TOP-14 Best Compact Circular Saws in the UK | 2022 Useful Buyer’s Guide From An Experienced Handyman
What is the best compact circular saw? You should choose a cordless model allowing you to work in confined spaces that are hard to access. Lightweight options are also a priority, don’t count this out, especially if you are going to work with the tool for a long period of time. And last but not least is how powerful and fast the device is. Namely, the product should deliver no less than 5,000 RPM, which stands for the number of turns per minute.
While being a professional-grade tool, it is portable and convenient to use. It is safe as it offers protection from overload, discharge, and overheating.
I recently talked a good bit about the basics of circular saws, and the dangers that lie in using them incorrectly, or in choosing a low-end brand for such precision, dangerous set of tasks. I hinted that portability is worth its weight in gold, but didn’t really touch on my experience with portable circular saws, or their own unique criteria. I’m going to remedy that today, and I’m also going to talk about the best ones (at least as I see it), and what makes them stand out. First thing’s first, though. Let’s talk about how these work, what distinguishes them from the ones we talked about before, what cases where they’re a better choice, and so on.
Types of Compact Circular Saws: Corded Vs Cordless
Let’s take a look at how a portable circular saw operates, and what makes them portable, compared to standard models.
Some compact circular saws are corded, e.g. WORX has budget-friendly corded electric circular saws with blades from 85mm to 120mm. But, on the whole, they’re usually cordless. This means that you guessed it, they’re battery-powered in the same way cordless drills or other cordless power tools are. In fact, the battery packs for these are usually more or less identical to the ones other cordless tools use.
These are lithium-ion battery packs, which are the same kind of battery system used by wireless peripherals and smartphones of modernity. A difference is that they do charge somewhat faster, and have a different kind of regulatory capacitor bank, as powering an electric motor against resistance requires a higher joule and amperage level than operating integrated circuits.
On the whole, these batteries are pretty standardized, and interchangeable, with a few exceptions. If you want additional, third-party battery packs, you should choose wisely, and perhaps one day I’ll get around to talking in more detail about power tool battery packs and charging stations. For now, though, that’s it for power.
The more obvious difference is in the form factor. While they usually have a compact guide plate, they’re smaller saws, both in blade diameter and in the overall design. Not being stationary, they’re seldom articulated for plunge action, because it’d be counterintuitive and a bit pointless.
They’re lighter-weight than corded, standard circular saws and, something of a disadvantage, they’re usually less powerful, and thus unfit for working on some tougher materials, or longer-duration tasks. Thus, they’re not a substitute for a standard circular saw on a big project, but rather an additive part of your toolset. This doesn’t mean they’re not worth their weight in gold, though.
Compact Circular Saws Reviews
WORX WORXSAW Compact Circular Saw | Best Budget
Okay, let's start with a low-budget but well-known trusted manufacturer. That’s not to say that Worx products are bad – they’re not. But, they’re also not something you can say is a go-to for super heavy use.
That said, my portable is a Worx, though not this particular model. It has lasted considerably longer than Worx products notoriously are reported to, which … I don’t frankly know what to make of that. Is it the care of my tools, is it that Worx is better than the detractors say? I don’t know.
What I do know is that for occasional use, this isn’t a bad choice. I’ve built so many pinball tables and custom arcade cabinets using my Worx for detail cutting, and haven’t had an issue.
But I should warn you that they feel flimsy, even if they’re not. I’ll get more into that in a minute. I would classify this as an “average user’s tool”, and I have seen these on job sites, with what little time I’ve spent on construction sites – I’m a fabricator, not a carpenter. For carpentry, this is fine.
Features
- Blade Size: from 85mm to 120mm
- Weight: 1.9 Kilograms (400 W) - 3.9 Kilograms (800 W)
- Price Range: from £55 (85mm) to £120 (120mm)
- Blade Guard: Partial blade guard. BE CAREFUL.
- Braking: Standard trigger release and that’s about it.
Performance
This is a weak saw, don’t go trying to cut something like mahogany with it. Am I the only one that thinks mahogany is ridiculous and made up-sounding name? Anyhow, your first impression of this saw is going to be iffy. It won’t be the performance – it’s about what you expect from a compact saw like this.
No, it’s all going to be a tactile impression, as it feels a bit … shall I say, creaky and squishy and flimsy. It’s honestly not, I’ve dropped mine off tables and off a roof once, and it didn’t damage it. But it doesn’t feel satisfying.
