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The circular saw is the first power saw most tool buyers add to a cordless kit, and the right choice at this category has direct consequences for every framing project, sheet goods cut, and finish carpentry job that follows. The key variables separating a good circular saw from a frustrating one are blade orientation (blade-left puts the motor to the right of the blade, giving right-handed users a direct sightline to the cut line; blade-right puts the motor to the left, which is the traditional corded saw configuration), bevel capacity (how far the shoe tilts for angled cuts, and how precisely the bevel locks), electric brake (how quickly the blade stops spinning after the trigger is released -- a safety and productivity feature), carbide tooth count on the included blade (higher tooth count for cleaner cuts in sheet goods and trim, lower count for faster cuts in framing lumber), and cutting depth at 90 and 45 degrees (which determines the maximum material thickness the saw can cut in a single pass at each angle). I tested all five tools in this evaluation on 2x10 framing lumber, 3/4-inch birch plywood, 3/4-inch MDF, and 5/4-inch composite decking -- the four materials that cover the core applications for a cordless circular saw. Price range runs from $60 to $160, and the right choice depends on cut quality requirements, material thickness, battery platform, and whether a 6-1/2-inch or 7-1/4-inch blade is appropriate for the work.
Top pick for overall performance: DeWalt DCS570B at $130. The best combination of cutting speed, bevel accuracy, and electric brake in this test, at a price that fits the core DeWalt 20V MAX platform investment. Check the current price on Amazon.
Top pick for premium performance: Milwaukee 2732-20 at $160. The highest sustained cutting speed under load, the most complete feature set, and the best fit for contractors already on the M18 FUEL platform. Check the current price on Amazon.
Our Top 5 Circular Saws
| Circular Saw | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B 7-1/4" | Best Overall | $130 | 4.8/5 |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2732-20 7-1/4" | Best Premium | $160 | 4.7/5 |
| Makita 18V LXT XSS02Z 6-1/2" | Best Compact | $110 | 4.5/5 |
| Ryobi 18V ONE+ PBLCS300B 7-1/4" | Best Value | $80 | 4.3/5 |
| Skil PWRCore 20V CR5429B-10 6-1/2" | Best Budget | $60 | 4.0/5 |
1. DeWalt 20V MAX 7-1/4" Circular Saw (DCS570B) -- Best Overall
The DeWalt DCS570B is the circular saw I would buy for a homeowner doing a deck build, a contractor doing framing and sheet goods cutting, or anyone who wants a 7-1/4-inch cordless saw that delivers consistent cutting speed and reliable bevel adjustment at a price that does not require paying for features that only matter in production framing at scale. In the test, the DCS570B cut through 2x10 framing lumber at the fastest rate of any non-Milwaukee tool in this evaluation -- the brushless motor maintained blade speed through repeated cuts in a way that the Ryobi and Skil could not sustain in a rapid-sequence cutting test, where slower tools would drop blade speed noticeably on the third and fourth consecutive cut before recovering between cuts. This speed maintenance under load is the practical benefit of the brushless motor design: the motor draws more current to maintain speed when the blade is under load, rather than allowing speed to drop, which keeps the cut progressing at the feed rate you set rather than requiring you to slow down for the tool.
The DCS570B is a blade-left design -- the motor sits to the right of the blade, and for a right-handed user the sightline from the dominant hand runs directly to the blade and cut line without the motor body in the way. The bevel adjustment on the DCS570B is one of the best in this test: the shoe tilts to 57 degrees with positive detents at 45 and 22.5 degrees, and the detent engagement is positive enough that the bevel does not creep during a cut the way it can on saws with weaker detent mechanisms. At 45 degrees, the DCS570B maintains its cutting depth adequately for most dimensional lumber and sheet goods applications -- the cutting depth at 45 degrees is 1-7/8 inches, which handles 2x material comfortably at the standard 45-degree bevel angle. The electric brake on the DCS570B stops the blade within approximately 2 seconds of trigger release, which is the fastest in this test among the 7-1/4-inch saws and meaningfully faster than the Ryobi's unpowered coasting stop.
