The Best Saws for Cutting Wood (Including Cordless, Lightweight, and Heavy Duty Saws)

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Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best saws for cutting wood 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Any carpenter or contractor knows the value of owning one or two quality saws to make precise cuts for woodworking jobs. Using the right saw for the job can be the difference between ruining an expensive quality piece of lumber or completing a beautifully finished project. 

Circular saws are a popular woodcutting tool 

Image credit: Shutterstock/Ungvar

With literally dozens of saws to choose from, all with specific features, it can be difficult to decide the best one for your needs. Before buying a woodcutting saw, it’s essential to know about the different saws on the market and what each of these tools is designed to do. 

Different Types of Saws

Most saws for woodcutting are now either battery-powered or electric. Although the technology for battery-operated models has improved dramatically over the past decade, some professionals will argue that the most powerful saws are still electrically powered. With that being said, cordless models are an excellent option for areas that don’t have an electric power source. Below are the most common saws for home or professional use.

Circular Saw

Circular saws are the most popular tool types to cut lumber, plywood, or other materials that require a straight line cut. A circular saw features a powerful circular metal blade that is helpful in making accurate cuts. These tools are available either in corded or battery-powered models and you can also get a circular saw with a laser for even more accurate cuts

Miter Saw

Miter saws can cut angles between 45–90 degrees to create a finished look on a piece of lumber and are one of the best circular saws where a large cutting width is needed. The tool is adjusted to the proper angle by rotating the table and tipping the head of the tool sideways until the desired angle is reached.

Jigsaw

Used chiefly for its lightweight and compact design, a jigsaw can create round or curved cuts. The motor on a jigsaw isn’t very powerful, so it isn’t recommended for use on harder materials like concrete or stone. 

Saber Saw

Perfect for slicing into narrow corners, this tool can also be referred to as an electric handsaw. The blades can be interchanged to expand their uses and to be able to cut more depth depending on the model.

Chain Saw

These power tools are primarily used to cut large limbs from trees. To learn more about chainsaws and best picks, visit our article here.

Reciprocating Saw

As the name suggests, reciprocating saws have a reciprocating motion and are ideal for carving walls that circular saws or other types of saws aren’t designed to cut. The metal blade on this tool is narrow with long teeth, and there is an adjustable shoe that helps extend the life of the blade. The shoe can also be modified to create more control when cutting items that may bend. Usually lightweight, some reciprocating saws can be used to slice lumber with one hand and have similar functions as a chain saw.

Plunge Saw

Nothing works better for straight cuts than a plunge saw. It can make more accurate cuts due to its guide rails, powerful motor, and laser guide. Handypersons can also use this circular saw on various materials, such as plywood, plastic, or metal.

Compound Miter Saw

Unlike other miter tool models, a compound miter saw is used for angled cuts in lumber or other materials. It is the best circular saw to trim windows quickly or dock a baseboard.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Saws for Cutting Wood in 2023

Below you’ll find a list of the best woodcutting saws (and other material like plywood), including circular saws, that provide an accurate cut, with models that are light in weight, corded and cordless, ideal for professionals or homeowners alike, as well as those on a budget. 

Best Cordless Circular Saw for Cutting Wood: POPOMAN 20V Cordless Circular Saw 4.0Ah Battery, 4,500RPM | Buy Now 

Best Circular Saws for Cutting Wood (Corded): Makita 5005BA 5.5-Inch Corded Circular Saws | Buy Now

Best Lightweight Woodcutting Circular Saws: WORX WX427 6A 4.5-Inch Lightweight Circular Saws | Buy Now

Best Budget Woodcutting Saws: GALAX PRO 4Amp, 4.5-Inch Budget Saw | Buy Now 

Best Heavy-Duty Woodcutting Saw: Makita HS0600 10 1/4-Inch Saw | Buy Now 

Best Miter Wood Saw: DeWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound 12-Inch Miter Saw | Buy Now

Best Reciprocating Saw for Woodcutting: BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Reciprocating Hand Saw | Buy Now 

Best Worm Drive Saw for Woodcutting: SKILSAW SPT77W-01 15-Amp 7 1/4-Inch Worm Drive Saw | Buy Now

Best JigSaw for Woodcutting: BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C JigSaw 5.0 Amp | Buy Now

Best Dual-Bevel Compound Woodworking Miter Saw: Makita Cordless 6.5-Inch Compact, Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw | Buy Now

More on these top power tools, including a look at their features, is below.

*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on amazon.com (USA) as of April 2022.

1. Best Cordless Circular Saw—POPOMAN Circular Saw Cordless

Get the job done with this lithium-ion battery-powered circular saw from POPOMAN, which is one of the best-rated circular saws. This power tool is one of the best circular saws to cut various materials due to its multiple blades. Each blade is designed for a specific material like plastic, metal, or tile. It is also lightweight and includes a laser for incredibly accurate and straight cuts and a dust blower that can be connected to a vacuum port. 

