Best Mini Circular Saw UK –
What Is the Best Mini Circular Saw for Your Needs?
In this article we will provide you with the right information to be able to pick the best mini circular saw for your needs. There are quite a few of these on the UK market right now, so hopefully we can help to narrow down those choices, and find out which is the best one for the tasks that you need it for.
In a Hurry
88% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
If you don’t have the time to read all the information, then the best mini circular saw is the WORX WX423 compact circular saw. This is really useful for cutting wood, metal, tiles, plastic, plasterboard, floorboards etc.
It is an electric corded tool with a maximum cutting depth of 27 mm (just over an inch) so ideal for most type of work. You can also quickly adjust the depth of cut.
It uses 85 mm blades which are widely available in most DIY stores. It comes with a 2 year warranty and that can be extended to 3 years when you register it online.
It is also one of the more affordable options at under £70.
Read more about the WORX WX423 by clicking here
Mini Circular Saw Pre-Buying Advice
There are a few different types of power saw in the UK market, but without doubt the circular saw is probably the most used, because it can be used for a whole range of sawing tasks and is relatively affordable. Home owners can make great use of these, as can those working in the trade. You might need a slightly different model depending on what you primarily want to use it for, and hopefully we can help you decide.
Before you do, it is worth knowing just the basic facts about circular saws vs mini circular saws. The main purpose of this type of saw is to be able to do basic rip cuts, cross cuts and/or plunge cuts.
Cross Cuts
A cross cut is a straight cut along the shorter dimension of the board or sheet. It is a 90 degree cut made perpendicular to the grain of the wood or length of material. It is one of the most popular cuts made. This type of saw is ideal for cutting trim and beading quickly and cleanly. It is also useful for cutting conduit and small pipes.
Rip Cuts
A rip cut is cutting the wood along its grain for a lengthwise cut. These are more difficult to make and a circular saw is the best type of saw to achieve that. These smaller versions can do that, but only with thinner boards.
Plunge Cuts
A plunge cut is a cut where you drop and then push the blade into a piece of wood. Think of making a cut into floorboards as a good example of this type of cut. This is the most common cut that this type of saw is used for.
The most important decision before buying any type of power saw is to think about the cutting depth that you will need to have. We have compared just below a standard circular saw compered to a mini circular saw. Both saws work off the same engineering principles. The real difference between them is what depth of boards they can cut.
Bevel Cuts
Just before looking at the difference, it is also worth mentioning bevel cuts. A bevel cut is an angled cut. The base of the saw remains horizontal but the blade can tilt at various angles to make an angled cut. A popular angle is 45 degrees primarily used for mitre joints.
Circular Saws vs Mini Circular Saws
Circular Saws
- Standard sized circular saws are the most common with UK buyers and come in various blade sizes ranging from 160mm to 230mm
- Ideal for general purpose cutting of wood and other materials. The size of the saw and blade determines how deep they can cut.
- The cutting depth depends on the size of the blade that the saw can take. These cutting depths range from 55mm – 85mm (2″-3.5″)
Blade Size Diameter
160/170 mm
185 mm
190 mm
230 mm
90 Degree Cutting Depth
55 mm
60 mm
65 mm
85 mm
Mini Circular Saws
- Mini circular saws are smaller and lighter and a great deal easier to handle, They range in blade size from 85mm-120mm
- They are restricted in cutting depth so only suitable for thinner types of timber such as floorboards, 1.5″ x 1.5″ boards, decking boards etc
- The cutting depth depends on the size of the blade that the saw can take. These cutting depths range from 28.5mm – 44mm (1″- 1.7″)
Blade Size
65 mm
85 mm
89 mm
115 mm
120 mm
90 Degree Cutting Depth
16 mm
27 mm
28.5 mm
42.8 mm
45 mm
What is a mini circular saw used for?
Primarily a mini circular saw is used for making quick and accurate cuts in timber and boards. You can use different blades with these that will allow you to cut framing timber, fibre boards such as MDF, sheets of wood, roofing, metal and even masonry.
They are a good choice for straight cutting, cutting plywood, floorboards, decking boards and even making firewood.
