This Einhell TC-CS 860 has a special steady aluminium soleplate, which offers good sliding properties for a firm, constant sawing. Yet again, it contains an integrated laser which comes as a support for an accurate execution of straight cuts. This tool also features an overload cut-out. The max depth is 28.5 mm, a lot smaller compared to its Worx counterpart. Yet again, the laser is accurate and a friend in need and the depth control is easy to adjust. It’ll cut to a depth of 66mm (46mm at a 45 degree angle), and can easily be adjusted by sliding a lever to tilt the footplate, but there’s no guide, so you’ll have to make your own measurements. The bevel is better – it can be adjusted by loosening or tightening two screws, and there’s a guide to ensure accuracy. The saw comes with a parallel guide, an allen key (which stores in the saw’s handle) and, impressively, a tough, plastic carrying case.

Base plate: It is important that the base plate be sturdy and strong to provide stability to the saw during operation.

How to choose the best circular saw to make safe, straight and clean cuts

Key specs – Weight: 3.8kg; Blade diameter: 190mm; Cutting depth at 90 degrees: 66mm; Cutting depth at 45 degrees: 46mm; No-load speed: 5,200rpm As the name suggests, the mini circular saw is a smaller version of a typical, full-size circular saw. They are lightweight and easy to handle. You can get your small jobs done by using it for paneling, molding, cabinetry any light furniture or flooring material. The big decision you’ll have to make is whether to go corded or cordless. Corded circular saws will never suffer from a flat battery, and a consistent 240V power supply delivers the kind of oomph that more powerful saws need. On the flip side, cordless saws offer ultimate portability, away from a conventional power source, and you won’t have to worry about slicing through a cable, especially if you’re working in a confined space. Weighting around 1.9 kilograms, it is extremely lightweight. It features a maximum cutting depth of 23 mm.

Key specs – Weight: 3.37kg; Blade diameter: 85mm; Cutting depth at 90 degrees: 23mm; Cutting depth at 45 degrees: NA; No-load speed: 6,000rpmWe’ve tested the three main types of saws here – corded, cordless, and a mini circular saw – covering all-round useability, the accessories included, the noise when the saw is spinning freely and during a cut, and, of course, its ability to cut wood.

With the blade to the right of the handle, it’s a little easier for right-handers, but, thanks to the well-positioned two-way release switch, left-handers will have little problem using it. As a rule of thumb, the more teeth a sawblade has, the neater the cut will be. However, low-powered circular saws often work best with blades which have bigger teeth. Left- or right-handed circular saws?Laser guide: Though not a necessity it is useful in guiding you to cut accurately and in a straight line.

Key specs – Weight: 2.16kg (excluding battery); Blade diameter: 150mm; Cutting depth at 90 degrees: 45mm; Cutting depth at 45 degrees: 32mm; No-load speed: 4,700rpm

Similar products

Most circular saws offer the ability to set the cutting depth and the angle of a bevel by adjusting the saw’s angle relative to its baseplate guide. The depth of a cut will vary according to the angle – most saws will be able to cut more deeply when positioned at 90 degrees to the material, while angled cuts won’t be quite as deep.