How Deep Can A Mini Circular Saw Cut?

Last Updated On April 30, 2023

Want to cut 2×2 with a mini circular saw? Or, Tired of blade binding and kickbacks?

Setting the perfect cutting depth would be an absolute solution as it can prevent issues like blade binding & kickbacks and cut through a 2×2 even in a single pass. 

When you’re cutting thrown any materials, setting the cutting depth is a must. Especially as mini circular saws come with small blades, it becomes hard to go through any thick materials. So, you should be aware of the cutting depth.

How Deep Can A Mini Circular Saw Cut? A 3-⅜” mini circular can cut up to a 1-inch depth at 90°, whereas a 4-½”  circular saw offers a maximum depth of 1-11/16 inches at 90° and goes up to 1-1/8″ cutting depth at 45°.

If you are confused about the cutting depth of a circular saw, scroll through our detailed guide to get a quick clarification.

How Deep Can A Mini Circular Saw Cut?

A mini circular can cut up to a depth of 1 inch to 2.5 inches. But, it depends on the size of the circular saw blades and the setting of the bevel angle. Some of the mini saws use 3-⅜” blades, whereas other portable saws use 4.5″ or 7.5″ blades. 

Besides, the cutting depth differs a little bit while the bevel angle is 45° or 90°. As a result, the depth you can go through any material depends on the saw blade & bevel capacity.

Now, the 3-⅜” power tool can make up to 1-inch depth at 90° on working materials like wood, plastics, or metal. If you want more cutting depth, we suggest you pick a 4.5-inch circular saw. It comes with a maximum depth of 1-11/16 inches at 90°. But, a 4.5-inch saw can alter the cutting angle up to 45 degrees, whereas it can offer up to 1-1/8″ cutting depth.

On top of that, some compact circular saw includes a 7.25-inch blade that can make rip cuts with 2.5 inches of cutting depth. Due to the medium size blades, these saws are a little hard to set in tight spaces. So, overall, the cutting depth depends on the blade size and bevel angle you pick.

How Deep Can a 3-⅜ Inch Mini Circular Saw Cut?

The max cutting depth of a 3-⅜” small circular saw is 1 inch. Most compact 3-⅜” don’t come with the bevel angle features. Actually, it is hard to set up tons of things in a miniature version of a circular saw. Hence, it only offers a cut at 90° on working materials like wood, plastics, or metal.

In fact, these mini saws only include a lever on the right middle side. If you want to adjust the depth of the cut, you have to push the lever to loosen the fence. Then, set the depth by using the adjustable fence and pull the lever. To set the fence tightly, it is better to pull the lever as soon as possible.

How Deep Can a 4 ½ Inch Mini Circular Saw Cut?

A 4 ½ inch mini circular saw comes with a cutting depth of 1-11/16 inches to 1-⅛ inches. Actually, the range of cutting depth depends on the setting of the bevel angle. If the saw is at a 90° bevel angle, the 4.5-inch circular saw can cut up to 1-11/16 inches on any material.

On the other hand, a 4.5-inch saw can alter the cutting angle up to 45°. Now, once you set the bevel angle, the cutting depth will decrease. So, a 4.5-inch saw can cut up to 1-1/8″ depth at 45°. To set the desired angle, push the lever on the right front side. After setting the angle, pull it back to lock the fence.

Here’s a quick video of a mini circular saw cut!

How To Adjust The Cutting Depth of a Mini Circular Saw

To adjust the cutting depth, you have to follow some steps, including disconnecting the saw, adjusting the desired angle, and setting the depth of the cut. Let’s have a look at these steps in detail.

Disconnect The Saw

Most woodworkers adjust the depth while the saw is connected to the power saw. But, if you’re a beginner with the compact saw, we suggest you disconnect the saw from the power source. Once you become a pro, this step is not mandatory.

On the contrary, If you’re using cordless compact circular saws, then take out the battery first. Otherwise, you may pull or push the trigger accidentally while adjusting the cutting depth. So, it is better to disconnect the compact mini-circular saws from the power source to prevent serious injuries.

Adjusting The Desired Angle

After disconnecting the saw, let’s adjust the desired angle. Most compact circular saws come with a fully adjustable fence with a range of 0° to 45°. The lever that controls the adjustment of the angle is situated on the right front side.

Place the compact saw vertically and push the lever to loosen the fence. After that, set the depth by using the adjustable fence and pull the lever quickly. To set the fence tightly, it is better to pull the lever as soon as you set the angle.

Setting Up The Depth 

To set the desired depth, remove the blade guard and look for the lever on the right middle side. It also unlocks the fence but gives you space to move the fence upward or downward. As a result, it helps you to set up the cutting depth. 

To set the desired angle, push the lever on the right middle side. Once the fence gets open, move it upward or downward to set the angle. After setting the angle, pull it back to lock the fence. Finally, connect the saw and make some cuts on any materials. 

Why Should I Adjust The Right Cutting Depth On Saws

Setting the circular blade too high or deep on a material may cause some serious issues like sudden stops, binding, and kickbacks. To get rid of such issues, you should adjust the right cutting depth. Even the efficiency of the best compact circular saws depends on a properly set depth.

Let’s discuss the issue of setting the blade too high. Cutting through a thick material causes a sudden stop of the saw. Besides, cordless mini circular saws aren’t so powerful to go through deep materials. Hence, it is better to avoid setting the blade too high.

On the other hand, setting the blade diameter too deep can cause some serious problems. If the blade is exposed, it can bind and kick back while cutting any thin materials. Now, issues like binding and kickback cause serious risks of injuries. So, set the right cutting depth to keep yourself safe and get some efficient cuts.

FAQs

1. Can mini circular saws cut a 2×4 in a single pass?

Yes, some latest models of the mini circular saw come with a high cutting speed that can cut a 2×4 even in a single pass. If your saw doesn’t make it in a single pass, go through the straight line 2 times to get a perfect 2×4.

2. Are mini circular saws good for woodworking?

Yeah, mini circular saws can go through different sizes of lumber on a single pass. So, it’s precise cuts can handle all your working needs. Besides, mini circular saws can handle a wide range of materials, including wood, plastics, or metal.

 3. Can I cut metal with a mini circular saw?

If you pick a saw with a powerful motor, it can go through metal sheets and tubes. Besides, keep sure you’re using a carbide-tipped metal blade to cut metal smoothly within a few seconds with safety features. 

4. Can a mini circular saw cut a 2×4?

No, cutting a 2×4 requires at least a 10-inch saw blade. To handle such a bigger blade, you must use a heavy saw. So, mini saws have no chance to make such cuts.

5. Why does my mini saw blade bind?

Setting the blade too deep in any material can cause binding. If the blade remains exposed, it can bind suddenly and cause serious injuries. So, set the proper cutting depth before going through any materials.

Finishing Up

Finally, we have made it to the end of our detailed guide. Now, a 3-⅜” mini circular saw can cut up to a 1-inch depth at 90°, whereas a 4-½”  circular saw offers a maximum cutting depth of 1-11/16 inches at 90° and goes up to 1-1/8″ cutting depth at 45°.

Besides, we have added a step-by-step guide for adjusting cutting depth that may help you to set the perfect cutting depth quickly. So, follow these steps right now and set the desired depth to make some efficient cuts in seconds!