I finally want to buy a hand circular saw to build shelves and furniture myself. So far I've only worked with a jigsaw, but for larger boards I need something more serious. What would you recommend - does it have to be an expensive Bosch or would something from Aldi/Lidl do the job?
I wouldn't jump straight to the most expensive option, but I'd also be careful with Aldi/Lidl - they often don't last long if you use them regularly 😅 For beginners, brands like Makita, DeWalt, or Bosch in the mid-price range (around 80 - 150€) are really solid, you can get them everywhere, and they hold up longer. What's important is a good rail for straight cuts, otherwise working with plywood gets frustrating, and make sure the saw isn't too heavy - you'll get tired of it otherwise 💪
For plywood and shelving as a beginner, a saw in the mid-price range is totally fine - around 80 to 150 euros. Makita and DeWalt are solid options there, they really last and have good ergonomics. With the cheap versions, the problem isn't so much the upfront cost but that the motors wear out quick if you're using them regularly. Plus: cheap saws vibrate more, which is annoying when you're cutting larger boards and messes with the cut quality.
What you should specifically look out for: at least 1200 watts motor power, a good base plate (it has to be stable and adjustable) and decent safety features. Lots of beginners underestimate how important a good guide rail is - if you want to pay attention to straight cuts, a parallel guide as an accessory is worth it. For the plywood itself, I'd recommend a blade with lots of small teeth (at least 40 teeth), otherwise the material will tear out at the edges.
One more tip: maybe borrow a used one from a friend or from a tool-sharing project before you buy. That way you'll quickly figure out if the size feels right and how it handles - makes more difference than you'd think.
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