When the inquisitive engineers at Milwaukee Tools started asking professional carpenters what they wanted in a portable circular saw, they consistently heard the same three things: pure cutting power, maximum control, and all-day comfort. The result of their research went into the creation of the Milwaukee 6391-21, arguably the best-built circular saw on the market.

For starters, the 6391 has a monster 15-amp, 5,800-rpm motor that produces 3-1/4 horsepower; that’s nearly as powerful as a worm-drive saw, yet this 7-1/4-inch Milwaukee model is more than one third lighter.

Look closely and you’ll notice that the blade is mounted on the left side of the motor. That southpaw position gives right-handed users a much clearer view of the cutting line since they no longer have to lean over their arm to see the blade. The 10.4-pound saw’s thick aluminum shoe tilts up to 50 degrees for bevel cutting.

The 6391 is also equipped with Milwaukee’s exclusive Tilt-Lok handle that can be adjusted to the most comfortable cutting position: to the rear for vertical cutting, on top for horizontal cutting, or anywhere in between. The saw comes with a carbide-tipped saw blade, blade wrench, storage case and owner’s manual. -- Joseph Truini

What’s in the Box
Circular saw, carbide-tipped saw blade, blade wrench, storage case, and owner’s manual.

We’d wager that about 95 percent of the instances you use a circular saw, this little dynamo would be your saw of choice. Stacked up next to the 7-1/4-inch saws, some of which weigh twice as much as this one, it sacrifices nothing in power or performance, but it’s so much easier to use that the bigger boys in your toolbox would be gathering some dust.

It’s an amazingly light 6-1/2 pounds, and quite honestly, it feels like a toy when you first pick it up. But don’t be fooled by its petite dimensions. It plows across a 2-by-8 like nobody’s business, and if you’re used to a bigger, heavier circular saw, you can’t help but be delighted by how beautifully it handles. Taking it through a ¾-inch sheet is a joyride.

The left-side blade is perfect for right-handers, offering a nice clear sightline, and all the adjustments are convenient and easy to use. The bevel lever is up front, and the action is smooth and easy to set precisely. Depth of cut adjusts from the back, and that, too, is done easily.

If there are any caveats, we think it would be only that your capacity is slightly less with this little Skil as opposed to a bigger model, in that you can’t cut a 45-degree bevel on 2-by stock with this, and you’re at your max depth of cut at 90 degrees on a 2-by.

For everything else, this is an absolute beauty of a saw that will never tax your back, your shoulder or your arm. Contractors who find themselves climbing ladders or working on scaffolds will especially love this saw, as well as homeowners who don’t feel confident taking on a beefy saw but still want to get the job done. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What’s in the Box
Saw, blade wrench, combination blade

Ryobi 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with powerful 12.0 Amp motor. Contoured design with front pommel handle for added comfort and control. Spindle lock for easy blade changes. Bevels to 51.5-Degree for complex rafter cuts. Product DescriptionThis is a factory reconditioned power tool. Reconditioned generally means that the tool has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the tool back to like new condition. Some tools may contain cosmetic blemishes. Includes 12 Amp, 7-1/4" Circular Saw - ZRCSB123, Blade, Blade Wrench, Operator's Manual

Ergonomic front and rear handles. Patented safety lock off switch and anti snag lower guard. Rear view depth adjustment. 2 point line of sight for added accuracy. Die cast aluminum blade guards. Comes with combination blade and wrench. Includes a 20 teeth

Powerful 13A motor provides the power for cross cuts and rip cuts in all woods. On board laser for cutting accuracy. Bail handle design provides versatility. Align your blade to the kerf indicator for accurate cuts. Bevel adjustments from 0 to 45 accurate

This new circular saw combines Hitachi's rock-solid construction with a lightweight and ergonomic design. The saw has a powerful and smooth-running 15 amp motor with a replaceable carbon brush for long life and easy maintenance. The saw's aluminum-alloy base bevels from 0 to 55 degrees, with positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees. Depth of cut and bevel adjustments are both tool-free operations. The handle has a comfortable nonslip grip, and at only 10.1 pounds, it's hard to find a lighter-weight saw with this much power. Professionals and serious woodworkers who prefer sidewinder-style saws will find this to be among the best of the bunch. For people who want a little more, check out Hitachi's C7BD2 model, which is this same saw with an electric brake. --Brian Trinen

Covered by Hitachi's 10-Year Lithium Ion Tool Warranty- click here to download the Lithium Ion Tool Warranty Brochure Tool body compatible with all Hitachi Lithium Ion, NiCd and NiMH 18V post-style batteries Left-mounted 6-1/2" blade for accessibility and convenient blade changes Soft elastomer grip for improved comfort and reduced fatigue Electric brake for increased safety Fan cooled motor for increased run times and maximum power Built-in spotlight for improved visibility of cut line Accurate cuts with 50° bevel angle adjustment for various applications

Here's a saw packing the power of Makita and the convenience of cordless, the best of both worlds. It's incredibly light and a cinch to handle, and at 4.6 pounds, it's easy on the body. All the adjustments are clear and easy to change. Makita's batteries have a great reputation for good reason—they deliver plenty of power and hold their charge. This little saw is so versatile, we can imagine using it for dozens of things: cutting sheets, trim, rows of dowels for crafters, flooring, you name it. It evens bevels to 45 degrees—we think that's a great feature for such a small package. The clever design leaves it feeling totally balanced in your hand. You'll find yourself reaching for it instead of the standard 7-inch saw, and it will get the job done.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Featuring an ultra-powerful 15 Amp, 5,800 RPM motor, the Porter-Cable 423MAG delivers precise, straight, and accurate cuts quickly and efficiently. An on-board cord clip makes sure the power cord stays clear of your cutting line, and a built-in dust port rotates 205 degrees for dependable dust collection with a 1-inch outlet. Durable and built to last, the 423MAG boasts lightweight magnesium construction, has a comfortable-to-hold handle, and offers a positive stop at 45 degrees.

This powerful 13 Amp metal cutting saw features innovative dry-cut technology that provides faster, cleaner and more affordable metal cutting. 120 Volt AC with 3700 RPM no-load speed. Has an exclusive quick-release blade shield latch as well as sight-line and blade point-of-entry indicators. Cordless: No, Blade Diameter (in.): 8, Amps: 13, Speed - No Load (RPM): 3,700, Cutting Depth at 90deg (in.): 2 9/16, Blade Location: Right, Blade Included: Yes, Wrench Included: Yes, Case Included: Yes