TOP 3 CIRCULAR SAWS

The right circular saw can help you to trim down your wooden doors, board out your loft, build a new deck for the summer, and much more besides. Here are the top three, as reviewed by avid DIYER of 20 years, Steve Jenkins...

BEST CIRCULAR SAW OVERALL: Makita HS7601J/2 240V 190mm

If you’re looking for a well-built, quality circular saw that’s fit for cutting doors and laminate wood flooring, then this great all-rounder from Makita is one for your shopping list. The HS7601J/2 Circular Saw comes with a decent-sized aluminium base plate to keep it steady and also has an aluminium safety cover to help stop unwanted accidents. Equipped with a 1200W motor that delivers 5200rpm, it has enough power to make light work of cutting through standard 35mm doors and thicker wood. £111, Amazon.

BEST CIRCULAR SAW IF YOU’RE ON A BUDGET: Wickes 190mm Corded Circular Saw

You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Wickes 190mm Corded Circular Saw. It may not be built for heavy-duty use, but it’s a top choice for the occasional DIYER. Powered by a 1400W motor, it has enough grunt to get through wood with ease.

The supplied disc is a 24T model. This is great for ripping through timber — especially along the grain. But if you need to cut across the grain and require a smoother finish, you’ll need to invest in a 60-80T blade. £50, Wickes.

BEST CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAW: Erbauer EXT 18V 165mm Cordless

This cordless circular saw gives you the freedom to take it wherever your latest DIY project happens to be, without worrying about needing to be near a power point. But you still get plenty of performance with high torque and a longer run time thanks to its brushless motor technology.

With a maximum speed of 5400rpm, the included 165mm disc still boasts a cutting depth of 61mm and up to 45° bevels. A standard parallel guide and a soft grip help ensure that you can get good straight lines when cutting doors, boards and flooring. £76.50, B&Q.