The included 24-tooth carbide blade is appropriate for the framing and general construction applications the DCS570B is built for -- fast cuts in dimensional lumber with a clean-enough edge for construction applications where the cut surface will be covered or is structural rather than finish. For sheet goods and finish applications where a cleaner cut edge is needed, swapping the included blade for a 40-tooth or 60-tooth ATB blade is the correct step, and the DCS570B's blade speed and motor consistency produce noticeably cleaner cut edges with a quality finish blade than the lower-cost saws in this test. The rip fence included with the DCS570B is a standard design -- a rod that inserts through the shoe and locks at the desired offset from the blade for repetitive rip cuts. It functions correctly for making consistent-width rip cuts in sheet goods when a full-length straightedge guide is not available. At $130 bare, the DCS570B is $30 less than the Milwaukee and the right circular saw for DeWalt 20V MAX users and buyers who want the best 7-1/4-inch saw under $140.
- Fastest cutting speed in test outside of Milwaukee -- brushless motor maintains blade speed through repeated cuts under load
- Blade-left design -- direct sightline to blade and cut line for right-handed users
- Best bevel adjustment in test among 7-1/4" saws -- 57-degree capacity, positive detents at 45 and 22.5 degrees, no creep during cut
- Fastest electric brake in test among 7-1/4" saws -- blade stops in approximately 2 seconds after trigger release
- Cutting depth at 90 degrees: 2-1/2 inch | Cutting depth at 45 degrees: 1-7/8 inch
- $130 bare tool -- best 7-1/4" cordless circular saw under $140, right for DeWalt 20V MAX users
Specs: Blade Size: 7-1/4 inch | Blade Orientation: Blade-left | Bevel Capacity: 57 degrees | Cutting Depth at 90 degrees: 2-1/2 inch | Cutting Depth at 45 degrees: 1-7/8 inch | Blade: 24-tooth carbide included | Electric Brake: Yes | Rip Fence: Included | Weight: 8.8 lbs (bare) | Battery Platform: DeWalt 20V MAX | Best For: Framing, sheet goods, deck building, general construction, DeWalt 20V MAX users
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw (2732-20) -- Best Premium
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2732-20 is the best-performing circular saw in this test, and the performance advantage is most visible in two specific areas: sustained cutting speed in hardwood and thick composite materials, and cut quality with a quality finish blade. In the cutting speed test on 5/4-inch composite decking -- a material that demands more from a motor than dimensional softwood lumber -- the Milwaukee maintained full blade speed through 20 consecutive cuts without the speed drop that occurred on the DeWalt starting around cut 12. The M18 FUEL brushless motor is rated at a higher power output than the DeWalt, and the difference shows in sustained cutting in dense or thick materials where the motor is running at or near its continuous power limit. For a framing contractor cutting 5/4 decking or thick LVL beam material for hours at a time, this sustained speed advantage translates directly to faster work and fewer pauses to let the tool recover.
The cut quality on the 2732-20 with a quality 40-tooth finish blade installed was the best in this test on birch plywood -- the combination of stable blade speed and the saw's low vibration contributed to a cleaner cut edge than the DeWalt or Makita on the same plywood with the same replacement blade. This is a meaningful advantage for a contractor who cuts exposed plywood paneling, cabinet carcasses from sheet goods, or finish trim from wide sheet stock, where cut edge quality affects the downstream finishing work. The bevel adjustment on the Milwaukee is similar in execution to the DeWalt -- positive detents at 45 degrees, bevel capacity to 56 degrees, a sturdy bevel lock that does not move during the cut. The electric brake is equally fast. The rip fence is included and functions the same as the DeWalt's -- a rod-and-lock design for consistent rip cuts.
The M18 FUEL platform is the primary argument for the Milwaukee beyond its direct performance advantages in sustained cutting. M18 FUEL is Milwaukee's highest-performance platform, and for contractors building a professional tool kit around a single battery family, the 2732-20 fits cleanly into a setup that may already include M18 FUEL drills, impact drivers, and reciprocating saws. At $160 bare, the Milwaukee is $30 more than the DeWalt. For homeowners and mixed-brand users, the DeWalt at $130 is the better value. For contractors on M18 FUEL doing production framing and cutting thick materials daily, the Milwaukee's sustained power advantage justifies the premium.
