Circular saws are one of the most cost effective, versatile and essential tools in any DIYer or professional's toolkit. Whatever material you’re cutting, mastering this power tool can dramatically improve your efficiency and precision. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to use a circular saw safely and effectively

What is a circular saw? 

 

A circular saw is a small handheld power tool that uses a toothed blade to cut different materials. It's commonly used for straight cuts in wood, laminates, plastic and metal sheeting.

Some circular saws can be used for cutting masonry with a diamond blade, but these grind rather than cut, and we would always advise using a disc cutter for masonry cutting.

 

What are the different types of circular saw?

 

There are generally 3 types of circular saw:

Standard Circular Saws offers the ability to adjust cutting depth and blade angle before starting a cut. These saws come with a small parallel edge guide to aid straight cutting and are ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks on the job site and home workshop

 

Track Saws are Circular Saws which are compatible with a Guide Rail System, like our ST1400 and ST2800 products. By mounting the saw to the guide rail it’s possible to achieve cuts up to 2.8m in length that are straight to fractions of a mm and rival the performance of a professional Table Saw.

 

Plunge Saws offer the features of a track saw and usually add in an enclosed blade for reduced dust creation, plus they allow the user to vary the depth of cut at any time. Plunge Saws tend to be much more expensive than Track Saws and generally use brand-specific rail systems.

 

Why choose a circular saw? 

 

Circular saws can be used in many different ways. 
They are perfect for cutting long straight lines but can also be used to cut slots and make cross/mitre cuts. 
They are small and light, making them extremely portable, so they’d easily fit in the back of the van or in the shed. 

Common circular saw cutting tasks:

 

Lengthwise Cutting
Cutting along the grain of wood (e.g., framing timber, planks).
Ideal for construction and carpentry.

 

Cross-Cutting Wood
Cutting across the grain for sizing boards, plywood, MDF, OSB.
Useful for furniture making and general DIY.

 

Cutting Sheet Materials
Plywood, melamine, particle board, and drywall.
Great for cabinetry, shelving, and wall panelling.

 

Bevel and Mitre Cuts
Angled cuts for trim work, framing, and decorative edges.
Most saws allow bevel adjustments up to 45°.

 

Cutting Metal and Plastic
With the correct blade, circular saws can cut aluminium, PVC, and other non-ferrous materials.

 

Demolition Work
Fast, rough cuts through wood, nails, and mixed materials.
Common on renovation and teardown projects.

 

Deck Building and Outdoor Projects
Cutting joists, decking boards, and posts.
Portable and efficient for on-site work.

 

Furniture and DIY Builds
Making straight cuts for tabletops, legs, and panels.
Often used in combination with guides for precision.

 

Trimming Doors and Windows
Adjusting height or width of doors, window frames, and mouldings.

 

Using a circular saw safely

 

As with all power tools. a circular saw can be dangerous if not used correctly. As a minimum, always remember:  

• Before beginning any job ensure you are wearing the correct PPE - safety glasses, mask, ear defenders and sturdy footwear as a minimum.
• Inspect your saw and blade, ensure your blade is sharp, securely attached and the saw is in working order with no loose parts.
• Make sure the workpiece you are cutting is secured and stable using clamps or a sawhorse if necessary. Mark your cut line with a pencil so it’s easy to follow.
• Adjust the blade depth and bevel (if needed). The blade should extend ¼” or 5-7mm below the material you are cutting. Most saws allow a bevel of up to 45 degrees.
• When using the saw make sure you use both hands and maintain a firm grip. and never take your eyes off your work.
• Before starting the cut, hold the saw in both hands and position the blade just above the workpiece. Align with the cutting line and ensure the blade and cutting path are clear of obstructions.
• If your machine has a cable, make sure it’s always behind the saw, and always push the blade away from the blade, never towards the blade.
• When you’re ready to cut, pull the saw's trigger and allow the blade to reach full speed before starting the cut. Don’t start the saw with the blade touching the material.
• To cut, follow the marked line slowly and steadily. Apply forward pressure to the saw and guide it along your marked cutting line. You only need gentle pressure, don’t force the saw. Allow the blade to do the work and try to avoid any sudden movements.
• Always stand to the side of your saw, never behind. Kickback is one of the most common ways injuries occur when using circular saws. Kickback happens when the tool or the material unexpectedly jolts back at force towards the user. Usually, the result of a pinched blade or general saw misuse
• Once you have finished the cut, release the trigger and allow the blade to completely stop before safely removing the saw from your workpiece 

