Corded vs Cordless Circular Saw: Which Is More Reliable?
Contents
- Corded vs Cordless Circular Saw: Some Reviews
- 1. Makita 5007MG Magnesium Circular Saw: Overall Best
- 2. Skilsaw Southpaw Circular Saw: Best Direct Drive Design
- 3. Dewalt DWE575SB Circular Saw: Best Electric Brake
- 4. Makita XSS02Z Circular Saw: Overall Best
- 5. Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw: Best Portable Design
- 6. Porter-Cable PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw: Most Lightweight Design
- How To Pick The Right Tool
- Style Of Circular Saw
- Blade Size Or Diameter
- Safety Features
- Cordless Vs Corded Circular Saw: Which Is The Better Option?
- Power
- Cost of Replacement Parts
- Portability
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Photo by Mj-bird, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This has been a matter of discussion for a long time among woodworkers: Corded vs Cordless Circular Saw, which one is the better investment?
Cordless saws have improved a lot, with longer runtime, faster charging, and brushless motors on many models. Corded saws still win on unlimited runtime and full-size blades.
Here is how the two compare, and which suits your professional or DIY work.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top corded circular saw pick is the Makita 5007MG. It offers you the best features you will need at a jobsite, including a 7-1/4-inch blade size, proven cutting performance, and large cutting capacity.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top cordless circular saw pick is the Makita XSS02Z. It is a light 18V LXT saw with a 6-1/2-inch blade that is easy to carry around a job site.
Corded vs Cordless Circular Saw: Some Reviews
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Makita 5007MG Magnesium Circular Saw | 1. Makita 5007MG Magnesium Circular Saw Top Corded | - Magnesium components - 15-amp motor - Large cutting capacity - Built-in LED light - Built-in dust blower | Check Current Price |
| 2. Skilsaw Southpaw Circular Saw | 2. Skilsaw Southpaw Circular Saw | - All magnesium construction - 10-foot power cord - Dual-field motor - Large cutting capacity - Worm drive styled guards | Check Current Price |
| 3. Dewalt DWE575SB Circular Saw | 3. Dewalt DWE575SB Circular Saw | - Patented 15-amp motor - Best electric brake - Large beveling capacity - Superior no load speed - Integrated dust blower | Check Current Price |
| 4. Makita XSS02Z Circular Saw | 4. Makita XSS02Z Circular Saw Top Cordless | - Powered by 18-volt LXT Li-ion battery - 3,700 RPM motor - Precision machined base - Rubberized soft grip handle - Maximum bevel capacity of 50 degrees | Check Current Price |
| 5. Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw | 5. Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw | - Powered by a 20-volt max battery - 5,150 rpm motor - High strength magnesium shoe - Bevel capacity of 0 to 50 degrees - Rubber over-molded comfort grip | Check Current Price |
| 6. Porter-Cable PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw | 6. Porter-Cable PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw | - Powered by a 20-volt max battery - High-performance motor - Wide beveling shoe pivots - Large cutting capacity - Contoured over-molded handle | Check Current Price |
1. Makita 5007MG Magnesium Circular Saw: Overall Best
The Makita 5007MG is a refined circular saw that features a powerful industrial motor and highly durable magnesium components.
Specs
- Magnesium components
- 15-amp motor
- Large cutting capacity
- Built-in LED light
- Built-in dust blower
Makita lists a 15-amp, 5,800 RPM motor and 0-56 degree bevel capacity with positive stops at 22.5, 45, and 56 degrees. It cuts 2-1/2 inches deep at 90 degrees and weighs 10.6 pounds.
But the thing is, the guard can easily get stuck in the workpiece, and if you don’t notice this it might ruin your cut.
Pros
- Lightweight magnesium components
- Large cutting capacity
- Multiple positive stops for added versatility
- Dust blower clears the line of cut
- Built-in LED illuminates the workpiece
Cons
- Blade guard may get stuck
- Baseplate may be misaligned
Conclusion
The Makita 5007MG is a great corded circular saw for framing, plunge cutting, and bevel cutting.