- Highest sustained cutting speed in test -- maintained full blade speed through 20 consecutive cuts in 5/4 composite decking
- Best cut quality on plywood in test -- stable blade speed and low vibration produce cleanest cut edges with quality finish blade
- Bevel adjustment comparable to DeWalt -- positive detents, 56-degree capacity, stable lock
- Electric brake comparable to DeWalt -- blade stops quickly after trigger release
- Rip fence included
- M18 FUEL platform -- best fit for contractors building professional cordless kit on Milwaukee
- $160 bare tool -- justified for production framing, thick materials, and M18 FUEL platform users
Specs: Blade Size: 7-1/4 inch | Blade Orientation: Blade-left | Bevel Capacity: 56 degrees | Cutting Depth at 90 degrees: 2-9/16 inch | Cutting Depth at 45 degrees: 1-15/16 inch | Blade: 24-tooth carbide included | Electric Brake: Yes | Rip Fence: Included | Weight: 9.0 lbs (bare) | Battery Platform: Milwaukee M18 | Best For: Production framing, thick materials, composite decking, existing M18 FUEL platform users
3. Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw (XSS02Z) -- Best Compact
The Makita XSS02Z is the circular saw I would recommend for someone who values a lighter, more maneuverable tool for cutting in tight spaces, overhead cutting, cutting in place on a building frame, or for users whose primary material is 3/4-inch sheet goods and standard dimensional lumber where 7-1/4-inch blade capacity is not needed. At 7.3 lbs bare, the XSS02Z is the lightest tool in this test by 1.5 lbs compared to the DeWalt and 1.7 lbs compared to the Milwaukee -- in overhead cutting or extended work sessions in awkward positions, that weight difference is significant. The 6-1/2-inch blade has a maximum cutting depth of 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees, which handles all standard 2x lumber comfortably -- 2x10 framing lumber is 1-1/2 inches actual thickness, well within this capacity. The one material application where the 6-1/2-inch blade's capacity becomes a real constraint is cutting 5/4 or thicker decking at a bevel angle: at 45 degrees, the XSS02Z cuts to 1-5/8 inches, which does not clear 5/4 composite decking (actual thickness approximately 1-1/8 inch) at a full 45-degree bevel without a second pass.
The XSS02Z is a blade-right design -- the motor sits to the left of the blade, which is the traditional circular saw configuration carried over from corded saws. For right-handed users who trained on traditional corded saws and are comfortable tracking the cut line through the sight notch on the shoe, the blade-right layout is familiar and comfortable. For users who prefer the direct sightline of a blade-left design, the Makita requires learning to track the cut from the right side of the blade rather than the left. Neither design is objectively superior -- the preference is based on prior experience and working style. The bevel adjustment on the XSS02Z tilts to 50 degrees with a positive detent at 45 degrees, the detent is firm, and the bevel lock holds through a full bevel cut without movement. The cutting performance on 2x10 and 3/4-inch plywood was good -- close to the DeWalt in cutting speed and cut edge quality -- with the motor maintaining blade speed through the material without the hesitation that characterized the Ryobi on similar cuts.
The XSS02Z includes an electric brake that stops the blade in approximately 2.5 seconds after trigger release -- slightly slower than the DeWalt and Milwaukee but still substantially faster than the Ryobi's unpowered coasting. The Makita 18V LXT platform is one of the most complete professional cordless platforms available, and for users already invested in LXT, the XSS02Z is the straightforward choice. At $110 bare, it is $20 less than the DeWalt and $50 less than the Milwaukee, and the compact weight and LXT platform compatibility make it the right tool for Makita users, users who prioritize weight, and anyone whose cutting applications do not require 7-1/4-inch blade capacity.
