1. Power and Performance

The key to owning any good circular saw is in its power and performance. Choosing the right motor for your DIY projects can mean the difference between slicing through tough materials like butter or getting bogged down like a car in rush hour traffic.

You can either buy a corded circular saw or a cordless one:

1. Corded - Plugged into the UK Main's Supply (240Volts) - Delivers consistent power to your saw as long as you have access to a socket. These are the cheapest option.
2. Cordless - Operates off a rechargeable battery (18 Volts is the most popular) - Cordless tools are more portable as you are not relying on a main's power supply. They tend to be more expensive as you have to buy a battery and charger along with the saw. The battery needs to be charged and will lose some power as it gets used.

Wattage

Look for circular saws in the 1200W to 2000 Watt range for most DIY jobs. Higher wattage saws can handle tougher materials like hardwoods and thick beams with ease. For lighter duty tasks like plywood and softwoods, a lower wattage saw might suffice. Remember, bigger isn't always better – consider your needs and budget when choosing wattage.

No-Load Speed

The no-load speed tells you how fast the blade spins when it's not cutting anything. This is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). It impacts how clean and efficient your cuts will be. Generally, higher RPMs (around 4000-5000) are ideal for fast, smooth cuts in softwoods and thin materials.

For harder materials like hardwoods and metal, a lower RPM (around 3000-3500) is better. It gives the blade more power to push through tough stuff without burning or overheating. Remember, the material you're cutting and the desired finish should guide your RPM choice.

Motor Type: Brushed vs. Brushless

The motor that drives your sawblade comes in two main types

1. Brushed
2. Brushless

Both have their pros and cons, so let's break it down for the UK market.

• Brushed Motors: These are the traditional workhorses, often found in budget-friendly saws. They're simple, reliable, and readily available in the UK. However, they wear out faster, require occasional maintenance, and might generate sparks (not ideal for dusty environments).
• Brushless Motors: These are the new kids on the block, offering several advantages. They're more efficient, generate less heat and sparks, run quieter, and require minimal maintenance. But, they tend to be pricier and less common in the UK market at the moment. That said all the best tool brands are now selling these as they are so much better and last a great deal longer.

Our Advice

For everyday DIY projects, a good brushed motor saw will get the job done. If you're a serious DIYer tackling harder materials or value durability and minimal maintenance, then a brushless motor is worth considering, even if it means waiting for more UK options to hit the shelves at more affordable prices.

2. Cutting Capacity

Now that I've explained about the motor, let's talk about the teeth, the blade and its cutting capacity. This is where the size of your saw determines what size of wood it can cut.

Remember, bigger isn't always better. Choose a blade diameter that matches your needs and project types. A 185mm saw might be perfect for your weekend trim work, while a 230mm beast could be overkill for small jobs.

Maximum Cutting Depth

Cutting depth is simply how far your saw's teeth can plunge into the material. This is crucial for tasks like:

• Cutting thicker timber - A saw with a shallower depth might require multiple passes, wasting time and effort.
• Making bevel cuts - Bevel cuts are angled and require additional depth, so a deeper saw gives you more flexibility.
• Most 185mm saws reach around 50mm depth, good for thin materials and basic cuts. A 210mm saw typically hits 65mm depths, handling most DIY needs. And the powerhouse 230mm saws can cut up to 80mm, for even thick wood.

Bevel Cutting Capabilities

Bevel cuts are angled cuts. They are used for tasks like joining trim pieces, creating compound angles, or customising furniture. Most saws offer a basic bevel cutting range (usually up to 45°), allowing you to tilt the blade for angled cuts.

Some advanced saws also feature compound bevels, where you can tilt the blade and rotate the base plate simultaneously. This opens up a world of possibilities for complex cuts and professional-looking work.

Think about your future projects and consider how often you might need bevel cuts. If most of your work involves straight cuts, a basic bevel saw might suffice. But if you're a creative woodworking enthusiast who enjoys angled creations, a compound bevel saw could be a valuable investment.

3. Corded or Cordless

I mentioned earlier about your power options, and now I want to explain that in more detail.

Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, and the ne you decide on depends on your DIY style and project demands.

• Cordless saws: There is no electrical lead to worry about. Cordless freedom is better for portability and flexibility. You're not limited by extension cords, making them ideal for outdoor projects, roof work, or quick on-the-go jobs.
• Corded saws: While they lack cordless flair, corded saws win the consistent power battle. They draw juice directly from the mains, meaning no worries about battery drain mid-cut. This makes them perfect for heavy-duty tasks, extended projects, and precision work.

Battery Voltage and Power

Not all cordless saws are created equal. In the UK market, you'll find saws powered by various voltages, typically ranging from 18V to 54V. Higher voltage generally translates to more power and deeper cuts, but also comes with heavier batteries and higher prices.

Battery compatibility: Consider existing battery systems when choosing a cordless saw. Many brands offer saws compatible with their power tool range, allowing you to share batteries across tools and save money.

Mains-Powered Benefits

Corded saws are usually cheaper than their cordless counterparts. You skip the battery expense and enjoy a wider range of options at varying price points.

No battery drain means uninterrupted cutting. Corded saws deliver consistent power throughout your project, ideal for demanding tasks where precision and control are crucial.

4. Safety Features

Before you start using your circular saw, let's talk about something crucial- your safety! Your circular saw may be a powerful tool, but it's important to remember that respect and proper precautions are key to keeping your fingers (and everything else) intact. So, let's unpack some essential safety features you should look for in a UK-worthy circular saw:

Blade Guard

Think of the blade guard as protecting you from the teeth-baring monster beneath. In the UK, automatic and retractable blade guards are a legal requirement on circular saws. These guards automatically cover the blade when not in contact with the material, and retract only during the cut. Never ever remove it. Some people do to see the blade better and that is a huge mistake.

Look for saws with guards that spring back quickly and smoothly after each cut. Never attempt to disable or bypass the guard – it's your first line of defense against accidental contact with the spinning blade.

Electric Brake

Imagine you're halfway through a cut, and suddenly the saw snags or kicks back. Scary, right? That's where the electric brake comes in. This really useful feature quickly stops the blade rotation when you release the trigger or the saw experiences an unexpected jolt.

The faster the brake works, the better. Look for saws with brakes that stop the blade within a second, minimising the risk of injury from accidental contact or kickbacks.

Soft Start

Ever experienced that jarring jolt when you first turn on a saw? That's the motor kicking in full force. A soft start feature combats this, gradually increasing the blade speed to minimise the initial jump. This not only improves control and prevents accidental slips, but also reduces wear and tear on the motor. It's a small perk that can make a big difference in your sawing experience.

Remember, safety features are like your DIY guardian angels. They're not there to replace personal caution and safe practices, but they provide an extra layer of protection that can prevent accidents and injuries. When choosing your circular saw, prioritize models with these essential features to ensure you're armed for safe and successful DIY adventures!

5. Blade and Material Compatability

Choosing the right blade is really about what type of material you want to cut. Each material type needs a different type, and understanding this is key to achieving clean, safe, and accurate cuts.

• Wood Blades - These are the most popular and have various tooth configurations for ripping, crosscutting, or both (combination blades). Choose high-quality steel with carbide-tipped teeth for durability and smooth cuts.
• Metal Blades - These have more abrasive teeth to handle ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Look for blades with thin bodies (1.3mm-1.6mm) to minimise kerf and reduce heat build-up.
• Masonry Blades -  These teeth are diamond-tipped for tackling bricks, concrete, and tiles. Make sure they're specifically designed for wet cutting to avoid dust and blade damage.
• Plastic Blades - These blades have specially shaped teeth to prevent melting and chipping during plastic cuts. Look for ones with a reverse-hook design for cleaner finishes.

There are a few other types for cutting veneers and laminates.

Understanding Kerf

Think of the kerf as the thin trail your blade leaves in its wake. A wider kerf removes more material, so it can impact your cut accuracy, especially when making precise joins or intricate cuts. For most DIY projects, a standard kerf width of 2.5mm-3mm is sufficient. But for delicate work where every millimeter counts, consider blades with thinner kerfs (around 2mm).

Changing Blades

No one enjoys wrestling with blade changes. Look for saws with quick-release levers or spindle lock mechanisms that allow you to swap blades effortlessly. UK brands like Bosch, Makita, and DeWalt often offer user-friendly blade change systems, making your DIY life smoother.

Remember, blade compatibility is crucial for safety and the best performance. Match your blade to the material you're cutting, prioritise accuracy with the right kerf size, and choose a saw with a user-friendly blade change system. These tips will transform your circular saw into a versatile tool that tackles any material with confidence.

6. General Handling

A powerful saw is useless if it leaves you with aching arms and blisters after five minutes. So, let's explore the features that make your saw feel like an extension of your arm, not a clunky lump of metal. Believe me, this is important. If you have ever had to build a fence or a deck, the weight and the way a saw feels in your hand is really important.

Grip Design and Comfort

Picture yourself gripping your saw for a long time. Imagine bulky handles digging into your palms or awkward angles leaving your fingers cramped. No fun, right? That's why grip design and comfort are crucial. Look for saws with:

• Soft, textured grips - These provide comfortable padding and prevent slipping, especially with sweaty hands.
• Ergonomically shaped handles - Curved contours that naturally fit the shape of your hand reduce fatigue and improve control.
• Trigger placement - A conveniently positioned trigger minimises finger strain and allows for easy activation and release.

Remember, UK hand sizes might differ slightly from the global standard. Choose a saw with grips comfortable for your average UK hand size, ensuring you can wield this beast of a saw without hand cramping or fatigue.

Weight and Balance

A hefty saw might seem powerful, but it can quickly turn into a back-breaking burden during extended projects. Aim for a balance between power and weight. For most UK DIYers, saws in the 4-6kg range offer a good balance of functionality and maneuverability.

Balance also plays a crucial role. Look for saws with the motor positioned for even weight distribution. This reduces wrist strain and makes guiding the saw through cuts much easier.

Additional Features

While not essential, some additional features can really improve and enhance your sawing experience:

• Laser guides: These project a line onto the material, aiding in accurate cut alignment.
• Dust extraction ports: Connect a vacuum cleaner to keep your work area clean and prevent sawdust inhalation.
• LED lights: Illuminate your cutting path for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

Remember, comfort and control are key to enjoying your DIY sawing projects. Choose a saw with grips that fit your hand size, a weight and balance that suits your needs, and consider additional features that enhance ease and precision.

7. Budget and Brands in the UK

We've explored the technical details, the safety features, and even the ergonomic comfort of your future circular saw. Now, it's time to address that all-important factor: your budget and brand choices. After all, finding the perfect saw is about balancing your needs with your financial reality.

The first step is understanding your needs. Are you a weekend DIY person tackling occasional projects, or a dedicated DIY enthusiast with bigger ambitions? This will determine how much power, capacity, and bells and whistles you truly need.

1. Light Duty (Under £100) - Perfect for small jobs like trimming plywood or quick DIY fixes. Look for compact 185mm saws with basic features.
2. Mid-Range (£100-£200) - The sweet spot for most UK DIYers. 210mm saws with good cutting depth and basic safety features will handle most common projects.
3. Heavy Duty (£200+) - For serious sawing enthusiasts or professionals. Powerful 230mm saws with advanced features like bevel cuts and laser guides will tackle thicker materials with ease.

Brand Power

The UK offers a variety of reliable brands to cater to different budgets and needs:

• Budget-Friendly - Einhell, Black+Decker, Ryobi offer affordable options for basic DIY tasks.
• Mid-Range - Makita, Bosch, DeWalt provide great value for the price with solid performance and good features.
• Premium - Festool, Metabo, Hikoki offer top-of-the-line performance and advanced features for professional or heavy-duty use.

Don't just rely on brand names. Research specific models within your budget, compare features, and read reviews from UK users to find the saw that ticks all your boxes.

Warranties and After-Sales

Investing in a good warranty provides peace of mind knowing you're covered against unexpected issues. Many UK brands offer 2-3 year warranties on their saws, with some extending to 5 years for premium models. Look for brands with readily available spare parts and service centres conveniently located throughout the UK.

Remember, budget and brand are about finding the perfect balance between affordability, quality, and features you'll actually use. Set a realistic budget based on your needs, research UK brands and models, and prioritise warranties and after-sales services for long-term peace of mind.