Before the invention of electric saws slicing through materials such as wood was tedious work. The manual saws available didn’t make life much easier for you. You would use lots of effort and would have to do without precision. Lacking this one thing made it very difficult to create beautiful and sometimes complicated designs.
Electric saws solve all these problems and have other benefits too.. You’ll get accuracy and flexibility; you can cut your wood in several different ways without a hassle.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right saw can be daunting if you don’t know what to look for. Electric saws come in different varieties for different purposes. You cannot use the same saw at home in your backyard as you would in a commercial workshop. Both saws may serve your purpose, but you need to pick a tool appropriate to your needs. That is why you need a guide to help you make the right choice. We’ll, therefore, go through a buying guide before discussing the best electric saws for you.
Types of Electric Saws
Knowing the kind of electric saw you want is essential. Not all electric saws are the same; different saws find use in different situations, and this is what should primarily determine your choices.
Reciprocating Saws
Reciprocating saws work in a pull-push fashion. You will commonly find people referring to these saws as Sawzall. You can regulate a reciprocating saw using the base shoe as the design is like a jigsaw.
The design of the handle allows both left and right-handed people to use these saws. There’s also another grip nearer the blade for added control.
Reciprocating saws can accommodate different types of blades. You can use them for various cutting needs at home. However, they find their best application in rough cutting jobs.
Circular Saws
Circular saws don’t have jagged edges like reciprocating saws. Because of this they produce clean cuts and leave smooth edges.
Controlling circular saws is generally easier than reciprocating saws. If you have a cutting job with strong kickback, control is essential. Therefore, It would help if you went for a circular saw. These saws are perfect for any cutting job.
Power of the Saw
There are several ways to analyze the power output of an electric saw. The power output determines what types of jobs the saw can do. If you want a saw for cutting down trees, for example, or metal you’ll need lots of power.
Revolutions Per Minute
You can rate the power of a circular saw by the number of revolutions per minute. A higher rpm number means you have a more powerful saw. Saws with high rpm will take less time on a job compared to saws with low rpm.
Motor Power
For non-circular saws, you need to look at the power of the motor. The higher the number, the more powerful the saw. Also, the material making up the motor is essential. Copper motors are generally the most efficient of all.
Blades
It would be best if you also considered the blades before buying a saw. The best saws come with a pack of several blades for different applications. With this variety, you can use your saw for a wide range of needs at no inconvenience. Some saws come with only one blade. With such saws, you have to buy a new blade after some time.
The other thing to look out for concerning blades is the ease of changing. The best saws make it easy for you to swap out one blade for another.
Safety
Electric saws can be deadly if handled carelessly. It is therefore imperative that you buy a saw with safety features. Such mechanisms can include protection switches and body material that absorbs shock during use.
Flexibility
A flexible blade can help you cut to different depths according to the settings you choose. Flexibility also comes in when talking about handling. It would help if you went for saws that allow you to manipulate the handle. With such manipulation, you can use the saw for intricate cutting jobs.
Precision Guiding
When you are looking for a blade consider one with precision guiding. Most top electric saws have some form of laser guide. This laser guide helps you cut in straight lines effortlessly.
The Best Electric Saws
Based on this guideline, the thirteen saws below are the best in the market currently.
1. Circular Handle Tack life Cutting Saw
With its metal handle, this saw dramatically reduces the strain as you cut through wood. The metal handle also makes it possible for you to work with one hand. While cutting, you get guidance from a laser beam. The laser beam guidance gives you accuracy as you cut. You won’t have to estimate with your eyes anymore.
You get a 5.8 amp copper motor and six blades with this saw. This motor gives you 3500rpm, and this is good enough for wood, PVC, and most other materials. The six edges have different dimensions for different materials. Having a variety of blades means you can use this saw for varied materials without any worries.
You also get flexible bevel cutting. Different bevel angles will give you varied depth levels. Because the saw has a left-sided design, you get excellent cut-line visibility. You can, therefore, cut straight and precisely.
When it comes to protection, you get a double protection switch. This dual protection switch ensures the machine won’t open accidentally
Key Features
- Laser structure and Metal handle: The laser design ensures precise cutting while the metal handle gives you comfortable handling.
- Safety design and ergonomic plan
- Powerful motor & 6 blades
Take a look at TACKLIFE, here.
2. Worx Worxsaw 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
Minimal saws like the Worx Worxsaw Compact are lightweight smaller than usual saws. With these saws, you get a level, round edge to cut a wide assortment of material. If you want to cut sheet material like metal, plastic, wood, and even some types of stone, this is the saw for you.
You get one blade with this saw, and it’s 4.5 inches. The blade is thin, which makes for a lighter saw. You can also adjust bevel settings for different depths of cutting. Left side design gives the blade accuracy. The handle of the saw includes a safety trigger for your comfort.
Though you only have one blade, it has a carbide edge. The carbide edge makes the blade durable and sturdy. It can cut through all manner of materials without wearing out. When you buy the saw, it comes with a three-year warranty.
Key features
- The saw is flexible; you can set angles and cutting depths.
