Want a quick answer? Milwaukee 6470-21 provides the most value for the money and is the best 10 1/4″ circular saw you can get. Keep reading to find out why.
A 10-1/4 inch circular saw is a tool of choice for those who need superior cutting depth. The extra cutting depth that these large circular saws provide is excellent for working with thick materials, such as framing timber.
10-1/4 inch circular saws are overkill for the casual DIY’er and are geared towards construction workers. If you are reading this, you must be looking for a top-of-the-line circular saw that will deliver unparalleled performance.
In this article, we will review 5 of the best 10 1/4-inch circular saws of 2024
Comparison:
The 4 Best 10-1/4 Inch Circular Saws:
1. Top Pick: Milwaukee 6470-21
- Power Tools and Accessories
- Country of manufacture: China
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
OVERVIEW
This product uses a simple design that should be easy for you to use. The lack of frills might be just what a new woodworker needs with this size of a circular saw.
Pros
- It generates 5,200 RPMs. That should be plenty of spin for any blade you put into the saw;
- It has a long power cord. The cord is 12-foot in length and is double-insulated for more protection;
- It comes with a steel case. That is great protection for the saw in your vehicle or for anything in your shop.
Cons
- A lack of features for experienced users. A problem with simple designs is that once you are used to this 10 1/4-inch circular saw, you could be shopping for another product with more bells and whistles;
- It has an aluminum shoe. This plate is made this way to keep weight down, but I suspect it is not as sturdy as magnesium would be.
2. The Runner-Up: SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 Worm-Drive Saw
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OVERVIEW
This product uses a worm drive to transfer power from the motor to the blade. It will provide more torque than the other 15 amp motor saws can with a sidewinder design.
Pros
- This product uses a dual field design for the 15 amp motor. This should help it to run smoothly as well as cool for longer periods of time;
- A longer lip on the lower blade guard. This provides maximum protection while also keeping small pieces from flying around with the blade;
- You will appreciate more versatility with the 51-degree bevel adjustments.
Cons
- The added torque makes for harder control in a thick wood. You will have to keep an extra grip on the saw in thick timbers as the torque will plow into the fibers without delay;
- You need a wide position. The top handle is spaced farther than other designs, which could be a bit awkward if you have shorter arms.
Read More: Best Worm Drive Circular Saws of 2024
3. Best Overall: Makita 5104
- Powerful 14 AMP motor delivers 3,800 RPM with power to cut beams and timber
- Well balanced and weighs only 20.3 lbs. for increased operator comfort
- Precision gearing with ball and needle bearing construction for smooth and efficient power transmission
OVERVIEW
The precision gearing Makita provides here means that there is less waste with power transfer. That same gearing allows the blade to run smoothly through the cut.
Pros
- Three handles on the saw. You have a handle on the back for control as well as a handle on the top and to the side. This gives more options for controlling the saw;
- This product includes an electric brake. That provides quick blade stopping after the trigger is released, a bonus for safety and productivity;
- It has a well-balanced body, even with the more flat design that houses the precision gears.
Cons
- The AMP rating is 14. This is a bit underwhelming for this price point, especially when this is a sidewinder that will not deliver extra torque through the cut like a worm gear would;
- A higher price point for what you get. There are features that should have been added to this particular model that could have justified the price point more.
4. Least Expensive On This List: Makita HS0600
- Delivers the trusted performance of the Makita 5007F 7-1/4" circular saw with the capacity to cut 4x lumber in a single pass
- Powerful 15 amp motor delivers 4, 300 RPM with power to cut beams, engineered lumber, and timber
- Well balanced design at 16-1/2" long and weighing only 15.2 pounds For increased operator comfort
OVERVIEW
This second entry from Makita comes at a much lower price point than the previous model reviewed so much so that you could add a couple of high-quality blades to this purchase.