- Lightest tool in test at 7.3 lbs bare -- 1.5 lbs lighter than DeWalt; meaningful advantage for overhead and awkward-position cuts
- Blade-right design -- traditional circular saw layout familiar to users trained on corded saws
- Cutting depth at 90 degrees: 2-1/4 inch -- handles all standard 2x lumber; limited on thick materials at bevel angle
- Bevel adjustment to 50 degrees with positive 45-degree detent -- firm lock, no movement during cut
- Cutting speed and cut edge quality close to DeWalt on 2x and plywood
- Electric brake -- approximately 2.5 seconds to stop; faster than Ryobi, slightly slower than DeWalt
- $110 bare tool -- right for Makita LXT users and buyers who prioritize compact weight over 7-1/4" capacity
Specs: Blade Size: 6-1/2 inch | Blade Orientation: Blade-right | Bevel Capacity: 50 degrees | Cutting Depth at 90 degrees: 2-1/4 inch | Cutting Depth at 45 degrees: 1-5/8 inch | Blade: 24-tooth carbide included | Electric Brake: Yes | Rip Fence: Included | Weight: 7.3 lbs (bare) | Battery Platform: Makita 18V LXT | Best For: Overhead cuts, tight spaces, sheet goods, 2x framing lumber, existing Makita LXT users
4. Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4" Circular Saw (PBLCS300B) -- Best Value
The Ryobi PBLCS300B is the circular saw I would recommend to a homeowner building a deck, framing a basement, or cutting sheet goods for a one-time renovation project who wants a full 7-1/4-inch blade and does not need to pay for the cutting speed and bevel precision of the DeWalt or Milwaukee. At $80 bare, it is $50 less than the DeWalt and $80 less than the Milwaukee, and for homeowner applications where cutting volume is moderate and the material is standard dimensional lumber and 3/4-inch sheet goods, the PBLCS300B delivers results that are functional for the task. In the test, cutting speed on 2x10 framing lumber was adequate -- the brushless motor on the PBLCS300B maintained blade speed through single cuts and recovered quickly between cuts in a moderate-paced work sequence. The speed drop on rapid consecutive cuts that characterized the Ryobi against the DeWalt in the test is relevant for contractor-pace framing work; at homeowner pace with natural pauses between cuts, it is not a meaningful limitation.
The bevel adjustment on the PBLCS300B tilts to 56 degrees with detents at 45 and 22.5 degrees. The detent engagement at 45 degrees is softer than the DeWalt or Milwaukee -- the bevel locks at the detent but with less mechanical certainty, and in the test a bevel cut started at the 45-degree detent showed 1-2 degrees of movement by the end of the cut on two of five test cuts. For homeowner bevel cuts where a small bevel angle variance is not critical (cutting 45-degree miters on decking boards, for example), this is acceptable. For precision bevel cuts in finish carpentry where the bevel angle must hold exactly, the DeWalt or Milwaukee detent is more reliable. The PBLCS300B is a blade-left design, which provides the direct sightline to the cut line that right-handed users prefer. The electric brake is present and functional -- the blade stops in approximately 3 seconds after trigger release, which is slower than the DeWalt but faster than unpowered coasting.
The Ryobi ONE+ platform is the strongest argument for the PBLCS300B: at $80 bare, existing Ryobi ONE+ users are adding a full-featured 7-1/4-inch circular saw to their battery family without a new platform investment. The ONE+ platform is the most accessible ecosystem in this test -- batteries are inexpensive, widely available at retail, and compatible with the largest number of lower-cost tools across the lineup. For a homeowner building out a basic cordless kit that includes a drill, circular saw, and jigsaw, the Ryobi ONE+ platform is the most affordable complete-kit path, and the PBLCS300B is the right saw entry in that kit. The rip fence is included and functions adequately for consistent rip cuts in sheet goods.
- Adequate cutting speed for homeowner framing pace -- brushless motor maintains speed through single cuts and recovers between cuts
- Speed drop on rapid consecutive cuts -- relevant for contractor pace; not limiting for homeowner pace with natural pauses
- Blade-left design -- direct sightline to blade and cut line for right-handed users
- Bevel adjustment to 56 degrees with 45 and 22.5-degree detents -- softer detent engagement than DeWalt; 1-2 degree variance on some bevel cuts
- Electric brake -- approximately 3 seconds to stop; slower than DeWalt, faster than unpowered coasting
- Ryobi ONE+ platform -- lowest cost ecosystem for homeowners building a basic cordless kit
- $80 bare tool -- right for homeowner framing, deck building, sheet goods cutting, existing Ryobi ONE+ users
Specs: Blade Size: 7-1/4 inch | Blade Orientation: Blade-left | Bevel Capacity: 56 degrees | Cutting Depth at 90 degrees: 2-1/2 inch | Cutting Depth at 45 degrees: 1-3/4 inch | Blade: 24-tooth carbide included | Electric Brake: Yes | Rip Fence: Included | Weight: 8.4 lbs (bare) | Battery Platform: Ryobi 18V ONE+ | Best For: Homeowner framing, deck building, sheet goods, existing Ryobi ONE+ users
5. Skil PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw (CR5429B-10) -- Best Budget
The Skil CR5429B-10 is typically sold as a kit with battery and charger at approximately $60, making it the lowest all-in cost in this test for buyers who need everything included to start cutting immediately and have no existing battery platform. At $60 for tool, battery, and charger, the cost is lower than the bare tool price of every other saw in this evaluation, and for a homeowner making limited cuts for a defined project -- cutting new flooring to length, trimming a door, making the sheet goods cuts for a simple built-in shelf -- it delivers functional results. In the test, the CR5429B-10 cut through 3/4-inch plywood and 2x dimensional lumber at adequate speed for homeowner use, with the motor maintaining blade speed through individual cuts. The speed recovery between consecutive cuts was slower than the DeWalt or Milwaukee, which was visible in a rapid-cut test sequence but not relevant for homeowner cutting pace.
