Mini Circular Saw Review—Which Ones Make the Cut?

A mini circular saw could be the most versatile tool you will ever possess. This makes it invaluable for both professionals and the serious hobbyist.

They are easy to control, able to work with a variety of materials and compact. Making them the “go-to” tool for many projects, large or small.

But, which one is the best?

There are numerous models and brands available—all with differing price ranges, features, and capabilities. Like the saws themselves, knowing which one to choose can put you into a spin.

Hence, we have gathered together our favorite mini circular saws on the market. This is in addition to some handy tips on selecting the right one for your needs.

On this page:

In a Rush?

If you don’t have time to check out the detailed reviews, here are our top three mini circular saws.

Best Pick

Rockwell RK3440K Versacut

Probably the best mini circular saw on the market today. Laser-guiding technology, balanced construction, combined with a powerful four-amp motor, makes this an ideal tool for the professional and hobbyist. Excellent customer reviews.

Best Value

Genesis GCS545C

Possibly the best price-to-power ratio of any circular mini saw available. Strong enough for the toughest of materials. Positive customer reviews.

Best Budget

Worx Worksaw WX429L

A price that belies its power. A slimline and compact saw that is easy to handle and operate—ideal for beginners or the “do it yourself” type person.

The Best Mini Circular Saw With Reviews

Here’s our pick of the best mini circular saws available.

1. Rockwell RK3440K Versacut

Four-amp motor.

Laser guide.

Three saw blades.

Two-year warranty.

120 volts.

Weighs 3.4 pounds.

What We Like

A heavy-duty saw with a laser for accuracy. Pivoting guide allows for simple and safe plunge-cutting, three different blade types included, and it’s lightweight.

What We Don’t Like

The underside trigger does require some strength to activate.

Overview

A powerful and sturdy mini saw that will stand up to heavy-duty work. Definitely our favorite mini circular saw.

It comes complete with a carbide blade for wood, an HSS (high-speed steel) blade for PVC and aluminum, together with a diamond-grit blade for cement and ceramics. Hence, it’s ideal for the semi-professional or hobbyist who will be using a wide variety of materials.

What’s more, with all these blades included, you can start working straight from unboxing—no trips to the store for additional blades. Ideal for the impatient among us.

A 3.37-inch blade allows for a cutting depth of 1.06 inches. Despite having a large, four-amp motor, this is an easy circular saw to handle. Weighing just over 3 pounds, it is not hard on the arms.

Furthermore, the rear location of the motor balances out the machine perfectly, which makes for less fatigue on your hands.

Many circular saws have the blade offset to the left side, to allow easier viewing and accuracy of the cut. While this model doesn’t have that feature, it’s still an accurate machine. This is due to an inbuilt laser which indicates the perfect line, combined with a dust extractor to remove debris and improve visual guiding.

The 10-foot cord will prove very useful, allowing easy access, even on the largest sheets of material. A great machine.

Sale Rockwell Versacut Ultra Compact Laser Guided Saw 4 amp multi functional Ergonomic design Laser guidance system 3 blades in kit and carry case

2. Genesis GCS545C

5.8 amp motor.

24T blade tipped with carbide.

Weighs 6 pounds.

700 watts.

Two-year warranty including parts and labor.

What We Like

A slimline design for tight spaces. The Exposed side blade enables accuracy. Extremely powerful 5.8 amp motor. Excellent value for money.

What We Don’t Like

Dust extractor attachment can become loose during operation.

Overview

A 4.5-inch circular saw that can easily handle wood up to a thickness of 2 inches. Perfect for people who are often using “two by fours” in their projects. Although it only comes with one carbide blade, HSS, tile and diamond blades are available.

The 8-foot cord should be adequate for most general use.

A 5.8 amp motor, working at 3500 rpm (revolutions per minute), provides an immense amount of torque. Meaning it’s a good choice for those working with the toughest of materials.

The most powerful circular saw we have reviewed here.

One of the great features of this circular saw is its ease of use. Accuracy is of paramount importance in the design. A left-offset blade, combined with exposed side viewing, means you will always remain “true” to your guideline. A positive feature for those working to exact specifications.

A slimline casing enables it to reach into even the most awkward and tightest of spaces. In addition, it’s designed to be used with just one hand. Ideal if you are stabilizing the material with the other.

3. Worx Worksaw WX429L

120 volts.

Weighs 5 pounds.

3500 rpm.

Three-year warranty.

What We Like

Simple to use, compact, ideal for small intricate work. The blade can be angled through 45 degrees. Budget price.

What We Don’t Like

The trimmed-back budget design means that soundproofing is lacking—it’s very noisy.

Overview

If portability and compactness are important, this corded mini saw delivers. It’s the smallest on this list, making it ideal for jobs where accuracy and finesse are of most importance.

Despite its small size, it still houses a 4.5-inch blade with a cutting depth of 2 inches. With a slightly thinner blade than many saws, it reduces strain both on the tool and the user. Thus, making it a good choice for people who may lack arm and hand strength.

Furthermore, the compact size allows even those people with the smallest of hands to use it.

The blade is adjustable through 45 degrees. A helpful function if you need to cut bevels or attractive edging in your work. If the included carbide-tipped blade is insufficient for your materials, alternatives can be purchased.

The easy-press trigger gives peace of mind—should the saw be dropped or released from the hand, the motor instantly cuts out.

Sale Worx 4.5 inch Compact Circular Saw Easily cut 2 x 4's with a single stroke 3500 RPM no load speed Only 4.4 lbs weight Easily maneuverable

4. Rockwell RK3441K

Five-amp motor.

