Power saw power: we tested 25 of these workshop workhorses and quickly learned that the blade makes a big difference.(Product/Service Evaluation)

Publication: Consumer Reports

Bookmark this article Print this article Link to this article Email this article Digg It! Add to del.icio.us RSS

COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.

When we tested 25 circular saws--a mainstay for cutting thick boards, plywood, and the like--we quickly learned that the saw blade affects cutting speed as much as the saw itself. Most of the saws that were supplied with a plain steel blade labored to cut the 2x12s and 3/4-inch hardboard we used in the lab. All the better saws came with a blade whose teeth are tipped with tungsten carbide. Besides staying sharp longer, carbide blades cut faster than steel, even when new.

Our bottom-line advice is this: If you already have a circular saw but haven't been pleased with its cutting performance, spend $7 to $10 for a carbide-toothed blade. You may find that you don't need to replace your saw after all. But if you do buy a new saw, be sure you also buy a carbide blade or get a saw that comes with one.

Most do-it-yourselfers buy their saws at Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, or Wal-Mart. Those stores carry the Black & Decker, Craftsman (Sears), DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, and Skil brands. Some saws cost as little as $40, while beefy, professional-grade saws can cost $200 or more. Most have to be plugged in to run, but there are some battery-powered saws on the market; the Ratings include four.

Judging from our tests, you have to spend $120 to $160 to get the very best, but you can get a fine saw for as little as $60. Any good saw will have many of the features shown on the facing page.

LOOKING FOR THE CUTTING EDGE

Speed. Seconds count if you have a lot of wood to cut. Speed also affects safety; you're more likely to push a slow saw, dulling the blade quickly and overheating the motor, or making the saw jam or kick back.

We gave speed a great deal of weight in the Ratings. The fastest saws were three to four times speedier than the slowest. Typically, the slowest saws came with a steel blade; the fastest, a carbide blade.

Power. A weak saw could strain when used on thick hardwood or for other tough work. Most of the saws had adequate torque for any...

Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.