You love your circular saw, but you don’t love that it’s cumbersome and impossible to move. Sometimes, you’d like to make cuts out of position, you know?
Cordless compact circular saws are designed for all those out of position cuts. They have maximum maneuverability while still offering the same precision and performance as their full-sized counterparts.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite cordless mini circular saws. Plus, we’ve answered a few questions you might have about how to choose exactly the right one. Let’s take a look.
Best Cordless Mini Circular Saw of April, 2021.
Makita SH02R1 – Best Mini Circular Saw Bundle
Makita’s SH02R1 is a slight step up from the SHO1W in that it offers slightly more power at 1500 revolutions per minute. It has a 3-3/8 inch cutting blade offering a cutting depth of about an inch.
It’s bevel-capable, offering degrees between zero and 45. It weighs just three and a half pounds and features an ergonomic handle that prevents overextension and helps keep cutting sure.
There’s no laser sight, but it does help keep dust from gathering at the cut site.
The blade wrench is attached to the saw for quick changes. The tool has an integrated battery LED indicator so you can keep an eye on your power. The battery is protected from overload and overheating with an automatic shutoff. The package comes with two 12 volt batteries with a charge time of 50 minutes, a charger, and the tool. Everything fits into a carrying case.
It’s good for jobs that require a little more power, and the convenient case means it’s always ready for you to use because everything is together. It can cut a variety of materials including drywall, pegboard, MDF, and plywood.
Pros
- It has slightly higher revolutions for more power.
- It comes with two batteries and a charger.
- Everything fits into a carrying case.
Cons
- These batteries aren’t compatible with all Makita products
- There’s no laser sight.
WORX WX523L 20V 3-3/8″ – Perfect for Clean Work Environment
This is a great little saw for the DIYer. The main difference between this and the WX423L, is that it’s a 20 volt product.
So it is a cordless compact circular saw with a three and three-eighths blade. It has a laser guide attached to the top of it to help with straight cutting.
And it really does pack a good powerful punch. The no-load speed is 3500 RPMs, and the max cutting depth is one in one-sixteen, so it’s great for your 1/4″ projects.
If you do have something where you’re going to need to cut 2/4″? You’d want to step up to the WX429 which has a larger blade. But this one is great with the 3-3/8″ blade for any of the small projects around the home and DIYers that are just getting started with their saws.
The 20 volt batteries not only work with different WORX DIY tools like drills or compact drivers, but it also works with WORX garden products. So you can now use the same battery whether you’re working out in the yard or in the garage.
Pros
- “Power Share Program” batteries
- Lightweight
- Good for newbies
- 3500 RPM
Cons
- Charger is not included in standard package
Ryobi P506 One+ – Best Budget Option for the Money
Ryobi’s compact circular saw is compatible with many of Ryobi’s battery packs including P100 through 105, P107, and P108. It packs a whopping 4600 revolutions per minute so it can cut through many materials including most wood and drywall.
Maximum cutting depth is just over two inches when the angle is set to 90 degrees and a little over an inch and a half at 45 degrees.
It has a bevel capacity of zero to 56 degrees. The saw provides a laser line of sight to make sure your cuts are accurate and on target. Ryobi cuts through 2x4s pretty well though it sometimes leaves the wood on the ends requiring a second cut on the bottom.
The blade is tipped in carbide to prevent rust. The blade is oriented to the left to make it easier to spot correctly even without the laser sight. Plus, the wrench you’ll need to remove the blade for cleaning is included in the set. Easy grip knobs make adjusting easily whether it’s bevel or depth.
It has a rubberized handle that’s very thick. It can handle a lot of pressure without kicking back and resist slipping with or without gloves. (Wear safety gloves, please.)
The batteries charge in about 30 minutes, but it doesn’t provide a lot of power to cut for long periods of time. You can make it about 20 feet or so on a full charge, but if you’ve got multiple Ryobi tools, you can use batteries in succession for longer cut times.
