2x4s are among the most common and versatile lumber sizes used in construction, DIY projects, and more. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the toughest and most stubborn pieces to cut through. This is exactly why finding the right saw is so important or blades will fail very easily over time. Our team has done all the hard work and listed the best options out there.
Reviews of the Top Saws for Cutting 2x4
1. Makita HS7600
We start off with the Makita HS7600 circular saw, which is a go-to type of saw for getting through 2x4s like butter. The Makita brand is known for high-quality products, although they aren’t necessarily the cheapest.
The HS7600 is equipped with a powerful 10.5 amp motor that powers the blade at speeds up to 5200 RPM. It has a very large cutting capacity and is designed to be well balanced and lightweight to lessen fatigue during use.
You can get more precise straight cuts thanks to the heavy-duty aluminum wraparound base that is designed for more stability.
What We Like
- Lightweight and durable
- Stable for a straight cut
- Lower guard design
- 10.5 amp motor
- Up to 5200 RPM
- Heavy-gauge aluminum base
- Onboard blade wrench
- Ergonomic rubberized grip
What We Don't Like
- Factory blade may not be the best
- The safety button is located on the side
2. DeWalt DCS570B
DeWalt is a well-known brand for circular saws for accurate cuts. The price is a bit higher on the DeWalt DCS570B, but the 5500 RPM thanks to the brushless motor maintaining the speed under load is well worth the price for our woodworking team.
It’s a cordless model for those who are looking for faster cutting with a longer range of movement. The unit works with a variety of DeWalt batteries as it is part of the 20V line. The runtime lithium-ion battery can yield 330 cross cuts on 2×4 boards.
DeWalt also offers a 3-year limited warranty with this circular saw as they do with many other cutting saw models.
What We Like
- Powerful circular saw
- Gives precise cut lines
- Part of the 20V line
- Gets through a lot of material with a single pass
- Sturdy handle
- Large cutting capacity
- Bevel cutting capacity up to 57 degrees
- Easy to use
- Lithium-ion battery
What We Don't Like
- Factory blade may not be the best
- Works better with larger batteries
3. GALAX PRO GP76321L
Our contractors understand that most people are skeptical about budget options, but rest assured that we always aim to bring you the best option. The GALAX PRO GP76321L is an excellent example of a more affordable circular saw that comes with many features.
First of all, the unit is outfitted with a 12 amp motor that can bring blades up to a speed of 5500 RPM, which means it is one of the best saws for cutting 2×4 lumber for the price. The depth and bevel can be adjusted for cutting and even thinner cuts can be precise thanks to the laser guide and rip fence with ruler markings, which makes this an ideal circular saw for cutting tiles.
What We Like
- Integrated dust blower
- Laser guide cutting line
- Ruler markings on rip fence
- Comes with a hex nut
- Fast blade changes
- Adjustable cutting depth and bevel
- 12 amp motor
- 5500 RPM
- Great for cutting metal, wood, and plastic
- Can cut tile and flooring
What We Don't Like
- No electronic brake
- Laser guide isn’t necessary for some
4. ENERTWIST ET-CS-20C
If you’re looking for a saw that can handle cutting wood and other materials, then the Enertwist ET-CS-20C is our team’s recommendation. The compact circular saw is cordless and comes with a few blades, including one that cuts through soft metal.
It’s a small mini chainsaw, which is a handheld cordless model that’s optimized for one-handed cuts. It’s an easily maneuverable option compared to the larger standard-sized 7-¼ circular saws.
The no load speed is 3500 RPM, which allows the blade to get through wood, drywall, plastic, and even tile without any trouble. You can make adjustable plunge and bevel cuts and the small saw comes with a laser guide and parallel guide.
What We Like
- Excellent saw for cutting 2x4
- Great for cutting tiles, and more
- Firm grip
- Optimized for one-handed use
- Compact hand saws
- Cordless for maneuverability
- Comes with blades
- Creates plunge and bevel cuts
- Left-handed blade design
- Integrated safety switch
- Dust port
What We Don't Like
- Not as powerful as a standard circular saw
- Better for light projects
5. WORX WX427L
To give you more options for handheld models, our team included another compact circular saw option. The WORX WX427L is another top saw for cutting 2×4 if you’re looking for more maneuverability.
