There are many circular saw brands in the market, but unfortunately, not all are worth your money. Although circular saws made in the USA are known to be more credible for meeting the highest standards, choosing what is best among them can be tricky.
That’s why our professional woodworkers prepared this comprehensive review as your guide in choosing the best tool for your project.
Reviews of the Top US-Made Circular Saws
1. DeWalt 20V Max 7 ¼” Circular Saw (DCS570B)
DeWalt has built its name in the industry by producing remarkable products. Therefore, this DeWalt circular saw is certainly on top of our list. It has an exceptional 7 ¼ inches blade that can easily cut through stock.
Equipped with a 20V motor with a maximum speed of 5,500 RPM, it can finish the work faster. But what we love most about the DeWalt DCS570B circular saw is its latest battery model that, when fully charged, can produce 330 cuts of 2×4 wood.
(For other options, check these top-quality saws for cutting 2×4 wood pieces.)
We find this model reliable regarding safety because it is installed with a break that can protect you when the saw jams.
What We Like
- Produce cleaner cuts
- Can finish a high volume of cuts of wood on a single charge
- Handy and comfortable to use
- Easy maintenance, especially when changing the blades
- The bevel angle can reach up to 57 degrees which makes it more functional
What We Don't Like
- The 7 ¼ inches blade has shallow cuts compared to other brands
- It is a bit heavier due to its battery compared to other models.
2. Milwaukee M18 Cordless Circular Saw
This cordless Milwaukee M18 circular saw is a reliable unit and known for its many robust features. In fact, this cordless circular saw model is top-of-the-line and unbeatable in terms of speed.
Its 18V battery can deliver 15 Amp and a maximum speed of 5,800 RPM– faster and more powerful than the 20V Max model. That’s why we recommend this unit for heavy-duty projects.
However, this quality does not come cheap. As it is marketed as high-end and for professional use, it is relatively more expensive than other brands. But given its superior performance, the price is reasonable and worth it. Expect to finish your work efficiently using this circular saw.
What We Like
- The battery can produce 750 cuts on a single charge
- Can produce clean cuts
- Robust and easy to use
- Handy and comfortable to use
- Suitable for heavy-duty projects
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for beginners
- More expensive compared to other brands
3. DeWalt 6-½” Cordless Circular Saw (DCS391B)
We recommend this DeWalt model if you need a smaller circular saw but still reliable when it comes to finishing the job faster.
Although its 6 ½ inches blade has less cutting depth, the DeWalt DCS391B is reliable for lightweight work. It is part of the 20V Max series with a maximum speed of 5150 RPM. This can finish the work faster than other brands of the same size.
What we like the most about this model is it is easy to operate due to its lightweight magnesium shoe. It is also easy to maneuver and allows you to cut through an angle up to 50 degrees.
What We Like
- Equipped with 20V battery which lasts longer
- Produces powerful speed to cut through stock
- Lightweight and compact size
- Easy to operate and maneuver
What We Don't Like
- The bevel angle is smaller as compared to other brands
- Not suitable for heavy work
- May have difficulty cutting through thick materials.
4. Big Foot Tools 10 1/4" Wormdrive Circular Saw (SC-1025SU)
Although the Big Foot SC-1025SU Wormdrive Circular Saw may not be as popular as other brands, this model can easily measure up and even beats other tools due to its superb quality.
We love its outstanding blade, which is 10 ¼ inches, that can deliver deeper cuts more efficiently compared to other brands. It is also equipped with a 15 Amp motor that can produce up to 5,300 RPM— delivering enough power for heavy-duty projects.
Although its bevel capacity is only 50 degrees, slightly lower compared to other brands, this still allows cutting through an angle with ease.
What We Like
- Large blade size that produces deeper cuts
- Robust and lightweight
- Has sufficient power to sustain heavy work
- Suitable for heavy-duty projects
- Easy to operate and maneuver
What We Don't Like
- The large blade is not suitable for lightweight projects
- Beginners may have difficulty using the large blade for their projects
US-Made Circular Saws Buyer’s Guide
In choosing a circular saw, there are several key components that you should consider. We have listed them below to guide you on what you should look for.
Power
Power is one of the most important components of a circular saw. With adequate power, the blade can easily cut through the stock without ripping it. A powerful circular saw produces cleaner and smoother cuts.
Cordless or Corded Saw?
This decision really depends on your preference and the type of your projects. We recommend a cordless saw if you need more mobility at work. However, it may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects as the battery may not be able to sustain long hours.
On the other hand, the corded saw will not have an issue working longer hours. However, you need to secure a power source, and the cord can limit mobility.
Speed
The cutting speed of the circular saw affects the cutting accuracy. The rotational speed affects the force and stress distribution of the blade on the wood. So your circular saw must have appropriate speed– not too slow and not too fast.
This is because a slower speed produces a rough surface, and the faster speed may produce too much heat to the blade’s teeth, causing them to blunt easily or may cause an accident when it gets stripped off the blade completely.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting depth depends on the size of the blade. You will need a saw with a bigger blade to cut through thicker and bigger stock. However, it is important to note that the blade size differs from the cutting depth.
Meaning the 10 ¼ inches blade cannot cut through 10 ¼ inches depth simply because the blade size is measured in diameter. Therefore, we suggest you check the cutting depth of the saw appropriate for your project.
Bevel Angel
Bevel capacity allows you to cut through an angle. We recommend choosing the best circular saw with a minimum bevel capacity of 50 degrees. Lower than that will give you difficulty cutting across angles.
Though as much as possible, get a circular saw with a bevel capacity closer to 60 degrees. This will give you more options in cutting across many angles.
Extra Features
Of course, it is always better if the circular saw comes with additional features such as LED light, dust extractor, and ergonomic design. These features can add value to your circular saw to achieve precise cuts and lessen your fatigue as you work.
These features may not be available to all brands and models. Therefore, you must check if your preferred model has these helpful features.
Price and Warranty
Generally, the price can influence your decision in choosing a circular saw. But if you need a high-quality unit, we suggest investing in a brand that’s already trusted and reputable.
Although good quality may cost a bit more, you can guarantee they will give the best results and may last longer.
Also, check the warranty [1] coverage offered. Some circular saws with warranty coverage may add extra cost, but you can save in the long run, especially when it needs repair and parts replacement after some time.
FAQ
Are OEM tools made in the USA?
Yes, OEM tools are US-made. They are produced by GreatNeck company which has been a trusted American manufacturer of tools and hardware for over a hundred years already.
Our Top Pick For a US-Made Circular Saw: DeWalt 20V Max 7 ¼” (DCS570B)
The DeWalt 20V Max 7 ¼” circular saw outperformed all other units made in the USA in terms of cutting capability, quality, and overall value for money. Although other models have longer blades, its 7 ¼ inches blade is sufficient for most projects, even for heavy-duty jobs.
We highly recommend this model for DIYers and professionals looking for a circular saw suitable for many projects yet at a reasonable price.
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