The CR5429B-10 is a blade-right design with a maximum cutting depth of 1-7/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-3/8 inches at 45 degrees. The 1-7/8-inch cutting depth at 90 degrees handles 2x lumber (1-1/2 inches actual) comfortably with a small margin. The 1-3/8-inch depth at 45 degrees does not clear 2x material at a full 45-degree bevel -- a 2x6 board at 45 degrees requires 2-1/8 inches of blade reach, and the Skil falls 3/4 of an inch short. For homeowners making 45-degree bevel cuts in dimensional lumber (cutting stair skirt boards, cutting trim at compound angles), this is a real functional limitation that requires either a second pass from the opposite face or a different tool. For cuts that do not require beveling 2x material, the cutting depth is adequate.
There is no electric brake on the CR5429B-10 -- the blade coasts to a stop after the trigger is released, taking approximately 8-10 seconds from trigger release to full stop. This is the most significant safety and workflow limitation in this test: a saw blade spinning at cutting speed for 8-10 seconds after the trigger is released is significantly more hazard than a saw that stops in 2-3 seconds. The absence of an electric brake is the single clearest indicator of cost cutting on the Skil. The Skil PWRCore 20V platform is a limited ecosystem with fewer compatible tools than Ryobi ONE+, DeWalt 20V MAX, or Milwaukee M18 -- buyers planning to add a drill, jigsaw, or other cordless tools are better served starting with a larger platform even if the entry cost is higher. For a genuinely one-tool buyer who needs a complete package at the lowest available cost and whose cutting applications do not require bevel cuts in 2x material or an electric brake, the CR5429B-10 kit at $60 completes the task.
- Sold as kit with battery and charger at $60 -- lowest all-in cost in test for buyers without an existing platform
- Adequate cutting speed for homeowner pace on 2x and 3/4" sheet goods
- Blade-right design -- traditional circular saw layout
- Cutting depth at 90 degrees: 1-7/8 inch -- handles 2x lumber; insufficient for 2x material at full 45-degree bevel
- No electric brake -- blade coasts 8-10 seconds after trigger release; safety and workflow limitation
- Limited PWRCore 20V platform -- fewer compatible tools than larger platforms; not ideal for buyers planning to expand
- $60 kit -- right for single-project buyers who need complete package; limited cutting capacity and no brake are real constraints
Specs: Blade Size: 6-1/2 inch | Blade Orientation: Blade-right | Bevel Capacity: 51 degrees | Cutting Depth at 90 degrees: 1-7/8 inch | Cutting Depth at 45 degrees: 1-3/8 inch | Blade: 18-tooth carbide included | Electric Brake: No | Rip Fence: Included | Weight: 7.0 lbs (bare) | Battery Platform: Skil PWRCore 20V | Best For: Single-project homeowners needing complete kit, 3/4" sheet goods, light framing at 90 degrees
Circular Saw Buying Guide
Blade-Left vs. Blade-Right -- Which Orientation Is Right for You
Blade orientation is the most polarizing specification in the cordless circular saw category, and the right answer depends on your dominant hand and working style. A blade-left saw positions the motor to the right of the blade -- for a right-handed user gripping the main handle with the right hand, the motor body is on the far side of the blade and the user's line of sight from the right eye runs directly down to the blade and cut line. Blade-left saws are preferred by right-handed users who want direct visual confirmation of where the blade is cutting without the motor housing obstructing the view. A blade-right saw positions the motor to the left of the blade -- this is the traditional configuration carried over from the original corded circular saws, and it is the familiar layout for users who trained on traditional corded saws or who are left-handed. Left-handed users with a blade-right saw have the same direct sightline advantage that right-handed users have with blade-left saws. The DeWalt DCS570B, Milwaukee 2732-20, and Ryobi PBLCS300B in this test are blade-left designs. The Makita XSS02Z and Skil CR5429B-10 are blade-right. Neither design cuts better -- the preference is entirely about ergonomics and visibility given your dominant hand and prior experience.