People buy these because they are much easier to handle, lighter, more maneuverable and cheaper than a standard circular saw.
List of Top 10 Mini Compact Circular Saws
Just below you will find a top 10 list. This list is based on actual online buyer ratings. We looked at many online websites, took the average buyer rating, and then summarised those ratings. Underneath the list you will find a concise review on each of the saws on our list.
You will note here that the blade sizes are much bigger than those you will find on a mini circular saw. You will also note that the cutting depths are also much larger, than those for compact circular saws.
We have completed a top 10 list of the standard circular saws which you can read by clicking here.
- WORX WX423 mini circular saw – Best Seller
- Makita HS301DZ Circular Saw 85mm – Best cordless mini circular saw
- WORX WX427 XL – Best compact saw with a laser guide
- WORX WX439 500W 120mm Worxsaw XL Compact Circular Saw
- WORX WX426 WORXSAW 85mm Plunge Cut Compact Circular Saw
- HYCHIKA Circular Saw – Best Seller in the UK
- Enventor Mini Circular Saw – Best mini circular saw for small hands
- Makita HS301DWAE 10.8 V Li-ion CXT Circular Saw
- Einhell TC-CS 860 Mini Circular Saw
1. WORX WX423 85mm 400W Compact Circular Saw Worxsaw
The Worx WX423 came out as the number one choice on our list. Many of these have very similar online buyer ratings, but this one was the highest, and was also the saw that sold the most. It is also one of the most affordable and that again would explain why it is a very popular choice for many UK buyers.
It is a 400 watt saw with a blade diameter of 85 mm and a cutting depth of 27 mm. It can be used to cut through wood, metal, tile, plasterboard, and brick. It can only be used for straight cuts, so no bevel cuts with this basic model. The cutting depth can be adjusted.
It comes with a hex key, a parallel guide and one 24 TCT blade. There is a spindle lock that helps make changing the blade a great deal easier. It does come with a 2 year warranty, which can be extended to 3 years if you register the product online when you buy it. It weighs 1.9 kg and measures 43.8 x 13.8 x 13.2 cm.
88% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
This model sells really well and we would class this as a basic compact circular saw, that will be able to do most sawing jobs around the home.
It is not a work horse and it is not suitable for thicker wood or for regular daily use. It will be OK for laying laminate floors and for basic projects around the home like cutting 2 x 2s etc.
The 27 mm depth of cut is a bit limiting, but for thinner MDF, 2×1 batons, plasterboard and floorboards, it works well.
It is compact and light and can be used with one hand while supporting the work piece with the other hand. We think this is a good choice for those jobs where you don’t want to bother pulling out a larger power tool.
BUYER PROS
- Can cut laminate flooring
- Can cut up to 18th plywood
- Lightweight and really handy for a whole range of basic cutting jobs
- Perfect for cutting up pieces of thinner wood
- Works great for MDF and chip board up to around 12 mm in depth
BUYER CONS
- No good for a lot of heavy work
- Not great at cutting thicker woods
- Can wander easily
Read more about the WX423 by clicking here
2. Makita HS301DZ Circular Saw 85mm Review
The Makita brand stands for very high quality but usually comes with a hefty price tag. They are a competitor of Dewalt so no doubting the quality of their products, if you can afford to buy them.
This model is a cordless option that uses 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion batteries. Please note that this is a bare tool so no battery is supplied. You will have to buy a battery and charger and that increases the costs considerably.
The only advantage is if you already own a Makita compatible battery, or plan on buying other Makita tools that use a similar battery.
- It can do both straight cuts and also up to 45 degree bevel cuts
- The cutting capacity at 0 degrees is 25.5 mm
- Cutting capacity at 45 degrees 16.5 mm
- Bevel capacity 0 to 45 degrees
- Blade diameter 85 mm
- Bore size 15 mm
92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
This saw is not going to be the first choice for that many people as it is supplied as a bare tool and that means no battery is supplied.
When you add on the cost of a battery and also a charger, this becomes a very expensive buy.
The quality is very good but that
It is very good at cutting plywood, MDF, particleboard, melamine, drywall and more.
