There’s a new 4-1/2″ Rockwell Compact Circular Saw. I love the convenience, weight reduction, and versatility of compact tools. If you’re like me though, that immediately sparks some questions. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at the specs on this saw and then address those lingering questions.
The Rockwell Compact Circular Saw features a 4-1/2″ diameter blade that is thinner and 50% lighter than the blades on its full size brothers. The thinner and lighter blade means more efficient performance out of the 5 amp motor that is capable of 3500 RPM under no load. A left handed blade design improves cut line visibility while the user can expect a bevel capacity of 0 – 45 degrees. The max cutting depth is 1-11/16″ at 90 degrees and 1-1/8″ at 45 degrees. The saw also features a depth of cut adjustment lever and a 1-1/4″ vacuum adapter.
Questions, anyone? Yep, me too. A big one.
What am I going to have to give up in performance for the convenience of a compact tool?
Here’s what Rockwell has to say about that issue – “We ran it against our own full-size circular saw, cross-cutting a 2”x12”, said Pete Denley, Rockwell’s product manager. “In .06 seconds, it was a tie. There’s no reason to lug around a bulky circ saw, when its use is required for only a small percentage of cuts. The Rockwell Compact Circular Saw is a lighter alternative, minus the bulk. It’s a small saw with full cutting capacity.”
I’d say that Pete has a point for the DIY user who’s making few cuts throughout the day. If the compact circular saw can take care of those occasional intermediate depth cuts, that might just appeal to users who want to take advantage of the convenience that the compact saw offers for most of the cutting duties. Simply based on specs, the compact cutting depth is 1-11/16″ while a typical 7-1/4″ circular saw will have a max cutting depth around 2-1/2″ which leaves a considerable gap between the two (for those of you thinking this will replace everything your traditional saw has to offer). Still, the cutting depth of the compact is deep enough to cut a 2 x 4 in a single pass.
The 4-1/2″ Rockwell Compact Circular Saw retails for $99.99, comes with a 3 year limited warranty, and is available through Rockwell’s website or any of the Rockwell retailers nationwide.
Rockwell 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw Specs
4-1/2″ diameter blade- Weight – 5 pounds
- 5 amp motor
- 3500 RPM
- Left handed blade design for better cut line visibility
- Max cut depth @ 45 degrees: 1-1/8″
- Bevel capacity 0 – 45 degrees
- Max cut depth @ 90 degrees: 1-11/16″
- 1-1/4″ vac adapter
- Depth of cut adjustment lever
- Includes: Compact Circular Saw, 24 tooth carbide tipped blade, parallel guide, vacuum, adapter, and hex key.
- Warranty: 3 years
MSRP $99.99
