starts. It comes with an Allen key, a parallel guide, and a vacuum adapter, and the vacuum port helps reduce mess indoors.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 4.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade
- 4.4 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Vacuum port
- Easy-to-reach safety trigger
- Accurate cutting
- 0 to 45 degrees bevel settings
- Light weight
Cons
- No laser guide
3. Rockwell RK3441K 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw
The Rockwell RK3441K is a 4-1/2-inch compact saw with a 5-amp motor that runs at up to 3,500 RPM. It is light enough to use for long periods.
A lock-off switch prevents the trigger from starting the saw by accident. Its maximum cut depth is about 1-11/16 inches, not the 2 inches or more of a full-size saw.
That is enough to cut a 2x4 laid flat in a single pass. The blade-left design gives a clear view of the cut line, and the inline, slim body is well balanced. At about 5 pounds, it is about half the weight of a typical 7-1/4-inch saw.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 4.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade
- 5 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Easy to handle and use
- Lock-off switch
- Left-hand blade design for clear cuts
Cons
- The power cord limits movement
4. Genesis GCS545C 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw
For a low-cost mini circular saw, consider the Genesis GCS545C. It weighs about 6 pounds and is easy to maneuver. It also reduces pressure in your arm while in use, thanks to its ergonomic handle. The compact design of this circular saw allows you to use it with just one hand, which frees the other hand to support or hold the material you are cutting.
The motor runs at up to 3,500 RPM. A triple gear reduction adds torque for its size.
It cuts 2x lumber laid flat with its tungsten carbide-tipped blade. The diameter of the blade is 4.5 inches and it comes in handy for all kinds of small cutting projects. It also comes with an inbuilt dust port and vacuum adaptor that helps to keep your cutting area visible and clear from sawdust. The adjustable bevel and depth settings of this machine offer a maximum cutting depth of 1.69 inches at 90 degrees and 1.13 inches at 45 degrees.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 4.5 inches, Tungsten Carbide-tipped blade
- 6 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Affordable
- Triple gear reduction for torque
- Lightweight
Cons
- It is a bit difficult to assemble
- Too shallow for 2x lumber at a 45-degree bevel
5. Dremel SM20-02 Compact Circular Saw Kit
The Dremel SM20-02 Saw-Max is built for precise one-handed cuts. Its 6-amp motor spins a 3-inch wheel at up to 17,000 RPM. With the matching wheel it cuts wood, plastic, metal, tile, and masonry.
The high speed means you must use only wheels rated for it. Wear eye protection, and control dust when cutting tile or masonry, which releases silica.
Its body is far smaller and lighter than a full-size worm drive saw. This machine also offers two wheel positions to help you complete many projects. The first position reduces the length of the exposed blade to make flush cuts. Whereas, the second is for performing plunge cuts and straight cuts. The one-hand design of this tool also enhances your line of sight for making precise and accurate cuts. It also comes with a cutting guide to enhance cutting accuracy.
This compact circular saw features a dust extraction port, which helps to keep the workspace clean and provide you with a clear cut-line. The weight of this tool is 6.75 pounds. It also features an adjustable depth control.
Specs
- 17,000 RPM
- 3 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 6.75 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Easy to control
- Ideal for a wide range of tasks
- Very high wheel speed
- Thin wheel
Cons
- The blades wear quickly
6. Makita SH02R1 Cordless Compact Circular Saw
The Makita SH02R1 is a 12V max CXT cordless saw. It does not come cheap, but it feels like a small version of a standard circular saw. The "R1" kit includes a battery and charger.
Its motor runs at 1,500 RPM, which is low, so it cuts slower than the corded saws here. It is best for thin sheet materials.
It comes with a 3.375 inches blade that delivers a maximum cutting depth of one inch. This tool also offers an adjustable cutting depth of 0.63 inches at 45 degrees and one inch at 90 degrees. The bevel cut capacity of this compact circular saw is from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. You can use this machine to cut MDF, plywood, particleboard, pegboard, drywall, melamine, and more.
The slim handle makes it easy to use, and being cordless, it is easy to maneuver.
Specs
- 1,500 RPM
- 3.375 inches, 20T Carbide-tipped blade
- 3.5 pounds
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great bevel cuts
- Cordless
- Portable
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Lacks a dust extraction adaptor
- A bit pricey
7. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Compact Circular Saw
The BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B is a cordless compact saw that weighs about 6 pounds. Operators with small hands will find it easy to use.
This is a cordless compact circular saw that uses the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max system. However, you need to purchase the battery and the charger of this tool separately. The motor runs at up to 3,700 RPM and takes a 5-1/2-inch blade, the largest on this list, so it cuts deepest. A rotorazer saw can be a good alternative.
This compact circular saw features a tool-free depth of cut, which makes the adjustment of the depth easy. A spring-loaded lower guard covers the blade when it is not cutting. Run time depends on the battery you use; a small battery drains quickly under heavy cutting.
Specs
- 3,700 RPM
- 5.5 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 6 pounds
- Battery-powered
Pros
- It is cordless
- Blade guard
- Lightweight
- Largest blade on the list
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Small batteries drain quickly
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Compact Circular Saw
Blades
Most mini circular saws come with a carbide-tipped wood blade, which is fine for small wood jobs.
For tile, metal, or masonry, buy a blade made for that material, and check that it is rated for your saw's speed. For cleaner cuts in wood, choose a blade with more teeth.
Blade size sets cut depth. Compact saws use blades from about 3-3/8 to 5-1/2 inches, and 4-1/2 inches is the most common size on this list.
Cordless vs. Corded
There are two types of circular saws in the market when it comes to power source: cordless and corded circular saws. However, the option you choose depends on the amount of power you desire from the tool. The nature of the task you want to execute will also play a role in the type of tool you will choose.
If you will cut for long periods, a corded saw avoids stops to charge the battery. A spare battery helps if you go cordless.
Nevertheless, cordless circular saws are the best option if you usually move around while working. Cordless circular saws are also ideal for outdoor jobs where you do not have access to a power outlet. However, corded circular saws tend to provide more power than most cordless units do.
Focus on the Ergonomics
The design of the tool should be one of your major focus. For easy handling and operation, you need to ensure that the tool you choose has an ergonomic design. The handle of the tool should fit in your hand properly. It should also feel very comfortable while holding it.
If you can, hold a saw before buying to check the grip and the trigger reach.
Depth of Cut
Compact saws on this list cut from about 1 inch deep (3-3/8-inch blades) to about 1-11/16 inches (4-1/2-inch blades). For 2x lumber at a bevel or thicker stock, use a full-size saw.
Safety
Compact saws are small, but the blade is still dangerous. Keep the lower guard working; OSHA requires portable circular saws to have guards above and below the base plate.
Clamp small workpieces instead of holding them, and unplug the saw or remove the battery before changing blades.
Final Thoughts
Compact circular saws are handy for trim, sheet goods, flooring, and small jobs, and they are much lighter than full-size saws. Our pick is the Rockwell RK3440K Ultra-Compact Circular Saw because of its great features such as laser guide, dust extraction adapter, three blades, and more.
