A trusty circular saw is a must-have in every serious tool collection. No matter if you’re a roofer, framer, carpenter, or if you need a circular saw outside of work, you’ll require a light, powerful model. Remember, your safety comes first, no matter what.
This review is going to show you only the very best 7 ¼” circular saws of 2019. Each model is modern, safe, and efficient. But as with any purchase, you should consider value for money, as well as your needs. Here are some of the best 7 ¼" Circular Saw options available.
Best 7 ¼" Circular Saw
Comparison Chart
Best 7 ¼" Circular Saw Reviews
1. Makita 5007MG Magnesium 7-1/4” Circular Saw
The Makita 5007MG magnesium 7-1/4” circular saw has everything you could ask for. It’s lightweight due to the magnesium build, simple to use, very durable and powerful. It has a strong industrial motor, which means it can deal with practically any kind of wood.
Product Highlights
The aforementioned industrial motor packs 15 amps of power and 5,800 RPM which gets the job done safely and quickly. Its dimensions are 20.9x17.9x13.9”. The voltage for this corded electric circular saw is 120 volts.
The lightweight nature of the model (only 10.6 pounds) is what makes it an exceptional saw. It’s very well-balanced, ensuring your safety, but is also tough and durable, ideal for any worksite. There are two built-in LED lights that allow you to clearly see whatever you’re cutting.
The cutting capacity of this saw is huge, it cuts 2.5” at a 90-degree angles. In addition, the bevel capacity goes from zero to 56-degrees, including positive stops at 22.5 and 45”.
This saw is incredibly easy to use due to the clearly visible markings and numbers on the cutting settings. To top it all, there’s a dust blower built-in to the Makita 5007MG magnesium 7-1/4” circular saw, which helps with added accuracy and ease of use.
Finally, there’s a blade wrench attachment which helps you quickly switch out blades during work. This product has a one-year warranty period.
The Good
A great thing about this circular saw is its versatility. You can use it for many things, including door, roof, and floor framing. In addition, you can rip all sorts of panels, even if they’re particularly dense. You can also plunge and bevel cut, as well as do masonry and cut metal.
The Bad
The only downside of the Makita 5007MG Magnesium 7-1/4” Circular Saw is its price. Honestly, it’s on the expensive side, but the price is totally justified. You get a premium quality circular saw that packs a ton of power and versatility.
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2. DEWALT DWE575 7-1/4” Lightweight Circular Saw
The DEWALT DWE575 7-1/4” lightweight circular saw is all-round the best 7 ¼”circular saw. It has everything: powerful motor, good visibility, is lightweight, and much more. No matter if you work as a professional woodcutter or not, you’ll enjoy using this saw.
Product Highlights
There are many highlights with this saw, which is a great thing in itself. First of all, it’s incredibly light, maybe the lightest in its class. It only weighs 8.8 pounds. Most other circular saws of this size are 10-pounders or heavier.
Its dimensions are 16.2 x 10.1. x 8.9”. It’s a corded electric circular saw. The voltage is 120 volts. The motor is 15 Amp which packs as much as 5,200 RPM and 1,950 maximum watts output.
You might get fooled by its weight, but don’t worry, the DEWALT DWE575 7-1/4” lightweight circular saw is more than capable of cutting up even the toughest materials. You could even work on the interior or exterior of your house with it.
This circular saw has a great depth of cut, as well as beveling capacity (57-degrees, with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees). It can not only cut through all sorts of wood, but metal and composite as well.
Additionally, there’s an integrated dust blower for clearing the line of sight and keeping visibility at all times for added precision and smoothness.
This saw’s base and shoe are made out of high-grade aluminum. The solid build makes the saw durable, precise, and safe. Not only will you be safe using it, but you can also expect a long lifespan out of this tool. Don’t worry; the handles are ergonomic, and using the saw will feel intuitive and easy.
The Good
The DEWALT DWE575 7-1/4” lightweight circular brings many advantages to the table. It’s reliable, steady, and light. It gives you control and stability, a requisite in this line of work.