Overall Rating – 4.8
2. Skilsaw Southpaw Circular Saw: Best Direct Drive Design
The Skilsaw Southpaw features lightweight magnesium components and superior cord length for professionals as well as every day jobsite use.
Specs
- All magnesium construction
- 10-foot power cord
- Dual-field motor
- Large cutting capacity
- Worm drive styled guards
This corded saw features a rugged, lightweight, and durable all magnesium construction, including the foot, upper and lower guards, and motor housing.
It is powered by a 15-amp dual-field motor, which is great because it provides the ideal balance of power and cooling to make the toughest cuts.
But there is one significant challenge with the sidewinder design, weight distribution is poor. It tends to sit on the workpiece.
Pros
- Increased cut line visibility and accuracy
- Dual-field motor has superior cooling
- All magnesium design is lightweight and durable
- Long 10-foot power cord improves maneuverability
- Cut ready depth of cut adds versatility
Cons
- Poor weight distribution
- Some models may come with an uneven base
Conclusion
If you want a lightweight direct drive circular saw that offers you the visibility of a worm drive saw, then look no further than the Skilsaw Southpaw.
Overall Rating – 4.8
3. Dewalt DWE575SB Circular Saw: Best Electric Brake
The Dewalt DWE575SB is a compact and high performing model, redesigned to be one of the lightest corded circular saws in its class.
Specs
- Patented 15-amp motor
- Best electric brake
- Large beveling capacity
- Superior no load speed
- Integrated dust blower
At 8.8 pounds, the Dewalt DWE575SB is light for a corded 7-1/4-inch saw. DEWALT lists a a 57-degree bevel capacity and 2-9/16-inch depth of cut.
This saw has a 15-amp motor, which is great because it provides plenty of power in a compact size and very smooth cutting performance.
But the thing is, you don’t get the advertised contractor bag, which is quite disappointing.
Pros
- Lightweight construction reduces user fatigue
- Electric brake stops the blade after you release the trigger
- Delivers plenty of power for a compact design
- Heavy-duty power cord is resistance to pull out
- Ergonomic handle is well-balanced and comfort
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the advertised contractor bag
- Blade tends to wear out faster than usual
Conclusion
The Dewalt DWE575SB comes with exceptional features, which provide superior performance and long life in dusty environments.
Overall Rating – 4.7
4. Makita XSS02Z Circular Saw: Overall Best
The Makita XSS02Z is a 6-1/2-inch cordless circular saw that runs on Makita's 18-volt LXT batteries.
Specs
- Powered by 18-volt LXT Li-ion battery
- 3,700 RPM motor
- Precision machined base
- Rubberized soft grip handle
- Maximum bevel capacity of 50 degrees
Makita lists a 3,700 RPM motor, 2-1/4-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees, and 7.3-pound weight with battery. Note that it uses a brushed motor; Makita's brushless 6-1/2-inch model is the XSH03Z.
It is possible to receive a model that doesn’t come with a dust nozzle attachment, and you might not find a part number for ordering the attachment.
Pros
- Light at 7.3 pounds with battery
- Precision machined aluminum base
- 0-50 degree bevel capacity
- Works with Makita's large 18V LXT battery lineup
Cons
- May not come with a dust nozzle
- Charger and battery are not included
Conclusion
The Makita XSS02Z delivers cordless convenience for cutting sheet goods and 2x lumber, though it cuts shallower than a 7-1/4-inch saw.
Overall Rating – 4.8
5. Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw: Best Portable Design
If you don’t want the hassle of running into tangling extension cords, then you should consider buying the Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw.
Specs
- Powered by a 20-volt max battery
- 5,150 rpm motor
- High strength magnesium shoe
- Large bevel capacity of 0 to 50 degrees
- Rubber over-molded comfort grip
This unique tool has a high strength magnesium shoe, which is great because it provides high strength and jobsite durability.
DEWALT lists a 5,150 rpm motor and 0 to 50 degree bevel capacity, and its 6-1/2-inch blade cuts 2x material at 90 and 45 degrees.
Some users find the lock-off button awkward, since it must be pressed before the trigger will pull. It is there to prevent accidental starts.
