Circular saws are very versatile tools that can be used for a number of different tasks. They are generally used when working with wood, but may also cut other materials. That said, there are different types of circular saws out there, and one distinction that you may see has to do with the amps or amperage rating. Today, we want to compare 13-amp and 15-amp circular saws to see which one is better for you.
What Does “Amp” Refer to With Circular Saws?
The main difference we are here to discuss today is the amps between these two circular saws, so it is important for you to know what amps are. Amp technically stands for amperage or amperes.
An ampere is a standard measurement of electricity, and it refers to a single unit of constant electrical current, or in other words, the strength of that current.
To put it in simplest terms, the more amps your circular saw has, the more cutting power the motor has, therefore making it ideal for larger tasks.
Similarities of 13-Amp and 15-Amp Circular Saws
Now that you are familiar with amperes, let’s take a closer look at what makes 13-amp and 15-amp circular saws similar to each other.
1. General Design
The fundamental similarity shared by both of these tools is their overall design. Both the 13-amp and 15-amp circular saws are fairly compact handheld tools. They both feature a single handle that makes them ideal for single-handed use, and they also aren’t very large or heavy.
These are generally considered to be fairly portable tools. Both of these saws feature a circular blade with the teeth facing a single direction, with blades being anywhere from 4.25” to 7.25” in diameter, or larger, and these can be designed for different purposes. For instance, you can affix blades to both saws that are ideal for cutting wood, metal, plastic, and more.
Moreover, both saws feature a power transmission and drive shaft that are in line with the blade, as opposed to something like a rotary tool, where the transmission and drive are perpendicular to the blade. Also keep in mind that both of these circular saws can cut across, against, or with the grain of the wood.
2. Same Blade Type and Motion
Both of these circular saws feature round blades that come in many different sizes that are to an extent interchangeable. They both feature teeth that can also vary in coarseness and count, depending on the application. The most important similarity here is that both saws have blades that spin in the same direction and rip into the wood from the top down.
3. One-Handed Use
Although one of these saws may be slightly larger and heavier than the other, due to their fairly lightweight and compact natures, as well as due to the design of the handle, they are ideal for one-handed operation, so that one hand can hold the saw while the other holds the material being cut. Both tools can also be considered fairly portable.
4. Very Versatile
The other basic similarity shared by both of these saws is that they are very versatile in terms of the tasks that they can perform. What this really comes down to is that you can affix various blade types to both of these saws, which will then allow you to cut wood, metal, plastic, tile, and much more.
Differences Between 13-Amp and 15-Amp Circular Saws
Now that we know what makes 13-amp and 15-amp circular saws similar, let’s figure out what the main differences between them are.
1. Cutting Power and Capacity
What it really all comes down to is that 15-amp circular saws are just much more powerful than 13-amp circular saws. A 15-amp circular saw has a higher cutting capacity and can usually cut pieces of wood that are up to 3.5” inches in diameter. On the other hand, the smaller and less powerful 13-amp circular saw is generally ideal for cutting wood that is up to 2-3/8” in diameter. Having less power also means having a lower cutting capacity.
2. Size and Weight
The next difference that you will find between these two saws is that the 15-amp circular saw is going to be just slightly larger and heavier than the 12-amp model. Now, this difference in size and weight may be negligible, but the slightly larger motor is going to make a difference here nonetheless.
3. Cost
What you can also expect is that a 15-amp circular saw is going to cost just a little bit more than a 13-amp circular saw. The difference here is also going to be negligible, as it may only cost a few dollars more. However, generally speaking, due to the higher power rating, you can expect the 15-amp saw to cost just a little bit more.
4. Advanced Applications
The other difference here is that if you are cutting very thick or dense materials, even things like metal, then the 15-amp circular saw is going to make things easier for you due to that higher power level.
13-Amp vs. 15-Amp Circular Saw: Which One Should You Get?
When it comes down to it, if you plan on cutting many different materials that are large and dense, and you plan on doing so frequently, then the more powerful 15-amp model is going to be best. However, if you need a smaller budget-friendly saw ideal for smaller applications, then the 13-amp model will do just fine.
Summary
Now that you know what the primary differences between 15-amp and 13-amp circular saws are, you can make an informed decision between them.