.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

Best Mini Circular Saw UK Reviews 2023 

In this article we review, what we believe to be the best  mini circular saws, currently available on the UK marketplace. There are a lot of electric powered saws available, and of all of these, the circular saw is without doubt the most popular.

These mini versions can be really handy, especially as they are so portable. For once, size doesn't really matter!

Circular saws were invented in the late 18th century and were in common use in mills in the United States by the middle of the 19th century.

They are mostly used for cutting wood but can also cut metal, plastic and masonry depending on what type of blade you are using. They are now a common tool in the home workshop

There are different types of circular saw blades and each are specifically designed for a particular material which they are intended to cut and in cutting wood are specifically designed for making rip cuts cross-cuts, or a combination of the two. They are very useful for many different jobs.

If you are stuck for time, just go straight to the WORX WX423 85 mm 400W Compact Circular Saw as we found this to be the best overall value for money !

Circular saw blades are specially designed for each particular material they are intended to cut and in cutting wood are specifically designed for making rip-cuts, cross-cuts, or a combination of both

A good quality mini circular saw can cost from £50-£200 and you pretty much get what you pay for. You will find a big difference in quality over these price ranges and I always try to go for the best I can afford in a tool if its something that I intend to use regularly.

If its only going to be used the very odd time then you wont need the best of the best but always try to go for a name that you know.

What is the best mini circular saw?

The best mini circular saw is the Makita HS301DZ Cordless Li-Ion Circular Saw. It is a superb quality, powerful circular saw, that is cordless and is our number one choice, if you aren't taking price into account. You can feel the difference as soon as you lift it and it will be a tool for life. Personally I think it's well worth spending the extra money, especially if you already own Makita tools and have a battery and charger.

You may notice that we are ranking the Worx 423 as our top model below, but we have to take in value for money in these overall ratings and it will also do a good job for you. 

What are the Best Rated Mini Circular Saws?

Just below you will find a table, where we have placed our choices of mini circular saws in order. The order we have used is the highest buyer rated first. In other words we have placed the saws in the order, of what buyers judged their quality to be.

We have also included average UK prices, but be aware that these are always subject to change. Always check on the exact date and time when you are making any purchase. The ratings are ours, and we update these on a regular weekly basis. Always shop about as usually you can get some on offer.

If you click on the product name, you will be taken to Amazon UK, where you can read other buyer reviews. In this table we have included our ranking, the product name, an average UK price, our rating and our grade. The Rating is out of 5 and all these models are pretty good.

Rank

Name

Rating

Grade

1

Makita HS301DWAE Circular Saw 10.8 V with 2 x 2.0 Ah Batts
Makita DSS610Z Cordless Li-Ion Circular Saw (Body Only), 18 V

4.8

A+

2

Bosch PKS 16 Multi Handheld Mini Circular Saw
DeWalt 18V 165mm XR Lithium-Ion Body Only Circular Saw

4.7

A+

3

WORX WX423 85mm 400W Compact Circular Saw Worxsaw
Evolution RAGE1-B Multi-Purpose Circular Saw, 185 mm (230V)

4.7

A

4

WORX WX427 XL 710W Compact Circular Saw
BLACK+DECKER CD602 Circular Saw

4.6

A-

5

Einhell TC-CS 860/2 Kit Mini Circular Saw
VonHaus 1200W 185mm Multi-Purpose Circular Saw 240V Bevel Angle Joint Cuts

 4.3

A-

6

3.9

         A-

These are our top picks. We have based these on what we believe to be the best value for money. At the end of the day, the one you pick will come down to your available budget, and how much use it is going to get but all these models will do a good job for you, will don't usually include any tools we don't like.

Mini Circular Saw Summary Reviews and Comparisons

Underneath, we have completed short and concise reviews, on these top 5 products. That way you can see at a glance, which one is the best choice for you. These are all good products, it just depends on your budget and how much you are going to use it. If its for a one off job then just buy the cheapest one below.

These are very brief descriptions, so if you need more information just click to get our more comprehensive review on each product.

