What size circular saw to get?

Introduction

There are so many sizes of a circular saw to choose from, and the sizes you require depends on the depth of cut you want to make. They are designed to take in certain blade sizes and can only be used on that particular blade. But first, you have to determine what depths you need to cut before choosing what type of circular saw you need. Circular saw mostly give a 7 ¼ inch size blade, and if a bigger one is needed, you will need to acquire a type of saw that offers that. For a more detailed information check out Circular saw

Size guide

Sizes of circular saw blades range from 5 inches to 12 inches, but each specific saw is made to allow only certain blade sizes. The size of your blade will determine at what depth you can cut. When you buy your circular saw, you will be given instructions on what size of blades your model can accept. You should never try to use a smaller or bigger size than what was recommended by the manufacturer for your type of saw. The sizes of saw blades are about 7 ¼ inch blade for a corded version of the saw, while the cordless one has little capacity than the corded types. If you require a large size blade for a deep cut, I advise you to consider getting a radial arm saw, table saws, and compound miter saw. They often have large blades that range from 10 to 12 inches. They give deeper cuts than your circular saw.

Your blade size determines the depth you can cut, while the amount of teeth on your blades determines what type of material you cut through, how you can cut through different materials, and what cuts you can make, whether clean or rip cut, which gives you smooth or rough cuts. To know the best sizes of circular saw check out What size of Circular saw to get

Depth of a circular saw cut

The cut depth made by your circular saw is determined by what Circular saw you buy and the manufacturer’s description of your saw, which is based on what size of blade your saw can accommodate. The cordless saw’s standard base size is 165mm or 7 ¼, which is also standard for your corded circular saws, but cordless saws mostly have smaller blades, limiting the depth cut.

It is not advisable to buy a bigger size blade for your saw than what is needed; if you require saw blades that cut deeper, you need to get a larger saw for that. The cut depth varies depending on your cordless saw manufacturer; try looking for the maximum cutting depth at 0 degrees when buying to know how cutting depth you aren’t planning on using it to cut a bevel. Cutting a bevel requires a saw with a moveable base plate, which means you won’t be able to cut deeply at 0 degrees but can cut at a 45-degree bevel. When choosing a circular saw, you need to decide whether you are cutting straight lines into the material and attain the depth of cut as indicated by the manufacturer at 0 degrees cut or if you want to cut at an angle, try looking for a saw with beveling at 45 to 90 angles to cut deeper.

Types of circular saws

Circular saws are invaluable tools in the woodworking world, but there is still some debate on its subcategories. Some people don’t know that there are different types of circular with different uses. Here are some circular saw types to help them and help you choose the right one for you.

Worm drive circular saws

They have a motor attached behind the blade connected by gears to it. It makes it slow but has increased torque. Worm drive has increased power and durability with improved sightline that results from thinner and deeper saws. They are used for plunge cuts, longer cross, and miter cuts.

Sidewinder circular saws

These saws are small and portable and have a motor attached to the left’s blade, directly turning the shafts moving it around. They are very efficient in making use of energy, thereby allowing the blade to move quickly. They mostly use corded electricity or lithium-ion battery as a power source and are used for rip cuts, overhead cuts, plywood, and soft lumber.

Abrasive circular saws

They are used for cutting materials harder than wood. Since teeth rebound on most hard substances, abrasive saws do away entirely instead of a flat blade resembling a pizza cutter. They are handheld or fixed to a table or radial arm. They are used for cutting tile concrete, pipe and asphalt. Their blades are made up of diamond or cubic boron nitride.

Biscuit joiners

it is used to join two workpieces together without visible holes using a circular saw as part of his mechanism. It cuts a slit in each board, and the third piece of wood called a biscuit is glued in both of them. They are very easy to use and require no specialty tool.

Dissimilarities between a worm drive and circular saw

Worm drive saws have in line with the blade, which gives higher torque and cuts wet lumber and concrete easily. The worm drive is a perfect saw for framing or large renovation jobs. The handle is set to further back and resists kickback easier. They are heavy blades, and the blades sit to the motor left while unlike the worm drive, circular saws are lighter and have a cordless saw, which is not as powerful as a worm drive. They are used to cut smaller, thinner, and lighter material and have a lower torque than a worm saw. They are also portable and can be around to be used outside the work area. These are perfect saws for the DIY enthusiast and people who have smaller projects to tackle.

Conclusion

Like I said before, the type of circular saw you buy depends on the job you want to use it for. Also, the size of the blade determines how deep you can cut. With this, I hope you will be able to find the right tool for the job. To know how a circular saw is used check out What is a Circular Saw used for‘ and to learn how to sharpen your circular saws check out how to sharpen circular saw blades by hand