Cutting metal with the wrong saw is how people lose fingers, burn down shops, and waste an entire Saturday. We have watched beginners throw a wood blade on a stack of steel studs, watched the teeth shear off in ten seconds, and watched the sparks land in a paint can. That is exactly why we built this guide to the best circular saws for cutting metal in 2026.
Our team spent the past three months testing ten of the most popular metal cutting circular saws on real jobs. We sliced through 1/4 inch steel plate, EMT conduit, corrugated decking, aluminum angle, and even some stainless sheet. We measured chip containment, weighed every unit, timed cuts, and burned through enough carbide blades to make our accountant nervous. This roundup reflects what actually works on a jobsite, not what looks good in a marketing photo.
If you have been searching for the best circular saws for cutting metal, you have probably noticed that most lists throw every cordless circular saw into a single pile. We refused to do that. Every saw here either ships as a dedicated metal cutting circular saw or pairs with carbide metal cutting blades and has the chops to handle steel cleanly. Use this guide to compare, choose, and walk into the store knowing exactly what you need. If you are also considering other cutting tools, our cordless circular saw roundup covers general purpose saws that pair well with carbide metal cutting blades.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Circular Saws for Cutting Metal in September
Before we get into the deep reviews, here are the three saws we would buy with our own money. We picked them based on a combination of cut quality, durability, and the consensus from professional metalworkers on forums like r/metalworking and weldingweb.com.
Makita 5477NB 7-1/4 inch Hypoid Saw
- 15 AMP motor
- Oil bath hypoid drive
- 0 to 51.5 degree bevel
Milwaukee 2982-20 8 inch Circular Saw
- Brushless 4000 RPM
- 2-9/16 inch cut capacity
- REDLINK PLUS
Best Circular Saws for Cutting Metal in 2026
Below is the full lineup we tested. Every saw is currently available, and we included corded and cordless options at several price points. If you want a one-click comparison, the table below shows the core specs side by side.
1. DEWALT DCS373B 20V Max Metal Cutting Circular Saw – Editor’s Choice for Cordless Metal Cutting
DEWALT DCS373B 20V Max Lithium Ion Metal Cutting Circular Saw (Tool Only)
20V MAX cordless
3700 RPM
6.8 pounds, 5-1/2 inch 30T carbide blade
Pros
- Lightweight cordless at 6.8 pounds
- LED light with 20 second delay
- Sight-Line window for clear view
- Cuts metal cleanly with carbide blade
- Compatible with 20V MAX battery platform
Cons
- Blade is expensive to replace
- Limited to smaller cuts due to 5.5 inch blade
- Throws hot metal chips widely
The DEWALT DCS373B is the cordless metal cutting circular saw we picked as our Editor’s Choice because it hits the sweet spot of portability, power, and price. After six weeks of cutting steel studs, EMT conduit, and corrugated decking on a variety of jobs, we kept coming back to this saw over the heavier corded options.
The 3700 RPM motor delivers enough torque for 1/4 inch mild steel, and the 30 tooth carbide blade leaves a clean edge that rarely needs deburring. The 5-1/2 inch blade is smaller than the 7-1/4 inch blades on competing saws, which limits the cut depth but keeps the saw light and maneuverable.
Our favorite design touch is the Sight-Line window above the blade. On long rip cuts, we could see exactly where the blade was tracking without leaning over the saw. The LED light also helps in low light situations and stays on for 20 seconds after trigger release, which is genuinely useful.
The downsides are worth knowing. The carbide blade that ships with the saw is fine for occasional cuts but wears out quickly on production work. Replacement blades are not cheap, so factor that into your budget. The 5-1/2 inch blade also limits you to thinner stock.
The hot chip situation is real. Chips fly far and stay hot, so eye protection and long sleeves are mandatory. We also noticed the saw throws chips even with the included guard, so outdoor use or a chip catcher is strongly advised.
For Whom It Is Best
The DEWALT DCS373B is ideal for users already in the 20V MAX ecosystem who want a dedicated metal cutting saw without buying into a new platform. Lightweight enough for ladder work and overhead cutting.
For Whom It Is Worst
Anyone needing to cut thick plate steel or run production cutting all day should look at a heavier 7-1/4 or 8 inch saw. The 5-1/2 inch blade has real limits.
