Last Updated On February 10, 2023
When purchasing a handheld tool like a circular saw, weight is one of the most crucial deciding factors. Because the circular saw weight often determines how comfortably you can operate the saw.
So, what is the average circular saw weight?
Honestly, it depends on the saw type, motor position, material, blade size, etc.
On average, a sidewinder saw weighs around 8-10 pounds whereas a worm-drive circular saw weighs 13-16 pounds. However, depending on several factors, this handheld power tool can weigh a minimum of 4 pounds and a maximum of 18 pounds.
Wish to learn more in this regard? All you need to stay with us till the end!
What Is the Average Weight of a Circular Saw?
| Average Weight | 9.85 pounds |
| Minimum Weight | 4 pounds |
| Maximum Weight | 18 pounds |
If we go through the most popular circular saw models from different brands, we see that this high-hand apparatus has an average weight of 9.85 pounds. Moreover, the weight can range between 4-18 pounds based on some variables.
As a handheld power tool, weight plays a vital role in deciding on a circ saw’s performance. It must be lightweight enough to be operated single-handedly.
Based on how heavy or how lightweight the saw is, it will be determined how comfortably you can hold it. Too much weight can cause operator fatigue.
Factors That Decide on the Circular Saw Weight
As already mentioned, circular saw weight must be manageable to handle the saw with precision and perfection. However, it mostly depends on the following things-
Saw Type
If we consider the position of the motor in relation to the blade, circular saws are basically two types- sidewinder and worm drive. And yes, the position of the powerful motor does affect the overall weight of the saw.
| Circular Saw Type | Weight Range |
| Sidewinder Saw | 8-10 pounds |
| Worm-Drive Saw | 13-16 pounds |
Sidewinder Saw
A sidewinder circ saw is probably the most popular type of saw right now. Having the lower motor perpendicular to the saw blade, they are pretty lightweight.
A sidewinder saw usually weighs between 8-10 pounds. As it doesn’t require any additional gear to transfer the rotation to the blade, a sidewinder weighs less.
In such saws, you see the saw blade is directly connected to the arbor shaft. Resultantly, the blade spins faster than its counterparts.
Nevertheless, the power motor here is located beside the blade. So, it doesn’t block your sight to observe the cutting action.
Being lightweight, they are effortlessly portable which makes them a great choice for any construction site.
On top of that, sidewinder saws are pretty affordable as well. It’s just that you cannot win over concrete or denser materials with these low-torque saws.
Worm-Drive Saw
Opposed to the sidewinder, a worm-drive saw weighs a bit more, from 13-16 pounds mostly.
Actually, the motor here is placed with the saw blade parallelly. So, the saw blade doesn’t directly fit the arbor shaft.
Resultantly, you need an additional gearbox to spin the saw blade.
Compared to its sidewinder counterpart, a worm-drive saw needs additional 2-3 gears in the gearbox to rotate the blade.
Furthermore, there are lubricants to minimize the friction of the teeth. So, naturally, these added components would increase the overall saw weight.
However, thanks to its high torque and durable mechanism, a worm-drive saw is known to be a long-lasting workhorse to sustain even the toughest worksite conditions.
Also, it’s important to note that a worm-drive saw uses a lightweight magnesium housing which reduces its weight to a considerable extent.
Otherwise, they would have been even heavier!
Blade Size
Usually, the size of a circular saw is determined by its blade radius. For example, if a saw can accommodate a 4 ½ ” radius saw blade, it is labeled as a 4 ½ ” saw.
That being said, the blade size plays a dominant role in deciding the saw weight. If your saw consists of a larger saw blade, it will be heavier.
At the same time, a blade with a larger radius needs a more powerful motor to be rotated.
Again, it increases the total weight of the saw.
However, having thicker saw blades comes with some advantages. Thicker blades are stronger and safe from blade wobble.
Additionally, stronger blades ensure that you don’t face dull and blunt saw teeth. That means it eliminates the chance of smoking or burning wood.
