A compact circular saw is an electric-powered, mini, lightweight saw that comes with a round, flat blade to cut a wide range of materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and even stone. Compact circular saws are much easier to maneuver, providing you with better control when cutting. This tool simplifies woodworking tasks and helps you to accomplish a lot in a short timeframe.
There are numerous options out there when it comes to finding the best compact circular saw. As such, many users often find the selection process a bit daunting. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best compact circular saws in the market, which makes picking one that suits your budget and needs very easy. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to show you what to look out for when buying a compact circular saw.
Page Contents
The Best Compact Circular Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw |  Our Top Pick |
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| 2. WORX WORXSAW 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw WX429L |  |
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| 3. Rockwell RK3441K 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Genesis GCS545C 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw |  |
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| 5. Dremel SM20-02 Compact Circular Saw Kit |  |
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| 6. Makita SH02R1 Cordless Compact Circular Saw |  |
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| 7. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Compact Circular Saw |  |
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1. Rockwell RK3440K Compact Circular Saw
The Rockwell RK3440K Ultra-Compact Circular Saw is one of the best mini circular saws in the market. This tool is extremely lightweight, which is why Rockwell tagged it an ultra-compact circular saw. It weighs just 4 pounds, and it is the lightest compact circular saw on our list. At such a weight, you can use this machine for a very long time without feeling a thing. This tool also does a great job of cutting through a wide range of materials.
This is a multifunctional and powerful tool that can cut through different materials such as sheet metal, hardwood, softwood, plywood, tile, flooring, and plastics. The powerful motor of this tool offers a no-load speed of 3,500 rotations per minute. The slim grip handle and ergonomic design enhances comfort and improves control and grip. The design of the machine also allows you to use it with just one hand.
It comes with a 12-inch long power cord and an inbuilt laser guide to provide you with perfect and accurate cuts. The tool also allows for easy and safe plunge cuts, thanks to its pivoting metal guard. In addition, your cut-line will always be clear and free from sawdust, thanks to its dust extraction adaptor. This tool comes with a carry case and three blades: a 24-tooth carbide, 44-tooth high-speed steel, and a diamond blade.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 24T carbide, 44T High-Speed, and a Diamond Blade
- 4 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Three blades
- Dust extraction adapter
- Precise and quick depth adjustments
- Laser guide
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Bevel cuts are a bit difficult with this machine
2. WORX WORXSAW 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw WX429L
For those looking for a lightweight and affordable circular saw, the compact circular saw from WORX is an effective option you should consider. This tool comes with great cutting accuracy and the cutting depth is also very easy to adjust. It comes with a no-load speed of 3,500 rotations per minute, which is pretty high considering its size. This machine also comes with a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade that measures 4.5 inches.
It comes with an easy-to-set depth gauge and it allows you to adjust the cutting angle up to 45 degrees. This top-rated circular saw weighs 50 percent less than the traditional 7.25 inches circular saws and it cuts through 2 by 4s in a single pass. It comes with a thin blade that minimizes wastage of material. The tool is powerful enough to cut through nominal 2 inches lumber. It is comfortable to use and easy to maneuver, and it is ideal for DIYers and professionals.
It features a left-side blade design that offers you great cut-line visibility. This compact circular saw also comes with a comfortable grip with integrated safety trigger for balance, control, and comfort. It also comes with an Allen key, a parallel guide, and a vacuum adapter. This product comes with a 3-year warranty. The integrated safety trigger is positioned in a place that is very easy to reach. The vacuum port is also a big plus to this compact circular saw, as it helps to reduce the mess when working indoors.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 4.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade
- 4.4 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Vacuum port
- Easy-to-reach safety trigger
- Accurate cutting
- 0 to 45 degrees bevel settings
- Powerful motor
Cons
- No laser guide
3. Rockwell RK3441K 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw
The Rockwell RK3441K Compact circular saw is another great compact circular saw out there. If you work on complex wood surfaces, then this is the tool you need. This machine comes with a 5-Amp electric motor that delivers up to 3,500 rotations per minute (RPM). This is a considerably high power compared to other compact circular saws at this price range. With this running power, you can cut through a wide range of wood surfaces with ease. The compact design of this tool allows you to use it for a long period of time without getting tired.
