• Last updatedLast updated: Oct 30, 2022

10 Handy Mini Circular Saw – For Home Renovations in 2022

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Invented in the late 1700s, the circular saw changed the game when it came to woodcutting and carpentry. Its rotating blade allowed workers to cut through wood more quickly compared to back and forth reciprocating saw blades. It also minimized the amount of space needed to operate a saw.

Today, the game has changed even further with compact and portable mini circular saws. Whether looking for a craft saw or a supplement to your carpenter’s toolkit, we’ve put together a list to help you find the best mini circular saw to take care of business.

Let’s take a look at it in detail:

Features
  • A 3 3/8″ blade with a maximum cutting depth of 1 1/16″
  • A 4-amp motor with a no load speed of 3500 PRM
  • Comes with multiple attachments and blades
  • Comes with a Rockford 2-year limited warranty

Compact and convenient, the Rockwell Versacut is a circular saw to meet most needs around the house. It comes with a variety of blades, features a laser indicator, and comes with a carrying case. When you want a handheld saw capable of tackling a few dirty jobs, this is the one to bring home.

Why did it make our list?

  • The Rockwell Versacut has a blade and accessory for almost every need. It comes with an: HSS blade, carbide blade, diamond blade, no-mar base plate, vacuum adapter, and a straight edge guide.
  • The integrated lock and switch make one handed use possible. You’ll be able to maneuver this petite circular saw in tight spaces.
  • The blades can cut through tile (though a specialised tile saw is the best for it), wood, PVC pipe, aluminum, sheet metal, and a variety of other materials.
  • With a maximum cutting depth of over 1″, you can cut through wood flooring, pipe, and thicker materials that other circular saws can’t handle.
  • Use the vacuum attachment to remove dust from the cut and around your work area. You’ll be able to maintain a clean line of sight while working.
  • The motor is placed in the rear of the handle to improve ergonomics and make it easier to use the Rockford Versacut for longer periods of time.

What is not ideal about it?

  • Some people have reported that the Versacut has a strong kick back when in use. They felt that it was still necessary to use both hands to hold it in place when cutting through thicker items.
  • Some people also reported that the Versacut blade wore out after just 10 or so uses. However, this may have something to do with which blades were used on which materials.
Features
  • Boasts a 3500 RPM and strong 5.8-amp motor
  • Offers multiple cutting functions for users
  • Cutting depth of about 1.5″ at 90-degree angle
  • Uses triple gear reduction for improved torque
  • Comes with a two-year warranty

You’ll cut through almost anything with the tungsten-carbide-tipped-blade included with your Genesis GCS545C  Compact Circular Saw with Vacuum Adapter. Great for projects, large and small, this handheld circular saw provides the best of both worlds.

What are its best features?

  • Lots of optional accessories to choose from, such as a 48″ rip cutting track system. It’s powerful enough for cutting copper and aluminum when you get the optional HSS blade.
  • The control-grip handle is comfortable and secure enough to use one-handed.
  • Come with an adjustable depth gauge and bevel control, so you can cut at an angle. Quickly make cuts for trim, windows, and even carpentry projects, like cupboards.
  • Super durable die-cast aluminum gear box and guard. The saw will last a long time and resist plenty of bumps and drops.
  • Keep your cutting line clear of debris with the included vacuum adapter. This kit also comes with a tungsten-carbide-tipped blade, and rip guide.

What could be improved?

  • This is one of the heavier mini circular saws on our list at 6 pounds. However, this is thanks in part to the die-cast aluminum case.
  • A couple of people have reported that some of the parts were missing when they received the Genesis saw. If this happens, you may want to reach out to the seller to report it.
Features
  • Boasts a powerful 7.5-amp motor
  • 3-in-1 tool for flush-cutting, plunge cutting, and surface prep
  • Comes with multiple attachments
  • Offers a maximum cutting depth of 3/4″
  • Comes with a limited 5-warranty

When you want a mini circular saw that can take care of most DIY renovation projects, try the Dremel US40-01 Ultra-Saw Tool Kit with 4 Accessories and 1 Attachment.

So check this out:

It can quickly cut through most tough materials, including metal and concrete. Plus, it offers multiple functions for those who want an all-in-one tool.

What are its best features?

