We can all agree that having a large tool can become inconvenient to handle after a while.
That is why most homeowners and DIY enthusiasts choose the lightweight, compact and straightforward tools.
Even in the world of circular saws, you can find the mini versions that can easily finish any woodworking project around your house.
At the same time, you will be able to use them with ease and store them afterward with convenience.
That is the main reason why we decided to present you best mini circular saw review and buying guide 2020:
| Model Name | Speed | Weight | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PORTER-CABLE PCE381K | 3,500 RPM | 6 LBS | $$ |  |
| WORX WORXSAW WX429L | 3,500 RPM | 4.4 LBS | $ | |
| Makita SH01W | 1,400 RPM | 5.25 LBS | $$$ | |
| Rockwell RK3441K (Editor’s Choice) | 3,500 RPM | 5 LBS | $$ | |
| Genesis GCS545C | 3,500 RPM | 6 LBS | $ | |
| Rockwell RK3440K | 3,500 RPM | 4 LBS | $$ | |
| Makita SH02R1 | 1,500 RPM | 3.5 LBS | $$ | |
1. PORTER-CABLE PCE381K – One Of The Smallest Circular Saws On The Market
If you want to find the tool with handy design and possibility to handle any household project, you should consider Porter-Cable PCE381K circular saw.
The tool uses one hand design in combination with excellent depth that is powerful enough to handle 2 x 4 lumbers without too much hassle.
The best thing about it is the convenient and compact design in combination with 5.5 amp engine that can handle light to medium duty projects around your household.
When it comes to performance, you will get 5.5-amp engine that can quickly run up to 3500 RPM for fast and robust cutting speed.
It is lightweight and compact, so you will be able to use it in narrow spaces. At the same time, it is simple to maneuver due to size and design. The depth of cut is 1-11/16-inches, which means that it can quickly cut 2-x material in a single pass.
This particular mini circular saw will produce enough power to handle any material on its way. You can choose two angles for additional accuracy such as 90 and 45 degrees.
The main disadvantage is that you won’t get laser guide, but you will still be able to enjoy when compared with other circular saws on the market.
It runs smoothly and contains dust chute, lower guard, and high rotation rate. Due to lower guard, your blades will last longer without reducing the performance of the tool.
The dust chute is impressive when compared with other circular saws because it can blow the dust out of the way of the cut line and blade. That way, you will have a clear view on everything in front of you so that you can handle material with ease.
In overall, Porter-Cable PCE381K circular saw is an excellent solution that will provide you compact and lightweight design in combination with convenient features. It lacks some features such as laser guide for better precision, but you will still get a tool with a three-year warranty.
Pros
Amazing dust port
Compact and lightweight
High-quality lower guard
Decent power
5.5 amp engine can reach 3500 RPM
Cons
It lacks laser guide
2. WORX WORXSAW WX429L – Best Mini Circular Saw For DIY Enthusiasts
If you want to choose the mini circular saw that contains decent performance and features, you should consider WORX WORXSAW WX429L circular saw. Apart from being smooth for using, you will get the saw for the budget-friendly price tag, which is the main reason for its immersive popularity.
It doesn’t matter if you are professional or DIY enthusiasts because if you want the portable circular saw that will provide you enough performance to handle thickest materials, you will get what you need. It is both lightweight and compact, which means that you can use it for an extended amount of time without affecting your muscles and back.
Its primary purpose is to cut through wood, specifically 2-inch wood materials. It weighs only 4.5 pounds, which means that you can easily transport and store it after using. In case that you want to choose the convenience and portability of a circular saw without affecting the overall performance, this is the excellent option for you.
Apart from being compact and lightweight, it includes integrated safety trigger that will ensure the control, comfort, and balance during the work. This particular feature is perfect for beginners, especially if you don’t have enough experience in handling circular saws.
All blades are on the left side so that you can have clear sight of the material while working. The cut line will be right in front of you, so this feature will reduce the chances of making a mistake.
