For the beginners and DIY hobbyists a cordless portable circular saw is a good fit to manage wood blocks of up to 4 inch width. But, they often get stuck while deciding two such circular saw models, namely; the 6-½ and 7-¼ circular saws. Both the models have noteworthy cutting capacity and bevel capacity. Plus, there isn’t much different in the prices of these saws, both can carry out light-duty wood cutting projects as well. But the real question is which is superior to the other?
So, if you are here for the very same reason, keep reading…
The simplest way to determine which one is relatively better than the other is to put both the circular saws to the test. Or, what’s best is to go to a woodworking professional and ask about the same. As per our research, we found that the one with the smaller blade; the 6-½ model can cut wood slabs that are 2 inches thick, whereas the larger one; 7-¼ circular saw can slice a wood stock of up to 2-½ inches thick.
Cutting depth is the primary difference between 6.5 and 7.25 circular saws. We will check out the other differences below. Before that, let’s dive deeper into the details of both the saws.
Table of Contents
6.5 Vs 7.25 Circular Saw Quick Comparison Table
|
Parameters |
6.5 inch |
7.25 inch |
|---|---|---|
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Size |
Features a 6-½ inch circular blade |
Features a 7-¼ inch circular blade |
|
Depth of Cut |
Up to 2.5 inches |
Up to 4 inches |
|
Weight |
Lightweight |
A bit bulkier |
|
Portability |
Cordless |
No. It is a corded model |
|
Blade Availability |
Limited blades |
Compatible with a wider range tipped blades |
|
Cost |
Cost-effective |
Relatively more expensive |
6.5 Circular Saw
Though you can already assume it to some extent from its name, this saw features a circular blade of 6.5 inch (diameter). It can be used to cut wood stocks as well as other materials like masonry material, ceramic tiles, steels, etc. This saw model is generally preferred by the woodcrafters for light-duty cutting tasks. The small size of this saw makes it quite handy and a portable option. The good thing about this saw is you will not feel any fatigue feeling even after prolonged hours of usage. So, if a lightweight and compact cum cordless circular saw is what you are primarily looking for, go for the 6-½ circular saw.
Applications
As mentioned above, its compact size makes it a preferable option to the DIY enthusiasts, apart from the woodworkers. If your work deals in wood stocks of small to moderate width, then 6.5 circular saw is a good choice to go with.
Sawing a wood stock of at least 2 to 2.5 inches width will need a lightweight cutting tool. This is again where the need for the 6.5 circular saw model steps in.
Note: 6-½ circular saw is limited to cutting any material that is not more than 2.5 inches thick. This is its maximum limit or depth of cutting. However, this limit can be accordingly adjusted on most tools, based on the work requirement.
You can use the saw for making bevel cuts as wells. However, the finishing might not meet your expectations. On the contrary, light-duty cutting jobs need tool portability and ease of access. A 6.5 circular saw model takes care of both.
PROS | CONS |
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7.25 Circular Saw
Just like the 6.5 circular saw, you must have guessed this too. A 7-¼ circular saw features a blade of 7.25 inches (diameter). This saw model is better than its counterparts in terms of cutting thicker stocks and other materials. So, if a corded circular saw with a deeper depth of cut is what you are looking for, then go for this saw. You can carry out any moderate-duty stock cutting jobs with the 7-¼ circular saw.
Other than that, you can make bevel cuts on the stocks at an angle of 45°. This circular saw model is relatively superior to the above one, as the 7-¼ model can support a wider range of tipped circular blades.
Applications
The 7.25 circular saw can slice any wood stock and other materials of around 4 inches width. The blade of this saw mod brings you some decent quality cutting output. If you are an occasional user but your work mostly deals in cutting stocks or materials of width more than 2,5 inches, then the 7.25 circular saw is what you need.
The blade of this model is fit for making angular bevel cuts. So, if your projects have the bevel cutting requirements, then it is better not to go for a smaller blade saw. It is worth spending some extra bucks if that’s what meets your purpose.