One satisfied buyer reviewed this circular saw and wrote, “For a battery-powered model, it’s incredibly strong, can create an angle from 0–45 degrees at a depth of 1–11 inches at 90 degrees and 1 ⅛-inch at 45 degrees. Power safety features include a metal blade guard, rubberized grip, and a double protection button,” and another added, “Great circular saw. Lightweight. Easy to use and adjust. Accurate cuts. Best battery life of any of my other tools.”

Specifications

Power: 4 amp motor

Max Speed: 4,500 RPM

Blade Length: Three blades at 4.5-inches

2. Best Corded Woodcutting Circular Saw—Makita Circular Saw Corded

This powerful Makita is on of the few corded circular saws on the market with the blade located to the left of the machine, providing a better site range than right blade models. This power tool can not only make precise cuts in a straight line, but it also has impressive safety features like an electric safety brake and a lock button. The heavy-duty motor allows this circular saw to slice a variety of materials with ease. The only downside to this model is that it doesn’t have a laser guide.

“I have used this saw in the trades for everything,” raved one shopper, and continued. “I have always had two of them. One for on the ground and one for on the roof, so that when I’m doing framing, I have a saw for each person. I used Matsushita blades for this saw, and it cuts perfectly with little to no tear-out.” Another customer added, “Great little saw. Plenty of power. Took some getting used to having the blade on the left after a lifetime of right side bladed saws, but better visibility is one reason I bought it.”

Specifications

Power: 8.0 AMP motor

Max Speed: 8,000 RPM

Blade Length: 5.5 in.

3. Best Lightweight Woodcutting Circular Saw—WORX Lightweight Circular Saw

One of the best circular saws that can be transported to different job sites, this WORX lightweight circular saw weighs a mere 5.07 pounds. Its left blade design is in the user’s line of sight, making it easier to make straight cuts while its strong motor can get through a range of materials. This tool comes equipped with a laser guide, dust blower, safety button, and the ability to make simple and quick depth modifications. 

One customer wrote, “I bought this to use on a few light woodworking projects involving cutting openings in ½ inch plywood, and hard to reach areas of ⅝ inch sheetrock in the ceiling. It does a nice precise cut, and the saw went through the plywood easily. The saw is lightweight to hold, [and] well-balanced…”

Specifications

Power: 6 AMP

Max Speed: 4,000 RPM

Blade Length: 4.5-inch

4. Best Budget Woodcutting Circular Saw—GALAX PRO Budget Circular Saw 

Designed for light projects, GALAX PRO’s circular saw is a steal at just under US$60. This small circular saw with laser has the same features that are included in much pricier models, including a dust blower, blade guard, safety release, and safety guard. The laser guide with a scale ruler allows users to create more precise cuts, bevel cuts, or even a plunge cut. 

“Perfect for small to medium projects at [an] affordable price,” explained one happy reviewer. “Powerful enough to [be] a small one-handed tool. Easy to control,” and another added that the circular saw has safety features that are “easy to understand and use. In fact, this saw is easier to use one-handed. It’s also easy to miter the saw to cut at an angle, or to change the depth of the saw’s cut. This makes the saw pretty versatile for its low price.”

Specifications

Power: 4 AMP motor

Max Speed: 3,500 RPM

Blade Length: 4.5-inch blade

5. Best Heavy-Duty Woodcutting Circular Saw—Makita Heavy-Duty Circular Saw

For bigger projects, nothing provides a better performance than this attractive Makita circular saw. Its large cutting capacity and powerful 15 amp motor make it a contender for the best circular saw for creating straight cuts in large pieces of lumber with just one pass. Although it is a bit heavy, it features two grip handles and its balanced weight allows easy control when making significant cuts. This tool can also create an angle up to 50 degrees.

One pleased purchaser explained, ”A bit on the heavy side, but that is to be expected from a saw this size. Best part is you can cut a 4 x 4 in a single pass.” Another added, “The saw is fairly heavy but makes for easier hard cuts. It’s Comfortable and powerful and well worth every penny!”

Specifications

Power: 15 amp motor

Max Speed: 4,300 RPM

Blade Length: 10 1/4-inch blade

6. Best Miter Woodcutting Circular Saw—DeWALT Miter Circular Saw

Professionals who need a heavy-duty circular saw to create miters won’t be disappointed with this DeWALT tool; according to thousands of customers, it’s the best circular saw for making miter cuts. The stainless steel plate has 10 positive stops, a detent override, and a cam-lock miter grip to ensure more precise cuts. Other features include the ability to create miters at a depth of 6 ¾ of an inch, and a beveling capacity of 0–48 degrees in both directions. 

