Top 10 Best Circular Saws Under $100 You Can Buy Now!

It’s hard to think of shaping and carving any wood without a saw. And among saws, circular saws, or skill saws, are the most versatile tool when you need to cut or shape wood. It is, indeed, an essential tool for professionals and weekend warriors alike.

But when it comes to the best circular saw, experts don’t think as much as DIYers about the budget when picking the right one. If you fall into the second group like me, there’s nothing to worry about, as I’m going to explore the 10 best circular saws under $100 out of my experience.

WAIT A Moment! If you’re in a hurry and do not have enough time to go through all these 10 best budget circular saw reviews, then you might check the following winner:

• Best Compact Circular Saw – WORX WORXSAW WX429L
• Best Corded Circular Saw – SKIL 5280-01 7-1/4 circular saw
• Best Cordless Circular Saw – Milwaukee M18 circular saw – 2630-20

The 10 Best Budget Circular Saws Popular On the Market

During the analysis, we observed different subcategories of circular saws. Some are compact and have small-diameter blades, whereas others have large blades ranging in diameter from 6-1/2 to 7-1/4 inches.

Again, depending on the power source, some are powered by direct electricity, and others are powered via battery.

In the course of our best circular saw reviews, we plan to cover all the main types of circular saws available on the market that do not exceed $100.

Let’s stick with us to learn more.

The Best Small Circular Saws On The Budget:

Usually, circular saws with a blade size of 4 and a half inches fall into this group. They’re so compact and lightweight that you can even run them with only one hand.

In this section, we’re going to review the following:

1. WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2 Compact Circular Saw WX429L
2. TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle, TCS115A
3. Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw

Let’s dive in.

1. WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2 Compact Circular Saw WX429L

If you want to try all the benefits of the best budget circular saw, WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2 Compact Circular Saw WX429L is the product you like. It’s going to make you go wow with its rip-roaring technology.

Unlike the conventional circular saw in the marketplace, this one comes with 50 percent less weight than the standard 7-1/4″ circular saw. Say goodbye to those days when you have no other option but to handle the big boys. With this compact circular saw, you’ll be able to cut 2x4s in a single pass with an easy-to-use handle.

Although WORX WX429L is small in size, there are plenty of things to display. The heart of the saw is the four-amp motor. It’s not hugely strong like the full-size ones, but enough to cut 2″ stock lumber smoothly. It’s so versatile that you can use this tool to cut tile, metal, and plastic as well.

If you view this device from a user-friendliness angle, the WX429L even glitters. The handle comes with an integrated safety switch, which makes it easy to reach during activity. It also ensures well-balanced delivery and superior control for convenient use.

In order to obtain a precise cut, the visibility of the line of cut is crucial for a circular saw. And you’re going to get excellent cut-line visibility in WX429L because the blade is left-sided.

Another striking characteristic of this tool is its depth change scale. It’s positioned right next to the blade, so you can easily reach it and adjust the depth of the blade when you need it. It’s so easy that all the tasks need just a second.

Finally, a blade is the main part of a circular saw, which needs to be sturdy enough. And WORX WORXSAW supplied a 24T carbide-tipped blade with a thin kerf that can cut through any material smoothly. It also comes with a vacuum adapter to keep your environment clean.

Pros

• Compact and powerful
• Versatile and well balanced
• Precision cutting
• Convenient to use
• Easy to control with one hand

Cons

• Less competent for heavy-duty jobs

Final Words: The WorxSaw will give you the strength, efficiency, and comfort you’d expect in a conventional one-handed saw. So, if you’re in need of a circular saw that’s suitable for use around the house and for small home projects, it’s hard to go wrong with the WX429L.

2. TACKLIFE Circular Saw With Metal Handle, TCS115A

Would you like to get your hands on the best circular saw for the money? TACKLIFE TCS115A is known as one of the best compact circular saws on the market. Its excellent performance will definitely impress you. Such jaw-dropping features at an affordable price are rare to find.

As it stands, this lightweight saw has a 710W/5.4A pure copper engine that delivers 3500 RPM. While this rpm is not the fastest, it is enough to cut wood, plastic, metal, and even tiles smoothly. TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle is also available with 6 different blades to support multipurpose work.

Its patented quick-and-easy-to-install and disassemble (tool-free) metal handle is a unique feature. It will give you a stronger clamping force for stable cutting and a one-hand operation without fatigue. The laser guide helps you access a professional and reliable cutting line for added convenience.

