10 Absolute Best Beginner Circular Saws (2024 Guide)

Circular saws are one of the most convenient tools you can own for a variety of woodworking and DIY projects.

They can be used to make long, straight cuts very easily and are therefore a staple in many woodworking projects.

If you’re just getting started with woodworking, it can be tough to choose which saw is right for you.

That’s why I put together this list of the best circular saws for beginners so you can get the right saw for your needs. Let’s dig in!

In a hurry? The best circular saw for beginners is the DeWalt 20V Max Circular Saw because of it’s power, price, and versatility.

Quick Answer: Here are My Favorites! 👇

10 Best Circle Saws for Beginners

1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Circular Saw

DeWalt’s 20V MAX is one of the most popular cordless saws on the market, and for good reason. It’s powerful, versatile, and durable, making it a great choice for both professionals and DIYers alike. 

Beginners will especially appreciate the 20V MAX’s easy-to-use design, while more experienced users will gravitate to its power and versatility. 

The 20V MAX is also one of the most affordable cordless drills on the market, making it a great value for your money. 

Boasting 5,500 RPMs, safety brake, a brushless motor, and up to 57° bevel capacity, the 20V MAX is a top-performing cordless saw that can tackle a variety of projects. 

Despite its many positive attributes, the 20V MAX does have a few drawbacks. One downside is that it’s not compatible with all DEWALT batteries, so you’ll need to purchase the correct battery for your particular model. 

Other than that, this a super-lightweight, powerful, and affordable cordless drill that is perfect for both professionals and DIYers alike.

What I Liked:

• Powerful
• Versatile
• Durable
• Affordable

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not compatible with all DEWALT batteries

2. Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

If you’re in the market for a new corded circular saw, the Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw is definitely worth checking out.

It’s one of the lightest and most powerful saws on the market, and it’s also one of the most durable.

In terms of power, the Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw is definitely one of the leaders in its class because it is corded. It has a 15-amp motor that delivers 5,800 RPM, making it more than capable of handling even the most challenging jobs. 

The magnesium construction also makes this saw extremely durable, so you can be confident that it will stand up to heavy use.

One of the best things about the Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw is that it’s so lightweight. At only 10.6 pounds, it’s one of the lightest saws on the market. This makes it really easy to maneuver, even when you’re working with larger pieces of wood. 

The bottom line is that the Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw is a great choice for anyone who needs a powerful and durable saw that’s also easy to use. It’s definitely one of the best corded saws on the market for beginners, and it’s sure to make any woodworking project a breeze.

What I Liked:

• Powerful motor delivers 5,800 RPM
• Magnesium construction makes it durable
• Lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver
• Excellent all-around saw for woodworking projects

What I Didn’t Like:

• Some users may find the power cord to be too short

3. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01

It’s not often that a tool comes along that totally revolutionizes the way we work, but the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 definitely falls into that category.

The first thing you’ll notice about the SPT77WML-01 is the worm drive gearing. This gives the saw incredible power and torque, making it perfect for heavy-duty projects. The blade is also incredibly sharp and can easily handle even the toughest cuts. 

And because it’s a worm drive saw, it’s able to cut through material much faster than a traditional circular saw.

Beginners will certainly appreciate the easy-to-use trigger and the fact that the blade guard is already attached. And experienced users will love the precision and power that this saw offers.

One issue that many circular saws encounter is overheating. But thanks to its magnesium housing, this isn’t a problem. This saw stays cool even during extended use.

The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is easily one of the best circular saws on the market and is sure to revolutionize the way you work. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this saw will make your woodworking projects easier than ever before.

What I Liked:

• Lightweight and compact
• Powerful 15 amp motor
• Easy-to-use trigger
• Comes with blade guard
• Magnesium housing keeps the saw cool

What I Didn’t Like:

• Some users may not want a corded saw

4. Craftsman CMES510

If you’re on a budget, the Craftsman 7-1/4-inch circular saw is a great pick. It’s affordable and has all the basic features you’ll need to get started on most woodworking projects. Even seasoned professionals will appreciate the quality of this saw.

The Craftsman 7-1/4-inch circular saw is a great value for the price.

It has a powerful motor that can handle most applications, and it comes with a blade guard and dust port for easy cleanup. The saw is also capable of providing 55° bevel cuts.

The only downside to this saw is that it doesn’t have a laser guide or a led light, so you’ll need to be extra careful when making cuts. But overall, the Craftsman 7-1/4-inch circular saw is a great choice for beginners looking for an affordable and versatile saw.

What I Liked:

• Affordable
• Serviceable motor
• Blade guard and dust port included

What I Didn’t Like:

• No laser guide or led light
• Corded saw

5. SKIL 5280-01

The SKILSAW 5280-01 is another quality circle saw for beginners. It’s packed with features that make it easy to use, and it comes with a laser guide that makes it easy to see exactly where you’re cutting.

This is another budget-friendly saw that’s a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use saw. You get many features that are typically reserved for more expensive models, making this a great option for any beginner on a budget.

