In buying circular saws, the user needs to consider several factors:

• The applications and/or materials to use for the project.
• The tool’s power, performance, convenience, and ease of use
• Period of time it will be used. Would it be in a short period or long continued use like a whole day’s work?
• Preference to corded over cordless tools or vise versa, depending on what is convenient.

The two main designs of a circular saw are the worm drive and the sidewinder. It is also classified according to power source, the corded and the cordless circular saws. Knowing these will surely help the buyer discern what saw to purchase.

Worm-Drive Circular Saw is a cutting tool best for plywood and studs. It can also operate in a whole day, thus, making this a conventional favorite by professional carpenters. The motor is parallel to its blade that delivers enough torque and it is best in cutting wet lumber and concrete material. As it is heavy duty, it is also heavy weight. The less popular hypoid-gear saw is also powerful, with excellent performance and stylish design like a worm-drive saw.

Sidewinder Circular Saw. This is the most common saw used in most construction areas and also at home. It is also referred to as the in-line saw or the traditional saw. Its motor is positioned perpendicular to its blade making it more stable but it lessens it power. The saw with helical gears delivers that heavy cutting job without necessarily being heavy.

Cordless saw provides portability and easy movement around the working area, also eliminating the burden to carry massive extension cords or generators. But power is also less in this type of saw. This attribute is sacrificed by being convenient and unlimited working period offered by corded saws. Also, this type of saw usually has smaller blade diameter compared to most corded saw which has 7-1/4 inches.

On the other hand, Trim saw is a circular saw with a predominantly smaller blade diameter of mostly 3-1/2 inches to 4-1/2 inches. It is intended for finishing works that involves thin materials.