No more dirty wood chips or sawdust will scatter across the workplace. The Tacklife mini circular saw has a dust port to connect to your vacuum cleaner, making it ideal for dust collection and providing a cleaner working environment. It also has a double safety lock for the safety of users.

And worth mentioning, you can use this best budget circular saw for an accurate cut, as it allows you to adjust the cut depth to 1-11/16 inches at 90° and the angle depth to 1-3/8 inches from 0 to 45°. When the rip guide makes it is the ideal tool for parallel cutting.

Pros

• Innovative
• Durable and Safe
• Compact
• Ideal for wood, soft metals, plastics, and tiles
• Convenient to use

Cons

• Double safety lock sometimes makes it hard to run
• Laser light will not go on and off automatically with the machine

Final Words: The best part of this TACKLIFE Circular Saw with a Metal Handle is its great features and superb performance. For a price range of less than $100, it’s hard to find the perfect match like this for your small ventures.

3. Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw

Have you understood the benefits of small circular saws and want to stick with them? Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw will give you the best mini circular saw with a weight 50 percent lower than the traditional 7-1/4s.

Yeah, yeah! You no longer need to hang on those large saws to cut your 2×4 lumber, as Rockwell rk3441k 4-1/2″ offers you the ease of cutting full-size boards in a single move. This compact circular saw has been designed for excellent maneuverability & portability.

The Rockwell compact circular saw is designed to provide the “Zero Quit” output to you. If you don’t know the meaning of Zero Quit, it’s the manufacturer’s assurance that any tool performs to its maximum. RK3441K comes with a short, thinner blade for less motor strain. So, a 5 amp, 3500 RPM motor will easily match the output of a full-size circular saw.

It also comes with a slim-line grip design for maximum comfort, balance, and control. Therefore, you can use this small buddy to make cuts at overhead or tough-to-reach corners, which is quite impossible to do with a standard-size saw.

You’ll find all the other facilities in the Rockwell RK3441K mini circular saw that are in a standard saw. It will give you 1-11/16″ of cutting depth at 90 degrees and 1-1/8″ at 45-degree angle. The left-hand blade of this saw is designed to ensure optimum visibility of the cut line when the depth gauge lever ensures easy adjustability.

Pros

• High-performance and compact
• Comfortable and well balanced
• Superb maneuverability & portability
• Ideal for pro woodworking
• Affordable

Cons

• The safety switch is located in a weird position that requires two hands to engage the trigger
• Lack of a laser guide system.

Final Words: If you have the Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw in your arsenal, you could eliminate the need for a robust circular saw easily. As it has the potential to handle all the demanding jobs without consuming any extra time. So, within your budget, it’s the best circular saw under 100 that you’ll certainly try.

Best Corded Circular Saw Under 100 Dollars:

Most of the circular saw models available on the market are usually powered by cords. And corded circular saws are usually more powerful than cordless ones. So, it’s obvious they can handle a wider blade, 7-1/4-inch diameter, smoothly. They are also ideal for cutting hard materials with extra thickness, such as 2x4s lumber or 4x8s LVL boards.

Let’s find out about some great models of corded circular saws in our next couple of reviews.

1. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
2. Black & Decker BDECS300C 13 Amp Circular Saw With Laser
3. PORTER-CABLE PCE300 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

4. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-inch Circular Saw is the perfect choice for those who don’t want to compromise power and efficiency. This one comes with almost all the essential features to satisfy your demands.

Power matters a lot, and you will need to make sure that your circular saw is ready to face it when it comes to cutting a 2×4 wood piece accurately. Well, the SKIL 5280-01 7-1/4 circular saw is the product that you needed for shaping the wood.

It comes with a 15-amp engine, which is more powerful than its earlier version of Skill 5680 and is strong enough to quickly cut logs and sheets for room remodeling, decking, and more. The single-beam laser guide will give you additional precision, while the sawdust blower helps keep the line of cuts clear.

The inline cut or bevel cut has a wide range of applications in carpentry. And if you have the SKIL 5280-01 in your hand, a bevel cut up to 51° with a positive stop at 45° will not be a challenge. Its anti-snag lower guard mitigates snags when making narrow cuts, while the wide footplate gives you added stability.

For user safety, SKIL 15 amp circular saw is fitted with a safety look or a guarded trigger to prevent accidental start. So, considering all the features it comes with, it’s undoubtedly the best value circular saw that can meet all your DIY and medium-duty pro works.

Pros

• Powerful and accurate
• Affordable
• Quiet and well balanced
• Ease of use with laser guide
• Safer and lighter

Cons

• No electrical brake system
• Base plate made of steel instead of magnesium

Final Words: When we compared the features of the SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-inch Circular Saw with others, we found it to be the best circular saw under 100 on the market. So, nothing will stop you from doing all the small and medium-range woodworking activities efficiently, once you have it on your side.

