Worx has come out with a new 20V (Max) brushless cordless compact circular saw, model WX531L.
Benefits of the brushless motor include “10X longer motor life,” as well as “50% more runtime an dup to 80% more power” than a comparable saw with a brushed motor. Worx adds that the high performance brushless motor also runs cooler and with less friction, contributing to longer tool life.
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The new Worx WX531L cordless circular saw has a 4-1/2″ blade size (3/8″ arbor), and can be used in spaces too tight for standard-sized circular saws. Its small size and light weight also make it highly maneuverable, even when cutting overhead.
Despite its size, the Worx circular saw can still cut 2X construction lumber in a single pass, with a cutting depth of up to 1.5″.
The saw features a thin-kerf wood-cutting blade and can also work with other blades, such as an optional abrasive blade (WA5048) for cutting masonry materials.
Worx Compact Circular Saw Features & Specs
- 4.5″ blade size
- 3/8″ arbor hole
- 6900 RPM (no-load)
- Electric blade brake
- 1-11/16″ max cutting depth at 90°
- 1-1/8″ max depth of cut at 45°
- 0-46° bevel range
- Weighs 4.8 lbs with battery
The kit comes with a 2Ah battery, 1-hour charger, 24T blade, vacuum adapter, parallel edge guide, hex key, and carrying bag. A bare tool is also available.
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Price: $160 for the kit (WX531L), $100 for the bare tool (WX531L.9)
Street Price: $153 (as of the time of this posting)
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Discussion
This is far from being Worx’s first brushless cordless power tool, but it’s still a very interesting and welcome development.
Brushless motor, 2Ah battery, and it comes with a vacuum port for dust collection. Seems like a compelling offering.
Jared
This looks alright. I don’t consider Worx a serious power tool contender, I’m more interested in their novelty offerings – hence I own their power washer. This saw kind of fits that niche.
On the other hand – I’m not sure who this is for. Maybe that’s silly and there’s a use-case where this makes perfect sense. Maybe someone who has very minimal power-saw needs or cuts thin sheet goods most of the time? Maybe this small version is more confidence inspiring for those less-used to power tools?
I’ve got regular-sized circular, reciprocating and jig saws, plus an OMT, so I can’t imagine there’s a scenario where this micro-sized circular is just the right fit.
James C
Would you say those things about the m12 circular saw? This saw is pretty similar to the m12 in capabilities. Performance will be the big question.
The m12 was my first cordless circular. Over the years I’ve used it 95% of the time over my corded makita hypoid.
You gotta use the right tool for the job. For me, I found I rarely cut anything more demanding than a 2×4. Everybody is different, of course.
I recently bought the m18 6 1/2 fuel. I specifically wanted that over the 7 1/4 fuel due to the smaller size (and I wanted blade-left).
Having more options is a fantastic thing.
Jared
I would! I’m not running out to buy any of these micro saws.
Maybe my post comes across too critical. I try not to judge new tools as though they are junk just because they don’t work for me specifically. Maybe I need to try one, but I can’t help thinking there’s a better tool for most jobs. I might be wrong.
Tell me what I’m not thinking of. The advantage of controlled depth perhaps? (e.g. over using a one-handed recip for example or a jig saw). It is a one-handed tool – maybe the speed of using a circular saw one-handed is what I’m not considering?
James C
Is your regular circular saw a 7 1/4 or a 10 1/4?
Jared
I use a cordless 6 1/2 most of the time, though I have a corded 7 1/4 option
Jared
What’s it like to cut sheet goods with one of these one-handed saws?
Ooooo. I also missed the “nitro” badge in my first read-through too. 😛
Jared
Maybe if it was from Bosch it would be called “the pizza cutter”.
Koko The Talking Ape
There are people who spend all day working with sheet goods or trim or assembly line work. You don’t, but they do.
Or they have a regular circ and get tired of hauling it out when they need to just trim some paneling.
This saw might be perfect for them.
An old timer once told me you want to use the smallest, lightest tool that will do the job well. He was looking at an early retirement because of a bad back. Also bad knees, elbow, etc.
Nathan
So it’s their old saw with a new motor. It’s not like the Dewalt one which I find surprising.
Unless I see the pictures wrong. I also don’t see the dust port – like the dewalt has.
TO be fair I hear people say these work well especially for thin sheet and small project cuts.
fred
Before I bought my track saw – my corded Porter Cable 4-1/2 inch worm gear saw was my go-to tool for breaking down sheet goods ahead of the table saw. I also used it for cutting plexiglas – using a reverse-tooth blade that PC sold (#12121). But those tools were produced at a time when Rockwell International (the now defunct aerospace giant) owned PC – and PC was the premier brand for woodworkers. I still use the saw from time to time for trim work – and have a Forrest 40tooth blade mounted. Similar to this Worx saw – my old PC 9314 has a 3/8 arbor.
VindalooDiesel
I find Worx’ light duty and unique tools invaluable (hydroshot, vacuum) but at this price point I’ll take the dewalt.
Frank D
If it came in 18v orange, 18v lime, or 12v blue … I’d buy one.
TonyT
The 18V lime line does have a brushed 3 3/8″ multi-material plunge saw (P555).
ze
I wanted something this sized for working wood trim last year. regular circ saw was fine, but the portability would have been nice fitting bits and peices in awkward spots along the house.
Aaron
If you’ve already been tricked onto their battery platform this seems like a great tool to have available. If you don’t already own anything on this platform it is worth seriously considering an actual legit platform. The only reason I could see for the worx platform used to be their cordless sprayer. Now you can get those from a bunch of other brands that make better tool lines.
lava
I’m thinking the little 12v Skil brushless circular saw is a better move when you consider it part of a nice group of tools on the same batteries. The 12v drill and impact are great for homeowners, the OMT while not a Milwaukee Fuel level is a decent 12v OMT. And you have a one hand recip saw and a jig saw in the mix. I think they have a bluetooth speaker too.
Perry
Agreed. I really like the form factor of this saw, but it lacks a quality line up to support the purchase. The new skil line does have a great line up though, to make buying their saw worthwhile
Robert Adkins
I like Worx tools. I’ve owned a few, and I believe they are the best of the tier 3 tools.
MAP
I own a Worx Blower and am impressed with it . The value is a bonus.