It weighs 1.82 kg and measures 33.3 x 19.1 x 18.5 cm.
BUYER PROS
- Lightweight and very powerful
- The cordless means you never have to worry about trailing leads and you can use it anywhere and at any time
- Great for both straight and bevel cutting
BUYER CONS
- A few buyers said it lacked a bit of power, but they had been using 18 Volt cordless tools
Some buyers, especially those in the trade are moving from Dewalt to Makita. In most cases they will have bought the battery and charger. If that is the case then this Makita model will work well for them. Just be aware though that this is a 12 Volt model and there are more powerful options available.
Read more about the Makita HS301DZ saw by clicking here.
3. WORX WX427 XL 710W WORXSAW Compact Circular Saw
As you can see the Worx brand pretty much dominates this list with a variety of model numbers. This one is the WX427 XL model and like many on the list is a versatile saw that can be used for a range of sawing and cutting jobs.
This model is also a high seller despite the higher price point. The main reason for the higher price is that is can cut bevels as well as the normal straight cut.
- At 90 degrees the cutting depth is up to 46 mm
- At 45 degrees the cutting depth is up to 30 mm
It weighs 4.8 kg and measures 51 x 30.4 x 14.6 cm.
88% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
It can be used for cutting wood, plasterboard, metals and brick as it comes with three blades designed for these different materials.
It is also very good at plunge cuts which are used for putting in electric sockets, light switches and for cutting out sections of flooring. There is a depth guide and it also comes with a laser guide to enable accurate, straight cuts.
This model is a step up from the first one on our list the WX423 model. That one is a basic straight cut saw, whereas this one can do both straight and bevel cuts, and also has a deeper cutting depth.
That along with the laser guide and few other smaller features makes this a better choice for someone planning on regularly using this type of mini circular saw.
BUYER PROS
- A great saw that is light in weight, quiet and most of all very accurate
- Great for cutting decking boards which is why many buyers opt for this model
- Ideal for working on smaller jobs without having to set up the bigger circular saw
- The laser is really handy and makes a big difference to those who need accurate cuts
BUYER CONS
- The safety button is badly positioned on the side
- Powerful enough but better at thin cuts and not so hot at thicker ones
If you are going through my list and still not sure which to buy, then we would recommend this one. It is big enough to do a whole range of jobs, and having the bevel function is always handy.
The laser is great for marking out the cut line and the three discs will allow you to get through just about anything. The cutting depth is also generous and again suitable for most plunge cuts.
You can read our detailed review on the Worx WX427 by clicking here.
4. WORX WX439 400W 120mm Worxsaw XL Compact Circular Saw
As you can see the WORX models just keep on coming up. So far we have looked at the 423 and the 427 models and now we look at the WX429 model.
This one can do both straight and bevel cuts.
This saw will cut tiles, stone, brick, wood, metal and plasterboard as it comes with three blades. These are a diamond tipped blade (for tiles, ceramics and brickwork), 1 x TCT wood cutting blade and 1 x HCS general purpose blade (ideal for plastic and metal).
You can also do plunge cuts.
- Blade size: 120 mm
- Max. cutting depth: 90° 46 mm / 45° 30 mm
- Bevel capacity: 45 degrees
88% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews
This model does sell really well and this is a good choice for the home owner who enjoys doing DIY.
It appears to tick many of the boxes and it is a great deal easier to use this one rather than pull out the big circular saw for every small job around the home.
As you get all 3 blade types it means you can just about take on any material.
It weighs 2.0 kg and measures 45 x 30.2 x 14.4 cm.
It can be used one handed, has a spindle lock for easy blade changing, a parallel attachment, an adjustable guide rail and a dust extraction port.
BUYER PROS
- Buyers stated that they were changing many of their tools out to the WORX brand because of their quality
- Light in weight, yet packs a lot of power
- The cutting depth is very good and buyers liked the fact that you could also cut bevels when required
- Some buyers said that has made a lot of awkward woodworking jobs a pleasure to do.
BUYER CONS
- A few buyers said it wandered
- A few buyers said it was not great at cutting straight lines
This is a very useful and versatile 4-1/2” WORXSAW that lets you make quick and easy depth adjustments up to 2” for easy cuts. It also has some really nice additional features.