  • Rip cut straight through wood planks with this Dremel. Flush cut along baseboards and even plunge cut holes in the floorboards. The Dremel US40-01 can also remove unwanted paint and plaster from a work surface.
  • This tool kit comes with a 4″ Carbide Wood Cutting Wheel, US510 3.5″ Metal Cutting Wheel, US600 4″ Carbide Wood Flush Cutting Wheel, 4 Inch Diamond Surface Prep Wheel, and a carrying case.
  • The strong 7.5 amp motor allows you to cut to a variety of surfaces, including brick, concrete, wood, tile, steel, PVC, and masonry.
  • Two wheel positions, one with guard and without guard, allow you to work vertically or horizontally.
  • An included auxiliary handle lets you apply more pressure and maintain better control of the Dremel with two hands.
  • The large 4″ diameter wheels help the Dremel make cuts faster and with less risk of catching.

What could be improved?

  • There are a lot of accessories to keep track of with this tool kit.
  • Although the blades are larger, the cutting depth is less than an inch. This may limit some of the applications where the Dremel is useful.
  • Like all Dremels, the woodcutting blades on this particular model are abrasive-based. This may mean that the blades wear out more often.
  • This mini circular saw only uses Dremel blades, which could limit how easily you can replace old blades with new ones.
Features
  • Boasts a 3500 RPM with no load speed
  • Offers a minimum 2″ cutting depth with easy-set depth gauge lever
  • Cut at angles with a 0-45 degree bevel
  • 3-year WORX warranty

Are you tired of dealing with a heavy circular saw?

But, you still want the benefits of one for reno projects? Pick up the WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw – WX429L to take care of cutting needs for home renovations and even on construction sites.

Why are we impressed?

  • The WORX toolkit includes 4 1/2″ WORXSAW, 24T carbide-tipped blade, parallel guide, vacuum adapter, and Allen key.
  • You’ll be able to make angled cuts for everything from trim to baseboards with a locking bevel that allows you to cut up to a 45-degree angle.
  • This lightweight 4 amp WORXSAW offers usability that rivals even professional-grade circular saws. You can even cut a 2″ x 4″ with ease, thanks to the increased cutting depth of the blade.
  • The thin blade cuts smoothly through wood and other materials, reducing wear and strain on the motor.
  • Cut and maneuver this WORX mini circular saw without putting excess strain on your wrist and arms. You can cut one-handed with the lightweight 4.4-pound design.

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • The WORX is a little larger than other mini circular saws on the market. It will take up more space in your toolbox.
  • It doesn’t offer as many functions as other circular saws. Primarily, the WORX is used for making straight or angled cuts.
  • Despite the larger blade size, some people report that the saw doesn’t cut as quickly as they would like. This may be due to the motor not being strong enough to cut efficiently through metal.
  • Some also reported that the handle is too large in circumference to comfortably hold one-handed.
  • Some also reported that their toolkit arrived with a few missing pieces. If this happens, you should reach out to the seller to let them know.
Features
  • Boasts a high-powered 5-amp electric motor
  • Blade turns at 3500 RPM
  • Cutting depth at 90 degrees is 1-11/16″ and at 45 degrees is 1-1/8″
  • Comes with a 3-Year Rockwell Warranty

Lighten the load on your toolkit with a compact mini circular saw from Rockwell.

Weighing just 5 pounds, this 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw, 5 amps, 3500 rpm, with Dust Port and Starter Kit– RK3441K, is 50% lighter than a conventional 7 1/4″ circular saw. Yet it still cuts through most 2″ x 4″ like butter.

What do we love it for?

  • The compact circular saw includes a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, parallel guide, vacuum adapter, and hex key.
  • This lightweight circular saw allows you to cut through most wood and drywall materials with ease.
  • It weighs just 5 pounds and has a slim handle for more ergonomic control while using one-handed.
  • At 3500 RPM with a five-amp motor, this mini circular saw can compete with even full-sized blades at most construction sites.
  • The 10-foot cord lets you roam a little bit while working. You won’t feel like you’re always tied to a portable power source.
  • The blade can be adjusted to make angled cuts, or used at a 90-degree angle for plunge cuts and rip cuts.
  • Features a streamlined left-handed design to allow for improved cutline visibility.

What were we disappointed with?

  • This Rockwell mini circular saw is designed primarily for use on most construction site projects and home remodeling as opposed to DIY craft projects.
  • The blades are large at 4 1/2″. So, you may feel a little-unnerved working with this circular saw one-handed. However, it does come with a sturdy, metal guard to protect your digits.
  • Several people have reported that the bolt holding the blade secure snapped in half while using their saws. This may be an isolated batch issue, but Rockwell does offer a 3-year warranty to replace any defective products.
Features
  • The Blade Turns At 1400 RPM
  • Features an Adjustable Cutting Depth Of 1″ At 90 Degrees and 5/8″ At 45 Degrees
  • Powered By Two Rechargeable 12V Max Lithium-Ion Batteries
  • Comes With a 3-Year Warranty On the Tool and 1-Year Warranty On Batteries and Charger

Make precise cuts without difficulty using the Makita SH01W 12V max Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-3/8-Inch Circular Saw Kit. This saw is well-made, compact, and designed to be user-friendly. It fits in well at a craft show or in the Carpenter’s toolkit.