5. Black & Decker BDECS300C 13 Amp Circular Saw With Laser

Although a circular saw is a versatile tool, carpenters mostly used it to cut straight lines. And you could cut your 4 x 8 ft. wooden lattice without drawing any line on it once you have the Black & Decker BDECS300C 13 Amp Circular Saw with Laser in your arsenal. The laser guide of BDECS300C basically does the job for you. And the best part of it is, it doesn’t cost more than 45 bucks.

This is a budget-friendly saw, which does not imply that it is a less effective tool. Instead, it’s built with a 13 Amp engine which is capable of delivering 5300 RPM speed to cut any 2x4s or other standard wood and hardwood boards easily. When it’s created to perform hard work, the manufacturer makes it lightweight so that it will not put any extra pressure on your wrist.

Also, you will get an easy bevel adjustment knob in it for an accurate zero to 45-degree angle cut. With this feature inside, you can adjust the cutting angle at zero, 15, 30, and 45 degrees with a 15° increment. The depth adjustment lever is located at the back; by pulling it, you can adjust the depth of cut up to 2-1/2″ at 90°.

For safety, it comes with a spindle lock system located left side of the saw. It prevents any accidental start of your saw and can change the blades safely and tightly.

It is made of all durable metal, and you can use it to make different cuts of wood, such as rip-cut plywood, straight, miter, and bevel cut up to 2x of material. Black and Decker BDECS300C are, therefore, one of the best circular saws for DIY woodwork.

Pros

• Lightweight and well-controlled
• Easy to use bevel and depth adjustment
• The precise line of cut
• Low price
• 2 years of warranty

Cons

• Only suitable for cutting wood
• The allowable voltage range is up to 110 volts

Final Words: This Black and Decker circular saw is a great tool to perform a wide range of DIY renovations or complete construction work. It is, therefore, an ideal tool for traders and enthusiastic DIY-ers who want something within their budget.

6. PORTER-CABLE PCE300 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

If you talk about the top rated circular saw, you can’t just miss the PCE300 15 Amp Heavy Duty Steel Shoe Circular Saw from PORTER-CABLE. For woodworkers who want to taste durability and functionality at an affordable price, this heavy-duty 7-1/4 inch circular saw could be the best option.

The motor of this Porter-Cable PCE300 Circular Saw is like the other 7-1/4″ saws – 15amp capacity, but it will give you an extra speed of 5500 RPM that allows you to cut all types of wood smoothly. It’s so powerful and reliable that it will stand up to numerous cuts and function the same as the first time you’re using the saw.

Besides its powerful motor, it comes with a metal body that weighs only 9.5 pounds and a comfortable AUX handle, which does not make you tired while working for a long time. Also, the handle is positioned in such a way that it does not create any barrier to get a clear view of the cut line.

Like other high-end circular saws, the pce300 also comes with a spindle lock located left side of the blade, which allows you to change the blades easily and safely. Most noticeable, however, is that the shoe and the upper and lower guard of this circular saw are made of high-quality metal that guarantees long-lasting use.

You can use this Porter-Cable circular saw to cut straight lines up to 2 and 1⁄2 inch depth at 90° and 1-7/8 inch bevel at 45° without any problems. To support you more, it also comes with a depth gauge to set the appropriate depth of cut, although it’s hard to see.

Although this saw comes with some excellent features, its Allen wrench storage is not well placed, and the depth and bevel shift levers are a bit skinny. They do not, however, create any hurdles to achieving the maximum performance from it the budget they offer.

Pros

• Durable and lightweight
• Safe and comfortable to cut
• Smooth cutting
• Powerful and speedy
• Ideal for all types of applications

Cons

• No electric brakes
• No laser guide system

Final Words: At a reasonable price point, having a circular saw that is durable enough to sustain all of your difficult cut jobs is very rare. So, if DIY or limited woodwork is on your mind, you’re sure to focus on PORTER-CABLE PCE300 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw.

Best Cordless Circular Saws Under 100 Dollars:

For those who don’t want to mess with wires, the cordless circular saw would be the best alternative. Although they are a little less potent than their corded counterparts, some manufacturers develop such versatile and robust versions that are capable of handling all sorts of functions perfectly.