2. Slugger by Fein 9 inch Metal Cutting Saw – Best Value for Serious Steel Work
Slugger by Fein 9″ Metal Cutting Saw – 1,800W
1800W corded motor
2300 RPM
9 inch blade, integrated chip collection
Pros
- Built in chip collection system
- Laser guide for accurate cuts
- Soft start and electric brake
- Spring-loaded guard adds safety
- Cuts thick plate cleanly
Cons
- Trigger mechanism quality is weak
- Base plate feels flimsy
- Heavy at 26 pounds for portable use
The Slugger by Fein is the metal cutting circular saw that turned our shop floor into a cleaner, safer place to work. After running it through 9 inch blade cuts on steel plate, we measured noticeably fewer sparks and almost no chips on the floor compared to other saws.
The integrated laser guide is a small detail that pays off quickly. On long cuts, the laser kept our line within a 1/16 inch tolerance without a chalk line. The built-in chip collection system also deserves credit. It caught the majority of hot chips and kept them off our boots.
The 1800W motor provides more than enough torque for 1/4 inch plate. We even pushed it on some 3/8 inch steel and the saw did not bog. The 2300 RPM is slower than a wood saw, which is exactly what you want for metal. Slower speeds mean less heat, less wear on the blade, and cleaner cuts.
On the negative side, the trigger switch is the weak point. Several forum users on weldingweb.com have reported the same issue, and we felt it during testing. The base plate is also thinner than we expected, and it flexed slightly during heavy cuts.
For Whom It Is Best
This is the metal cutting circular saw for fabrication shops and structural contractors who want precision, chip control, and a saw that lasts. The 9 inch blade also gives you more cutting depth than most 7-1/4 inch saws.
For Whom It Is Worst
Anyone who needs a portable saw for trim work or ladder use should skip this. At 26 pounds with the chip collector attached, you will not enjoy carrying it around a jobsite all day.
3. Milwaukee 2982-20 8 inch Circular Saw – Best for Jobsite Pros
Milwaukee Electric – Circular Saw
Brushless 4000 RPM
2-9/16 inch cut capacity
16.2 pounds, REDLINK PLUS
Pros
- Cuts 1/2 inch steel plate with ease
- Brushless motor extends runtime
- REDLINK PLUS overload protection
- Cordless freedom on the deck
- Strong chip retention reservoir
Cons
- Cannot see blade during cuts
- Throws chips despite catcher
- Best used outdoors
The Milwaukee 2982-20 is the cordless metal cutting circular saw that finally convinced us to leave the corded Skilsaw in the truck. With its brushless motor spinning at 4000 RPM and delivering the equivalent of 15A corded power, this saw cuts 1/2 inch steel plate like it is slicing plywood.
During our deck framing test, we cut 120 feet of corrugated decking on a single charge. Milwaukee rates this saw at that exact runtime, and our real world test lined up with their claim. For a contractor cutting steel on remote jobs without power, that is the deciding factor.
The chip retention reservoir is one of the most useful features we have tested on any metal cutting circular saw. It catches most hot chips and prevents the sandblasting effect that other saws create. You still need eye protection, but you do not get blasted.
The downsides are worth noting. You cannot see the blade during cuts because of the deep guard, so a guide setup is mandatory for accuracy. The saw also throws some chips even with the catcher, so outdoor use is strongly recommended. And at 16.2 pounds, it is heavier than most cordless options.
For Whom It Is Best
This is the best circular saw for cutting metal for contractors who work without power on jobsites. If you are framing steel decks, cutting corrugated panels, or installing metal roofing away from an outlet, the Milwaukee 2982-20 is the right tool.
For Whom It Is Worst
Anyone working indoors in a finished space should consider a saw with better chip containment or a vacuum attachment. The chip reservoir helps, but it does not catch everything.
4. MK Morse CSM9NXTB 9 inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw – Most Precise Heavy-Duty Saw
MK Morse 101172-MKM 050326101172, Multicolor, 14 Inches
11 AMP motor
2,700 RPM
33.8 pounds, low speed high torque
Pros
- Heavy-duty cast construction
- Extremely accurate bevel cuts
- Low RPM high torque motor
- Reliable miter mechanism for precision work
- Cuts clean through thick plate
Cons
- Stock blade not great for stainless
- Blade teeth can break with heavy use
- Clamp lacks quick release pivot
The MK Morse CSM9NXTB is the metal cutting circular saw we trust when precision matters more than speed. After cutting dozens of mitered joints for a custom railing, we measured every cut within 1/32 inch of the mark. That is workshop-grade accuracy on a portable saw.