No 1 Choice - WORX WX423 85mm 400W Compact Circular Saw 

WORX WX423 85mm 400W

96% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews

This saw cuts wood, tiles, plastic and metal

It has a one speed motor and thats perfectly normal

The size of the blade is 85mm

The motor is a powerful 400w and it uses 240v so not cordless

44 x 14 x 13 cm Weight 1.9 Kg

There is dust extraction available

Covered by a 2 years warranty

The maximum depth you will be able to cut is 27 mm

Definitely the best all round value as well as getting the best reviews

This is currently the best seller and also the best rated. It is excellent value for money and perfect for a multitude of jobs. I can highly recommend this model for any DIY jobs, you won't be disappointed.

When you compare this to the more expensive Worx427 model, I think this is much better value. You don't really need 710w of power unless you are using this every day.

No 2 Choice - Bosch PKS 16 Multi Handheld Mini Circular Saw

Picture of a Bosch PKS 18

94% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews

The plunge cut function means you can cut straight in from the top and you dont have to go edge to edge

This model can do a quick blade change

There is a dust extraction facility on this Bosch

Its very easy to adjust the depth

38.6 x 28.2 x 10.2 cm weight 3.24 Kg

The motor is a powerful 400w and it uses 240v so not cordless

Ideal for making quick and precise straight cuts when trimming laminate, plunge cuts for water and electricity connections, tile cutting

No 3 Choice - Makita HS301DZ Circular Saw, 10.8 V, Blue Review

Makita HS301DZ

92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews

The motor is a powerful 360w and it is a cordless model

You don't get the Li-ion battery or charger included, so that adds to the price

There is a double safety trigger

High speed 3700 rpm motor

31.3 x 17 x 15.5 cm Weight 1.7Kg

You will be able to do bevel cuts up to 45 degrees

A blower function will blows sawdust off the line cut, this is really handy
there is dust extraction included

Definitely the best quality of these saws but expensive when you add the battery

I love this Makita model. It is the perfect size, the perfect weight and the balance is spot on. It is a pleasure to use and you get all the extra features you would expect at this level .

I'm not really impressed with features in general and mainly I prefer this saw because the quality is so good, but this has every feature I could ask for and you will use all of them to make your life you that bit easier.

No 4 Choice - WORX WX427 XL 710W Compact Circular Saw

WORX WX427 MIni circular saw

Check the price on Amazon

88% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews

The plunge cut function means you can cut straight in from the top and you dont have to go edge to edge

It has more power than the Worx423 model and a much bigger cutting depth thats up to 46 mm

You will be able to do bevel cuts up to 45 degrees

Cut's materials circular saws dont including tiles and masonry

This is suitable for one handed operation.

The Max cutting capacity: At 90 degree 46 mm and at 45 degree 30 mm

Again this model is aimed at the professional user and if that's you them this is the best Worx model. The depth of cut alone will tell you which model is better for you. So do you need 46mm or would the cheaper, 27mm model be enough for you. I don't think the more powerful motor is a massive game changer.

No 5 Choice - Einhell TC-CS 860/2 Kit Mini Circular Saw

Einhell TC-CS 860/2 Kit Mini Circular Saw picture

84% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews

This model comes with a handy dust extraction adaptor

You get 2 of each of the blades, 20 teeth, 80 teeth and HSS blades

A blade change tool comes with it so it's not like the other models that are tool free for that

Manufacturer 2 Year Warranty Included

Parallel guide is a very handy feature to help you cut in a straight line

There is a nice tool bag that comes with it

You also get two diamond cutting wheels for tiles

Mini Circular Saw Buying Guide

The Makita model is totally head and shoulders above the other makers but this is well reflected in their high price. I say this because of the build quality. Usually I would say that you always get what you pay for but in this case, although the Makita is certainly a superb piece of kit, the cheaper models will do the same job and are all of a good quality. Just be aware that you always pay a bit more for the brand name though sometimes its worth it.

If its only for occasional use then I would recommend you buy the cheapest model above, it will do the job perfectly well.

What types of blades are available?

The blades used for cutting wood are nearly always Tungsten Carbide tipped (TCT), but high speed steel (HSS) blades are also common too. Most saw bases can be adjusted for depth of cut and can tilt up to 45° and sometimes 50° and I would always recommend buying a saw with this facility as it very handy.

