The circular saw can be operated with two hands or even one hand! So, what is the average weight of a circular saw? The weight of the tool is important. It can make the difference between comfortable operation and operator fatigue.
The average weight of a circular saw is about 9.85 lbs. When figuring the weight of cordless models, you also need to include the weight of the battery. Circular Saw weight can range from a low of about 4 pounds to a high of over 18 pounds.
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When is a circular saw not a circular saw? Answer: When it has a square blade or a triangular blade. Well, I guess these could still cut wood if the blade rotated fast enough! I couldn’t resist that little joke. However, I’ll stop here because I don’t want to get onto another subject. This post is about Circular Saw weight. So, I’ll confine the discussion to that.
In the sections below, we will give examples with the weights of several popular models. After all, you don’t want your saw to be heavier than it needs to be.
Weight of a Circular Saw
There are all sorts of Circular Saws out there. The smaller ones are very light and allow you to cut through plywood pieces with ease! The depth range is not too great. However, you can still cut through 2” x 4”s with many of these smaller models. Are you new to woodworking? Another article talks about things you need to know.
Depth Range
So, what do we mean by depth range? Circular saws generally have a bottom base. This rests on the wood itself. This depth range is the distance that the blade protrudes under the plate. It corresponds to the deepest cut you can make through the wood.
So, how does this relate to weight? Well, circular saws with smaller depth ranges are generally smaller than tools with larger ones. So, they usually weigh less.
Even very small and lightweight saws can be used for many woodworking projects. Here is an example: Suppose you need to cut a 2” x 4” piece of wood. Smaller circular saws have a blade radius of 4 ½” and can have a depth range of 1-11/16”.
At first, it looks like you won’t be able to cut through the 2” x 4” since 1-11/16” is less than 2”. However, you can still do it since most 2” x 4” stock from the lumber yard has been milled and is actually about 1 ½” x 3 ½” !
Size Of Blade
Circular saws have a round blade that rotates in order to cut the wood. Usually, these are made out of heavy steel. So, larger blades result in heavier tools. In general, circular saws with larger blade radius are heavier.
Usually, the blade size is measured in terms of the radius. That is, a saw that will accommodate a 4 ½” radius blade will be termed a 4 ½” saw, one that uses a 7 ¼” blade will be called a 7 ¼” saw, and so on.
Circular saws with larger blades generally have more powerful and heavier motors. This factor also contributes to the weight of the tool.
Features
Circular saws are made of all sorts of components. These include the bottom plate and also the spring-loaded blade cover that snaps into position and covers the blade when you finish your cut.
These can be made of all sorts of materials such as aluminum, magnesium, and even plastic. These materials differ in weight greatly. So, the overall weight of circular saws will vary.
Some saws include laser guides, dust collection ports, and other additions. These features also add to the weight.
Materials
Circular saws and other power tools are made of a wide variety of materials. Some are heavier than others. Also, some are stronger than others. This affects the overall durability of the tool.
Another factor is heat resistance. Some materials can withstand higher temperatures than others. This is important since the tools might get hot. This happens because the moving pieces will rub against the wood and each other. As you know, friction produces heat.
Below are some of the materials used in circular saws and other power tools. You need not make the entire tool out of a single material. Some have housings made of one material, gears made of another, and handles of still another material. This affects the weight of the power tool.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a very lightweight metal. It is often used in power tools, aircraft, and in other places where weight is a factor.
Many times, the tool housing can be made of aluminum while the handle or grip can be made of plastic. The handle will be easy-to-grip and hold while the overall weight of the tool will be less than with another housing type.
Magnesium
Magnesium is even lighter than Aluminum. It can be used for the tool housing, the bottom plate, or even the gears! It can actually be stronger than steel and is lightweight.
Steel
Steel is a very durable material. However, it is heavier than Magnesium or Aluminum. However, it is often used in circular saws. The rotating blade itself can be made of steel. Also, other components or accessories can be made of steel.
Cordless Tools
Some Circular Saws come without power cords. Instead, they’re powered by batteries. When you think of batteries, flashlights and similar things come to mind. How can the tool be powerful enough to do its job? A battery can light up a bulb. However, can it also power a woodworking tool?
Yes! This really isn’t an issue. Cordless tools are very strong and cut wood well. However, the batteries need to be recharged after particular intervals.
