A Circular saw is a handy power tool in woodworking because of its lower weight and higher performance it can be used in a wide range. When we buy it we could see mainly two types according to the saw blade sizes. Those are 7.25 and 6.5 circular saws. There are many differences between these tools. So let’s see what are the difference you must know before you buy it.
Actually, 7.25 circular saw has higher performance, deeper cutting capacity, and is suitable to cut 2×4 workpieces which 6.5 circular saw can’t. But it is a bit cost, more weight, and most tools are corded. Mainly 7.25 is suitable for the heavier tasks, and 6.5 is suitable for the lighter tasks.
More than that there are things we should consider when we buy them. So let’s compare each one by using their specifications and experience.
What is 7.25 Circular Saw?
A 7.25 circular saw is a type of electric saw that is used for cutting various materials such as wood, masonry, plastic, or metal and is often hand-held and portable. The “7.25” denotes the size of the blade, meaning it has a diameter of 7.25 inches, which usually gives a maximum cutting depth of approximately 2.5 inches.
The power source of a 7.25 circular saw can be corded or cordless. Corded models plug into an electrical outlet (120V), while cordless models use rechargeable Li-ion batteries (18V or 20V). Cordless circular saws improve the mobility of the tool. A 7.25-inch circular saw generally has a maximum cutting depth of around 2.5 inches, enough to cut through a 2x material in a single pass and plywood in a double pass.
What is a 6.5 Circular Saw?
A 6.5 circular saw is a type of electric saw that uses a 6.25-inch diameter circular blade to cut through different types of materials. Most of the 6.25 circular saws are cordless. 6.25 uses Li-Ion rechargeable batteries. The operating voltage of the corded 6.25 circular saw is 120V, and the cordless circular saws can be powered up using 18V or 20V Li-Ion batteries. 6.25 circular saw has a 1-7/8″ cutting depth.
What are the 6 Advantages of 7.25 Circular Saw?
7.25 Circular Saw Has a Deep Cutting Capacity
Cutting depth is very important. There are two types of cuttings we can mainly see when using a circular saw. Perpendicular cutting and bevel cutting are them. By inclining the saw blade, we can cut bevel cuts. The regular position is a 90-degree angle.
Bevel cuts are limited. Because we can incline the saw blade to a certain extent due to limited mechanical space. Normally, you can bevel cut between 50° – 60°.
7.25 circular saw has a maximum of 2 1/2″ perpendicular cut (90°) and 45° it will be 1 3/4″ of depth. According to the blade position, it can be changed. Bevel capacity is varied with the circular saw.
When considering the 6.25 circular saw blade it has a 1 1/2″ of maximum cut when it is in 90° and 2 1/8″ of depth at 45°.
Although the 7.25 has a deeper capacity, there will be more problems due to saw blade binding when it cuts deeper. If both tools are binding we can see many burning marks and smoking on the 7.25 because it is more powerful and it will not stop due to binding.
Due to the deeper cutting requirements, 7.25 is thicker than the 6.5 blades. Due to its higher strength, it can be used on wood such as softwood, hardwood, and plywood.
7.25 Circular Saw is Heavier Than 6.5
7.25 is more powerful than 6.5. As a result of this, it needs to design with more strong parts. In order to increase the performance, there are more windings in the motor. This will be another reason to increase the circular saw weight.
Normally, 7.25 circular saw will be 8-10 lbs weight and a 6.25 circular saw will be 6-8 lbs of weight.
Most of the 6.25 circular saws use a Li-Ion battery. Although it uses a battery, it will not carry more weight than 7.25. If you need to hold the tool long time, it is better to select a lightweight tool such as a 6.5 cordless circular saw.
When considering size 6.5 has a smaller size than 7.25. So transporting and storing will need a smaller space of more than 7.25.
7.25 Circular Saws are Corded
Obviously, most of the 7.25 circular saws are corded. 7.25 saws are powered by the direct power supply using a recommended power cord. 7.25 is the saw blade diameter. It is the highest diameter that we can see on a circular saw for general usage. Due to the wider saw blade, 7.25 circular saw requires more power.
Hence it needs more current than 6.5. Most of 7.25’s require 15 Amp current. More current can produce higher torque. Hence it needs to connect with a continuous power supply. Using a battery, it is unable to provide continuously that much of current.
There are both 10 Amp and 15 Amp tools. But most are 15 Amps. Most of the 6.5 saws are designed as cordless circular saws because it is used for light cutting purposes. So I strongly recommend you to buy a suitable circular saw according to your requirements and site condition. It can be corded or cordless.
7.25 Circular Saw Consumes More Power Than 6.5
Another critical factor is power consumption. Due to the higher performance, 7.25 has a higher power consumption. This is another factor that connects it to the power supply. Normally 7.25 consumes 120V and 15 Amp of voltage and current.
It consumes 1800 watts. But it requires more than that when it starts at the beginning. Normally, it can rotate more than 5000 RPM, providing a smooth cutting surface.
But 6.5 consumes less power than 7.25. Imagine a 20V, 5Amh battery-powered circular saw. It can maximumly consume 100W. But it will run less than 30 minutes if it is used continuously.
The higher power consumption of 7.25 requires recommended wire cords as it can bear the current and voltage without burning it.
Due to the higher power consumption, it can produce more torque and RPM to minimize the binding and other problems.
7.25 Circular Saw Can cut 2×4 and 6.5 Won’t!
Due to the deeper cutting capacity, 7.25 can cut 2 x 4. As I mentioned above, 7.25 has a 2 1/2″ maximum cutting depth. As a result, we can easily cut 2″ of depth. But we are not able to cut from the 4″ height position. If we use 6.5 circular saws, we have to cut two times using the saw blade. So it is a great tool to cut the 2×4 with a single cut.
Normally, 4×4 and 6×6 are not bale cut using the 7.25 circular saw. So it is essential to know about the cutting capacity of each circular saw before you buy it.
7.25 Circular Saw Can Find Easier Than 6.5
This is for the tool and spare parts. You can find tools and spare parts widely for the 7.25. It is lack for the 6.25. So I think you should buy 7.25 when considering parts and services.
What are the Disadvantages of 7.25 Circular Saws?
These are the disadvantages of the 7.25 circular saws
- 7.25 circular saw is an expensive circular saw
- 7.25 circular saws are less safe due to its higher weight.
- 7.25 circular saw Consume more Power than 6.25 circular saws
- 7.25 circular saws are not good for detailed works
- 7.25 circular saws are more noisy and produce more dust
- 7.25 circular saws lack of higher accuracy
