Flex 24V Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Blends Power and Precision
Flex is making a strong push into the professional trades, and the FX2461 metal-cutting circular saw is a clear example of that intent. Designed with jobsite performance in mind, this saw brings serious cutting power, refined control, and smart features tailored for Pros. I’ll walk you through the design and share what I learned from using it so you can decide if it’s the right option for you!
Flex Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Performance
- No-Load Speed: 4,500 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 5-7/8 in.
- Max Cut Depth: 2-1/4 in.
- Max Wall Thickness: 1.6 mm – 4.8 mm (1/16 – 3/16 in.)
- Max Threaded Rod Diameter: 1 in.
Cutting Power
The Flex FX2461 is powered by a brushless motor with a top speed of 4,500 RPMs—about 500 RPMs higher than comparable models from Makita, Hilti, and Milwaukee.
It comes stock with a 5-7/8 inch blade, but it’s also compatible with 5-3/8 inch blades if you’re willing to lose a little depth capacity.
Speaking of capacity, this saw has a max cut depth of 2 1/4 inches, but it’s different than how we measure wood cutting capacities. Flex tells us that this saw will confidently slice threaded rod up to 1-inch in diameter and cut pipe or tubing with a wall thickness up to 3/16-inch. It’s ideal for cutting EMT conduit, sheet steel, and metal studs with ease. However, cutting through 2-inch thick stock isn’t what the motor is tuned for.
During our testing, this saw consistently delivered clean, precise cuts without generating excess heat or hazardous burrs. That’s not only a testament to the power of the motor, but it also showed us that Flex’s 36T stock blade is high quality. Rather than immediately swapping it out for your favorite blade, go ahead and use it.
We were also greatly impressed by the saw’s efficient chip collection, which kept our workspace clean and left us with minimal cleanup compared to using a grinder or cutoff saw.
Flex Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Design Notes
- Model: Flex FX2461
- Power Source: Flex 24V battery
- Weight: 5.75 lbs (bare tool) 7.4 lbs (with 3.5Ah Stacked Lithium battery)
Size and Weight
The Flex FX2461 weighs 5.75 pounds as a bare tool and 7.46 pounds with a 3.5Ah Stacked Lithium battery. At the moment, this saw is only available as a bare tool, so we paired it with the 3.5Ah battery because it offers a solid blend of power and weight.
The first thing I noticed after pulling this saw out of the box was its size. The FX2461 measures 12.25 inches from tip to tail, and the overall profile is quite petite compared to many of the circular saws I’ve tested in the past.
Looking at the grip and trigger, Flex didn’t stray too far from the norm. You still have a textured rubber overmold, a folding rafter hook, a single-finger trigger, and an ambidextrous thumb safety. However, Flex did pull one slick trick with their design by making the auxiliary handle removable.
This is the first time I’ve ever seen this on a circular saw, and I must admit that it’s a unique way to slim up the tool’s profile and shave off a little weight!
Cutline Visibility
One area where Flex absolutely excelled is cutline visibility. This is an area where metal-cutting circular saws typically struggle due to the extra protective shrouds and oversized blade guard. While Flex’s design includes all of these elements, I think they made some great decisions that elevate this saw above the competition.
This is a blade-right saw, and the viewing window is much larger than what I’ve seen with other metal-cutting saws. This design offers a wide-open, unobstructed view of the blade as you’re cutting.
Moreover, there are markings on the shoe that help you stay on track and indicate the current blade position relative to the edge of the material. When precision counts, you’ll be able to cut with more confidence than other models we’ve tested.
Cutting Depth Adjustment
Flex didn’t stray too far from the norm with the depth adjustment mechanism. On the back of the tool you’ll find a small plastic lever. Simply flip in it up, slide the shoe to your desired depth, and then lock the lever back in place.
Additional Features
- Guide Rail Compatible Shoe: Pair the saw with a guide rail for the straightest cuts
- LED Work Light: Illuminates your cut line
- Compatibility: Works with all Flex 24V batteries, including advanced Stacked Lithium packs
Flex Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Price
The Flex FX2461 metal-cutting saw retails for $289.99 as a bare tool and is backed by Flex’s limited lifetime warranty upon registration.
The Bottom Line
The Flex FX2461 proves to be a top contender in the metal-cutting category, delivering clean cuts, excellent visibility, and a thoughtful design. This is an excellent addition to the Flex 24V lineup, especially for folks who want to move away from rougher options like an angle grinder for metal cutting tasks.
While the price might give you some initial sticker shock if you were expecting it to match up with a compact circular saw, this model is actually much less expensive than most Pro-grade options, and the lifetime warranty is just icing on the cake.
What really impressed me about this saw is that Flex cracked the code on cutline visibility for a tool that traditionally struggles in that area. The larger viewing window and cutline indicators on the shoe helped us stay on track and improved our overall accuracy. If clean, accurate cuts on metal stock are high on your priority list, the Flex FX2461 is a great option.