It features an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable on the hand; this gives you ultimate control over the tool when working on different wood surfaces. This is also one of the safest compact circular saws in the market, as it comes with a lock-off switch that disengages the blade if it is not in use. It is also the ideal compact circular saw for professionals, as it offers a cutting depth of up to 2 inches.
This machine comes with a 4.5 inches blade that can cut through 2 by 4s in a single pass. It also provides incredible cut-line visibility, thanks to its left-hand blade design. The inline, slim design also provides great balance, control, and comfort. Maneuverability is also easy with this tool. It weighs only 5 pounds, which is 50 percent lighter than traditional 7.25 inches circular saws.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 4.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade
- 5 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Ideal for complex tasks
- Powerful motor
- Easy to handle and use
- Great cutting depth
- Left-hand blade design for clear cuts
Cons
- The power cord limits movement
4. Genesis GCS545C 4.5 Inches Compact Circular Saw
If you are looking for the best mini circular saw that will not leave a hole in your pocket, then you might want to consider the Genesis GCS545C Compact Circular Saw. This tool is very light, as it weighs only 6 pounds. It is the ideal option for those that are fed up with full-sized circular saws. The weight of this tool makes it flexible and easy to maneuver. It also reduces pressure in your arm while in use, thanks to its ergonomic handle. The compact design of this circular saw allows you to use it with just one hand, which frees the other hand to support or hold the material you are cutting.
The powerful motor of this tool delivers up to 3,500 rotations per minute. This is more than enough power for a compact circular saw, as you can use it to complete a wide range of complex jobs. For an improved cutting capacity, this tool uses a triple gear reduction mechanism, which helps to increase the torque of the machine. This feature helps to minimize the stress on the gears, increasing the life span of the machine.
This compact circular saw quickly cuts through all 2x materials, thanks to its tungsten carbide-tipped blade. The diameter of the blade is 4.5 inches and it comes in handy for all kinds of small cutting projects. It also comes with an inbuilt dust port and vacuum adaptor that helps to keep your cutting area visible and clear from sawdust. The adjustable bevel and depth settings of this machine offer a maximum cutting depth of 1.69 inches at 90 degrees and 1.13 inches at 45 degrees.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 4.5 inches, Tungsten Carbide-tipped blade
- 6 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Affordable
- The triple gear reduction mechanism
- Ideal for thick lumber
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight
Cons
- It is a bit difficult to assemble
5. Dremel SM20-02 Compact Circular Saw Kit
The Dremel SM20-02 is another fascinating compact circular saw to look out for. If you are looking to make precision one-handed cuts with a lightweight and efficient circular saw, then this is one of your best options. This tool comes with a 6-amp motor that delivers a whopping 17,000 RPM. This powerful motor drives the 3 inches blade that comes with it through a wide range of materials. Some of the materials you can use this tool to drive through include tiles, wood, masonry, plastic, and metal.
Dremel gave this tool so much power and durability by using a worm drive design. This design helps the tool to possess a durable and powerful motor while maintaining its compactness. This machine also offers two wheel positions to help you complete many projects. The first position reduces the length of the exposed blade to make flush cuts. Whereas, the second is for performing plunge cuts and straight cuts. The one-hand design of this tool also enhances your line of sight for making precise and accurate cuts. It also comes with a cutting guide to enhance cutting accuracy.
This compact circular saw features a dust extraction port, which helps to keep the workspace clean and provide you with a clear cut-line. The weight of this tool is 6.75 pounds. It also features an adjustable depth control.
Specs
- 17,000 RPM
- 3 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 6.75 pounds
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Easy to control
- Ideal for a wide range of tasks
- Super powerful motor
- Thin blade
Cons
- The blades wear quickly
6. Makita SH02R1 Cordless Compact Circular Saw
The Makita SH021R1 Cordless Compact Circular Saw does not come cheap, but it is one of the best mini circular saws out there. The design of this tool separates it from the rest of the compact circular saws in the market. This compact circular saw features a unique feel like that of a standard circular saw. The motor of this tool delivers a running power of 1,500 rotations per minute for faster cutting. The RPM of the motor of this machine is relatively low, but it does a great job of cutting through a wide range of materials.