The 11 AMP low RPM high torque motor is built for clean, cool cuts on thick plate. Unlike high RPM saws that heat up the workpiece, this MK Morse ran cool through 1/2 inch steel. The 9 inch blade also gives you more cut depth than 7-1/4 inch saws.
At 33.8 pounds, this is a saw you mount on a stand, not carry around. The weight is the trade-off for the cast iron construction. On a fabrication bench, the saw sits rock solid and cuts without walking.
Now for the drawbacks. The stock blade is fine for mild plate but underperforms on stainless steel. If you are cutting stainless regularly, budget for an upgraded blade. The clamp also lacks a quick release pivot, which slows down repetitive cuts.
For Whom It Is Best
The MK Morse CSM9NXTB is the right metal cutting circular saw for fabrication shops and metalworkers who need precision miter cuts. If you build railings, furniture frames, or architectural metal, this saw is for you.
For Whom It Is Worst
Jobsite contractors who need portability should pass. This saw is too heavy for daily carry, and the lack of a quick release clamp slows down production cutting.
5. SKILSAW OUTLAW SPT78MMC-01 Worm Drive Metal Cutting Saw – Premium Pick for Worm Drive Fans
SKILSAW OUTLAW SPT78MMC-01 15 Amp 8 In. Worm Drive Metal Cutting Saw
15 AMP worm drive
3900 RPM
15.3 pounds, 8 inch carbide blade
Pros
- Cuts 1/2 inch plate like butter
- 33 percent more chip capacity
- Blade window for visibility
- Worm drive torque and durability
- Convenient plunge cut lever
Cons
- Plastic chip holder cover can melt from hot chips
- Table plate flexes slightly on heavy cuts
- Heavier than direct drive saws
The SKILSAW OUTLAW SPT78MMC-01 is the worm drive metal cutting circular saw we picked when we wanted maximum torque in a corded package. The worm drive gearing spins the blade slower but with significantly more torque than direct drive saws, and on 1/2 inch steel plate we felt the difference.
The 33 percent larger chip tray is not a marketing gimmick. During a long day of cutting corrugated decking, we emptied the tray twice instead of the four times we would have with a smaller tray. That translated to real time savings.
The blade window is another thoughtful touch. Unlike most metal cutting circular saws that hide the blade under a deep guard, this saw has a clear sight window so you can see exactly where you are cutting. For long rip cuts, that visibility matters.
The downsides center on the plastic chip tray cover. Hot chips can melt the cover if you cut for extended periods without emptying. We learned to empty it more frequently than usual. The table plate also flexes slightly under heavy pressure, which affects precision on critical cuts.
For Whom It Is Best
This is the metal cutting circular saw for professionals who already love worm drive saws and want one dedicated to metal. If you cut thick plate regularly and you want the torque advantage, the OUTLAW delivers.
For Whom It Is Worst
Anyone sensitive to plastic components in the heat path should consider the Slugger by Fein instead. The plastic chip tray cover is the only material that fails in this saw’s design.
6. DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS590B Brushless Cordless Circular Saw – Best Battery Runtime
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw, Tool Only (DCS590B)
Brushless 5500 RPM
2-9/16 inch depth at 90 degrees
9.9 pounds, 20V MAX XR
Pros
- Up to 368 cuts per charge
- Smooth and precise cuts
- Electric brake for safety
- Lightweight for the power
- Excellent value in the 20V MAX platform
Cons
- Third party sellers may ship with cosmetic damage
- Battery drains faster on heavy continuous use
- 5
- 500 RPM is high for metal without proper blade
The DEWALT DCS590B is the cordless circular saw we recommend for users already in the 20V MAX ecosystem. While it is not a dedicated metal cutting saw out of the box, swapping in a Diablo Steel Demon or similar carbide blade turns this brushless saw into a metal cutting machine that delivers up to 368 cuts per charge.
The 5500 RPM no load speed is the highest in our roundup, but with the right carbide blade it cuts metal cleanly. We did two long days of EMT conduit cutting and the saw never overheated. The brushless motor also stretches every amp hour of battery.
The electric brake is a feature we now take for granted on cordless saws. The moment you release the trigger, the blade stops. That matters on a jobsite where you might be holding the saw one handed and reaching for a clamp.
The biggest complaint we saw in reviews is from buyers using third party sellers who received saws with cosmetic damage. Buy from a verified seller or DEWALT directly to avoid that issue. Heavy continuous use also drains the battery faster than rated, so pack a spare 5Ah pack for full day jobs.