5. WORX WX426 WORXSAW 85mm Plunge Cut Compact Circular Saw
Hey guess what – another WORX model. This is WX 426 version so let’s have a closer look at this one.
It is a 400 watt saw with a blade diameter of 85 mm and a cutting depth of 27 mm. It can be used to cut through wood, metal, tile, plasterboard, and brick.
It can only be used for straight cuts, so no bevel cuts with this model. The cutting depth can be adjusted.
88% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
This model does sell in huge amounts and is really only suitable for home owners who want a compact saw that will do good straight cuts.
You do get 3 blades but even with that this model is still pretty expensive when compared to other WORX models on this list.
The laser is a useful feature but not that necessary as you can just draw a line and follow that.
This particular model does have a laser guide, the depth can be adjusted and it also has a dust extraction port.
It weighs 3.6 kg and measures 41 x 12.5 x 25.1 cm.
BUYER PROS
- Great for doing straight cuts in boards
- The plunge cut is very useful and very easy to use
- The laser is also very useful according to many buyers
- Buyers liked that it came with 3 blades so as they could use those right away
BUYER CONS
- Some buyers said the laser used up batteries too quickly
- Some said it was too basic for their needs
It is not a huge seller though some buyers prefer this one if it is just for straight line cuts. That is because with less features it is easier to use, and the laser is a feature that they like to have.
6. HYCHIKA Circular Saw
This is really popular online and that is mainly down to the lower price. It is a good choice for cutting wood, soft metals, plastic and even tiles.
The brand is not that well known but it does offer really good value for money. With this saw you get 3 blades and a tool bag to hold everything.
This is a good all-rounder for precise cuts in almost any kind of material. It can also do high-precision plunge cuts and has an adjustable cutting depth.
The maximum cutting depth is 0-25 mm
It also has an integrated laser that helps a lot for accurate straight cuts.
You also get
- one 30 tooth saw blade
- one 36 tooth saw blade
- one diamond blade
- A hex wrench and scale ruler
88% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
If you have never used any Hychika tools before then we think that you should take a closer look at them.
A few of the guys on the website have done that and they have been well impressed by just how good they are.
This is a good choice for doing the basics that a compact saw should do.
It weighs 3 kg and measures 43.79 x 14.6 x 12.8 cm
BUYER PROS
- Great sawing power even on the harder woods like marine plywood
- Buyers said when you look at all the various pieces it is really good value for money
- Works great on plunge cuts and very effective
- Depth gauge is very easy to use
BUYER CONS
- A few buyers said it conked out after short periods
- A couple of buyers thought it was too expensive
This is a nice piece of kit and the tool bag is also nice to have as well. It is also hard to argue with getting 3 blades suitable for sawing and cutting almost any material that you need to get through.
7. Enventor Mini Circular Saw
This brand is new to the UK market and they do make affordable products. This is a compact saw with a 580 watt motor that generates 4000 RPM. It has been designed to cut wood, metal, tile, plastics, and backerboard.
It has a cutting depth from 0-27mm and has a rip guide, a laser guide with a dust port and hose. It can only do straight 90 degree angle cuts. It has three blades:
- One x 24T TCT Saw Blade (85mm*10mm bore)
- One x 44 T HSS Saw Blade (85mm*10mm bore)
- One x Diamond Blade (85mm*10mm bore)
BUYER PROS
- A useful compact saw that can do a wide range of jobs
- Handy for making precise and accurate cuts once you learn how to make full use of it
BUYER CONS
- Some buyers say that the body is to thick for their hands and that makes it hard to hold
82% buyer satisfaction based on 200+ online buyer reviews
This is a basic affordable saw that is handy for doing a range of jobs around the home and garden
It measures 41.6 x 14.8 x 11.3 cm and is one of the lightest on the UK market at around 2.6 Kg
The blade length is 87mm and you can find replacement sized blades in most DIY stores
It is an affordable saw, and according to buyers overall they like this Enventor compact saw.