The visibility is impeccable, which only improves the precision of cuts. Finally, you can forget about the cord pulling out thanks to the durability of the cord itself.
The Bad
This circular saw isn’t the cheapest, but you get excellent value for money. It also lacks fancy attachments, like LED lights, but it gets the job done just fine without them.
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3. Tack life PES01A Circular Saw 7 1/4”
The Tacklife PES01A 7-1/4” circular saw is an excellent budget deal, suitable for anyone’s pocket. It doesn’t have the most powerful engine, but in its price category, it’s among the best circular saws. It offers great versatility, stability, and runtime.
Product Highlights
Don’t be under any illusions – the engine isn’t the most powerful, but it still packs a punch. It has 12.5 Amps and 1500 watts, with 4,700 RPMs. The build of the motor is pure copper. This engine has enough power even for dense cuts.
There’s not one, but two blades, one 7 ¼” and other 7 ½” long, which offers a great variety of cuts. The smaller one is for cutting wood, while the other is for plywood, soft types of metal, or tile. The maximum cutting depth at 90-degrees is 2.5”, and the bevel capacity is 45 degrees.
This saw is very versatile, you can use it for framing, beveling, cutting, and edging. In addition, there’s a built-in, adjustable laser, which follows the line so you can cut straight and to the point. On top of the laser, there’s a double switch for one-handed use.
Don’t worry – safety is guaranteed as it won’t engage on its own – you need to use your thumb and finger to activate it. There’s also a dust blower for keeping your line of sight clear. Finally, the alien wrench is there for easier switching or removal of blades.
This circular saw is very durable, thanks to the iron shoe and aluminum guard. Luckily, the blade only weighs 10.8 pounds, which is pretty decent considering the heavy parts.
The Good
The Tacklife PES01A 7-1/4” circular saw is an amazing addition to the tool collections of experts and novice woodcutters alike. For its handsome price, it offers a good balance of power and stability. The accessories are not lacking either, and all of them are very useful.
The Bad
This circular saw is not a state-of-the-art product even though it’s pretty decent. Still, you’re unlikely to find the best 7 ¼” circular saw any cheaper than this one.
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4. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4” Circular Saw
The SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is obviously a good choice. Fun fact: Circular saws are often called skill saws, and the company Skil is a fitting nod to that. Expectations are very high for a saw with this name, and fortunately, this Skil saw doesn’t disappoint.
Product Highlights
Unlike other saws in this price range, this saw does not lack power. It has a 15-amp motor with up to 5,300 RPM. It brings efficiency, speed, and raw power to the table, all for a reasonable price. The carbide-tipped 7 ¼”blade is included in the deal, and there’s also a spindle lock blade for switching the saw on .
The bevel capacity is 51-degrees, which provides a great variety for cutting. The stop is at 45-degrees. This circular saw is corded and electrical (the cord is 6-feet long, and the arbor is 5/8” long). The saw is extremely lightweight, just below 7-pounds.
The dimensions are 14.25 x 9.75 x 8.5”, and the voltage is 60 volts. With such a slick and light saw, you’ll rarely get fatigued from extended saw operation.
There’s a built-in dust blower included, which keeps your vision clear and unobstructed. There’s a guard against snags during narrow cut-offs. Accessories also include a carrying bag for the 24-tooth carbide blade.
Additionally, there’s a laser beam for tracking the cut while doing precision work, and a trigger guard for your own safety.
The Good
It rarely gets much better than this. This saw has it all, and its price makes it possibly the best 7 ¼” circular saw you can buy. It’s versatile, safe, powerful, and compact. The accessories are incredible too: a laser beam, dust blower, and carrying bag, all of which help immensely.
The Bad
Some users have complained about certain parts breaking down shortly after purchase. However, this seems to happen on rare occasions, only to some unfortunate buyers.
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5. Bosch CS10 7-1/4” 15 Amp Circular Saw
Bosch is a well-known company with an admirable reputation. The Bosch CS10 7-1/4” 15 Amp circular saw lives up to Bosch standards. An all-around versatile and powerful tool, you can use it for professional-grade woodcuts.
