It made so many buzzes through 2 x 4 in our test that we didn’t even bother counting them; we ran out of wood before the battery showed any signs of fading. Suffice it to say that the larger the amp hours of the power pack you put in dewalt drill this thing, the more cuts you can expect—up to a day’s work or close to it. To control cutting depth, the Bosch circular saw has a thumb latch right above the trigger. Move the latch forward and press down, and the saw’s shoe drops.
If you’re in the 20-volt Craftsman system, we fully recommend adding this to your arsenal. During our testing, we found this circular saw really comfortable to operate, thanks to the ergonomic handle positions and rubber grip. We also appreciated the effectiveness of the electronic blade brake, which stops the blade from spinning in a second or two as soon as you release the trigger. Here at Popular Mechanics, we constantly test and use circular saws in our own projects.
Please enter your email address below and we’ll send you a link to reset your password. By clicking Sign Up, your data will be processed according to DEWALT’s Privacy Policy. Among 17 choices, these dewalt drills have the highest satisfaction ratings with Lowe’s customers. While these might be the highest rated, what you choose should fit your needs, so consider features such as Cordless, Work Light and Worm Drive when making your selection.
To fine-tune the shoe’s position, simply hold it with one hand while pressing down on the latch. And the amount of blade exposure below the shoe is right where you need it. Aside from the saw, you need a couple of carpenter’s pencils and a combination square to both mark the lumber and guide the saw for accurate crosscuts. For corded circular saws, you also need a heavy-duty, 15-amp extension cord, safety glasses, and some ear protection.
Whether you are a professional carpenter or a hobbyist, a circular saw is an essential tool that can help you achieve your desired results efficiently. Blain’s Farm & Fleet carries quality power saws from DEWALT, Milwaukee, FESTOOL, and other trusted brands. The Makita’s combines light weight, robust cutting power, and outstanding industrial design—ideal if you need a lot of cordless muscle, but don’t want to compromise accuracy or stability. Everything about this saw is comfortable and easy to handle, from the well-shaped trigger to the push lever of the spindle lock.
In that respect, it’s very much like a corded worm-gear saw. So if you’re already framing with a corded worm-gear saw and have a well developed right forearm, the Milwaukee is a good fit for you. Our 4 x 6 pressure-treated lumber was no match for it, barely putting a dent in its battery capacity. So what makes a standout for cutting shoring and industrial lumber?