Small but Powerful

I’m surprised I don’t see more 6 1/2-inch circular saws on job sites. They’re light and handy — perfect for a long day building decks. Standing out in the category is Ridgid’s Fuego 6 1/2-inch corded circ saw. It lives up to the company’s big claim that it does just about everything a 7 1/4-inch saw can, though, of course, it doesn’t cut as deeply (the Fuego cuts 2 1/8 inches at 90 degrees).

The Fuego has more than enough power. It didn’t slow down with its blade buried in 4×4 posts or when ripping and cross-cutting 2x4s through 2x12s. And it ran smooth.

Never mind all the notches and guides on the front of saws that are supposed to show you where the blade will end up — I like to see the blade hit the line. Despite the Fuego’s compact body, it has openings in all the right places to promote good sight lines. From the top, left, and right, I could see the blade on the work.

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