A compact circular saw is a useful tool for many of the best DIY projects. Also known as a mini circular saw, these increasingly popular power tools are most well known for their versatility.
Thanks to their small size and lightweight (the best models under 2 pounds) they’re one of your best options for working in tight quarters. Out of all of the brands that manufacture compact circular saws, two of the very best in the business are Dremel and Rockwell.
Today, we’re going to see how the Dremel Ultra Saw versus the Rockwell Versacut compare to each other.
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Bite-size Guide: Compact Circular Saw
A compact circular saw is an essential power tool for those working in tight quarters. Here’s our brief guide to compact circular saws to help ensure you buy the best model for your needs and preferences.
What Is a Compact Circular Saw?
A compact circular saw is simply a smaller version of a circular saw. The actual saw blade works in much the same way. According to The Family Handyman, the tool is known for smooth, accurate cuts.
Although the blade works much the same, the actual design of a mini circular saw compared to a regular circular saw is much different. The mini version takes a body similar to that of an angle grinder and puts a small version of a circular saw’s blade on the end. This contributes to the overall ease of use and versatility of a compact circular saw, especially in tight quarters.
Why Buy a Compact Circular Saw?
There are a lot of reasons to add a compact circular saw to your DIY tool kit. Chief among them are:
- Ease of Use – The small size and light weight of this tool makes it very easy for almost anyone to use.
- Versatility – Compact circular saws have dozens of uses. They can be used almost anywhere, and can even be customized to your preferences.
- Power – They might be small, but many of these tools have incredibly powerful motors for their size.
Despite these many benefits, there is one main disadvantage to compact circular saws:
- Not as Powerful – These miniature tools are not as powerful as normal circular saws. They can’t cut through all of the same materials.
Remember to be realistic when it comes to buying a compact circular saw. Sure, they’re not as powerful as a full-size circular saw, but you can’t really expect them to be at less than half the size.
It’s essential to realize that a compact circular saw is not a replacement for a regular circular saw. It’s simply a similar tool with very different applications.
Most Important Factors to Consider
Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind if you want to buy a compact circular saw:
- Motor – A more powerful motor can help you cut through tougher materials, but it also makes the tool more difficult to use.
- Ease of Use – A less powerful tool is typically easier to handle, especially for beginners and novices.
- Handle/Grip – A model with a comfortable and ergonomic handle pays off big time in the long run.
- Power Source – Most models (including the two reviewed below) use power cords. Although cordless, battery-powered models are available.
- Durability – When you invest a lot of money in a power tool, you want to make sure it’s built well enough to last for years, even with heavy use.
Keep these factors/features in mind as you check out our Dremel Ultra Saw versus Rockwell Versacut side-by-side comparison below.
Let’s jump right into it and see how the Dremel Ultra Saw and Rockwell Versacut compare to each other side by side.
Dremel Ultra Saw
The Dremel Ultra Saw is all about raw power.
Thanks to its 7.5-amp motor its capable of cutting through the strongest materials. Some of those materials include metal, concrete, and plastic in addition to wood.
It features a 3-in-1 design to up its versatility. The tool has built-in surface preparation and flush cutting applications. Additional highlights include an adjustable depth guide and plunge action for the ultimate in control and more precise use.
Like all Dremel products, the Ultra Saw is built to last – even if you’re a professional that will use the tool on a daily basis.
What We Like:
- Powerful motor
- Durable construction
- 3-in-1 tool
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as versatile as Versacut
Rockwell Versacut
The Rockwell Versacut, as its name implies, is all about versatility. It’s quite a bit less powerful than the Ultra Saw with a 4-amp motor compared to the Dremel tool’s 7.5-amp motor.
However, this 4-amp motor combined with the Versacut’s overall ease of use, ergonomic design, and multitude of built-in features actually make it a more effective tool. These built-in features notably include a built-in laser guide, pivoting metal guard, and dust extraction adapter.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a compact circular saw that’s easier to use than this top-quality model from Rockwell.
What We Like:
- Lots of features
- Easy to use
- Versatile functionality
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as powerful as Ultra Saw
Wrap Up
Small saws don’t just get much better than the Dremel Ultra Saw and Rockwell Versacut. Manufactured by two titans in the power tools industry, both compact circular saws are well known for their durability, versatility, and performance.
But one has to edge out the other? So which one is it? Although it was a very close competition, the Rockwell Versacut takes the top spot.
What made this mini circular saw win? Simply put, the Rockwell Versacut is the more robust of the two with a slightly higher build quality and more versatile features (such as the built-in laser guide).
As far as the tool kit packages go, the Versacut comes with more accessories and saw blades than the Ultra Saw, plus it’s far more compatible with saw blades and accessories from other manufacturers.
The main area in which the Versacut doesn’t have the edge is power. The Ultra Saw has a more powerful motor, although it’s not as versatile. So, if ultimate power is your chief concern, then we do recommend the Dremel Ultra Saw in favor of our overall recommendation in the Rockwell Versacut.
But, once again, these compact circular saws are quite similar and you’ll likely be happy no matter which one you pull the trigger on. Tell us what your top pick is in the comments.