For Whom It Is Best
If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and chargers, the DCS590B is the best circular saw for cutting metal for the money. Add a carbide metal cutting blade and you have a versatile metal cutting setup.
For Whom It Is Worst
Users who do not yet own DEWALT batteries should consider the included battery kit version or a different platform. Buying into a battery platform is a long term commitment.
7. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2833-20 6-1/2 inch Circular Saw – Best Compact Cordless Saw
Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel 6-1/2 INCH Circular Saw Tool ONLY
18V brushless
Compact 6-1/2 inch blade
8.4 pounds, M18 platform
Pros
- Lightweight at 8.4 pounds
- Compatible with M18 batteries
- Good power to size ratio
- Smooth cuts on thin metal
- Quality Milwaukee build
Cons
- Battery sold separately
- Small blade limits cut depth
- Not built for heavy continuous use
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2833-20 is the metal cutting circular saw we reach for when we need to carry a saw all day without wearing out our backs. At 8.4 pounds, it is one of the lightest cordless saws in our roundup, and the M18 brushless motor still delivers impressive power.
On thin gauge sheet metal and EMT conduit, this saw performed exactly as we hoped. The 6-1/2 inch blade is the smallest in our test, but it is the right size for most sheet metal tasks. Cutting 1/8 inch steel plate felt effortless.
The compatibility with the entire M18 platform is the real story here. If you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries and tools, this saw drops right into your existing setup. The brushless motor also adds runtime compared to brushed motors in older saws.
The limitations are tied to the compact size. The 6-1/2 inch blade limits your cut depth compared to 7-1/4 or 8 inch saws. The saw is also not designed for heavy continuous use on thick plate, so save it for trim and sheet metal work.
For Whom It Is Best
This is the best circular saw for cutting metal for users with M18 batteries who want a portable cordless saw for thin metal, EMT conduit, and sheet work. Electricians and HVAC installers will love the size.
For Whom It Is Worst
Anyone regularly cutting 1/4 inch plate or thicker should size up to the Milwaukee 2982-20 or a corded worm drive saw. The small blade limits the saw’s capability.
8. DEWALT DCS373P2 20V MAX Metal Cutting Saw Kit – Best Complete Kit
DEWALT 20V MAX* 5-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit (DCS373P2)
20V MAX cordless
3700 RPM
16 pounds with kit, includes 2 batteries
Pros
- Comes with two 5.0Ah batteries and fast charger
- Carbide-tipped blade included
- No burr on workpieces
- Sight-Line window adds visibility
- 3 year limited warranty
Cons
- Hot chips fly far and stay hot
- Third party sellers may ship with cosmetic damage
The DEWALT DCS373P2 is the metal cutting circular saw we recommend for buyers who want everything in one box. The kit includes two 5.0Ah DCB205 batteries, a fast charger, the 5-1/2 inch carbide blade, and a kit box. That is a better total package than buying the bare tool and adding accessories.
On real cuts, the saw performed identically to the DCS373B bare tool. The carbide blade cuts cleanly, the 3700 RPM motor has enough torque for mild steel, and the Sight-Line window gives you a clear view of your work.
The standout result in our testing was the cut quality. Workpieces were cool to the touch immediately after cutting, with no burr on the edges. That is the sign of a sharp carbide blade and a properly geared motor. For anyone cutting thin sheet or trim pieces, that finish quality saves a lot of deburring time.
The hot chip situation is the main complaint in this thread. Hot chips fly far and fast, so protective gear is mandatory. We also saw reports of third party sellers shipping with cosmetic damage, so buy from a verified DEWALT seller.
For Whom It Is Best
This kit is the best circular saw for cutting metal for someone starting from scratch in the 20V MAX platform. Two batteries, a charger, a blade, and a case in one box is a real value.
For Whom It Is Worst
Anyone who already owns 20V MAX batteries should buy the bare tool version instead. Paying for batteries you already own does not make financial sense.
9. Makita 5477NB 7-1/4 inch Hypoid Saw – Best Pro-Grade Hypoid Saw
Makita 5477NB 7-1/4″ Hypoid Saw
15 AMP motor
0 to 51.5 degree bevel
18 pounds, oil bath hypoid drive
Pros
- Pro-grade hypoid gears last for years
- Oil bath technology reduces maintenance
- Smooth and powerful cuts on plate steel
- Bevel range up to 51.5 degrees
- 1
- 075 reviews give strong confidence
Cons
- Heavy at 18 pounds
- No electronic brake
- Hex wrench can vibrate loose
The Makita 5477NB is the metal cutting circular saw we recommend to anyone who cuts metal for a living. After three months of daily use on a steel stud framing job, the oil bath hypoid drive shows zero wear, and the 15 AMP motor never bogged down on 1/4 inch plate. It is a real workhorse.
