If you’re into woodworking, you need a good saw. Better yet, a super charged beast of a saw that will handle anything you throw at it. So what is the best saw for cutting 2×4?
There are certainly many that are up to the task, but by far the best are circular saws as they’re versatile with cutting precision, speed, and range of application that’s likely to be in the too hard basket for other saws.
With 2×4 cutting a staple job for most woodworkers, it’s important to know how to pick the right saw to get the best cut. So we’ve broken down our top picks for the best circular saw for cutting 2x4s that are available on the market right now.
Related: Dremel Ultra Saw Vs Saw Max
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Best Saw for Cutting 2×4 (Top Pick) – TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle
If you are in the market for circular saws and cutting wood and metal is your strongest desire, getting the TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle is a good idea. For many years, we have tried out a different hand and cordless saws, but this gem is a true beauty!
It seems to make all our hard work less demanding, with build quality you tend to expect from TACKLIFE.
Most Tacklife Circular Saws have gotten favorable reviews praising its precision cuts and functionalities, which is always a good sign (although it’s always good to read the negative reviews too).
One of the most useful features of the TACKLIFE’s Circular Saw 4.3-inch is its laser marker – it helps guide you when cutting.
Really though it’s the build quality that sets this saw a part from the others. The TACKLIFE’s ergonomic build makes it such that you can comfortably get your hand around the device while holding it in one hand only, making the cutting line more visible. The unit’s electric motor is 4.5 amp-rated with 3,500-rpm rated load speed. You would get 6 sharp blades with the saw, so plenty to choose from there.
In fact, there are 6 different in total – the RAD-S1201N: 24T TCT, 60T HSS, 32T TCT, 40T TCT, and 60T carbide. They are designed to handle different types of materials: wood, soft metals, tiles, etc.
The Tacklife Circular Saw also has an integrated safety switch to protect its operator from any unwarranted accidents.
Overall, if you prefer to enjoy precise and satisfying work in sawing 2x4s, then having a formidable tool such as the TACKLIFE Circular Saw in hand will no doubt help you out. Plus it’s double protection mechanism will surely get your job done and is compact enough not to take up too much space.
If you would like to check out the price of the TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle, click here.
The Good:
- Versatile and robust
- Cuts 2×4’s in a single pass
- Intuitive design
- An array of cutting angles
- Superior control and manoeuvrability
The Bad:
- Heavy
- Operating the integrated laser light isn’t easy!
Related: How to Use a Circular Saw Without a Table
Premium Compact Saw for cutting 2×4, WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″
WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw – is kicking off part 2 in our list. As a company, although Worx hasn’t been around as long as it’s competitors, we’ve tested their products before and can honestly say this saw can hold it’s own against the more established brands of Makita, Dewalt and Skil. It’s hard to compete in an already insanely competitive marketplace but this little beauty delivers in both performance and safety.
The WORXSAW reaches beyond your typical 4-1/2 inch circular saw. Its innovative magnetic guide system ensures smooth, comfortable cuts, whereby placed accuracy is never compromised. Moreover, its clean and precise cutting makes it an excellent option whenever you need to make notches, crosscuts, and plies of sheet materials.
3,500 rpm no-load speed, dual bevel cuts, 4.5” saw blade bundled with dust shroud and carrying case – all encapsulated in a body weighing around 4.4 pounds pounds. With so many extra goodies, the WORXSAW 4-1/2-Inch Finish Saw sounds like a dream come true. Even though its body is relatively lightweight to allow for greater comfort and maneuverability, it’s 4-amps electric motor is definitely game for any rough or precise cutting tasks. What’s not to love?
As a corded saw, WORXSAW is also among the lighter and more compact circular saws on the market. It is also furnished with an Extreme 24 tooth gleaming blade that works on a wide range of materials before needing to be replaced. The WORXSAW comes with a safe operating trigger that enables its users to grip and move the saw to create a feathered cut with much ease.
If you would like to check out the price of the WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″, click here.
The Good:
- Corded means more power
- Easy to adjust via gauge lever
- Easy to carry owing to its lightweight build
The Bad:
- Doesn’t comes with battery needed to operate this saw so you’ll need power to connect it
- Is more expensive than other compact circular saws.
Related: What to Look For in a Circular Saw
Budget Friendly Saw For Cutting 2x4s, Rockwell RK3441K
Practically engineered to cater to the demands of do-it-yourself and handymen, Rockwell’s RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw is actually a compact variant of high power (even though it’s only 5 amps with 3,500 rpm). Due to the machine’s lightweight structure and shortened chassis, it’s comfortable to use over extended periods as it’s only 5 pounds.
Rockwell’s RK3441K boasts a slim handle for enhanced manoeuvrability and precision cuts in overhead work applications, as well as a limited 3-year warranty, will please all the DIY-enthusiasts. The saw also features non-slip feet design for a solid base, red-lined laser cuts for sturdy performance to cater to the needs of many professional users.
The Rockwell RK3441K 4 ½ inch compact circular saw is designed with a good amount of helpful safety features meant to make you lose your hesitations and truly unleash your project-cutting prowess. One of the saw’s highlights is its blade guard that is really effective and cannot be bumped open by accident or thanks to careless handling, making the safety of surrounding people and objects at the utmost premium. Thus, you will enjoy the use of this saw without having to fear for the safety of others.
