If you find any saw in a carpenter’s workshop, no doubt it’s a kind of circular saw. They’re counted as one of the most vital power tools. Even a beginner enjoys the wider usability and versatility of circular saws.
With so many types and brilliant cutting variations, the circular saw will someday inevitably hit your toolbox. But the number and the functions will put you in trouble when you approach to make the decision.
So, the best pick requires learning about the types of circular saws meticulously. To help you with that, we designed this content describing all the available circular saws.
The List of Types of Circular Saws: Definition, Difference & Comparison
Getting the right one for your business among the different types of circular saws is now just a piece of cake. They are categorized mainly based on their functionalities, manners and built mechanism.
Keep digging into the following section; we have put together some wow-worthy information that may help you choose the perfect circular saw type and experience the true power of a circular saw.
1. Corded Circular Saw
When the circular saw made its first appearance, it was corded with a power cord run by an electric outlet directly or by a power generator. They tend to be more powerful with limitless energy in general than other variations in the family. The unlimited power qualifies the corded circular saw for undertaking any heavy-duty performance.
2. Cordless Circular Saw
The second variation is what grew from the earlier one. Unlike a corded circular saw, its main strength is mobility. When it comes to cutting variation and capacity, there is almost no difference between the two. The cordless circular saw lives on a lithium-ion battery. Based on the running power of the battery, it’ll serve you.
While the corded model shares a few disadvantages, so is a cordless one. Because of the heavy weight, a corded saw can’t be accessed for overhead operation, but the cordless saw comes with this merit as they are lightweight. Plus, you can get your job done faster by moving the saw easily.
3. Compact and Mini Circular Saw
As the title connects, it is the small and compact circular saw variation. As long as you prefer the handheld power tool, the compact and mini circular saw should have on the shopping list. If you move to this view, there will be no sweating over the extended course of sawing.
Moreover, dealing with a machine requires minimum confidence and experience. So, the saw can be a good choice for beginners too.
4. Worm Drive Circular Saw
The most confusing type of circular saw with the sidewinder option with similar cutting capacity. When we compare the two, we find worm drive heavier and sometimes longer than its rival. The placement of the motor and the gear arrangement hail the most highlighting difference between the two.
The worm drive holds the motor on the back and connects power by the gear. Such a mechanism results in less power yet high torque. Thus, the combination of durability and power-efficient is installed in the core. Getting longer crosscuts, plunge cuts even miter cuts smoothly made the saw popular with the craftsmen.
5. Sidewinder Circular Saw
This variation of the circular saw is sometimes known as an in-line circular saw. Unlike the worm drive, the motor is placed alongside the blade. And compared to a worm drive, it is lighter and smaller. But the weight and size don’t affect the performance; rather, they made the saw a regular companion for the overhead sawing.
The sidewinder circular saw tends to be either corded or cordless. You can get the perfect shot by configuring the right blade for rip cutting to vertical cuts, soft lumber, or plywood.
6. Hypoid Circular Saw
Hypoid circular saw is sometimes lost in the fame and name of worm drive and sidewinder because of some similarities. Like the worm drive models, the motor is placed beside the blade. But the core difference lies in the hypoid gears that connect the motor.
Another appreciating feature is that it doesn’t make noise that lets you go without earmuffs. Though the power is nothing comparable to a worm drive and sidewinder, it stands with efficient power. As the engine is enclosed, it doesn’t require to get oiled.
7. Cordwood Saw
If you’re an owner of a sawmill, cordwood saws can result in your search. For sizing the large logs, timber or slabs into a smaller pieces, sawmill owners rest assured on this saw.
We love it for its outstanding features. First, it has a rigid shape for holding large pieces for cutting along with a blade of 20-36 diameter and heavy-duty performance. The power source is another reason that favours woodcutting.
8. Cold Saw
If you want to cut metal with extreme precision, own this saw along with a qualified blade for the intended assignment. It cuts the metal accurately but not gets hot during cutting. Such cold behaviour is named the saw.
The coolant system is featured to keep the saw cool and protect the workpieces from being burnt. This feature qualifies the saw to minimize the sparks and friction and, therefore, vibration.
9. Abrasive Saw
Presenting another circular saw for cutting hard materials like metal, tile, ceramics and more– it is known as the abrasive saw. Unlike other conventional saws, the cutting mechanism depends on the friction disc. But the mechanism is fairly liberal and lets you use abrasive blades of diamond or cubic boron nitride.
The best part of the abrasive saw is its adaptability. You can use it as a handheld saw or convert it into a table saw or a miter saw by mounting it on a table. Though it produces heat yet, it can stand for beyond metal.
10. Track saw
You might have heard of a plunge saw. It’s another name for a track saw. Along with mastering several cuttings, the saw targets plunge cuts mainly and are engineered with a special command to master the job.
Though the circular saw is considered versatile and smartly manageable for several cuts, this saw concentrates on the plunge cuts most.
11. Biscuit Jointer
If you want to join two workpieces together with a saw, the biscuit jointer circular saw is the one you’re looking for. They are engineered with a brilliant mechanism that joins two pieces brilliantly, keeping the nail holes even invisible.
But the saw requires advanced sawing skills to handle precisely. And the biggest drawback of the saw is it is made for the sole purpose.
Conclusion
TV commercials or digital ads shouldn’t tempt you if you like to buy a circular saw. No one knows what fits you most rather than you. Let your needs and your budget decide the right circular saw you deserve.
However, you must learn what a circular saw can do and which will do your work more precisely. Thus, the discussion on circular saw types will educate you and help you make the best decision in the long haul.