8. Makita HS301DWAE 10.8 V Li-ion CXT Circular Saw
If you can afford this one then please just buy it. In our opinion there is not a better one on the UK market and it ticks just about every box that you will ever need.
This is a cordless option and you can tell from the extremely high buyer rating that buyers love this compact saw. This is a high powered saw that uses long lasting Lithium-Ion batteries.
It comes with 2 batteries, a charger, a blade and along with the compact saw that is all you will ever need to get started. Two batteries are always a great idea as you can use one and have the other on charge.
It can do both straight and bevel cuts and the depth of cut is adjustable to 25.5 mm on a straight cut and 16.5 mm on a 45 degree bevel.
That makes it suitable for cutting MDF, plywood, drywall, plasterboard and much more.
It weighs 1.8 kg and measures 31.3 x 17 x 15.5 cm.
This model comes with a 3 year warranty but you MUST register the product online.
92% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ online buyer reviews
Almost every buyer says this goes through 18 mm plywood with considerable ease.
Likewise almost every buyer was impressed with how light and easy this saw was to use, while still retaining more than enough power to get the job done.
This is a great choice for cutting skirting board or floorboards if you don’t own a circular saw.
BUYER PROS
- Buyers say that this saw is powerful for its compact size and love the fact that there no trailing leads to worry about
- Buyers said it is light, easy to control and a great choice for cutting all types of wood
- Great for all types of lighter work like laminates, floorboards and sheeting
BUYER CONS
- This is not your full blown circular saw buy it comes pretty close
- Doesn’t come with a guide rail
There is not a lot we can add to this really. The buyer satisfaction rating should tell you all that you need to know.
9. Einhell TC-CS 860 Mini Circular Saw
And finally at number 10 on our list is this model from the German brand Einhell. This one has a 450 watt motor and is ideal for cutting wood, PVCpipes, soft metal, plastic or tiles.
It can be used for straight cuts, and also for bevel cuts.(0-45 degrees)
- Blade size 23 mm
- 23 mm cutting depth at 90 degrees
- No bevel cuts
It weighs 3.32 kg and measures 14.25 x 5.08 x 10.39 cm
80% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
This model is designed for straight cuts and plunge cuts only and you can not cut bevels or mitres with this electric corded saw.
It comes with three blades, 2 suitable for cutting wood or plastic and one blade suitable for cutting thin metal
It also comes with a parallel guide stop and a carrying case.
You can adjust the depth easily and quickly.
Many people buy this for laminate flooring
Mini Compact Circular Saw Buying Guide
We always like to include a buyer’s guide in any of our main reviews such as this one. In this guide we like to offer some pointers to make sure that you get the right tool for your needs.
Corded or Cordless
This is probably the first choice to make. Almost every power tool is quickly moving to cordless. With the improved Lithium Ion batteries these are now a great choice.
You don’t have to worry about trailing leads, having to use extension leads or having to be close to a power supply.
The disadvantage of cordless is that for it to be practical you really do need two batteries and a charger, and that pushes the cost up.
Straight Cuts or Bevelled Cuts
The next question to answer is will you ever need your compact circular saw to cut bevels or angles in wood. If that is yes then be sure to buy one that has this feature.
Bevels are always done by the foot plate moving with a set of stops and angles. If that is important make sure that it can do bevel cuts.
Cutting Depth
This is the most vital thing to understand. It should probably be right at the top of your list when you are thinking about buying one of these mini circular saws.
When you have read as many reviews as we have, the one thing that comes up over and over again is that buyers forgot to consider this. Make sure that you do and that you get one wide enough for both straight cuts, and/or for bevels if you plan on making those types of cut.
Ease of Use
Buyers don’t often consider this when buying a tool like this and we think that they should. A standard circular saw needs both hands to guide it, where as many of these smaller ones are much lighter and can be used one handed.
They are also suitable for left or right handed people. Some of the bigger versions of these mini saws though can also be quite heavy. Just be aware of that as that can catch you out.
Hopefully you now know a great deal more about mini circular saws. They can be a really handy tool to have in your toolbox and can be used for many smaller jobs around the home.
Makita HS301DZ Review
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Worx WX423 Review
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Worx WX427 XL Review
