August 2, 2023
Not long ago, a very close friend of mine asked me about which circular saw for left-handed users he would buy to jumpstart his woodworking career. Well, I told him that most manufacturers of circular saws also roll out left-handed circular saws. So, I assured him that he would indeed have a lot of circular saws for left-handers. Moreover, I have given him a rundown of the best left-handed circular saw options in the market today to help him narrow down his choices.
But what is a left-handed circular saw? A left-handed circular saw comes with the saw blade on the left side of the saw while its motor is on the right side. This design lets the users grip the main handle using the left hand while the right hand holds the auxiliary handle. Hence, this design is perfect for left-handed users.
The Most Recommended Left-handed Circular Saws
Knowing the essential factors to consider when selecting a left-handed circular saw will lead you a bit closer to finding the right left-handed circular saw for your needs. Yet, if you know the following most recommended left-handed circular saws by the experts, you can quickly narrow down your options and zero in on the ideal left-handed circular saw:
Last update on 2023-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Milwaukee’s Circular Saw (6391-21)
The Milwaukee’s Circular Saw is a 7-1/4″ circular saw with a blade mounted on the left side of the saw. Thus, this one is perfect for a left-handed person who wants better visibility of the cut line. It features a powerful motor (15amp) that is capable of 3-1/4HP.
This circular saw comes with an adjustable handle that is ergonomically designed. This handle tilts accordingly, allowing you to find the most comfortable position for your hand. Its aluminum shoe bevels to around 50 degrees. It also comes with a (blow-molded) storage case. Moreover, it comes with a limited warranty.
Pros:
- Its kit comes with all the things you need to start cutting.
- It has an ergonomic design.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a directional dust port.
- It doesn’t come with an electric blade break.
- Its blade is thin, so you need to replace it with a thicker one.
- The base plate tends to bend.
2) BOSCH CS5
The BOSCH CS5 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a circular saw for left-handed users. With its superb design and powerful motor, this circular saw can cut quickly. This circular saw is perfect for use in many applications and job sites. Moreover, this cutting tool is ideal for high productivity, given its outstanding feature.
The BOSCH CS5 features a powerful motor (15map) that allows it to produce more output. You can make different cuts and even create angled cuts using this circular saw. Additionally, it is only 10 pounds allowing for better maneuverability and convenience of use. Moreover, you will find this circular saw easy to use and operate while giving you excellent cut line visibility if you are a left-handed user.
Pros:
- It comes with a long battery runtime.
- Its weight is sufficient to provide you with convenient control over it.
- It is well-made and durable.
Cons:
- The base plate tends to twist and flex if you apply too much pressure on it.
- It is on the heavy side
- It is challenging to operate against a thin straight edge guide.
3) Makita 5477NB
The Makita 5477NB is another excellent option that is great for left-handed users. It weighs around 18 pounds. Besides, this circular saw is a corded one that comes with Hypoid gears. Moreover, these gears provide more power. It also has a powerful motor (15amp) for increased productivity.
Its blade is a 7-1/4″ blade capable of a maximum RPM of 4,500 RPM. It also comes with an oil bath feature for increased efficiency. Its carbide-tipped blade can rip through hard materials. Moreover, its Hypoid gears will surely deliver constant power.
The bevel capacity of this one is up to 51.5 degrees. It is easy to use with its rubberized grip on its handle for improved control and added comfort. Besides, it comes with a cord that is ten-foot-long. Its base plate is corrosion-resistant, likewise.
Pros:
- It comes with a high-torque motor.
- It comes with sealed gear housing.
- It’s comfortable to use with its rubberized grip.
- Its blade is easy to change.
Cons:
- It’s expensive.
- It’s heavy.
4) SKILSAW Southpaw SPT67M8-01
The SKILSAW Southpaw comes with a powerful motor (15amp). This circular saw features a dual-field motor that is capable of 5300 RPM. It features a 7-1/4″ blade. Moreover, it comes with twenty-four teeth, and these teeth are carbide-tipped. This circular saw features a sidewinder design that lets you have a clear cut-line view.
The SKILSAW Southpaw is sturdy and durable, being made of magnesium. It is reliable when it comes to cutting, and its motor stays cool even with continuous use. Moreover, it features a ten-foot-long cord that allows you to cut longer workpieces. You can use it to cut softwood and hardwood. You can also use it to cut engineered wood.
The only downside of this circular saw is that it doesn’t come with the blade brake and soft start feature. However, it comes with a sturdy base and adjustable settings. Thus, it is perfect for left-handed users.
Pros:
- It has an ergonomic handle and design.
- It is durable with its magnesium construction.
- It has a powerful motor.
- It has impressive torque.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with an electric blade brake and soft start features.
5) Dewalt DCS373
The Dewalt DCS373 comes with a powerful motor that could provide you with 3,700 max RPM. Thus, it can handle demanding cutting jobs with ease. It comes with a five and one-half-inch blade, and this blade comes with 30 teeth.
The teeth of this blade also feature carbide tips. This circular saw is cordless and is durable enough with metallic construction.
Moreover, it features a light (LED) that lights within several seconds once you’ve released the trigger for enhanced visibility when cutting.
