Ever started a DIY project, only to get stuck because your tools weren’t up to the job? It’s frustrating!
Finding the best inexpensive circular saw can be a real headache. There are tons of choices, and it’s hard to know which ones are actually good quality. You don’t want to spend a fortune, but you also need a saw that will get the job done without breaking down halfway through cutting wood.
This post will help you avoid that frustration. We’ll review several top-rated inexpensive circular saws. You’ll learn about important features to look for, and we’ll show you which saws offer the best value for your money. We’ll even help you avoid common mistakes people make when buying a circular saw.
Ready to find the perfect inexpensive circular saw for your next project? Let’s get started!
Top 6 Best Inexpensive 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 versatile tool. It’s great for various cutting jobs around the house or on small construction projects. The built-in laser guide helps you make accurate cuts every time. This saw is easy to handle, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced DIYers.
What We Like:
- The laser guide makes straight cuts easy. It’s really helpful!
- It’s powerful enough for most cutting tasks. We cut through thick wood easily.
- The saw feels well-built and durable. It feels sturdy in your hands.
- It’s relatively lightweight, making it comfortable to use for longer periods.
- The price is competitive compared to other saws with similar features. It’s a good value.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection could be better. It leaves a bit of a mess.
- The blade change mechanism could be simpler. It takes a bit of fiddling.
- The laser’s battery life could be longer. You might need extra batteries for larger projects.
Overall, the SKIL 5280-01 circular saw is a solid choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It offers excellent performance for its price. The laser guide is a fantastic feature.
This saw is a good option if you need a reliable and relatively easy-to-use circular saw for your projects. It gets the job done!
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 a great choice for DIY projects around the house or for more serious woodworking. This red saw cuts through wood quickly and easily. It’s a popular option for its balance of power and affordability.
What We Like:
- The saw has a powerful 13-amp motor. It cuts through wood with ease.
- It’s relatively lightweight. This makes it easy to handle, even for extended periods.
- The 7-1/4″ blade cuts a wide swath. This speeds up bigger jobs.
- The price is very competitive. You get a lot of power for the cost.
- Skil is a trusted brand. Many people depend on their tools.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection system could be better. Some dust escapes during cutting.
- The depth adjustment could be smoother. It sometimes feels a little stiff.
- The included blade is decent, but a higher-quality blade would improve performance.
Overall, the Skil 5080-01 is a solid circular saw. It offers excellent value for the money. It is a good choice for homeowners and hobbyists.
This saw gets the job done efficiently and effectively.
3. Circular Saw, 5.8A 4-1/2″ Circular Saw w/Laser, Metal Auxiliary Handle, 6 Saw Blades (4½”, 4¾”), Cutting Depth 1-11/16″ (90°), 1-3/8″ (45°), Ideal for Wood, Soft Metal, Plastic, Tile – MCS01A
The MCS01A Circular Saw is a powerful and versatile tool perfect for various DIY projects around the house. This 5.8 Amp saw boasts a 4-1/2 inch blade, a helpful laser guide, and a sturdy metal auxiliary handle for better control. It comes with six saw blades (both 4-1/2″ and 4-3/4″) and can cut wood, soft metal, plastic, and even tile. Its cutting depth is impressive at 1-11/16 inches at a 90-degree angle and 1-3/8 inches at a 45-degree angle.
What We Like:
- The laser guide makes accurate cuts easy.
- The metal auxiliary handle improves control and reduces vibrations.
- It comes with multiple blades for different materials.
- The saw cuts through wood, soft metal, plastic, and tile efficiently.
- It offers a good cutting depth for most projects.
- The price is competitive for its features.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dust collection could be better; some improvement is needed.
- The instruction manual could be clearer and more detailed.
- A carrying case would be a useful addition.
Overall, the MCS01A Circular Saw is a great value for its price. It’s a solid performer for most home improvement tasks. This saw is a tool that many DIYers will find useful and easy to handle.
4. Circular Saw, 5.8A 4-1/2″ Circular Saw w/Laser, Metal Auxiliary Handle, 6 Saw Blades (4½”, 4¾”), Cutting Depth 1-11/16″ (90°), 1-3/8″ (45°), Ideal for Wood, Soft Metal, Plastic, Tile – MCS01A
The MCS01A Circular Saw is a powerful and versatile tool perfect for various DIY projects around the house. This 5.8 amp saw boasts a 4-1/2 inch blade, a helpful laser guide, and a sturdy metal auxiliary handle for better control. It comes with six saw blades (four 4½” and two 4¾”) and cuts wood, soft metal, plastic, and even tile. It’s a great choice for beginners and experienced DIYers alike!
What We Like:
- The laser guide makes accurate cuts easy.
- The metal auxiliary handle improves control and reduces vibrations.
- It cuts through many materials, including wood, soft metal, plastic, and tile.
- Six saw blades are included, saving you money.
- The saw is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- The price is competitive for its features.
What Could Be Improved:
- The depth of cut could be slightly deeper.
- The dust collection system could be improved for cleaner cuts.
- A carrying case would be a useful addition.
The MCS01A Circular Saw offers great value for its price. It’s a solid performer for most DIY needs. While a few minor improvements could be made, this saw’s versatility and ease of use make it a recommended tool for homeowners.
5. DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Bare Tool Only (DCS391B)
The DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw (DCS391B) is a powerful and versatile tool. It’s great for cutting wood and other materials. This saw boasts a 6-1/2-inch blade and a 460 MWO engine. The 0-50 degree bevel capability gives you precise control over your cuts. Remember, this is a “bare tool,” meaning it doesn’t include a battery or charger.
What We Like:
- This saw cuts smoothly and quickly.
- Its lightweight design reduces user fatigue.
- The bevel adjustment is easy to use and accurate.
- It’s a DEWALT, so it’s built to last.
- Many users find the power impressive for its size.
What Could Be Improved:
- The battery and charger are sold separately, adding to the cost.
- Some users report the blade guard can be a little awkward to adjust.
- The dust collection could be better.
- The price is higher than some competitor’s saws.
Overall, the DEWALT DCS391B is a solid circular saw. It offers great performance and is a good choice for professionals and serious DIYers. However, consider the additional cost of the battery and charger before purchasing.
6. Mini Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ 3400RPM Cordless Circular Saw with Laser Guide, Rip Guide, Compact Hand Saw with 2Pcs blades（24T+60T), Max Cutting Depth 1-11/16″(90°), 1-1/8″(45°)
This Mini Circular Saw is a powerful yet compact tool, perfect for smaller cutting jobs around the house or workshop. It boasts a 4-1/2″ blade spinning at 3400 RPM, a laser guide for precise cuts, and a rip guide for straight cuts along edges. The kit includes two blades (24T and 60T) for different materials. It’s cordless, making it easy to use anywhere, and its lightweight design reduces fatigue during longer projects.
What We Like:
- The laser guide really helps make accurate cuts.
- It’s lightweight and easy to handle.
- The included rip guide prevents mistakes.
- Two blades provide versatility for various materials.
- The cordless design offers freedom of movement.
- It’s surprisingly powerful for its size.
What Could Be Improved:
- The battery life could be longer.
- The dust collection is minimal; you might need a separate vacuum.
- Some users found the depth adjustment a little fiddly.
Overall, this mini circular saw offers great value for its price. It’s a fantastic tool for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike who need a portable and precise cutting solution. The included accessories are a nice bonus.
This mini circular saw is a great option for many users, but consider your needs before purchasing.
Finding the Best Inexpensive Circular Saw: A Buyer’s Guide
Circular saws are handy tools for cutting wood. They’re great for DIY projects around the house. But finding a good, affordable one can be tricky. This guide will help you choose the best inexpensive circular saw for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Motor Power: Look for at least 5 amps. More power means faster cutting and smoother operation. A weak motor struggles with thicker wood.
- Blade Size: A 7-1/4 inch blade is standard and good for most jobs. Larger blades cut faster, but they’re heavier and need more power.
- Depth of Cut: This tells you how thick of wood you can cut. Check the specs to make sure it’s deep enough for your projects.
- Bevel Capacity: This lets you make angled cuts. A good range is 0-45 degrees. This is useful for things like roof framing.
- Safety Features: Look for a blade guard that covers the blade when not in use. A good saw will also have a lock-on switch to prevent accidental starts.
- Weight: Lighter saws are easier to handle, especially for longer periods of use. Heavier saws are often more powerful.
Important Materials and Construction
The saw’s motor and casing are important. A durable casing protects the motor and makes the saw last longer. Aluminum casings are lighter, but plastic ones are cheaper.
The blade is crucial. It should be made of high-speed steel (HSS) for a clean, accurate cut. A dull blade will tear the wood. Replacement blades are readily available.
Factors Affecting Quality and Longevity
- Brand Reputation: Known brands often offer better quality control. Research reviews before buying.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer believes in its product. It protects you from defects.
- Build Quality: Examine the saw carefully. Look for any loose parts or flimsy construction. A sturdy saw will last longer.
- User Reviews: Read online reviews from other users. They often share real-world experiences.
User Experience and Use Cases
An inexpensive circular saw is perfect for DIY projects around the house. You can use it for cutting lumber for shelves, building small furniture, or working on home repairs. It’s a versatile tool for a variety of tasks.
However, it may not be suitable for heavy-duty professional use. For large-scale construction or very frequent use, a more robust and expensive model is recommended.
Remember to always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using a circular saw. Proper safety precautions are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How much should I expect to spend on an inexpensive circular saw?
A: You can find decent circular saws for under $100. - Q: What’s the difference between corded and cordless saws?
A: Corded saws have more power, but cordless ones offer more freedom of movement. - Q: How do I choose the right blade for my project?
A: The blade type depends on the material you’re cutting (wood, metal, etc.). Check the blade’s specifications. - Q: How do I maintain my circular saw?
A: Keep the saw clean, lubricate moving parts, and regularly inspect the blade for damage. - Q: Is it difficult to use a circular saw?
A: With a little practice, it’s relatively easy to use. Watch some tutorial videos first. - Q: What safety precautions should I take?
A: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves. Make sure the area is clear of obstructions. - Q: Can I use a circular saw to cut metal?
A: You need a special metal-cutting blade for that. Regular wood-cutting blades are not suitable. - Q: What’s the best way to store my circular saw?
A: Store it in a dry, safe place, away from children. A protective case is recommended. - Q: How do I know when to replace my saw blade?
A: Replace it when it becomes dull, chipped, or cracked. A dull blade will give you poor cuts. - Q: What should I do if my saw jams?
A: Turn off the saw immediately and carefully remove the wood. Never force the saw.
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.