Ever started a DIY project, only to get stuck with a wobbly saw that makes more noise than progress? Finding the right tool can make all the difference!
Choosing a circular saw can be tricky. There are so many brands and features, and you don’t want to waste your money on something that breaks quickly. Many people struggle to find a good balance between price and quality. They either overspend on a fancy saw they don’t need or end up with a cheap saw that’s unreliable.
This post will help you avoid that frustration. We’ll guide you through the process of finding the best cheap circular saw for your needs. You’ll learn about key features to look for, avoid common pitfalls, and discover some top recommendations. We’ll make it easy to choose a saw that works well without breaking the bank.
Finding the Best Cheap Circular Saw can be challenging, but we’ve made it simple for you. Let’s dive into the world of affordable power tools and find your perfect match!
Top 6 Best Cheap Circular Saw
1. SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide – 5280-01
The SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw (model 5280-01) is a powerful and relatively affordable saw. It features a laser guide to help you make accurate cuts. This makes it great for DIY projects around the house or small construction jobs. It’s easy to handle, even for beginners.
What We Like:
- The laser guide really helps with straight cuts. It’s much easier to get precise results.
- It’s lightweight. This makes it less tiring to use for longer periods.
- The 15-amp motor is powerful enough for most tasks. It cuts through wood quickly and smoothly.
- The price is competitive. You get a lot of power for the cost.
- It’s easy to use. Even if you’ve never used a circular saw before, you can learn quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The depth adjustment could be smoother. It sometimes feels a little stiff.
- The dust collection isn’t great. You’ll need to use a separate dust collection system for cleaner work.
- The blade guard could be more robust. It feels a little flimsy.
Overall, the SKIL 5280-01 circular saw is a solid choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. The laser guide is a huge plus. While some minor improvements could be made, it delivers excellent value for its price.
This saw will serve you well for most cutting projects.
2. Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw, Red
The Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw is a powerful and versatile tool. It’s great for various cutting projects around the house or on a small construction site. This red saw is easy to handle, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced DIYers.
What We Like:
- The saw cuts through wood quickly and smoothly. It has a powerful 13-amp motor.
- It’s relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver. This makes handling it less tiring.
- The price is very competitive. You get a lot of power for your money.
- The depth adjustment is simple to use. You can easily change the cutting depth.
- Skil offers good customer support. They have helpful resources online.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection system could be better. More dust escapes during cutting.
- The blade guard could be more robust. It feels a little flimsy.
- The included blade is decent, but a higher-quality blade would improve performance. It’s not the best blade available.
Overall, the Skil 5080-01 is a solid circular saw, especially considering its price. It’s a good option for most DIY projects. However, be aware of the dust collection and blade guard issues.
3. Ryobi 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw
The Ryobi 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw is a cordless circular saw. It’s great for DIY projects around the house or small construction jobs. It’s part of Ryobi’s 18V line, meaning you can use the same battery for other Ryobi tools. This saw is easy to handle and cuts wood smoothly.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight and easy to control. This makes it perfect for longer jobs.
- The battery life is pretty good. You can cut a lot of wood on a single charge.
- The blade changes quickly and easily. This saves you time.
- It’s a very affordable saw. It’s a great value for your money.
- Many people find it comfortable to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection system could be better. Some dust escapes during cutting.
- The depth adjustment could be more precise. It’s a little difficult to set exact depths.
- The included blade isn’t the sharpest. A better blade might improve cuts.
Overall, the Ryobi 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw is a solid choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It offers good performance at a reasonable price. It’s a good tool for most jobs, but a few improvements could make it even better.
4. 11 Amp Corded Circular Saw with Circular Saw Blade, 6000RPM, Adjustable Cutting Depth, 7-1/4 Inch Blade, Ideal for Wood and Plastic Cuts, Professional Carpentry Tool for Precision Cutting
This 11 Amp Corded Circular Saw is a powerful tool perfect for various cutting jobs. It boasts a 7-1/4 inch blade spinning at 6000 RPM, making quick work of wood and plastic. The adjustable cutting depth offers great control, and its corded design provides consistent power. This saw is ideal for DIY projects or professional carpentry.
What We Like:
- The saw cuts through wood and plastic quickly and smoothly.
- The adjustable depth setting gives you precise control over your cuts.
- It’s powerful enough for most carpentry tasks.
- The 7-1/4 inch blade handles a wide variety of cuts.
- The corded design ensures consistent power without worrying about battery life.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cord could be a little longer for better maneuverability.
- A carrying case would be a nice addition for storage and transport.
- The instruction manual could be more detailed for beginners.
Overall, this 11 Amp Circular Saw is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and powerful cutting tool. It offers great value for its price and performance.
This saw excels in precision and speed, making it a worthwhile investment for both professionals and enthusiastic DIYers.
5. WEN 36725 12A 7-1/4-Inch Sidewinder Circular Saw with 2-1/2-Inch Cutting Depth,Black
The WEN 36725 12A 7-1/4-Inch Sidewinder Circular Saw is a powerful tool for various cutting jobs. It’s designed to make quick work of wood, and its compact size makes it easy to handle. This saw boasts a 2-1/2-inch cutting depth, allowing you to tackle a range of projects. Its black design looks sleek and professional.