When cutting, it provides you with better visibility of the cutline. It also comes with a durable steel shoe. Besides, it comes with a comfortable grip (rubber)for excellent control and balance.
Pros:
- It can cut quickly through thicker materials, even steel.
- It offers clean cuts.
- It’s easy to operate and handle.
- It’s excellent for left-handed users.
Cons:
- This saw is only good for lighter cutting tasks.
6) EnerTwist 20V
The EnerTwist 20V is another great option if you’re looking for a small and light left-handed circular saw. Your hand will not tire quickly while using this circular saw, allowing you to work all day. You can also easily take this circular saw anywhere you need to cut wood and workpieces.
This circular saw comes with a 3,500 RPM motor, allowing you to cut various materials like wood, tiles, etc. It is also equipped with an excellent blade, sufficiently powerful for cutting through 2″ lumber. You can also easily adjust its cutting depth.
The EnerTwist 20V provides you with accurate bevel cuts. With the saw blade on the left side, you will have better visibility of your cutline. Besides, it comes with an ergonomic handle, ensuring a comfortable cutting experience. It also comes with a carbide-tipped blade with 24 teeth.
Pros:
- Comes with an adjustable cutting depth
- Powerful enough with 3,500 RPM
- Its blade on the left side allows for better visibility of the cutline
- Comes with an ergonomic handle
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy works
Essential Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Left-handed Circular Saw
Blade Side
The first factor you need to consider when buying a circular saw is whether you are purchasing a left-handed or a right-handed circular saw. Ask the seller if it is really a left-handed circular saw, for you don’t want to return an item or end up with something that is right-handed. Check the blade and the motor. If the saw blade is on the left side and the motor is on the right side, it is a left-handed circular saw.
As you search for a left-handed circular saw, you will find that most corded saws come with a blade on the right side. But if you are a left-handed one, you want to grip the main handle using your left hand and the auxiliary handle with your right hand. Thus, you must ensure that you get a left-handed circular saw with the blade on its left side and the motor on its right side.
Drive Mechanism
Circular saws are either a sidewinder or a worm drive. Worm drive saws feature a motor centerline that is parallel to the saw’s flat plane. Moreover, worm drive saws offer higher load-bearing capacity. They also come with larger teeth, allowing them a longer reach when they are cutting.
A sidewinder, on the other hand, comes with a motor on one side of the tool. The motor comes aligned with the blade, and for this reason, it is more compact and lightweight. The sidewinder is better for repetitive light works.
The worm drive, on the other hand, is meant for more demanding applications. The sidewinder, moreover, offers better control over the circular saw and is perfect for newbies.
Worm drive circular saw is the one that more specifically for left-handed.
Design
A circular saw usually comes with two handles as a handheld tool. These two handles are the main handle and the auxiliary handle for convenient usage. When using a circular saw, the level of comfort you have is crucial to the safe and effective use of the circular saw.
So, when searching for a left-handed circular saw, ensure that you look for something that has an ergonomic design. Look for something with molded rubber grips on its handles.
Performance and Power
Power tools are known as power tools because they exhibit power in their performance. Hence, as you search for a left-handed circular saw, make sure that you also look for something with a powerful motor.
Remember that the higher the volts and amps of the circular saw, the better the performance of the circular saw. So, it will help to look for something that has a powerful motor.
Cut Line Visibility
Another factor to consider when choosing a circular saw is the visibility of the cut line when operating the circular saw. If you have a right-handed circular saw and you are left-handed, you will grip the saw’s main handle using your left hand and the auxiliary handle using your right hand.
In such a case, your right wrist will block your line of sight. Moreover, your right wrist will also cross over the blade guard, posing a safety hazard. Thus, when choosing a circular saw, make sure that your choice will provide you with a better cut line visibility.
Right-handed vs. Left-handed Circular Saws
The left-handed circular saw has its blade on its left side. On the other hand, the right-handed circular saw has its blade on its right side. The placement of the saw blade will determine how you would use the circular saw.
Better Visibility of Cutline
One factor that best differentiates these two blade setups lies in how you can view the cutline. If you use the right-handed saw, the blade gets situated on the circular saw’s other side, far from the user’s body, making it more challenging to get a visual of the workpiece and the cutline.
Thus, you’ll be required to over-extend your neck and head to view the saw blade as it cuts. However, if you utilize the left-handed saw, the saw blade is on the same line as you, making it easy to see it as it cuts through the workpiece.
Single-handed Use
Utilizing the left-handed circular saw, you will find it easy to operate using a single hand. The reason is that the left-handed circular saw allows for single-handed use. With this setup, you can grab the circular saw with one hand while supporting the wood with the other hand.
Using the right-handed circular saw, you can’t hold the circular saw with one hand. It will be best to hold the circular saw with both your hands. Besides, you need to extend over your head to see the material and the cutline.
Safety
Your choice between right-handed and left-handed saw blades also factors in the level of safety of the circular saw. If you use a right-handed circular saw, you will see the saw blade on the saw’s opposite side, keeping you more protected from the saw blade.
