Table of Contents
- Best Compact Circular Saw – Quick Table
- 8 Best Compact Circular Saw – Reviews for 2022
- 1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw
- 2. Dremel SM20-02 Mini Circular Saw
- 3. WORX WORXSAW WX429L Mini Circular Saw
- 4. Genesis GCS545C Compact Circular Saw
- 5. Makita SH02R1 Mini Circular Saw
- 6. Rockwell RK3441K Mini Circular Saw
- 7. BLACK + DECKER 20V MAX Compact Circular Saw
- 8. TACKLIFE TCS115A Compact Circular Saw
- Buyer’s Guide
- Final Verdict
There comes a time when you feel that the power tools you are using are too heavy or do not meet the specifications you need. Circular saws are essential for you as a handyman or an ordinary user of the tool as they can be used to cut into different types of materials such as plastics, ceramic, wood, or metals. By the end of this, you will be able to get information about the best compact circular saw.
With the advancement of technology, you no longer need to struggle to cut into materials manually tirelessly, but you can use a power saw to easily and quickly do that job.
Best Compact Circular Saw – Quick Table
| Image | Product Name | Weigh | Motor Power | Dimension (Inch) |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rockwell RK3440K | 3.4 lbs | 4 Amp | 17.3 x 8.8 x 4.7 |
Check Price |
 |
Dremel SM20-02 | 6.75 lbs | 6 Amp | 17.5 x 4.2 x 9.2 | Check Price |
 |
WORX WORXSAW WX429L | 4.4 lbs | 4 Amp | 15.1 x 4.2 x 5.8 | Check Price |
 |
Genesis GCS545C | 6 lbs | 5.8 Amp | 16 x 4.2 x 8 | Check Price |
 |
Makita SH02R1 | 9.35 lbs | 12 volts | 14.5 x 8 x 10.2 | Check Price |
 |
Rockwell RK3441K | 5 lbs | 5 Amp | 18.2 x 4.2 x 6.9 | Check Price |
 |
BLACK + DECKER | 6 lbs | 20 volts | 14.1 x 8.2 x 8.9 | Check Price |
 |
TACKLIFE TCS115A | 8.27 lbs | 120 Volts | 17.8 x 8.11 x 5.87 | Check Price |
If you are in the market to acquire a circular saw, you will be able to learn about different brands of mini saws that will help you make that decision easier. Each saw has its own set of features, and we have broken them down.
Your compact saw should be easy to maneuver, while giving you a feeling of control while operating it, a good compact saw should be able to simplify your workload and not complicate it.
8 Best Compact Circular Saw – Reviews for 2022
Using the best compact circular saw gives you the flexibility that you need when handling your projects. The following are reviews of recommended compact circular saws that you can consider.
1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw
This is a corded electric power saw that is lightweight as it only weighs a mere four pounds. It can cut through various types of materials such as wood, ceramic, and also sheets of metal. The compact circular saw has a 4 amp power rating, and it can go to speeds of up to 3500 rotations per minute. With that kind of power and speed, it can cut into most materials with ease and speed.
The compact saw has a laser guide and a dust attraction feature. The guide will help you as a user to make more accurate and straight precision cuts while the dust extractor will keep dust clear of your workspace to increase visibility while you are working.
The compact saw has an additional feature that will enable you to adjust the depth of the cutting blade to the required dimension and look at it for operation. The design of the compact circular saw is streamlined and easy to use.
What we liked
- Contains a laser guide.
- Built with a dust extractor.
- Has a depth adjustment feature.
- Easy to use.
What we didn’t like
- Overheats easily after some time of use.
- The blades become dull after a few cuts.
2. Dremel SM20-02 Mini Circular Saw
This is a good heavy-duty compact mini saw that can be used for professional work. The compact saw is built with a six amp motor and can go to a speed of up to 17000 rotations per minute. The machine is corded, which means you have to connect it to a power source.
Though the machine is very powerful, it is very light in weight and small in size, making it easier for you to use it in very tight spaces. Due to the weight and size of the compact saw, you only need one hand to operate the machine. The machine comes with a well-designed case for storage.
The compact mini saw is designed to cut into various types of materials such as tiles, masonry, metals, or even plastics with ease. The machine contains a dust extractor to keep your work neat and operations easier.
What we liked
- Has a powerful motor.
- Offers a one-hand operation.
- Can cut various materials.
- Easy to store.
- It is easy to handle and use.
- Durable.
What we didn’t like
- It only cuts to a depth of 0.75 inches.
- Overheats to the extent of burning the hand.
3. WORX WORXSAW WX429L Mini Circular Saw
This is an economical, and good compact mini saw that is very lightweight as it weighs only 5 pounds. The compact saw is a single handheld and is very easy for you to use.
It comes with blades a size of 4.5 inches, and it can make precision cuts of up to 2 inches. The blade is adjustable to fit your required depth of cut. The compact saw also comes with an additional feature as you can make angled cuts of up to 45 degrees.
