A circular saw is one of the most-used power tools on any building site or renovation project. But with dozens of models available across different blade sizes, voltages, and brands, choosing the right one can be confusing. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the right call for your application.
Cordless vs Corded Circular Saws
The most significant choice is whether you go cordless (battery) or corded (mains power).
Cordless is now the dominant choice on Australian construction sites. Modern 18V and 40V brushless circular saws from Makita and Milwaukee match corded performance for most cutting tasks, with the advantage of full site mobility, no trip hazards, and compatibility with the same battery platform as your drill and impact driver. If you're starting a cordless platform or are already on Makita, Milwaukee, or HiKoki, go cordless.
Corded still makes sense for sustained high-volume cutting from a fixed position — like a cut-off station for a framing crew, or cutting large panels in a workshop where you never need to move far from power. The unlimited runtime and slightly higher power ceiling of large corded saws is an advantage in these specific setups.
Blade Size: 165mm vs 185mm vs 235mm
Blade size determines depth of cut — the bigger the blade, the deeper it cuts at 90°.
165mm (6-1/2 inch) — The most popular cordless size on Australian sites. Cuts up to 57mm at 90°, which handles the majority of framing and finish carpentry tasks. Light and compact. Makita DHS661, Milwaukee M18 FCS55, and HiKoki C3606 are the leading models.
185mm (7-1/4 inch) — The traditional corded framing saw size. Greater depth of cut (66mm at 90°), well suited to thicker hardwood decking and structural timber. Also available in 54V/40V cordless for maximum power.
235mm (9-1/4 inch) — Large format saws for heavy framing, LVL beams, and engineered timber. Available on Makita 40V XGT. Overkill for most applications — choose this if you're regularly cutting through 90mm structural members in a single pass.
Key Features to Look For
Brushless Motor — Brushless motors provide more efficient power delivery, longer runtime per battery charge, and no carbon brushes to replace. On a professional cordless saw, brushless is strongly recommended for the efficiency gains and reduced maintenance.
Electric Brake — The blade stops within 2 seconds of releasing the trigger rather than spinning down over 5–10 seconds. A significant safety feature and productivity advantage — you can put the saw down and move on immediately rather than waiting for the blade to stop.
Blade Left vs Blade Right — On a blade-right saw, the blade is on the right side of the motor (the traditional orientation). On a blade-left saw, the blade is on the left, which many right-handed users prefer because the cut line is directly visible to the eye rather than obscured by the motor. Makita's DHS660 is blade-right; the newer DHS783 is blade-left. Try both if possible before committing.
Rafter Hook — A hook on the rear of the saw body that hangs on a rafter or ladder rung when not in your hand. Invaluable for roof work and elevated cutting.
Bevel Capacity — Most saws bevel to 45° or 50°. Some offer left and right bevel for compound cuts. If you do a lot of rafters or angled framing, check the bevel range.
Track Saw Compatibility — Some circular saws (notably Makita and Milwaukee) are compatible with guide rails (track saw systems) that allow long, perfectly straight cuts in sheet goods. Essential for joiners and kitchen fabricators.
Which Blade to Use
The circular saw blade you choose matters as much as the saw itself. Tooth count is the key variable: fewer teeth cut faster and more aggressively; more teeth cut cleaner but more slowly.
24T: Framing and general construction. Fast, aggressive cut in structural timber. 40T: Decking, hardwood, joinery, and general timber cross-cutting. Good balance of speed and finish quality. 60T+: Fine cross-cutting in hardwood, veneered panels, and finished timber where a clean, splinter-free cut is required. Carbide-tipped blades are standard — they last significantly longer than steel blades and produce a much cleaner cut.
Which Brand?
Makita — The DHS661 (165mm, 18V) is the most popular cordless circular saw on Australian building sites and is a proven, reliable workhorse. The DHS783 (185mm, 18V x 2 in series for 36V equivalent) is the more powerful dual-battery option. For the newest technology, the HS004G is Makita's 40V XGT 165mm model.
Milwaukee — The M18 FUEL FCS55 (165mm) is one of the most powerful 18V circular saws available. Excellent performance in dense hardwood and structural timber.
HiKoki — The C3606 and C3607 MultiVolt models deliver strong performance at competitive price points on the MultiVolt 36V platform.
Free shipping on orders over $199 at Toolup Australia-wide. Trade and project pricing — call (03) 5241 9555.