Difference between angle grinder and circular saw

Question

From what I've read on google, angle grinders and (portable) circular saws appear to be quite similar. Aside from a circular saw being perhaps a bit larger and maybe having some supports on the bottom, is there any major difference between an angle grinder and a circular saw? Thanks.

Answer 1

Different

• power
• gearing
• speeds
• collets
• tool diameters
• direction of forces
• means of use
• climb vs conventional
• accessories
• ability to sand or wirebrush

I think even if you managed to fit a sawblade on a grinder, you would have a completely uncontrollable tool that would be impossible to successfully engage to any work except for cars full of lost college students who make very poor decisions and scream a lot. While that may sound like fun, in the end Final Girl will kill you.

Answer 2

Generally speaking, they're both "circular". Pretty much anything that spins a blade is "circular" - miter saw, table saw, chop saw, trim saw. They're all spinning blades, but when you say "circular" most think of a "handheld" circular saw usually used for cutting wood. "Angle grinder" is referring to a specific tool. So, if this is for an answer on a tech school test, i'd run with that :).

If you're specifically referring to handheld circular saw vs. an angle grinder I think there are many differences as stated, speed and power being key, but the main I see, is that a handheld circular saw has a base/guard that can be adjusted for depth and angle. This base is held against the material you are working with to cut in straight lines. An angle grinder has a perpendicular handle and is intended to be used free hand to run sand pads, grinding wheels, metal cutting disks, flap disks... you name it.

I think you could shape wood with the sanding pads and other disks on an angle grinder, but I think any kind of a blade intended for "cutting" wood is an ER visit waiting to happen.

On a circular saw, you can get blades for cutting metal, and it works well if you're cutting a lot of sheet metal or thinner plate. I think any kind of a blade for shaping or grinding metal with a circular saw is another ER visit waiting to happen.

Answer 3

Circular saw is for wood. Angle grinder is for metal.