Like the previous compact circular saw model, the WX427L is great for one-handed operation and the left-handed blade design makes the cutting line more visible. The lightweight circular saw is still very powerful and can deliver blade speeds up to 4000 RPM.
There are easy depth adjustments onboard and a laser guide function to guide your blade teeth along an accurate line.
What We Like
- Powerful motor
- Laser attachment
- Can work on rugged materials
- Very easy to use
- Slim handle
- Easy depth adjustments
- More visibility
- One-handed operation
What We Don't Like
- Some feel the hand grip is too thick
- The trigger lock is a little tough to reach
6. HYCHIKA Circular Saw
The Hychika compact circular saw also comes with a variety of cutting blades for versatile operation. On top of that, it also has a vacuum adaptor, hex wrench, and a scale ruler to help you when cutting through your workpiece.
There is a double safety switch that doubles your protection during use, but our experts still recommend donning the appropriate safety gear. Another interesting feature is the red laser beam that provides more visibility than other colors and the blades included can get through a wide variety of materials, making this the perfect saw for most projects.
What We Like
- The right tool for versatility
- Many safety features
- High maximum power for a small saw
- Scale ruler and laser guide
- Comes with many accessories
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- Aluminum blade guard
- An important tool for one-handed use
What We Don't Like
- Can be a bit heavy to some
- Recommended for lighter projects
7. PowerSmart Mini Circular Saw
Our professional contractors found the PowerSmart mini compact circular saw to be just as good as bigger saws when it comes to cutting straight lines. The circular saw works well with soft metals, tiles, wood, and plastics.
It has a smaller 4 amp motor but the circular saw blade can spin at high speeds up to 3500 RPM no load. The little saw comes with a tungsten carbide blade, but you can switch it out with any replacement blades you prefer.
The laser guide and parallel guide ensures even more accurate cuts compared to more powerful saws and it features bevel cut adjustments.
What We Like
- Compact saw body
- Comes with saw accessories
- Bevel settings
- Ergonomic and soft handle
- Adjustable settings for the right depth
- 4 amp electric motor
- Safety button
- Dust port and vacuum adapter
What We Don't Like
- Not as powerful as a standard circular saw
- Needs the right blade for a butter cutting job
8. GreatNeck N2610 Cross Cut Hand Saw
Our team rounds out the list with a cross cut hand saw, one that’s powered by your own strength rather than a motor. It has a very simple design but the blade comes with a comfortable handle that is weather resistant.
Just because it isn’t powered like an electric compact circular saw, it’s still a durable cross cut saw that comes with a carbon steel blade, which makes it ideal for rougher cuts.
The GreatNeck N2610 cross cutting hand saw will stay sharp over time and won’t give you as much strain as some other hand saw models. The wooden grip is much easier on your hands than a metal handle.
What We Like
- Durable hand saw
- Comfortable grip
- Very versatile tool
- The hand saw blade stays sharp
- Ideal for rough and aggressive cuts
- Weather-resistant handle
What We Don't Like
- Takes more effort to use
- Not powered
2x4 Cutting Saws Buyer’s Guide
The best saw for cutting 2×4 lumber doesn’t need steel blades to be perfect. The right saw can handle the type of cuts you need such as overhead cuts, miter cuts, and crosscuts. There are many factors to look out for, and our team aimed to make your job easier by outlining them below.
Cutting Depth and Capacity
What type of cuts can your saw make? Your choice of chainsaw, such as a circular saw or a hand saw will either limit you or open doors for more types of cuts. As you can imagine, a circular saw can create bevels, straight and plunge cuts, while a hand saw may deliver fewer options.
A regular or compact circular saw will have cut and depth adjustments to help you get the exact cut you need and want. Don’t forget to pay attention to the cutting capacity before you click “buy”. Our team always considers what type of projects the saw will be used for and the workpieces they are meant to tackle to find the best saws.