Electric Brake -- Why It Matters Beyond Safety
An electric brake is a circuit that applies reverse current to the motor as soon as the trigger is released, stopping the blade rapidly rather than allowing it to coast to a stop. The safety benefit is significant: a blade stopped in 2-3 seconds rather than 8-10 seconds is a dramatically lower hazard during the period between trigger release and setting the saw down. The workflow benefit is equally significant but less often discussed: with an electric brake, you can set the saw down as soon as the trigger is released and move to the next task -- measuring, positioning material, or marking the next cut -- without waiting for the blade to stop. In a full day of cutting, that recovered time adds up. The DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi in this test all include electric brakes. The Skil does not. The electric brake is a standard feature on every quality circular saw at every price point except the very bottom of the market, and the absence of a brake on the Skil is the clearest indicator of the cost trade-offs made to hit the $60 price point. For any saw that will be used regularly, the electric brake is not optional.
Carbide Tooth Count and Blade Selection
The blade included with a circular saw is matched to the saw's primary intended use, and upgrading the blade is the most cost-effective way to improve cut quality for a specific application. The 24-tooth blades included with the DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi in this test are optimized for fast cuts in framing lumber -- the low tooth count takes large chips per tooth, which cuts fast but leaves a rough cut edge appropriate for structural cuts where the surface is covered or structural. For sheet goods, plywood, and applications where cut edge quality matters, a 40-tooth or 60-tooth ATB (alternating top bevel) blade produces a substantially cleaner edge in the same saw. The 18-tooth blade included with the Skil is appropriate only for rough framing work -- it is the coarsest blade in this test and produces the roughest cut edges in plywood. A quality upgrade blade costs $20-40 and transforms cut quality in sheet goods; it is worth purchasing for any saw that will regularly cut plywood or MDF for visible applications. Specialty blades -- laminate blades, fiber cement blades, metal-cutting blades -- are available in the 6-1/2-inch and 7-1/4-inch configurations and expand the circular saw's material range beyond wood.
Bevel Capacity and Cutting Depth at 45 Degrees
The bevel capacity specification -- how many degrees the saw's shoe can tilt from perpendicular -- determines the steepest bevel angle the saw can cut. All five tools in this test can reach 45 degrees, which is the most common bevel angle for mitered corners and compound cuts. The DeWalt and Milwaukee extend to 56-57 degrees, which covers the shallow-angle compound cuts used for hip rafters and some stair tread and riser applications. More important than the maximum bevel capacity is the cutting depth at 45 degrees -- this is the measurement that determines what material thickness the saw can cut at a 45-degree angle. Because the blade path through the material is longer at 45 degrees than at 90 degrees (the blade has to cut diagonally through the material thickness), the effective cutting depth at 45 degrees is always less than at 90 degrees. The DeWalt cuts 1-7/8 inches at 45 degrees, which handles 2x lumber comfortably. The Skil cuts only 1-3/8 inches at 45 degrees, which does not clear 2x material in a single pass. Before purchasing a circular saw for a project that includes bevel cuts in dimensional lumber, verify that the saw's 45-degree cutting depth is sufficient for the material thickness you will be cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What circular saw blade should I use for cutting plywood?