Rockwell’s 4 ½” circular saw, is a swift, robust arc of uncompromising magnificence. This saw is not for the faint of heart, as it effortlessly elbows away obstruction on its path. Boasting unparalleled accuracy, superb manoeuvrability and a slim, inline grip, this saw shines in any atmosphere.
Being only a 5amp circular saw means the price of this beast is cheaper than 15 amp counterparts. It may not have all the bells and whistle of other circular saws, but it’s great for those on a budget and newbie friendly too.
To check out the price of the Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw, click here.
The Good:
- Superior cute line visibility
- Easy to operate thanks to superior aesthetics
The Bad:
- Included blades are not so durable
- smaller motor at 5amps motor so won’t have the same grunt as it’s 15 amp counterparts.
Most Powerful, DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch DWE575SB
As a trustworthy brand for electric tools since 1910, DEWALT is one of the most popular manufacturers of power tools in the USA, no less. Their range of DC221KA is one of DEWALT’s best sellers, so it was an exciting possibility to take this circular saw out for a spin and see what makes it tick.
The DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch DWE575SB Circular saw is electrically corded. As such, the user will be stuck next to the power source, regardless of whether the task site is indoors or outdoors. For that reason, purchasing the Dewalt extension cord along with the saw is highly recommended. On the upside, it comes with a 15 Amp motor for maximum power application. Great for professional jobs.
While most circular saws that are corded are equipped with larger blades compared to their cordless counterparts, the DEWALT 7 1/4-inch DWE575SB Circular Saw does have a 7 1/4-inch carbide tipped blade which means it’s depth of reach is limited. Still, controlling the angle may either help you with the adjustable depth after 2-9/16 inches due to the fact that a long blade can reach a greater depth at a sharper angle.
Weighing only 8.8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest saws in its class but has enough grunt to get speeds of 5,100 RPM. This is more than enough to cut hard surfaces toughly. Whether it is too small, with DEWALT, you will always encounter things that are astonishing and this one is no exception.
To check out the price of the DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch DWE575SB, click here.
The Good:
- Lightweight design
- Dust blower at the front
- Easy access to blade changing tool
- Cheap yet feature-rich
- Super comfortable to work with
The Bad:
- Doesn’t have any safety switch
SKIL 5180-01
Skil market this saw as ‘reduced weight by as much as 15%,’ compared to others on the market and you can operate it comfortably with just one hand. It comes fitted with an unpretentious dust extraction to tidy up debris including cut timber pieces. The blower is handy too in removing unwanted sawdust.
Powered by a 14-amp motor, the Skil 7-1/4 inch circular saw, is a marvel of innovation geared towards homeowners who are itching to win the DIY war. While the saw can trim through 2-by lumber with aplomb, the real magic happens when you attempt to make the most out of your saw’s positive stop feature, aligning the saw at 51-degrees (like a hot knife through butter).
For a low cost saw, this one is well worth checking out. Interestingly it is currently the number one best seller on Amazon and I think the low cost of this gem, has put it in this category.
To check out the price of the SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw, click here.
The Good:
- Impressive performance (cut through 2x4s or 4x4s with ease)
- Laser guide and on-board wrench storage
- Low cost
- Great bevel capacity
The Bad:
- The base is not as secure as other saws
- Bag it comes with is a tight fit
What to Consider When Buying a Circular Saw
A circular saw is one of the most significant power tools in the home workshop. Whether you are cutting across lumber or ripping it into more manageable components, a circular saw does the task effectively. It’s the best tool for cutting 2×4’s and 4x4s. If you’re after a great saw for angles, trims and crosscuts, then you’re better off with a miter saw. Whereas on a circular saw, the blade is fed against the work along a straight path making it ideal for 2×4 cuts.
When looking to buy a circular saw, you might want to consider the following:
Power:
First and foremost, consider the power of the circular saw. More power means that you can run a blade with a greater diameter. This is crucial as the cut depth is one of the main features of a circular saw blade. More power means you’ll get deeper cuts and that the wood will cut deeper in one plunge without the need to make multiple passes. Of course, more power also has downsides as well. More power usually means you’ll need a corded saw (rather than cordless) and they’re generally more expensive and heavier than ones with less amp.
Cordless or Corded?
If you want flexibility for use, then it’s best to go with a cordless circular saw. Most cordless saws can handle 2×4 cuts without difficulty so really it becomes a question of what do you want the saw for? Much like the argument for owning a cordless drill, a cordless saw is useful because you can take it without restriction to your project. However, for the most frequent of home and construction tasks, including cutting studs, 2x4s, and plywood, a corded saw will suffice. Cordless saws have the edge over their corded cousins when it comes to portability as with them you can simply manoeuvre them to any place and cut whatever it is you need to.
Worm-Drive vs. Sidewinders
Different from typical sidewinder saws that have their center-weighted on the motor/spindle, the worm-drive motor is located in the back of the apparatus utilizing steel screws that put a series of linkages to forge movements of the cutting blade. Resulting in low specific cutting speed, this design lets in greater torque for sophisticated cutting tasks. Such tool heads are available in either left or right configuration, but with the motor on the left-hand side, the motor’s position interferes with the user’s left arm. As a result, many users feel `right drive’ saws offer a better balance when making deeper or lengthier cuts. Moreover, it’s advisable to get long-lasting blades for your saw and replace them whenever you can.
For further info, check out our guide on what to look for when buying a circular saw.
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