9 Different Types of Circular Saws (with Pictures)

A circular saw is one of the most versatile and handy saws which has several types available in the market. Each of these varieties has distinctive features to accomplish different craftsmanship. Therefore, it might be overwhelmed to decide which types of circular saws will best fit your purpose. 

Therefore, we came with this informative article to let you know about the all available circular saw types with their functions. This would be helpful for people who are going to buy a circular saw for their woodworking and metal-cutting job. 

The List of Different Types of Circular Saws

Here we go with our list of the circular saw varieties available at present in the market. So, let’s begin. 

1. Corded Circular Saws 

Well, this isn’t mainly a type of circular saw; instead, it’s a feature mostly preferable for circular saws. Corded circular saws generate a tremendous amount of power, which can perform even the toughest cutting jobs at ease. Cordless circular saws with their brute force top their counterpart the cordless ones easily. 

2. Cordless Circular Saws 

If coded circular saws are famous for their strength, the cordless ones are even more popular for their mobility. You can use cordless circular saws to rip large timbers those you can’t move due to their heavyweight. As you can move it near to your workplace, it quickens your job. 

3. Compact and Mini Circular Saws 

The performance of the power tools such as circular saws often relies upon the confidence and experience of the users. So, for the amateur carpenters, the compact and mini circular saws will be a great benefit. 

These mini circular saws are lightweight and portable, so negates any opportunity of accidents. Moreover, their compact design enables the user to carry it without sweating. Isn’t it an excellent advantage to have? 

4. Worm Drive Circular Saws 

Worm drive circular saws are the most common ones you will see. Unlike other circular saws, the motor of the worm drive saws is placed at the back. So, it has a slightly longer blade. Moreover, it is thinner than other saws blade.

On the other side, the gears are placed at a 90-degree angle, helping them to transfer power with better control. All these features make it an ideal choice for cutting plunges and wide boards. Indeed, its extreme strength and longer teeth on the blade will help the user to handle robust and substantial tasks more comfortably. 

Moreover, they have extended durability. They, however, require some regular maintenance, such as adding oil. 

5. Sidewinder Circular Saws 

Also known as in-line circular saws, the motor in these types of circular saws are mounted at one side. So, it is a compact model. Carpenters, especially in the eastern part of the USA, prefer the sidewinder circular saws. 

Typically, the motor is mounted on the right side of the saw. So, it is placed on a stable platform. Moreover, it is lightweight and portable, which makes it ideal if you need to perform overhead cuttings. Furthermore, the in-line placement of the motor helps the blade to work with more speed close to 5500-6000 RPM. 

6. Hypoid Circular Saws

Often misplaced with the typical worm drive saws, the hypoid circular saws have their motor at the rear end. But their alignment along with the transmission system functions entirely in a different way. Unlike worm driven ones, they don’t need oiling to continue operating. 

Nonetheless, like the worm drive circular saws, their gear is also placed in a 90° formation. It helps them to produce more torque releasing more power through the blade. So, the hypoid circular saws are good at performing large tasks. 

7. Cordwood Saws 

Most sawmills use the cordwood saws to cut the large timber, logs or slabs into smaller firewood. It is popularly known ad buzz saws and is used to cut boards across their grains. 

Cordwood saws have four essential parts-

• A hard frame
• A blade with 20-36 diameter 
• Mandrel and cradle
• The power- source

It was earlier popular among countryside people but has been gradually replaced by the conventional chainsaws. 

8. Cold Saws

Cold saws are mainly designed to cut different metals with pinpoint precision. The secret of such accuracy is dependent upon two features. 

• The large diameter of the blade 
• The slow rotation, along with the linear feed. 

As the blade operates slowly, it passes through the hardened metals comfortably. It is used to cut down the metals into more manageable and narrow slots for further shaping. 

9. Abrasive Saws

Abrasive saws are also used to cut through hard metals. However, instead of typical teeth, it operates with friction discs. These discs are composite, and the saw itself has a different formation. While some works like a table saw, some acts like handheld saws. 

As it cuts hard materials, it receives more wear and tear. To stop such quick wearing, the blade edges are made with either diamond or carbon nitride. 

Conclusion

The market is flooded with different types of circular saws. We have collected all the possible information regarding the circular saw and classified them into different categories. 

The guide mentioned above on the varieties of circular saws should come handy for you. However, before you decide to buy one, consider their user-friendliness, portability, and operating system to understand which type will serve you best.