Circular Saw Buying Guide on Black Friday

Circular saws are not only handy for woodworkers but great tools for the average homeowner as well. If you've ever saw a sheet of plywood in half with a handsaw you know what I mean. You may not use it every day but when you need it -- it's indispensable. We're not going to get into which brands are the best in this article. Instead, we're going to present this circular saw buying guide to help you make a decision when buying your circular saw on Black Friday.

When buying a circular saw, you're going to find a variety of blade sizes ranging from 4 1/2 to 10 inches. The most common is somewhere in the middle -- 7 1/4 inches. Keep in mind that the size of the blade is not important in respect to it's cutting depth. Just be sure to buy a saw that is big enough to handle the largest boards you plan to cut. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

Safety should be your first thought so make sure you buy a circular saw with an automatic brake. This stops the blade instantly when your finger is released from the trigger.
Circular saws have a tilting mechanism that makes cuts at angles between 90 and 45 degrees. You want to make sure this mechanism moves smoothly. This is important when making angled cuts.
Make sure it feels comfortable in your hand. This is where brands differ - some, because of handles and weight distribution, are just more comfortable than others.
Make sure the saw has a good exhaust port and dust bag. Also, be sure the saw can be connected to a wet/dry vacuum. This is especially important if you will be using your saw mostly indoors.
Check out the blade guard and be sure it moves smoothly. A blade guard that is a little sticky can be hard to use and unsafe.
When you buy your saw, get a good carbide-tipped blade at the same time. Most saws come with cheap blades. A carbide-tipped blade will last many times longer and perform better. These are readily available at most hardware stores and home centers.
It is hoped that this circular saw buying guide has been useful in helping you make a decision about which saw is perfect for your particular working style. Without a doubt, a circular saw is one of the most important tools in any workshop. Check out the various, makes, models and sizes carefully. Don't base your decision on price. Instead, make your decision on feel, safety features and ease of use. If you do that you can't go wrong and you'll be sure of getting a saw that will serve you well for many years.