The real advantage is that you no longer need to be near an outlet to use the tool. Also, you don’t need an extension cord. This makes outdoor work very easy and more enjoyable. For one thing, cords can make it difficult to position the saw and can contribute to operator fatigue. Another post talks about dangerous woodworking tools.
Also, you need to make sure you don’t cut through the cord. So, you may need to move your work. All of this manipulation takes extra time.
So, where’s this going? The weight of cordless saws is not only the weight of the tool, but the weight of the battery. This can amount to an extra pound or more, just for the battery!
Here are some examples of cordless circular saws. They include the total weight of the tool and allow you to compare one model to another:
1. DEWALT DCS391B 6-1/2-Inch 20V MAX Circular Saw (8.1 lbs.)
This is also a 6 ½” saw. However, the base is made out of magnesium in order to reduce weight. Magnesium is a very strong and lightweight metal.
The grip is made of rubber. This makes it more comfortable for the operator.
2. Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw (8.93 lbs.)
This cordless model has a 6 ½” blade. This adds to the weight. However, the saw itself is made of lightweight plastic.
3. DEWALT DCS571B 20V Cordless Circular Saw (7.61 lbs.)
This is really a compact saw with a 4-1/2″ blade. The “20V” in the title means that a 20 volt battery is required.
There really is an advantage to the small size. You can get into small spaces and make your cuts with ease!
4. Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw (9.03 lbs.)
This song offers a compact size, yet it still offers a 2 ¼” depth of cut. It’s not too heavy a saw, so it doesn’t cause too much operator fatigue.
5. Makita XSH04ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 6-1/2” Circular Saw (7.83 lbs.)
This also has a 6 ½” inch blade and makes cuts up to 2 ¼” deep. This allows it to cut a 2” x 4” with ease. However, it’s a very lightweight and compact tool.
6. Ridgid OCTANE 18V Cordless Brushless 7-1/4 inch Circular Saw (12.05 lbs.)
This saw has a 2-11/16” depth of cut. This is more than enough to cut through a 2” x 4”. Also, you have the convenience of a cordless unit powered by an 18-volt battery,
7. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw (6.81 lbs.)
Black & Decker is a familiar name in the power tool world. Also, the blade has a radius of only 5 ½” . This helps it to be an extremely lightweight unit at only 6.81 lbs.!
8. DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Brake (DCS570B) (8.9 lbs.)
This saw has a 7 ¼” blade and an electric brake. It is powered by a 20V battery. This cordless unit is very easy to use.
9. Ryobi P508 One+ 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 7 1/4 3,800 RPM Circular Saw (7.39 lbs.)
This saw has a 7 ¼” inch blade. However, it is very light. Also, the cordless unit is easy to use.
Corded Tools
Corded circular saws need to be plugged into an outlet. Sometimes, you need to move your work to an area with proper power fixtures. This can take more of your time and be inconvenient.
The overall weight of the circular saw can be less since you don’t need to add a heavy battery. Generally, the cord weighs less than the battery.
Several Corded Circular Saw models are listed below. The weight is included to help you compare the different models with each other:
10. TACKLIFE TCS115A Circular Saw with Metal Handle (8.27 lbs.)
This compact uses a 4 ¾” inch blade and also a 4 ½” one. It also includes a laser guide to make cuts more accurate. It’s compact yet powerful and slices through a variety of materials, including wood.
11. DEWALT DWE575SB 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake (8.8lbs.)
This saw is larger at 7 ¼”. It includes an electric brake and also has an integrated dust blower. The depth of cut (with the blade bevel set at 90 degrees) is 2.55 inches. So, it can easily slice through a 2” x 4” piece of wood.
12. GALAX PRO 4Amp 3500RPM Mini Circular Saw with Laser Guide (6.05 lbs.)
More high-tech gadgets! This saw has a laser guide for increased operator accuracy and ease of use. It has a depth range of 1-11/16”.
As described in the section above, this is enough to cut a milled 2” x 4” piece of wood.
13. Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (10.6 lbs.)
This saw contains magnesium components in order to decrease the overall weight. It includes L.E.D. lights to illuminate the work area. As with other circular saws, you can tilt the base in order to make bevel cuts.
14. Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw with Laser Guide (4 lbs.)
This compact saw also includes a laser guide. The dust extraction adapter keeps the work area clean so you can see what you’re doing.
This saw is very small and weighs only 4 pounds.
