Features You Need for a Circular Saw
By Jim Woodruff

While some circular saw manufacturers offer frills such as canvas carrying bags or LED lights, there are several features that you absolutely need if you're going to enjoy using your saw. I'm not saying that canvas bags and LED lights aren't nice features to have, but there are others that are more important.

The Blade Guard: A blade guard that provides absolute safety and works easily is a crucial feature. A sticking blade guard is very dangerous and has been the cause of most manufacturer recalls. Try out your circular saw and make sure the blade guard works properly when cutting bevels. That will be the ultimate test of reliability.

Safety Devices: The safety switch should have a lock-out feature to prevent starting the saw accidentally. This is a must-have. A spindle lock is needed to hold the blade in place when changing blades. Another feature I like is an electric brake. This feature will add to the cost of the saw, but it's worth it. No waiting for the blade to wind down before starting another cut not to mention the danger from a spinning blade.

Weight and Balance: The circular saw may not seem too heavy when you first start using it, but after a few hours, it's gets really heavy. The typical 7 � inch saws weight in the range of eight to 12 lbs, while the 10 inch circular saws weigh up to 20 lbs. This is where the ergonomics of how you hold the saw and the balance come into play. You have to think about the type of cuts that you do mostly; are they overhead or are they on sawhorses? Are you doing mostly crosscuts or do you do a lot of ripping? Handle the saw before you buy it and try to get a feel of how it handles.

Base Plate: The base plate must be sturdy and stable. The cheap saws will have stamped steel plates, while the more expensive saw will have base plates made of aircraft aluminum or magnesium. Look for rolled edges which make the plate stronger and also make it easy to follow a guide rail. You will eventually drop the saw, and stamped steel plates will get bent.

Adjustments for the Bevel: Play with the bevel adjustments to make sure they move easily and snap into position. It's nice to have saws with scales which have one-degree markings. This makes it easier to make more precise cuts without having to make a lot of test cuts.

Your investment in a circular saw that has the features that you want will be well worth the money in the long run. These saws have long-lasting durability and are extremely flexible and useful. You will find a lot of uses for your circular saw, so it pays to think about what types of cuts you will be making and what features are going to make it easier for you.

The size that is most useful is the 7 1/4 inch circular saw. However, if you're working on larger pieces, such as 2x4s and 2x6s for deck and roofs, you may want to consider upsizing to a 10 inch circular saw.

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