The compact saw can only go to the speed of 3500 rotations per minute with no load on it. The machine is recommended for small works as straining the machine will make it useless. The compact mini saw contains a safety feature to protect you as a user from any harm while operating it.
What we liked
- Easy to handle and use due to its ergonomic design.
- Due to its small size, the machine can perform its operations even in limited spaces.
- Can make angle cuts.
- Safe to use.
What we didn’t like
- The power of the compact is too little, thus making slow cuts on your material.
- You can’t perform heavy-duty work with it as it will break down.
4. Genesis GCS545C Compact Circular Saw
The genesis compact mini saw is an ideal tool for a small-scale handyman as it is a very powerful tool to use. The machine has a powerful motor that uses 5.8 amps while doing 3500 rotations a minute. The design of the compact saw is unique and pleasing to the eyesight. The compact mini saw only weighs 6 pounds, which is not heavy for a user. The saw is sizable and is operated using a single hand.
The compact saw can cut through most materials such as wood and metal. The mini saw has an additional blade that can cut through material such as aluminum which is a bonus since most compact mini saws do not do such operation.
The mini saw is designed to do precision cuts as per the required depth of the user and also can do bevel cuts. The machine is designed with an inbuilt dust extractor to keep you clear of debris while operating the saw.
What we liked
- Great maneuverability while using the saw.
- Has an inbuilt dust collector.
- Lightweight and simple to use.
- Has a dust extractor.
What we didn’t like
- The safety feature is poorly designed.
- The blade guard tends to stick in the wood while operating.
- The bolt holding the blade breaks off while doing strenuous operations.
5. Makita SH02R1 Mini Circular Saw
This is the kind of power saw that was designed while having the user in mind. The compact mini saw was designed to be user-friendly and comfortable. You can use the saw by holding it using a single hand while its handle is designed with rubber to give you a comfortable grip.
The machine uses a charged battery as its power source this is an advantage to you as a user as you can use it in the absence of power be it in your workshop or outdoor. The motor only has a mere 1500 rotations per minute, making it a weak machine for professional heavy-duty types of work.
The compact saw is lightweight as its weight is only 3.5 pounds, nearly half the weight of the standard compact mini saw. The product comes in an attractive professional casing for the safe storage of the saw and the batteries.
The compact saw can make bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees and a cutting depth of 1 inch while at 90 degrees. The saw is designed with a laser guide as an additional feature to guide you while cutting straight lines.
What we liked
- It is cordless, and there will be no limitation for movement.
- It is very durable compared to other compact saws.
- Easy to operate and comfortable to use.
- Comes with casing for easy storage.
What we didn’t like
- The blade is limited to one-inch depth cuts, which is too little.
- The motor of the compact saw is not very powerful.
6. Rockwell RK3441K Mini Circular Saw
This product has a compact design, is mobile as it can reach up to the corners, and has a user-friendly design. The overall design of the compact mini saw is unique and attractive, the machine is light in its weight and can be carried by the user without too much effort.
The blade cuts through different types of materials with ease such as ceramic, metal sheets, wood, plastic using the three different types of blades that it comes with.
The compact mini saw can make cuts of up to 2 inches, and its motor is quite powerful as it boasts a total of 5 amps. The motor also can do rotations of up to 3500 revolutions per minute, making fast cuts, thus saving your time. The blade is also adjustable enough to make angled cuts. The machine also has a good safety feature to protect you as a user.
What we liked
- Contains a unique safety feature to protect you during operations.
- Simple design for easier use.
- Has an adjustable blade.
- Works well with various materials.
- Compact design.
What we didn’t like
- The bolt eventually breaks off after a while of using it.
- Very challenging to operate for left-hand users.
7. BLACK + DECKER 20V MAX Compact Circular Saw
This is a great compact saw with a fantastic price on it for it being cordless. The compact mini saw uses a lithium-ion battery as its source of power with a maximum voltage of 20 volts.
The motor in the machine is very powerful and has high torque, thus cutting through materials at high speed. The machine is made of plastic material and is medium in size. It is designed to hold a blade that is 5.5 inches.
The compact mini saw is designed to make cuts of up to 2 inches and can be adjusted to any depth of choice easily. The machine can also make angular cuts of 45 degrees. The operation done with the machine is single-handed, and its design is simple to use even for an Amateur.
What we liked
- A very powerful battery that can last before it is fully discharged.
- Great in precision and angular cuts.
- Compact and easy to use.
- Designed with durable material.
What we didn’t like
- The blade does not provide a smooth cut while using.
- Difficult to change the blades.
- Gets slower while doing long cuts.
8. TACKLIFE TCS115A Compact Circular Saw
This type of compact mini saw is designed for that kind of professional work. The machine has an ergonomic design that will fit you as a user. The machine is designed with a single handle but has an additional unique metal handle to increase the stability of the machine.
The saw comes with six alloyed blades that are designed for that smooth cut. It contains a long cord to give you extra room while operating the machine and has a laser guide to help in making precise straight cuts.