 Adjusting the depth of cut helps minimize any kickback that you might experience. Different diameter blades can be matched to each individual saw and they range from 14 centimetres (5.5 in) to 61 centimetres (24 in).

You can also get blades with varying numbers of teeth and this determines how fine and accurate the cut will be, though in general this is not a saw for intricate or fine work.

Blades for cutting wood are almost universally tungsten carbide tipped (TCT), but high speed steel (HSS) blades are also available. The saw base can be adjusted for depth of cut and can tilt up to 45° and sometimes 50° in relation to the blade. Adjusting the depth of cut helps minimize kickback. Different diameter blades are matched to each saw and are available ranging from 14 centimetres (5.5 in) to 61 centimetres (24 in).

Safe Use of a Mini Circular Saw

If you have never used one of these saws before, then please watch the video above. There is a knack to using these so as you do not want to cut yourself or damage the wood you are cutting.

You have to learn to let the blade of the saw do all the work. If you find it really hard to cut then you are doing it wrong, it should be smooth and easy and safety should be your number one concern as these saws are extremely powerful and can be very dangerous in the wrong hands.

I had to cut some plywood for a kitchen floor this week. It didn't have to be perfect but I was on my own and they were 8 foot sheets. I was able to run along it with ease using my mini circular saw and the cut was 100%. We would recommend having one of these tools to everyone.

They are definitely a must have tool for me.

How do you pick the best mini circular saw?

Finding the best mini circular saw can becoming a bit confusion if you are trying to look through all the models and assess which is the best. If you are confused, don’t worry we will clear the confusion up for you. There are several key features that you need to consider before you jump in to actually buying one.

Making a mistake at this stage can be expensive if you buy a tool that doesn’t do you job so its much better to have a proper idea of what to look for.


These are as follows

1. Size of the blade: Check what you are likely to be cutting and make sure you get a blade that has enough depth to do your job. Typically blades on this type of tool can be between 4.5 inches right up to 7 inches so check what you need before you buy.


2. Power Cord: Get a unit with a good long cable or go for a totally cordless model. If you get too short a cable it can be a real pain in the neck as you will have to get an extension lead for every wee job.


3. Blade guard: This is the most important safety aspect on this type of tool so make sure there is a good wide guard that’s flexible and is easy to draw back.


4. Teeth type: The more teeth on the blade, the finer the cut. Though this has to be balanced up a bit as really fine tooth blades are much more likely to clog. I wouldn’t be recommending this type or saw for fine or intricate work anyway.


5. Power: Really the power and speed of a unit is the number one thing you should look for to give you an idea of what quality the saw is. Always go for the most powerful you can afford as they cut better and are usually much safer.


6. Depth adjustment: Make sure you can adjust the depth to enable you to cut different thicknesses of material.


7. Ease of use: These mini saws should be lightweight and if you feel its too heavy your hand will get tired very quickly. You should look for a unit that has a quick change blade for ease of use.


Sidewinder or the Worm drive?


Most mini circular saws come with one of two systems :


• Sidewinder: This is the most popular design where the motor and the blade are on the same axis. This makes the saw lighter and that’s probably why it’s the most popular.


• Worm Drive: This type has the motor fixed at right angle to the blade. They use gears to drive the blade and can do more heavy duty cutting though they are usually a heavier tool.


I hope this review has been of some help to you. There are so many tools on the market these days and its very easy to make a mistake. Be assured that all the models we have looked at here are of a good quality and all will do the job. Its just a matter really of how often you need to use it or how heavy the work is that you are doing.

I always prefer to buy the best and get something that lasts, but that's just me!

Circular Saws vs Mini Compact Circular Saws

As you would think, the big difference in standard size circular saws and the mini versions we are looking at here is the size and weight. Normal circular saws are pretty heavy, bulky and they can be tricky to use. These more compact versions are much lighter and easier to use, you can even operate them one handed but they do have some important restrictions.

The main difference is the blade size and then of course cutting depth, so you need to know what type of cuts you need to make. You would, of course, have one of each if you need them .

