In the context of woodworking, illiteracy brings you to the debacle, accidental events, and loss of money. For that reason, it is essential to learn the profile, usability, application, versatility, and speed of certain tools. After noticing the puzzlement in today’s market on angle grinder vs circular saw, I decided to compare both in terms of operation and utility.
Angle Grinder vs Circular Saw
Angle grinder and circular saw, both are powerful tools with some dissimilarities in their interface and functioning. Both are idealized for different kinds of applications or materials, therefore, to use them perfectly it is important to know which one is best for what. I’ll uncover both tools one by one shortly:
What Is An Angle Grinder? – Explained
The angle grinder is a handheld woodworking tool that is primarily designed for cutting, finishing, grinding, polishing, and deburring different metals. The angle grinder is also known as a disc grinder as it carries a circular disc-shaped blade that is used to fabricate materials. In a word, side or angle grinders are beginner-friendly, super versatile, and practical.
There are two main kinds of angle grinders based on their power source: cordless and corded. A cordless angle grinder is an advanced tool that is integrated by a battery, while a corded grinder is plugged into a socket and functions by cable connectivity. In comparison, cordless grinders are more compact, lightweight, and maneuverable than corded ones.
Application
There are three main applications of a top-notch angle grinder: cutting, polishing, and grinding. While I found it excellent for “cutting” because of its high-speed functionality and utmost precision. No matter what’s your working level: beginner, intermediate or professional, an angle grinder will improve the productivity of your cutting-based project.
Speed
As I said before, the angle grinders are among the speedy woodworking tools! It spins the blade at the speed of 2000 to more than 13000 RPM, where RPM refers to routes or revolutions in sixty seconds. In simple words, this speed is enough to tackle all cutting, edging, finishing, grinding, or similar tasks, but to be honest here I prefer circular saws over angle grinders when you’re cutting wood for their better precision and speed.
Versatility
In the context of woodworking tools, versatility refers to working materials or substrates for which certain equipment is excellent. An angle grinder is specifically designed for “METALS”, while this power tool is also compatible with materials like concrete, bricks, and hard stones. However, an angle grinder is not a perfect choice for wood.
PROS
- Powerful
- Compact
- Safe to use
- Versatile
- Maneuverable
- Beginner-friendly
CONS
- Overheating issues
- Discs are expensive
What Is Circular Saw? – Explained
A circular saw, also called a power saw, is a rotatory woodworking tool that is used for cutting using a circular blade. This power tool can cut many different substrates efficiently and can be used in two ways: handheld or tabletop. As an operator, you choose one as per your suitability. In a nutshell, this utilitarian tool is an excellent addition to your carpentry kit, no matter if you’re a home hobbyist or a professional.
Application
The circular saw is among the most popular woodworking tools used these days in all kinds of projects. All credits to its precise functionality and versatility. It is perfect for a range of applications like home improvement projects, construction-based tasks, and more because of its high power. In a few words, the circular saw has a super sharp blade that will make your work easier and smoother.
Speed
As far as speed is concerned, the circular saw will make your work effortless because of its high speed. In general, a circular saw can run at the speed of more than 18000 SFPM, where SFPM refers to surface feet in a minute. However, the speed of the equipment varies with the model you’re getting so make sure to make a wise purchase.
Versatility
A Circular saw is an exemplary tool for dealing with “WOOD”! Though it is versatile power equipment that can work with many other materials like metals, bricks, plastics, cement cubes, fibers, and more. In comparison, the circular saw is more versatile than the angle grinder as it covers wooden objects too.
PROS
- Highly efficient
- Portable
- Low maintenance cost
- Super-versatile
- Speedy
- Easy to handle
CONS
- Noisy
- Restricted curve cutting application
FAQs
Can you use an angle grinder as a circular saw?
Angle grinder and circular saw are not the same in terms of cutting, precision, speed, or application, therefore, you should use each accordingly. Angle grinders are integrated with wheels and are perfect for metals, while circular saws come with blades and are ideal for wooden materials. For more information, learn this article about angle grinder vs circular saw.
What can an angle grinder not cut?
An angle grinder is specifically designed for metal fabrication, while this power tool is also compatible with materials like concrete, bricks, and hard stones. However, an angle grinder is not a perfect choice for wood.
What is the hardest metal to cut?
Higher tensile strength is what makes any metal harder and difficult to cut! In this sequence, titanium is the hardest metal to cut as it has 63000 PSI tensile strength.
Which One Is The Best – Angle Grinder vs Circular Saw?
Lack of knowledge leads you to failure or disappointment! Therefore, it is important to learn about equipment before you get one in your hands. I have answered the puzzling thoughts of many buyers right now by debating on the angle grinder vs circular saw in terms of usability, profile, application, speed, and performance. Both are practically great in their own pace, but if I have to pick one it would be the circular saw as my job is more about woodworking.
Hi, I am Pete Fagerlin, carpenter by profession and working on different DIY projects is my passion. For more than a decade, it’s been my weekend hobby to dig into different tools for my favorite DIY projects which helped me to become knowledgeable about different DIY tools. With a combination of my profession and passion, I am here to collaborate with Adam Wilson to share my DIY tools knowledge with the MechanicsGear readers.