If you’re into DIY projects, then we’re sure you know the beauty of using a circular saw. It’s become a must-have tool for many DIY enthusiasts because of the convenience it gives, but not all circular are the same. A circular saw can come in different sizes, the most common of which are the 6 ½ and 7 ¼ variety.
Today, we’ll pit the two against each other and determine which is the best. We’ll go through their advantages, uses, and more!
Battle of the Saws
Before we start the competition, let’s get to know them individually. As much as possible, we want you to know their functions and uses well enough to have an informed choice in the future.
6 ½ Circular Saw
As its name suggests, 6 ½ is the size of the blade. It can go through most materials, such as wood. Many woodworkers enjoy working with this size of saw because it’s handy, lightweight, and portable.
Its small size is ideal for people with smaller hands and working on relatively small materials.
Moreover, its size doesn’t get in the way of your project and you’re free to move in any direction you please with no trouble
Pros
- Small
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as powerful as a bigger saw
- Can't do deep cuts
7 ¼ Circular Saw
Same with the above, the 7 ¼ is a bigger, badder boy with a greater blade size. It’s slightly bigger in number and provides more use compared to a 6 ½ saw. One of the reasons why woodworkers love this saw is that it can cut through any thick material [1], even more than the 6 ½, of course. That said, a 7 ¼ circular saw, whether it is a high-quality cordless circular saw or a corded one, is ideal for woodworkers who need more cutting depth. The blade will be able to handle the material without experiencing too much struggle.
Pros
- Can make deep cuts
- Handy to have
- Ideal for light to moderate use
- Portable
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Heavier
Features Face-Off
Now that you know more about the two circular saws, it’s time that we take a look at their features.
Depth
A 6 ½ circular saw can cut materials up to 2.5 inches. It’s perfect for cutting small materials for a small DIY project. Moreover, working with a 6 ½ saw feels comfortable on the hands and won’t leave you feeling fatigued right after.
On the other hand, a 7 ¼ saw provides more cutting depth measuring up to 4-inches. It offers more usage and flexibility at a pretty decent performance. Although it’s priced a little more, we find that it’s worth it.
With these cutting blades, you can conveniently cut or rip wood, thus, here is our in-depth guide on how to rip narrow wood using a circular saw.
Winner: 7 ¼ saw
Weight
6 ½ circular saws are very lightweight, thanks to their small size. Like high-rated track saws, they are highly portable and handy to have around for any project.
7 ¼ saws, on the other hand, can get a bit heavy and bulky. It’s a turn-off for some people because it causes hand and arm strain in the long run.
Winner: 6 ½ inch saws
Stand Out Features
The 7 ¼ circular saw has some standout features which the 6 ½ saw doesn’t possess. They prove to be a plus point when choosing between the two.
Here are some notable features the 7 ¼ circular saw has:
- Angular cut: you can even have your materials cut at a 45-degree angle by using this circular saw. It is one of the most reliable circular saw blades as it provides a ton of flexibility and convenience, especially for intricate woodworking projects.
- Blade options: you’ve got several options of 7 ¼ blades to choose from to match your project. You’re not constricted to working with your stock blade, and you can upgrade to a new one.
Conclusion
Today, we got to know compare 7 ¼ vs. 6 ½ circular saws and know their differences. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you’re looking for.
A 6 ½ saw is more lightweight and portable, making it much easier to maneuver and a more suitable choice for those who don’t often have advanced projects. Not to mention, the smaller option is also more affordable. However, a 7 ¼ saw is better for moderate to advanced tasks, angular cuts and often comes with different blades.
A circular saw can be used as a table saw, as well. You just need to have a conversion kit for circular saw to table saw to achieve this. Read next!
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