Pros
- It’s very affordable.
- 4600 revolutions is pretty powerful for a cordless circular saw.
- The blade is tipped in carbide to prevent rusting.
Cons
- Battery life is disappointing.
- Blade size is difficult to find.
Makita SH01W – Best For Household Tasks
Our first saw is a lightweight device best used for minimal tasks such as household chores and the occasional project. It’s well balanced and fits great in your hand. It weighs just over three pounds and has a soft grip handle to prevent slipping and increase comfort.
The Makita SH01W has a one-inch cutting capacity at a 90-degree angle. Setting the depth at 5/8 inches allows it to cut at a 45-degree angle.
It rotates at 1400 RPMs, a little less than what we’d like to see, but still enough to cut 1x2s or small firewood for things like wood stoves.
This saw has bevel capacity with the saw adjustable at the base from zero to 45 degrees. It has an excellent line of sight to the front of the saw with a notch to make sure things are lined up correctly.
If most of your projects are the household variety, such as cabinetry or necessary repairs, this should be enough power for you to get those jobs done. If you’re using it professionally, or your jobs are larger outdoor projects, it might not have quite the power or depth necessary to finish.
The set comes with a carrying case and two battery packs. Battery charge time is roughly 50 minutes, so having dual batteries means one battery charges while the other is in use. It should give you plenty of power to finish your jobs if you’re smart about charging.
It comes with a three-year warranty. It’s suitable for many types of materials including particle board, drywall, and MDF.
Pros
- It includes two batteries.
- It’s ultra lightweight and ergonomic.
- It has an excellent line of sight.
Cons
- The cutting depth is respectable but minimal and limited to household tasks.
- 1400 RPMs is on the low end of the power scale.
Best Compact Mini Cordless Circular Saw – Buyer’s Guide
What do you look for when you’re choosing a cordless mini circular saw? Let’s take a look at a few of your options.
- Blades
The first thing you consider is the tooth count on a blade. The more teeth included, the cleaner your cut will be. For most household jobs, the tooth count isn’t too important, but if you’re planning some professional work, it might make the difference.
Next is how easy it is to get replacement blades. Mini or compact tools frequently use components that aren’t a standard size. How non-standard it is can mean the difference between a tool that’s a struggle to maintain and one that’s convenient.
Blades dipped in carbide resist rusting and prolong the life of the blade. Most jobs with these tools are wood, but there are other types of blades available for different materials.
- Ergonomics
Compact saws need a lot of balance. The ergonomics of the tool make it convenient or a bungling mess. A well-balanced saw prevents injury from extended use or from a wobbly, difficult to hold the saw.
If you can get to a store to hold different saws before you purchase online, you should plan to do that. Find a tool that fits well in your hand and allows you to maneuver without too much difficulty.
Other factors are grips that mold well to your hand and coverings that prevent slippage whether you’re wearing gloves or barehanded (but don’t do that).
- Understand What You’re Getting
Mini saws might be convenient, but that convenience is a trade-off for full functionality. If you have large jobs where you’re cutting through enormous pieces of wood, don’t misunderstand what you’ll be able to do with your mini saw.
A cordless mini circular saw is meant for smaller jobs where you’re cutting out of position, or you’re in a tight space. They won’t be able to handle the scope of large professional jobs, and you shouldn’t expect them to.
Instead, these are meant to be complements to your larger, corded tools or a tool for someone who only does a handful of household jobs here and there. Cutting wood for a picture frame? Sure, use the mini. Cutting wood to build a shed? Forget it.
The Takeaway
Cordless mini circular saws are great little tools to have on hand for quick jobs that don’t require a lot of power or very deep cuts. They can get the job done quickly without dragging out all your equipment just for a few little projects. As long as you understand their capabilities, they should be a worthwhile addition to your tool shed.
What’s the first project you plan to complete with your new saw? Let us know in the comments below.
