Circular saws for cutting meat and bone: which model fits your line
Power, weight, cutting depth and species: the four things that decide which saw for cutting meat and bone belongs on your line. Here is how the whole handheld range compares.
Every buyer asks the same question first: which saw do I need? And the honest answer never starts with power. It starts with the species you work, because that sets the bone you have to get through.
Start with the species, not the wattage
For pork, the SM-150 (750 W, 3.6 kg) and the SM-165 (750 W, 5.7 kg, side handle) are enough and keep the operator fresh.
For beef you need more: the SM-225/E gives you 1500 W, a 225 mm blade and 75 mm of cut, and the SM-235-H goes to 1800 W, a 235 mm blade and 80 mm — the most powerful in the handheld range.
The comparison, side by side
- SM-150 — 750 W · 3.6 kg · up to 50 mm · pork · one-handed operation
- SM-165 — 750 W · 5.7 kg · up to 55 mm · pork · side handle for extra precision
- SM-225/E — 1500 W · 7.9 kg · 75 mm · beef · 225 mm blade, aluminium head
- SM-235-H — 1800 W · 7.9 kg · 80 mm · beef · 235 mm blade, the most powerful
What about breaking saws?
Circular saws are for cutting through. When you need to break down large pieces, a reciprocating breaking saw works better: the SE-350 (350 mm blade) and the SE-500 (500 mm), both at 7,000 strokes per minute.
The detail everyone forgets: the weight
A 7.9 kg saw held up for a full shift is the difference between a good cut at 8am and a rushed one at 4pm. Every saw in the range takes a tool balancer, which offsets that weight completely.
Frequently asked questions
Which saw is best for cutting meat and bone?
It depends on the species. For pork, the SM-150 or SM-165; for beef, the SM-225/E or SM-235-H, which carry more power and a larger blade to get through harder bone.
What is the difference between a circular saw and a breaking saw?
The circular saw cuts through with a rotating blade and is used for cutting bone. The breaking saw is reciprocating, with a 350 or 500 mm blade, and works better for breaking down large pieces.