For cutting plywood where cut edge quality matters, use a 40-tooth to 60-tooth ATB (alternating top bevel) blade in the appropriate diameter for your saw. The higher tooth count takes smaller chips per tooth, which produces a cleaner cut edge with less tearout on the plywood face. For the cleanest possible cut -- cabinet-grade plywood, finished paneling, melamine-coated sheet goods -- use a 60-tooth or higher tooth count blade and set the blade depth to just clear the material (approximately 1/4 inch below the bottom face) rather than maximizing blade extension below the material. Lower blade depth reduces the amount of blade arc contacting the material and reduces vibration that contributes to tearout. The 24-tooth blades included with most circular saws in this test are not appropriate for finish plywood cuts -- the cut edge will be rough and will require significant sanding before a visible finish can be applied. A quality 40-tooth replacement blade costs $20-30 and is the single most impactful upgrade for cut quality in sheet goods.
Can a circular saw replace a miter saw?
For crosscuts, a circular saw with a speed square or miter guide produces accurate 90-degree and 45-degree crosscuts in dimensional lumber that are comparable in dimensional accuracy to a miter saw cut. For repetitive crosscuts at the same angle -- cutting multiple studs to the same length, cutting multiple rafter tails at the same angle -- a miter saw is faster and more consistent because the stop and angle are set once and repeated without repositioning a guide for each cut. For cuts that require angles other than 90 and 45 degrees, a circular saw with an adjustable angle guide handles the cut, while a miter saw provides more precise angle setting and easier repeatability. A circular saw can make rip cuts (cuts parallel to the grain in sheet goods and lumber) that a miter saw cannot make at all. In a one-saw shop, a circular saw with a quality straightedge guide handles the full range of dimensioning and crosscutting tasks. A miter saw is the right second saw for users who do repetitive crosscutting at consistent angles.
How deep should I set my circular saw blade?
The standard recommendation for circular saw blade depth is 1/4 inch below the bottom of the material being cut -- just enough for the teeth to clear the bottom face through the full arc of the cut. Setting the blade depth to just clear the material reduces the amount of blade arc exposed below the cut, which reduces the kickback risk in the event the blade binds or catches. It also reduces tearout on the bottom face of the material by minimizing the chip-clearing arc at the exit side of the cut. A common alternative -- setting the blade depth to maximum or near-maximum below the material -- is not safer and produces more tearout. The only exception to the minimal-depth-of-cut rule is when cutting material that is elevated on sawhorses or supports, where the saw needs enough blade extension to clear the supports before binding -- in this case, set the blade just deep enough to clear the supports by a small margin.
Why does my circular saw burn wood?
Circular saw burning -- the characteristic brown scorching on the cut edge -- has three primary causes: a dull blade, too slow a feed rate, or a blade with a tooth count too high for the application. A dull blade rubs against wood rather than cutting it, generating heat through friction instead of removing material through cutting. Replace the blade -- a fresh carbide blade on the same saw will typically eliminate burning caused by blade wear. Too slow a feed rate allows each tooth to dwell in contact with the wood for too long, which also generates heat rather than cutting -- increasing feed rate to a steady, confident push often eliminates burning from this cause. A blade with too many teeth for the application (using a 60-tooth finish blade for framing lumber, for example) takes too small a chip per tooth and generates heat accumulation in the gullets between teeth -- switching to a 24-tooth framing blade for framing cuts eliminates this source of burning. The correct combination is a sharp blade with a tooth count matched to the material and application, driven at a feed rate that keeps the blade cutting rather than dwelling.
The Bottom Line
For the broadest range of homeowner and contractor cutting applications, the DeWalt DCS570B at $130 is the right cordless circular saw -- the cutting speed, bevel accuracy, and electric brake are at the top of this test outside of the Milwaukee, and the blade-left design gives right-handed users the direct sightline to the cut line that makes accurate work easier. For contractors on the M18 FUEL platform or doing production cutting in thick or dense materials where sustained blade speed under load translates directly to faster work, the Milwaukee 2732-20 at $160 is the correct call. For existing Makita LXT users or buyers who prioritize a lighter, more maneuverable saw for overhead and awkward-position cutting, the XSS02Z at $110 delivers competitive cutting performance in a 7.3-pound package. Homeowners on the Ryobi ONE+ platform get a full 7-1/4-inch saw at $80 with adequate performance for framing and sheet goods cutting at homeowner pace, and the Skil CR5429B-10 at $60 as a complete kit is the correct choice only for buyers who need everything included at the lowest possible cost and whose cutting applications do not include bevel cuts in 2x material -- the absent electric brake and limited cutting depth at 45 degrees are real constraints that matter for any regular use beyond basic 90-degree cuts in light material.