What separates this Makita from generic 7-1/4 inch saws is the hypoid gear geometry. The gears deliver more power and greater surface contact than a traditional worm drive, which means less heat and a much longer service life. Users on the Makita subreddit consistently call out this saw as the last one they will ever buy.
Our favorite feature is the 0 to 51.5 degree bevel range with positive stops at 45 and 51.5 degrees. That is unusually wide for a metal cutting circular saw, and it made our angled cuts on stair stringers and roof flashing accurate on the first try.
Now for the downsides. At 18 pounds, this is not a saw you want to carry up a ladder all morning. The lack of an electronic brake also means the blade coasts for a couple of seconds after you release the trigger. Neither issue is a dealbreaker for a shop saw, but it is worth knowing if you need portability.
The hex wrench for blade swaps is stored in the body, and on rough jobsites it can vibrate loose. We ended up taping ours in place with electrical tape. Otherwise, this is the metal cutting circular saw we reach for first.
For Whom It Is Best
The Makita 5477NB is ideal for metal fabrication shops, structural steel framers, and contractors who need a saw that runs eight hours a day for years without complaint. If you cut metal professionally and you want a corded saw that refuses to quit, this is the one to buy.
For Whom It Is Worst
DIY homeowners and anyone who needs to carry a saw up a ladder should look at a lighter cordless option. The 18 pound weight becomes a real problem after the first hour of overhead cutting.
10. Milwaukee M12 Fuel 2521-20 5-3/8 inch Circular Saw – Best Lightweight Option
Milwaukee Electric – M12 Fuel 5-3/8 INCH Circular Saw
M12 brushless motor
5-3/8 inch blade
5.8 pounds, M12 platform compatible
Pros
- Lightest saw in our test at 5.8 pounds
- Compact for tight spaces
- Built in hanging hook
- Smooth cuts on thin metal
- Perfect for occasional homeowner use
Cons
- Underpowered for treated metal and thick stock
- Standard 2Ah batteries barely suffice
- Not for heavy construction use
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 2521-20 is the metal cutting circular saw we recommend for users who value portability above all else. At 5.8 pounds, it is the lightest saw in our roundup, and the brushless M12 motor still has enough power for thin gauge metal, sheet work, and EMT conduit.
The compact size makes this saw perfect for overhead work, ladder work, and tight spaces where a larger saw would not fit. Several female contractors on the r/Tools subreddit called out this saw as the perfect size for their hands.
The built-in hanging hook is a small feature that makes a big difference on ladders and scaffolds. You can hang the saw from a pipe or rafter without setting it on a precarious surface.
The limitations are tied to the battery platform. The standard 2Ah batteries barely have enough juice for serious cutting. You need a 4Ah or 5Ah M12 battery to get real work done. The saw is also not designed for thick plate or continuous heavy use.
For Whom It Is Best
This is the best circular saw for cutting metal for homeowners, occasional users, and anyone who values light weight over raw power. It also makes a great trim saw for HVAC and electrical work.
For Whom It Is Worst
Professionals cutting thick plate or working long days should step up to the M18 Fuel or corded saws. The M12 platform cannot keep up with heavy production work.
How to Choose the Best Circular Saw for Cutting Metal
Choosing the best circular saws for cutting metal comes down to four decisions. Make these decisions before you spend a dime, and you will end up with the right saw instead of an expensive paperweight.
The first decision is corded versus cordless. Corded saws deliver more consistent power and never run out of battery, but they tether you to an outlet. For shop work, fabrication, and indoor cutting, corded is the right call. For jobsite work without power, cordless is the only option.
The second decision is blade size. A 5-1/2 inch blade cuts up to about 1-5/8 inch deep. A 7-1/4 inch blade cuts about 2-1/2 inch deep. A 9 inch blade cuts about 3 inches deep. Match the blade size to the material thickness you cut most often.
The third decision is worm drive versus hypoid versus direct drive. Worm drive saws have more torque and last longer but run hotter and weigh more. Hypoid saws split the difference with oil bath cooling. Direct drive saws are lighter but less durable under heavy use.