Let’s give us a chance to introduce some of them below-

1. DEWALT DC390B 18v Cordless Circular Saw
2. Milwaukee M18 Circular Saw – 2630-20
3. RYOBI P507 ONE+ 18V 6 1/2” CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAW

7. DEWALT DC390B 18v Cordless Circular Saw

We confess that the DEWALT DC390B 18v Cordless Circular Saw will cost you just a bit extra that might outstrip our upper limit of budget, but at the end of the day, you’ll get a good saw that’s worth it.

The Dewalt cordless circular saw is a very solid and accurate tool born to give you clean and consistent cuts every time. It is effortless to use and fast enough to fulfill your cutting needs related to woodworking and other constructions. Let’s find the detailed features of it right below.

Only an efficient and high-speed motor can give you clean and precise cuts. To prove this, the engine of the Dewalt DC390B comes with 3700 RPM instant speed. Not limited to that, the Dewalt circular saw fan-cooled motor also has another outstanding feature. It’s designed with replaceable brushes. You can, therefore, change the brushes when appropriate for extended use.

Dewalt DC390B comes with a thin-kerf blade. This blade is specially designed to give a faster spin during cutting materials. The blade size is 6 ½ inches; with it, you can cut a piece of wood up to 2-1/4″ depth perpendicularly and up to 1-5/8″ at a 45° angle.

The teeth of the blade are carbide-tipped. Which is designed to provide 2x cutting power compared to any regular blade. So, you can now cut any 2-by construction timber, softwood, hardwood, plywood, and almost any other materials smoothly without any flaw.

Durability plays a vital role in the long-lasting use of a tool. You don’t need to think about this aspect when purchasing a Dewalt DC390B 18v circular saw. It uses high-quality magnesium to make the baseplate (shoe) and upper guard. It also takes care of the user’s comfort as the handle is covered with a vibration-damping rubber grip.

When we say that it is long-lasting and strong enough to do its job, we also notice that it is a lightweight saw. The weight of this Dewalt DC390B cordless saw is just 6.3 pounds, which is ideal for long and challenging projects.

Though it does not come with a battery, you can find a match of the DC9096 18-volt XRP battery pack and DW9117 15-minute charger on Amazon easily. And more interestingly, the battery is interchangeable, and you can use any 18v Dewalt battery if you already have other Dewalt tools in your arsenal.

Pros

• Sturdy and lightweight
• Smooth cutting speed
• Convenient
• Suitable for a multitude of applications
• Perfect for challenging jobs

Cons

• Battery ruin shortly that needs frequent charging
• The handle and trigger (safety lock) is located in an awkward position

Final Words: Although run by the battery, the DEWALT DC390B 18v Cordless Circular Saw is a powerful and reliable tool that you can use for your DIY and professional jobs. This is why it is one of the most admirable and best cordless circular saw on the market.

8. Milwaukee M18 Circular Saw – 2630-20

If you’re not willing to spend extra on the Dewalt DC390B, but still craving for professional touch with cordless independence, then look at the Milwaukee M18 circular saw – 2630-20. Why I’m saying this? Because you’ll find all the jaw-dropping features of a high-end circular saw in it, and that’s also within your budget. So, without further ado, let’s check out the features.

Undoubtedly, the shoe of a circular saw is an imperative part of getting a perfect balance and precise cuts. And you will be happy to know that Milwaukee put the highest effort to create those, using aircraft aluminum for added durability. You will also find the upper guard of this saw is made of magnesium, which ensures safety and long-lasting performance against job site hardness.

The Milwaukee M18 circular saw is powered by its high-capacity Red Lithium M18 lineup batteries (have to buy separately) capable of generating 3500 revolutions per minute. With this speed, you can easily cut through any tough materials such as LVL headers. Although it rotates at high speed, you wouldn’t have to wait long to stop it entirely because it comes with an electrical brake.

Along with the impressive features, it also comes with a lovely look and an ergonomic body structure. Its soft-grip handle is ready to ensure operator comfort while giving a stable grip for a precise line of cut even in wet weather. Its sleek body is lightweight too, weighing just 6.8 pounds, ensuring that you can work with it for a longer time without exhaustion.

The look, strength, and lightweight design of the Milwaukee 6 1/2 inch circular saw make it one of the unmatchable best cordless circular saws. That is also under 100 dollars. Hence, you can choose it for any of your technical and DIY ventures.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Enduring and potent
• Quicker stop with electric brakes
• Straightest and great for rip or plunge cut
• 5 years warranty

Cons

• Have to spend an extra penny to get the battery
• No carry case included

Final Words: If you’re looking for the best 6 1/2 inch cordless circular saw, stop searching and check out this great M18 circular saw from Milwaukee. You’re going to get all the pro features in it at an affordable price for sure.