By choosing this particular circular saw, you will get exceptional cutting depth so that you can cut through 2-inches wood materials. Even though it is smaller than other circulars on the market, you can complete all tasks you want with the same amount of precision and power.
In overall, WORX WORXSAW WX429L circular saw is a perfect solution for people who need handy and straightforward to transport circular saw for household needs. The main disadvantage is the possibility to bog down when you complete long cuts, so you should be careful while operating it.
Pros
It is comfortable to use for people with small hands
It is portable and lightweight
Left side blades
Exceptional cutting depth
Affordable price tag
Cons
It can bog down when you deal with long cuts
3. Makita SH01W – Smallest Cordless Circular Saw On The Market
Makita SH01W circular saw is one of the most useful tools that you can purchase on the market. It will make the straightest cuts that you can find, and the best thing about it is the possibility to work in narrow areas without too much hassle.
The first thing that we want to mention is that you will get the smallest cordless circular saw by choosing this particular one. It features a 12V battery, and the main reason for its popularity is the possibility to use it with maximum agility.
Therefore, if you want to find the dominant machine, you should choose the other one, because this particular one is here to finish the job that other, more significant saws cannot such as cutting in narrow areas.
It includes plastic body, while gear housing, motor, and base plate includes the metal parts. That is why the tool is lightweight. The plastic body is the disadvantage because it will reduce the longevity of the machine, which means that you have to be careful during the operation.
Apart from being handy and straightforward to use it, the handle includes comfortable rubber that will reduce the slippage. The handle will define how the saw cuts and how to hold the saw.
It uses the two-trigger system so that you can start the blade. You will find the spring loaded paddle switch on the top of the grip that will lock the trigger. You just have to push the paddle down to unlock the trigger, and when you pull the trigger, the saw will turn on.
It includes a base plate that comes from stamped metal. It is also painted in black so that you can enjoy in additional durability. You can tilt the base up to 45-degrees, and the cutting capacity reduces to 5/8-inches.
In overall, Makita SH01W circular saw is an excellent solution if you want the combination of outstanding performance and portability. It is best for small tasks around your home because it has limitation due its size and construction.
Pros
Compact and lightweight design
Perfect for narrow areas
Metal base plate
You can tilt base plate up to 45-degrees
Affordable price tag
Cons
Fragile plastic construction
4. Rockwell RK3441K – Low-Duty Mini Circular Saw For Household Use
It doesn’t matter if you are woodworker, carpenter or DIY enthusiasts that like to craft; the best choice for you is Rockwell RK3441K mini circular saw. It will provide you a combination of adaptability and versatility on the job site so that you can enjoy all the way.
Precisely specialist’s tool will provide you the possibility to reach anywhere you want with ease. It is compact and lightweight, which is the main reason for its immersive popularity. Finally, you will be able to make precise cuts in narrow spaces.
It includes 4-1/2-inches diameter blades that can quickly cut through any material around your household. The main reason why people choose it is that it can comfortably fit in compact spaces. That will allow you to finish a wide array of projects that you cannot with significant circular saws.
It uses 5-amp motor that can reach maximum speed up to 3500 RPM, which is enough to handle most pieces of plywood. You can efficiently work through crown molding, baseboard and other parts of furniture.
The best thing about it is the possibility to reduce the weight of the tool without losing the significant amount of power. Choosing the large circular saw is not necessary for most household works, and you will be able to finish most assignments around narrow spaces.
It also features ergonomic design so that you can enjoy an additional comfort. It is effortless to use it and to operate it and it contains dust collection system that will reduce the hassle and provide you the possibility to have a transparent look at the cut line and materials.
In overall, Rockwell RK3441K mini circular saw is an excellent solution if you want a low-end saw that can finish simple projects around your household. The main disadvantage is the expensive price tag when we compare it with other circular saws with same features. You will still get the tool that will stand the test of time.