It comes with a 3.375 inches blade that delivers a maximum cutting depth of one inch. This tool also offers an adjustable cutting depth of 0.63 inches at 45 degrees and one inch at 90 degrees. The bevel cut capacity of this compact circular saw is from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. You can use this machine to cut MDF, plywood, particleboard, pegboard, drywall, melamine, and more.
This machine is ideal for any home improvement construction due to its power and comfortable design. The ergonomic design and slim handle of this tool also make it very easy to use. This compact circular saw is cordless, and it is very easy to maneuver.
Specs
- 1,500 RPM
- 3.375 inches, 20T Carbide-tipped blade
- 3.5 pounds
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great bevel cuts
- Cordless
- Portable
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Lacks a dust extraction adaptor
- A bit pricey
7. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Cordless Compact Circular Saw
BLACK+DECKER is a brand that is known for making quality power tools. The BDCCS20B Cordless Compact Circular Saw is another great power tool from BLACK+DECKER. This machine makes it easy for you to cut through different materials. This mini circular saw is also easy to use and transport, as it weighs just 6 pounds. Operators with small hands will find it easy to use this machine.
This is a cordless compact circular saw that uses the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max system. However, you need to purchase the battery and the charger of this tool separately. The motor of this tool delivers up to 3,700 rotations per minute. It also comes with a high torque motor 5.2 inches fast cutting blade for a wide range of cuts. A rotorazer saw can be a good alternative.
This compact circular saw features a tool-free depth of cut, which makes the adjustment of the depth easy. When it comes to safety, this machine comes with a safety cover to secure the blade when it is not in use. This also helps to reduce injuries and accidents, as you would not come in contact with the blade. The downside to this cordless tool is that its battery drains quickly.
Specs
- 3,700 RPM
- 5.5 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 6 pounds
- Battery-powered
Pros
- It is cordless
- It is safe
- Lightweight
- Long blade
Cons
- The battery drains quickly
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Compact Circular Saw
Blades
Many mini circular saws come with their own carbide-tipped wood cutting blades. This factory blade is good enough to cut wood and carry out small tasks. However, it cannot perform very well when used for bigger and heavier jobs.
Furthermore, you might have a hard time using them to cut through materials such as tile, metal, and concrete. While some of them can do these jobs, some others cannot withstand heavy tasks. As such, you might need to upgrade the blade.
The standard size of blades that comes with compact circular saws measures 4 inches. Some of them are a little bit higher while some are a bit lower. Most of the products we reviewed in this article come with 4.5-inch blades. This is a perfect blade size for a wide range of applications and cuts.
Cordless vs. Corded
There are two types of circular saws in the market when it comes to power source: cordless and corded circular saws. However, the option you choose depends on the amount of power you desire from the tool. The nature of the task you want to execute will also play a role in the type of tool you will choose.
A cordless compact circular saw uses the power stored in the battery. If you would be using the tool for a very long period of time, then we recommend you go for a corded tool. A cordless tool will not be ideal for you because you would have to make frequent stops to charge the battery, and this can sometimes be time-consuming and frustrating.
Focus on the Ergonomics
The design of the tool should be one of your major focus. For easy handling and operation, you need to ensure that the tool you choose has an ergonomic design. The handle of the tool should fit in your hand properly. It should also feel very comfortable while holding it.
While you might not get to test these out since you would most likely be buying the product online, you can get this information from customer feedback. All the products in this article fit greatly in the hand, and they come with great ergonomic designs.
Depth of Cut
Many compact circular saws out there feature a minimum cut depth of 1 inch. Nevertheless, there are higher-end options. If you want to use the tool for thick surfaces, we recommend you go for a tool with a larger depth of cut.
Final Thoughts
Compact circular saws come in handy in a wide range of applications. They also save woodworkers the stress of carrying full-sized circular saws, which usually result in fatigue. From the several products reviewed above, our pick is the Rockwell RK3440K Ultra-Compact Circular Saw because of its great features such as laser guide, dust extraction adapter, three blades, and more.