As a corded entry-level model, this saw is hard to beat.

It has a powerful 15-amp motor that can handle most home improvement projects with ease, including 51° bevel cuts. The saw blade is easy to change, and the depth of cut can be adjusted with the turn of a knob, so you can make precise cuts every time.

Most beginners don’t like a lot of complexity when they’re just learning how to use a circular saw. SKILSAW made sure to keep this saw as user-friendly as possible. The electric brake stops the blade quickly, and the dust blower keeps your line of sight clear while you’re working.

While I don’t quite recommend this saw over the Craftsman above, it’s still a quality saw that will get the job done.

What I Liked:

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Comes with a laser guide
• Powerful motor
• Adjustable depth of cut

What I Didn’t Like:

• Corded model
• Felt cheaply made

6. Milwaukee 2830-20

Milwaukee’s 2830-20 circular saw is a powerful and versatile tool that can handle a variety of tasks. It has a powerful motor that can handle even the most challenging cuts, and its laser guide ensures accuracy. The blade guard protects against kickback, and the dust port helps to keep your work area clean.

The 2830-20 also has a number of safety features, including an electric brake that stops the blade quickly and a blade guard that covers the blade when it’s not in use.

There are some drawbacks to the Milwaukee 2830-20, however. It’s a bit heavy at 11 pounds, and it’s not as ergonomic as some other models on the market. However, it’s still on par with a lot of other beginner-friendly saws on the market. 

If you confident that you can handle the added weight, you should give this one a try as your beginner circular saw.

What I Liked:

• Packed with features
• Powerful motor
• Great for a variety of tasks
• Laser guide for accuracy
• Blade guard for safety
• Dust port to keep work area clean

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not as ergonomic as some other models

7. Makita SH02R1

When it comes to cordless circular saws, the Makita SH02R1 12-Volt Max CXT is definitely one you should consider.

It’s lightweight and easy to use, making it a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful saw for small projects.

The main difference with this saw is its size.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Makita SH02R1 is its compact design. At only 12-inches long and 3.5-pounds, it’s one of the smallest and lightest cordless saws on the market. That makes it easy to handle and maneuver, even in tight spaces.

The Makita SH02R1 also has a lot of power for its size. It uses a 12-volt max battery that gives it plenty of torque for cutting through wood and other materials. And because it’s a brushless motor, it runs cooler and more efficiently than other corded or cordless saws.

This is a big deal, especially if you’re working with larger pieces of wood. The saw can make up to 500 cuts per charge, so you won’t have to worry about it running out of power in the middle of a project.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Makita SH02R1 isn’t meant for heavy-duty projects. It’s best suited for smaller jobs like trimming, cutting lumber for home repairs, or making small cuts in plywood.

If you’re looking for a powerful and durable cordless saw for big projects, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if you need a lightweight and easy-to-use saw for smaller jobs around the house, the Makita SH02R1 is a great option.

What I Liked:

• Lightweight and easy to use
• Compact and lightweight design
• Powerful 12-volt battery
• Brushless motor for longer life
• Can make up to 500 cuts per charge

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not the best for heavy-duty projects

8. SKILSAW 15-Amp SAWSQUATCH

Now here’s a sight you don’t see every day: a worm-drive saw with a 10-1/4” blade. The SKILSAW SAWSQUATCH (model SPT70WM-01) isn’t your average circular saw, and that’s a good thing. 

With its unique design and powerful motor, this tool can tackle just about any cutting job you throw its way.

As a circular saw geared toward beginners, the SAWSQUATCH is very user-friendly. It has a large, easy-to-read bevel scale that makes it simple to adjust the blade angle, and its dust blower keeps the line of cut clean for improved visibility. 

The saw also comes with an integrated 24-tooth carbide blade that can make up to 455 cuts per charge (using a 5.0 Ah battery).

What’s more, the SAWSQUATCH allows for 51° of bevel capacity, which is more than enough for most applications. And if you need to make a plunge cut, the saw has an easy-to-use depth of cut lever that lets you adjust the blade quickly and easily.

In addition, you get the added benefit of a brushless motor, which delivers more power and longer run time than a traditional brushed motor. Plus, the SAWSQUATCH has a durable magnesium footplate that resists warping and bending for accurate cuts, time after time.

So if you’re looking for a powerful and user-friendly worm-drive saw, the SKILSAW SAWSQUATCH is a great option to consider.

The only major downsides are that it’s heavy and expensive. But if you can get past those two things, the SAWSQUATCH is a top-notch circular saw.

What I Liked:

• User-friendly design
• Large, easy-to-read bevel scale
• Dust blower keeps line of cut clean
• Comes with integrated 24-tooth carbide blade
• 51° of bevel capacity
• Easy-to-use depth of cut lever

What I Didn’t Like:

• Pricey
• Heavier

9. Ryobi One P505

If you’re looking for a powerful and affordable circular saw, the Ryobi One P505 is a great option.

