Over the years, I’ve often heard the misconception that a circular saw’s speed equates to its power. However, it’s not all about speed. The real indicator of a circular saw’s capability is its wattage rating.
Technically, power is described by the amount of work done over time, and it’s measured in watts. So, what’s the real deal? How many watts does a typical circular saw use? That’s the question I’ll address in this guide.
How Much Power Does a Circular Saw Consume in Watts?
As their name implies, circular saws do not have a blade that cuts along a single axis. Rather, they use the power provided to drive their blade in a circular movement.
Therefore, the power provided to the saw is transformed into a circular force, also known as torque. So how much power does the saw need to work effectively?
Rotations Per Minute (RPM)
As explained, it is not the speed or RPM of a saw that determines how powerful it is. Several other important factors, such as the amps and wattage rating, determine how much power a circular saw uses.
The rotation per minute is also important because it allows the saw blade to spin faster and cut through the material at a fast rate. But the most important is the amps rating because this determines how much electricity is used and how fast the blade can go.
Starting vs. Running Watts Used by Circular Saws
Another thing you have to pay attention in choosing the right circular saw is the starting and running watts.
The starting wattage is the time when tripping happens. The circular saw requires a high amount of power, and it goes off for some seconds and comes back on.
Meanwhile, the running watts of this power tool are determined by its continuous or average power. The saw, once powered, creates an initial noise. And once it passes this stage, the saw should run smoothly until you turn it off. This process is what we identify as the running wattage of a circular saw.
Number of Watts Consumed by Circular Saws vs. Other Tools
In this section, I’ll break down the wattage consumption of various tools in comparison to a circular saw. By understanding the starting and running wattage differences between these tools, you’ll get a clearer picture of the basic power requirements for your workshop.
I’ll also provide insights into the power consumption of other woodworking tools you might use. This way, you be guided in choosing the right type of power source or generator for your needs.
Tool | Starting Watts (W) | Running Watts (W) |
Circular Saw | 2400 | 1200 |
Drill | 1800 | 720 |
Edger | 2400 | 960 |
2400 | 1200 | |
Electric Lawn Mower | 4320 | 1440 |
Electric Pressure Washer | 3600 | 1200 |
Electric String Trimmer | 1500 | 600 |
Jig Saw | 1800 | 720 |
2100 | 840 | |
Orbital Sander | 1800 | 600 |
Paint Sprayer | 1080 | 360 |
Planer | 2400 | 960 |
Router | 1500 | 600 |
Water Pump | 3000 | 1000 |
Wet/Dry Vacuum | 2500 | 888 |
Winch | 5400 | 1800 |
How Many Amps Does a Circular Saw Consume? [Watts vs. Amperage]
Most circular saws use 15 amps, the lower common capacity of home circuitry. 15 amps, in this case, reflect the amount of electricity the motor draws.
In technical terms, this safely corresponds to about 1440 watts of power needed to run the motors continuously. Some models use less than 15A. An example is the Ryobi CSB141LZK, which uses 14A and Skills at 13 amps.
Recommended Generator Size for Circular Saw Usage
If you want to know how many watts you will need for a generator to run a circular saw, you will find it difficult to determine as there are no fixed values.
The reason is that the rating of your generator depends on the tool you want to power. However, you can invest in generators with standard 7KW to 10KW. This can efficiently power all your tools.
Below is an estimation of how much power you can get for your tool using these generators:
- 7KW – This will give you about 3,300 to 4000 watts of useable power and 3100 to 3400 starting and running power
- 10KW – Expect about 6500 to 9500 watts of useable power and 6500 to 8500 starting and running power
Is a 2000-Watt Generator Enough to Run a Circular Saw?
I wouldn’t recommend running your circular saw with a 200W generator. It’s just too powerful and could damage your motor in a matter of minutes.
All that you need to run a circular saw is around ten amps. Although a 200W generator will give you that, the starting capacity, which is 15A, will be too much for the saw and will burn out the saw within 10 minutes.
However, if you wish to get a portable 2000-watt generator for your saw, you can invest in a reliable and long one.
What About a 1000-Watt Generator?
Yes, a 1000-watt generator can run a circular saw. However, you will need to make some adjustments. There is a difference between the running and starting watts. You must be aware of this when buying an inverter generator to power up your tools.
Let’s say, for example, your generator has starting watts of 5,500, it will run the circular saw with no hassle.
However, if it has a starting watt of 3,300 watts and 4,025 to keep it running, it won’t be able to power up your saw. This is because of the difference between the starting and running watts.
Can a 900-Watt Generator Power a Skill Saw?
Yes, a 900-watt generator can power a skill saw. However, this is if it has a running wattage of at least 4,000 watts.
Anything below this might not run the saw. You should opt for high-powered and reliable generators to be safer. Those that will serve your purpose without giving you any headache.
Can a Solar Panel Power a Circular Saw?
It is not possible to run a circular saw with a solar panel. It cannot supply the wattage required to drive the saw’s motor. If you have a 1000-watt panel, it can only supply you with 400-500WH of energy daily.
This is far lesser than what your circular saw needs. Furthermore, most portable tools use 12v batteries, and it won’t sit well to use a solar panel to charge a 12V battery. This is not a wise decision.
Can a Car Battery Power a Circular Saw?
No, this is not possible. The reason is that car batteries can only produce about 20A. This is the maximum it can generate, which is nowhere what you need to start your circular saw for 5 minutes.
However, if you wish to use a car battery to run your circular saw, the wattage must be around 100. This isn’t cost-effective, and it will be a good idea to use the car battery to run something it can power conveniently.
How Long Can a Circular Saw Run on a 20-Amp Car Battery?
The fact is, they do not build a car battery to run circular saws. If you try it out, the saw will only run for 5 minutes, after which it will be stone dead. It might not even cut through your material before it powers off.
Should I Choose a Cordless Circular Saw? (Corded vs. Cordless Units)
Now that you know how many watts are needed to power this saw, should you opt for a cordless unit instead?
Before you decide, consider where you’ll be using the tool. If it’s going to stay in one spot, then a corded circular saw is your best bet. For added convenience, you can use an extension cord [1] or a longer cord to reach the power source.
On one hand, a cordless saw is your best option if your projects are in different locations. A cordless circular saw, as the name implies, is a saw without a cord. They have a power pack that supplies the electricity needed to run the saw.
This design makes it easy for you to move from one location to another without worrying about tangling the cord.
FAQ
What are the advantages of using a circular saw? What are its key features?
There are lots of benefits to using a typical circular saw. It is a multi-purpose power device you can use for various projects and to cut through different materials such as metal, wood, and so forth.
How do I save energy when using a circular saw?
The best way to save energy when using a circular saw is to turn it off when not in use. Also you can make use of cordless circular saws with power pack batteries.
Do circular saws experience power loss?
Yes, as with other electronic devices, they experience power loss. These losses are converted to heat.
Conclusion
Now that you know how many watts a circular saw uses, you can safely connect it to an appropriate power source without risking damage to the tool. It’s crucial to be aware of the wattage ratings of these power tools and understand their specific requirements, including blades, power type, and more, to successfully complete a project.
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.