Why are we impressed?

  • This mini saw, includes two 12V max Lithium-Ion batteries, 1 battery charger, and a 20T carbide tipped blade.
  • It cuts through plywood, MDF, pegboard, particleboard, melamine, and drywall.
  • You can cut at angles with a tilting base for bevel cuts from 0 – 45 degrees.
  • A streamlined soft grip handle reduces strain and makes it easier to use the Makita for long periods.
  • Roam wherever you please with this wireless mini circular saw. Two 12V batteries provide all the energy you’ll need for a few hours of work. If you do run out of power, it comes with a recharging base and charges the batteries in about 50 minutes.
  • The lightweight saw weighs just 3.3 pounds. You won’t have to lug a heavy circular saw from site to site.
  • It features a built-in dust blower to help keep the cutting line free of debris for the easier line of sight and more accurate cuts.

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • 1400 RPMs is a little slow compared to other circular saws on the market. It may not cut as quickly or be able to cut through denser materials.
  • Some people felt that the batteries ran out before they were finished working for the day. In this case, it may be a good idea to keep a backup set of batteries on hand.
  • This may be better used for cutting lightweight or thin materials, such as baseboards and drywall, or on DIY craft projects.
  • Some reported that they had a hard time purchasing accessories and replacement parts for this Makita mini circular saw.
Features
  • Powerful 6.2A motor that is equivalent to 750W
  • Consists of six blades and a guide fence slot
  • Dust Extraction Catheter
  • Blades turn at 3,600 rotations per minute
  • Maximum cutting depth of up to 48mm
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty

Are you looking for a tool that can cut tough materials in a single pass?

Then you will just fall in love with the versatility of the Drywall Mini Circular Saw. This mini saw can easily cut through all types of materials with utter precision, thanks to its laser-guided blade design. It is highly portable and can fit perfectly in a carpenter’s toolkit.

What are its best features?

  • This mini circular saw features a slim, ergonomic, inline grip design that provides maximum control, balance and comfort.
  • Cuts through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, tile, concrete and flooring materials.
  • It offers extraordinary cut-line visibility thanks to its left-handed blade design
  • The mini saw consists of 6 blades for extended cutting life. Use the Allen wrench to replace blades quickly and effortlessly.
  • Comes with various safety features, including a metal guard that prevents sparks when operating, a blade guard that conveniently protects the blades and two switches for extra safety.
  • Delivers a full-sized performance, with blades turning at 4,500 rpm. Its 5.8A motor performs just like a 7.5A motor!
  • This multi-cutter features a laser and scale ruler design that delivers straight, professional cuts. It also comes with a guide fence slot for more precise cuts
  • Features a dust extraction catheter that allows you to keep your workplace sparkling clean and free from sawdust

What could be improved?

  • Some users have reported that this mini circular saw is not easy to use, especially if you are not a professional craftsman. You need the follow the instructions on the manual consistently to make the most out of this tool.
  • Some customers have complained that the blades tend to get stuck when cutting soft materials. You have to exert downward pressure for the saw to make a cut.
Features
  • Boasts a 6-amp motor
  • Multi-function tool for plunge, flush, and straight cuts
  • Has a 3/4″ cutting depth

Don’t you love the versatility and quality of the Dremel brand?

This was among the first of the manufacturers to offer lightweight, rotary blades for one-handed use. They are still going strong with the Dremel SM20-02 120-Volt Saw-Max Tool Kit. When you are looking for a complete kit with handy carrying case, this is the best bet.

What makes it special?

  • The saw comes with a sm500 multi-purpose carbide wheel, sm510 metal cut-off wheel, sm540 tile diamond wheel, sm600 multi-purpose flush cut carbide wheel, dust port adapter, and hard carry case for everything.
  • It offers a second horizontal wheel position for flush cutting along baseboards.
  • You’ll be able to cut through a variety of materials, including soft and hardwood, plywood, composites, laminate flooring, drywall, PVC, plastic, ferrous and nonferrous metals, tile, and masonry materials.
  • Use the dust extraction port to keep your workplace clean and sawdust free.
  • An adjustable depth control ensures you won’t hit anything behind materials you are trying cut. This is particularly useful for plunge cutting.
  • A unique worm drive gearing is longer lasting and more durable.

What cons did we find?