15. Metabo HPT 7-1/4″ Circular Saw (14 lbs.)
This one has a 7 ¼” blade, so you would expect it to be heavier than other models. However, the base is made of heavy-duty Aluminum. This decreases the overall weight.
16. TACKLIFE PES01A 7-1/4″ Classic Circular Saw with Laser (10.01 lbs.)
This saw features a 7 ¼” blade and also a laser guide. No, you don’t need to be a science-fiction fan to appreciate this high-tech addition. The laser guide will improve the accuracy of the cut.
This saw also features a lightweight aluminum blade guard. The guard snaps shut when you finish with your cut and lift the saw away from the wood. Guards improve safety and also allow you to put the saw back on the ground before the blade stops spinning. When you put your saw down without a guard, you can do damage to your blade and also have your saw scoot away !
17. PORTER-CABLE PCE381K 5.5 Amp 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw Kit (6lbs.)
This is a very Compact and lightweight saw. The blade size is only 4 ½” and the saw includes a vacuum adapter.
18. Makita 5007F Circular Saw (11.1 lbs.)
This saw has a lightweight aluminum base. It also includes a dust blower and two L.E.D. lights. These lights illuminate the work area and add to accuracy.
19. GALAX PRO GPL12367 Corded Circular Saw (9.2 lbs.)
The integrated laser allows you to make precise cuts. It also has an integrated dust extraction system in order to keep the line of sight free of sawdust. It’s made of lightweight plastic.
20. PORTER-CABLE 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (PCE300) (9.5 lbs.)
This saw has a steel base for extra strength and durability. Also, the upper and lower guards are made of metal. However, the saw is not too heavy and is easy to use.
21. WORX WORXSAW WX429L 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw (4.4 lbs.)
This is a lightweight, compact, and easy to use saw. The saw can cut through 2” x 4” wood stock. Also, it includes a vacuum adapter.
22. Milwaukee 6390-21 7-1/4-Inch 15-Amp Tilt-Lok Circular Saw (17.8 lbs.)
The base of the tool is made of lightweight aircraft aluminum. This decreases the overall weight of the tool.
23. Big Foot Tools BF-UG 10-1/4-Inch Wormdrive Magnesium Circular Saw w/ Skil Motor (16 lbs.)
Parts of this saw are made of lightweight magnesium and aluminum. Also, it contains strong and durable steel. It can cut 4” x 4” material in a single pass.
24. PORTER-CABLE 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (PCE310) (9 lbs.)
This has a magnesium foot. Also, the upper and lower guards are made of metal. The saw is very easy to use.
25. TECCPO Corded Circular Saw with Laser (TACS01P) (11 lbs.)
You’ll be saying “put your phasers on stun – beam me up Scotty!” when you use the hi-tech laser guide on this device. This saw has a heavy gauge iron wraparound base. Also, it has a thickened aluminum upper cover.
26. Bosch CSW41 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw (15 lbs.)
This saw uses magnesium construction for lighter weight. Also, the saw is easy to operate. In addition, it has a soft grip for operator comfort.
27. CRAFTSMAN CMES510 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (11.05 lbs.)
The foot of this device is made of lightweight and durable magnesium. This decreases the overall weight of the tool. In addition, the upper and lower guards are made of metal.
28. SKILSAW SPT77W-01 15 Aluminum Worm Drive Circular Saw (18.6 lbs)
This saw is heavier than some other models. However, it has an aluminum body, an aluminum guard, and a steel foot.
29. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide (8.7 lbs.)
Like many other saws, this uses a laser guide improved accuracy. The blade size is 7 ¼”. However, the saw is very light!
Conclusion
The examples above suggest that many factors affect the overall weight of circular saws. The table below shows the results we found and is based on the examples. Along with the average weight of a circular saw, it shows the maximum and minimum values:
| Average Weight | 9.85 Lbs. |
| Maximum Weight | 18.60 Lbs. |
| Minimum Weight | 4.00 Lbs. |
| Average Weight Of Cordless Models | 8.52 Lbs. |
| Maximum Weight Of Cordless Models | 12.05 Lbs. |
| Minimum Weight Of Cordless Models | 6.81 Lbs. |
| Average Weight Of Corded Models, | 10.45 Lbs. |
| Maximum Weight Of Corded Models, | 18.60 Lbs. |
| Minimum Weight Of Corded Models, | 4.00 Lbs. |
We can see that the average weight of the circular saw is about 9.85 lbs. Also, the cordless saws we looked at were lighter than the corded saws.
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