- Thin edge makes for less device strain, bringing about increased cutting velocity and performance.
- The box incorporates a 4-1/2″ Worxsaw, a 24T Carbide-tipped Blade, Allen Key, Parallel Guide, Vacuum Adapter, and Manufacturer’s 3-year guarantee
What makes it unique?
- Parallel guide for precision
- Vacuum port for simple tidy up
- Well being trigger element
- Cordless
3. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V Max Reciprocating Saw
What you get with this saw is control. You can control the movement of the saw with a pivoting shoe. A pivoting shoe makes using the blade in tight spaces a breeze. Another aspect of control is the speed of the saw. You can control the speed, which means you can cut at a custom pace.
The saw comes at an impressive 4.5 pounds; you can, therefore, operate it with one arm hand efficiently. However, before you use the saw, you must have a lithium battery. You can use the saw in places where there is no mains electricity. With the lithium battery, the saw delivers 20 Volts, and this is more than enough for all your cutting needs.
Key features
- Variable speed trigger for expanded control
- Rotating shoe for expanded control
- Apparatus free cutting-edge change
- The saw is part of the famous black+ decker 20V max* range of tools
Take a look at BLACK+DECKER, here.
4. SKIL 5280-01
This saw is ideal for you if you have lots of home repair and yard work to do. It offers you unrivaled flexibility with a removable blade. You can use both standard and arbor sized blades. With these two blades, you can cut through most dimensions of wood, either thin or thick.
The blade comes with an axle lock to provide stability while you change the edge. Another advantage of this blade is the laser guide. The laser guide helps with precision; you can, therefore, cut in a straight line easily.
For vibration control, you have a counterbalance while it also has a pivoting foot for stability while you are cutting sturdy materials like metal. At 7.5 amps, this saw gives you more power than many other regular saws.
Key features
- Laser guide indicates you precisely where to cut
- Brilliant residue evacuation
- Axle lock and included hex wrench, making changing cutting edges simply
- No tear fence
- No electric brake
- Generally short 6-foot string
5. Genesis Compact Circular Saw with 24T cutting edge, Rip Guide, Vacuum Adapter, and edge wrench
With a 4.0 amp motor, this isn’t the most powerful saw in the market. However, it is still good enough for most regular requirements. Also, the total voltage output is 120 Volts, which makes up for the weak motor.
The saw comes with depth and bevel control. You can make beveled, rip, and crosscuts with ease and accuracy. The primary circular blade can cut through 2x materials with ease. Therefore, you won’t have to change to a larger blade for 2x materials.
Spindle locking gives you the luxury of fast blade changes without having to dismantle the whole saw. You’ll also get a vacuum adaptor and an Allen wrench with every saw you purchase.
Key features
- Spindle lock for fast blade changes. IT securely and rapidly changes cutting edges!
- The saw can cut through 2x material without using any special blades
6. Genesis GCOT335 3 In. 3.5 Amp High-Speed Corded Cut Off Tool
Instead of a hack saw, you should be looking for this tool. You can cut through sheet metal, exhaust systems, hangers and more. Though it has a modest 3.5 amp motor, this saw can deliver an impressive 24000 rpm, which is why it can cut through most materials.
The cutting implements are 3-inch cut off discs. You can find these discs easily and so replacing worn-out discs will not be a problem. When you want to take out one disc for another, you remove the guard. The process is easy: the guard detaches easily from the body.
Other benefits of this saw include a safety switch and a two-year warranty upon purchase. The saw is also lightweight at 3.2 pounds and has a maximum depth of 1 inch.
Key features
- Lightweight at just 3.2 lbs. Lighter devices give you less fatigue than heavier ones.
- It has a 3.5 amp engine that works at 24, 000 RPM.
- The saw utilizes standard 3″ Cut off plates. These plates are easy to find and use.
- You get a safety switch which prevents accidental activation
7. HYCHIKA Small scale Circular Saw, Compact Circular Saw
You know you’re getting a quality saw when the motor is pure copper. Copper is a top conductor of electricity, and this translates to an efficient motor. This efficiency results in cutting speeds as high as 45000 rpm. At such rates, you can cut through tile, wood, PVC, and many other materials.
The base of this saw consists of heavy gauge iron, while the upper body is aluminum. Both these metals add stability to the saw. You get three blades with this saw for different cutting needs. There’s a blade for wood cutting, another for metal, and a diamond blade for tile cuts.
You can also adjust cutting depth and precision. For precision, there’s a laser guide that keeps you cutting in a straight line. The parallel guide attachment you get with every purchase also aids with accuracy. For depth, you can adjust the depth lever to achieve depth levels up to 25mm.
When you use the saw, the soft rubber handle helps with fatigue. There’s also a dust port and a dust pipe. You can connect this dust pipe to a vacuum cleaner and keep your surface clean as you’re working.
Key features
- You can adjust the cutting depth using a depth lever.
- The saw has a pure copper motor that is efficient and delivers high cutting speeds.