Pros and Cons
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Conclusion. I’ve been realistic – this is a budget tool and you get what you pay for. But, for the shorter-intensity, detailed work that I use mine for, it’s fine.
WORX: Check the current price
Rockwell RK3441K Compact Circular Saw
Now, you’re going to go “Oh yeah, I know Rockwell, they’re way better than Worx, right?”. Well, yes and no. Rockwell is kind of the “not-generic” budget tool brand, but they do have some attention to detail that something like a plain Worx saw doesn’t offer.
In the case of the RK3441K (man it needs a better name), it has an angular lock and swivel, which isn’t something I’ve needed with my project types, but I can totally see where it’d become in handy in a lot of other situations.
Now, let me clarify – you’re barely paying any more for Rockwell than Worx, and as a result, you inherit some of the same compromises. What’s nice with this one though, is it’s a complete kit, and it’s a good bit more powerful than the Worx offering.
However, a problem with more power for roughly the same budget, is that it’s straining the motor. It’s not likely to burn out on you on a whim, but you won’t want to overwork this saw, as the motor probably doesn’t like running super hot.
Features
- Weight: 2.27 Kilograms
- Speed: 3500 RPM
- Power: Lithium-Ion battery providing 120v, 1500w.
- Measurements: Metric thank goodness.
- Guide Plate: No, just a basic track bar.
- Blade Guard: Partial blade guard. BE CAREFUL.
- Braking: Standard trigger release and that’s about it.
Performance
This isn’t weak, for what it is. It also lacks some of the flimsy feels of the Worx saw, but I have to say, that cord is just a deal-breaker for me. I think my story from earlier should more than explain why, if other issues with it tipping things over and yanking out the socket don’t hammer that home.
Honestly, anything portable shouldn’t require a cord, especially in the 21st century. And this, despite its overall superior quality to Worx, is why it’s my final recommendation and not the other way around.
Pros and Cons
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Conclusion. Everything about this makes me want to recommend it as a good budget handheld saw, but that cord just really kills that for me. But if you’re ok with a cord, this is probably the saw for you if the Makita isn’t.
Rockwell: Check the current price
Best-Selling Compact Circular Saws in the UK | Comparison Table
Customers' Choice | Best Budget
Bosch Professional 06016A1002 12-26 System GKS 12 V-26 Cordless Circular (Saw Blade Diameter: 85 mm, Excluding...
- Tried-and-tested system: The parallel guide or guide rail adapter is optimised for the Bosch guide rail system
- Particularly compact: The small grip circumference and the light weight of just 1.4 kg make the cordless circular saw extremely manageable and offer a high degree of work comfort
- Practical: The energy reserves can be read at any time on the integrated battery charge indicator. Rechargeable battery and charger, however are not included
- Clean working: The dust extraction adapter of the circular saw is compatible with the Bosch extraction system and makes dust-free work with clear visibility of the work piece possible
- Professional 12 V System. Compact performance. Maximum freedom. All of our batteries are compatible with new existing Bosch Professional tools in the same voltage class
- Items included: Bosch Professional GKS 12 V-26 cordless circular saw in L-BOXX, dust extraction adapter, hex key, parallel guide/guide rail adapter and saw blade
Best Value
Most Popular
Makita HS301DZ 12V Max Li-Ion CXT 85mm Circular Saw - Batteries and Charger Not Included
- High power
- Handle with soft grip
- On tool Storage for hex wrench
- Depth of cut at 90 degrees 25.5mm
- Depth of cut at 45 degrees 16.5mm
- 1 year manufacturer warranty with a further 2 years when registered within 30 days of purchase. This guarantee does not apply where non-genuine or recommended parts or accessories are fitted to the tools)
Circular Saw, TACKLIFE Mini Circular Saw 3500RPM, Metal Handle, 6 Blades (120mm & 115mm), Cutting Depth: 90°...
- ☘【ROTATING METAL HANDLE】 It can reduce the fatigue of working with one hand and make cutting stable. The handle can be rotated +/-90° without auxiliary tools for quick installation and removal
- ☘【POWERFUL MOTOR 】 Cutting at a speed of 3500 rpm, suitable for wood, ceramic tile, metal, plastic, PVC pipe. 2x24 T TCT (120mm) for wood / 2x60T HSS (115mm) for wood and soft metals / 2 grit diamond saw blades (115mm) for cutting ceramic tiles
- ☘【ADJUSTABLE CUTTING DEPTH】 90° straight line cutting offer you the cutting depth up to 46mm, and the maximum depth can reach 35mm when cutting at 45°
- ☘【LASER GUIDE】 The integrated adjustable laser allows following the line along the length for easy use. Laser guide and scale ruler ensures the accuracy of straight cutting
- ☘【LOCK-OFF SWITCH & ALUMINIUM GUARD】 With a double safety switch controller, only when you press the two-button, can the start to work. The aluminum protective cover prevents sparks from splashing on people
Most Discussed & Reviewed | Best Cheap
Mini Circular Saw, HYCHIKA Circular Saw with 3 Saw Blades, Laser Guide, Scale Ruler, 500W Pure Copper Motor,...
- 🌟【DURABLE AND POWERFUL MOTOR】Featured with a 500W copper motor, the compact circular saw can reach a high cutting speed of 4500RPM to cut tile, wood, plastics, plasterboard, PVC with ease. Metal gearbox housing, base plate and shroud adds extra durability and safety.
- 🌟【3 BLADES AND WIDE APPLICATIONS】Comes with 1x30T HW for woodcuts/ 1x36T HS for metal cuts/ 1x grit diamond blade for tile cuts, small size and lightweight also make it a good addition to your toolkit, great for DIY projects around the house and your workshop.
- 🌟【PRECISE AND ADJUSTABLE CUTTING DEPTH】: With the laser guide, the mini circular saw keeps the cutting on a straight line. Also, the parallel guide allows you to make a precise and quick cut with ease. You can adjust the cutting depth from 0-25mm according to your need.
- 🌟【ERGNOMIC AND SAFE】The soft rubber handle reduce hand fatigue effectively. Also with a dust port and the sawdust pipe, you can connect it to your vacuum to maintain a clean working environment. The double protection switch enhances safety in use.
- 🌟【PACKAGE CONTENTS】1 x Mini Circular Saw; 1 x 30T Saw Blade; 1 x 36T Saw Blade; 1 x Diamond Blade; 1 x Hex Wrench; 1 x Scale Ruler; 1 x Dust Exhaust Pipe; 2 x Cells for Laser Guide; 1 x User Manual
Circular Saw, Ginour 750W 3600RPM Mini Circular Saw with Laser, Cutting Depth 0-48mm, 2 * 40T Saw Blades 125MM, 2...
- 【Powerful and Compact 】Ginour Mini Circular Saw with the power of 750 W and a speed of 3600 RPM, ideal for cutting wood, metal, tiles, plywood, and plastic. Soft rubber handle, perfect for one-handed operation and reduce fatigue
- 【Laser Guide and Precise Cutting】Mini saw with laser guide and scale ruler make the cutting line more precise. Cutting depth 0~48mm can be set arbitrarily; cutting angle 0~45° can be adjusted at will
- 【Double safety switch and Dust-proof】Equipped with double trigger switch, the mini electric saw will turn on only when pressing two buttons, ensure your safety during work. The vacuum hose keeps the dust to make the saw cutting line clean, which reduces dust obviously
- 【Ergonomic Design】 The slim saw handle have a soft rubber coating, easy to handle with one hand and avoids fatigue. Comes with 6 x blades for different work needs, do not worry about buying saw blades. Goes with a useful guide fence for accurate and professional cutting
- 【What you get】 1 x Ginour mini circular saw; 6 x blades (2 x 24T blade for wood / 2 x 60T blade for soft metal / 2x diamond blade for tiles),you can also find replacement blades in dimension 125MM*9.5MM or 115MM*9.5MM;1 x ladder guide; 1 x Wrench for removing saw blade; 1X Dust hose;1X Hose to connect the vacuum cleaner 1 x User manual; 1 x Warranty Card. 24 months warranty and best 24-hours customer service
Circular Saw, TACKLIFE 4700RPM 1800W Upgraded Compact Circular Saw, Cutting 67mm (90º), 47mm (45º), Double Safety...
- 【Versatile & Flexible】 - Cutting angle and depth can be adjusted according to your requirement. Max cutting depth at 90° is 67mm and bevel capacity at 45° is 47mm. A 3-meter power cord gives you a wide range of work and increases flexibility.
- 【Powerful & Efficient】 - The 15-Amp 1,800W powerful pure copper motor has better performance and heat dissipation, the speed can reach 4700 rpm, which provides stronger power for the electric circular saw and greatly saves work time and improves work efficiency.