Pros
- It has a larger motor than the Makita 1504. A 15 amp motor drives this saw, giving it plenty of power for cuts;
- It is fairly lightweight. This product comes in at only 15.2 pounds;
- It provides bevel support at both the front and rear of the saw. This design should provide extra rigidity with beveled cuts.
Cons
- It includes a rip fence guide that could be improved. The design lacks rear support;
- The markings on the bevel scale are not colored. This can be an issue if you need to make adjustments in a low-light situation.
Read More: Best Circular Saws of 2024
What You Should Know About 10 1/4 Inch Circular Saws
Is that right for you?
The stand-out feature of 10 1/4 inch circular saws is that they can cut wood that is over 3-1/2 inches thick. That is a big difference in the shop or in the field. A 7-1/4-inch blade can get through a 2×4 with one pass but will need a second cut to get through lumber just a bit thicker.
You will find that cutting and drilling are two of the jobs that you will be performing all of the time in your woodworking shop. A circular saw will allow you to cut timber and break down plywood for any DIY home project, woodworking project, jig, as well as carpentry work on the job. You can even cut through materials other than wood if you install the appropriate blade (and it fits your saw’s arbor).
Why not buy a miter saw or table saw?
If you are just starting out on your woodworking journey, or if you are experienced but might be building up your first woodworking shop, a circular saw will be the most economical choice when compared with either a miter or table saw. There are a variety of saw sizes out there, and the 10 1/4-inch models are meant for big cuts.
The stand-out feature of a circular, when compared to the other two designs, is that it is portable. You can take the saw to the work instead of having to take the work to the saw. This allows you to use it to make cuts on wood that can not be moved, and you can operate the circular saw in spaces where a miter or table setup would not fit.
Unlike a circular saw, even the best miter saw will be limited to a cutting width based on the reach of its swing arm. That makes it a poor choice for rip cuts or dimensioning sheet goods.
A table saw will be limited to the size of material that you can safely hold on the table while you cut. This can be an issue for even the largest table saw when it comes to big furniture or wide wood panels. A big 10 1/4-inch saw will make taking on those larger items easier.
Downsides
If there is one thing that both a miter saw and a table saw can do, it would be to cut very straight. Circular saws do an adequate job for carpentry work, but even the best 10 1/4-inch designs will drift a bit. That will be an issue for most woodworkers who need accuracy when building things like furniture.
A homemade or purchased saw guide can help, but the best long cuts that are completely straight are made with a track saw. If you find that you make lots of rip cuts, then a good track saw might be a better option. However, most beginning and intermediate projects will be served by a circular saw just fine.
Also, keep in mind that big blade on the 10 1/4 inch circular saw. It can inflict serious damage if not handled properly.
Finally, remember that the size of these saws will make them weigh more due to larger blades and motors. That can make them a bit harder to control and it will wear you out sooner than a 7.25-inch circular saw would.
Things To Keep In Mind
- Motor size – Look for 14 amps, if not more;
- Sidewinder vs worm gear – Sidewinders will give you more RPMs and worm gear more torque;
- Weight – 10 1/4 inch models are heavier, so any reduction in weight is appreciated;
- Cutline visibility – The clearer the path between your eyes and the contact point, the better your cut will be;
- Safety add-ons – Things like electric brakes make the tool safer to use.
Read my circular saw buying guide to learn how to buy a circular saw that will last you a lifetime.
Cutting Down To One
- Power Tools and Accessories
- Country of manufacture: China
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Simply put, the Milwaukee 6470-21 is the best 10 1/4 circular saw on the list. It is simple to learn and operate, which is great for novice woodworkers or those a bit intimidated by the circular saw’s blade.
It provides plenty of power at 15 amps, and the 5,200 RPMs will work for almost all blades you might use. An electric brake and double insulated cord add to safety as you cut bevels ranging up to 60 degrees.
You won’t break the bank at this mid-range price point, and that should be a serious consideration for anyone looking to use a circular saw to cut big lumber!
