What is the Circular Saw

The ubiquitous circular saw is undoubtedly one of the most popular power tools nowadays. Equipped with a rapidly rotating disc-shaped blade with acute teeth, it is capable of slicing through diverse materials ranging from wood to metal to concrete to plastics and even slate. Circular saw, as its name suggests, is named after its circular cutting blade, which spins at a high velocity to achieve neat and smooth cuts.

Circular saws are extremely versatile and useful for both DIY and professional applications. They can be mounted to a table or used as portable handheld saws.

These advantages of versatility, ease-of-use, and efficiency have solidified the circular saw as an essential tool for woodworking, construction, and craftwork. Both hobbyists and professionals rely on the circular saw for rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts, and more. It has become indispensable for carpentry, framing, flooring, and other applications. The circular saw revolutionized wood processing by speeding up cutting and enabling higher precision and consistency.

From its manually powered origins to advanced table saws and portable cutting tools, the circular saw has a rich history spanning over 200 years.

The Invention of Circular Saw

The earliest versions of the circular saw date back to the late 18th century. In 1777, Samuel Miller patented the first circular sawing machine in Britain. However, circular saw blades themselves were likely in use even earlier. These early saws were manually operated using a treadle and were mainly used in sawmills.

A Spinning Inspiration

The circular saw got a boost in the early 19th century from an unlikely source - the spinning wheel.

Around 1810, Tabitha Babbitt, a Shaker woman, attached a circular saw blade to her spinning wheel, creating a powered saw that could spin continuously without stopping. Her design inspired larger circular saws for industrial use. Though Babbitt did not patent her invention due to her religious beliefs, she deserves recognition as a key figure in popularizing the circular saw.

The Rise of Portable Circular Saws

In the early 20th century, several key inventions transformed the circular saw into a widely used woodworking tool. In 1922, Raymond DeWalt invented the radial arm saw, which allowed for precise control of cutting depth and direction.

Interestingly, the famous power tool brand DeWalt today originated from the company founded by the Raymond DeWalt in 1923, just 1 year after his invention of the radial arm saw.

[ After Raymond DeWalt built the "DeWalt Inc."

-In 1949, American Machine & Foundry Co., Inc. acquired the company and sold it to Black & Decker in 1960.

-Black & Decker then divested the radial arm saw manufacturing business.

-In 1989, it set up a subsidiary and sold it to two executives.

-In 1992, Black & Decker began rebranding its professional and high-end power tools under the DeWalt name.

-In 1994, DeWalt acquired ELU, a German woodworking power tool producer, and used ELU's technology to expand its tool lineup. This marked the beginning of the DeWalt we know today.]

In 1929, Art Emmons created the first portable circular saw with an electric motor. Emmons’ lightweight, handheld saw enabled fast and efficient cutting of wood and other materials. His design became the basis for modern circular saws.

The Ever-Evolving Circular Saw

Circular saws have evolved remarkably with improvements in safety, precision and efficiency. Today's circular saws are powered by universal motors that operate on AC or DC power. Safety features such as blade guards, kickback preventions and automatic shut-offs provide more protection. Circular saws are now popular among both professionals and hobbyists for a wide range of woodworking tasks. They have become essential tools for construction, carpentry and craftwork.

For example, our KYNKO 185mm circular saw KD76 is an excellent choice for professional woodworking. With multiple functions and versatile applications, it can cut wood, PVC pipes, metal, bone, etc. Its flexible cutting adjustments and multi-angle cuts from 0 to 45 degrees and depth adjustments from 0 to 65mm provide greater versatility. It can also connect to a dust collection bag for a clean, dust-free working environment.

Over the course of more than two centuries, the circular saw has undergone significant transformations, evolving from manually powered sawmills to advanced table saws and portable cutting tools. This remarkable journey not only revolutionized the woodworking industry but also played a pivotal role in making the craft accessible to a broader audience.

In the early days of woodworking, craftsmen relied on manually powered sawmills to cut through materials. These sawmills required tremendous physical effort and were limited in terms of precision and efficiency. However, with the advent of the circular saw, everything changed. This innovative tool introduced a new level of speed, accuracy, and versatility to woodworking, enabling craftsmen to accomplish tasks more efficiently and with greater precision.

As the circular saw became more refined and advanced, it played a crucial role in shaping the history of woodworking. It facilitated mass production by allowing craftsmen to cut large quantities of wood quickly and uniformly. This development had far-reaching implications, as it fueled the growth of industries and construction projects that relied on wooden components.