3500 rpm.

Weighs 5 pounds.

1500 watts.

Cord length of 10 feet.

Three-year warranty.

What We Like

Easy-to-change depth gauge delivers as much cutting power as a full-size saw. Ideal for one-handed overhead use. Three-year warranty.

What We Don’t Like

There are no index marks for imperial measurements on the cutting guide.

Overview

A five-amp saw with a 4.5-inch cutting blade enables it to handle plywood, baseboards, and moldings up to 1.68 inches easily.

The blade can be turned to a 45-degree angle, with the maximum depth setting being 1.12 inches.

The grip is both comfortable and slimline. This, combined with the 10-foot cord, enables you to easily control the saw one-handed, even overhead if required.

If you are uncomfortable setting blade depth, this saw might appeal. A simple click-lever allows you to select predetermined depths with just one finger. A nice feature if you want to quickly change between levels mid-way through a project.

The included blade is half the thickness of a standard 7.25-inch saw. As this requires less energy to power through wood, the five-amp motor can deliver as much cutting power as a full-sized circular saw.

This may appeal if you are looking to replace your larger machine with a smaller and more-compact version.

Sale Rockwell 5 amp RK3441K 4.5 inch Saw Compact and powerful Cut 2 x 4's in a single pass Comfortable balanced design

5. Makita SH02R1

1500 rpm.

Weighs 3.5 pounds.

12-volt cordless design.

Three-year warranty on saw, charger, and batteries.

Complete with carry case.

What We Like

Cordless, yet still powerful. Arched-back design for easy maneuverability. Lightweight. Inbuilt dust blower. Backup battery included. LED battery power display.

What We Don’t Like

Lacks the power of corded models, hence not suitable for thicker materials.



Overview

The cordless design of this mini circular saw means that it can be used anywhere. This makes it a good choice if you are working in the outdoors or remote locations, where power outlets are difficult to find.

It’s good to see that this model comes complete with two 12-volt batteries. So, even if you are away from the grid, you have the backup of a spare.

Peace of mind is provided with an inbuilt LED battery power display. You will always know how much charge is remaining.

Even though it’s cordless, this circular saw still delivers on power—working at 1500 rpm. Admittedly, this will not be enough for the thickest of plywood, but it still makes it one of the most powerful in the cordless class.

The 3.37-inch blade allows for a maximum cutting depth of one inch at 90 degrees, and 0.62 inches when angled at 45 degrees.

The saw includes a carbide-tipped blade, but the manufacturers also produce HSS and diamond blades, should these be required. The arched back and compact handle mean it is one of the easiest mini saws to maneuver.

As it’s designed for use where there’s no power outlet, a vacuum attachment would be a little superfluous. Hence, ingeniously, the saw has been designed with an inbuilt blower to remove any debris.

This saw includes a carry case, two batteries, and a charger.

Makita 12 volt Cordless Compact Circular Saw 3 3/8 inch blade Cuts a variety of material, melamine, drywall, pegboard, MDF and more

What to Look for in a Mini Circular Saw

Although all these saws have two things in common—they are small and they cut—they may not all be ideal for your requirements.

Here’s a guide indicating some elements you should check for when selecting a circular saw. Choosing correctly means less disappointment and more satisfying results.

The Cord

Mini circular saws come in two different versions, corded and cordless—the former is the most common.

Cordless models offer increased versatility and safety. They enable you to work in more confined spaces. What’s more, there is no chance of cutting through the cable while powering through the toughest of wood.

On the downside, they often lack the power of corded models and, naturally, require recharging.

With corded mini saws, it may be worth considering the length of the cord itself. Too short and you are confined to cutting near a power outlet or using an extension cable. Too long, and there’s the unfortunate risk of being cumbersome and self-strangulation.

Cutting Depth

The larger the cutting depth, the larger pieces of wood that the circular saw can handle. Usually, this is determined by the size of the blade.

Hence, consider the thickness of the material you will most commonly be using the circular saw for.

Blades

Commonly, mini circular saws are supplied complete with a wood-cutting blade that is tipped with carbide.

However, it could be that you require the saw for cutting other materials, such as aluminum or PVC. In these circumstances, a different blade is required. Check to see if alternative blades are included with your mini saw, or if they are available to fit your particular model.

Size, Weight, and Shape

One of the advantages of mini circular saws is that they are easier to handle than their larger, full-size siblings. If you have a lot of material to cut, you want a saw that is lightweight and ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue on the hands.

Constantly applying pressure to the saw and the vibration feedback can lead to tired hands. The lighter and better fitting the saw is, the more comfortable it will be to use.

Extra Features

Depending on the model, many mini circular saws come with features that are not common across all brands. Additional benefits that may be of interest include laser-guiding, dust extraction, or center-offset blades.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1jxioLqJzM

Conclusion

Just because mini circular saws are small, that doesn’t mean they are not cut out for heavy-duty projects. A clever, thin blade design, combined with a powerful motor can make them as powerful as their larger siblings.

But where these saw come into their own is their ease of use. Lightweight, ergonomically designed and maneuverable, they can reach the places other saws cannot.

They are equally ideal for large building projects, involving “two by four” timber, or more delicate hobbyist work, such as modeling.

I hope that this list and buying guide has helped you choose the perfect saw. They are definitely one of the most versatile tools, and you should consider having one in your workshop arsenal.

Last update on 2020-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API