One reviewer reported, “If you aren’t already aware, this DeWALT 12-in sliding compound miter saw is already one of the most highly rated miter circular saws on the market. It’s perfectly suited for job sites as well as garage shops for the DIYer. It is a hefty piece of equipment that feels solid in all the right places. With a 12-in blade and the ability to slide, this saw is capable of cross-cutting very wide stock.”

Specifications

Power: 15 AMP

Max Speed: 3,800 RPM

Blade Length: 12-inch 

7. Best Reciprocating Woodcutting Saw—B+D Reciprocating Hand Saw

This battery-powered reciprocating saw gets the job done for projects that don’t require a circular saw. It’s easy to use, has a pivoting shoe for greater control, an electric brake for added safety. The blade can also be installed upside down, so the teeth point up for flush cutting. This tool is compatible with any 20V lithium-ion batteries from this popular brand.

One customer clarified, “Finally got my tree branches cut using my new saw, and it was effortless. Then tackled taking pallets apart by just cutting through the nails. Zip Zip, like butter, took no time at all! Absolutely love that you just push a button to change the blade, so quick and easy.”

Specifications

Power: Lithium-Ion Battery

Max Speed: 3,000 RPM

Blade Length: Comes with a 5-inch blade and accepts blades up to 12-inches

8. Best Worm Drive Woodcutting Circular Saw—SKILSAW Worm Drive 01 Circular Saw

This 01 circular saw from SKILSAW received consistently high reviews for having the most powerful motor in its class. This model is one pound lighter in weight than the previous SKILSAW (SKIL SHD77) model while still boasting the same features. Its worm drive motor allows this tool to slice through almost any material easily and make bevel cuts. This is the best circular saw for many different projects, big or small, due to its power, cutting depth, almost all-metal body, and dual-field motor.

One shopper raved, “Cut through a 2×4 like it was swiss cheese. Feels smooth and quiet too. And heavy in the hands, so it’s easy to cut nice and square. Just square up the shoe to the workpiece, eyeball, and make the cut.” Another five-star reviewer added, “The Skilsaw model 77 worm drive circular saw sets the bar for all uses. Whether cross-cutting or ripping, this saw plows through material like butter. If you are a carpenter, you know the quality of the 77. Best framing saw in the world!”

Specifications

Power: 15 amp motor

Max Speed: 5,300 RPM

Blade Length: 7 ¼ inch

9. Best JigSaw for Woodcutting—B+D Saw 

For projects that demand round cuts, this jigsaw takes the cake. The adjustable shoe offers greater balance and the ability to make beveled cuts, and the wire guide keeps the line of sight clear. At the same time, the ¾ inch blade renders more accuracy, and four settings provide more variability for curved cuts.

One customer who raved about the price and power of this tool explained, “Any jigsaw will be a little noisy, but this one seems a little quieter. I need [a] cut with a lot of curves, and this bad boy delivers with ease,” while another added, “Really nice jigsaw, very powerful and makes clean, smooth cuts.”

Specifications

Power: 5 AMP

Max Speed: 3,000 SPM

Blade Length: 3-inch blade

10. Best Cordless Dual-Bevel Woodworking Circular Saw—Makita Cordless Compound Circular Saw 

This Makita tool is the best circular saw for projects that an extension cord just can’t reach. This 18V battery-powered compound miter saw can miter detents at five different degrees, create 0–52 degree miters, and angle 0–46 degrees in both directions. The solid aluminum base stabilizes this machine while cutting, and the electric brake offers added safety. LED light increases visibility, and the Star Protection ensures the tool doesn’t overheat, overload or over-discharge.

“It is a Lamborghini/Ferrari of the miter circular saws,” expressed one happy buyer, and continued. “Small and light yet powerful. The electric brake is a dream! Stops the blade in less than a second, increasing your productivity. Working light and cut-line laser… There’s not much left to ask from a miter saw. Oh, and the blade is a dream too. Leaves the cut surface ready for finishing.”

Specifications

Power: 18V battery

Max Speed: Automatic speed change

Blade Length: 6.5 inches

Best Woodcutting Saws of 2023—Summary

With all of the available options for woodcutting saws, it can be challenging to decide which model is the best multi-use tool and which features to go for. SKILSAW’s circular saws (US$179 (Was US$199.99), Amazon) are a top choice for professionals looking for power and variability, and nothing was better rated for creating a miter or beveled cut than the Makita cordless compound miter saw (US$544, Amazon). 

We hope our review of the best saws for woodcutting, including the best circular saw, has been helpful. For more similar suppliers, including suppliers of saw blades, milling saw blades, table saws, and metal circular saw cutting blades, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

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