Scott Cam, the builder from the Backyard Blitz team, has some valuable advice on buying the best circular saw for home use. He recommends lightweight machines with a small blade diameter - that is blade diameters of 162mm (6 1/2") to 185mm (7 1/4"). They are less dangerous than larger machines used by tradesmen, but still able to tackle home handyperson jobs from building a shelf to erecting a pergola.Bigger and more powerful circular saws are not really necessary in the home workshop. Because they are heavy and harder to control they are potentially much more dangerous. Possible injuries from circular saws include:
lacerations from the very sharp rotating blade breathing in or swallowing dust eye and other injuries when dust and debris fly off the saw blade

Safety first

When using a circular saw always wear appropriate safety gear, such as a dust mask, clear safety glasses and earmuffs. Keep a firm, tight grip when operating a circular saw. Keep circular saws and other power tools in a locked cupboard, well out of the reach of children.

Further information

Circular saws with blade sizes from 162mm (6 1/2") to 185mm (7 1/4") are safe for home use. Scott does not recommend circular saws with 235mm (9 1/4") blades for the home handyman. The 185mm (7 1/4") model is the most popular and widely available circular saw on the market.

Prices
162mm circular saw: from $175
185mm circular saw: $100-$200
235mm tradesman's saw: around $350

Earmuffs (around $29) and clear safety glasses (about $16) are available at most hardware stores.

Copyright CTC Productions 2001