While some circular saw manufacturers offer frills like canvas carry bags or LED lights, there are several features you definitely need if you’re going to enjoy using your saw. I’m not saying duffel bags and LED lights aren’t good features, but there are others that are more important.
The Sword Guard: A blade guard that provides absolute safety and is easy to operate is a crucial feature. A binding blade guard is very dangerous and has been the cause of the majority of manufacturer recalls. Test your circular saw and make sure the blade guard works properly when cutting bevels. That will be the ultimate reliability test.
Security devices: The safety switch must have a lockout feature to prevent the saw from being started accidentally. This is a must. 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. There’s no waiting for the blade to shut down before starting another cut, not to mention the danger of 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 gets really heavy. Typical 7 ¼-inch saws weigh between eight and 12 pounds, while 10-inch circular saws weigh up to 20 pounds. This is where the ergonomics of how you hold the saw and balance come into play. You have to think about the type of cuts that you do mostly; Are they overhead or are they on easels? Are you doing mostly cross cuts or do you do a lot of ripping? Handle the saw before you buy it and try to get an idea of how it handles.
flat base: The flat base must be strong and stable. Inexpensive saws will have stamped steel plates, while more expensive saws will have base plates made of aircraft aluminum or magnesium. Look for rolled edges that make the board stronger and also make it easier to follow a guide rail. You will eventually drop the saw and the stamped steel plates will bend.
Settings for the bezel: Play around with the bevel settings to make sure they move easily and snap into position. It is good to have saws with scales that have one degree markings. This makes it easy to make more precise cuts without having to make a lot of test cuts.
