Corded circular saws are powerful and durable tools that have access to an unlimited power source when plugged into an electrical outlet. These saws are available in several blade sizes, but the most common blade size measures 7-1/4" in diameter. These saws are a valuable addition to any professional workshop.
Circular saw sizes are usually classified by the diameter of their blades. Sizes of 5-1/2 to 7-1/4 inches are the most common. There are also many options available on circular saws. Choose the best circular saw for your specific needs.
A 6 ½ circular saw can cut materials up to 2.5 inches. It's perfect for cutting small materials for a small DIY project. Moreover, working with a 6 ½ saw feels comfortable on the hands and won't leave you feeling fatigued right after. On the other hand, a 7 ¼ saw provides more cutting depth measuring up to 4-inches.
With a 13-amp motor and 20 tooth carbide-tipped blade, this saw is ready for any job. With a 2-7/16 in. depth of cut at 0 degrees, 1-7/8 in. depth of cut at 45 degrees and 1-11/16 in.
The 6.5 will cut up to 2 1/16”, while the 7 ¼” cuts up to 2 ⅜”. Minor sure, but it's when you tilt them into 45 degree angles, that the 7 ¼” can do something the 6.5 can't. Cut through a 2×4. Of course more capacity, typically means more weight.
The most popular and helpful size for home workers and DIYers is 7 1/4 inches. Circular saws of this size will be able to easily cut through 3-inch thick materials. If you need a circular saw for lighter tasks, then get a 6 1/2-inch, or get an 8 1/4-inch model if you need one for heavier-duty tasks.
Expand your RYOBI 18V ONE+ System with the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw. This saw is able to cut through 2-by material with ease with an adjustable depth of cut up to 1-9/16 in. With 0-50° of bevel capacity users have the ability to complete a variety of cuts.
Makita 5104 14 Amp 10-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
This large cutting capacity sidewinder can reach depths of 3 ¾ inches at 90 degrees, which allows users to easily cut into some timbers. At 45 degrees, the Makita 5104 has a cutting capacity of 2 ¾ inches.
Best Circular Saw Blade Sizes for Trimming 4x4 Wood
As our team mentioned, models with 7 1/4 inch blades can only go up to 2.5 inches deep. With that being said, the only blade size that can cut through 4×4 materials in a single pass is a 12-inch model.
Larger blades will not provide enough clearance for chip exhausting and can interfere with the guards. Please only use the size of blade specified for your circular saw since alterations may cause the tool to be unsafe and may cause the warranty to be void.
Please only use the size of blade specified for your circular saw because alterations may cause the tool to be unsafe and void your warranty.
Set the blade depth before cutting
Then loosen the depth-adjusting lever or knob and pivot the saw's base until the blade extends about 1/4 to 1/2 in. below the board. Tighten the lever or knob and you're ready to saw.
Number of Teeth
Generally, blades with more teeth will provide a smoother, finer cut whereas blades with fewer teeth will provide a rougher cut. The benefit of fewer teeth is faster cutting and a lower price. For most construction work, a 24-tooth general use blade is sufficient.
With a cut capacity of 1-5/8" for cutting 2x dimensional lumber, the M12 FUEL™ 5-3/8" circular saw, delivers up to 170 cuts per charge and up to 2X the motor life of competitive products.
Because of the 8 1/4-inch blade's 2 7/8-inch cut depth, it's one pass from each side and you're through. If you're creating saddles in a 6x6 to support your beams on, one pass with an 8 1/4-inch saw crosscuts a shoulder, whereas with a 7 1/4-inch tool, you need to finish the cut with a reciprocating saw or a handsaw.
Circular saws fitted with standard 7 1/4-inch blades have a maximum cutting depth of about 2 1/2 inches (2 1/8 inches is typical for smaller-bladed cordless saws).
Professionals trust the Milwaukee® 10-1/4-Inch Circular Saw for industrial power and deep cut capacity. It uses an electrical connection to power its 15-amp motor and drives 5,200 rpm for efficient cuts. This corded circular saw's cut depth reaches 3-13/16 inches., enough to cut through thick stock in one pass.
Don't set your blade depth too deep. The saw blade should come 5-10mm past the depth of the wood you're cutting. The more exposed blade you have, the bigger the risk of your saw binding or kicking back.
Are more teeth better? Generally, the higher the amount of saw blade teeth, the better the quality of cut and finishing. If you're looking for a faster and rougher cut, then a blade with fewer teeth will be more suitable.
For all types of circular saws, this is normally considered to be 1/3 of the blade's diameter in most materials. The usual diameters are 6-1/2″, 7-1/4″, 8″, 10″ and 12″. According to this, typical woodcutting blade with 12″ diameter has 4″ cutting depth.
The least number of teeth you will find on a circular saw blade is about 14. A circular saw blade is only 7-1/4 inches in diameter. Fourteen teeth are ideal for the rough cuts on 2x4 framing lumber, and they cut very fast.
Rotary saws are different then circular saws due to the rotation of the cutting blade. Often times these terms are incorrectly transposed. With a circular saw, the blade cuts from the bottom up and the user pushes the saw away. With a rotary saw, the blade cuts from the top down and the user pulls the saw.