Pros
- Lightweight magnesium shoe is highly durable
- Large bevel capacity for superior cutting
- Overmolded grip allows for consistent hand placement
- 20-volt battery offers a decent runtime
- Provides superior cut line and blade visibility
Cons
- Safety switch is poorly positioned
- Doesn’t come with a blade lock
Conclusion
The Dewalt DCS391B isn’t just lightweight, but also extremely portable, making it ideal for jobsite use.
Overall Rating – 4.7
6. Porter-Cable PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw: Most Lightweight Design
Introducing the Porter-Cable PCC660B, a lightweight and high performing tool. This amazing little saw is highly versatile and durable.
Specs
- Powered by a 20-volt max battery
- High-performance motor
- Wide beveling shoe pivots
- Large cutting capacity
- Contoured over-molded handle
This tool takes a 6-1/2-inch carbide blade, enough to cut through 2x lumber at 90 degrees.
Another good feature is the high-performance motor, which delivers 4000 revolutions per minute for smooth, fast cuts.
But the thing is, you can receive a defective model with guidelines that don’t line up properly with the saw blade.
Pros
- Motor generates superior cutting performance
- Large cutting capacity adds versatility
- Beveling shoe offers multiple angles for non-traditional cutting
- Compact, lightweight design minimizes jobsite fatigue
- 20-volt max battery offers reliable runtime
Cons
- Possible to receive a model with design flaws
- Battery and charger sold separately
Conclusion
The Porter-Cable PCC660B combines compact size, performance, easy adjustments, visibility, ease of use, and value demanded on the jobsite.
Overall Rating – 4.5
How To Pick The Right Tool
Whether corded or cordless, there are specific features you have to look for in order to pick the right tool for the job.
Style Of Circular Saw
A circular saw can either be a worm drive or a direct drive (sidewinder). A worm drive saw is equipped with a worm gear that transmits power to the blade. The gear sits behind the blade. So, you have a lot of torque and control.
If you aren’t a big fan of worm drives, you can always choose a sidewinder circular saw. It has a blade that’s direct drive, which can be on the right- or left-hand side of the motor. This type is lighter in weight and gives more speed.
Blade Size Or Diameter
Blade size sets the depth of cut. The most common handheld sizes are 7-1/4-inch and 6-1/2-inch, with compact saws using smaller blades.
A 6-1/2-inch saw cuts about 2-1/4 inches deep, enough for 2x lumber at 90 degrees. A 7-1/4-inch saw cuts about 2-1/2 inches and handles 2x stock at a bevel more easily.
Safety Features
Circular saws can cause serious injuries, so safety features matter.
The first is the blade guard. OSHA requires portable circular saws to have guards above and below the shoe, with a lower guard that returns over the teeth automatically. Never wedge it open.
The second is an electric brake, which stops the blade quickly after you release the trigger. Also clamp your workpiece and support both sides of the cut to reduce kickback.
Cordless Vs Corded Circular Saw: Which Is The Better Option?
The corded vs cordless circular saw clash is fierce, and it all comes down to the following factors:
Power
With a corded model, you get steady power for as long as you need it.
A cordless saw's runtime depends on battery capacity and the material you cut. For all-day ripping, a corded saw or spare batteries are a must.
Cost of Replacement Parts
Lithium-ion packs wear out over time and are costly to replace. A corded saw has no batteries to replace, though brushes and cords can wear.
Portability
It goes without saying that a corded circular saw isn’t the most portable choice because you’re tethered to a power cord.
This certainly limits your maneuverability. But a cordless model is free of any cables and extremely maneuverable.
Final Thoughts
A corded saw gives you unlimited runtime for heavy cutting, and you never run out of charge mid-cut.
Portability makes cordless circular saws ideal for framing or carpentry away from outlets, especially if you already own batteries for that platform.
The Makita 5007MG wins hands down in terms of consistent and uninterrupted power runtime, superior blade size and cutting capacity, and great torque.
For cordless convenience, the Makita XSS02Z is a light, portable choice for the jobsite.