Power Source
If you’re settling on a hand saw, then you can skip over this part. Where does the power come from to power your saw? For heavy-duty work, our experts recommend a corded saw. Corded models are usually more powerful than cordless units. Although you may think that outdoor work is heavier duty, our experts will still recommend a cordless model that’s up to the task.
It’s more difficult to gain access to a power source when you’re outdoors, and if you choose to use an extension cord, it may become a tripping hazard coupled with your saw power cord. One thing to keep in mind is that battery-operated cordless models may be heavier due to the onboard battery pack and more expensive.
Safety Features
A vacuum adapter or dust port is an additional feature, but our contractors also feel that they are essential safety features on a saw for cutting 2×4. Not only do they make cleanup easier, but they also keep your cutline free of debris, which enhances visibility and the accuracy of your work.
Some 2×4 cutting saws even have integrated dust blowers that will work while you cut. As for safety features, look for an emergency shutoff button, integrated safety trigger or emergency brake. Our team likes an electric brake on a saw because it can halt the blade in a matter of seconds.
The blade guard is also important. While some can be made out of heavy-duty plastic, there are others that are aluminum or crafted from other lightweight metals that give users more peace of mind.
If you opt for a hand saw, you won’t be able to enjoy onboard safety features so make sure you wear the proper protective gear. That being said, it’s still important to put on the appropriate safety gear when you’re using electric models.
Blade Size and Efficiency
The blade is a key component on the best saw for cutting 2×4. Two different blades will not only give you varying types of cuts, but also two types of materials the saw can get through.
Common blades are carbide-tipped blades, which many saw models come with as a factory blade, high-speed steel blades, tile-cutting blades, and masonry blades.
Of course, your circular saw may not need all these blades, so it’s vital to determine which ones you need.
- Carbide-tipped blades have carbide-tipped teeth, which not only makes the saw blades sharper, but also last longer.
- High-speed blades are harder and made for better wear-resistance and faster speeds.
- Tile and ceramic blades are usually diamond [1] blades, which can be a little pricey but they are a definite must if you plan on working with these types of materials.
- Masonry blades are meant for stone, brick, concrete - basically any masonry materials.
For cutting plywood, 2×4, some soft metals, plastics, and other materials, our experts say the carbide-tipped blades may be the only ones you ever need. For hard metals such as when cutting metal locks, a tougher blade is what you need.
More blade products:
Additional Features
What can really tip one saw in your favor to become the better option over another are the additional features. We already mentioned the integrated dust blowers, adapters, and ports, but other useful bonuses include an LED work light, a laser guide, and onboard accessories and storage.
There are even rulers that help you cut to the precise measurements without having to leave a pencil mark on your workpiece. An LED work light will lengthen the hours you can spend on your projects as they illuminate the way in low light settings. Even if you do have enough light, the extra LED will improve visibility.
The laser guide outlines the exact line for your blade, which is essential when making a straight cut. The onboard accessories and storage is best for convenience, but they don’t impact the use of the saw or its structural settings.
FAQ
What size of saw do I need to cut a 2x4?
You need a standard 7-¼ saw to cut a 2×4 or a smaller 4-¼ if necessary. A 7-¼ -inch blade is most commonly found on standard circular saws, and the smaller 4-¼ blades are found on handheld mini compact circular saws.
Is a miter saw good for cutting 2x4?
Yes, a miter saw is good for cutting 2×4 in the absence of a circular saw. More specifically, a 10-inch miter saw is recommended, but a 12-inch option can also do the job. It all depends on what you prefer and what you need.
What is the best way to cut a 2x4?
The best way to cut a 2×4 is with a circular saw. You can choose between a compact one or a standard size. Miter saws and certain hand saws can also do the job. It comes down to the right type of blade and your personal preference.
Our Top Pick For a 2x4 Cutting Saw:
Makita HS7600
Our team has reached a unanimous decision and chose the Makita HS7600 as the best saw for cutting 2×4 out of all the other choices. Makita crafts their products from high-quality materials for durability and strength, which the HS7600 exemplifies in spades. It has a powerful 10.5 amp motor and delivers 5,200 RPM for exceptional performance.
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