9. Ryobi P507 One+ 18v 6 1/2” Cordless Circular Saw

The list of the best cordless circular saws is not over yet. We’re going to introduce the RYOBI – another top player in the industry of power tools that come with added power and better features than ever before. Yes! You will find the RYOBI P507 ONE+ 18V 6 1/2” cordless circular saw with more improved functionality.

If we compare the Ryobi P507 circular saw with its earlier version P506, we find a new 40 percent more powerful engine than the Ryobi P506. It is engineered to deliver 35 times better cutting performance, which is similar to any corded circular saw.

It comes with a Carbide-Tipped 24 teeth Ultra-Thin Kerf Blade, which helps to accelerate at a high speed of 4700 RPM for fast and clean cuts. You’ll also get a good depth of cut up to 2-1/16″ at 90° and a wide bevel capacity of up to 56° that allows you to get a vast array of crosscuts.

You will not find a laser guide in the Ryobi P507 circular saw. Still, it will not create any limitations to cutting the materials straight. It is now more powerful than its earlier version, plus the left-oriented blade gives you a clear line of sight. Also, it has a pommel handle that allows you to use two hands for additional balance. Both the pommel and the main grip come with a rubber mold for comfortable use.

By seeing a plastic body, you may think that the device is not reliable enough. But that’s not true. It is constructed with rugged ABS materials that make it lightweight and durable enough to stand up against job site wear and tear.

The One+ 18v battery of this circular saw is another big plus for it. With this battery, you can perform your tasks for a more extended period without interruption and without increasing any motor or battery heat. That’s why we found it to be a stable and robust circular saw which meets our budget as well as serves professionals, which is incredible.

Pros

• Improved maneuverability and cordless convenience
• Accurate and smooth power
• The clear-cut line visibility
• Easy blade depth and bevel angle adjustment
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Consume a substantial amount of power
• There is no attachment for the vacuum blower

Final Words: Finding a combination of inexpensiveness and high-end features in a single saw isn’t easy. So, whether you are a pro or a DIYer looking for the best cordless circular saw under $100, you should undoubtedly try the Ryobi P507 One+ circular saw.

10. Makita 5007F 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

During our analysis, we have carefully observed that it’s quite a tough task to find a cordless circular saw with a 7-1/4″ blade size within our budget range. So, we decided to end our reviews of the best affordable circular saws with a corded one to get a higher cutting depth.

On this way to do so, we found the Makita 5007F circular saw that wins our minds easily for its wide cutting depth and huge 5800 RPM motor.

Let’s tune in with us to explore the more notable features of this tool.

To sustain the massive spin of 5800 RPM, the Makita 5007F is fitted with a 2000-watt 15 Amp inductive motor. With this power, you can easily cut hardwood, metal, or even tiles. It also maintains a good weight-to-power ratio with all ball-bearing designs and a heavy-duty aluminum base.

Makita 5007F circular saw is well known for its ease-of-use features, too. It will allow you to easily set the desired depth of the cut or angle as it has a specific marking on the depth and bevel scale. Blade change is very convenient for this saw as the shaft lock is located at an easy-to-reach position. Its flat motor housing has also been designed to give you improved stability during blade replacement.

The built-in dust blower of this circular saw helps you get a straight cut as it always keeps the cut line clear from sawdust or debris. You’ll also get better visibility during the night and in dark areas during the day as it has two LED lights.

Makita includes a carbide-tipped 24T blade, which is potent enough to conduct general construction works. With it, you can cut through the harshest materials, even nail-embedded wood easily. The engine of this circular saw is paired with a technologically advanced centrifugal fan and baffle system that helps keep it cool while doing those toughest jobs.

It is, therefore, a perfect tool for framers, craftsmen, carpenters, and general contractors searching for the best 7 1/4 circular saw.

Pros

• Powerful and durable
• Well-balanced and accurate
• Convenient to use
• All ball bearing design for longer life
• Suitable for a wide range of applications

Cons

• It is a bit of a heavyweight for some users.
• There are no electric breaks to stop the spin instantly.

Final Words: After considering all the above points, we came to the conclusion that the Makita 5007F circular saw is capable of delivering the balance and precision demanded by professional contractors. So, for both pro and DIY enthusiasts who want a cutting device that is an inexpensive and high performer, it’s a great choice.

Buying Guide Of Circular Saw under $100

Being here means you’re trying to limit your expedition to a budget-friendly model. And you’re willing to compromise some of the features that are only available on high-priced circular saws.

