June 17, 2023
If you’re a serious DIY enthusiast or contractor, you would indeed find the circular saw a handy tool in every way. It is undoubtedly a versatile saw and a must-have power tool in your workshop and comes in handy when you engage in challenging or straightforward projects. But when shopping around for a circular saw, you will find corded and cordless circular saws. And soon, you will need to decide whether to buy a cordless or corded circular saw.
The corded and cordless circular saws come with their pros and cons. But in this post, we will discuss the best mini cordless circular saw and outline why these mini circular saws are suited for beginners in woodworking.
Should You Use Cordless Mini Circular Saw?
As a tyro in woodworking, you would surely want a circular saw that you can handle easily. You would like something compact, portable, and cordless. With a compact circular saw, you can quickly cut various materials, including metal, wood, plastic, and stone.
The small-sized cordless circular saw, of course, enables you to cut even if the power outlet is far from your workspace. Though it is not designed to build an entire house, it will work for small projects.
The only obvious disadvantage of the portable circular saw is its lack of power compared to the corded circular saw. The reason is that the battery technology of circular saws has not yet reached the level that could make the cordless circular saw at par with the corded circular saws when it comes to power.
Most Recommended Best Small Cordless Circular Saws
The number of cordless mini circular saw brands and models is increasing, making the choosing process more difficult for you. To help you zero in on the ideal one for your cutting needs, you can check out the following most recommended models of cordless circular saw in the market today:
1) Makita SH02R1
One excellent cordless circular saw is the Makita SH02R1. This battery-powered circular saw provides you with exceptional versatility for cutting materials. It is compact (3-3/8″) that can deliver the needed speed and power for various cutting tasks.
You will get everything you need to start cutting using this circular saw. Its saw blade, of course, can provide an inch-deep cut. Moreover, you can make a 45-degree angled cut with the proper adjustment. You can also tilt its base for making various cutting applications.
The kit comes with two batteries (Lithium-ion). It also comes with a charge level indicator that lets you monitor the battery charge.
This circular saw is very compact and lightweight at three and a half pounds. It can produce a maximum speed of 1,500 RPM, good enough to cut various materials. If you are a highly itinerant woodworker, this one would be a perfect choice.
2) Bosch GKS 10.8
If you want something compact, you should check out the Bosch GKS 10.8. You won’t tire quickly when using this circular saw because it is super lightweight. So, if you are looking for a higher comfort level when cutting, I think this one is worth considering.
Nevertheless, this circular saw will not excel when it comes to power. Yet, you can rely on it if you only engage in light cutting works, and it will let you accomplish a good amount of jobs. But when it comes to speed and power, it lags behind a bit the Makita SH02R1.
It is pretty lightweight at 1.4 kilograms for incredible comfort. It also has a battery charge indicator, giving you quick data on the power of your battery. The batteries, however, do not come with this circular saw. Hence, you must buy them separately.
3) DEWALT ATOMIC DCS571B
DEWALT ATOMIC DCS571B is a popular cordless circular saw for many reasons. But one reason is the extended hours of work it can afford you.
It also comes with a brushless motor that could spin a maximum of 4,500 RPM, and you would not expect such power from a very compact body. This one is a 4-1/2″ circular saw, and it can make various types of cuts.
This circular saw, however, doesn’t come with batteries. So, you need to buy them separately. It also features an electronic blade brake for an enhanced level of safety.
4) Worx WX429L
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly circular saw, you should check out the Worx WX429L. This one is a four-and-a-half-inch circular saw, enough to enable you to cut various materials with less effort.
It comes with a powerful motor to cut stone and metal. Moreover, it is portable and versatile enough to free yourself from the confines of cords. It peaks at 3,500 RPM. Besides, you can make straight and angled cuts. This circular saw is also affordable.
You can operate this circular saw with a single hand, allowing your other hand to be mobile and functional. Besides, using this circular saw, your hand will not quickly tire because it is very lightweight.
5) WEN 3625
One circular saw model that you can check out if you want a compact circular saw is the WEN 3625. It is perfect for cutting wood, metal, ceramic, tile, PVC, and many other materials. You can make straight and beveled cuts with this circular saw. It also comes with a laser that can light up your cutline.
This one is a compact 4-1/5″ circular saw that can peak at 3500 RPM. It also comes with a cutting blade (24-tooth) and a case for you to carry it anywhere. Moreover, it comes with other excellent features like the dust extraction tube. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cordless Small / Mini Circular Saw
If you are bent on buying a cordless mini circular saw, it will also help to know the essential factors to consider when selecting one. Below is a rundown of these critical factors to consider:
Safety and Level of Comfort
When cutting materials, you don’t want to use something heavy on your hands. The reason is that you don’t want to overstress your hands quickly. Some circular saws are heavy on your hands. So, if you are engaged in continuous cutting, chances are, your hands will tire soon.