Its 18-volt motor makes it plenty powerful for most home improvement projects, and it’s very reasonably priced. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you purchase this saw.

First of all, the Ryobi One P505 is not a cordless saw. You’ll need to have an extension cord handy in order to use it. Additionally, the blade that comes with the saw is only six inches in diameter. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning on making large cuts.

Overall, the Ryobi One P505 is a great circular saw for the average do-it-yourself beginner. It’s affordably priced and has plenty of power for most projects. 

It’s impressive that this saw features 4,700 RPMs for the budget-friendly price. That means that it can make clean cuts in a variety of materials. You’ll be able to handle plywood, pressure-treated lumber, aluminum, and more with this tool. 

The Ryobi One P505 also has a beveling capacity of 0-50 degrees. That gives you a lot of versatility when it comes to making different types of cuts. If you tend to do a lot of work with large pieces of lumber, you’ll appreciate this feature. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the Ryobi One P505 does not come with a battery or charger. You’ll need to purchase those separately. Additionally, the saw only comes with one blade. You may want to buy an additional saw blade if you plan on using it frequently.

What I Liked:

• Affordably priced
• Powerful motor
• Good beveling capacity

What I Didn’t Like:

• Does not come with a battery or charger
• Only comes with one saw blade

10. Bosch GKS18v-25GCB14

Bosch is a well-known and trusted name in the power tool world, so it’s no surprise that the Bosch GKS18v-25GCB14 made my list of best circular saws. This model is packed with features that make it a great choice for both professionals and DIYers alike.

On the plus side, the Bosch GKS18v-25GCB14 has a powerful motor that delivers 5,800 RPM, making it capable of tackling even the most challenging cutting tasks. It also has a LED light that illuminates the work area, making it easier to see what you’re doing. And finally, the saw comes with a handy carrying case for easy transport.

On the downside, some users have reported that the saw is a bit heavy and bulky, making it difficult to maneuver. At 12 pounds, it’s the heaviest circular saw on my list. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from considering this model—it’s still a great saw overall.

If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-packed circular saw, the Bosch GKS18v-25GCB14 is a great option. It’s perfect for both professionals and DIYers alike. You should be aware, though, that this is best suited for beginners who need power and portability.

What I Liked:

• Powerful and versatile
• Great for both professionals and hobbyists
• Features a number of great features

What I Didn’t Like:

• May be too powerful for some users
• Expensive

Critical Features for Circular Saws

There are a few features that make the best circular saw stand out from the rest. Here are some things you’ll want to look at before making your decision.

Power

One of the most important factors in choosing a circular saw is the power it has. This is critical because you’ll want a saw that can handle the material you’re cutting.

For example, if you’re planning on cutting through thick lumber, you’ll need a saw with plenty of power to handle it otherwise the blade might stop mid-cut.

The power of a circular saw is measured in amps and the higher the number, the more powerful the saw.

Size

There are many different sizes of circular saws that can be a determining factor for which one you pick.

For example, a smaller saw might be more maneuverable and easier to handle, but it will take longer to make bigger cuts.

On the other hand, a larger saw will make bigger cuts more quickly but can be more difficult to handle.

It’s important to consider what size of projects you’ll be working on and what size saw will be most convenient for you.

Reliability

Obviously, having reliable power tools is essential and a circular saw is no different.

You want to make sure that the saw you choose is from a reputable brand and has good reviews before making your purchase.

For example, both DeWalt and Milwaukee are good brands that manufacture quality saws.

Price

Depending on the size of your budget, this can have an effect on which saw you purchase.

Fortunately, there are good quality circular saws available at a variety of price points so you can find one that fits your budget.

Saw Blades

Finally, the size of the blades and how easy they are to swap out is also something to consider.

You’ll want a saw with blades that are easy to change so you can quickly swap them out as needed.

The size of the blades will also determine the maximum depth of cut for your saw.

For example, a 7-1/4 inch blade will have a maximum depth of cut of 2-3/8 inches.

How to Use a Circular Saw for Beginners

As a beginner, you might be wondering how to use a circular saw in the first place.

If this is your first time, don’t worry! It’s much easier than you think.

Cutting a straight line with a circle saw can take some practice – but it’s possible. Here’s how:

1. Use a woodworking square to measure your cut
2. Place your wood on a solid surface for cutting
3. Turn on your saw and slowly guide it along your marking ensuring a straight cut

You can also check out the video below!

If you want an easier job, use a table saw to make your cut. You can find some great table saws under $1000!

Final Thoughts on the Best Beginner Circular Saws

My favorite circular saw for beginner is hands down the DeWalt 20V Max Cordless saw. It has the perfect mix of quality, affordability, and features that any beginner is looking for and I highly reocmmend it.

If you’re looking for something more budget friendly, I recommend the Craftsman 15AMP Circular Saw.

Finally, if you want the best of the best no matter your budget, and want to advance your woodworking skills, the SKILSAW 15AMP saw is your best bet.