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Buying guide

Best corded circular saws

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Bosch GKS 190: 1,400 W, 70 mm cut with parallel guide

    The listing states a 70 mm depth of cut in wood from a 1,400 W motor.

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  • Best value

    Makita HS7601K: 1,200 W 190 mm saw with carbide blade

    A 24 tooth carbide tipped 190 mm blade is included.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    Makita HS7101J: 1,400 W saw with brake, LED and Makpac

    An electric brake and built in LED lighting are listed.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A corded circular saw still makes sense when you cut a lot in one place: decking joists, sleepers, roof timbers or a stack of sheet material. It never runs out of charge, and a mains motor holds its speed through long rip cuts in wet or dense timber. The key figures are blade diameter and depth of cut. A 190 mm saw cuts about 65 to 70 mm, enough for most framing timber, while a 235 mm saw reaches past 80 mm for sleepers and thick beams in one pass. After that, look at motor power, weight for overhead or one handed cuts, and features such as an electric brake, bevel range and whether a parallel guide or case is supplied. This guide compares five mains saws using only the specifications each listing gives. Where a listing does not state depth of cut, we mark it rather than estimate it from the blade size.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Bosch Professional

Bosch GKS 190: 1,400 W, 70 mm cut with parallel guide

Bosch Professional's 190 mm saw with a 1,400 W motor and 70 mm depth of cut, supplied with a parallel guide and dust adaptor. A dependable all rounder for framing and sheet cuts.

In its favour

  • The listing states a 70 mm depth of cut in wood from a 1,400 W motor.
  • A parallel guide, dust extraction adaptor and Optiline Wood blade are included.
  • The compact, robust design is listed for tough sawing work.

Good to know

  • The title states it is not compatible with guide rails.
  • It ships in a cardboard box rather than a carry case.
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Listing title: Bosch Professional hand-held circular saw GKS 190 (not compatible with...

No. 2 · DEWALT

DeWalt D23700: 235 mm blade with 86 mm depth of cut

A heavy duty 240 V DeWalt circular saw with a 235 mm blade and 86 mm depth of cut. The pick for sleepers, thick joists and beams that a 190 mm saw cannot clear in one pass.

In its favour

  • The listing gives an 86 mm depth of cut, the deepest of any saw here.
  • A 1,750 W input motor and 4,700 rpm no load speed are stated.
  • Bevel capacity of 45 degrees is listed for angled cuts.

Good to know

  • At 8.2 kg it is much heavier than the 190 mm saws and tiring for overhead work.
  • Only a blade and spanner are listed, with no case or parallel guide.
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Listing title: DeWalt D23700 240V 86mm Depth of Cut Heavy Duty Circular Saw

No. 3 · Makita

Makita HS7101J: 1,400 W saw with brake, LED and Makpac

A 1,400 W Makita circular saw with an electric brake, LED light and 0 to 50 degree bevel, supplied in a stackable Makpac case. It suits site carpenters who want tidy storage.

In its favour

  • An electric brake and built in LED lighting are listed.
  • The bevel range runs from 0 to 50 degrees according to the listing.
  • A Makpac case that stacks with Makita's system is supplied.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the blade diameter.
  • A 67 mm depth of cut is a little less than the Bosch GKS 190.
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Listing title: Makita hs7101j Corded Electrical Circular Saw 1400 Watt

No. 4 · Makita

Makita HS7611K: 1,600 W 190 mm saw in a case

A 190 mm Makita circular saw with a 1,600 W motor and a listed weight of 3.9 kg, supplied in a plastic case. It suits users who want power without much bulk.

In its favour

  • The listing gives 1,600 W, the most power among the 190 mm saws here.
  • At a listed 3.9 kg it is the lightest saw in this guide.
  • A plastic carry case is included for storage and transport.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the depth of cut or bevel range.
  • Very little detail is given about features such as a brake or guide.
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Listing title: MAKITA HS7611K Circular Saw 1600 W Diameter 190 mm in Plastic Case

No. 5 · Makita

Makita HS7601K: 1,200 W 190 mm saw with carbide blade

Makita's entry 190 mm saw with a 1,200 W motor and depth adjustment, supplied with a 24 tooth carbide blade and plastic case. A simple choice for occasional DIY cutting.

In its favour

  • A 24 tooth carbide tipped 190 mm blade is included.
  • Depth adjustment is listed as a feature.
  • Comes in a plastic case for storage and transport.

Good to know

  • At 1,200 W it has the least power of the saws here.
  • The listing does not state the depth of cut, and the listed 6.95 kg seems high.
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Listing title: Makita 190mm 1200W Circular Saw

More buying guides: Circular saws

Drill and Bit chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.