But our goal is not to let you face any constraints when selecting the best value circular saw. That’s why we tried to analyze the top rated circular saws under $100 or even under $50 in the above reviews.

But we don’t think just reading good reviews is enough to make the final decision. There are lots more you need to know before buying your best circular saw. That’s why we’re here to give you a clear idea of what to check, and whatnot before purchasing a good quality circular saw within the budget we set.

So keep reading.

Is There Any Difference Between An expensive And Cheap Circular Saw?

During selecting the best circular saws under $50 or $100, the question that mostly erupted in our mind is, is there any difference between a high-priced and low-priced circular saw?

The reality is that the price of any product or commodity determines based on its quality and features. So, we simply can say that high-priced goods have extra features and quality attributes compared to their cheap alternatives.

Also, the expensive circular saws are more durable and powerful, which means they will give you a longer life span and smooth working capacity than its lower-priced versions.

But no need to worry. If you can carefully select a good circular saw from a lower price range, it can give you optimum durability and performance, too. And we believe that choosing a circular saw from the list above will lead you to get the best product indeed.

Features To Look Before Buying The Best Circular Saw Under $100

The following features will give you a clearer view of which circular saw will be the best match for your purpose.

Power Source

Widely there are two types of circular saws – corded and cordless. During selecting a circular saw, it comes first which one is more convenient corded or cordless?

Let’s break down them.

i. Corded Circular Saw

Corded circular saws obviously have to depend on a cord and an outlet to get power. The big plus of this type is it will give you a continuous power supply for uninterrupted workflow and the necessary thrust to perform heavy-duty tasks. However, it’ll limit your free movement, specifically if you need to use it where there is no outlet. Also, pulling the wire along with the saw is an extra hassle.

ii. Cordless Circular Saw

A cordless circular saw, on the other hand, will give you freedom of movement. You no longer need to find the outlet to connect it. You can use it anywhere you need to cut wood or other materials as it carries power with it. However, it can supply power to you as long as its battery has juice. You can overcome this problem by purchasing one or two extra batteries, though.

From our analysis, we found that having a cordless circular saw with a bigger blade size within our budget is quite difficult. Moreover, when it became older, you may need to replace or repair the battery pack or charger.

So, if you need extra cutting depth without incurring any extra cost, it is better to choose a corded circular saw. Conversely, if you like freedom and can sacrifice the cutting depth a little, you may go for a cordless one.

Mechanical Design

We can classify a circular saw into two types based on the motor assembly – sidewinder and worm drive.

i. Sidewinder Circular Saw:

In this arrangement, the motor of the saw is set side by side of the blade. Power is then directly transferred to the blade through a spur gear. Usually, we see the circular saws around us mostly belong to this category. They are lightweight and have a high speed, but the torque is lower. They are therefore suitable for low to medium-duty work.

ii. Worm Drive Circular Saw:

In the worm drive circular saw, the motor is placed just behind the blade, and the power is transmitted via the worm gear. Usually, the worm drive saws are heavier in weight, and thus a little uncomfortable to use for a long time. They are high in torque and power. So, the worm drive circular saws is ideal for heavy-duty work.

Usually, worm drive circular saws have a higher price of between $100 and $300. When we looked at the 100 bucks saw, we can’t highlight any of them here. If you don’t have a budget constraint and need heavy-duty performance, you can opt for it easily.

User Comfort

i. Portability And Lightweight

If you’re a professional carpenter or a construction guy who wanted a tool to work all day long, a circular saw with high portability and lightweight would be the best choice. In that case, you may choose a compact circular saw, like WORX WORXSAW, which will enable you to cut 2x4s wood without raising any extra weight or price.

ii. Ergonomic Handle

User comfort and safety primarily depend on the ergonomics of a circular saw. Some brands come with an over-molded rubber grip for simple one-hand operation while others have a pommel in front of the main handle to support two-hand operation for superior control and stability.

Capacity And RPM

Here the capacity indicates the capability of cutting wood or materials at a certain depth smoothly. Which entirely depends on the strength and velocity of a circular saw motor. We can quantify the power and speed of a circular saw by horsepower or wattage and revolution per minute.

If you choose a large-capacity engine, you’ll get a higher cutting depth as it supports a larger blade. The high-powered engine also contributed to high torque and revolution. Again, the big motor comes along with a bulky body, which means you have to carry extra weight. So, it’s best if you find a saw that retains a power-to-weight ratio.

Usually, a circular saw with a 15 Amp motor and a 7-¼ inch blade will be an ideal choice for your DIY as well as pro works.