But if you’re using something compact with an ergonomic design, you won’t tire your hands quickly. If your hands are not tired, you can focus well on what you do.
The design of the handle and the grip size will also factor well in the level of stress your hands will experience. So, it will be best to go for something ergonomic in design. Moreover, it will help if you go for something that provides a high level of safety. Go for something with a blade brake feature.
Cutting Depth
Choosing a circular saw that allows for deeper cuts will be good. With deeper cuts, you can accomplish more cuts. So, it will help if you consider the cutting depth that the saw is capable of.
Circular saws with 7-1/2″ sizes can have 2-1/2″ cutting depth. So, go for this type of circular saw. Moreover, if you have a 7-1/2″ circular saw, you will have the most comprehensive replacement blade range. Smaller-sized circular saws, however, have shallower cutting depth.
Battery
The battery of the cordless circular saw will determine the power of the circular saw. Yet, for cordless batteries, the choices are only a few. For example, you can choose between nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries, of course, are more energy efficient. Moreover, they would provide you with more hours of works. The good thing is that lithium-ion batteries are now widely available. So, you will find many circular saws powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Size and Weight
The technology behind the circular saw has dramatically evolved throughout the years. Over time, the designs of circular saws have become more compact yet more powerful. Hence, you already have a wide array of options when searching for a compact circular saw.
The weight and size of a circular saw, of course, will factor well in the ease of use and comfort level afforded by a circular saw. The more compact and less sizeable the circular saw, the better you can handle it.
Your Budget
Another factor that could dictate your options is the budget you have. Of course, if budget isn’t an issue for you, you can always root for the best mini circular saw without even batting an eyelash. But if your budget is limited, you can always set your sight on those cordless mini circular saws that are within your budget range.
Ease of Changing Blade
Another factor you need to consider is the ease of blade change afforded by the circular saw. It should be effortless on your part, just like changing eyeglasses. Moreover, you should check the blades that it can accommodate.
Most mini circular saw models will probably not have any issue with blade change. But with the choice of saw blades, it can be a bit confusing for a beginner.
Power
Cordless mini circular saws are not as powerful as corded circular saws. They feature smaller motors that could hardly equal those of the corded ones. So, when choosing one, you need to check the index in the item’s description.
Check if it has a higher max RPM capability. Check likewise if it has higher Watts, for the higher the wattage, the more powerful it will be.
Check also for the RPM switch. Besides, you should determine its amperage. If it has 15 Amps, then it is suitable for most cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
One way to clarify some of the nagging questions you might have when choosing the ideal cordless mini circular saw is to read through the FAQs about mini circular saws. Below are the FAQs about mini circular saws:
Are Mini Circular Saws Useful?
Any power tool can come in handy in woodworking. Although you can’t expect to build a house using a small circular saw, you can expect it to deliver the needed cuts for your small projects. They are as helpful as the conventional circular saws but are less powerful. So, if you will only limit your projects to small projects, you will be contented with a small and compact circular saw.
What is the Cut Depth of the 7-1/4″ Circular Saw?
With the standard 7-1/4″ circular saw, you can cut up to 2-1/2″ depth. But some models can also make a three-inch deep cut. Yet, this is dependent on the model’s design. If you want deeper cuts, go for the 8-1/4″ circular saw to cut a maximum depth of 4 inches.
Can you Cut a 2×4 Using a 5-1/2 Circular Saw?
Some 5.5-inch circular saw can cut through a 2×4. One such circular saw is the Ryobi One+ P501G because it has a more powerful battery. Besides, you can go for the Craftsman C3 19.2 Volt or BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX if you want to cut 2×4.
What are the Uses of the Compact Circular Saw?
The compact circular saw is handy in cutting crosscutting, ripping, bevel cutting, and cutting wood, metal, stone, plastic, and many more.
Conclusion
If you’re a serious woodworker, you will not want a less powerful circular saw. You will need something more powerful, something with an unlimited source of power. Hence, you might make a pass on the corded mini circular saw.
But having a mini circular saw can also prove helpful in your small projects. As such, it is not a bad idea to get one mini circular saw for this purpose. Such a circular saw will not overburden your hands when working on small projects. Its versatility and flexibility will also prove helpful when engaged in small cutting tasks.
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.