You won’t have to worry about precision, quality, or safety with this saw. All these features are guaranteed.
Product Highlights
The motor of this saw is 15-amp, with 5600 RPM which can power through even the most difficult tasks. Still, the cuts are smooth and precise. This is largely thanks to the depth levels and a bevel you can adjust for many various cutting angles.
The line of sight while operating is clear, which allows for some outstanding precision work. The footplate is durable and safe. It’s also very steady, again helping with the aim. On top of that, there’s a dust blower, keeping all vision obstructions at bay.
The bevel capacity is 56-degrees, with stops at 22.5- and 45-degrees, allowing you to take on various tasks and projects with ease. This saw has a more-less standard weight, 10.2 pounds which isn’t too heavy for the stability it offers in return.
The handle has a very soft grip, making maneuvering easy and controllable at all times. The saw is built to last. The power cord is 10 feet, with a saw hook for easy storage. You can carry the saw to the worksite, and store it safely afterwards.
The Good
The best things about this saw are simplicity, security, and power. The accessories aren’t many, but they’re practical and reliable. The tool is safe and durable, but still not too heavy. The combination of a powerful motor and an adjustable bevel give a great variety in cutting.
The Bad
The Bosch CS10 7-1/4” 15 Amp circular saw might not have enough accessories for everyone’s taste. The price tag is decent though – you get what you paid for.
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Best 7 ¼" Circular Saw Buyer’s Guide
There are many things you should take into consideration when buying a circular saw. Experts will know the key attributes of their circular saws better than novice users, so here are some tips. Some of the things you should keep in mind when buying a circular saw are the type and adjustability of the blade, the weight, and power of the saw, and also whether or not the saw is corded.
Adjustability of Blade
The adjustability of a saw blade is as important as its type and size. The blade adjustments are there for making a distinction between finer and coarser cuts, no matter what material you’re cutting. If you’re new to this, feel free to ask customer support online or a shop manager in person about blade adjustability.
Of course, this will depend on the type of work you need to do, but be sure to think about this prior to asking.
Power
This one is easy. More power equals better capacity and cutting strength. You want a circular saw which has a strong enough motor, especially if you’re cutting denser wood, and especially metal. Speed is also a matter of the motor.
You will cut much faster if your saw has a potent motor. Fifteen-amp motors seem to be standard for the 7 ¼” circular saws as they get the job done quickly and easily. The more powerful circular saws are used professionally for heavy-duty tasks.
Saws with less power are usually ideal for home use. If, for instance, you want to kit out your own personal workshop, a circular saw will be an integral part of it. You don’t necessarily need a beast of an engine for personal use.
Weight
Another crucial value you should consider if you’re buying circular saws is the weight. Typically, circular saws are hand-held, which means you’ll have to do the heavy lifting while working. Logically, you want a lightweight saw to save yourself the additional effort.
Safety
Not only that, but lightweight saws are also safer to use. Safety should be the No. 1 priority whenever a person is handling heavy-duty machinery or electrical appliances. It’s not a bad idea to search for the lightest saws on the market to make your life much easier.
Cordless vs. Corded
Some may think that this is a personal preference kind of deal but really, it’s not. Corded circular saws are generally more reliable than cordless saws. This is because these tools require high amounts of power to operate.
You don’t want your saw to go off just as you're about to finish your work, do you? If you have safety concerns about the cord falling out, ask the seller if their circular saws have some sort of cord support. Cord length and material could also be relevant to you.
Type of Blade
There are various types of circular saw blades. Most notably, you should pay attention to the blade size. Depending on the blade size, you’ll know what its capable of. Bigger blades mean broader cuts, but also more penetrative power.
Smaller blades offer precision cuts but usually can’t cut hard materials such as metal. Consider the materials used for the blade as well. You want a tough blade that can penetrate all sorts of materials. Even the most durable blades can break, so consider buying a saw with replaceable parts, or maybe even spare parts included in the deal.