What We Like:
- The saw cuts smoothly and efficiently. It handles well.
- Its lightweight design reduces user fatigue during longer projects.
- The 7-1/4-inch blade cuts through most materials easily.
- The price is very competitive compared to other saws with similar features.
- Many users find it easy to assemble and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection system could be better. More dust escapes than some users would like.
- Some users reported the blade guard is a little flimsy.
- The instruction manual could be clearer for first-time users.
- A carrying case is not included.
Overall, the WEN 36725 is a decent circular saw for the price. It offers good power and ease of use. However, potential buyers should be aware of its minor drawbacks.
This saw is a good choice for DIYers and occasional users. It’s a solid performer for its price point.
6. SKIL 14 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw – 5180-01
The SKIL 14 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (model 5180-01) is a popular choice for DIYers and contractors alike. It’s a powerful saw that cuts through wood quickly and efficiently. This saw is known for its affordability and ease of use. Many find it a great tool for various projects around the house or workshop.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful! The 14-amp motor easily cuts through most lumber.
- The saw is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle for extended periods.
- It’s easy to use. Even beginners can learn to operate it quickly.
- The price is very competitive. You get a lot of power for your money.
- The 7-1/4 inch blade cuts a nice wide swath.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection system could be better. It doesn’t trap all the sawdust.
- The depth adjustment could be smoother. It sometimes feels a bit stiff.
- The blade guard could be more robust. It feels a little flimsy.
Overall, the SKIL 14 Amp Circular Saw is a solid performer. It offers great value for its price. It’s a good choice for those needing a dependable saw for various cutting jobs.
Best Cheap Circular Saw: A Buyer’s Guide
Finding a good circular saw without breaking the bank is possible! This guide helps you choose the best cheap circular saw for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Power (Amperage): Higher amperage means more power. Look for at least 5 amps for most DIY projects. More power means faster cutting.
- Blade Size (Diameter): 7 ¼ inch blades are common and versatile. Larger blades cut faster, but you might need a bigger saw.
- Depth of Cut: This tells you how deep the saw can cut into wood. Check if it meets your project needs. A deeper cut is handy for thicker materials.
- Bevel Capacity: This is the angle the saw can cut at (other than straight). A bevel capacity of 45 degrees is helpful for angled cuts.
- Safety Features: Look for a blade guard that protects you from the spinning blade. A safety switch prevents accidental starts.
- Weight and Ergonomics: A lighter saw is easier to handle, especially for longer projects. A comfortable grip reduces fatigue.
Important Materials and Construction
Circular saws are mostly made of metal and plastic. The motor housing is usually metal for durability. The base plate, where the blade sits, is often made of aluminum for accuracy and stability. Good plastic parts should feel sturdy, not flimsy. Check for any loose parts or weak spots before buying.
Factors Affecting Quality
- Motor Quality: A powerful, reliable motor makes a big difference. A cheap motor might overheat or burn out quickly.
- Blade Quality: A sharp blade cuts cleanly and accurately. Dull blades make rough cuts and require more force.
- Build Quality: A well-built saw feels solid and durable. Loose parts or wobbly components indicate poor quality.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands have better reputations than others. Research the brand before you buy to see what others say.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good circular saw should be easy to use and control. It should start easily and cut smoothly. For small DIY projects like cutting wood for shelves or picture frames, a less powerful but lighter saw might be perfect. For larger projects, like cutting lumber for a deck, you’ll want a more powerful saw. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using a circular saw.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What’s the difference between corded and cordless circular saws? A: Corded saws have more power, but you’re limited by the cord’s length. Cordless saws are portable but have less power and need charging.
- Q: How do I choose the right blade for my project? A: Different blades are designed for different materials (wood, metal, etc.). Check the blade’s specifications to make sure it’s right for your project.
- Q: How often should I change the blade? A: Replace your blade when it becomes dull or damaged. A dull blade is dangerous and makes poor cuts.
- Q: How do I maintain my circular saw? A: Keep it clean, check for loose parts, and lubricate moving parts as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Q: Is it safe to use a circular saw? A: Yes, but only if you use it safely. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Read the instruction manual carefully before use.
- Q: What are the common problems with cheap circular saws? A: They might have less powerful motors, shorter lifespans, and less accurate cuts.
- Q: Where can I buy a cheap circular saw? A: Many home improvement stores and online retailers sell affordable circular saws.
- Q: Can I use a circular saw to cut metal? A: You can, but you need a blade specifically designed for metal. Using the wrong blade is dangerous.
- Q: What’s the warranty on a cheap circular saw? A: Warranties vary. Check the manufacturer’s information for details. A longer warranty is a good sign of quality.
- Q: How do I know if a circular saw is right for me? A: Consider your projects, budget, and skill level. Start with a simple model if you are a beginner.
Remember, even a cheap circular saw can be a great tool if you choose wisely! Happy sawing!
In conclusion, every product comes with its own unique set of features and benefits, and its value ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this review has helped you gain a clear understanding of whether this product aligns with your expectations. Remember, making an informed choice ensures you get the best experience possible.
If you have any questions or thoughts about this product, feel free to share them in the comments section. Your feedback not only helps us but also assists fellow readers in making better decisions. Thank you for reading.