Pros
Lightweight and compact so that you can use it with comfort
The 5-amp engine can drive the blade up to 3500 RPM
Ergonomic design
Perfect for narrow areas
Cons
Too expensive
5. Genesis GCS545C – Comfortable Circular Saw With Compact And Lightweight Design
If you want to find the compact circular saw that will have the decent amount of power, you should choose Genesis GCS545C circular saw. Apart from being compact and lightweight, it is highly comfortable to use for the extended amount of time.
The first thing that we want to mention is the 5.8 engine that will finish most work around your home. Due to triple reduction gearbox, you will get the ability to handle the toughest jobs without too much hassle.
According to users, it can quickly cut through 2X materials because it uses Tungsten-Carbide tipped blade that can cut through aluminum and copper as well. Due to dust port, you can reduce the chances of making a mistake by getting a transparent look at the cutting area because it will clear the debris away.
It is perfect for large and small projects, and it will provide you various possibilities during the performance. It contains engine that can reach up to 3500 RPM of speed rate, which is enough to handle most robust materials.
It includes multiple cutting functions so that you can enjoy a wide array of features. The cutting depth at 90-degrees is 1.5-inches, which is enough to deal with 2X materials. It uses triple gear reduction so that you can get more torque than other circular saws on the market.
You will get the two-year warranty with it, which is another proof of its construction and durability. It is comfortable enough so that you can use it with one hand. Due to adjustable bevel control and control-grip handle, you can make angled cuts. Die-cast aluminum gearbox will protect the tool from wearing off even after many years of using.
In overall, Genesis GCS545C circular saw is an excellent choice if you want to handle small to medium-duty assignments around your household. The main disadvantage is that it has 6 pounds, which are not light enough when compared with other mini circular saws on the market.
Pros
A wide array of accessories
Angle Cut
Comfortable one-hand performance
Durable construction
Dust port for clean cutting line
Cons
Bulkier than other circular saws on this particular list
6. Rockwell RK3440K – The Most Powerful Mini Circular Saw On The Market
Rockwell RK3440K circular saw is the second saw that we have to mention by this particular brand in this review. The main reason for that is because you will be able to maneuver with ease and it is multifunction which makes it a significant investment for both professionals and hobbyists.
It is much better than other mini circular saws because it has enough power to handle wood, plastic, flooring in the form of slate, ceramic, sheet metal or aluminum. The best thing about it is the compact design and lightweight construction. It weighs only 4 pounds, which means that you will be able to operate with it with just one hand and use it in narrow spaces.
The blade diameter is 3-3/8-inches, which means that you will get a maximum cutting depth up to 1-1/16-inches. Even though this reduces the chances of handling thinner materials, you will still be able to handle thicker ones with ease.
It includes a 4-amp engine that can easily compete with other, more significant circular saws. At the same time, you can fit in in small spaces where large circular saws cannot. Therefore, you will get a precise result.
It contains laser guide feature, which is fantastic technology that will project a triangle shaped line of light ahead of your cutting path. That way, you will get sight that is more prominent and the possibility to track the cutting road without looking at the blade directly.
The ergonomic design is an excellent feature that will increase the comfort and reduce the fatigue. That is because the motor is at the rear of the handle, which will reduce the weight and improve the balance. This particular design is also significant because it will reduce the vibrations that could strain your hand and arm muscles.
In overall, Rockwell RK3440K circular saw is the perfect solution for people who want the powerful and small circular saw that would stand the test of time. The main disadvantage is the low cutting depth, but you will still be able to handle thickest materials.
Pros
Ergonomic features for additional comfort
Amazing power and performance
Lightweight and compact construction
Laser guide feature
Cons
Low cutting depth when compared with other circular saws
7. Makita SH02R1 – Best Mini Circular Saw For Light-Duty Projects
If you want to find the next generation mini circular saw with long battery life and fantastic balance, you should consider Makita SH02R1 circular saw.
The best thing about it is the Lithium-ion batteries, which are a way better solution than pod style batteries. At the same time, you will enjoy in onboard LED charge level indicator so that you can always check how much juice you have left.
