Your choice of circular saw model will depend upon the type of work you will do. Too many circular saw owners have begun to use their saw for purposes other than for which it was developed.
Often resulting in misuse and lack of adequate circular saw safety. Here is where the question about what type of guard on a circular saw is best:
“I have been using my circular saw as a plunge cut saw. I have considered buying a pendulum guard saw which might perhaps be a bit safer. Is one saw safer than the other?”
Marcos Torres, Castelnou France
Marcos, you are right when you ask about the better alternative. Both adaptations offer different advantages.
A conventional pendulum guard on a circular saw will add protection while sliding the guard upward and inside the saw housing. Alternatively, the blade guard can be lifted manually using a lever attached to it.
On a plunge cut saw the entire saw is pushed down to allow the circular saw blade to flip out of the housing. After the cut is finished a spring presses the blade up again into the housing of the saw. You can see both types of circular saws in our review of plunge cut vs pendulum guard circular saws here.