Compact Circular Saw

[Debi Shipman]

My husband wants to get me a compact circular saw for Christmas.  I can't use a regular circular saw and I guess he's getting tired of cutting wood for me.  lol  My daughter will cut for me sometimes with her hand saw also.  I was wondering if anyone had had any experience with them and if you have what you think of them and which brand do you think is the best?  I've looked at a few, read reviews and watched videos and got more confused than ever.   So friends, any advice or suggestions?  Thanks  

[amazingkevin]

My husband wants to get me a compact circular saw for Christmas.  I can't use a regular circular saw and I guess he's getting tired of cutting wood for me.  lol  My daughter will cut for me sometimes with her hand saw also.  I was wondering if anyone had had any experience with them and if you have what you think of them and which brand do you think is the best?  I've looked at a few, read reviews and watched videos and got more confused than ever.   So friends, any advice or suggestions?  Thanks  

I used my small tile saw (wet dry) and put a wood blade on it .Just make sure the arbors are the same size .Cuts like a dream.Use a stick and two clamps for a movable fence .cut open the bottom of the box so saw dust can exit good .If you don't do this the saw blade spits all the dust right back on you.

[WayneMahler]

I have a Milwaukee 18 volt. It's nice fairly light weight and does a decent job. I'm more curious what you are trying to accomplish. Maybe a small table saw would be better ? I had a Ryobi that I gave to my son-in-law when I ran out of room in my shop after putting in a full size cabinet saw. Works great for what he does with it and it's light enough to moved around. Maybe more information on what you are trying to accomplish could help.

[Debi Shipman]

I would love to have a table saw, but since my work area is a 4'x5' area of my dining room it's just not practical. It would be used mainly to cut down bigger stock for the scroll saw.  Occasionally my daughter and I will make a small table or shelf cubes out of 1x's.  I have a 19v circular saw, but I find it too awkward to use.

[Lucky2]

Debi, no circular saw should be used indoors in a finished room, they create just to much dust. If you must use a saw indoors, then, I'd suggest you get a jig-saw. They are quieter to use, and they don't throw as much dust. They are easier to use, and not nearly as frightening. And on most of them, there's a place to connect your vaccumn cleaner hose to.

Len 

Edited December 6, 2016 by Lucky2

[Sparkey]

I don't have experience with it but I have bought other Rigid tools from Home Depot. They have a Rigid 5 inch saw 120 volt so no battery for $109. Rigid tools from HD carry a lifetime warranty.

Edited December 6, 2016 by Sparkey

[Debi Shipman]

Debi, no circular saw should be used indoors in a finished room, they create just to much dust. If you must use a saw indoors, then, I'd suggest you get a jig-saw. They are quieter to use, and they don't throw as much dust. They are easier to use, and not nearly as frightening. And on most of them, there's a place to connect your vaccumn cleaner hose to.

Len 

I didn't think about a jigsaw.  I'll have to look into that also.  Thank you for the suggestion.  All the circular sawing is done outside.  The only saws used inside are my scroll saw and my daughters hand saw.

[Debi Shipman]

I don't have experience with it but I have bought other Rigid tools from Home Depot. They have a Rigid 5 inch saw 120 volt so no battery for $109. Rigid tools from HD carry a lifetime warranty.

I'll have to look into this one also.  My main concern is the weight of most regular circular saws.  Since this one is 5" it may be lighter. Thanks.

[Bill WIlson]

I'll second the suggestion for using a jig saw.  For those inexperienced with using circular saws, there is always a danger of kickback, even with the smaller ones.  Jig saws are inherently safer, in that respect.  You can use a straight edge guide, clamped to the wood, to get long straight cuts, if needed or free hand cut.  A jigsaw may be more versatile for you.

[Frank Pellow]

Another vote here for a jig saw.  But get a good one such as those made by Bosch, Festool, or Makita.

[Debi Shipman]

I tried out my husband's jig saw this morning. (about froze to death  and I'm pretty sure some of my neighbors hate me now, it was about 5:45)  It was fairly easy to use and light enough.  I'd certainly need to use a saw guide because, as with most hand power tools, I can't see the sight line unless I use them about 2 feet off the ground. (The curse of the vertically challenged)  Thanks for all the suggestions.

[oldhudson]

I tried out my husband's jig saw this morning. (about froze to death  and I'm pretty sure some of my neighbors hate me now, it was about 5:45)  It was fairly easy to use and light enough.  I'd certainly need to use a saw guide because, as with most hand power tools, I can't see the sight line unless I use them about 2 feet off the ground. (The curse of the vertically challenged)  Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

It's pretty easy to make a custom saw guide for your saw and application.

[GrampaJim]

OK, I will agree also about the jig saw.  I work in my basement and tried a small table saw down there.  Too loud and too messy.  With some homemade cutting guides ( I cant cut a straight like freehand) I am good to go.  Much quieter and like others have said less mess.  BTW my jig saw may be older than me.  I got it from my dad years ago - its an cheap Black and Decker two speed.  Works for me!

[tvman44]

I was using my son's Porter Cable 20 volt saw a couple of weeks ago and impressed with the power and life of the battery charge.  Also very light.

[WayneMahler]

I have been thinking about this and it seems that a jig saw has been mentioned here. I use mine for the purpose your looking for. Didn't think about until I was in the shop today and wanted to make a quick cut and just grabbed it out of habit. For their size they pack quite a bit of power and versatility. You also have a large selection of blades for different materials also. Best of luck with you quest.