But if you are left-handed using a right-handed circular saw, you become more prone to injuring yourself. Moreover, if you’re a left-handed user using a left-handed circular saw, you are also less prone to injuries.
But if you’re right-handed, using a left-handed circular saw, you end up exposing more yourself more to the circular saw blade, making the cutting process riskier.
When using a power tool like a circular saw, you need to consider your safety. Even if you’re left-handed using a left-handed circular saw, you need to follow the safety protocols.
Saw Dust Emission
Another factor you need to consider is the direction of the sawdust when cutting. When cutting using a left-handed circular saw, you will see the sawdust gets ejected towards you, while if you’re a right-handed using a left-handed circular saw, the sawdust gets discharged away from your hands and face.
Things You Must Know When using Left-handed Circular Saw
Left-handed versus Right-handed Circular Saws
When shopping around for a power tool like a left-handed circular saw, it will help if you know the experts’ recommendations. It is likewise helpful to learn about the upsides and downsides of using the left-handed and right-handed circular saws:
Cut Line and Material Visibility
The left-handed and right-handed circular saws differ from each other when it comes to cut line visibility for their users. The right-handed circular saw, for example, has a blade on the saw’s other side. it is away from the user, and thus, it becomes harder for a left-handed user to see the material he is working on. However, it is perfect for right-handed users.
The user needs to lean over to see the saw blade while you cut, especially if you are a left-handed guy. On the other hand, if you’re using a left-handed saw, you will quickly see the blade and where it cuts on the material.
Single-handed Operation
Most professional woodworkers prefer the use of left-handed ones because they allow for single-handed operation. Thus, with a single-handed operation, they can hold the wood with one hand.
Nevertheless, engaging in a single-handed operation would be impossible if you are using a right-handed saw because you must hold the saw using both hands. Moreover, you need to bend over to see if the blade is cutting the material correctly.
Level of Safety
One concern you need to address when choosing between left-handed and right-handed circular saws is the level of safety afforded by each of these options. If you are a right-handed person who uses a right-handed circular saw, you can safely use the right-handed circular saw because the right-handed saw has the blade on the saw’s opposite side. Thus, the right-handed user is more protected by the design of the saw.
On the other hand, when you are a left-handed person, and you’re using a right-handed circular saw, you will find your body and legs more exposed to the blade, adding more risk to your use of the circular saw. So, it will be advisable to use a circular saw that favors your dominant hand.
Saw Dust Emission
You may also find the sawdust emission of the circular saw a minor concern when choosing between a left-handed and a right-handed saw. For example, with the left-handed circular saw, you will find the sawdust puffing onto you, while if you are using the right-hand circular saw, you will find the sawdust moving away from you.
Why are Worm Drive Circular Saws Left-handed?
Another type of circular saw is the worm drive circular saw. This type of circular saw has its motor at its rear. It is like the left-handed circular saw because its saw blade is on its left side. One reason why the worm drive circular saw is left-handed is its motor and weight. The weight of the worm drive saw is placed on the workpiece portion where the user wants it to be.
This setup makes cutting efficient and provides the user with a better visual of the cutline. It also offers better control and stability to the operator of this circular saw.
The worm driver circular saws are heavier and more powerful than other saw types. If you fail to stabilize your circular saw and control it, you might ruin your workpiece. Hence, the worm-drive circular saw has a left-handed design for better stability and control.
Is It Advisable to Use the Left-handed Circular Saw?
Woodworkers and users of circular saws would prefer to have a circular saw whose blade is on the dominant hand’s side, and they got reasons for that. Since you should use the circular saw with both hands, if you are a left-handed person and you’re using the right-handed circular saw, your left hand will likely grip the saw’s main handle, while your right hand would grip the auxiliary handle.
The problem emerges from this setup of your hands. Your right wrist in this setup will block your line of sight. Your right hand also crosses over the circular saw’s blade guard. Such a position of your right hand will pose a safety hazard if the blade guard misses or fails. Similarly, such a setup will also happen if you’re a right-handed person who uses a left-handed circular saw.
Aside from the awkward setup of your hands when using a circular saw that is not suited for your dominant hand, you will also find it hard to set up your material. The material you are cutting is usually underneath the motor of the circular saw, over the side of the waste edge. If you are not using the appropriate circular saw for your dominant hand, you may end up with the waste edge falling away, with the circular saw losing its support. Such a situation can be fraught with risk likewise.
Conclusion
As a left-handed person, you don’t need to be in an awkward situation when cutting materials using your circular saw. You don’t need to sacrifice safety simply because you haven’t bought the right circular saw for your needs. Contrariwise, you can buy a left-handed circular saw, and there are many options at hand for left-handed users of circular saw.
It is a reasonable move to go for a left-handed circular saw if your dominant hand is your left hand. Moreover, you will find the left-handed circular saw a more appealing and safe option.
You will also find it easier to use, and you can cut better because you got a clear line of sight. Besides, the cut line is more visible to you. So, if you want to be on the safe and convenient side, I suggest that you go for the left-handed circular saw if you are a left-handed person.
Liam is a 37-year-old woodworker and interior designer who loves to make every furniture project an art piece. He is very experienced in furniture design and woodworking project planning.