The 5 Best Compact Circular Saws [Ranked]

What Are Buyers Saying?

The Worx Mini

The first compact circular so we examined is manufactured by Worx. This imported option is advertised as a means of easily sawing through 2 x 4's in a single motion, weighing half as much as your standard circular saw.

It features a depth gauge lever as well as bevel settings that are adjustable 0 to 45°, enabling operators to perform swift adjustments. When it ships, you'll receive a box that includes a parallel guide, a vacuum adapter, an Allen key, a carbide-tipped blade and the miniature electric saw itself.

The blade it ships with is a general cutting blade- a 24 tooth 4 1/2-inch option. It doesn't work with 220 V outlets- it is manufactured for a 120 V hook up cord, which is not able to plug into a 220 or 240 V outlet.

• One buyer purchased it to work on three-quarter inch plywood fencing- he told us that it eight through the wood with ease performing clean cuts with minuscule amounts of tear out.
• One reviewer endorsed the quality and the price of this unit, saying that it could be a useful portable and lightweight option for professionals as well as DIY types.
• One contractor says that the vacuum port is an especially convenient feature that helps minimize messiness indoors, capturing a lot of the sawdust that is emitted from cutting.
• A female user endorses this mini circular saw and as a good option for women, and for individuals with smaller hands, as well.
• A home repair enthusiast and told us they employed it to cut 1 inch granite- it worked well for that task, though after several passes it was prone to overheating, so they had to rest it every so often.

The Rockwell Ultra-Compact

The second circular saw we examined was the ultracompact Rockwell Versacut. This 4 amp option includes a laser indicator as advertised as an especially dynamic and powerful option for a cutting a variety of materials including flooring, sheet metal, wood, tile and plastics.

As well, it was constructed with a putting metal guard to make plunge cuts easier to accomplish with a dust extraction mechanism to ensure the cutline isn't clouded over with dust when you are performing important cuts. Indeed, the manufacturers indicate that it has a variety of different uses, an inspection of the users manual says that it even works for aluminum, slate and ceramic tiles.

One of the primary benefits, it is advertised, is that this miniature circular saw is a lightweight and well-balanced alternative to bulkier circular saws to perform precise cuts in tight areas that larger options just can't accomplish.

A rear motor construction means that it's balanced better, an ergonomic consideration that can decrease the hand fatigue operators often feel, with a lock off switch that helps to ensure it against accidental starts. Inside, when you receive it after purchase, you'll discover a diamond blade for ceramic tile and cement board cutting, a plastic base plate cover, a vacuum adapter, a parallel guide and a carrying bag.

• One user and wondered whether this compact circular so I would work with hardwoods like Brazilian Cherry, Maple or Acacia, was told by a variety of reviewers that it has worked well for hardwoods. Doing the task exceptionally well on oak flooring, bamboo flooring, though you should always be a bit more judicious and careful on tougher materials.
• One professional carpenter we interviewed told us that it is a well-made, specialty, power hand tool, comfortable in his larger than average sized hands, easy to control with a useful laser guide.
• One mild criticism a reviewer offered is that the spring-loaded footplate requires you to push down a bit too hard in order to expose your saw blade to perform a cut- a thoughtful safety feature, but a little bit inconvenient.
• As well, this carpenter told us that it really is incapable of performing bevel cuts.

The Dremel Electric Miniature

The third quarter compact circular saw toolkit we examined is manufactured by Dremel. This 7.5 amp option is advertised as a three in one tool, providing surface preparation abilities for materials like paint and rust. The manufacturers promote its metal foot guard that is better able to resist heat produced by heavier duty sawing jobs like cutting metal.

• One reviewer said that it is a 110 V option capable of cutting and working with drywall, and while powerful enough to cut through 2 x 4's it doesn't have the sufficient depth to do so.
• A powerful, corded hand-held saw, users write that they've used it to cut plastic, wood, and metal, with some reviewers even purchasing a refurbished option that cost significantly less than brand-new models.
• Another freelance electrician said that the small circular saw is easily handled, conveniently adjust for depth, though the dust extraction was not as strong as he would have liked.
• One buyer doing a home rehab told us he used it to perform flush cut sawing on laminate flooring- saying it was useful for doing those type jobs, though the blades' durability was somewhat disappointing.

The VonHaus Mini

mined is manufactured by VonHaus. This 4.5 amp, 500 W option includes an integrated straight cut guide and ships with a carry case. It's adjustable cutting depth goes to 1.06 inches and is powered by a 6'6" long power cord.

The manufacturer describes its handheld circular saw as an ergonomic option designed to reduce operator fatigue during strenuous performance, lightweight enough so that you can use it with one hand. It's indicated to be used cutting materials like tile, plasterboard, metal, wood, stone and ceramic- an ideal component of a homeowner's domestic toolbox.

• One reviewer endorses its ability to cut through plexiglass- though you should be careful to select the right blade to perform the cut effectively.
• Another reviewer says that if you are thinking about cutting through stone, you want to use a diamond cut blade which is useful for working with porcelain, ceramic, cement and concrete, though it won't work for tougher stone materials like granite.
• Another contractor interested in finishing up a crown molding project in his family room was advised that the cross cut guide will enable you to cut the crown molding from different angles, though there is some limitation with regards to the size of the moulding and wood.
• One reviewer was troubled by the difficulty of getting it working- saying that you have to unlock it with your index finger, squeeze it with your other fingers, and then you'll have to slide your thumb forward to unlock the blade cover release.
• Other buyers were somewhat disappointed at the small blade size and at the depth of its cut indicator- in his experience whenever the blade cover reaches its end it keeps going, even though there is no added pressure.
• A woodworker told us that it is a quiet and powerful option but is ergonomic and well built, perhaps use for for home woodworkers, but it was not effective for plunge cuts and working with half inch pine, perhaps best used as a small paneling saw.

The Genesis Mini

The last mini circular saw we examined was the Genesis model- it features a tungsten carbide blade with a 5.8 amp motor that provides 3,500 rpm. It features an integrated dust port and vacuum adapter and the manufacturer conveniently indicates which model blades will serve as replacement options.

• One buyer who has used it extensively was satisfied with his performance- saying that it is truly a lightweight and strong option.
• Another carpenter praises the ergonomic grip, saying that it is rubberized and fits his average-sized hands easily, conveniently enabling one-handed use for performing smooth and efficient cuts.