Blade Sizes

The depth of cut largely depends on the diameter of the blade attached to the saw. If your jobs demand a regular cutting of 4×4 or higher diameter logs, you should select a circular saw with a 7-1/4 inch or higher diameter blade. Otherwise, you can choose a small and compact saw to save your money as well as energy. Typically, we see a 4-1/2 inches blade in a compact saw, a 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 inches blade in a cordless circular saw, and a 5-1/2 to 7-1/4 inches blade in a corded circular saw.

Types Of Blades

A circular saw is a versatile tool that can be used for cutting wood, metal, masonry, or tiles. We’ll talk about the types of circular saw blades that are suitable for cutting wood or wood composites here. The speed, style, and finishing of the cut largely depend on the number of teeth. Let’s see some examples –

• 24 Teeth blade – is mostly suitable for rough cuts where speed is more important than finishing.
• 16 to 40 teeth blade or rip-cut blade – is suitable for cutting with the wood grains (cut along the length of the board)
• 40 to 80 teeth blade or cross-cut blade – is ideal for cutting across the wood grains (across the face of a board).
• 100 or higher teeth blade – designed to create a finish with minimal splintering, an ideal choice for plywood
• Thin-kerf blade – has a narrow profile for faster, easier cutting and less material waste.

You should also check the built material of the blades as the strength depends on it. A carbide-tipped tungsten blade potent enough to cut solid and aggressive materials easily.

Ease Of Blade Change

If you need frequent blade change to cut different materials, then choosing a circular saw with a quick blade change option is great. Some circular saws on the market offer a handy lock switch and onboard wrench storage to make the blade change a breeze. So, check it out before you go to buy it.

Materials Of Blade Guard And Shoe

Magnesium, which is around 30% of the weight per volume of aluminum, is the high-tech metal of choice for circular saws. Let’s verify whether your circular saw shoe and the blade guard is made of durable materials or not. Since the durability of these two parts can shield your saw from unintended harm during a sudden drop or job site rough usage.

Clear Visibility Of Cut-Of-Line

To get a straight and precise cut, clear visibility of the cut line is important. Usually, the left-sided blade assembly can give you more clear visibility than the right-sided configuration. Having a laser guide is treated as an additional benefit. So, you should check carefully whether you can see the cut line clearly or not when selecting your desired saw.

Ease Depth And Bevel Adjustment

Depending on the thickness of the materials you are going to cut, you need to change the cutting depth and angle. So, it’s a good idea to check if your chosen model is easy to change the height of the base plate and the bevel angle or not.

Warranty

A product that has a warranty always gives confidence to the buyer. If you buy a circular saw from a renowned company, it is evident that the product will last for a long time. However, any tool can be damaged by any defect during regular use. Warranty is a positive feature to support the spending in such situations. So, before buying any tools, everyone should carefully check the warranty policy offered by the manufacturer.

How To Use A Circular Saw?

It is not rocket science to use a circular saw. It can be run by anyone after a trial or two. But, if you’re an absolute novice, it’s a good idea to try to communicate with a pro workshop to get some quick tips on how to properly use a circular saw.

To get a handful of tips on this, you can follow the following video too.

Safety Of The Circular Saw

If you don’t use the power tool properly or if some part of the power tool doesn’t work as it should, it might trigger a serious accident at any moment. So, we must take necessary safety precautions before using any power tool, either it is a circular saw or a framing nailer.

Personal protection, such as wearing gloves, tight clothing, and goggles, is a must. Before starting, you should check all the movable parts are tightly attached, and no parts are in damaged condition. Also, check the saw is connected with the correct battery or voltage outlet.

Be confirmed that the safety guard of the circular saw is in good condition. As it will protect you from getting in direct contact with the saw blade during spinning.

Some circular saws are equipped with an electrical brake, which helps stop the blade immediately after the finger has been removed from the trigger. You can find this feature in the Makita P507 and Milwaukee M18 circular saw models. If possible, try to choose a saw with this feature for added safety.

Tips To Maintain Your Best Circular Saws under $100

You should follow the following tips and tricks to get the best results from your budget-friendly circular saw.