- 【Sturdy & Durable】 - Carbide tipped blade with YG8 carbide tooth design ensures the quality of cuts and longer service life. High strength iron shoe makes the machine more stable during the cutting process and provides durability for long-term cut accuracy.
- 【Safe & Accurate】 - The walking aluminum protective cover ensures safety during the operation. The double safety switch can prevent the machine from accidentally opening, promising a safer cutting job. The guide ruler we offer can guarantee the parallel cutting is more precise.
- 【Cleaner & Convenient】 - The 35mm dust removal adapter can be connected to the vacuum cleaner to clean the wood chips in time during cutting, keep a cleaner working environment and improve visibility. Equipped with a hex key, which makes the replacement of the blade easier.
Mini Circular Saw, POSENPRO 700W Compact Circular Saw Machine, Multi-Functional High Powered Circular Saw with 3...
- 💡.【Material】: Multi-function circular saw is made of high-quality metal alloy material, with an antiskid handle and high carbon steel saw blade. Durable, small, light, powerful, sharp blade.
- 💡.【Multifunctional mini saw set includes】: Mini electric saw + 3pc saw blade + hexagon wrench + dust hose connector + parallel guide + color box.
- 💡.【Ergonomic handle】: A soft and comfortable leather-covered handle can effectively reduce the shock force, increase the maneuverability of the saw so that you can finish tight and detail cutting work conveniently and effortlessly.
- 💡.【Safety switch and dust-proof】: Mini electric saw is equipped with a safety switch which ensures your safety during work and dust hose connector can connection extraction hose keeps from dust to make the saw cutting line clean. saw depth limiter keeps your cutting work precise and accurate.
- 💡.【Multi-function】:POSENPRO mini circular saw is versatile and easy to use, suitable for any DIY project, whether it is installing wooden floors, grout repair, fences, planters, herb gardens, signs, birdhouses, drywall repair, dollhouses, and much more.
Makita HS301DZ Circular Saw, 10.8 V, Blue, 33.3 x 19.1 x 18.5 cm
- No-load speed 1500 RPM
- Blower function - blows sawdust off the line cut
- Equipped with Battery protection circuit: designed to protect the battery from damages due to over-discharge, high temperature or overload current, no batteries included
- Depth of cut at 90 degrees 25.2 mm, 45 degrees 16.5 mm
- Bevel cuts up to 45 degrees
- Bore diameter 15 mm
- Ergonomic soft grip
- Blower function - blows sawdust off the line cut
- High power, Depth of cut at 45º: 16.5 mm
- Bevel cuts up to 45 degrees
- On-tool storage for hex wrench.
WORX WX531 18V (20V MAX) X-Large WORXSAW Brushless 41 mm Compact Circular Saw
- Brushless motor technology
- 41 mm max cutting capacity with a compact design
- 5000/min high no-load speed delivers a smooth cut
- Slim body design fits right in your hand
- Quick cutting depth adjustment for easy setting depth
- Powershare 20V battery is interchangeable with other WORX tools
- Powershare 20V battery is interchangeable with other WORX tools
Mini Circular Saw, DEWINNER 705W Compact Electric Saw with 3 Saw Blade,Max Cutting Depth Laser Guide, Pure Copper...
- 【Powerful Motor with 3 Blades】705W pure copper motor offers a quick cutting speed of 3500 RPM. The mini circular saw can be used for multifunctional cutting with blades: 24T blades (Silver)suitable for cutting wood, 60T blades (Black) for plasterboard and soft metal, grit diamond blades (yellow) for brick and tiles.
- 【Adjustable Cutting Depth and Angle】The bevel cutting angle of the mini circular saw can be adjusted 0-45°, the maximum cutting depth can reach 48mm (90°) and 32mm (45°). Adjust the depth and angle to enable you to cut the different thicknesses of the material.
- 【Laser Guide & Scale Ruler】With laser guide& Ruler, the circular saw can make accurate, precise, and quick cuts. The 2M power cord ensures enough cutting radius while working.
- 【Safe & Ergonomic Design】The double protection switch and metal gear shields avoid accidental opening of the small circular saw and ensure safe cutting. Soft rubber handle and non-slip design provide a comfortable grip. Equipped with dust port adapters to connect with vacuum to prevent dust splashing during work.
- 【What You Get】1 * DEWINNER Mini Circular Saw, 115mm Diameter; 1 * 24T Saw Blades; 1 * 60T HSS Saw Blades; 1 * Grit Diamond Blades; Hex Wrench for blades changing; Scale Ruler; Vacuum Adapters; Extra Cells for Laser Guide; User Manual.