- The saw comes with three blades for different applications
8. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, Tool Only (BDCR20B)
The saw runs on batteries, but you need to buy the batteries and a charger separately. The batteries deliver a maximum working voltage of 20 Volts. You’re, however, more likely to get a voltage of around 18 Volts in normal conditions.
The shoe of the saw pivots allowing you to maneuver the saw around tight spaces. You also can use the variable speed trigger to control the speed of your cutting. One downside of the saw, however, is that it only comes with one blade.
Key features
- It has a variable speed trigger
- The saw has a pivoting shoe for flexibility
Take a look at BLACK+DECKER, here.
9. VonHaus-Compact-Reciprocating-Electric-Capacity
Because of its small size, this blade works well in intricate spaces. The motor delivers 5 amp of power for cutting through wood, plastic, and even metal.
With an aluminum gearbox, this saw has an excellent ergonomic design. Ergonomic design gives you a perfect grip and secure handling. The saw is also easy to handle because it only weighs 9 pounds.
However, the most impressive thing about this saw is the set of eight blades you get when you purchase it. These blades can cut through various types of wood and metal. You’ll also appreciate the 16.4 ft cable for electricity connection. Having such a long cord means you can maneuver the saw into tight spaces.
Key features
- It comes with eight blades for various cutting needs.
- The saw is compact and at 9 pounds lightweight and ergonomic.
10. Ryobi-P514-Cordless-Reciprocating Saw
With its non-grip handling courtesy of superior Ryobi’s rubber grip, this saw won’t slip out fo your hands. The handle also has anti-vibration properties. It absorbs shock while you’re working, keeping you steady.
The saw uses a lever based changing system. With this system, you can change blades without any additional tools.
You require batteries to operate the saw, and it is compatible with several types of cells. Whether you use green one+ batteries or older varieties, they will work for the saw.
Key features
- The rubber grip on the handle makes it an easy saw to handle.
- The saw uses a lever based system to ensure smooth changing of blades.
11. GALAX-PRO Reciprocating -Electric-0-2500RPM
The motor on this saw gives out 7.5 amps and 900 watts of power. You can, therefore, use it to cut wood, metal, and several other materials. This saw is ideal for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. You can also use it for general home repairs.
While you are using the saw, you can lock it at a specific speed for more natural control. You may also adjust the speed of the saw at your convenience. With speed control, you can free up your hand and let the saw run on its own.
Lastly, the handle works for both left and right-handed people. It has a soft silicone covering, which enables it to fit into both hands easily.
Key features
- Ergonomic design &comfort use: An ergonomic handle and elastic covered rigging lodging give a safe and agreeable hold for sure and compelling activity.
- Device-free and effortless changing of saw blades. It features a quick-change clip that requires no devices so that you can switch between sharp edges effectively.
Take a look at GALAX-PRO, here.
12. Astro Pneumatic Tool 930 Air Body Saber Saw
The Astro Pneumatic Tool 930 Air Body Saber Saw is one of the lightest electric saws in the market. It weighs 1.7 pounds, and with that weight, you can comfortably use it with one hand.
You also get an adjustable blade guide. A flexible blade guide increases blade life so you won’t have to change blades often.
The blade on this saw can cut through aluminum, fiberglass, and sheet metal. You can also cut intricate shapes and curves on both flat and curved surfaces
Key features
- Perfect for body shop fix suppressor and fumes work
- Movable sharp edge guide expands cutting-edge life
- Cuts a wide range of aluminum plastic fiberglass and sheet metal
- Cuts complicated shapes and tight sweep bends on a level and bent surfaces
13. VonHaus-Reciprocating-Electric-Variable-Trigger
A dominant 9 amp motor powers this saw and enables you to cut through a variety of materials. You can cut through wood, sheet steel, steel rods, brass, copper and many more metals.
The blade comes with eight blades. Two of these blades are metal cutting blades while the rest are for various types of wood. However, you should know that the maximum cutting capacity for wood is six inches.
You can regulate the speed of the saw up to 2500 rpm. Speed regulation can help you with different cutting needs; for some materials, you’ll require a higher cutting speed than others.
There’s a quick change chuck for tool-less changing. The chuck also dramatically simplifies the process of changing blades. Speed lock will help you regulate the speed of your saw. The saw uses mains electricity; you won’t need batteries to operate it.
Key features
- Because the saw is minimal in size, you can use it for technical jobs. If you want to access unpredictable spaces such as treetops and bushes, this is the saw for you.
- Flexible kick the bucket cast aluminum gearbox and ergonomically situated over-form give an agreeable delicate grasp for simple handling.
- It is lightweight, with just 9.9lb.
Conclusion
All the saws in this review are top of the range. You have a mix of circular and reciprocating saws. These saws also have different power ratings and number of blades.
Circular saws are generally more expensive and are ideal for industrial use. You should also go for circular saws if you want smooth edges on your cuts. The Circular Handle Tack life Cutting Saw and the Small scale Circular Saw, HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw lead the way for circular saws.
Reciprocating saws are cheaper and also come with a variety of blades. You can use them for necessary household cutting with ease. The Ryobi-P514-Cordless-Reciprocating Saw and the reciprocating saw from VonHaus are the two standout products in this category.
