13 AMP Vs. 15 AMP (Table Saw and Circular Saw)

Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Barry Gray

When you are new to woodwork, construction work, or just a DIY enthusiast, you need an electrical saw. The two best saws, to begin with, are a table and a circular saw. The other consideration is the amperage you will need.

The main difference between a 13 AMP and a 15 AMP table or circular saw is how long the motor can continuously run the electrical current through the saw without exceeding the temperature limits. The amperage in the saw you choose will depend on your power needs. 

I recently needed to buy a new saw and I doubt again if I needed a 13 AMP or a 15 AMP. I decided to dig into the differences and what I saw would be right for my needs. I wanted to share the information I found to discuss 13 AMP Vs. 15 AMP – table saw and circular saw.

13 AMP Vs. 15 AMP

We will be discussing the differences between these two amperages and what that means when you are trying to decide which is best for your individual needs. The amperage difference might not seem like much, but it directly affects where the saw is most useful.

13 AMP Vs. 15 AMP Table Saw

13 amp vs 15 amp table saw

The main difference between amperage in the 13 and 15 AMP is the amount of time the motor can turn continuously without overheating the motor. The more amperage, the more time you have to use the saw before you need to stop. Below is a table that will compare the differences between a 13 AMP table saw and a 15 AMP table saw:

We will be looking at the RYOBI RTS08 13 Amp 8-1/4 in. Table Saw and RYOBI 15 Amp 10 in. Expanded Capacity Table Saw With Rolling Stand

Comparison Criteria13 AMP Table Saw15 AMP Table Saw
The Type: RYOBI RTS08 13 Amp 8-1/4 in. Table SawRYOBI 15 Amp 10 in. Expanded Capacity Table Saw With Rolling Stand
The Size:‎28 x 20.3 x 13.2 inches16.125-inches With a 10″ blade 
The Power:Battery PoweredBattery Powered
The Voltage:120 V120 V
The Speed:5000 RPM5000 RPM
The Uses:It works best for smaller DIY projects that don’t require you to cut for extended periods.It works best for more intensive work, which requires cutting for extended periods like construction and woodworking.

The 13 AMP Table Saw Example

If you are not looking for huge power and only want to use the saw for the occasional DIY project, then a 13 AMP is ideal to use. The RYOBI RTS08 13 Amp 8-1/4 in. Table Saw is perfect for home DIY use

It’s affordable and works well for small jobs. It has a 4” blade and makes accurate cuts. Reviews show a bit of a learning curve but nothing that time and a bit of practice can’t overcome. It features 5000 RPM and can easily make rip cuts.

The 15 AMP Table Saw Example

15 AMP circular saws are great for bigger DIY projects, and you can easily use them on tougher construction or woodworking projects. It gives you the power you need for more extended use. This saw is made to work in tough conditions. 

It comes with an extended table and rolling stand, and the 15 AMPs ensure that you can make more cuts for longer periods without needing the saw to cool down. This saw is an avid woodworker or professional contractor’s dream. It comes with a 10” blade capacity, and it is battery operated, making it more mobile and easier to use on-site.

13 AMP And 15 AMP Circular Saw

15 amp vs 15 amp circular saw

A circular saw is a staple in any avid DIYer, woodworker, or professional contractor’s power tool collection. You will need it for most projects, big or small. We will discuss the differences between the 13AMP and 15 AMP in the table below:

We will be looking at the: BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Laser, 13-Amp (BDECS300C), And the SKILSAW SPT67WL-01 15 Amp 7-1/4 In. Sidewinder Circular Saw

Comparison Criteria13 AMP Circular Saw15 AMP Circular Saw
The Type:BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Laser, 13-Amp (BDECS300C)SKILSAW SPT67WL-01 15 Amp 7-1/4 In. Sidewinder Circular Saw
The Size:14 x 9.9 x 8 inches14.37-inches x 9.84-inches x 7.44 inches
The Power:Battery PoweredElectrical
The Voltage:120 V120 V
The Speed:5300 RPM5300
The Uses:It works best for DIY and small home projects; it’s light and portable.It works best for big DIY projects or professional use, light but powerful.

The 13 AMP Circular Saw Example

The BLACK+DECKER 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Laser, 13-Amp (BDECS300C), is not the most powerful circular saw, but it’s affordable, easy to use, and uses less power than the 15 AMP. 

It is best used for DIY projects and small renovations that don’t require industrial-strength cutting power. It also has a laser guide for added accuracy.

The 15 AMP Circular Saw Example

The 15 AMP will be the best circular saw when you need more power for daily use. The SKILSAW SPT67WL-01 15 Amp 7-1/4 In. Sidewinder Circular Saw is light but powerful. It’s affordable and works well if you need more cutting time and more power. 

It has dual copper windings to keep the motor cooler for longer, giving you 40% more surface cutting.

Conclusion

The amperage difference between a 13 AMP and a 15 AMP might only be 2 AMPs, but it makes a difference in the power and use of the saw. The 13 AMP will is not well suited to use in a professional or commercial capacity but works well for small tasks. 

The power of the 15 AMP will work better in those cases where you need constant power and longer cutting times. It can also be used when working on bigger DIY projects or home woodworking. The huge construction companies have these saws, and those with higher amperage help deal with the workload.

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Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

1 thought on “13 AMP Vs. 15 AMP (Table Saw and Circular Saw)”

  1. In my experience using a higher amp tool requires a reciprocal amount of draw from the wall. In many instances the power source is inadequate and the long cords are too thin to run the tool which can cause overheating and lackluster performance. If I’m using a 15a saw for example, I make sure my extension cord is at least 10ga. (10/3). We use Rigid’s thick 100’ cords (w/multi outlet) or equivalent. If I have access to a 20a outlet, I definitely plug in. The thicker cord eliminates the resistance variable and the 20a outlet or 20a on a generator and allows the tool to run to its potential effortlessly. My old Dewalt 744 portable table saw doesn’t bog down as much. Carpenters should be made aware of this. If I can only find 15a source, I try to make sure there isn’t anything else running on that line concomitantly when I’m using the line.

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