How do you cut straight with a circular saw

Guide rails (also known as track systems) are a game-changer for anyone looking to make long, straight, and precise cuts with a circular saw. Here’s why they matter:

• Improved Accuracy: Guide rails keep the saw perfectly aligned along the cut line, eliminating human error and wobbly cuts.
• Cleaner Edges: They reduce blade drift and tear-out, especially on plywood or laminated surfaces.
• Safety Boost: By stabilizing the saw’s path, guide rails help prevent kickback and binding.
• Efficiency: No need to measure and mark repeatedly—just clamp the track and cut.
• Versatility: Many systems allow for bevel cuts and can be used with plunge saws for even greater control.

Whether you're building furniture, trimming sheets, or installing flooring, a guide rail system ensures professional results.

Choosing the right circular saw:

With a wide range of Circular Saw options, it can seem like an impossible decision. There are a few considerations that may make the selection process easier

Corded vs Cordless:

Corded Pros: 

• Consistent power makes them ideal for heavy duty tasks and long cutting sessions.
• No downtime while you wait for batteries to charge.
• Generally, a cheaper option, and entry level models are budget friendly.

Corded Cons:

• Corded saws require access to a power outlet so have limited mobility and are less convenient for remote or outdoor locations.
• Cords can get in the way and pose a potential trip hazard.

Cordless Pros:

• Cordless saws offer greater portability and useability in tight spaces.
• Modern hi-tech lithium-ion batteries provide impressive power and run times.

Cordless Cons:

• Battery life can restrict usage during long cutting tasks.
• Batteries add extra weight to the saw, which may affect control and cold cause fatigue.
• Cordless saws are often more expensive than cordless when you factor in the battery and charger costs.

Blade size: 

165mm blades allow you to cut up to 53mm deep but are not generally compatible with tracks and guide rails. These are great entry-level saws for general-purpose cutting. They offer a good balance of cutting depth and portability.

185mm is the most common blade size. A 185mm blade allows you to cut up to 64mm deep without a track and up to 59mm if using a track. 
These saws are great all-rounders and best for cutting thicker materials or making deeper cuts. Typically used for framing, decking, plywood and general construction.

210mm blades are generally for more specialised cutting. Our 210mm circular saw is specifically designed for heavy-duty metal cutting and is compatible with our range of metal and steel cutting blades .

Blade type:

Our 165mm and 185mm saws are supplied with our specialised multi-material cutting blades. These are designed to allow the user to make repeated cuts in a variety of materials, including all types of wood – even wood with nails, plus composite decking, laminates, and plastics. They also cut steel and aluminium with no heat, burrs, and virtually spark-free, leaving a weld-ready finish.
For cleaner and fast cuts in wood with reduced tear out choose a specific general wood blade.
If you’re cutting job requires metal cutting, we have a range of blades engineered specifically to cut a variety of metals including mild steel, thin steel, stainless steel or aluminium.

Final thoughts

Circular saws are a great addition to any toolkit, and using a circular saw doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right setup, safety precautions, and practice, you'll be making clean, accurate cuts in no time. Whether you're tackling a home improvement project or working on a job site, this guide will help you build confidence and skill.

Ready to upgrade your toolkit? Explore our range of circular saws and blades designed for precision, durability, and safety.