Each of them\u00a0has\u00a0both pros and cons, and even though they look very similar, there are lots of differences between them.<\/p>\n
A steel base plate is the cheapest and heaviest. A steel base plate can be more easily bent if dropped but can be easily repaired. An aluminum base plate is usually lighter and thicker than a steel base plate. It will not bend but can crack. A magnesium base plate is the best as it is the lightest and strongest of the three types.<\/strong><\/p>\n Here are my top picks for each base plate type:<\/p>\n When buying a new circular saw, you should definitively pay attention to the base plate. Why?<\/p>\n Related:<\/strong> Best circular saws under $50<\/a><\/p>\n Because the accuracy of the cuts mostly depends on the base plate, it is extremely important to find a quality one.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t go for the cheapest one, as you will need to replace it very soon.<\/p>\n Believe it or not, the base plate shoe is the part of the saw that is most likely to broke<\/strong>. In order to prevent that, you will have to find a thick plate, with square edges.<\/p>\n In this section, you will learn the basics of each type of base plate, what makes them different and what are the pros and cons of each one.<\/p>\n Related:<\/strong> What is a circular saw base plate shoe?<\/a><\/p>\n The cheapest way to make a base plate is using a steel<\/strong>. This type of base plate is the most\u00a0flimsy\u00a0and can bend easily<\/strong> if you drop the saw.<\/p>\n Then, I won\u2019t drop the saw. I guess that is what most of you think right now. But no matter how careful you are, your circular saw will fall\u00a0off\u00a0your hand at one point<\/em>. And regardless of the\u00a0height,\u00a0you drop it, the base plate would bend.<\/p>\n If it is a minor damage, you can repair it<\/strong>, but you need to be sure that the surface is completely flat, which is pretty difficult from my point of view. So, it is better to buy a new base plate as soon as possible. However, don\u2019t even think of cutting with damaged base plate shoe<\/strong>, as you will end up with very poor cuts.<\/p>\n For example, if you have a rolled edge on your base plate and you are using a thin straightedge as a saw guide, the circular saw may slip over guide which will result with\u00a0an inaccurate\u00a0cut.<\/p>\n\n
What does the best type of base plate look like?<\/h2>\n
Steel vs aluminum vs magnesium circular base plate shoes<\/h2>\n
Steel base plate<\/h3>\n
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You can adjust it to cut on different depth, and its base plate is perfect for bevel cuts. Since this is a circular saw with a steel base plate, it comes for a reasonable price.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00002231Z&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=steel-vs-aluminum-magnesium-circular-saw-base-plate-20\")
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