October 9, 2023
Do you spend much time figuring out which circular saw is the safest to use? The same thing also occurred to me a couple of years ago when I was just trying to jumpstart my woodworking career. I was also confused then. Nevertheless, when working with any power tools like a circular saw, it will help to put your safety first. So, safety features should be paramount in your choice of a circular saw.
If you’re a newbie in woodworking, you would surely love to buy the safest circular saw in the market because you are anxious about the potential risks involved in using a circular saw. The potential risks with the use of circular saws are many. These risks include impact and cutting injuries, hearing injuries due to noise and vibration, fire, explosion, electrocution, slips, trips, and falls due to the circular saw.
Safety and Fatigue Reducing Features
If you intend to buy a circular saw, it would be wise to know the safety procedures and tips on handling a circular saw. Aside from these safety procedures, it will help to look for a circular saw with the essential safety and fatigue-reducing features. Such features include the auto lock-on and off, blade guards, shields, and the electric blade.
The electric brake, of course, is not evident as compared to other safety features. Yet, it is the selling point of some contemporary circular saw manufacturers. Of course, this feature has saved many fingers, toes, blades, cord, and wood floor.
How Does Circular Saw’s Electric Brake Work?
Experts have estimated that the circular saw blade may continue to spin for 12 seconds after you’ve turned it off. This continuous spinning after turning it off is one of the leading causes of injuries. For example, if you are listless or distraught, you may end up hitting the spinning blade seconds after you let go of its trigger. In such a case, the electric brake comes in handy to prevent such injuries. I can explain technically how the electric brake works. Yet, such a technical explanation may not interest you. Thus, a simplified explanation would do.
The electric brake is a feature that stops the rotation of the blade within 2 seconds, thus, preventing unfortunate injury. The brake is activated once the circular saw’s trigger is released.
What really happens is that the electric polarity reverses when you let go of the trigger. This releasing of the trigger makes the motor rotate in a reverse manner, which, in turn, causes the motor to stop quickly.
With the electric brake at hand, the risks concomitant with the use of a circular saw. So, if you’re looking for the safest circular saw, always look for one with an electric brake feature. Moreover, many power tools with circular blades have already incorporated the electric brake feature.
Top-rated Circular Saws with Safety Features
The level of safety afforded by a circular saw depends on the number of its functional safety and fatigue-reducing features. Moreover, among these safety features, the electric brake is the feature that characterizes a premium quality. Thus, it will help to look for one with an electric brake feature when shopping around for a circular saw. Here’s a list of the most recommended circular saw when it comes to safety features:
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw With Brake
The DEWALT DCS570B is a 20V circular saw that comes with brake features. It features a brushless motor that offers 5,200 RPM and can maintain its speed under load. Moreover, it comes with a 7-1/4″ blade that offers around 2-9/16″ cutting depth at 90° and cutting depth of 1-5/8″ at 45°. It is also capable of 57° bevel capacity.
The DEWALT DCS570B is capable of 100 crosscuts in a pine (2×4), and it is easy to use because of its 57° bevel capacity. As a cordless circular saw, you can operate it using a battery. However, it doesn’t come with a battery. So, you need to buy the battery and charger separately. Its initial battery voltage (maximum) is 20V, while its nominal voltage is 18V.
The DEWALT DCS570B comes with an electric brake feature and other safety features that make it one of the safest circular saws in the market today. With its electric brake feature, you can be sure that its blade will stop spinning within two seconds after you have released its trigger.
2) Makita 5007MGA 7-1/4″ Magnesium Circular Saw
The Makita 5007MGA is also an excellent choice for a circular saw with top-notch safety features. With its electric brake feature, its blade stops after you release its trigger. This electric brake feature reverses the electricity flow’s polarity after releasing the trigger, making the blade spins the other way.
The Makita 5007MGA also comes with a powerful motor (15 am) and can deliver 5,800 rpm. It has proven durability and performance. Moreover, it comes with a large cutting capacity of 2-1/2″ at 90°. Its bevel capacity is 56° and 22.5° to 45° detents. These features provide enough power to deal with any cutting applications..
The Makita 5007MGA also comes with 2 built-in LED lights for illuminating the line that you are going to cut. Thus, it is safe to use, even at night. It also comes with large, rubberized levers for easy one-handed adjustments.
The Makita 5007MGA is 10.6 pounds and lighter than many corded circular saws. Thus, it’s reasonable to say that it is easy to use and is versatile enough. It also comes with a safety lock.
3) Makita 5008MGA Circular Saw
The Makita 5008MGA Circular Saw comes with a powerful 15-amp motor that can deliver 5,200 RPM. It is mostly made of magnesium components that make it lightweight at 11.4 lbs. It offers a large cutting capacity of 3″ at 90°. Plus, it provides a bevel capacity of 0 to 50° and positive stops at 45° and 22.5°. Moreover, it comes with large and rubberized levers for easy one-handed adjustments. It also comes with LED lights to brighten your line of cut for more accurate and safe cuts.
The Makita 5008MGA comes with a built-in dust blower to keep your line of cut clear. Moreover, it comes with all the safety features for a safe cutting experience. But most especially, it comes with an electric brake to keep the blade from spinning within 2 seconds after you’ve released its trigger.
4) SKILSAW SPT67WMB-01
The SKILSAW SPT67WMB-01 is characterized by balance and durability. It is powered by a 15-amp dual-field motor that remains cool even with continuous use. It offers 56° bevel capacity and bevel stops at 0 and 45°. Moreover, it comes with an integrated dust blower to keep dust from the line of cut. It weighs around 10 pounds and is lightweight enough for reduced fatigue.
The SKILSAW SPT67WMB-01 comes with safety features that can make the cutting process for you safe. Yet, its most sterling safety feature is its electric brake, which stops the blade from spinning 2 seconds after you’ve released the trigger.
5) DEWALT DWE575SB
The DEWALT DWE575SB is a 7-1/4″ circular saw that is lightweight. It’s one of the lightest circular saws you can buy at present, weighing only 8.8 pounds. Moreover, it comes with a well-balanced design. It also features a lower guard (ball bearing) that offers added durability.
The DEWALT features a 15-amp motor and has a 57° beveling capacity along with 45° and 22.5° positive stops. Moreover, it comes with an integrated dust blower for keeping your line of cut clear. But most significantly, it comes with an electric brake. This feature makes the blade stop within 2 seconds after releasing the trigger, preventing the blade from accidentally hitting your hand, the floor, or the cord.
Conclusion
The use of power tools like the circular saw is never without any risks. It comes with many risks that include cutting injuries, hearing injuries, and many more. Hence, it is wise to select a circular saw with safety features like auto-lock and electric brake. Moreover, it will help if you know the safety tips in handling circular saw, especially if you are a newbie.
The safety features of new circular saws have already greatly improved compared to those of the olden times. The electric brake is a welcome innovation. Moreover, some circular saw manufacturers might be considering the incorporation of the flesh-sensing feature already found in some table saws. If that happens, the circular saw blade will sense if it is about to hit the user’s flesh and save any user from serious injuries.
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.