Circular Saw Model(s) Recommendations
Note that I looked briefly at FWW forums/articles about above – and these seem to mostly be from around 2005 or so. To wit. I have a one-off project that will require cutting down quite a number of 4 x 8 big box Birch ply sheets. I don’t currently have a circular saw and want to use it for this project along with a Veritas straight edge (Power Tool Guide)/traveler that I already own. I don’t currently own a circ saw because I don’t need it for the work I do typically – and don’t “plan on” using to much – so ideally something “moderately priced” say in the $200 +/- range. Doesn’t need to be cordless – would like info. on “particular models” that have been used if possible – not general info. about brands. A 1/4″ sub-base will be attached to the shoe for use with the Veritas piece. Thanks in advance.
Replies
You can buy a good new saw for much less than that. Corded would obviously be the best way to go.
DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, all pretty safe brands.
I have a very old basic Craftsman model that still serves my occasional needs very well. I recommend that, unless you need some particular features, a basic corded saw from Skil, Black & Decker, Craftsman, or other will serve you well for cutting 2x4s and breaking down plywood. No need to spend big bucks.
I use a DeWalt 20 volt saw with 6.5 inch blade for breaking down ply. It cuts a bit over 2 inches deep at 90 degrees so it can cut 2x material as well.
You mentioned you've not needed a circ saw until now and will have little use for it after this project. If you get a battery powered saw you may find yourself using it for miscellaneous tasks long after this current project is done. They're really handy.
Mike
Thanks Mike. Yes on battery...it would probably get used more certainly. Do you happen to remember the model? I saw they have 3 or so versions...some brushless.
Mine is the DCS391.
It is sold in various configurations:
DCS391-B Where the B stands for bare tool (no batteries or charger).
DCS391-P1 That comes with carry case and one 5ah battery plus a charger.
DCS391-L1 That comes with carry case and one 3ah battery plus charger
And probably more combinations!
Mike
Thanks again. Have some 20v Dewalt batts and chargers that would work with it so would be cost effective
I would second the DeWalt cordless, corded saws are a PIA when breaking down plywood and I can't tell you how many cords I've seen cut on jobsite. The 20V XR is as good as any corded saw, the Flex is a beast and will outperform almost anything on the market, but outside your budget since you would need batteries.
So ended up getting the next model up the 575...as it has "dust collection" so called. It does some moderate dust removal with a shop vac e.g., better than none. I made a fairly low-fi sub-base for use with the Veritas guide/traveler...works really really well...all for not much $$.
I have a Milwaukee and have been very pleased. They come in left or right blade depending on you preference.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Woodworking/Circular-Saws
If I were starting out again, I'd get a cordless 18v or 20v in whatever brand I'm buying into. Corded circ saws are relatively inexpensive, but having no restrictions on where you're cutting is a huge benefit that shouldn't be overlooked, even for a newer carpenter/woodworker. Brushless is what I get for my most used tools, and the circ saw is (unfortunately) one of those tools now that I'm a homeowner...
Before you said $200 range I was going to suggest checking garage sales or buying the cheapest model at Harbor Freight or any low-end brand at the big boxes. But $200 puts you squarely in the good end of tools. If you're going cordless, stick with a brand compatible with other tools. Since you dont plan to do much else with it in the future, I dont think any brand has a significant advantage, so might as well go with whichever is on sale.
“[Deleted]”
Thanks all
Easy thing to borrow or rent?
At this point in power tool development, I would really consider cordless.
If you are planning on making these finished cuts you should probably budget for a finish cut blade to replace the stock blade that will come with a new circular saw otherwise you will have quite a bit of splintering with birch plywood.
DEF. will be replacing the stock blade, 40T Freud or sim.- but they will be finished on TS with Forrest WW2 blade.
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