A circular saw is an electrically powered saw with a round, spinning blade used to make straight cuts in wood, sheet materials and other materials. It is one of the most versatile DIY tools: you can use it to cut beams, boards and panels to size.
Types of circular saws
| Type | Description | Application |
| Handheld circular saw | Portable, move freely over the workpiece | On-site work, large panels, beams |
| Table saw | Stationary, guide the workpiece along the blade | Workshop, repetitive cuts, precision |
| Track saw (plunge saw) | Handheld saw that plunges the blade into the workpiece | Precision cuts, cutouts |
| Cordless circular saw | Battery-powered (18V/36V) | Flexible on-site use |
Saw blades
The blade determines what you can cut and how clean the cut is:
| Blade | Number of teeth | Application |
| Coarse (16-24 teeth) | Few | Fast cutting, construction timber |
| Fine (40-60 teeth) | Many | Clean cut, sheet materials |
| Extra fine (60-80 teeth) | Very many | Veneer, laminate, visible work |
Specifications
| Parameter | Typical value |
| Blade diameter | 160-235 mm |
| Cutting depth | 50-85 mm |
| Power | 1200-1800 W (corded) / 18-36V (cordless) |
Safety
- Safety glasses — always wear them
- Hearing protection — for extended use
- Clamp the workpiece — never hold it by hand
- Check the blade — do not use damaged or dull blades
- Use the riving knife — prevents the wood from pinching the blade
Related terms