Using Your Compact Circular Saw Safely: Rules, Tips & Experience
I talked last time about how curves and big pieces of material can be a menace to put on a sawhorse/work table, and use a standard circular saw on. I mentioned how I sliced my hip open trying that. This was entire because my compact saw wasn’t charged, and I was impatient and foolish.
This leads me to share some experiences with these, and in accepting some of their dangers.
My first real memory of dangers with these was when I ran an arcade – an occupation I had for nearly two decades until the owner passed away and the assets were dissolved. I had a small team of maintenance people – usually less than six (some were part-timers), but I always had at least three maintenance people onsite during business hours. It was a big arcade, and the prize games and pinball machines – things with more physical components and fragile cabinetry, were always breaking because children are horrible creatures that can ruin something by looking in its direction.
I had a group at one point, who had this … I have to bite my tongue not to use obscenities in describing it … foolish habit of tossing each other tools across the maintenance area. These weren’t small (but still damn dangerous) things like screwdrivers or the like, all the time. No, no less than twice, I caught them tossing each other a compact circular saw. One day, one of them sliced their hand opens catching it, because guess what? That blade can still hurt you if it’s not spinning! Real news flash, right? I put a stop to it when one day, one of them asked me of all people to throw them a smaller tool. I charged up a 20v capacitor and tossed that. Not a lethal shock by any stretch, but about like getting hold of a household electric socket. They quickly stopped this habit after that.
However, I think the most extreme example more accents why cords can be a menace with something more precise like this. I once had a corded handheld circular saw – and yes, they do exist (they were far less rare at the time). I was building a custom pinball machine for a local pizza place back in LA, and I hit a soft spot in the wood where it kind of took off on me and crossed its own cord. Usually, when a cord is cut, nothing exciting happens, the thing just quits working and maybe a breaker in the box kicks off (usually doesn’t).
Well this time, it was like a movie. Sparks flew as the cord shredded, smoke filled the room, the sawdust ignited, three breakers not only blew in my box, but burned out, and an aging transformer on a nearby pole detonated. Yeah, that was a thing that happened. That transformer was going to go the next time we had a storm or little tremor anyhow from the looks of it, but I hastened its demise. Cords are stupid, and soon, portable cordless tools won’t have the sacrifice of power they do now, meaning there will just be no reasons for things to have cords anymore. Transformers everywhere will rejoice, of that, I have positively no doubt.
2. Makita XSR01PT Brushless Cordless Circular Saw Kit
In our last piece on saws, I made a point (possibly in excess) to extoll the quality of Makita. And, as I said there, this is a brand that your average Joe probably hasn’t heard of. This is because they’re very high-end, and yes, very costly tools, used by professionals. You don’t see them on construction sites or in corner-cutting fabrication shops, but in the possession of true professionals who take a craft personally and live it as a philosophy.
Makita builds seriously durable, powerful tools with as much safety and precaution as can be accomplished without rendering something inoperable. This portable circular saw is no exception. It’s chunkier than the other two we’re going to look at and alas, while I have a Makita standard circular saw, my portable saw isn’t remotely this good. Perhaps someone out there who loves me can put one of these under the tree for me this Christmas.
This is actually pretty special, it’s an entire kit, with a carrying bag, maintenance tools, dual-charging platform, and two Makita-branded battery packs. Oh yes, this is the Cadillac of portable saws, and if you have the budget for it, and are a serious craftsman, this is the one you want.
Features
- Weight: 23.1 pounds (this is for everything, the saw is about seven pounds).
- Power: Lithium-Ion battery providing 36v, 180 watts.
- Measurements: Metric, as God intended.
- Guide Plate: Compact, but it has one.
- Blade Guard: Full blade guard.
- Braking: Release brake, and dead-switch for locking.
- Optional Cord: It can be corded through an interface, but I recommend not ever doing this unless you want to make a truly cinematic electrical explosion. You don’t.
- Batteries Included: Yes.
Performance
This isn’t as powerful as a standard saw, but it’s Makita. I mean, come on, you know it’s going to pack as much punching weight as a portable, cordless tool possibly could. I’d love to know how they got a compact 36v motor to pack this kind of power, but I suppose that’s a trade secret Makita is in no hurry to divulge.
However, while I adore this saw, I want this saw, I must say, it’s only barely portable. It’s chunky and heavy, and almost but not quite defeats the point of portable tools. I did say almost.
Pros and Cons
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Makita: Check the current price