Note: With greater power and wider range of applicability comes certain setbacks. Since the 7.25 circular saw uses a larger blade, this adds extra weight to the overall weight of the saw, making it a bulkier option. Consequently, one may feel hand fatigue if the tool is required to use for prolonged hours without a pause.
PROS | CONS |
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Difference Between 6.5 vs 7.25 Circular Saw
1. Blade Diameter and Cutting Capacity
Practically speaking, the blade diameter matters more than the power rating of the saw. The greater the blade diameter, the better is its cutting capacity. So, the cutting performance of a circular saw is directly related to its blade diameter.
While the smaller circular saws take blades of smaller diameter. Like the 6.5 circular saw model uses the blades of 6-½ inch (diameter). They are light in weight and fit for dealing with the light-duty stock cutting jobs, with its cutting capacity ranging from 1-½ inch to 2 inches stock.
If you are looking for a versatile circular saw, then 7-¼ circular saw is the best fit in this case. The blade of this saw can pass through any 4 inch thick stock at a single stroke.
2. Bevel Cutting Capacity
Bevel cutting capacity is another distinctive factor, after the cutting depth, to compare. Between the 6.5 and 7.25 circular saws. Bevel cutting refers to the cut made along the edges or end of the wooden stock at a certain angle except 90°.
The 6-½ circular saw provides bevel capacity with angle variations ranging from 0° to a rounded 50°, which can be applicable to some specific cutting requirements, but not so often.
However, for maximum versatility, it is better to purchase the 7-¼ circular saw, which provides the angular variation of 0° to about 57° for bevel cutting.
Top 6.5 and 7.25 Circular Saw Recommendations
If you have decided to buy a 6-1/2 circular saw model, then the Dewalt DCS391B is the best deal on the market. This model assures the topmost cordless cutting performance, ease of portability and depth of cut.
On the other hand, for the 7-¼ circular saw fans, the Dewalt DCS575T2 is the best recommendation. It is the exceptional one of its kind, with deeper cutting depth and better bevel cutting capacity making it a versatile cutting tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I randomly choose to use a smaller blade on my circular saw?
No. It is not safer to pick a circular blade of any random diameter that is not recommended by your saw manufacturer. Check your saw specifications while buying a blade for it. If the blade diameter fits well in the blade slot for a slightly smaller blade, it is acceptable. But, make sure to fit the blade tightly to the holder.
Can you use a 7-inch blade on a 7.25 circular saw?
The 7-¼ circular blade is compatible with a wider range of blade options. Plus, 0.5 inch difference in size will not significantly disturb the saw’s cutting performance. So, you can go for it.
Which circular saw is the best bit to cut 4×4 lumber?
A 7-¼ circular saw is the best fit to slice a 4×4 wood stock or any other material at a single pass.
How much can a circular saw pass through?
The depth of cut varies with the b,are diameters. While a circular saw of 6-½ inch diameter blade can cut a 2.5 inch stock, the saw with 7-¼ inch diameter blade can cut through the thickness ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches deep, respectively. There are even larger blades that can pass through a material of 10 inches without any issue.
Which 7-¼ circular saw blade is the best for cutting plywood?
A 7-¼ circular saw blade with its teeth count ranging from 60 to 80 can easily handle cutting plywoods.
Verdict
Both 6.5 and 7.25 circular saws have different specialities and hence, are bound by some limitations. Your model selection should be primarily based on your project purpose. If you are a beginner or a DIYer, a lightweight, portable circular saw; 6.5 circular saw. Otherwise, if you are a pro–grade woodworker, then we would definitely recommend you to go with the corded 7-¼ circular saw. Being a core woodworker, an undisturbed power supply with a deeper, plus bevel cutting capacity might be your primary requirements. So, choose accordingly.
Haven’t track saws moved circular saws to the next level, making the standard circular look a bit basic and therefore a niche tool?
Great site! Thanks.
Thanks Jon,
I really appreciate you liked the article
How can a 7.25″ blade cut more than half its diameter? Makita lists the cut capacity at about 2.5″ and 90 degrees…