If you’re into DIY projects, then I’m 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, I’ll be comparing these two sizes, diving deep into their advantages and distinct applications. Let’s determine which truly stands out.
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.
The compact size is perfect for people like me with smaller hands or when working on more petite 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
- It's pleasantly compact
- I appreciate how lightweight it is
- It's portable enough to carry anywhere
- It's budget-friendly and won't break the bank
Cons
- It doesn’t pack the same punch as some of the larger saws I’ve used.
- It struggles with deeper 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.
(If you’re looking for a reliable 7 ¼ saw, you might like the Hychika Compact Circular Saw.)
Pros
- I can achieve deep cuts with it
- It's a staple in any workshop
- It's perfect for tasks that range from light to moderate
- I can conveniently take it on the go
Cons
- It's on the pricier side
- I did find it a bit heavier than some of my other tools
Features Face-Off
Now that you know more about these two circular saws, let’s investigate their features.
Depth
Using a 6 ½ circular saw, I’ve consistently managed to cut materials up to 2.5 inches. It’s my top choice when handling smaller materials for those DIY tasks. 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 track saws, they are highly portable and handy to have around for any project.
The 7 ¼ saws do tend to be heavier and a bit bulkier. Personally, I’ve felt some strain in my hands and arms after extended use. 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 have your materials cut at a 45-degree angle by using this circular saw. It has 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.
(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! )
Conclusion
Today, I took a closer look at the 7 ¼ vs. 6 ½ circular saws to understand their differences from a woodworker’s perspective.
The 6 ½ saw, with its lightweight build, offers great portability. It’s easier to handle, making it an ideal choice for those not frequently tackling advanced projects. Plus, it’s often more budget-friendly. On the other hand, the 7 ¼ saw shines when it comes to moderate to advanced tasks and angular cuts, and it usually offers a variety of blade options.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