It includes a built-in engine that can reach up to 1500 RPM so that you can enjoy the fast cutting time. It also contains adjustable tilting base so that you can make angled cuts. Due to dust blower feature, you can always have the cutting line transparent and clear of debris and dust.
Most people choose this particular circular saw due to compact design and lightweight construction. It weighs only 3.5pounds, which means that you can use it for an extended amount of time without too much hassle.
The adjustable cutting depth is 5/8-inches at 45-degrees and 1-inch at 90-degrees. You can also make bevel cuts up to 45-degrees. Due to dust blower, you will be able to see cutting line during the performance.
Apart from being lightweight and compact, it includes a rubbered handle for additional comfort. It is a sturdy tool with great balance when compared with other circular saws. You will also get the robust tool case so that you can transport and storage tool after use.
The most people use it for light-duty work such as cutting through peg, drywall, and particleboard. It is perfect tool if you want to use it in narrow spaces. However, it is not for heavy-duty usage and thick materials.
In overall, Makita SH02R1 circular saw changed the way we perceive cordless tools because it uses a durable Lithium-ion battery. It is perfect for household owners that want to improve their workshop, but you won’t be able to use it for thick materials.
Pros
Onboard LED charge level indicator
Durable battery
Perfect for reaching narrow spaces
Lightweight and compact
Built-in protection from overheating and overloading
Cons
It cannot handle heavy-duty work
Best Mini Circular Saw Buying Guide
Finding a circular saw can be a challenging task, especially if you don’t have enough experience in working with them. The idea is to get the saw that will provide you enough power to handle materials that you want to cut through.
Therefore, the choice depends on your preferences. However, when you read the specifications for circular saws, you can see different acronyms and numbers, but nothing makes sense.
That is why we decided to present you things to consider when buying best mini circular saw:
Power
Most people think that it is always better to choose the most powerful solution on the market. However, that doesn’t mean that you will be able to finish the job with the same precision. Therefore, you should choose the amount of power based on your preferences and activities. Three factors determine power: torque, volts, and amps.
Torque ratings can be different especially when you expose the saw to different conditions. The amps will show you the amount of electricity that saw needs so that you can use it. The amp ratings will show you how much power engine gives to the blade. You should find the right balance between these three factors for finding the best circular saw.
Price
The cost will always be the critical factor, and it will narrow down your search based on your budget. For the quality mini saws, the starting price is $100 and above.
Simple To Use
The idea is to find the circular saw that can finish a wide array of tasks without paying a professional to do it. The first consideration when it comes to this factor is the ergonomic features. Saw has to be comfortable in your hands. Some saws have safety locks so that you can enjoy additional protection.
Safety Lock
Even though safety lock is an essential feature among bigger circular saws because it could protect you from injuries, you should consider safety features for mini circular saws too. The more safety features it has, the better and the easier it will be to use the tool than without them.
Conclusion
We have presented your thorough review and buying a guide on best mini circular saw on the market. The final consideration depends on your future activities and preferences.
However, finding the appropriate one requires thorough knowledge and research because you don’t want to pay for the lousy tool.
On the other hand, most circular tools include long warranty deals, which is the proof that they will last at least a decade in your workshop.
That is why you should think before you buy because worthy purchase will reduce the hassle of breaking the tool and purchasing a new one.
Finally, to remind you that you can ask us anything in the section below, and we will answer you on short notice.
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What do you recommend for left handers?
Hey Martina,
You should check Dewalt DCS391B. Please share your experience with Dewalt if you buy this mini circular saw.
Dear Mr. Jones:
I need to cut off the bottom of a door that cannot be un-hung. None of the descriptions say how wide are the base plates, nor the distance from the blades to the edge of them. I need to know what is the minimum that I can cut away, are any of the base plates removable, so that I can know the distance/clearance to the floor. Please help.
that is what i am struggling with too. when they say “narrow spaces”, what does that mean? it would be nice to know how close to a corner or the floor one of these saws can get.