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The 6½ and 7¼-inch circular saws are cool options if you are looking for circular saws. They are both good at cutting different materials, whether wood, plastic, or metal.
And hey! This similarity can make it sorta confusing to know which to go for. Are there specific advantages one may have over the other? No sweat! Check out our article.
We compared both saws based on some features like what you’ll likely use them for, what kinda jobs they’re best for, and how much they’re going to cost you. After reading this article, you’re sure to make up your mind and choose a side.
Our Pick
When it comes to choosing between these circular saws, there are a lot of similarities and differences you gotta keep in mind. They both have their pros and cons. But at the end of the day, we decided to go with one over the other for a few reasons. Of course, your choice might be different depending on what you’re looking for.
But listen up, in the battle of 6½ vs 7¼ inch circular saws, we have to give it up for the 7¼-Inch circular saw as the all-time champ. Here’s why:
First off, only the 7¼-inch circular saw can make 45-degree angled cuts, which is a big plus in our book. And it’s just the right size for any kind of material – not too small like the 6½-inch circular saw or too large like the heavy-duty 8¼-inch saws. That makes it perfect for newbies and DIYers alike.
Plus, unlike the 6½-inch circular saw, the 7¼-Inch circular saw works with different blades for cutting other materials like plastic and metal. And that isn’t even half of it, there are a whole bunch of other reasons why the 7¼ Inch circular saw reigns supreme. You’ll just have to get one for yourself and see what we mean.
About the 6½-Inch Circular Saw
They call this baby the ‘trim saw’, but it’s also known as the 6½-inch circular saw. It’s got a six-inch blade and is perfect for making trim cuts. This bad boy can slice through up to 2.5 inches of any material like it’s nothin’, and a lot of folks prefer it cause it’s got a left-bladed design that gives you a dope line of sight.
Not only is this saw lightweight and comfy to use, but it’s also easy on the wallet. That’s why it’s the perfect choice for all you newbies out there looking to get into the woodworking game.
And get this – you can power this circular saw with electricity or a battery, depending on your preference. One dope example of a 6½-inch circular saw is the SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch circular saw with LED Light.
But if you wanna take things to the next level, you might wanna peep the DEWALT 20V MAX circular saw – that saw has a 6-1/2-inch blade and is sure to get the job done right.
Pros
- Six-inch stock blade
- Lightweight
- Some models can make up to 2-19/32″ cutting depth
- Can cut 3/4-inch thick plywood
- Left-bladed
- Great line of sight
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Less cutting power
About 7¼ Inch circular saw
7¼-inch circular saws are straight-up beasts, with blades on the right side and all. Sure, they might look similar to other circular saws, but they pack way more power, can cut deeper, and have a wider kerf. And yeah, all that power means this saw is a heavyweight, but that just helps compensate for any vibration.
With this tool, you can cut through some serious stuff, like hardwood, thick timber, metal, and plastic. Plus, it comes with different blade options for all these materials.
And when you tilt it, you can even make a 45-degree angle cut, something you can’t do with a 6½-inch circular saw.
What’s more? If you’re wondering about a top example of this saw, look no further than the Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 Fuel 18 Volt Lithium-Ion 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch. That saw is the real deal.
Pros
- Cuts hardwood and thick timber
- Has more power
- Makes 45-degree angle cut
- Makes deeper cuts
- Low vibration
- Wider kerf
- You can use it with a variety of blades for different materials
- Can cut metal and plastic
- Heavy-duty motor and more cutting power
- Best suited for workshops, but can be used by beginners and DIYers
Cons
- Heavy
- More expensive
- Bladed right (unless you are left-handed, then this would be a pro)
Similarities: 6½ vs. 7¼ Inch circular saw
Like all other circular saws out there, the 6½ inch and the 7¼ inch circular saws have some of the same features.
Type
Both these saws have circular blades that are all serrated and all. They rotate and can make straight-line cuts on wood and other materials like a pro.
Power
When it comes to power, most of the popular saws are going to offer both a corded and cordless version of their saw. However, with the tool industry focusing more on cordless options, corded saws might not have all the same features as their counterparts. Despite this, a corded tool will always have its place in the tool industry.
Dust Collection
No way we’re missing this one, cause this is important: both the 6½ inch and the 7¼ inch circular saws have dust collection systems to keep that mess and dust to a minimum.
It might be on board or not, but either way, it can clear up to 90% of the mess generated while cutting. They usually come with a dust port for vacuum hoses and a roomy dust bag, pouch, or container. So you can keep your workspace clean and tidy, no matter how much sawdust you make.
Differences: 6½ vs. 7¼ Inch circular saw
When it comes to circular saws, there are some real noticeable differences between these babies. We’re talking weight, affordability, cuts, and blades – all that good stuff.
Weight
This is no biggie. The 7¼-inch circular saw is a heavier saw than the 6½-inch circular saw. And that’s ’cause it’s got a bigger motor and blade.
The diameter of the 7¼-inch saw is 7.25 inches, while the 6½-inch saw is only 6.5 inches. So naturally, the 7¼-inch saw is gonna weigh more. But that extra weight can help compensate for vibrations, which is something the 6½-inch saw struggles with.
- Blade
While these saws share a similar blade shape, they’ve got different sizes and teeth. With the 7 1/4-inch saw, you are going to have a bigger blade, capable of cutting through thicker material. also with the bigger blade, you will be able to have more TPI (teeth per inch), allowing for cleaner cuts.
The blade position is also going to be different between the two saws. while most 7 1/4-inch saws are right side blades, the majority of 6 1/2-inch saws are on the left side. this often allows for a clearer line of sight on the blade when cutting.
- Cuts
When it comes to cuts, the 7¼-inch circular saw is the clear winner. It’s way more versatile and can handle hardwood, thick, and large timber – things that the 6½-inch saw just can’t handle.
Plus, it can use more blades for cutting different materials. In terms of depth, the 7¼-inch saw can make deeper cuts than the 6½-inch saw, which usually maxes out at around 2.5 inches.
But that’s not all, folks. The 7¼-inch circular saw can also give you a 45-degree angle cut when tilted, which the 6½-inch saw can’t do. Also, its kerf cuts are narrower than the 7¼-inch saw, which makes wider kerfs.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a dope circular saw, you gotta check out the 6½-inch circular saw and the 7¼-inch circular saw. They both have their own similarities and differences in how they operate, what they can do, and what features they come with. We compared the two saws side by side, taking into account all kinds of factors, and made a choice based on that.
But at the end of the day, the one you choose all depends on what kinda cutting you need to do. So take a good look at what you’re gonna be working on, and figure out which saw is gonna be the one to help you get the job done right.
Don’t be afraid to do some research, read some reviews, and ask some questions to make sure you’re making the best choice for you. Cause when it comes to tools like these, you don’t wanna be messing around. You need to have the right tool for the job, and that’s all there is to it.