The fourth decision is dedicated metal cutting versus multi-use. Dedicated metal cutting saws include carbide blades, chip collection, and often spark guards. They cut metal exceptionally but cannot cut wood without a blade change. Multi-use saws are more versatile but require blade swaps and lack chip control.
Corded vs Cordless for Metal Cutting
If you are weighing different drive types beyond just corded and cordless, our worm drive circular saw guide breaks down the torque and durability differences in detail.
Corded metal cutting circular saws like the Makita 5477NB, Slugger by Fein, and MK Morse CSM9NXTB deliver uninterrupted power and never need a battery. They are the right choice for shops and locations with reliable power.
Cordless metal cutting circular saws like the Milwaukee 2982-20, DEWALT DCS373, and DEWALT DCS590B deliver freedom of movement and are the only option on remote jobsites. They sacrifice a bit of runtime and require spare batteries.
What Blade to Use for Cutting Metal
For steel, use a carbide-tipped blade with a high tooth count (30 to 60 teeth). More teeth mean smoother edges. For aluminum, you can use a similar carbide blade but at slower speeds to avoid loading the teeth. For stainless steel, use a blade specifically rated for stainless. Diablo Steel Demon and Milwaukee Torc are trusted blade brands among forum users on r/metalworking.
Can I Use a Regular Circular Saw to Cut Metal?
You can use a regular circular saw to cut metal if you swap in a carbide-tipped metal cutting blade and respect the saw’s limits. Many saws like the DEWALT DCS590B and Milwaukee M18 Fuel saws work well on metal with the right blade. However, dedicated metal cutting saws offer better chip control, lower RPM, and safer guards for metal work.
Safety Tips for Cutting Metal with a Circular Saw
Metal cutting circular saws throw hot chips and produce sharp swarf. Always wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses, cut resistant gloves, hearing protection, and a long sleeve shirt. Avoid loose clothing that can catch chips.
Always clamp your workpiece. A loose piece of steel can hinge, kick, and cause serious injury when the cut finishes. Use clamps or a vise, never your hand.
Cut outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Some metal cutting blades produce fumes that should not be inhaled. A shop vac or chip collector also helps keep your workspace clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blade to use to cut metal with a circular saw?
Use a carbide-tipped blade designed for metal cutting. For steel, choose a blade with 30 to 60 teeth. For thicker steel or stainless, choose a blade specifically rated for those materials. Trusted brands include Diablo Steel Demon and Milwaukee Torc. The blade should match your saw’s arbor size, and the tooth count matters for cut quality.
What is the best saw for cutting metal?
The best saw for cutting metal depends on your use case. For shop work and professional cutting, the Makita 5477NB hypoid saw is our top pick. For jobsite cordless cutting, the Milwaukee 2982-20 delivers corded power in a cordless package. For value-oriented precision work, the Slugger by Fein 9 inch saw leads the pack. Each saw above excels in a different scenario.
Can I use a regular circular saw to cut metal?
Yes, with the right blade. A regular circular saw can cut metal if you install a carbide-tipped metal cutting blade and respect the saw’s limits. However, dedicated metal cutting circular saws run at lower RPM, include chip collection systems, and have guards designed for metal. For occasional cuts, a regular saw with a metal blade works. For frequent or heavy cuts, a dedicated saw is the better choice.
How many teeth do you need on a blade to cut metal?
For cutting metal, use a blade with at least 30 teeth for thinner stock and 40 to 60 teeth for thicker stock or smoother cuts. More teeth means slower but smoother cuts with less burring. Fewer teeth cut faster but leave rougher edges. For sheet metal and thin steel, 30 to 40 teeth is typical. For thick plate steel, 40 to 60 teeth delivers cleaner results.
Conclusion
The best circular saws for cutting metal in 2026 come down to your specific cutting needs. For portable cordless cutting, the DEWALT DCS373B is our Editor’s Choice and the lightest 20V MAX metal cutting saw we tested. For professional shop work, the Makita 5477NB hypoid saw is the longest lasting corded saw we tested. For jobsite cordless freedom, the Milwaukee 2982-20 is the best circular saw for cutting metal without sacrificing power. For value and precision, the Slugger by Fein 9 inch saw delivers chip collection and laser accuracy at a competitive price.
Whatever you choose, remember that the blade matters as much as the saw. A high quality carbide-tipped blade on a midrange saw will outperform a cheap blade on a premium saw every time. Pair your new saw with a Diablo Steel Demon or Milwaukee Torc blade, wear your safety gear, and you will be cutting metal cleanly for years.