Please note that normal sized circular saws use blade sizes such as:

Blade Size Diameter

160/170 mm

185 mm

190 mm

230 mm

90 Degree Cutting Depth

55 mm

60 mm

65 mm

85 mm

Mini Circular Saw Blade Sizes & Cutting Depth

Just below you can see the the blade sizes and corresponding cutting depths for the mini compact saws. The depth we have shown is if you are using them to do a straight 90 degree cut.

Some of the mini saws also allow you to do a bevel cut, and if that is the case, then the depth of cut will be reduced as you cut at an angle.

Blade Size Diameter

65 mm

85 mm

89 mm

115 mm

120 mm

90 Degree Cutting Depth

16 mm

27 mm

28.5 mm

42.8 mm

45 mm

About Us

enda

Enda

Geoff Magee

Geoff

As well as our many tool reviews, we have also included a whole range of articles, on how to use them. This will include the many tasks that you may have to do at home. That could include putting up a shelf, drilling through tiles, drilling through concrete, laying carpet, fixing a leaking tap, and just about any other thing that you can think of.

The site is managed and run by myself Enda, an electrician by trade, and by my friend Geoff, a plumber with many years of experience. We have done house renovations, construction builds and extensions, loft and garage conversions, conservatories, fencing, path making and just about any other job in the construction and building industry.

Between us, we have a lot of experience, and we are more than happy to share that with you here. We use these types of mini circular saws every day and we know what works and what doesn't.

Thanks for reading our article and I hope there is enough information here to help you make the right choice. If you are still not sure and think you might need something a bit bigger then have a look at our review on the best circular saws. Or if this is not the sort of thing you need then check out our article on all the different types of saws.

1. Size of the blade: Check what you are likely to be cutting and make sure you get a blade that has enough depth to do your job. Typically blades on this type of tool can be between 4.5 inches right up to 7 inches so check what you need before you buy.
2. Power Cord: Get a unit with a good long cable or go for a totally cordless model. If you get too short a cable it can be a real pain in the neck as you will have to get an extension lead for every wee job.
3. Blade guard: This is the most important safety aspect on this type of tool so make sure there is a good wide guard that’s flexible and is easy to draw back.
4. Teeth type: The more teeth on the blade, the finer the cut. Though this has to be balanced up a bit as really fine tooth blades are much more likely to clog. I wouldn’t be recommending this type or saw for fine or intricate work anyway.
5. Power: Really the power and speed of a unit is the number one thing you should look for to give you an idea of what quality the saw is. Always go for the most powerful you can afford as they cut better and are usually much safer.
6. Depth adjustment: Make sure you can adjust the depth to enable you to cut different thicknesses of material.
7. Ease of use: These mini saws should be lightweight and if you feel its too heavy your hand will get tired very quickly. You should look for a unit that has a quick change blade for ease of use.
Sidewinder or the Worm drive?
Most mini circular saws come with one of two systems :
• Sidewinder: This is the most popular design where the motor and the blade are on the same axis. This makes the saw lighter abd that’s probably why it’s the most popular.
• Worm Drive: This type has the motor fixed at right angle to the blade. They use gears to drive the blade and can do more heavy duty cutting though they are usually a heavier tool.

Saws

Best Hand Saw UK

Tool Advice is reader supported. When you buy through links on our [...]

Saws

Best Cordless Circular Saw

Tool Advice is reader supported. When you buy through links on our [...]

Saws

Best Saw for Cutting Trees

Tool Advice is reader supported. When you buy through links on our [...]

Saws

Best Masonry Hand Saw Reviews

Tool Advice is reader supported. When you buy through links on our [...]

Saws

Best Saw for Cutting Pallets

Thanks for taking your time to read our information on the best [...]

Saws

Best Petrol Chainsaw UK Review

In this article we review, what we believe to be the best [...]

Leave a Reply:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. The UC4051A has a lot of great features, but it’s a more heavy-duty model, too. Some claim this model is a specialty item not found in stores; only available online. One noted that it’s commonly used by rental companies, indicating how its durability and reliability are viewed.

  2. I’m a forester and use chainsaws all the time, a good one will start on the second pull a bad one on the fifth, my sawmill has a Honda four stroke, it sits out in the rain all year and starts on the first pull every time,

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}