Finally, make sure the blade matches the saw. Put simply – take a look at the arbor of the blade and the shaft design of the saw. These two have to match and fit together for safe and effective saw operation.
7-1/4” Circular Saws FAQ
How do you sharpen a circular saw blade?
Sharpening a circular saw blade can extend its life and, of course, make it sharper, thus increasing effectiveness. Here’s an easy method of sharpening it, all you need is a diamond file. Follow these steps:
- First, you need to remove the blade. If your saw has a switch for blade release, you have it easy. If not, you need to loosen the bolts holding the blade using a wrench.
- Tighten the blade with a vice grip. Make sure it’s facing up, pointing the teeth toward you. However, try not to overtighten the vice grip, because this causes warps.
- Mark the point of the furthest blade on top. You’re doing this to know when you’re done, so you don’t sharpen the blade multiple times. Every second blade point has a bevel that faces you. Take the diamond file (other files work too, but this is the best one) and hold it at a 20-degree angle according to the bevel.
- Stroke the tip along the bevel up and down five times. You should see the results immediately. Add more strokes if unsuccessful, or even replace the file if it’s bad.
- Every second blade has a bevel, so skip a blade and repeat the process on the second beveled edge. Keep doing this until you file the entire blade, always applying the same number of strokes.
- Turn the blade to the other side and repeat the entire process, using the same steps. Don’t forget to mark the start of the blade; it will help you know when you are done.
- File the blade tips as well. You don’t need multiple strokes for this.
- Put the blade back into the saw. You’ll need to release the blade from the vice grip first.
How do you change a circular saw blade?
You can find the answer to this question in the previous question. Simply release the blade if it has a switch. If not, then use a wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it. Put the new blade into the saw and lock it in. That wasn’t so difficult, right?
How do you cut a 45-degree angle with a circular saw?
Circular saws are powerful, reliable, but also easy to use. Most saws have clear markers and rulers which help immensely. You don’t need to be an expert to use different angles to your advantage. The 45-degree angle is one of the most basic ones when cutting with a circular saw.
Most saws have a lever for setting the angle of cutting. Usually, there are stops at the 90- and 45-degree angles. These make things much easier because all you need to do is set the lever to 45-degrees, indicated by the marker on the saw.
A bonus tip is to paint the markings on the shoe white and wipe away the excess paint. This will make the numbers clearly visible, even when there’s a lot of dust. Remember to use safety glasses every time you cut, because small pieces of wood can get into your eyes. Also, consider using ear protection as well.
Follow these steps to make this cut:
- To make the cut, rest the shoe of the saw on the lumber you want to cut, and make sure the blade is clear of the wood. Pull the trigger and let the blade accelerate to maximum speed.
- Push the blade smoothly through the wood or other material. Use the notch for guiding the saw along the cut line. Don’t push the blade too hard; let the saw do its work.
- Once your cut is done, push the blade clear of the material, release the trigger and wait for the blade to stop spinning. Let your offcut fall freely.
Another bonus tip is to use a speed square for crosscuts. Clamp the square to the cutting material, and then press the saw shoe against the square. This will guide the saw in a direct line.
How do you cut straight with a circular saw?
A straight cut with the circular saw is easier than the 45-degree angle cut. All you need to do is set the lever to 90-degrees indicated on the saw foot. Follow the same safety steps as in the previous section.
Be sure to keep the saw straight at all times – you can use your other hand to help you with this. Hold your free hand on top of the saw, don’t go near the blade with it. Generally speaking, these cuts are easier to pull off and don’t require any expertise. You should get the hang of it pretty soon.
Final Verdict
It would be hard to name the single best 7 ¼” circular saw on this list. All of the saws featured are reliable and offer great value for money. The choice is yours. You’re the one that needs to make the final decision.
Take all the nifty features into account and decide which of these circular saws fits you best. The price might be the determining factor for some people, but these saws are all in a similar price range, except for the first one on the list.
However, the Makita 5007MG Magnesium 7-1/4” circular saw is a premium saw, with the best ratings and user satisfaction. This saw is a worthwhile investment, but so are the other circular 7 ¼” saws on this list.