Circular Saws: 6-1/2" vs 7-1/4" ?

[jeromedawg]

Hi all,

If you had to choose one size over the other, which one would you go with and why?

[zolotiyeruki]

7 1/4.  Larger, better for cutting 2x4's.  That said, I seldom use a circular saw for anything other than plywood and other panel products--I use a miter saw for 2x material, unless it's 2x8 or larger, since my miter saw doesn't slide.

[jeromedawg]

7 1/4.  Larger, better for cutting 2x4's.  That said, I seldom use a circular saw for anything other than plywood and other panel products--I use a miter saw for 2x material, unless it's 2x8 or larger, since my miter saw doesn't slide.

What about when it comes to precision/accuracy and also handling/weight? Does the 7-1/4" still win regardless? I don't anticipate on making a ton of cuts. I have a miter saw as well for the 2x4s.

[zolotiyeruki]

What kind of precision are you looking for?  When I think "precision" a circular saw is about the last tool that comes to mind.

[jeromedawg]

What kind of precision are you looking for?  When I think "precision" a circular saw is about the last tool that comes to mind.

Haha, I'm not sure - I guess clean cuts with no ripping,etc.

I have such little experience with both miter and circular saws that I probably would never be able to tell.

What about as far as handling between a 6-1/2 and 7-1/4 though? Is it negligible? I'm wondering if this is the kind of thing where people will complain about not having a bigger saw (if they go with the 6-1/2), or where they never complain that a 7-1/4 is "too big" and that they wish they would have gone smaller with a 6-1/2.

[big_owl]

I find the circular saw to the most most useless power tool I own.  Like above, I always reach for my mitre saw or table saw unless it's plywood.  But even then I prefer to use the table saw to cut plywood. 

Hell, I'll favor just using a chainsaw over a circular saw...it's about as accurate.  Same with a reciprocating saw. 

I'd always get the larger one if you had to get one though.  The blade should last longer on a larger saw in theory. 

[lthenderson]

I guess clean cuts with no ripping,etc.

I have such little experience with both miter and circular saws that I probably would never be able to tell.

What about as far as handling between a 6-1/2 and 7-1/4 though? Is it negligible? I'm wondering if this is the kind of thing where people will complain about not having a bigger saw (if they go with the 6-1/2), or where they never complain that a 7-1/4 is "too big" and that they wish they would have gone smaller with a 6-1/2.

For clean cuts, worry more about the blade you have on the saw versus the size of the saw. Most circular saws come with blades meant for quick cutting and produce lots of tear out. The first thing I do is throw that saw blade in a drawer where I keep it to turn it backwards and cut through sheet steel. I replace it with a nice blade with more teeth for cutting wood projects. These days I only use my circular saw for rough cutting things down to more manageable sizes. If I am wanting accurate cuts, I use my track saw, crosscut saw or tablesaw.

If you are working in a shop situation and aren't carrying it from your belt on a jobsite, I would stay with the 7-1/4 just for the increased thickness cutting capacity. But when on a jobsite cutting 2 x materials overhead all day, a smaller 6-1/2 is much appreciated.

[BudgetSlasher]

What are you going to use it for?

Currently I am down to 2 circular saws a worm drive (technically hypoid) Makita that will chew through anything and a sidewinder Milwaukee cordless.

For the most part I consider both rough carpentry tools the are mostly relegated to processing sheet goods or cutting framing lumber in places taking the miter saw would be a PITA. Though with a high TPI blade, a good zero clearance jig/fence, and maybe some painters' tape you can get some pretty good cuts.

Given how I have used the saws the most -processing sheet good- if I were in the market for my first circular saw and didn't have a pile of jigs/fences, I would be looking at a track saw.

[uniwelder]

If I were a homeowner looking to buy just one saw, I think a jig saw is the most useful. You can cut 2x4’s, irregular shapes, etc. It will take longer and the cuts will probably be more wavy, but it’s definitely versatile and much safer than a circular saw.

[index]

The only advantage to a 7-1/4 versus a 6-1/2 is the larger saw can cut a 2x4 at a 45 degree angle. I have both and use the Milwaukee Fuel 6.5 inch saw the majority of the time. More important to me is a right versus a left handed saw. A right handed saw has the motor mounted on the right so you can see the blade when you are cutting right handed. Left handed is the opposite. Some saws (worm drive) have the motor mounted behind but this makes the saw longer and the balance is good, but you have to lug the saw around the job site.

I use Diablo combination blades which are decent. Circular saws are for 2x material and ripping subfloor. A track saw is the best tool for accurately cutting sheet goods. The cheap $100 track saw and $60 tracks off Amazon work great.