Last Updated on 2020-11-07 by Harry Masterton
Buying the best cordless circular saw for your woodworking shop is a tough decision. Buy the the saw you need in budget and get it exactly right 1st time.
Cordless power tools are becoming as powerful as their corded counterparts so it’s becoming increasing unnecessary to drag a cord around and look for a socket to plug it into.
Even worse if you’re out in the yard or at a distance from a convenient socket you’ll then be tangled up in extension cables.
Cordless circular saws in particular have taken a huge leap forward recently so we have put together our recommended best cordless circular saw in the following categories.
Best Professional Cordless Circular Saw
Best Compact Professional Cordless Circular Saw
Best Cordless Circular Saw Under $100
Best Cordless Circular Saw For Home Use
So let’s get started with the Best Professional Cordless Circular Saw
Dewalt DCS570B 20V MAX 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw with Brake – Saw Only
The DEWALT DCS570B has a powerful 5200 revs per min brush-less motor which when combined with a DEWALT DCB206-2 20V MAX 6.0Ah Premium Battery is going to give a one of the longest run times of any cordless power tool. DEWALT themselves predict cross cuts x 100 in pine 2 by 4’s
With a 7 ¼ inch blade providing over 2 ½” depth of cut and a 57 degree bevel adjustment the Cordless Dewalt DCS570B provides a level of flexibility and efficiency that is hard to beat.
With its electric brake reasonably light weight at 7 ½ lbs the DEWALT DCS570B Cordless Circular saw grabs top spot for best professional cordless circular saw
Dewalt DCS570B Things We Like:
- 5200 RPM Brush-less Motor for longer life
- Rugged design yet lightweight
- Cutting performance and brake
- Long lasting cordless power
Dewalt DCS570B Not So Good:
- No rip fence included
Dewalt DCS570B 20V MAX 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw Video
Best Compact Professional Cordless Circular Saw
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw – Saw Only
Slightly lighter at 7.3 lbs when a battery is fitted and more compact than the DEWALT the Makita XSS02Z spins at 3,700 revs per minute with a 6 ½” blade giving a depth of cut of 2 ¼ inches at 90 degrees and a bevel capacity of 0 – 50 degrees.
Makita’s own proprietary motor is protected against overload, over discharging and heating by the Star Protection Computer Controls™ that are built into the electronic control system.
Optimal electronically controlled charging via the batteries built in chip ensures longer battery life.
If you’re new to cordless power tools and want to settle on a brand then you won’t go far wrong with Makita. Makita were first to the 18volt cordless lithium ion tool category and having been making 18volt power tools since 2005 have the worlds largest range.
Makita XSS02Z Things We Like:
- High Torque Makita Motor
- Precision machined cutting base
- Electronic control to reduce tool burn out
- Fast Efficient Charging
Makita XSS02Z Not So Good:
- No electric brake
Best Cordless Circular Saw Under $100
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18 Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2″
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Features
The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is designed to be a rugged and durable working circular saw. With the magnesium blade guard and aircraft aluminum shoe it delivers best in class job site endurance.
The 6 ½ inch blade sits on a 5/8” arbor and spins at 3500 revs per minute driven by the powerful Milwaukee M18 18v Red Lithium System
The lightweight shoe features an easy to read cut guide and the soft touch handle is ergonomically designed for maximum control and accuracy. The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Cordless Circular saw is outstanding value for money and represents great value at just under $100.
A worthy winner of the best cordless circular saw under $100 laurels.
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Battery Compatibility:
The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 cordless circular saw is compatible with Milwaukee M18 18 Volt Lithium-Ion batteries including the M18 ™ Red Lithium High Output ™ XC8.0 Battery
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Things We Like:
- Well engineered
- Great accuracy
- Value for money
- Magnesium Bladé Guard
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Not So Good:
- Limited depth of cut
Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18 Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2 Video
Best Cordless Circular Saw For Home Use
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw – Saw Only
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Features
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B is a lightweight compact cordless circular saw that fits into the extensive BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX range so if you have one Black & Decker Power Tool or 10, you’ll know that the batteries fits and are totally interchangeable.
With its 5 ½ inch blade and mostly plastic construction its easy to handle but certi8anley not designed to be a saw for heavy duty prolonged use or if you have a large remodeling project in mind.
That being said if you’re a DIY weekend warrior and you already have some Black and Decker yard or power tools then the BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B 20V MAX will be a great fit for your workshop.
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Things We Like:
- Light weight DIY saw
- Compatible with the 20V MAX battery system
- Tool-less adjustment
- Budget friendly
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B Not So Good:
- Difficult to install the blade
- Shoe quite flimsy
Not yet a Black and Decker user? If you haven't already bought a Black and Decker power tool then if you buy the BDCCS20B cordless circular saw you'll need a battery and charger which will likely set you back around $60. So why not go for the BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw which includes a battery AND charger. All for only a little more than the BDCCS20B ‘saw only option'?
At the price when compared to the saw only option this seems like a real bargain. And even if you do have other Black+Decker cordless power tools it would seem like a good idea to buy this option and grab yourself an extra battery.
Best Cordless Circular Saw Buying Guide
Circular Saw Weight:
Weight of course is going to vary according to the job the saw has been designed for.
By its very nature a cordless circular saw designed for all day jobsite use or heavy renovation or remodeling work is going to be heavier then a less durable DIY circular saw.
Engineering, ruggedness and build materials in woodworking power tools all take their toll and increase weight.
Add in a heavy duty battery and the weight goes up even more.
So the key here is choose your cordless circular saw to fit the job you want it to do, take into your own capabilities and you won’t go far wrong.
Start lugging around a DEWALT or Milwaukee jobsite contractors circular saw when a lighter grade saw will do the job and its’ going to spoil you enjoyment.
RPM or the Revolutions Per Minute.
Generally speaking the faster the blade spins the smoother the cut.
Depth and Bevel Adjustments:
Blade adjustments can be challenging, especially if it takes you longer to change the blade or adjust the depth of cut than to do the actual work. Make sure the circular saw that you choose is quick and simple to adjust both angle of bevel and depth of cut.
Enjoyed our reviews of the best cordless circular saw? Then checkout our complete coverage (constantly updated) of the essential woodworking power tools for your shop with links to reviews for each category.
Price and Budget:
Our mantra at the Woodworking Hobby Shop has always been to buy beyond you budget whenever possible.
What do we mean by that statement?
As an example if you’re new to woodworking or doing jobs around the home then you’ll probably be considering a budget purchase like the Black+Decker BDCCS20B 20V MAX or the great value Black+Decker BDCCS20C 20V MAX with included 20V Max Battery and Charger..
If so it’s probably worth paying the extra $20 or $30 and stretching up to the Milwaukee M18 2630-20 for longer term future proofing of your woodworking hobby or DIY projects.
Now if you’re planning to do some serious woodworking or have a large remodeling or renovation project in mid the go straight for the Dewalt DCS570B 20V MAX 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw with Brake.
Don’t ever take on a big job with an under powered tool. You’ll struggle and it’ll just end up being far harder than it needs to be.
Whatever you decide buy the best cordless circular saw your budget will allow and above all, enjoy the woodworking hobby. Let’s make sawdust!
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