The machine’s motor offers a strong power of 5.8 amps to the compact saw while making 3500 revolutions per minute. The blade can make cuts of depth nearly 1.75 inches and also angular cuts of up to 45 degrees. Another feature that it has is a dust port to enable you to get a clean workspace and a safety button for your protection.
What we liked
- Strong, powerful, and long-lasting alloy blades.
- The saw provides smooth cuts.
- The tool is easy to use.
- Addition a metallic handle for a more stable grip while operating the mini saw.
What we didn’t like
- Too heavy.
- The laser is of low quality; it stops functioning quickly.
Buyer’s Guide
Before you acquire any circular saws, you should always ensure that the purchase will meet your specifications of work. It is essential to select a saw using the following features that will go along with the kind of work you are doing.
Power
Different compact mini saws have different power ratings. A 10 amp power saw can perform more than a 5 amp power saw. We suggest that you should acquire a power saw that fits what you will be using.
For example, if the intended use of the compact saw is for recreational do it yourself kind of activities you do not need a compact mini saw with a high power rating. If the kind of work is tedious done in a professional workshop, we recommend a powerful mini power saw that has a high power rating.
Power is vital as it affects the speed at which the compact saw cuts through a material. While also selecting the power saw of choice also consider the types of material; that are going to be used by the power saw. Thicker materials require a compact saw with a higher power rating as it will be easier for the material to cut through it.
Corded Vs Cordless
A corded compact circular saw is a type of saw that is restricted in its operation to a power outlet, for it to function it has to be plugged into an available power outlet at all times. A cordless compact power saw has less limitation to power as if the battery of the cordless compact saw is charged you can use it without being plugged into any power outlet.
The cordless power saw has its benefits as it does not limit you in movement while you are working. You will be able to walk around it in your workshop and perform your tasks with ease as there will be no power cable to tie you down to a specific position.
A cordless compact mini saw you can continue with your operation even in the absence of electricity in your workshop or home. You can also work on your projects outdoor with ease.
Although mobility may be a good thing while using a cordless compact saw you will not be able to find the same amount of sheer power as a corded one. If power is the one thing that you want, we recommend choosing the corded compact saw.
The Size of the Blade and Depth Cut
Before you know how deep a blade can cut, it is essential to know the measure of the diameter of your blade. The standard blade id is 4 inch is important always to choose this or a higher diameter as it will greatly influence how deep it can cut into a material. The depth of cut is a measure of how deep that a compact saw blade can cut a compact saw blade.
Most compact saw blades make a minimum of one-inch cut into the material you are using. Some of the compact blades can go as high as up to two inches. Acquire a compact blade that has a higher depth cut as it will be easier for you to use on thicker materials.
Other than the depth there are others that offer additional features such as it can cut through any material at an angle, this is a great feature as it means that your compact saw will be able to adapt to different functions.
YouTube Video Credit Woodworking for Mere Mortals
User-Friendly Design
Different brands of compact mini saws have designed their saws differently. It is vital when going to purchase you should pick a compact mini circular saw that is simple in its operations. A complicated design of a compact mini saw will not only waste your time while learning how to use it but also might be dangerous to you as a user.
Good design entails a compact mini saw that weight is not too heavy for your arm. The handle should fit easily in the grip of your hand and not feel any pressure while holding the mini saw. This will make sure that you do not strain yourself while operating it. The operation of the compact mini saw should be simple and easy for you to understand.
Easy Blade Replacement
If you are a frequent user of the compact saw, we suggest you choose a compact saw that is easy to replace the blades. If the compact saw is used frequently, the blades end up wearing out, and this will call for you to replace it with a new blade to continue your operations.
Replacement of the blade should be easy and be done with these few steps. First, you will need a wrench to remove the nut that holds the blade, turn the wrench anticlockwise until the nut comes off. Remove and replace the blade, put back the nut into its position, and turn the wrench in a clockwise direction tight to lock the blade into the saw.
Cutting Guide
Some brands of compact mini saws have been built with a cutting guide to enable the user to cut the material of choice easily. The cutting guide can come in a form of a laser light that will show a straight line that can be followed along while cutting through the surface of a material. Other brands offer a LED light other than the laser guide that lights up the surface you are cutting to enable you to make more accurate cuts; this will improve your cutting technique.
Carrying Case
This is a very convenient thing to have for the safe storage of your compact mini circular saw. The carrying case will be housing for your mini saw while not using or while moving around with the mini saw. It is an excellent accessory to have but not that necessary.
Final Verdict
There are so many types of compact mini circular saws available in the market. The key to purchasing the right one is that you should be aware of your need and the intended function of the compact saw you are purchasing. Needs such as the materials that will be cut by the compact blade or will be used indoors or outdoors will influence your purchasing choice.
Since the work that will be done by the compact saw will be strenuous, we recommend that you should get the best compact circular saw that is very durable. These machines may break down; eventually, you should ensure that the brand you are selecting has spares in the market for easy and quick repairs of the compact saw.
