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At the moment considering the purchase of a circular saw for light work. I'm looking at a corded model and a cordless model. But the question I have is not about which one is better.

My question today is why the corded one has the blade on the right of my hand and the cordless one has the blade on the left of my hand. See both models below.

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Now, I know some manufacturers make left- and right-handed versions of their circular saw. And I'm also aware that 'worm drive circular saws' usually have the blade to the left of my hand. But it seems odd to me. Especially as it seems to apply to most manufacturers too.

Was wondering if somebody has an explanation for this.

Rob de Jonge
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4 Answers4

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A majority of people are right handed. With the blade to the left you are positioned to comfortably view the cut (for a right handed person).

Ed Beal
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I (a right handed person) bought an Aldi Workzone cordless saw, and the blade is on the right side. This allows good visibility of the 0 & 45 degree guide slots. If the blade was on the left side I would not be able to see the guide slots as they would be obscured by my left wrist, which grips the front saw support.

Daniel Griscom
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Richard Boyar
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I have a Craftsman Corded 7.25 circular saw and a Worx 6.5 battery saw. Both are Blade-RIGHT. I can handle the Craftsman just fine, but the Worx battery one is a bear to sight the cut. Also the Worx has the safety button on the left side of the handle which is incorrect for using it left handed. I am now considering a Blade-LEFT battery powered saw so I can see where my cut will start and I can see the length of the cut. The 6.5 Battery powered circular saws are considerably lighter and easier to use, if you can see where you are cutting and can push the safety button. My Craftsman is old enough NOT to have the safety button so it is slightly more ambidextrous. I hope this help someone.

ChiefH
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I too have been wondering why cordless are left. I have many years of experience with my 7-1/4" Makita and can debunk many of the opinions here. Even with my experience and ability to cut straight, I have grown accustomed to holding the stock and a speed square in my left hand, and making cuts as true as a miter saw. I would not hold a speed square on the blade side! The left blade cordless would require a total reversal- left hand on the saw, right hand holding material and square, benches set to support the stock on the right.

The only explanation that might make sense if the smaller blade might be more difficult to see? But with a square and experience I am looking at the notch, not the blade. Having said that, the cordless saws are perhaps better for cutting paneling? where you do need to watch the blade.

Also, there is a safety concern and I am certain it is advisable to hold a circular saw in the hand where you have the exposed blade- simply so you cannot cut yourself! I know there is no way I would ever be as good cutting lefty. too bad, maybe I just get one for hack work and convenience trimming a fascia board from a two story ladder. no one is going to see it's not a perfect cut.

Craig
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