  • The plastic front end guard may not be as durable or protective as a metal guard.
  • People have reported that the carbide blades wear out more often than they would like and that replacements are expensive.
Features
  • Boasts a 500w motor
  • The blade has a no load speed of about 4000rpm
  • The blade diameter is 3-3/8 inches
  • Has a waterproof plug and cord length of 6′ 6″

When you’re looking for a portable, but still heavy duty compact saw, you may want to consider the VonHaus 4.5 Amp 3-3/8-inch Compact Handheld Circular Plunge Saw. This mini circular saw features a slightly different design from the others on our list, and also comes with enhanced safety features. Just do not forget about a pair of good sawhorses.

What makes it stand out?

  • The VonHaus saw boasts an adjustable cutting depth of up to 1.06″.
  • It can cut through materials, such as wood, metal, stone, plasterboard, tile, and ceramic.
  • A great price and replacement blades for the VonHaus are very affordable.

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Some report that the blade locks up during use and that the depth gauge doesn’t work to keep the blade from making deeper cuts than intended.
  • At 16.9 pounds, this is one of the heaviest circular saws we’ve reviewed. It’s listed as a ‘mini miter saw’, so it is definitely intended for single-purpose construction and carpentry work.
  • The safety features mean that you have depress and slide multiple buttons at once to get it started. Some feel this is overly complex for the purpose.
Features
  • It boasts a 580-watt motor
  • The blade offers a cutting depth about 1-1/16″ for wood; 5/16” for tile; 1/8” for Aluminum
  • 3700 RPM
  • Comes with multiple blades and accessories

This 480-watt power saw has blades with a speed of 3700 rpm to ensure you get the job done quickly. It has three blades that give your saw versatility.

It works with a wired type power supply and supports a voltage of 240 volts. It has a laser light and a guide rule for more precision in the work. Its 175 mm metal rail allows you to have optimal precision. Thanks to its dust collector connected to the vacuum cleaner, this saw allows you to work without sucking up dust. Equipped with double safety protection and an aluminum cover, this saw guarantees absolute safety to allow you to work in peace. It is compact and practical.

Its powerful motor gives its blades a high speed to guarantee satisfactory work to obtain an incredible result. Also, its three blades allow it to be versatile to guarantee its effectiveness on a multitude of supports, tiles, metal, parquet, plastic, etc.

Equipped with double safety and an aluminum cover, this circular saw protects you during your work. It is also equipped with a variety of materials to allow you to work in maximum comfort. Thanks to its laser light, its metal rule its metal rail, work with perfect precision.

This product is suitable for anyone who does DIY. It is easy to use which makes it easy for anyone to use, even those new to the field. This is the right tool for anyone looking for a quality saw at a truly incredible price.

What stands out?

  • High maneuverability
  • Easy to use
  • Comes with multiple blades
  • Works at great speed
  • For DIYers and professionals

What cons did we manage to find?

  • Plastic blade protection guard

Things to Consider

How Does a Mini Circular Saw Work?

Many people love using circular saws but don’t have a clue how they work. Does this sound familiar to you? Well, you’re in luck because we’re going to reveal the secret of mini circular saw operation.

Listen up!

The mini circular saw operates a lot like a standard size worm drive saw. In fact, many mini circular saws use the worm drive to operate their blades. This is primarily because this type of drive is ideal for saws where the motor must be behind the blade, e.g., a compact, handheld tool.

Let’s take a step back.

There are three main components to a mini circular saw, the motor, the drive, and the blade. They are the same even for professional chainsaws. The motor transfers power to the drive, which then turns the blade. A worm drive uses a pair of gears oriented at a 90-degree angle to one another to transfer the power from the motor to the blade.

This is a great type of drive for creating a handheld circular saw or one with a left blade orientation. It also helps improved torque and makes the saw more durable, so it lasts longer when cutting through dense materials.

What To Consider Before You Buy

Naturally, you now want a mini circular saw that can you can use just like a standard circular saw, only without the weight and heft. This is easy enough to accomplish by picking out any compact or mini circular saw on the market.

Believe it or not, there are a lot of different features to keep an eye out for in your purchase.

All of the potential features listed below can be found in one or several different mini circular saws. You’ll want to select the ones that best meet your needs and enhance your use of these power tools.

Take a look for yourself!

  • An adjustable cutting depth allows you to control how deeply the blade cuts through certain materials.
  • An adjustable bevel allows you to cut materials at different angles up to 45 degrees.
  • Cordless circular saws usually have a rechargeable battery.
  • Laser guides allow you to cut a straighter line by following a thin line of light projected by a laser in the saw case.
  • Higher amp circular saws have more power for faster cutting and cutting through dense materials.
  • Two blade positioning allows you to set the blade outside of the guard for flush cuts or using sanding and abrasive blades.