1. Always clean your saw at the end of daily use. Accumulation of pitch, sap, dust, or debris will swell the edges of the blade that need more push-through force and increase the friction, which may kill the engine by increasing heat.
2. Try to avoid using your saw in a wet or damp condition. It may destabilize you by making the rubber grip slippery. Do not store the blade in wet storage for a long time, as it may rust or develop small pits on the surface.
3. Check whether the motor is heating up while running or not. Excessive heat development can damage the engine. So, whenever you have noticed excess heat, stop using the circular saw, and try to fix or replace the engine without delay.
4. Always use the right blade for the right purpose. The use of wood cutting blades to cut tiles can result in damage to the blade tips. For cut wood, again, there are some specialized blades. For example, to cut a wooden board along the grain, it is better to use 16 to 40 toothed blades.
5. Do not throw the saw on any metal or concrete surface while taking rest. As the top grind of the blade may be chipped and dull due to friction with metal or other abrasive surfaces. It’s, therefore, safer to put your circular saw on a plywood board or any soft veneer when not in use.
6. During transport or storage for a long time, try to keep your circular saw in safe storage. If your saw comes with a carry case or bag, it is well and good; otherwise, try to use a cardboard box for safe handling and storage.

FAQs

Should I get a circular saw?

Whether you’re a professional or a busy weekend woodworker, you must have one or two circular saws in your tool arsenal. Now, the question is, it’s just as relevant for home DIYers as well. Okay, actually, a circular saw is a very useful tool to cut wooden boards or plywood efficiently and effortlessly. You can do it by hand saw too, but that will not give you the same accuracy.

So, if you think you’re going to do a little woodwork at home, then a reliable and efficient circular saw is the first tool that you need most.

Do I need a miter saw if I have a circular saw?

A circular saw is a flexible tool that can be used to make a wide variety of rip-cuts, cross-cuts, or a combination of both. The miter saw is also a circular saw positioned to swing to crosscut wood at an angle.

You can use your circular saw to make a cross-cut at a particular angle just by doing some measurements. But if you need to do a lot of trimming work in a short time, a circular saw will not be the right tool for that.

So, to do crown molding, window frames, door frames, picture frames, etc., commercially, a miter saw is more feasible than a circular saw.

Which is better jigsaw or a circular saw?

Both the jigsaw and circular saw have some distinct features that cannot be replaceable by each other. If you prefer to do woodwork that is more artistic than just cutting some straight lines, a jigsaw definitely a winner. A jigsaw is specially built to do all the complex and curved cuts like making a hole, scrolls, pumpkin carving, etc.

On the other hand, circular saws come up with large sizes blades starting from 85 mm to 235 mm, which is essential for straight or cross-cuts with wide cutting depth. You could use a circular saw to cut metal, ceramics, plastic, and other materials along with wood.

Now, if you’re a DIYer, creating artistic wood carving works, or want to fix your kitchen cabinet, a jigsaw is better suited to you.

Conversely, for cutting through thicker materials and doing a wide range of carpentry jobs, such as creating part-way notches through the wood, or cutting a 2x8s board straightly or for extended bevel cut, a circular saw is a must-have tool.

Can a circular saw be used as a table saw?

Yes, definitely you can use a circular saw as a table saw with some additional arrangement. Let’s see the video below on how to turn your circular saw into a table saw quickly.

Can a 7-1/4 circular saw cut a 4×4?

A circular saw is a handy tool mainly designed to do small and medium-scale cutting jobs such as cutting 2×4 plywood or lumber. Usually, the blade size of this portable tool does not exceed 7-1/4 inches, giving a maximum cutting depth of 2-1/2 inches at 90 degrees.

It is, therefore, not possible to cut a 4×4 piece of a wooden column in a single pass. However, if you really need to cut a 4×4, you can do this by passing the saw blade multiple times on it.

How do I stop a circular saw kickback?

The kickback of a circular saw is a serious matter and can cause serious accidents. So, you should be well aware of this before using a circular saw. It happened for several reasons, but the most common is the blade hooked on the wood. If you tried to cut a piece of wood while the circular saw did not reach its maximum speed, the blade stuck into the wood and triggered a kickback. By following the following precautions, you can avoid the kickback-

1. Wait for the saw to hit its maximum pace.
2. Before cutting through it, the wood piece should be laid on a fully supported flat surface to avoid bending the piece midway through the cut.
3. Must ensure that the piece of wood you’re going to cut is secured with a rigid surface. You may use clamps or clips to prevent unwanted movement.
4. And finally, hold your circular saw handle tightly and use your two hands to gain complete leverage over it.

Final Thoughts

We know how hard it is to find the right one that meets your requirements and has an accessible price range. When the list gets longer, it becomes more complicated. We’ve therefore accumulated the best circular saw under $100 for you through our eagle eyes and experienced screening.

Hope you can get the right saw, and your investment can give you a better response by going through these best budget circular saw reviews.

Related Reviews:

1. Reviews and buying guide of the best jigsaw under $100
2. Reviews and buying guide of the best reciprocating saw under $100