Circular Saw

The circular saw is the most versatile portable saw for cutting sheet goods and lumber. This section covers blades and setup, accurate cuts, DIY guides, and brand comparisons.

Blades & setup: which way the blade faces and change a blade.

Making cuts: cut a dado, 45° angles, cut Formica, and cut countertops.

DIY guides: build a cutting guide and DIY table saw.

Brands: Skil vs SKILSAW and Harbor Freight saws.

For choosing your saws, see our tools & saws guide.

Which way does a circular saw blade go? Teeth point up at the front (in the direction of cut) — the saw cuts on the upward stroke into the workpiece.

Can you cut a dado with a circular saw? Yes — make multiple passes set to the same depth, then clean the groove with a chisel.