Abstract: A portable circular saw has a saw-blade compartment for accommodating a circular saw-blade, a motor compartment secured to the saw-blade compartment and projecting transversely therefrom away from the saw-blade, a rear handle extending rearwardly from the saw-blade compartment, and a forward handle connected to the saw-blade compartment and projecting transversely therefrom away from the saw-blade. The forward handle is hollow and defines a passageway therein which is in communication with the interior of the saw-blade compartment and is also adapted to be connected to a vacuum system, whereby this forward handle forms part of a sawdust removal system. Preferably, a strut forms part of and connects the forward handle to the motor compartment thereby defining a closed handle. The passageway in the forward handle is preferably connected to a fan in the motor compartment, but may be connected to an external source of vacuum.