Best of all, a thicker saw blade doesn’t bend easily.
So, even if a larger saw blade makes your tool a bit heavier, you should focus more on the performance in this case.
Depth Range
The weight could also vary based on the cutting depth.
Generally, the bottom base of a circ saw rests on the wood. The depth range means how deep the saw could go through the wood.
On that note, circular saws with a lesser depth range are usually smaller in size with smaller blade radius.
Ultimately, you get a lightweight cutting tool.
Material
Here are some common saw-making materials for your consideration. Among them, some are lighter, some are heavier. As circular saws use a wide array of materials to be architectured, expect different weight ranges from different models.
Steel
Steel is undoubtedly one of the most durable materials for any power tool. However, this durability doesn’t come for free but with some side effects.
It is one of the heaviest materials of all. Though more weight means more strength in this case.
However, we don’t recommend going for an all-steel saw. It could be unconventionally heavier.
Rather you can use a saw which has a steel-made rotating blade. Although other parts of a circular saw could be steel-made too.
Aluminum
It is widely used in manufacturing the housing of a power saw. Being lightweight, Aluminum has a huge contribution to keeping the saw lightweight.
Magnesium
If you are looking for an even lighter saw-making material than Aluminum, go for Magnesium. It is 33% lighter than Aluminum.
Moreover, it’s 75% lighter compared to steel.
No wonder, magnesium is considered the lightest of all saw manufacturing materials. Hence it is used to reduce the circular saw weight.
Additional Features
A circular saw consists of some convenient components so that you can bring the best out of this power-driven cutting tool.
Generally, the spring-loaded blade is protected with a cover. Then, there is a base plate which is called the shoe.
Either of these two components is often made of a variety of materials including plastic, aluminum, or magnesium.
We already discussed above how these materials differ from each other in terms of weight and durability.
So, based on the materials used in these components, your circular saw weight varies.
Other than that, if you choose a circular saw with some additional features like a laser guide or a dust port, get ready to handle some extra weight while operating the saw.
Corded vs Cordless
A cordless circular saw is often heavier than a corded model. As they are battery-powered devices, you need to count the battery weight too. Usually, cordless saws weigh anywhere between 6-10 pounds.
Although the blade diameter greatly affects the overall weight of the tool. If you go for a 4 ½” saw blade, it will be a mini cordless saw and the weight range would be 6-8 pounds.
Besides, a brushless motor makes a cordless saw even more lightweight.
On the other hand, a corded power saw is usually lighter than a cordless version as it doesn’t come with any battery.
As a result, they always need a power source to be connected through the cable. Once you are out of the power supply range, it won’t work anymore.
However, the cordless models are powered by lithium-ion batteries. But due to the battery power, they cannot run as long as the corded ones. Also, they are less powerful.
It’s true that the weight difference between these two versions of the circular saw was huge in the past.
But lately, modern cordless saws come with batteries that weigh less than a pound. So, they are more lightweight now, even lighter than a corded model in some cases.
Closing Notes
If we take a dig into the circular saw weight, we see that this power tool became more lightweight in the past 20 years. Now they are more compact and precise.
However, less weight often leads to less stability of this magnificent power saw. It also affects the overall performance.
But lightweight saws are more portable. And you don’t end up developing hand fatigue when you are using the saw for a long time.
That’s why it’s important to balance the weight, power, and performance of a circular saw. If you can find a saw with a standard weight, you don’t need to sacrifice power or precision.
Hopefully, the guide above will help you find a proper circular saw with a perfect power-to-weight ratio.
Good luck!
This is Ahmed Shuvo, an enthusiastic tool enthusiast with a passion for saws, especially circular saws and miter saws. I have written blog posts and conducted research on the proper use and maintenance of these tools. I am also a DIYer who enjoys making wooden projects and always striving to improve my skills. I am confident in my expertise and eager to contribute to the growth of this industry through my writing.