Mini Circular Saw Blades

Great, you’ve found the best mini circular saw. But now, you have no idea how to use all these blades! Take a deep breath and relax. We’ll help explain the basics of different types of saw blades.

What the Tungsten Carbide Blade!?

Carbide tipped for increased strength and durability, these blades are great for wood, plastic, and composite materials. The carbide tip is attached onto the steel blade using a soldering technique known as brazing.

Also known as high-speed steel blades, these are made from a high-quality, strong steel, and have more teeth for cutting. Some have up to 60 large, sharply angled teeth. They’re great for cutting a variety of materials including:

10 Handy Mini Circular Saw - For Home Renovations in 2022

  • Wood


  • Plastic


  • Aluminum


  • Thin Sheet Metal


  • Drywall

These have very small teeth or no teeth at all and the edge is covered in a fine layer of diamond grit. As you may already know, diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth and make for excellent cutting tools. They are great for cutting through ceramic tile, stone tile, backer board, and cement.

But Wait, There’s More…

You’ll also see a ton of different abrasive and sanding blades on the market. These are designed more for Dremel-type saw or saws that can be used without the guard. The side of the blade is covered with an abrasive grit for sanding and polishing, or else with small cheese grater-like protrusions for removing paint and other surface materials.

Mini Circular Saw Cordless

Imagine that you’re a carpenter working on-site without electricity. You need to make several small adjustments to a 2″ x 4″ before you can nail it into place. Thank goodness you have that cordless mini circular saw!

Or, you’re happily working on a carpentry project in one room and suddenly realize there are a few other small projects you can take care of while you have that compact circular saw out. You get up and take that cordless circular saw along without a second thought.

Isn’t that great?

These rechargeable battery powered saws are ideal for environments without easy access to a wall outlet. Cordless power tools have come a long way in the past several decades. These days, they are nearly as powerful and durable as a traditional corded power tool.

Wonder why?

Because they use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are lightweight, have a high energy density, and recharge easily with the help of LiPo-chargers. They also tend to provide a consistent flow of energy right up until the battery has drained.

If you’re frequently working on sites without power, don’t bring along Yamaha EF2000is generator for just one tool. Turn to a cordless mini circular saw to do the job.

Safety

You may not have realized it, but compact circular saws can still do a lot of damage if not used appropriately. After all, their blades are usually diamond or carbide tipped and spin at thousands of rotations per minute! Safety is best kept in mind when using one of these power tools.

What Do You Need To Know?

The first thing to do is use that circular saw in a clean and dry area. Ideally, you will be working in the garage, on a construction site, or in your craft room. The space should also be well-lit so that you can see what you’re doing.

 Here are a few other tips:

  • Wear safety glasses when operating the circular saw.


  • Where a facemask or respirator, if you do a lot of cutting.


  • Keep the hand and lower blade guard in place. Do not remove these!


  • Don’t operate near pets or children.


  • Keep your hands away from the blade while it’s spinning.


  • Use sharp blades for cutting. Dull blades can break or catch.


  • Keep all cords clear of the cutting area.

Of course, these are just a few of the more common safety steps to remember. Naturally, you’ll want to read through the instruction manual thoroughly before using any power tool.

Warranty

Okay, you have purchased a circular saw and kept in the box for a couple of months until you finally found a project to use it on. Sadly, when you plug it in and press the power button, nothing happens. You’ve got a dud!

You reach out to the manufacturer, only to find that you’re past the return period or a money back guarantee. On top of that, they don’t offer a product warranty! Disappointed, your only option is to purchase another mini circular saw.

And just think, if you had taken the time to look for product warranty, you could get a replacement without having to pay for a new one.

Well, you can at least keep this from happening again.

Next time, check for a warranty from the manufacturer before purchase. Most mini circular saw companies offer a warranty length of between 1 to 5 years. These are usually limited warranties, meaning that the manufacturer will replace the product if it is defective in some way that causes it to break in the box or break during use.

Unfortunately, saw blades that come with your purchase are not always covered under warranty. If you buy the blades separately, these may have their own warranty you can rely on if found to be defective.

Conclusion

Our pick for the best mini circular saw is the Genesis GCS545C  Compact Circular Saw with Vacuum Adapter.

The aluminum diecast body and guard impressed us, as well as, the number of available accessories and blade options. You can use this mini circular saw for rip cutting, plunge cutting, and bevel cuts. It’s strong enough to use on construction projects, and lightweight enough for craft jobs.

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