Tool Tango is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
During our extensive research of many circular saw blade types, the two featured below are two of the most useful. One blade provides a simple cutting solution to your novice carpenter.
At the same time, the other is better suited to a professional environment. Bear in mind; they aren’t the only sizes available, which is why we’ve also included details of a great alternative of both sizes.
TL;DR: 6.5 vs. 7.25 Circular Saw
Like with any blade, there is a list of pros and cons, below are just the most common of each blade size.
Advantages of a 6.5-Inch Circular Saw
6.5-inch circular saws have a few advantages unique to them; take a look below.
Easier to store & carry
Due to their smaller diameter, they’re far easier to carry around and store in your work bag/workshop.
The smaller size also means that they’re far lighter than their larger counterparts; the lighter weight benefits you in the sense that your hand won’t get fatigued as quickly from operating the saw.
Relatively inexpensive compared to other sizes
6.5-inch blades aren’t as popular compared to the larger options out there. The result of this lack of demand means they’re a lot cheaper as retailers don’t want them sitting around on their shelves for months. The blades themselves also don’t take as much material to create, which is another factor in their lower price.
When and Why Would I Use a 6.5-Inch Circular Saw?
Considering the advantages, when exactly would be the best situation to use your 6.5-inch circular saw?
Best Suited For Straight Cuts
A 6.5-inch blade is recommended for DIY tasks as they usually only require straight cuts rather than grooves or angular cuts. Due to this blade's small diameter, it’d be impossible for it to complete angular cuts correctly.
If You’re On A Budget
As we’ve already mentioned, the cost of a 6.5-inch blade isn’t expensive compared to the prices of larger blades. This is due to low demand, and less material is used to create the blade, making it great for those on a budget.
An Effective Yet Lightweight Blade
You have little weight to carry when transporting and operating the blade; due to its smaller size, it reduces the risk of fatigue and taking up space in your workshop.
Advantages of a 7.25-Inch Circular Saw
Just as the 6.5, the 7.25-inch blade has some great advantages unique to the blade; take a look below.
You can make angular cuts
The diameter of the blade is what allows the user to complete a bevel/angular cut correctly, which the 6.5 isn’t capable of doing. The 7.25-inch blade is capable of creating a bevel up to 45-degrees.
You can cut through thicker materials
The larger diameter of this blade allows the user to cut through thicker materials; anything from four inches and below is suitable to cut with a 7.25-inch blade.
A greater variety of blades on offer
The higher demand for a 7.25-inch blade shows that they’re worthy of creating and selling to customers. Therefore retailers have a great variety of 7 1/4-inch circular saw blades with varying teeth types and materials. You’ll find a variety of this blade no problem at all in your local hardware store.
When and Why Would I Use a 7.25-inch Circular Saw?
There will be plenty of reasons to use a 7.25-inch circular saw; below are just a few examples of when they’d be suitable.
If You Require Multiple Blade Types
As we mentioned, these blades can come with a variety of different features; this allows the user far more versatility in what tasks/projects and cuts can be completed using a 7.25-inch blade.
Therefore, if you’re working on a task that requires a few blades with the same diameter but with different tooth types, this can easily be found due to the large supply of this type of blade.
If You Work With Thicker Wood
You’ll know that wood projects don’t always use the same wood thickness within one particular project.
Therefore, it’s great to have this blade be able to cut wood up to four inches thick, a common wood thickness used by carpenters.
You’re A Professional Carpenter
The larger diameter of this blade is the greatest benefit to those who work with wood every day. A 7.25-inch blade allows the user to cut bevels/angles of up to 45-degrees. If you used any smaller blade, this wouldn’t be possible. Angles/bevels are incredibly important to the craft of carpentry.
What About Other Sizes?
The most common size other than the 6.5 and 7.25 would be the 8-inch blade. This size is slightly different from the other two featured above. The 8-inch blade can come with between 24 & 40 teeth; this is an aggressive blade that’ll quickly remove material and leave a rough cut. If you're interested in 6/12 circular saw blades, be sure to visit our linked buyer's guide.
These blades are great for general day-to-day carpentry tasks as well as trimming and finishing. Just like the 7.25, this blade can cut wood up to 6-inches thick and create bevels/angles of up to 90-degrees.
Bottom Line
If you’re a hobbyist or carrying out general DIY cuts, like ripping or crosscuts, then you’ll find a use for the 6.5-inch blade.
However, if you’re using a circular saw daily and are a professional or serious hobbyist carpenter, the 7.25-inch blade will be suited better to you; there’s much more variety and cut options that come with this blade.
Hold up, are you interested in other topics related to circular saws? If so, these might be something to check out: